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JL Audio FiX™ 86 Sound processor for adding amps and speakers to a factory system — 6 outputs

Item # 13698103

You want to upgrade the sound system in your car with new speakers and amps but replacing the factory radio is just...

You want to upgrade the sound system in your car with new speakers and amps but replacing the factory radio is just...

Item # 13698103

In stock
C$699.95

About the JL Audio FiX™ 86

Buck Pomerantz

To build a high-quality sound system, start with a clean slate

You want to upgrade the sound system in your car with new speakers and amps but replacing the factory radio is just not an option. However, your factory system uses unusual EQ curves and preset time alignments that work well with the inexpensive factory speakers, but will prevent your aftermarket gear from reaching top performance. JL Audio's FiX 86 digital signal processor removes the factory system's equalization, crossover filtering, and time alignment, providing you with a completely flat and focused audio signal that your aftermarket amplifiers and processors can turn into high-fidelity music.

To build a high-quality sound system, start with a clean slate

You want to upgrade the sound system in your car with new speakers and amps but replacing the factory radio is just not an option. However, your factory system uses unusual EQ curves and preset time alignments that work well with the inexpensive factory speakers, but will prevent your aftermarket gear from reaching top performance. JL Audio's FiX 86 digital signal processor removes the factory system's equalization, crossover filtering, and time alignment, providing you with a completely flat and focused audio signal that your aftermarket amplifiers and processors can turn into high-fidelity music.

Integrates into almost any system

The FiX 86 gets its input signals from your vehicle's speaker wiring — no outboard level-matching devices are necessary. The FiX 86 automatically re-synchronizes any signals that have been time-delayed, returning precision to the sound. It takes your factory radio's 2-way, 3-way, or 4-way outputs, matches their levels, and combines them into six full-range stereo signals. Then 1/3-octave equalizers automatically flatten the frequency response, leaving the system ready for your custom processing and amplification.

Digital features and calibration

It doesn't come much easier than this: pop the calibration CD or loaded thumb drive into your receiver, hit play, push in and hold the FiX 86 calibration button, and all the processing is done in about 30 seconds. The 24-bit 48 KHz digital processor ensures clean, low-noise signal handling and output.

Add customized tuning via PC

You can plug your laptop running JL Audio's TüN™ software into your FiX 86 to visualize and correct the system's frequency response. The graphic displays the response curve before and after the FiX 86's corrections.  The 10-band graphic equalizers on the front and rear channels let you fine-tune the sound to fit your car's acoustics and your musical tastes. The TüN software helps when you're setting up your FiX 86, giving you direct control over its factory calibration processing and allowing you to correct the polarity of any of the inputs.

Optional remote for volume control

You'll set up your FiX 86 with the factory radio's volume control at 3/4 full. Once the system is calibrated, you can use the optional DRC-205 Digital Remote Controller (sold separately) to control your system's level while maintaining the processor's EQ restoration. You can still use your radio's volume control without a DRC-205, but the factory volume-dependent equalization will affect the tone at different settings.

In addition to volume control, the DRC-205 features a Handsfree Optimization Mode that disables the FiX 86's time-correction and adds a high-pass filter to the audio to clarify the sound when making hands-free phone calls. A multi-colored LED on the remote reports the operational status of the FiX 86, so you'll know what's going on from the driver's seat.

Important Note: Some factory radios and amplifiers will not work without sensing that its speakers are connected to their outputs. If you don't have output from your factory system after installing this FiX processor, you'll need a FiX-LSA-4 load-sensing adaptor (sold separately) to correct the issue.

JL Audio FiX 86

JL Audio's TüN software lets you adjust 10 bands of equalization for each channel and see the results.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • system integration digital sound processor with automatic time alignment, channel summing, and equalization
  • removes factory sound processing for aftermarket speakers and amps
  • 8 speaker-level inputs (ch 1-2: full-range; ch 7-8: subwoofer)
  • 6 preamp outputs (3 pairs RCA) for connection to external processors and amplifiers
  • 24 bit/48 KHz digital audio resolution
  • calibration CD included
  • digital signal processing via Windows PC and JL Audio's TüN software
    • displays frequency response before and after processing
    • 10-band graphic EQ on front and rear channels
    • control FiX calibration process
    • reverse polarity of any input
    • high-pass filters on front and rear outputs
Other Features:
  • signal-sensing and DC offset sensing turn-on eliminate need for remote lead
  • optional dash-mountable remote (#13698128) controls Master Volume, Handsfree Optimization, and displays system Status LED
  • optional LSA-4 adapter (#13698124) may be necessary in order to defeat a factory radio's load-sensing mute function
  • dimensions: 4-3/8"W x 1-15/16"H x 6-3/16"D
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 98103

What's in the box:

  • Processor
  • Four 4-pin Euroblock (Phoenix) connectors
  • One 5-pin Euroblock connector
  • Owner's manual
  • Calibration disc

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More details on the JL Audio FiX™ 86

Stacey B.

Product Research

Features

Overview: The JL Audio Fix86 is a digital signal processor designed to give world-class sound from a factory audio system without replacing the OEM radio. Its 24-bit DSP processor can combine 2-, 3-, and 4-way factory outputs, while automatically level matching into a flat, full-range stereo signal to be passed on to an aftermarket amplifier. The Fix86 will automatically correct factory time delayed outputs before summing the signals and equalizing them with dual, 30 band, 1/3 octave equalizers. Its differential-balanced inputs accept virtually any OEM analog audio signal, from low-voltage line-level to high-power, speaker-level outputs (up to 30V RMS). The Fix86 offers three sets of Left/Right RCA outputs; Front, Rear, and non-fading Subwoofer.

Calibration: Basic calibration of the Fix86 is done using the Calibration button on the top panel of the processor. If the button is pressed for 5 seconds, the unit will start the calibration process which takes approximately 30 seconds. The button also serves as an EQ Bypass if pressed for 1 second. By connecting the processor to a PC (via USB) and running the included TuN 2.0 software, you can also access a complete suite of diagnostic panels that will show the frequency response of the input signals, as well as the corrected outputs. This also allows you to adjust the input polarity, muting, and filtering as well as initiating a new calibration. The output can be user-adjusted with a pair of 10-band graphic equalizers.

Note: Some factory audio amplifiers employ a load detection circuit that looks for a low-impedance load (a speaker load) in order to enable audio output. When a high-impedance load like the input section of the Fix86 is connected to these factory amplifiers, the audio output can be muted. After installing the Fix86 and turning on the audio system, if there is no output from the factory amplifier, a FiXLSA-4 Load-Sensing Adaptor (sold separately) will need to be inserted inline with the Fix86's inputs. The FiXLSA-4 presents a safe and appropriate load to the factory amplifier and corrects the muting behavior.

Turn-On Mode: The Fix86 offers three ways of activation via the top panel Turn-On Mode switch: Signal, DC Offset, and Remote.

  • Remote: When the Switched +12 VDC terminal gets 12 volts, the processor powers on.
  • DC Offset: Automatically turns on/off by detecting a small DC signal on the OEM speaker outputs.
  • Signal: Automatically turns on/off by detecting full-range audio signals on the OEM speaker outputs.

Connections:

  • Input: Factory audio signals are run into the Fix86 through four 4-pin Euroblock connectors for a total of 8 available input channels. Each terminal can accept up to 16 AWG wire. Along with the audio inputs, the processor includes a USB (Type-B, 2.0) port to connect to a PC for running the TuN software as well as doing firmware updates.
  • Outputs: The processor has 3 pairs of unbalanced RCA output connections, 2 Front and 2 Rear (allowing retention of the OEM fader control) as well as 2 non-fading Subwoofer jacks. Each channel outputs a 4 V RMS signal.
  • Power/Ground Connector: A 5-pin Euroblock connector provides the inputs for +12 VDC Battery, +12 VDC Switched (remote input if Turn-on Mode switch is set to Remote), Ground, Remote Out (provides a +12 V remote signal to trigger aftermarket amplifiers), and a Valet In. This is provided to attenuate the overall output level by 15 dB if the Fix86 sees a ground on this terminal. This keeps other people from possibly damaging the speakers by turning the volume up too high while the vehicle is being serviced or valet parked.
  • JLID Port: The Fix86 has an RJ-45 port for use with JL Audio's optional DRC-100 or DRC-205 Remote Controllers (sold separately).

DRC-100/205 Remote Controllers: These are under-dash mounted rotary controls that can be used for quick function adjustment from the driver's seat with options as follows:

  • DRC-100: Can add either Master Volume Control or Handsfree Optimization, both with LED Status Reporting.
  • DRC-205: Can add either Master Volume Control, Handsfree Optimization, or Subwoofer Level Control, all with LED Status Reporting.
    • Master Volume Control: When used as a Master Volume Control, the OEM headunit's volume gets left at the same level it was at during calibration, and the DRC-100 becomes the main volume control. This maintains a linear frequency response and best signal-to-noise ratio at all volume levels.
    • Handsfree Optimization: In this mode, the DRC-100 is used to optimize the clarity of the factory Bluetooth hands-free system. By pressing the rotary knob, this disables the processor's time correction and applies a 100 Hz high-pass filter to the output, making Bluetooth phone calls clearer to understand.
    • Subwoofer Level Control (DRC-205 only): When used as a Subwoofer Level Control, the rotary dial works as an attenuator for the Subwoofer output channels. Rotated fully clockwise allows the signal level to be the same as if the controller wasn't being used. Counter-clockwise rotation attenuates the Subwoofer output signal.
    • Status LED: The DRC-100's multi-colored LED will show the Fix82's overall status:
      • Constant green: Normal operation
      • Slow flashing green: Valet mode is active.
      • Constant amber: Handsfree mode is activated.
      • Flashing or constant red: Input signal is clipping (lower volume control on OEM headunit).

Status LEDs: Four LEDs on the Fix82's top panel display both the Input Status and the Calibration Status with two LEDs for each (Left/Right channels).

  • Input Status:
    • Green: Signal present.
    • Amber: Power on, no signal.
    • Momentary Red: Input signal is clipping.
  • Calibration Status:
    • Flashing Amber: No calibration.
    • Amber: Ready for calibration signal.
    • Flashing Green: Calibration in progress.
    • Green: Calibration successful.
    • Flashing Red: Calibration failure.
    • Alternating Green/Amber: EQ has been bypassed.

Specifications:

  • Power Supply Type: Regulated DC-DC SMPS
  • Input Operating Voltage: 10 - 16 VDC
  • Standby Current Draw: < 1.5 mA
  • Operating Current Draw: 0.7 A
  • Recommended Fuse Value: 1 A
  • Input Channels: 8
  • Input Type: Differential-Balanced
  • Input Voltage Range: 250 mV - 30 V RMS
  • Minimum Input Voltage: 10 mV RMS
  • Input Level Setting: Fully automatic
  • Output Channels: 6 (Front/Rear/Sub output pairs)
  • Analog Output: Unbalanced, stereo RCA jacks
  • Digital Output: Optical (Toslink) output (S/PDIF)
  • Output Impedance: 450 Ω
  • S/N Ratio: 96 dB (A-weighted, referred to 4V RMS output)
  • THD+N @ Rated Output: 0.02% (20 - 20 kHz)
  • Processing Audio Resolution: 24 bit/ 48 kHz
  • EQ Bands for Processing: 30 x 2 channels
  • EQ Resolution: 1/3 octave (25 Hz - 20 kHz)
  • Remote Level Control: Optional DRC-100 or DRC-205
  • Remote Level Functions: Master Volume, Handsfree Optimization, Subwoofer Level (DRC-205), and LED status reporting
  • Dimensions: Width = 4.35", Height = 1.88", Depth = 6.15"

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Customer Q&A

32 questions already asked

Q
Anyone know where I can get this installed right in Los Angeles CA,?
adalid fernando  Sep 05, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings Fernando. we have an installer locator link on our site that might be helpful. its just a tool to help fin installers in your area, we are not affiliated with any one of these. https://www.crutchfield.com/LocalInstaller/InstallerSearch.aspx?installType=0
hogan  Sep 06, 2023 (Staff)
Q
I have a 19 accord sport with 8 speaker system (no sub). I have DSP but wonder if this car has bass roll off in it's source unit. Is a fix86 needed between my high level inputs and DSP in this car?
gregory  May 13, 2022
1 answer
A
Hey Gregory. I bought the fix86 because it said it would make my factory radio sound better with the new Polk audio door speakers I installed. I haven't even had it installed to tell you my opinion on it. As far as your question goes, I recommend calling the Crutchfield technical support line posted on there website. I have no idea what any of that means haha. I had to Google DSP. Sorry and trust the Crutchfield representatives, they helped me a few times when I needed them. Good luck.
john cory  May 14, 2022
Q
Will this work if my factory radio has all pass filter?
matthew  Apr 27, 2022
1 answer
A
Yes, it will work. But it won't have the big amount of before & after contrasts as it does with a radio/front end that has its output frequency response altered (filtered) to compensate for the associated factory amps and speakers (that are usually cheap and colored). The TUNE system, hardware and software, "hears" the frequency response of the electronics of a system and automatically makes adjustments so that the signal sent to the speaker is flat. After the response is flattened the TUNE software does allow the user to make manual adjustments to eliminate peaks and dips if desired. But JL Audio, and others, make equalizers that are specifically designed for that purpose and can usually do a more efficient and effective job in getting a system to sound right after the electronics have been corrected (assuming such correction is necessary). The TUNE software that is used in many of JL Audio's products is very good at ensuring that an excellent sounding result is reached. The company has a series of understandable, detailed, and helpful seminars on Facebook that show how TUNE works and how to best use it.
hunter  Apr 27, 2022
Q
What does it mean by "non-fading" sub output?
seth  Mar 02, 2021
1 answer
A
It means you cannot fade the output to front or rear.
anthony  Mar 02, 2021
Q
I hook up a jl speaker and a 800 watt amp on my 2017 hyundai sonata. Which Eq do I have to get?
dn  Oct 22, 2020
1 answer
A
The fix 86 has a eq on it. You can access it via a windows 10 or a Mac computer. It offers a lot of customization!! I love mine!
noah  Nov 13, 2020
Q
Got everything hooked up in a 2017 dodge journey and it works....kinda. Have terrible noise in my 4 channels even with the 8.4 u connect radio off and engine not running.Have tried 2 different 4 channel amps and different grounds with no change. Sub amp has no noise. Can't figure out where the problem is. Any suggestions?!
justin  Oct 16, 2020
1 answer
A
If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.
kristina  Nov 06, 2020 (Staff)
Q
I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The door and other warning chimes play through the stereo. Will adding the JL Audio FiX 86 and an aftermarket amp have any effect on the volume of the chimes (i.e. make them louder), assuming everything is installed correctly?
jason  Oct 08, 2020
1 answer
A
You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss compatibility with your factory system. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and see if this will integrate. If it does not, then they will also be able to discuss other options with you.
kristina  Oct 16, 2020 (Staff)
Q
I have a 2017 GMC Sierra 1500. The door and other warning chimes play through the stereo. Will adding the JL Audio FiX 86 and an aftermarket amp have any effect on the volume of the chimes (i.e. make them louder), assuming everything is installed correctly?
jase  Oct 07, 2020
2 answers
A
This won't change the relative volume level of the chimes when compared to the rest of the audio/music. Their offset will remain the same.
jason  Oct 25, 2020 (Staff)
A
Its the same with most cars these days,, none of them have a separate speaker for the chimes, i haven't had any of mine sound any different or louder,hope that helps :)
brent  Oct 22, 2020
Q
I have a fix 86 do I need a twk 88?
oscar  May 06, 2020
1 answer
A
No, it would be duplicative. They are both DSPs. The fix series is intended for OEM integration, with speaker level inputs. The TWK series is for aftermarket installations using either line level RCA inputs or digital connection with an optical connection.
brandon  May 06, 2020
Q
Do I need the DRC-205 remote control with this?
justin  Feb 27, 2020
4 answers
A
No JL kinda acts like it's important but i had stereo shops also tell me you don't need it I have one and just leave the knob all the way up then use volume control on head unit
shon  Feb 28, 2020
A
Technically I don't think you do, but for optimal use you do want one. You set Fix by calibrating your head unit volume at 75% of its output or before it clips and leave it there, then use the remote control as a master volume. Without it, you would just use your master head unit volume only which kind of cancels the point of calibration.
brian  Feb 28, 2020
A
You don't need one but you can use this remote control to control different output levels
douglas  Feb 27, 2020
A
No, it is not a must but rather a nice to have.
sean  Feb 27, 2020
Q
I have front and rear rca outputs from the head unit. Will the fix 86 accept front and rear rca cables instead of direct speaker wire?
ryan  Nov 29, 2019
3 answers
A
If you already have RCA ouputs, get the Twk. The Fix86 is good for a low level converter and to remove factory EQ.
edwin  Nov 30, 2019
A
The rca s are just for output but if you already have rcas on your head unit you don't need the fix 86 it's more for OEM integration
shon  Nov 30, 2019
A
The purpose of the Fix unit is oe integration on newer vehicles so it's not meant for input that way. New cars amplifiers clip the base out to protect the speakers leaving a not so great experience and if your adding an amp to I have to use this. If you have rca's already you wouldn't need this. Hope this helps.
mike  Nov 30, 2019
Q
does the fix 86 remove engine noise being picked up by my new system?
renick  Apr 09, 2019
3 answers
A
It will Defiantly help with that issue but i would check your grounds too
eli  Apr 09, 2019
A
No. It will not.
hunter  Apr 09, 2019
A
Renick, it depends on what the cause of the noise is. If it is a constant hiss, the Fix 86 could help due to the processing capabilities that are not present in a factory stereo. If your "new system" is aftermarket, then you likely do not need this unit. It is primarily for vehicles that have added amps and speakers, but have a factory head unit that cannot give you the equalization/processing that most aftermarket head units do. I'd say 95 percent of the time or more, "engine noise" is caused by a bad ground somewhere (particularly if the noise increases with acceleration). All that said, this unit is fantastic for those that want to add amps, better speakers, and overall better sound to a vehicle without changing out the head unit.
travis  Apr 09, 2019
Q
Do I need the fix 86 or does my twk 88 already give me the flat output signal that I need?
shawn  Aug 26, 2018
1 answer
A
The fix creates the flat output signal, and the twk tailors the sound to your liking. Start with the fix, it does have a built in eq and if you need more adjustments add the fix.
derek  Aug 30, 2018
Q
Have a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee with UConnect... I have read the fix 86 may have load sense issues. Any problems with This on the Jeep and will I need the extra part? Also I read the fix86 requires the added knob which takes over volume control... will the UConnect volume stop functioning with this?.
michael  Feb 18, 2018
3 answers
A
i had one in my 2016 jk. don't know what the problem was, but I went through 2 of them before deciding to replace the head unit. would not recommend. crutchfield was great to work with, replaced one then refunded for the second. don't know which grand cherokee you got, but if you have the option change the head unit. you will get a much better sound even if the fix86 works. my wife just got a 2018 grand cherokee limited 2 days ago and on that changing the head unit really isn't an option, to much going on with it. hope this helps
richard  Feb 18, 2018
A
f150 here. I use the fix86 with my stock unit which is somewhat similar to your setup. I did not need any knob. The stock unit works the same, just sounds a lot better because the fix86 gave me a clean pre amp signal to use for my new amps etc. all stock volume controls work the same. No volume issues. On another note, i wish that we could just purchase new head units like the old days. Maybe some day they will figure out the software to make that happen. Hope this helped.
todd  Feb 18, 2018
A
Unconnect functions fine with the fix86. When you set it up, you turn the volume up 75% and it does its optimization for that level. If you use the volume on your radio, the only place it will be optimized is at 75%. That is where the additional volume control comes into play. You leave the head unit at 75 and adjust the sound volume with the additional control. It takes some getting used to, reaching for the new knob instead of the volume on the wheel or the head unit but the quality of the music is well worth the learning curve.
marcus  Feb 18, 2018
Q
Can you use this with 2 amps? I.E. 4 ch. amp for the door speakers amp and another mono amp for the sub. Thanks.
t-loc  Dec 29, 2017
1 answer
A
Absolutely...I have a 6 channel system for my highs...I am using the front out going to a 4 channel amp that is pushing my dash speakers and my front door speakers. I did this so I can adjust the gain/crossover separately for my front channels. I am using the rear out to another 2 channel amp which is pushing the highs in My rear door speakers. Last I'm using the sub out going to a mono block amp pushing my subs. With the software I have an unbelievable amount of tuning options.
joshua  Dec 29, 2017
Q
Quick question, maybe this is obvious, but i'm still a little unsure. If I only have FR, FL, RR, and RL speaker signal outputs from my TAU, but I want to add a sub, what speaker output/ signal would I use for the sub input on this unit?
synjen  Dec 10, 2017
2 answers
A
The FiX 86 will take the 4-channel input in your factory system and automatically sums the signal internally to provide a filtered subwoofer output. For more details or to discuss further, please contact an Advisor directly by phone (888.955.6000) or online chat. Thanks!
david  Dec 18, 2017 (Staff)
A
As long as some or all of the front or rear inputs contain a full range signal, you will be fine. This is many times vehicle and/ or oem sound system specific. For example, on my F150 w/ Sony audio, only my rear speakers received full range. And while I did have a separate sub signal, it was so distorted it was unusable. If available, use the forums for your vehicle to get the specifics.
james  Dec 17, 2017
Q
will I be able to keep all factory functions such as Uconnect on my Jeep JKU?
scott  Dec 07, 2017
3 answers
A
Yessir. I cannot speak specifically for Uconnect, but in my Tahoe, it did not effect Chevy MyLink or any factory features. All it does is process the signal coming from your factory head unit and the amps.
travis  Dec 07, 2017
A
I was able to keep all functionality of my factory headunit with the Fix 86.
steven  Dec 07, 2017
A
Yes but I'm not impressed with it. I replaced everything in my renegade with top end replacements and the quality of sound, sounds better in my parents upgraded Cherokee. I have alpine everything but the JL H/O sub. I put a 5 channel amp but don't recommend it.
david  Dec 07, 2017
Q
Should you obtain the factory signal before or after the factory amplifier?
mark  Nov 16, 2017
2 answers
A
if you can get your four channels before your factory amp this is not needed.Its made for cars like Mercedes-Benz where your low level signals or fiber optic or cmos and cannot be taped until after factory amp/signal processor.The fix86 allows your front/rear fade. The fix82 2 channel only. You know have a flat input to work with. You can add twk 88 which you gives you eq. abilities and more. If you want center channel then look at Helix units
keith  Nov 16, 2017
A
The fix 86 it goes after the factory amp.
keith  Nov 16, 2017
Q
Once installed and calibrated, can the unit be hidden with no easy access and any needed tweaking handled by the software via USB? Will the end user need to access the unit?
greg  Jul 13, 2017
5 answers
A
Yes, they will need to access the unit or you can run a USB from the unit to a place more accessible. I ran a USB from the unit under my dash so I can get access to tuning when needed
david  Jul 14, 2017
A
Please ignore the reference to "presets" in my previous answer - I was assuming you were also using the TWK for tuning after the FIX...
james  Jul 14, 2017
A
No access, other than USB, is needed post-install. The TUN software via USB is all that's needed to tailor your presets.
james  Jul 14, 2017
A
If it is properly installed/tuned you will have zero need to access the device. I haven't had any reason to adjust mine in over a year. Very happy with it.
jordan  Jul 14, 2017
A
Once installed, calibrated, and adjusted, you can place in a no access area. But personally I would want access if I felt it needed adjustments. It has a long usb cable, that's really all you need access to.
eric  Jul 14, 2017
Q
On my car ... Pre amp lines coming from the factory stereo and into the factory amp - the stereo feeds only 2 sets/channels of wires to the factory amplifier that are the following - FL+- wires FR+- wires Can I feed the above pre amp lines (FL & FR) into the Fix86 *and then* the Fix86 create the rest of the missing channels? If not, which product will allow me to create more channels from the only two lines I have available (FL and FR)? Post factory amplifier all the channels are present, the factory amplifier creates the rest of them from FL and FR, but I fear tapping into post amplifier channels will create noise and sound issues.
andrew  Jun 12, 2017
2 answers
A
The 86 takes speaker-level inputs and then converts them to preamp outs. Since you already have preamp outs, you don't need it; you're already past that step. The TWK 88 (a processor) will take those preamp channels and do most anything you want with them. You can adjust crossovers, levels, even EQ. It's all configurable from a Windows laptop via USB. I'd take a look at that box. I love mine.
andrew  Jun 13, 2017
A
What kind of vehicle I'm really not sure I used to fix in the other product By JL to get my system to work I got a 16 F3 50 Ford it wasn't easy but everything's tweet nowEnter an answer to this question.
brian  Jun 13, 2017
Q
HU sounds different from radio to aux to Bluetooth, with a big tone difference. will the fix correct the tone differences across input selections?
curtis  Mar 10, 2017
1 answer
A
This will not be able to fix that issue. It does not have a way of knowing which input you have selected to know how much offest is needed. The only way I know of fixing that would be a receiver that has a volume offset for each of those sources. I recommend contacting an advisor on 1-800-324-9695 for a personal recommendation on a receiver if you decide to go this route. My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=101
jason  Mar 17, 2017 (Staff)
Q
will i lose HU volume controls?
curtis  Mar 10, 2017
4 answers
A
No you will not loose volume control from the head unit .
michael  Mar 10, 2017
A
I Didnt in my 2016 silverado w/bose system
sean  Mar 10, 2017
A
No. You will control the volume thru the factory HU.
jason  Mar 10, 2017
A
No, you can still control the volume with the head unit but I do find that controlling it through the Fix 86 provides a more consistent sound quality. In my opinion.
michael  Mar 10, 2017
Q
does this help if using aftermarket speakers with stock headunit? (no aftermarket amp)
dylan  Feb 26, 2017
2 answers
A
No, it will not help. This will turn the high level signal into low level at the output, needing an amp to get to high level again.
edwin  Jul 24, 2018
A
Depends on if you think a flat signal is helping. It takes all the equalization from the stock head unit, flattens it out, and outputs that flat signal. Basically giving you a clean slate to work with. After using mine for a week or so, I think I will be needing the TwK 88 to get the sound I want. The FiX 86 gave me a consistent signal to work with from the stock head unit and now I need the TwK 88 to tweak the sound to my preference, which I couldn't reliably do without the Fix. Give the Rockford Fosgate 3sixty.3 a good look. I believe it does the same function as the Fix and TwK together for a good bit less.
marcus  Feb 28, 2017
Q
Does the FiX 86 have a microphone? Does it listen to the tones played on the calibration CD?
richard  Feb 15, 2017
2 answers
A
No microphone, it just corrects the signal electrically with some test tones.
edwin  Jul 24, 2018
A
There is no external mic included with the FiX 86--all the calibration is done internally via the included CD or a loaded thumb drive connected to your receiver. If you would like to discuss further, feel free to contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
david  Feb 27, 2017 (Staff)
Q
Can one of the subwoofer outs be switched for use by the center channel in my truck?
matthew eric  Jan 29, 2017
2 answers
A
This will just attempt to flatten the signal and the included EQ is barely enough to get you system as you need. For completing tuning your system a DSP like the Twk or any other brand is needed.
edwin  Jul 24, 2018
A
The JL Audio Fix 86 processor does not offer any 5.1 decoding or mono outputs for providing signal to a center channel speaker. While I know this isn't the answer you were looking for, I hope the information helps.
ryan  Feb 09, 2017 (Staff)
Q
How do you do calibrate this device if your system does not have a cd Player?
keith  Oct 29, 2016
3 answers
A
Sorry. Misunderstood your question. Calibration tone(s) can be introduced from USB, SDcard or Bluetooth as well.
james  Oct 29, 2016
A
Calibration is done automatically by pushing in button as you play first track of fix 86 cd they provide. It only takes 30 seconds to preform. Very easy to install and the rest is done by the 86. I'm sure you can transfer cd to thumb drive on your computer if you don't have CD player. Then play from thumb drive. Call jl audio tech support to confirm. I've called a few times in past with questions and they have always helped.
jeff h  Oct 29, 2016
A
Source (CD, radio, MP3...) is not a factor. The Fix-86 is used to 'sum' factory radio/ amp signals that have been equalized, sometimes variably (different EQ at different volumes). Calibration objective is strip out factory 'processing' resulting in a clean audio signal, usually for input to an aftermarket amplifier. You will need some car audio expertise to tackle this!
james  Oct 29, 2016
Q
Will this get rid of any "pop" sounds related to turning on and off amplifiers added to factory head units?
a1dookie  Jul 31, 2016
2 answers
A
I installed this in a 2015 GMC canyon... there is absolutely no pops or engine noise.
joshua  Dec 29, 2017
A
JL Audio's FiX 86 digital signal processor is designed to provide a completely flat and focused audio signal from the factory installed radio to your aftermarket amplifier(s). So while it's hard to say for certain, I would imagine any sort of "popping" noises would be relieved by installing the FiX 86 in your system. I hope that helps. My Bio: http://www.crutchfield.com/Support/Bio.aspx?bio=159
david  Aug 05, 2016 (Staff)
Q
Does this defeat the head unit tone and fade controls?
jeff  Jul 26, 2016
2 answers
A
No it does not defeat these.
joshua  Dec 29, 2017
A
All fade controls still work, factory tone controls still work
lon  Jul 29, 2016
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