Car audio equalizers are devices that allow you to adjust the frequency response of your car’s audio system. They can help you achieve a more balanced and natural sound, or add some extra bass or treble to your liking. But how do you install an equalizer in your car, and what wiring diagram should you follow? In this article, we’ll guide you through the process.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have the following items:
| Item | Description |
| Car Audio Equalizer | The device that you want to install. |
| Wire Strippers | To remove the insulation from wires. |
| Soldering Iron | To connect wires. |
| Heat Shrink Tubing | To protect the soldered connections. |
| Electrical Tape | To secure the wires and prevent short circuits. |
Determine the Equalizer’s Location
The first step is to decide where you want to install the equalizer. Typically, it’s best to mount it in a location that is easily accessible but out of the way, such as under the seat or in the trunk.
Once you’ve chosen a location, remove any necessary trim panels or screws to access the wiring. Make sure to secure the equalizer in place with screws and/or brackets to prevent it from moving around while driving.
Wiring Diagram
Before you start with the wiring, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the connections you need to make. Here’s a typical wiring diagram for a car audio equalizer:
| Wire Color | Function |
| Red | Battery (+12V) |
| Black | Ground (-) |
| Blue/White | Remote Turn-On |
| Gray | Front Left (+) |
| Gray/Black | Front Left (-) |
| White | Front Right (+) |
| White/Black | Front Right (-) |
| Green | Rear Left (+) |
| Green/Black | Rear Left (-) |
| Purple | Rear Right (+) |
| Purple/Black | Rear Right (-) |
Power Connection
The first wires you’ll need to connect are the battery and ground wires (red and black). Find a suitable location to tap into the car’s power and ground, typically near the car’s fuse box. Use a wire stripper to remove a small section of the insulation from the power and ground wires of the equalizer, and connect them to the corresponding wires on the car using solder and heat shrink tubing.
Remote Turn-On
The blue/white wire is used to turn on the equalizer when the car’s stereo turns on. This wire needs to be connected to the remote turn-on wire of the car’s stereo. Some stereos have a specific wire for this purpose, while others use the power antenna wire. Check your car stereo’s manual to determine which wire you should use, and connect it to the blue/white wire of the equalizer.
Speaker Connections
The remaining wires are used to connect the equalizer to the speakers. The gray and gray/black wires are for the front left speaker, the white and white/black wires are for the front right speaker, the green and green/black wires are for the rear left speaker, and the purple and purple/black wires are for the rear right speaker.
Each speaker wire of the car’s stereo system needs to be connected to the corresponding input of the equalizer, then the output of the equalizer needs to be connected back to the same speaker wire. This allows the equalizer to modify the signal before it reaches the speakers.
FAQ
Q: Can I install an equalizer on my stock car stereo?
A: Yes, you can. However, keep in mind that some stock car stereos may not have the necessary connections to install an equalizer. You may need to use a line output converter (LOC) to convert the speaker-level outputs of the stereo into RCA outputs that can be connected to the equalizer.
Q: Do I need any special tools to install an equalizer?
A: Yes, you’ll need a wire stripper, a soldering iron, heat shrink tubing, and electrical tape. You may also need screwdrivers or other tools to access the wiring in your car.
Q: Can I install multiple equalizers in my car?
A: Yes, you can install multiple equalizers if you need to adjust different frequency ranges for different speakers or amplifiers. However, keep in mind that each equalizer will require its own power and ground connections.
Q: What’s the difference between a passive and an active equalizer?
A: A passive equalizer is a simple device that uses passive components (such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors) to modify the signal. An active equalizer, on the other hand, uses active components (such as transistors or op-amps) to provide gain and more precise control over the frequency response. Active equalizers are typically more expensive but offer better performance and more features.
Q: Can I use an equalizer as a crossover?
A: Yes, you can use an equalizer as a crossover by adjusting the frequency response of each channel. However, keep in mind that some equalizers may not have the necessary filters or slopes to provide a suitable crossover function. It’s usually better to use a dedicated crossover for this purpose.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to install and wire a car audio equalizer in no time. Enjoy your customized sound!
