Add Amplifiers to a Factory Audio System - AudioControl LC7i Line Output Converter 

After watching a lot of these videos on LC7i's and LC2i's, I found that some critical information is not being told. Most of these videos instruct everyone to just set the gain on the LC units by looking at the "maximized" lights. The maximized light is just a guide and I believe that the light will always light when DC (clippling) is detected. Most amps have a maximum input sensitivity of 4 - 6 volts on the low inputs. So basically, it's possible that the signal from the LC7i could be too hot for most amps. I got this straight from the audio control website: "The idea is to send the hottest signal possible out of the converter, without distorting the output of the converter, and also not going over the max input gain of the amp. This helps ensure you get the cleanest signal to your amp as possible. For example, if the max input gain sensitivity of your amplifier is 5 volts, we will want to make sure the output of the converter does not go over 5 volts. ***THE MAXIMIZED LIGHT ENSURES YOU DO NOT DISTORT THE OUTPUT OF THE CONVERTER, IT DOES NOT ENSURE THAT YOU WILL NOT DISTORT THE INPUT OF YOUR AMPLIFIER*** The maximized light is a handy tool if you do not have a volt meter handy. It serves as a guide in helping you not distort the input of the amplifier." So basically, these units are great, but we must be careful in adjusting them because if the gains on the LC units are set OVER the maximum input sensitivity of an amp, it would be like using the amp's low input connections as high input connections and that can't be a good thing.

Just got rid of my DSR1 and had the LC7i installed. DSP was so complicated and frustrating. The LOC is set at the start with the amp and that's it. What got me is the sound quality of the LC7i. Blew my mind how clean it sounds and the bass output.

I'm glad I watched this. Saved a bunch of money. I have a sound processor that only has a single pair of rca inputs, so I can sub everything to the main output and send a full range signal to my processor input

Thank you Marc! Your teaching is excellent information for my project

Thank you Mark The Jedi Car Audio Master. Always amazing content, lessons, tutorials, & explanation. So gracious & humble.

Had an Lc7i in my 2016 Ram 1500 with stock Apline. You definitely need it to bypass the stock amplifier! Did great for me! Now going to use it in my 2018 suburban with Bose system!

I’ve never seen anyone that looks more like a “Mark” than this guy and my name is Mark. Great video.

Well detailed👍. Many guys out there uses this just as a regular hlc, not realising the potential this got 😁

Great video explaining the setup for this device. One question: Let's say that your factory Bose amp has separate channels for mids and tweets in the front door, full range speakers in the rear doors and a factory sub. If using the summing feature how do you still retain front to rear fade capability from the head unit?

My 1st total upgrade (just kept stock radio) I added a lc7i ,a ref 704a , 6 infinity ref speakers 2- 3.5 dash, 2- 6.5 in F doors and 2- 6x9 in rear deck and 100' of 16/4 ofc in a 2015 Nissan Altima ( also 90 sq ft of sound deadening material). Now to attempt a tune of system

@AudioControl Thanks for the informative posting, helped me make the final purchase decision! I have bought the LC7i along with the ACR-1 Dash Control for a 2015 F-150 with 7 speakers (no sub) that are distributed as follows: 2 front tweeters that share channels with the 2 front door speakers 2 rear speakers and a center dash speaker for a total of 7 speakers. I will be driving two amps with the LC7i: Amp1 is four channels but will drive all six speakers. Channels 1 and 2 will power front speakers and tweeters while channels 3 and 4 will power rear speakers (center dash speaker will have to remain connected to factory source ☹️); Amp2 will power subs. Q1 - Can I run the 4 speaker level inputs from the source unit to LC7i Main Input and Channel 2, Sum channel 2 into the main output, feed AutoMode signal into channel 3 to drive the subs with the mono amp? Q2 -Is there a more suitable set up or recommendation on something that I may be overlooking? Q3 - I will not use GTO, so for the remote power lead, can I connect LC7i at the end of the circuit (after the amps) so that I do not have to fuse the remote out or is there a benefit in placing the LC7i in front of the circuit? Q4 - will I be able to retain fade? Q5 - is there a way to accommodate the center dash speaker to the audio solution? Thank you for your response and for making a great product!

Well that explains why the subs I bought sound nicer when they were on display then in my car... Now I know why I loose bass as I turn up my volume. I gotta adjust my threshold than. I never knew that about these new car systems. I have a brand new car . And expected to get the same sound as I heard in the installation shop. And it doesn't sound as great to be honest. But they did install this in my car so now I know how to control my bass and hopefully get a ritcher clean tone.

Damn....I NEEDS this!!!!

Just install lc7i on my journey 2017 , and sounds beautiful , but i did the install myself on 4 6x9 on doors , two amps and two subs , first of all dont cut the factory wiring on doors or you going to end up with the radio lock up , have to take to a shop and they help me with getting the radio un lock and re wiring on to lc7i

Thank you for this. 2 questions: 1. When there is a factory amp present, do you just tap into the wires coming in and out of that amp? 2. Do you disconnect anything from the factory amp? It seems that if the answer to #1 is yes, then you're going to have audio going to the speakers from both the factory amp and the aftermarket amp.

this is great. i’ve had this nightmare problem for 2 years

Any interest (or car audio friend?) in a complete overhaul video for a stock 2013 Camaro convertible sound system? 2 lower door speakers, 2 tweeters, 2 small rear panel speakers and a subwoofer. I’m between two ideas: keeping stock stereo and adding LOC and amp for all aftermarket speakers, or replacing everything all at once. Located in NJ, just have never found a good video on this year, make and model.

Installed my LC7i yesterday, and noticed that i was having some crazy noise in my system. I mean CRAZY. After trouble shooting (checking grounds, etc) I found that my LC7i is apparently wired exactly backwards. The "main" outout is actually my sub, and my "sub" is actually my front stage. Also, I have to keep all 3 outputs from the LC7i just off the bare minimum setting. Anything more, and it sends rediculous noise into my amp. After finally figuring this out, I have the gain on my amp at or slightly above "normal" gain setting. I thought I was supposed to be able to keep it low...?

Mark is a pro, love that guy, great video

I have a 2019 4runner non JBL factory system. Keeping the factory radio. I have bought Focal flax component speakers for the front. I also have Focal flax coaxial speakers for the rear doors and Focal coaxial ICU130 for the rear hatch. What would be the best set up as far as amps, etc..?

Do I need to move the jumper for the channel 3 to just run a sub amp where it’s not summed into the full range main output or just leaving it all Summed together still output the full range out of the 3 output for just bass

Good we have some clarification on the Q 61 I have never seen video send

Game changer

Was the lc7 tapped in before or after the factory amp? 🤔

Is the LC7i also a line driver? Or should I just stick with the Matrix line driver?

I dont know if you will ever see this message.... Great detail but I have a question no one seems to cover. Forgive me if this has multiple components and I am unaware. My vehicle has ANC (active noise canceling) will this defeat/bypass it? If I disconnect it in the vehicle my mic for phone calls will no longer work. Also, will it defeat the volume changing depending on what speed I am driving? This may be a different system.

What if you have component speaker that only has two speaker and 2 tweeter, would I still tap in to the tweeter and speaker separately or can I put them both on main output ?

What is the best power source for the LC7i?

@AudioControl I just purchased your LC8I to install in my 2014 F350 Platinum with the Sony Sync 2 premium stereo system which has the factory Sony amplifier with subwoofer my question is what speakers should I run into the main high level input the fronts or the tweeters. This is what I've found the...the front tweeters and center channel are together, my front door speakers are bt themselves my rear door speakers are tied together with the rear tweeters and the sub is by itself, what would be the best way to set up my LC8I. Note I'm adding 2 amps 1 for mids and highs and 1 for sub.

Thanks for the video, great stuff.I have a question about my current build. I have AudioControl LC7i Black 6-Channel Line Output Converter, 2 after market amps(4ch amp and 2 ch amp(for subs) connecting to a factory Ford radio(i have no choice of using an after-market radio). I'm running 125watt rms to the doors(4ch) so I will use after market speaker cable, not factory internal speaker wire. So with this, im thinking these speaker wires will connect from 4ch amp to the door speakers, which makes sense but my question is where does the 2 sub speaker wire connect from the LC7i to the harness(im using PAC LPHFD31 harness) as the harness will only have the 4 pairs, not 6 which I would need?

Seven eye with an aftermarket head unit? I originally got the LC7i cuz I kept my stock stereo but when my stock stereo to sit on me I got a Kenwood and left the LC7 I hooked up because when I tried disconnecting it and running my RCAs from my head unit straight from my amps it didn't sound good sounds way better with the LC7i

Great video!

That was deep

Help needed , want to use in 2017 gmc terrain sle two amp install , the shop says I need an interface because it has a factory amp , why do I have lci7 then ? 😢 need help

Dose the third channel have to be a bass channel or can it be for mids

Hi i've got an LC8i and i like to use on my mustang GT 2015 stock radio. Can you guide me on how to do it? Is much difference from the set up of LC7i from the video above? What do i have to do different from the video above considering that my one is the LC8i ? Much appreciate any help with

Btw, my AudioControl LC7i is pissing me off, aka disappointing if anyone cares. I've watched every video and read every piece of relevant literature on it and have not been able to tweak it to optimal performance. An in-depth troubleshooting explanation is lacking or nonexistent. E.g. Why is it ineffective unless maxing out every Accu Bass dial? I recommend adding a new in-depth informative video. Feel free to ask me about which issues I'm having and am referring to.

Where are those speaker wires coming from. How do you tap into the Sony system. They go into the Sony amp but don’t come out

What I would like to see a video on is howto actually installing this in a malibu 2018 using a lci2 pro ivwould greatly appreciated

Could I run my bass amp and highs/mid amp at the same time with this LC7i?

Hello I only have 4 channels on stock radio and I'm limited on the rear signal to midbass and low frequencies if I want to add a 4 channel amp and and sub do I just use the summed output for the 4 channel amp and the lows for the subwoofer output?

i would love to buy it, but my factory audio system has a DSP built in the amplifier ( rockford fosgate mitsubishi systems) will these affect the signal processing or time delay?

So what's the difference between the LC7i and the LC6i??

Thanks 🙏🏿 very informational

I have a lc6i . Can i feed just channel 3 from the factory subwoofer so i can add an xtra subwoofer with an amplifier? Or do i have to feed also the main input and channel 2 ? Thanks

Hi. Mark!! Just watching your video. Very inspirational and to the point!! Kudos!!! I wanted to learn more about how to upgrade my stereo system, using my stock head unit. I own a 2018 Jeep Compass that comes with the Uconnect sytem like you've mention with a lot of other car features integrates in it. Anyway, what I wish to know is how to upgrade system, but I'm not striving for anything too complex. I'm thinking of replacing all four of my door 6x9 speakers with some JBL 939's and I also have some tweeters up in front but my car also have a 6 inch mid dashboard speakers so it'll be 7 speakers total. I've never done this before so I would need some advice on how to connect all seven speakers with an LC7i unit of something alike and I don't know how many amps I will need. Like I mentioned before, I just want to have a simple but effective upgraded system that sounds decent but I'm not trying to blow my head off with subwoofers or anything alike. What would be your best suggestion to me for the system that I'm intending to build? Thanks in advance for your prompt response.!! 😁👍

Really quite helpful. Thx

I see that I have only 2 speaker cables to the 3rd channel the subwoofer ..is that okay ? If it is im goo

2011 Subaru legacy 3.6 premium Haram kardon non nav I am looking for a connecter pinouts from the head unit to the factory amp so I can tap into the speaker level rear speakers to install a aftermarket amp and bypass the factory amp but I cannot find a wire diagram any help would be appreciated

What do I need to install this on a 2022 Camry. Trying to see if I need Taco Tunes harness

does accubase adjustment work only with channel 3 or on all outputs? also can i use lc7i with 4 coaxial speakers connected to channel 1 amd 2?

So would the midrange signal come from the 6.5-inch woofer in the door or the small midrange speaker in the dash? The Midrange speaker and woofer confuse me!

If my input range on my amp is 6V max, do I need to worry about sending too much power to that from the LC7I through the rca?

When setting up the Lc7. Does the 12v and ground have to be from a direct source? Or can I tap into the factory head unit?

Question, I have a Prius with the jbl factory amp wired to components front and back. First which would be the best place to grab signal for lc7i? Also I’m installing new component speakers in font and back so I’m just gonna run new wires off the 4 channel amp and wire the crossover from component speakers to woofer and tweeter right?

What I still don't understand, is that my stock head unit had separate channels for tweeters and woofers for front and rear. I see you separated them on the LC7i into two tweeter channels, two mid channels, and 1 sub channel which accounts for say... front components... but what do I do with the high level outs form the stock HU for the rear components (2tweeters, 2woofers)?????

Would be nice to review the lcq1

So I have a dumb question don't judge so the speaker wires that connect to the lc7 that come from the head unit do you use a hundred or connect directly to the wires or how

So what do you do 4 channel, 2front + 2 rear = ?..... do you add a 2 Y RCA?

Hello the iLOC7 ... this line output converter will ENHANCE the BASS and SPEAKERS????? THANKS

So is this pretty much if you have a stock stereo?

So I'm lost on one thing. If im only hooking up a subwoofer. Should I be splicing into all the level inputs? Does it sum the bass output? Or is this overkill for that task? I want to maintain the speakers being powered by the factory amp for the time being, but I want to make sure this thing wont rob power from them.

I got a lc71 and having issues, I’m using the 3rd out put going to a epicenter but before the lc7i I had a epicenter plus and it sounded amazing compare to the new set up lc7i to a regular epicenter why Am I doing wrong the new set up sound not right, I been messing with the accubass but I don’t really find it helpful some times it sound worst.. what I’m a doing wrong

I have a stock audio 2022 Tacoma and have an Infinity Kappa 6x9 front component speakers with tweeters and crossovers, Infinity Kappa speakers rear, JL Sub and a 5 channel JL amp. Using the LC7i, would I wire my tweeters and front in parallel and use input 1? Rear would go to 2? Sub goes to 3? Then output 1 goes to front amp, 2 goes to rear amp and 3 to sub amp?

just in time for my install. I have a question. for some reason I have the accubass setup but sometimes there is a delay before the subwoofer kicks in. almost like the lc7 is processing the signal before boosting the bass. you can hear the subwoofer building up the bass till it's to the level set on the lc7. any ideas?

Can I wire the LC7i before the stock amp for my bmw speakers and out of the channels main and 2 back to the stock amp and the 3rd channel of the LC7i to the aftermarket amp for the aftermarket subs? Appreciate all your videos, really helpful for my home projects. Thank you!

Hi, I noticed you’re using 2 speed wires. Do you have to ? I’m running 1 9 conductor wire and all 4 of my speakers won’t play at once. I’ve connected them from the factory radio to the lc6i. Thank you.

I would like to know why on stock stereos some install techs use the front speakers to power the sub signal in the LC7i, I thought this wouldn't matter since both front and rear are full range in a basic stock radio. Doesn't the LC correct the bandwidth? Reason I ask this is because by connecting the subs to the front, fading capability would be lost.

I have a 2020 Honda crv touring, which has a subwoofer,do you know if this will work and where is my amplifier located? Thanks.

how many amps can you run off of this tool?

Will just this enhance factory sound or do u have to have amp...I'm wantin to and mono block amp and sub for bass but want tokeep stock head unit in honda accord 2015..but i want to improve sound without upgrading other speakers ....will this help me get the most out of my stock speakers

I have my main speakers laft and right rannned to the main channel on the inputs of Lc7i and left/right rca output of lc7i to aftermarket amp, and i have ground, 12v and remote line connected to inputs of lc7i and out to the amp, the only line i do not have connected is the remote in on lc7i because i thought it would have send signal using the main speaker signal from my factory amp utilizing the "GTO" feature in the lc7i but not getting no green lights on lc7i only power light. Im not getting no bass from my subwoofers at all. So do i need to run the remote in line tapping off my factory amp signal/power?

What is the "bypass" input between the power and speaker inputs next to the phone line port?

Do you set up Accubass before or after you set the amp gains?

Definitely gonna get one of these...i have a factory Bose system in my 2015 GNC sierra without a subwoofer. It sound just ok but no balls on the low end. It definitely has the divided frequencies coming out of the factory Bose amp. My goal is to replace all the speakers and just keep the stock head unit. initially i will add 2 8" subs with 300 watt amp and eventually get the audio control LC 5.1300 to run the entire system....i do realize with that particular amp does what the LC7i does internally so i wouldn't need the 7i at that point so my installation with accommodate both of these installations.....

Not sure if this is needed if you are simply adding an amp to boost the speaker sound to you factory unit

Why do you need to use 2 9 wire conductor? How do you make those connections

Do you think this will work for my 2015 jeep cherokee with the stock radio?

I have a 2 channel amplifier on my highs (6.5 components: midbass and tweeter L&R and rear deck has coaxials L&R. I also have a sub amp on a DVC 12". How would I wire this correctly including the jump switches? My components are at a low volume while rear coaxials are OVERPOWERING my components up front. Thanks

The set up that’s gotten my subs the best signal have not been a factory with line converters. Let me know if there are converters that go over 400 watts. I’m trying to get the most out of an aftermarket 4K watt amp starting with a loud / clear enough signal. I have peq 70 equalizer with a sub output that doesn’t get enough signal with a converter

Pl give a list of all Audio Control products to upgrade existing sound system in Jeep Compass. Thanks

Can I add this to a 2008 Lexus LS460 with mark levinson system to improve it and add a sub and amp for extra bass? Would I need more than 1 LC7i?

I want to install an aftermarket amplifier to my 2012 Ford Expedition and keep the factory radio (for now ) I was thinking of buying a JBL club 704 but now I’m a little confused if I need the LC7i to do so and if so can’t I use one of your amplifier instead don’t they have it built in ? I installed JBL GX speakers and plain on a JBL basspro sub. Question is what your best amplifier for my car

I have a Chrysler 300m Special with the 2 Ohm Infinity Factory AMP. I want to replace the HU with a CarPC that has 8 channel sound. I don't want to get rid of the present AMP. How would you go about it?? Will the LC7i help in this venture?

so technically i could use my a channel for my mains and use b channel of my home power amp connect it to the high level inputs of the lc7i which would give me the ability to connect my pioneer 9601 monoblock car amp for subwoofer output without chucking mids and highs to the sub perfect . correct me if im wrong

i have a question im going to pt my jl audio system in my 08 fx35, and was looking at this one and the lcq-1 which would be best? system consist of a 13.5 w7 300/4 on mids and tweeters and 1000/1 on the sub factory head unit. btw im changing all the factory speakers out! please help

would this be an issue to hook up in a tesla?

I obviously have 4 speakers, two in each door. Do I just need to hook up two doors to the midrange inputs?

tôi rất muốn học ở anh . người anh tuyệt vời

Does this work as a epicenter also ? So i dont have to buy a epicenter or do i still need to get a epicenter ?

Midrange and highs need a separate amp?

My installer connected the first 4 channels on the Lc7i and I still have balance and fade control. I'm assuming that this was done by connecting the front tweeter channels on 1 & 2 and the rear doors channels on 3 & 4? Would this be correct? Can I connect all 6 channel outputs from the HU into the Lc7i, sum them into the first 4 output channels and get full signal on each output?

I have a 2012 dodge ram larimer with alpine 9 speaker set up. I wanna change door speakers and add 2 kiker subs the amp for the subs is the kiker 1200.1. Will it give me full power with the LC7i. Also do i still need to add any fuses. Or run the ground wire and power wire to the kiker amp

Can you connect the LC7i to a crossover?

where does the after market amp come into play here? it would be smart to show everything ...... like i know the rcas go into the after market amp but where do i connect the after market amp to the new car speakers i installed in the footwell so i can control that bass.

I have a question? I have 2015 GMC Sierra I want to add amp&sup what do you recommend me to do?

My Infiniti G37 has 12 speakers and 2 amplifiers, how would I use this? The 2 front doors have 3 speakers each, the 2 rear doors have 2. There is also a center channel and a subwoofer. I dont need to use the rear sub, and dont mind running the center channel off of the stock system. Would this only work for the front door speakers? Someone please help.

Hi bro! I got 2017 Chevy Impala premier, I want to replace all the stock Bose speakers should I get the lc7i? With aftermarket amp?

Do I still need a crossover on my Sub woofer output? Does the unit subwoofer output (channel 3) has a low pass output filter built-in? If not what do I need to replace with? My subwoofer amp has a full range output only.

After connecting the main input ,channel 2 , and channel 3 from a factory amp and running the output rca to the amp, on the amp do you have to run the speaker output from the amp to the head unit ??