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JL Audio TwK™ 88 System Tuning Processor 8-channel digital signal processor

Item # 13698101

If you're a sound tweaker like me, you'll love JL Audio's TwK 88 System Tuning Processor for all the powerful and...

If you're a sound tweaker like me, you'll love JL Audio's TwK 88 System Tuning Processor for all the powerful and...

Item # 13698101

In stock
C$749.95

About the JL Audio TwK™ 88 System Tuning Processor

Buck Pomerantz

Tweak the sound to high-fidelity 

If you're a sound tweaker like me, you'll love JL Audio's TwK 88 System Tuning Processor for all the powerful and detailed adjustments it can apply to your vehicle's sound system. With JL Audio's TwK-TüN app on your laptop or tablet, you'll gain access to real-time tuning that can really dial in your system, including 10-band equalization, variable high- and low-pass filtering, and time delay/alignment on every channel.

Tweak the sound to high-fidelity 

If you're a sound tweaker like me, you'll love JL Audio's TwK 88 System Tuning Processor for all the powerful and detailed adjustments it can apply to your vehicle's sound system. With JL Audio's TwK-TüN app on your laptop or tablet, you'll gain access to real-time tuning that can really dial in your system, including 10-band equalization, variable high- and low-pass filtering, and time delay/alignment on every channel.

It's as easy or complicated as you want

JL Audio has given the TwK 88 three Project Levels of tuning complexity (Basic, Advanced, and Expert) so you'll get fantastic sound no matter how much experience you've had tuning an audio system. The Basic Level guides you through the setups, options, and simple adjustments to achieve great sound in about 10 minutes. The Advanced Level adds extra crossover features, limited-parametric equalization, and delay/time alignment — for a tune-up that takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The Expert Project Level gives you free rein with fully manual adjustments and assignments, fully-parametric EQs, and advanced signal diagnostics, so you can take as much time as you like to play around with the sound.

Versatile connections and controls

Digital inputs and outputs ensure the cleanest, highest-quality signal connections for your TwK 88 processor in a high-definition audio system. You'll use the wired dash-mount remote to control master and subwoofer volume, select user presets, and check on the operational status of the TwK 88 so you'll know what's going on from the driver's seat.

JL Audio TwK-Tun

TwK-Tun assignments, EQ, delays, crossovers and more

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Product highlights:

  • 8-channel digital signal processor
  • DSP adjustments and settings made via Windows PC running JL Audio's TwK-TuN app
  • Three Project Levels of tuning:
    • Basic: (10-minute set-up time) guided channel setups, basic crossover functions, 10-band graphic EQ, no delay
    • Advanced: (30-60-minute set-up time) adds crossover options, limited parametric EQ, delay functions
    • Expert: full manual controls with input mixer, parametric EQ, signal diagnostics
  • 8 analog preamp inputs: (RCA), 2 digit inputs (optical and coax)
  • 8 analog preamp outputs (RCA), 1 digital output (optical)
  • all inputs assignable to any output channel
  • channel settings can be separate or linked together
  • 10-band EQ (graphic in Basic, parametric in Advanced and Expert modes)
  • time alignment in 0.02 ms increments
  • fully adjustable high- and low-pass filters
    • selectable filter slopes (6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48 dB/octave)
  • DRC-200 wired remote control included
  • dimensions: 4-7/8"W x 1-15/16"H x 6-3/16"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 98101

What's in the box:

  • Processor
  • 5-Pin Euroblock (Phoenix) connector
  • 15' USB cable (Type-A on one end
  • Type-B on other end
  • 2.0)
  • 18' Control cable w/ RJ-45 connectors on both ends
  • DRC-200 Level Control Knob w/ 46" attached cord terminating in a female RJ-45 socket and attached status LED w/ 38" cord
  • LED mounting collar
  • Two locking nuts
  • Two flat washers
  • Owner's manual

Customer reviews for JL Audio TwK™ 88 System Tuning Processor

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4.5 out of 5 stars
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More details on the JL Audio TwK™ 88 System Tuning Processor

Russ B.

Product Research

Features

Overview: The JL Audio TwK88 is a car audio signal processor designed to give world-class system tuning capabilities in an easy to use format. Featuring an advanced 24-bit DSP processor, 8 analog RCA and 2 digital inputs that can be fully configured to any of the 8 analog RCA and 1 optical outputs, eight banks of 10-band graphic or parametric equalizers with configurable assignment, a powerful crossover section with high-, low-, and band-pass filtering with selectable slopes, front-seat control of configurable level and preset selection with the included DRC-200 Digital Remote Controller, and more. Configuration and routing are all done through a USB connected PC using JL Audio's TuN 2.0 software. Mac not supported.

Configuration: The TwK88 offers very flexible signal routing with a clear, user-friendly screen interface for the TuN software which is separated into two main sections: Setup and Tune. Different tune settings can be saved and recalled as Presets. A total of 10 Presets plus a Valet Preset can be stored in one Project file, with 6 Preset available for quick selection during use. The Valet Preset is directly tied to the Valet wire, which if grounded, will switch the TwK88 to Valet mode. This Preset can be assigned with much lower output levels or even have channels turned off, lessoning the risk of someone damaging speakers from turning the system up too high while the vehicle is being worked on or valet parked.

  • Setup: The Setup screen is easy to read and gives a clear picture of the entire routing path for all channels. Each channel is listed in the Inputs column with "clickable" routing lines for the signal path that can be "drawn" on-screen to the next step in the signal chain. Input Sensitivity can be set here with tri-colored meters to show signal level with clipping. Each input goes through the Input Mixer section, then to the Equalizers. This screen shows which channels go through which of the eight 10-band equalizers and includes a basic Level adjustment for each. From there, the signal paths run through the Crossover section and then to the assignable Output section. Each Output Channel includes a tri-colored Level Meter and a Mute button. Any of the Input Channels can be assigned to the Optical Digital output, however, this acts as a pass-through for the signal and no processing will be applied to those channels. Any signal input on either of the Digital Inputs will be processed unless assigned to the Optical Digital output. The Setup screen also includes a channel assignment section for the DRC-200 Digital Remote Controller's two rotary controls, allowing each channel to be individually assigned to either or both rotary functions.
  • Tune: The Tune screen is where detailed settings can be made to the Equalizer, Crossover, Delay/Polarity, and Output Level.
    • Equalizer: The TuN software includes eight assignable, 10-band Equalizers that can be either Graphic or Parametric. The Graphic EQ's default bands are: 31, 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000, and 16000 Hz while in Parametric mode, they're variable. The Q, or width of the EQ band, is fixed in Graphic EQ mode and variable from 0.26 to 10 in Parametric mode. Either type can have the Level adjusted by +6 dB to -12 dB. There's an option for Input Channel pairs to be Linked, so they both have identical EQ curves. Each EQ band can be individually bypassed as well.
    • Crossovers: Each signal channel can pass through its own Crossover to further refine the sound. Crossover types are: High-pass, Low-pass, and Band-pass filters with a choice between two Alignments: Linkwitz-Riley (with 12, 24, or 48 dB per octave slope options) and Butterworth (with 12, 18, 24, 36, or 48 dB per octave slope options).
    • Delay/Polarity: In order to compensate for uneven distances between speakers, the TuN software allows each channel to be delayed up to 21.3 milliseconds, or 24 feet of speaker distance. An Additional Delay setting allows the user to add more to the baseline delay in either 0.2 or 0.02 ms increments. A Polarity setting allows each channel to have the polarity inverted if necessary.
    • Output Level: This section gives each Output Channel a level trim control with a range of +12.0 to -12.0 dB.

DRC-200: The JL Audio DRC-200 is a panel-mounted, wired digital remote controller that connects to the JLid port of the TwK88. It consists of dual-concentric rotary controls with stops, push-button functionality for the inner knob, and a separate RGB LED status indicator that can be dash mounted. The control knob and the LED are both wired into a single RJ-45 socket via 46" cables. An 18' control cable, terminating in male RJ-45 jacks, plugs into this socket and is run back to the TwK88. The inner knob controls the Level for any channel assigned to it, and the outer knob can be assigned to control Subwoofer Level, Fader, or Zone control. Each knob can be independently assigned to any or all signal channels.

Inputs: The input side of the TwK88 has the following jacks:

  • RCAs: These comprise the 8 analog main input channels and are completely assignable.
  • Optical/Coax Digital: Either of the two digital inputs, if used, automatically get assigned to Channels 1 and 2.
  • USB Port: A Type-B, 2.0 USB port is used for connection to the TuN 2.0 software and for firmware updates.
  • JLID Port: This RJ-45 port is used for the DRC-200 Digital Remote Control.

Outputs:

  • RCAs: 8 RCA jacks comprise the main outputs of the TwK88 and are completely assignable. The output channels will get run to an outboard amplifier.
  • Optical Digital: This jack can pass an un-processed signal from either the Optical Digital input or from one pair of RCA input channels.
  • Power/Ground Connector: A 5-pin Euroblock connector provides the inputs for +12 VDC Battery, +12 VDC Switched (remote input), Ground, Remote Out (provides a +12 V, 100 mA remote signal to trigger aftermarket amplifiers), and a Valet In. This is provided to switch the processor to the Valet Preset when it sees a ground on this terminal.

Top Panel:

  • Preset Toggle: A small push-button allows you to toggle through the Presets.
  • Status LEDs: Two Signal Status LEDs are provided, one for Input signals and one for Output signals.
    • Amber: Unit is powered on, but no signal is present.
    • Green: Signal is present.
    • Momentary Red: Signal is clipping.

Specifications:

  • Power Supply Type: Regulated DC-DC SMPS
  • Input Operating Voltage: 10 - 16 VDC
  • Operating Current Draw: 0.7 A
  • Standby Current Draw: < 1.5 mA
  • Recommended Fuse: 1 A
  • Input Channels: 8
  • Input Type: Line-level, differential-balanced
  • Input Voltage Range: 250 mV - 7.1 V RMS
  • Minimum Input Voltage: 10 mV RMS
  • Input Level Setting: Eleven discrete selections from 250 mV - 7.1 V RMS
  • Output Channels: 8
  • Analog Output: Unbalanced, stereo RCA jacks
  • Digital Output: Optical
  • Digital Inputs: Optical and Coax
  • Output Impedance: 450 Ω
  • Latency:
    • Analog - Analog: 5.425 mS
    • Analog - Optical: 5.470 mS
    • Optical - Optical: 4.860 mS
    • Optical - Analog: 4.805 mS
  • S/N Ratio: 98 dB (A-weighted, referred to 4V RMS output)
  • THD+N @ Rated Output: 0.02% (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
  • Audio Resolution: 24 bit/ 48 kHz
  • Number of EQ bands: 10 x 8 Channels
  • Remote Level Control: DRC-200 (included)
  • Remote Level Functions: Master Volume Control + Trim, Master Volume Control + Fader, Zone Control, LED Status reporting
  • Dimensions: Width - 4.83", Height - 1.88", Dept - 6.15"
  • Weight: 2.58 lbs.

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Customer Q&A

24 questions already asked

Q
How many rca cables are needed to connect the fix 86 into the twk 88. Do you only use full range into the twk88 or all 6 channels out of the fix86? Thxs
boomer  May 22, 2023
1 answer
A
You will need 6-channels of RCA to go from the JL Audio Fix 86 to the JL Audio TwK 88 DSP processor, LF. I prefer to use the EFX RCA cables in the handy link below in my own projects as they are extremely high quality and are available in very short 1.5-foot lengths if needed. https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142D15/EFX-2-Channel-RCA-Patch-Cables-1-5-foot.html
bo  May 23, 2023 (Staff)
Q
Can two of these DSPs be combined/ daisy-chained for more output channels? I have a total of 14 channels in my Jeep. If so, are there any cons to doing it?
aaron  Aug 15, 2021
1 answer
A
They are meant to stand alone and are not combinable. However, we should also mention that a device like does not not need to connect to every factory amp channel. It can get all the audio using a lot less channels. I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to discuss your vehicle and check
jason  Aug 18, 2021 (Staff)
Q
Sub control button, can I control any amp brand or just an JL Audio Amp? Also can I use a Audio Control ESP-3 and A Epicenter before going into the TWK 88? and lastly How can I add 2 more channels not using the Optical inputs or outputs, but analog only?
timothy  Jul 21, 2021
1 answer
A
This units subwoofer controls adjust the bass that can be output using one of its RCA connections which can work with any subwoofer amp that has RCA inputs. There may be some conflicts when using this with another audio processing device like that AudioControl ESP-3. I recommend contacting an advisor by calling 1-800-324-9695 to discuss your goals and the setup you seek to get a personal recommendation on gear that will work
jason  Jul 27, 2021 (Staff)
Q
If I were to install TwK 88 can you use different brand name amp that JL audio. I currently have Mmats amps in the car?
stan  Jul 20, 2021
4 answers
A
Yes you can. Just hook up the RCAs from the radio to the TWK then the RCAs from TWK to the Amps.
rey  Jul 20, 2021
A
Yes. This outputs low level signals that can be amplified with any amp. I currently run a Alpine amp.
david  Jul 20, 2021
A
Yes. It simply uses standard RCA cords to feed signal to amps.
chris  Jul 20, 2021
A
Yes you can, I'm using Skar amp. Sounds amazing
lindell  Jul 20, 2021
Q
Hello Is this something once installed by the professional you don't need to adjust it again ? Like this is in stalled and you never need to adjust it
mitchell  Dec 29, 2020
1 answer
A
Not really, some people are always making small adjustmenys to there system.But it comes with a cable that goes from the unit to your laptop which can be left plugged in so you never need to get to the unit...Enter
alan  Dec 29, 2020
Q
How can I tune with a tablet Do i need an adapter from the USB to fit in the charging port for the tablet?
michael  Dec 26, 2020
2 answers
A
PC tuning only.. No app.
john  Dec 27, 2020
A
I believe you need a jl audio Bluetooth adapter to use a tablet. Not sure the part number. Mac or pc laptop work through usb.
dustin  Dec 26, 2020
Q
Is a twk 88 required with a fix 86?
oscar  May 06, 2020
1 answer
A
The twk is designed for any system, while the fix is specifically designed for adding amplifier and such to a factory system.
thomas  May 27, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Is a twk 88 required with a fix 86?
oscar  May 06, 2020
2 answers
A
The fix 86 is the same as a 88 apart from the 86 is high level inputs, So the answer to the question is no..Hope that's helpful, good to see your buying from Crutchfield the customer service is second to none..
alan  May 06, 2020
A
Not at all. You can run a FIX86 without a TWK88. Alternatively, you can run a TWK88 without a FIX86.
david  May 06, 2020
Q
Should my JL Audio TwK 88 input/output signal status lights be amber while my vehicle is off? Or should the status lights be off?
john  Mar 08, 2020
1 answer
A
The status light might stay on temporarily for a few seconds after the ignition switch is in the off position, but it should not stay on. Sounds like the "battery" and "switch" wires are both hot. Is the "switch" terminal wire connected to the remote off wire from head unit or is it connected to the battery? If it's connected to the battery then the TwK 88 is going to stay on all the time and it'll drain your car's battery.
brian  Mar 08, 2020
Q
If I put 4 or 6 line levels into unit, will it supply a signal to all 8 of the outputs? Or do you only get as many channels out as you put in?
keith  Jul 29, 2019
3 answers
A
To answer your question: You could connect just one RCA cable to the input side and with the included software send that mono signal to all 8 line level output RCAs. There's a bit a learning curve to the software, but it's fairly simple to adjust the settings. You could just send a full frequency range left and right stereo signal into the device (two RCAs) and split the signal up and send it to two tweeters, two midranges, two midbass speakers, and still have two outputs for your subs.
brian  Aug 05, 2019
A
Yes, you can combine input channels to get as many as 8 outputs.
ryan  Aug 05, 2019
A
It's completely customizable. You could have only 1 input and 8 out, and vice versa
james  Aug 05, 2019
Q
Are there more than one pre set tune you can switch between and if so how many?
jeff  Jun 05, 2019
6 answers
A
Andrew is correct. You can set up to 10 presets.
john  Jun 08, 2019
A
Yes there are more than one preset I used two but I think you could use up to four you switch between pre-set by pushing the bass knob button in each pre-set has its own color
otis  Jun 06, 2019
A
It has 6 or 8 different pre-set with a custom color for each one, the twk88 takes tuning to another lever.
kevin  Jun 05, 2019
A
Yes, I believe it's 6 different presets you set up in the software. You can then scroll through them by pushing the volume knob to scroll through.
josh  Jun 05, 2019
A
I have found that I can set up 10 tunes that I can change at any time with the DRC remote.
andrew  Jun 05, 2019
A
Yes, and it is very useful. I think 6 or 8 you can customize, and these are activated via the remote knob. You assign a color to the setup you make. A press of the knob changes the preset and the led indicator will show the color. For example, I have one tune that is all defaults, another for testing, and my normal driving tune. I have the knob and led mounted in the dash for easy access. Note that if you were asking if any presets were customized, they are all flat out of the box. That said, once you have a setup dialed in and save it, you can copy that preset to another tab, assign a color, and it is immediately available. Changes to the copy do not impact the original.
george  Jun 05, 2019
Q
Do you need to purchase a microphone separately? Is the app free?
adam  Apr 30, 2018
2 answers
A
I installed the dsp , but haven't gotten around to doing the set up part ... sorry .????..but I already notice the improvement in my sounds .
dwayne a  May 01, 2018
A
The app is free, not sure what you need a microphone for though
james  Apr 30, 2018
Q
Do I have to use the DRC?
jim  May 27, 2017
1 answer
A
It's recommended that you only use its DRC to control it. The radio's these day to different things to the audio as you adjust the volume which would counteract all of its corrective processing. I would only use it's DRC. My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101
jason  Jun 05, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Does it accept balanced differential inputs?
dcfis  May 22, 2017
1 answer
A
Yes, according to the owner's manual (page 11) the JL Audio TwK 88 will accept either line-level or differential balanced inputs via the analog input section. If you would like to discuss further, please feel free to contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. Hope that helps!
david  May 29, 2017 (Staff)
Q
How do I split the remote out from the CD player so it can go to the dsp and the amp? I also want to piggy back into the power supply for the amp also? How is this done?
jim  May 18, 2017
1 answer
A
Used buss bars to enable multiple connections. But he should run the remote output from his cd player into the dsp only. The dsp then has it's own amp turn on output. Use that to avoid turn on pop.
michael  May 19, 2017
Q
Without a real time analyzer (RTA) how does one go about tuning with this DSP?
john  Mar 06, 2017
2 answers
A
Considering you have down loaded the software on a laptop, you would use the laptop to set up the TWK88. Plug in supplied cable from TWK88, into laptop and set up your cross overs, & EQ. You can also set up time alignment. There are so many adjustments with the TWK88. An RTA is used to measure the " in car frequency response". Unless you plan on going to car audio competitions, do you really need to use an RTA? Remember,.. RTA's are generally used in conjunction with pink,or white noise generators. With that being said, not all music is recorded the same. You would have to use your ears to tune your system to the type of music you listen to. So, you may be thinking, I can just use a equalizer, & you would be correct thinking that. However, the TWK88 goes well beyond a equalizer. For instance , I am using the TWK in a 4 way set up. So, the tweets ,mids, midbasses, & subs are separately crossed over and are independently powered by amplifiers. With this set up I now have total control of each speaker, & using time alignment, I can focus stereo image almost wherever I want on the dashboard. You can download the software from JL audio, and tool around with the settings to get an idea if this will work for your application. Be warned, after you see what can be done you may just be the proud owner of the TWK88.
william  Mar 08, 2017
A
The TWK-88 allows for real-time tuning and adjusting of all the available parameters, meaning you can hear each adjustment as you make it while playing music with the system on and connected to your laptop. It does not include a built-in RTA, but it only makes sense - If you're chasing hard numbers for frequency response, then you'll want to use an outboard dedicated RTA anyways with a matching external/dedicated microphone in the correct location (I use TrueRTA and a UMIK-1).
james  Mar 07, 2017
Q
Does the Twk 88 only work with windows? Is there a way I can get it to work on my Macbook?
trevor  Jul 22, 2016
2 answers
A
I use the TuN software with VirtualBox (free from Oracle) and it works perfectly
james  Mar 07, 2017
A
Their website only has a download available for Windows. Looks like you need a Parallels session with Windows running inside your Mac OS to make it work
nigel  Jul 22, 2016
Q
can i use this with my factory radio without losing and radio or steering wheel controls?
william  Jul 21, 2016
1 answer
A
The ability to retain steering wheel controls will be determined by the receiver you are using and the vehicle you have. For full information on this type of integration (including the parts you will need) please contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kenneth  Jul 22, 2016 (Staff)
Q
I have an Eclipse CD Tuner circa 2003-04 and it has a digital out which I think facilitates for an outboard Multi-disc Eclipse CD changer CH3083. I have a digital coax cable but couldn't I just used the digital coax on the JL Audio processor instead of using the digital in on the changer?
anthony  Jul 08, 2016
1 answer
A
The Eclipse stereo wouldn't offer a digital output for a CD changer as it wouldn't supply digital audio TO a changer. It may have a digital INPUT to accept the digital audio from CDs playing in the external changer. If so, you wouldn't be able to use the connection to provide digital audio out to the JL Audio. If your Eclipse does offer a digital audio output for some other purpose, yes, you can likely connect it to the optical input of the TwK system for processing. I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=5
ryan  Jul 09, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Does the JL Audio TwKT 88 System Tuning Processor have balanced differential input? Thanks
bhambra  Jul 06, 2016
1 answer
A
Refer to page 11 of the installation manual. The Twk 88 accepts line-level, differential balanced analog inputs; however, the analog outputs are unbalanced and not differential balanced.
david  Jul 20, 2016
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