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MaxxBass
CONGRATULATIONS
Thank you for choosing Orion audio equipment. At Orion we proudly
design, engineer and manufacture audio products for aftermarket car audio.
Our award winning engineering team utilizes innovative technology to
consistently deliver Absolutely State of the Art performance, sound quality,
reliability, and value. This Orion product reflects our commitment to offer
you unparalleled versatility and quality for years of dependable service and
listening enjoyment.
SERVICE
Do not attempt to service Orion products yourself. Performing exploratory
surgery on your audio equipment yourself will void the warranty. Many parts
of your Orion gear are custom built to our specifications. Our factory parts
are not made available to anyone else nor are they for sale. Our goal is to
make sure that your Orion will always sound as good as the day it was
purchased. Contact your authorized Orion dealer about obtaining any
warranty service through Orion. (See Warranty on back cover).
(Record listing for Model, Serial Number, and Purchase Date)
Model
_____________________
_______________
Serial Number
Purchase Date
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CAUTION
The extended use of a high-powered audio system may result in hearing loss
or damage. While Orion systems are capable of "Concert Level" volumes
with incredible accuracy, they are also designed for you to enjoy more
reasonable levels all of the sonic subtleties created by musicians. Please
observe all local sound ordinances.
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WHY USE MAXXBASS
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Orion will introduce the first MaxxBass processor to the automotive
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market. The MaxxBass processor is ideal for improving the perceived bass
response in door mounted speakers without upgrading the speakers or
amplifiers.
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MaxxBass provides subwoofer like performance with perceived bass
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response to 30-40Hz on door mounted speakers. The MaxxBass Processor is
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recommended in two configurations. (Please see Wiring Configurations for
more details.)
1) Front Stereo Configuration
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One MaxxBass Processor is used between the front channel source and front
speaker amplifier to increase the bass response on only the front speakers.
This is recommended to improve bass imaging in high performance systems
with rear mounted subwoofers.
2) Dual Stereo Configurations
For systems without rear subwoofers, the user may prefer to use two
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MaxxBass Processors, one for the front speakers and one for the rear
speakers. Although not nearly as good bass performance as using a high
performance subwoofer, this configuration will provide close to subwoofer
like performance without the space requirements of a high performance
subwoofer. This is a practical alternative for bass performance where a
subwoofer system can not be added.
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WHY IS MAXXBASS BETTER
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MaxxBass is NOT a bass boost technology. Bass boost technologies try to
compensate for lack of bass frequency range by equalizing or increasing the
relative volume of the frequencies near the speaker limit.
ꢀThis increases amplifier and speaker excursion limits, which can
damage the system at high levels.
ꢀThis destroys the intended frequency balance of music.
MaxxBass uses psychoacoustics to extend the perceived bass frequency
response.
ꢀIt is proven to provide up to 1.5 octaves of increased bass range.
ꢀ
It does not change the frequency balance of the music and sounds
more natural than large bass boosts.
ꢀIt does not require more amplifier power and speaker excursion.
ꢀIt has been proven over many years of use in professional audio
recording.
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WHAT IS MAXXBASS
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MaxxBass is a patented technology, which extends the bass frequency range
by allowing listeners to perceive bass frequencies more than an octave below
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the physical limitations of speakers systems. In cars MaxxBass allows door
mounted speakers that typically drop off below 70-100Hz to play down
another octave or more.
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This is accomplished using the science of psychoacoustics on how we perceive
sound. By building audio systems optimized for how we hear sound,
significant performance improvements can be obtained. This is analogous to
designing and building televisions that only display red, green and blue dots.
When we view these displays our visual perception combines these dots to
make a full color spectrum without needing to reproduce all the necessary
color frequencies.
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Unlike other bass technologies MaxxBass delivers more perceived bass while
simultaneously reducing the likelihood of damaging speakers and amplifiers.
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MaxxBass also delivers this extended bass without any perceived distortion.
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MaxxBass technology has been used for years in mastering most of the
world's most popular music.
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HOW DOES MAXXBASS WORK
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MaxxBass uses advanced digital signal processing based on the proven
psychoacoustic Phenomenon of the Missing Fundamental. A basic description
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and a MaxxBass Signal Flow diagram are provided for interested users.
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MaxxBass first implements a crossover at the MaxxBass Frequency. The
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MaxxBass Processor allows the choice of 60Hz, generally suggested for 6-
6.5" drivers, and 80Hz suggested for 4-5.25" woofer drivers.
The low pass filter (LPF) output of the crossover extracts the bass signal which
is below the bass frequency response of the system. This is the signal to be
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reproduced psycho-acoustically and only this signal receives the MaxxBass
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processing. It is significant to note that unlike bass boosts, MaxxBass does
not add or change the processing of higher frequencies that can be
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reproduced by the system. MaxxBass does not change the artist's sound mix.
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MaxxBass uses a patented digital signal processing algorithm to calculate
precise harmonic content information which is added back into the LPF
signal. The combined LPF and harmonics output is high pass filtered, thus
removing the original bass signal. The processed signal is then added back
into the original HPF signal and the final output provides a signal that sounds
like the original, but no longer has un-reproducible low frequencies.
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MAXXBASS SIGNAL FLOW
Cross-
Input
Output
HPF
Over
+
60/80 Hz
LPF
LPF +
Harmonics
Input Signal Example
MAXXBASS®
HPF
60/80 Hz
Harmonics
Processed Signal Example
FEATURES
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ꢀ
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Selectable MaxxBass Frequency Setting of 60Hz and 80Hz
Green LED clip/Red LED power indicator signal
Gold 2 Channel in/2 channel buffered full-range out RCA
connectors
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ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
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4-pin locking power plug
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Input connector for outboard MaxxBass Intensity controller
Remote and on-box intensity controls
Intensity adjustment from 0 to full effect
-18dB/octave high pass filter output at 60/80Hz
Defeatable -24/dB octave low pass filter at 100Hz on the input
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SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency
20hz-20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
>85dB
Separation
65dB @ 1kHz
Crossover Slope
Input Impedance
Input Sensitivity
Output Level
24dB/octave
20,000 Ohms
variable, 300mV to 3V peak to peak
variable, 300mV to 5V peak to peak
9 to 16 VDC
Supply Voltage
INSTALLATION/MOUNTING
NOTE: As an option, before beginning, disconnect the
negative (-) terminal of the battery to prevent an electrical
short to ground. Reconnect the negative terminal only after
all connections have been made.
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To prevent damage to the MaxxBass Processor while driving, mount in a
secure place. Choosing the appropriate location will depend upon your
vehicle and the complexity of your system design. Typical mounting locations
include the trunk and passenger compartment (floor or under seat). Never
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mount the MaxxBass Processor in a location that would subject it to
immersion or exposure to water.
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Once a location has been chosen, securely mount the MaxxBass Processor
with the four mounting screws. Be Careful! Inspect the area underneath to
be sure you are not drilling into wires, brake or fuel lines, etc. that could be
damaged by the drill bits or screws.
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MAXXBASS OUTLINE AND DIMENSIONS
5.90in
(15cm)
5.51in
(14cm)
INTENSITY
MIN MAX
OUTPUT
INPUT
POWER CLIP
MIN MAX
MIN MAX
4.53in
(11.5cm)
2.48in
(6.3cm)
80Hz
60Hz
ON
OFF
FREQUENCY CROSSOVER
GND REM +12V REM OUT
1.18in
(3cm)
INPUT
REMOTE
OUTPUT
POWER
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WIRING CONFIGURATIONS
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The MaxxBass Processor is recommended in two different configurations.
1. Front Stereo Configuration
The figure below illustrates the wiring for a front stereo configuration. One
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MaxxBass Processor is used between the front channel source and front
speaker amplifier to increase the bass response only on the front speakers.
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Implementing MaxxBass on the front speakers will increase the perceived
bass response of these speakers down to 30-40Hz providing a Virtual
Subwoofer. The listener will achieve better bass balance and imaging with a
rear mounted subwoofer or trunk mounted speakers with sufficient bass
response.
Front speakers
In-dash
CD Receiver
with Virtual
RF
LF
SubwooferTM
Front
Rear
Maxx
Bass®
LR
RR
Subwoofer
Power
Amplifiers
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2. Dual Stereo Configurations
For systems without rear subwoofers, the user may prefer to use two
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MaxxBass Processors, one for the front speakers and one for the rear
speakers. The units should be wired between the in-dash CD Receiver and the
power amplifiers as shown below.
Front speakers
In-dash
with Virtual
LF
RF
CD Receiver
SubwooferTM
Front
Rear
Rear speakers
with Virtual
Maxx
Bass®
Maxx
Bass®
RF
RR
SubwooferTM
Power
Amplifiers
NOTE: As an option, before beginning, disconnect the
negative (-) terminal of the battery to prevent an electrical
short to ground. Reconnect the negative terminal only after
all connections have been made.
WIRING PROCEDURES
The next step is to connect the Power, Ground, and Remote IN/OUT wires to
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your MaxxBass Processor. The power wire should run from the mounting
location through the vehicle to the battery or power distribution block.
Avoid sharp corners, creases, and sharp body parts. When passing through
any metal wall (i.e. firewall, etc.), a grommet must be used to prevent the
wire from chafing and shorting to ground.
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The ground wire should be of the same gauge wire as the power wire. As a
rule of thumb, use as short length of wire as possible. Find a location near the
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MaxxBass Processor that is metal ( the floor is ideal) and clean an area about
the size of a quarter to bare metal. Drill a pilot hole in the middle of this area.
Terminate the wire with a ring connector and attach it to the bare metal
using a #8 sheet metal screw and washer (not supplied). We suggest crimping
and/or soldering this connection. After the connection is complete, coat the
area with silicone or some similar material to prevent rust from developing.
Finally, the remote IN wire needs to connect to the "Amplifier Remote" lead
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of the head unit. This wire supplies a 12 volt signal to the MaxxBass
Processor when the main System is activated. The remote OUT wire is to be
connected to the remote input of the source amplifier or to and "optional"
relay to activate multiple amplifiers. Once you have routed the power,
ground, and remote wires through the vehicle, it is time to connect the wires
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to the MaxxBass Processor. Be sure that you have not reconnected the
ground cable to the negative post of the battery.
NOTE: Refer to the diagram of the system shown in
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MaxxBass Outline and Dimensions for connection points.
Cut off the excess wire and, using the wire strippers, strip the power, ground
and remote cables about 1/8 inch. Locate the power, ground, and remote
IN/OUT wires of the power plug (supplied). We again, suggest crimping and
or soldering each connection separately to insure no damage to the unit or
the audio system. Check that each connection is tight. If the wires are secure,
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the plug may be inserted into the MaxxBass Processor.
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INPUT
To use Speaker Level Inputs (common ground head units only), connect RCA
plugs to the front or rear speaker leads as shown.
NOTE: It is important to connect an input signal to both RCA
input jacks if a stereo amplifier is used, otherwise the
connected channel receives full range and the disconnected
channel will receive only the harmonics. Use a RCA female to
dual male “Y” cord if mono input is used.
Front speakers
In-dash
CD Receiver
with Virtual
RF
LF
SubwooferTM
Front
Rear
Maxx
Bass®
LR
RR
Subwoofer
Power
Amplifiers
WARNING: If you are using a source unit with bridged high
powered (or "floating ground") speaker outputs, a suitable
high to low level adapter must be used. If you are unsure
about your head unit see your local Orion dealer.
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MAXXBASS PROCESSOR SETTINGS
To achieve proper performance it is important to set or tune the settings on
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the MaxxBass Processor to the final system. This section recommends initial
settings and the users can then further adjust these for optimal listening.
1. CROSSOVER: The CROSSOVER control implements a -24dB/octave low
pass filter on the input. Set the CROSSOVER control to OFF if the amplifier
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and speakers after the MaxxBass Processor are full range speakers or if
passive crossovers are used in the speakers. Set the CROSSOVER control to
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ON, if the MaxxBass Processor is only used on a woofer channel and
separate amplifiers and speakers are provided for tweeters.
2. FREQUENCY: The FREQUENCY control should be set to 60Hz for 6.5 inch
door speakers and 80Hz for 5.25 to 4.0 inch door speakers.
3. INPUT: The INPUT control is a signal attenuator for high voltage inputs.
The CLIP LED can be used to help set the maximum input level setting prior
to clipping. Start with INPUT control near MIN position and increase INPUT
level until the Clip LED lights occasionally.
4. OUTPUT: The OUTPUT control provides a linear gain on the output to help
match signal levels to power amplifiers. Start with OUTPUT control near MIN
position and adjust accordingly to match levels with other system
components.
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5. INTENSITY: The INTENSITY control provides an input to the MaxxBass
algorithm on the level of the effect. Start with INTENSITY near MIN position
and increase until the desired level of bass effect is obtained.
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The INTENSITY control on the MaxxBass Processor and Remote Unit have
identical functionality. At the MIN position on the INTENSITY control, the
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MaxxBass algorithm is in bypass, so that no MaxxBass processing occurs.
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When the Remote INTENSITY control is plugged into the MaxxBass
Processor, the Remote INTENSITY control become active and the INTENSITY
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control on the MaxxBass Processor is disabled. This allows the user to install
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a remote control in a location different than the MaxxBass Processor and
place in a more convenient position for the listener such as underneath the
dashboard or in the glove compartment.
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The INTENSITY control on the MaxxBass Processor system is only active
when the Remote INTENSITY control is not plugged in. This control is
provided for users, who do not wish to use the Remote INTENSITY control.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
NO SOUND
Is the POWER LED lit?
YES
NO
Check Input cables for signal by
Connecting them straight to the
Subwoofer amplifier.
Check power and remote
turn-on wire for voltage.
Make sure the ground wire is
Secure.
ANY SOUND NOW?
YES
NO
Problem is in the Crossover.
See your local Authorized
Orion Dealer.
Problem is elsewhere in the
system. Check head Unit and
amplifiers.
SOUND IN ONE CHANNEL ONLY
Reverse left and right RCA outputs for one band (i.e.-subwoofers)
SOUND IS NOW IN
OPPOSITE CHANNEL
Reverse RCA inputs
SAME CHANNEL
Problem is in the amplifier,
Speakers, or associated
wiring of the silent channel.
SOUND IS NOW IN
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OPPOSITE CHANNEL
Reverse RCAs to head unit
(Check Balance Control)
SAME CHANNEL
Problem is in the Crossover.
See your local Authorized
Orion dealer.
SOUND IS NOW IN
OPPOSITE CHANNEL
Problem is in the head unit.
SAME CHANNEL
Problem is in the RCA cables.
LOW OUTPUT FROM ONE BAND
Check crossover frequencies and check gain control on the effected
amplifier(s).
STILL LOW OUTPUT - See your local Authorized Orion dealer.
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Warranty
LIMITED TWO YEAR CONSUMER WARRANTY:
Directed Electronics, Inc. promises to the original purchaser, to replace this product should it prove
to be defective in workmanship or material under normal use, for a period of two years from the
date of purchase by the dealer as indicated by the date code marking of the product PROVIDED
the product was installed by an authorized Directed dealer. During this two year period, there will
be no charge for this replacement PROVIDED the unit is returned to Directed, shipping pre-paid.
If the unit is installed by anyone other than an authorized Directed dealer, the warranty period will
be 1 year from date of purchase by the dealer as indicated by the date code marking of the
product. During this 1 year period, there will be no charge for this replacement PROVIDED the
unit is returned to Directed, shipping pre-paid. This warranty is non-transferable and does not
apply to any unit that has been modified or used in a manner contrary to its intended purpose,
and does not cover damage to the unit caused by installation or removal of the unit. This warranty
is void if the product has been damaged by accident or unreasonable use, neglect, improper service
or other causes not arising out of defects in materials or construction. ALL WARRANTIES
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPRESS WARRANTY, IMPLIED WARRANTY, WARRANTY
OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND WARRANTY OF NON-
INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED TO THE
MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW, AND DIRECTED NEITHER ASSUMES NOR
AUTHORIZES ANY PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE
SALE OF THE PRODUCT. DIRECTED HAS ABSOLUTELY NO LIABILITY FOR ANY AND ALL ACTS
OF THIRD PARTIES INCLUDING ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS OR INSTALLERS. Unit must be
returned to Directed, postage pre-paid, with: consumer's name, telephone number, and address,
authorized dealer's name and address, and product description. IN ORDER FOR THIS WARRANTY
TO BE VALID, YOUR UNIT MUST BE SHIPPED WITH PROOF OF INSTALLATION BY AN
AUTHORIZED DIRECTED DEALER. ALL UNITS RECEIVED BY DIRECTED FOR WARRANTY
REPAIR WITHOUT PROOF OF DIRECTED DEALER INSTALLATION WILL BE COVERED BY THE
LIMITED 1 YEAR PARTS AND LABOR WARRANTY. Note: This warranty does not cover labor costs
for the removal and reinstallation of the unit.
BY PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, THE CONSUMER AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ALL
DISPUTES BETWEEN THE CONSUMER AND DIRECTED SHALL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE
WITH CALIFORNIA LAWS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA.
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc. All rights reserved. G41705 01-04
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