How to Connect an Equalizer

An equalizer serves as a handy tool in adjusting the frequency responses of audio signals. They come in various price ranges and features, but all serve the common function of modifying sound levels across different frequencies. Learning to connect an equalizer to your stereo system or vehicle involves a straightforward process with a few simple considerations.

Optimize your sound with an equalizer. Activate your receiver and set the front panel output control to “Tape Monitor” mode. This grants access to the tape monitor channels, ensuring your sound passes through the equalizer before reaching the amplifier. Fine-tune the equalizer settings to match your preferences.

• Now, manipulate the equalizer controls to adjust the frequency response or tone of your music.
• To activate “Tape Monitor” mode, press the button on the equalizer's front panel.
• If a tape deck is connected to the tape monitor channels, disconnect it before attaching the equalizer.

Directly link the equalizer to your amplifier if your receiver lacks preamp-output or tape monitor channels, but your amplifier has preamp-in and out connections. While most receivers feature preamp-in and out or tape monitor connections for optimal equalizer integration, certain amplifiers allow direct connection if your receiver lacks these channels.

• Directly connecting to the amplifier necessitates preamp-in and out channels.

Acquire two sets of RCA cables. You'll need two pairs of RCA cables (commonly used for connecting source components like turntables and CD players) to establish a signal path between the equalizer and amplifier.

• Ensure the RCA cable lengths match the distance between the receiver and equalizer.

Establish a connection between the equalizer and amplifier using RCA cables. Connect one pair of cables from the amplifier's pre-amp output channels to the equalizer's pre-amp input channels.

• Locate these channels typically on the rear of the equalizer.
• Red RCA plugs usually denote the right channel, while white or black plugs indicate the left channel.
• Sometimes, the amplifier channels may be labeled as tape monitor output instead of pre-amp output, which can also be used.

Connect the remaining pair of RCA cables between the amplifier and receiver. Attach the cables from the equalizer's output channels to the amplifier's pre-amp input channels.

• Typically, red RCA plugs indicate the right channel, while white or black plugs indicate the left channel.
• Some amplifiers may feature tape monitor input instead of pre-amp input channels, which can also be utilized.

Activate the pre-amp connection on the amplifier. Certain amplifiers provide a switch to enable the pre-amp connections. If utilizing tape monitor channels, ensure to activate the tape monitor switch as well. Press the button to activate this connection.

Power up the receiver, equalizer, and amplifier for equalizer usage. Switch on all three components and adjust the equalizer knobs to suit your preferences. You can now manipulate the equalizer controls to alter the frequency response or tone of your music.

Implement this approach to install an equalizer in a remote location in your car, providing additional space. Some equalizers are intended for dash installation, while others are suitable for remote locations like the trunk. The choice of installation spot depends on your selected equalizer and personal preferences.

• Many individuals prefer trunk installation near the amplifier for easy addition of extra amps later.
• In certain vehicles, dash space may be insufficient for an equalizer, necessitating remote mounting.
• Equalizers can be positioned anywhere between the amp and receiver.
• Most remote-mount equalizers include a remote for adjusting controls from the driver's seat.

Determine where to mount your equalizer. Many opt to install their remote-mount equalizer in the trunk near the amplifier, allowing for easy addition of extra amps later by connecting nearby wires. Another option is beneath a seat in the vehicle.

• Keep in mind that regardless of the mounting location, you'll need to run wires to your head unit or receiver and amplifier.

Acquire 2 pairs of RCA cables. For transmitting a signal from your stereo receiver to the equalizer and back, you'll require 2 sets of RCA cables (the same type typically used to connect source components like turntables and CD players).

• Ensure the RCA cable lengths match the distance between the receiver and equalizer.

Remove your receiver from the dashboard. Take out your receiver from the dashboard to access the wires behind it. Usually, you can remove the plastic cover from the dashboard and then pull the receiver out slightly.

Connect the RCA cables to your in-dash receiver. Insert the two RCA cables into the receiver's preamp outputs. Secure them together with tape to prevent separation.

Route the cables to the equalizer and connect them. Guide the cables through the dashboard to the equalizer. Along the way, use tape or wire ties to keep the two cables connected. Plug the cables into the preamp inputs on your equalizer.

Install your equalizer in the vehicle. Avoid directly mounting it to the metal chassis as this may disrupt the sound quality. Instead, mount it on a platform or use rubber material to minimize interference.

• If you must attach the equalizer directly to the metal chassis, use rubber pieces between the equalizer and the vehicle.

Turn off your vehicle's ignition. Completely switch off the ignition and remove the keys before starting the installation process. This precaution is for your safety to prevent electric shock while handling wires.

Establish the ground connection. Locate the black wire, which is the ground wire, on your equalizer. Find a nearby bolt, remove any paint around it, and attach the wire using a crimped ring. If no suitable location is available, carefully drill a hole in the chassis, avoiding damage to the gas tank or brake line.

Connect the power cable. Identify the yellow wire (or its equivalent, based on your manual) on your equalizer as the 12V power cable. Connect it either to the power cable connected to the receiver or to a 12V variable power source in the fuse box, such as the wiper fuse.

• If your receiver lacks a wiring diagram indicating the switched power cables, use a digital multimeter to identify the correct cable. Splice or crimp the wires together and completely cover exposed metal with electrical tape to prevent short circuits.
• This wire must be routed from the receiver to the location of the equalizer.

Connect the remote turn-on wire. Typically identified as a blue wire with a white stripe and labeled on your equalizer, this wire connects to the blue wire (often blue, but can be other colors) on the receiver, which goes to the amplifier. Splice or crimp the wires together, then wrap the connection in electrical tape after routing it through the vehicle from the equalizer's location.

Verify the equalizer functionality by starting the car. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position. Then, switch on the radio to ensure proper operation and that the equalizer activates along with the radio.

Reinstall the receiver. Secure the receiver back into its bracket and reposition the covering frame. Ensure all wiring is tucked inside the dashboard before proceeding.

Utilize this method to integrate an equalizer into your car stereo's dashboard for convenient control access. Some equalizers are specifically designed for dashboard installation, while others are intended for remote locations like the trunk. The choice of installation spot depends on your equalizer selection and preferences.

• Many individuals prefer dashboard installation for continuous control access.
• Equalizers can be positioned anywhere between the amplifier and receiver.

Determine the ideal equalizer installation location. Optimal placement for an in-dash equalizer is typically above or below the head unit or stereo control unit. Some vehicles offer space in the dashboard for this purpose, while others may require under-dash mounting. Alternatively, custom-fitting the equalizer into the dashboard is an option.

• If space is available in the dashboard, an installation kit is required to mount the equalizer. These kits consist of brackets that secure the head unit to the dashboard, requiring only a few screws for attachment. Follow the specific instructions provided with your kit for mounting.
• If dashboard space is limited, an under-dash mounting kit is necessary. These kits are typically designed for mounting under the dashboard on the driver's side, although alternative options exist. Choose an under-dash kit that suits your preferences and vehicle requirements.
• For custom installations, it's advisable to seek assistance from a professional audio installer.

Acquire 2 pairs of RCA cables. To transmit a signal from your stereo receiver to the equalizer and back, you'll require 2 sets of RCA cables (commonly used for connecting source components like turntables and CD players).

• Ensure the RCA cable lengths match the distance between the receiver and the equalizer. To minimize 'cable clutter,' opt for 'patch' size cables, which are approximately a foot (30 cm) in length.

Remove your receiver from the dashboard. Extract your receiver from the dashboard to access the wires behind it. Typically, you can remove the plastic cover from the dashboard and then gently pull the receiver out.

Connect the RCA cables to your in-dash receiver. Insert the two RCA cables into the receiver’s preamp outputs. Secure them together with tape to prevent separation.

Route the cables to the equalizer and plug them in. Guide the cables through the dashboard to the equalizer. Use tape or wire ties along the way to keep the two cables connected. Plug the cables into the preamp inputs on your equalizer.

Mount your equalizer. Secure your equalizer to your chosen location. You'll only need to attach a few screws to mount it.

Switch off your ignition. Completely turn off your ignition and remove your keys before starting the installation. This is to ensure your safety while connecting the wires to prevent any risk of electric shock.

Establish the ground connection. Your equalizer will have three wires, one of which is black and serves as the ground wire. Similarly, locate the black ground wire on the back of the receiver and splice (or crimp) these wires together. After making the connection, wrap it in electrical tape.

• If you can't locate a black wire on the receiver, remove a nearby bolt near the equalizer mounting spot and scrape away any paint. Crimp a ring on the wire's end and bolt it to the vehicle.
• If no suitable location is available, exercise caution while drilling a hole in the chassis to avoid damaging the gas tank or brake line.

Connect the power cable. Identify the yellow wire (or another color as per your manual) on your equalizer as the 12V power cable. Connect this cable either to the power cable attached to the receiver or to a 12V variable power source in the fuse box (such as the wiper fuse).

• If your receiver lacks a wiring diagram indicating the switched power cables, use a digital multimeter to identify the correct cable. Splice the wires together and completely cover exposed metal with electrical tape to prevent short circuits.
• This wire needs to be routed from the receiver to the location of the equalizer.

Connect the remote turn-on wire. Typically labeled, this wire is usually blue with a white stripe. Locate the corresponding wire on the receiver, usually blue (though it may be another color), which connects to the amplifier. After routing it through the vehicle from where the equalizer is located, splice or crimp the wires together and wrap the connection in electrical tape.

Test the equalizer by starting the car. Insert the key into the ignition and turn it to the “on” position. Then, switch on the radio to ensure everything is functioning correctly and that the equalizer activates along with the radio.

Reinstall the receiver. Place the receiver back into its bracket and reposition the frame covering. Ensure all wiring is neatly tucked inside the dashboard before proceeding.

• Receivers lacking a tape monitor loop can still connect to an equalizer if separate output and input jacks exist between the pre-amplification and power amplification stages. Follow the same connection process, positioning the equalizer in the signal path between the stages.
• If your receiver or amplifier lacks preamp-in/preamp-out or tape monitor channels, custom installation of components is necessary. It's advisable to enlist professional assistance for this installation.

• Ensure all devices are powered off while connecting to prevent any accidents.

• RCA cables
• Equalizer
• Stereo Receiver
• Source component
• Speakers