How to Hook Up an Equalizer to Android Car Stereo
Automotive audiophiles get very serious about their in-car music systems. Stock radios seldom have the goods to satisfy a serious music fanatic. Adding aftermarket audio components, like an equalizer, improves the radio's sound quality. Amplifiers and speaker upgrades are some other common add-on components paired with stock radios. Installing an equalizer greatly enhances the ability of a vehicle owner to shape the sound of their car stereo system. Great audio reproduction starts with an equalizer suited to a buyer's tastes. Once the unit is mounted and hooked up correctly, the driving experience takes on an entirely new dimension.
1 - Selecting an Equalizer for a Car Stereo System
Vehicle owners that want to adjust a knob or slide a bar to select the specific tone quality of their music should look for an under-dash equalizer that is compatible with the output of their Android car stereo. Generally, trunk-mounted equalizers provide digital control of tone adjustment by interfacing with a radio specifically designed to work with the unit or they offer a certain number of preset equalizer formats from which to choose.Equalizers vary greatly in style, features, and price so buyer preference is the biggest factor when selecting an equalizer.
2 - Mounting the Equalizer in the Car
Under-dash equalizers require mounting in a position that does not interfere with driver operation of the vehicle. Installers should plan for safe access to accelerator and brake pedals when selecting a mounting point. Attachment to an under-dash support frame is a good mounting point if it meets the safety requirements. If drilling is required to mount the unit, installers should take care not to accidentally drill into a wiring harness or vehicle component.
Trunk-mounted equalizers are generally easier to install. Selecting a mounting point in close proximity to the amplifier allows for the use of shorter patch cables and a corresponding cost savings. Positioning the unit so as not to interfere with trunk usage allows for luggage loading and storage that does not cause damage to the equalizer.
3 - Hooking Up the Equalizer
Patch cables are required to connect the radio to the equalizer and the equalizer to the amplifier. The number of audio patch cables is dependent on the models of the components selected. RCA connectors on the patch cables allow for easy push-in connections. If an amplifier is not a part of the Nissan car audio system, the equalizer must have connectors that allow for speaker cable hookups.
The equalizer requires a 12-volt power circuit and a ground circuit. Installers have the option of connecting the 12-volt power lead to a vehicle circuit that is only hot during vehicle operation or a constant 12-volt feed like the car's battery, itself. When using a constant power feed, turn the equalizer off when not in use, either manually at the unit or electronically with a turn-on lead. Trunk-mounted equalizers use turn-on leads connected to the radio for operator convenience.
4 - Installation Tips
Equalizer installers should never tap into heavy gauge yellow wires in vehicle electrical systems when seeking a 12-volt connection. Yellow wires are associated with air bag systems and cutting or splicing can cause an unintended airbag deployment. They should never place power supply cables for an equalizer or amplifier next to patch cables running between audio components. Cable bleed-through causes interference and sound distortion. They should also keep speaker cables away from power cables for best installation results. The closer the power connection is to the vehicle's battery, the cleaner the power, which helps to eliminate distortion and interference from vehicle electrical components.
Source: Ebay.com