Wavtech linkD User manual

www.wavtech-usa.com
Owner’s Manual
Bass Processor / LOC / Line Driver
Parametric EQ Ÿ24dB/Oct Crossover ŸRemote Level Control

• DO NOT DRIVE WHILE DISTRACTED. Any function that requires your prolonged attention should not be performed
while driving. Always stop the vehicle in a safe location before performing any such function. Failure to do so may
result in an accident.
• KEEP THE VOLUME AT MODERATE LEVELS WHILE DRIVING. Excess volume levels can obscure sounds such as
emergency vehicle sirens or road warning signals and may result in an accident. Continuous exposure to high sound
pressure levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Use common sense and practice safe sound.
• FOR USE WITH 12V NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLE APPLICATIONS ONLY. Using this product other than in its
designed application may result in fire, injury or product damage.
•MAKE THE CORRECT WIRING CONNECTIONS AND USE PROPER FUSE PROTECTION. Failure to connect wiring
correctly or use appropriate fuse protection may result in fire, injury or product damage . Ensure proper fusing of all
system power wiring and install a 1-ampere in-line fuse (not included) with the +12V lead to the unit’s power supply
connector.
• DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL BEFORE INSTALLATION. Failure to do so may result in fire,
injury or damage to the unit.
• D O NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED IN SURROUNDING OBJECTS. Arrange wiring and cables to
prevent obstructions when driving. Cables or wiring that obstruct or hang up on places such as steering wheel, brake
pedals, etc. can be extremely hazardous.
• DO NOT DAMAGE VEHICLE SYSTEMS OR WIRING WHEN DRILLING HOLES. When drilling holes in the chassis for
installation, take precautions so as not to contact, puncture or obstruct brake lines, fuel lines, fuel tanks, electrical
wiring, etc. Failure to take such precautions may result in fire or an accident.
• DO NOT UTILIZE OR CONNECT TO ANY PART OF VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS. Bolts, nuts or wires used in the
brake, airbag, steering or any other safety-related systems or fuel tanks should NEVER be used for mounting, power or
ground connections. Using such parts may disable control of the vehicle or result in fire.
WARNING
WARNING This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in injury or property damages.
• STOP USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM OCCURS. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or damage to the
product. Return it to your authorized Wāvtech dealer.
• HAVE AN EXPERT DO THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION. This unit requires special technical skill and experience for
wiring and installation. To insure safety and proper function, always contact the authorized dealer where you
purchased the product to have it done professionally.
• INSTALL THE UNIT SECURELY WITH SPECIFIED PARTS. Be sure to use only the included parts and specified
installation accessories (not included). Use of other than designated parts may damage this unit. Install the unit
securely so that it will not come loose during a collision or sudden jolt.
• ROUTE WIRING AWAY FROM SHARP EDGES AND MOVING PARTS. Arrange cables and wiring away from sharp or
pointed edges and avoid moving parts such as seat hinges or rails to prevent pinching or wear. Use loom protection
where appropriate and always use a grommet for any wiring routed through metal.
• NEVER RUN SYSTEM WIRING OUTSIDE OR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. All wiring must be routed, secured and
protected inside the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in fire, injury or property damage.
• INSTALL THE UNIT IN A DRY AND VENTILATED LOCATION. Avoid mounting locations where the unit will likely be
exposed to high moisture or heat without adequate ventilation. Moisture penetration or heat buildup may result in
product failure.
• REDUCE GAIN AND SOURCE VOLUME TO MINIMUM LEVELS FOR INITIAL SYSTEM TUNING AND BEFORE
CONNECTION TO AN AMPLIFIER. Ensure amplifier power is off before connecting RCA cables and follow proper
system gain setting procedure. Failure to do so may result in damage to the amplifier and/or connected components.
CAUTION
Package Contents:
Main Unit Terminals
(2pcs, detachable)
Accessories Required for
Installation (not included):
Mounting Tabs
(2pcs, detachable)
ŸRCA Interconnects
Ÿ18AWG Wire
ŸIn-line Fuse Holder w/1A fuse
ŸBattery Ring Terminal
ŸGround Terminal
ŸWire Crimp Connectors
ŸGrommets and Loom
ŸCable Ties
ŸMounting Screws
1
Remote Level Control
Remote Cable
(16.4ft / 5m)

Introduction
Welcome to Wāvtech, exceptional mobile audio integration products for audiophiles. Our products are
engineered to provide a truly remarkable listening experience. Built for the professional installer, our
OEM integration and signal processor models are simply the best solution available for unlimited sound
system upgrades while retaining the factory receiver.
ΠPower Indicator: This red LED indicates when the bassFREQ is powered on. Once illuminated, there
will be a short delay before audio signal output is enabled. During initial power connections, it may
illuminate for a brief period.
Ground Jumper: For selecting between chassis, isolation or 200Ω for the internal audio signal ground.
Chassis ground is the default setting and ideal for most applications due to the differential input
stage. In the rare case there is system noise present after all other installation countermeasures,
changing this jumper to ISO or 200Ω may reduce or eliminate the noise.
ŽPower Supply Terminal: For +12V battery, chassis ground, remote input and remote output wire
connections. A minimum of 18AWG wire is recommended for power and ground connections. Always
protect the +12V power wire with a 1-amp fuse.
Speaker Level Input Terminal: For left and right channel speaker level (a.k.a. high level) connections to
the source. Input signals ranging from 2Vrms to 20Vrms will produce up to 10Vrms RCA output at
maximum to minimum gain setting. Dynamic music signal peaks are allowable up to 40Vrms, but will
be clipped. Use this input if your source unit does not have RCA outputs.
RCA Input Jacks: For left and right channel low level (a.k.a. line level) signal connections to the source
unit. These two channels are summed and processed internally in mono. Input signals ranging from
0.5Vrms to 5Vrms will produce up to 10Vrms RCA output at maximum to minimum gain setting.
‘Remote Level Control Jack: This RJ45 jack is for connecting the supplied cable to the external level
control unit for remote mounting. A standard ethernet cable may also be used.
’RCA Output Jacks: These mono line level outputs are for signal connection to your amplifier(s). Each
output is an independent internal circuit, both capable of driving multiple amplifiers simultaneously.
Use quality interconnects to ensure stable connection and minimize the possibility for induced noise.
“Mounting Tabs: These mounting tabs are pre-attached and should be used to properly secure the
bassFREQ during installation with screws or cable ties. They are removable if the unit can be safely
secured by another method.
Connections & Functions
Features
ŸBass Enhancement Processor
 Fully Adjustable Parametric EQ
Variable Subsonic Filter (-24dB/Oct.)
Variable Low Pass Filter (-24dB/Oct.)
Variable Gain with Clip LED
Remote Level Control
ŸLine Output Converter or Line Driver
ŸDifferential Balanced Inputs
Ÿ Low Impedance Dual Mono Drive Outputs
ŸAuto Turn-On via DC-Offset or Audio Signal Detect
ŸGenerated +12V Remote Output
ŸOEM Load Detect Compatible
ŸSelectable Ground Isolation
ŸProfessional Grade Panel Mount RCA Output Jacks
ŸDetachable Power and Speaker Input Terminals
ŸAluminum Chassis w/Detachable Mounting Tabs
Œ

Ž 

‘
’
“
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Installation & System Wiring
It is important to read this manual thoroughly before starting your installation and always plan
accordingly. Before installing any Wāvtech product, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from the
vehicle’s battery to avoid damage to the vehicle or yourself. Following all guidelines will help provide
years of enjoyment with your Wāvtech bassFREQ audio interface.
Ground Connection (GND): The GND terminal must be connected to a metal part of the vehicle that is
welded to the vehicle body with ground plane back to the main battery ground attachment point (a.k.a.
chassis ground). This wire should be a minimum of 18AWG and as short as possible to minimize potential
for noise to enter the system. The chassis ground connection point should have all of the paint removed
and be scuffed to the bare metal. The ground wire should be terminated by a ground specific interlocking
terminal such as the EARL terminal or ring terminal securely bolted to the vehicle with star or lock washer
and nut to prevent from coming loose. Avoid using factory ground points to reduce the chance of
induced noise from other components.
Power Connection (+12V): The constant power connection should be made at the vehicle battery when
possible. For direct battery connection, a 1-amp fuse must be installed in-line with the power wire within
18”of the battery and securely connected to the positive battery terminal bolt with a ring terminal. If
connecting to another available constant +12V power source, a 1-amp in-line fuse must be added at the
connection point. The power wire should be a minimum of 18AWG. Do not install the fuse until all other
system connections have been made.
Speaker Level Input (SPK): Connect the speaker wires from the source unit to corresponding terminals on
the interface. Use the SPK input if your source unit is not equipped with RCA outputs. Always ensure the
correct polarity of each channel when making these connections, as failure to do so can severely effect
sound performance.
Remote Input (REM IN): If the source unit has a remote output wire (provides +12V only when turned on),
connect it to the REM IN terminal. If a remote lead is unavailable, all Wāvtech interfaces are also enabled
with an automatic turn-on circuit that detects audio signal via RCA or SPK inputs, and DC-offset from SPK
inputs. While auto turn-on will work in most applications, there may be some cases were detection level
is not satisfactory and +12V trigger to REM IN may be required.
Remote Output (REM OUT): Use the remote output to provide a +12V trigger to turn on amplifiers or
other components. This +12V output is generated internally by the interface when turned on either by
REM IN or automatic sensing, and will provide over 500mA of constant current for external devices.
Example-1: Speaker Level Input from OEM Radio
System Examples
Note: In vehicles where the factory radio has a fixed level or digital output to a factory amplifier, signal for the
bassFREQ’s speaker level input should be connected at the amplifier’s output.
Example-2: Speaker Level Input from OEM Amplifier
SPK IN
REM OUT
RCA OUT
+12V
GND
RLC
REM OUT
SPK IN
RCA OUT
+12V
GND
RLC
Note: When using a receiver’s internal power IC to drive speakers directly, note that its speaker outputs will likely clip
below the maximum master volume level. Adjust gain settings accordingly for optimum unclipped volume range.
3

ŒClipping Indicator: This yellow LED indicates when the output signal is at maximum level before
distortion (clipping) occurs. It will be dimly lit at onset of clipping, and full bright under hard clipping.
If the connected amplifier(s) input can handle full 10Vrms output from the bassFREQ, then the gain is
set correctly when source unit is at its maximum unclipped volume and this LED is just starting to
flicker. It is likely, however, that gain will need to be reduced to match your amplifier(s) maximum
input capability or optimize source volume range and desired output vs main full-range speakers.
Gain Adjustment: Gain adjustment is for matching the output signal level of the bassFREQ with the
maximum unclipped signal range provided by your source and the maximum input capability of your
amplifier(s). Follow proper gain setting procedures to ensure optimum source volume range with
minimum chance for clipping at any point in the signal chain. Gain will likely need to be adjusted again
after all equalizaton and crossovers have been set. Aside from music, a 50Hz -10dBfs signal tone or
frequency sweep may be used between the chosen crossover points during the tuning process to
ensure proper headroom and gain overlap for typical music recording levels.
ŽBass Processor: This parametric EQ section provides full adjustment of all parameters of a single EQ
band, including boost, width and frequency. Unlike traditional bass boost, a parametric EQ provides
the tuning flexibility required for differences between vehicles, subwoofers and enclosures.
Boost: Provides adjustment for the amount of boost at the
center frequency (Fc) set for the parametric EQ band, up to
+12dB. If gain has already been adjusted, adding boost may
cause the output to clip and require reduction of gain to
achieve final desired unclipped output level.
Width: Also known as Q, this adjustment sets the
bandwidth (BW) of the parametric EQ band. A wide
setting will include more adjacent frequencies for a
broad boost, while a narrow setting will only boost
frequencies close to the chosen center frequency (Fc).
The range of Q adjustment is 1.5 (wide) to 5 (narrow). To
calculate the range of frequencies boosted between the
-3dB points of the EQ band, use the formula BW = Fc/Q.
ðExample: If freqency is set at Fc = 50Hz, and width is set at narrow (Q=5), then the boosted
bandwidth will be 50Hz/5 = 10Hz, meaning -3dB at 45Hz and 55Hz.
‘Frequency: This adjustment is for setting the center frequency (Fc) of the parametric EQ band,
between 30Hz and 80Hz.
Top Panel Adjustments
Boost (dB)
Freq (Hz)
Fc
BW = F2-F1
F2F1
3dB
Example-3: RCA Input from Aftermarket Radio
+12V
GND
RLC
REM
IN
RCA IN
RCA
OUT
REM
OUT
Œ

Ž
  ‘
’
“”
4
Note: Other devices such as smartphones or MP3 players may also be used as the main system source via the RCA input,
which typically produce 1Vrms output or less. While the bassFREQ’s auto turn-on circuit will detect very low signal levels,
it may be necessary in some cases to adjust gain for reasonable listening levels but with reduced master volume range.

Note: Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Specifications
10Hz - 250Hz
5Hz - 400Hz
180Ω
20kΩ
2 - 20Vrms
0.5 - 5Vrms
Spk Input <5sec 40Vrms
RCA Input <60sec 15Vrms
Output Impedance <50Ω
Max Output Voltage >10Vrms
50Hz - 400Hz
5Hz - 40Hz
at 1V output >99dBA
at 4V output >110dBA
at 10V output >118dBA
at 1V output >110dBA
at 4V output >120dBA
at 10V output >128dBA
Remote via REM IN >10.5V
DC-offset via Spk Input >1.3V
via Spk Input <100mV
via RCA input <10mV
Turn-off Delay up to 60sec
>500mA
Within 3% of B+
<300mA
<2.5mA
10.5V-18V
<8.5V
1.1”x3.5”x5.2”
29x90x133mm
Product Dimensions Chassis (not incl. terminals)
Power Off
Max Draw (w/o REM OUT)
Sleep Current
Power On
Max Flat (+0/-1dB)
Extended (+0/-3dB)
Spk Input
RCA Input
Spk Input (max-min gain)
RCA Input (max-min gain)
Current Draw
Operating Voltage (B+)
Audio Signal
Turn-On Trigger
RCA Input
Spk Input
S/N (signal-to-noise)
Remote Output
at 1% THD+N
Frequency (F3)
Slope
Current Capacity
Voltage
Input Impedance
Input Sensitivity
Max Input Voltage (peak)
Low-Pass Filter
Frequency response
1.5 to 5
30Hz - 80Hz
Width (Q)
Frequency (Fc)
Parametric EQ
Boost 0dB to +12dB
-24dB/Oct.
Frequency (F3)
Slope
Subsonic Filter
-24dB/Oct.
Spk Input at 10V output
RCA Input at 10V output
THD+N <0.1%
<0.1%
5
’Crossover: This section is for selecting the cut-off frequencies for the low-pass filter (LPF) and
subsonic filter (a.k.a. infrasonic or high-pass).
“Subsonic: Provides adjustment of the lower cut-off point, below which all frequencies are filtered
out at -24dB/Oct. Very low freqencies can waste amplifier power and damage subwoofers. This
adjustment is especially important for ported enclosures to prevent over-excursion below the
tuning frequency.
”LPF: This low-pass filter adjustment sets the upper cut-off point, above which all freqencies are
filtered out at -24dB/Oct. Unwanted high frequencies allowed to come through subwoofers can
cause boomy, buzzy bass that is easy to localize. With a steep -24dB per octave slope, the cut-off
frequency can be set higher, allowing more punch with less distortion and optimum integration
with main full-range speakers for up-front bass.
Notes:
The subsonic and low-pass filter stages are at the end of the internal circuit signal chain so that any
overlapping frequencies from the parametric EQ will still be filtered at the set crossover points.
Setting the subsonic and low-pass filter cut-off points too close together will allow only a very narrow
frequency range to pass and will result in reduced output.

6
Warranty & Service Care
Wāvtech warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of one
(1) year when purchased from an authorized Wāvtech retailer within the United States. This warranty will
be extended to a period of two (2) years when the installation is performed by an authorized Wāvtech
retailer. A valid sales receipt is required to verify eligibility of purchase and installation.
This warranty is valid only to the original purchaser and is not transferrable to subsequent parties. This
warranty is void if the product serial number has been altered or removed. Any applicable implied
warranties are limited in duration to a period of express warranty as provided herein beginning with the
date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether expressed or implied, shall apply to
this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, therefore these
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also have other
rights which vary from state to state.
If your product needs service, you should contact Wāvtech Customer Service to receive a Return
Authorization (RA) Number. Any product received without an RA number will be returned to sender.
Once your product is received and inspected by customer service, Wāvtech at its sole discretion, will
repair or replace it with a new or remanufactured product at no charge. Damage caused by the following
is not covered under warranty: accident, abuse, failure to follow instructions, misuse, modification,
neglect, unauthorized repair or water damage. This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential
damages. This warranty does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the product. Cosmetic
damage and normal wear are not covered under warranty.
For Service within the United States:
Wāvtech Customer Service: [phone]
Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm MST
Important Notice for International Customers:
For products purchased outside the United States of America or its Territories, please contact your local
distributor concerning specific procedures for your country's warranty policy. International purchases are
not covered by Wāvtech, LLC.
Installation Notes
Vehicle Description
ŸYear, Make, Model:
ŸTrim Level / Package:
OEM Audio System Info
ŸHead Unit (type, BT/AUX in, etc.):
ŸSpeakers (size/location, etc.):
ŸSubwoofer(s) (size/location, etc.):
ŸAmplifier(s) (location, output voltage, etc.):
ŸOther:
bassFREQ Connections & Settings
ŸInstalled Location:
ŸWiring (connection locations, signal type, turn-on mode, etc):
ŸSettings (gain, max master vol, crossover, etc.):
ŸOther:
System Configuration:
Serial Number:
Installation Date:
Place of Purchase:

©Copyright 2017 Wāvtech, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Wāvtech™
7931 E. Pecos Rd
Suite 113
Mesa, AZ 85212
[phone]