About the AudioControl LCQ-1

Add amps and fine tuning to your factory system
Add amps and fine tuning to your factory system
AudioControl's LCQ1 6-channel line output converter (LOC) with 11-band equalization and bass restoration allows you to add aftermarket amps, speakers, and subs to your car's factory radio, so you can enjoy better and more powerful sound without losing climate controls, voice-activated functions, or other built-in factory features. The LCQ1 accepts speaker-level signals, so you can use it with just about any setup, even high-powered amplified systems.
Summing
The LCQ1 sums its input signals together, even if they've been crossed over for tweeters, mids, and subs by the factory system. That way, you can count on a strong, smooth, full-range signal for your processors and amps. The LCQ1 features six RCA preamp outputs that'll handle a traditional front/rear/sub setup.
Equalization
The LCQ1's graphic equalizer will help make your music sound fantastic in your car, utilizing 11 bands of adjustment for sonic fine tuning. Most car audio problems occur in the bass frequencies, so this processor's subwoofer channel gives you five bands of equalization between 31.5 and 100 Hz. The front and rear channels each feature six bands of equalization at varying intervals from 125 Hz up to 8,000 Hz.
Why you have to restore the bass
Many factory radios actually turn the bass down as you increase the volume to protect the cheap factory speakers, subsequently removing much of your music's power and punch. AudioControl developed a patent pending AccuBASS™ circuit that restores the bass the factory radio erased, giving you much fuller and more enjoyable sound. The AccuBASS is applied to the subwoofer output channel, so your sub amp can have the entire, restored signal to work with.
Level-matching with an LED indicator
AudioControl makes it easy: set your factory stereo to about 3/4 maximum volume, turn the output level control of the LCQ1 until the "Maximized" light begins to flicker, then adjust the gain controls on your amps and you're done. You've level-matched the output of your receiver to the amplifier's input, so you can count on getting maximum performance and minimum noise from your system.
Convenience
The optional dash-mounted ACR-2 wired remote allows you to adjust the volume of the bass while you're on the go, and to bypass and reengage the EQ to demonstrate your fine tuning. The speaker-level inputs sense incoming signals and turn on the LCQ1, while a built-in 12-volt trigger turns on your amps as well. If your factory system only has channels for front and rear speakers, AutoMode™ will create the output you can use for your subs.
Product highlights:
- 6-channel line output converter plus 11-band equalization and bass restoration
- 6 speaker-level inputs (each can handle up to 400 watts RMS)
- internal channel summing
- 11-band graphic equalizer
- subwoofer channels: 5 bands (center frequencies: 31.5, 50, 63, 80, 100 Hz)
- front and rear channels: 6 bands (center frequencies: 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 8000 Hz)
- AccuBASS™ bass restoration circuitry
- 6 preamp outputs (up to 8.5 volts RMS)
- level matching controls with Maximized Indicator LED
Other Features:
- optional wired remote subwoofer level controller available (item 161ACR2)
- AutoMode™ turns 4-channel input to 6-channel output
- GTO™ signal-sensing turn on
- 12-volt turn-on lead output
- recommended fuse rating: 2 amps
- 7-15/16"W x 1-5/16"H x 6-15/16"D
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # 841-063-8
What's in the box:
AudioControl LCQ-1 owner's manual
- 6-Channel signal processor (black)
- 4 Connector blocks (installed)
- Owner's Manual
- Quality Control note
Customer reviews for AudioControl LCQ-1
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More details on the AudioControl LCQ-1

Product Research
Features
Overview: The AudioControl LCQ-1 is a powerful six-channel signal processor that provides a gateway between factory installed source units and aftermarket amplifiers. It is a compact, six-channel, high-performance, OEM line-output converter with independent multichannel equalizers to custom tune your car audio system. The LCQ-1 allows you to easily "tune" your audio system & receive improved sound quality. An ideal combination of discrete equalization controls combined with AudioControl's unique OEM integration circuitry, the LCQ-1 maximizes the performance of factory installed audio systems. No longer will you have to compromise when performing basic amplifier additions to a factory installed audio system. The active circuitry used in the LCQ-1 provides dramatically better sound quality & enhances the bass response.
AccuBASS: Designed for maximum sound quality and enhanced audio performance, the LCQ-1 is the latest AudioControl processor to incorporate AccuBASS. This patent pending process automatically corrects for the bass roll-off that is common with many factory-installed audio systems. Factory installed amplifiers and woofers are (unfortunately) not designed to reproduce bass at high volumes. Car manufacturers adapt to this by taking the bass out of the signal when you turn up the volume. AudioControl developed the patent pending AccuBASS circuit to restore bass. After a quick and easy one-time setting, the AccuBASS circuit takes over the bass just as the factory system rolls off. You get smooth, seamless, and rock solid bass response regardless of volume level.
Individual Equalization Controls: To custom tune your system, the LCQ-1 gives you dedicated equalization controls for the Front, Rear, & Subwoofer outputs.
Channel Type | Equalization Frequencies | Level Adjustment |
---|---|---|
Front | 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 8kHz | -12 to +12 dB |
Rear | 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, 1kHz, 2kHz, 8kHz | -12 to +12 dB |
Subwoofer | 31.5Hz, 50Hz, 63Hz, 80Hz, 100Hz | -12 to +12 dB |
6ch Speaker Level Inputs: The LCQ-1 has active, high-voltage, high-impedance (20K Ohms) speaker-level inputs that accepts signals from high power, factory installed amplifiers (up to 400 watts per channel). This means the AudioControl LCQ-1 will work with factory-installed audio systems and give you a higher-quality signal with lower noise, lower distortion, and higher output voltage. These inputs get their signals from the speaker-level outputs of your factory installed source unit or amplifier. If your source unit has front, rear, & subwoofer speaker-level outputs, connect them to the three sets of inputs on your LCQ-1.
AutoMode Input: If the source unit only has front & rear outputs, the Auto Mode circuitry in your LCQ-1 automatically routes the Channel 2 input channels to the (Channel 3) subwoofer channels.
Internal Channel Summing: The LCQ-1 employs internal channel summing for interfacing with factory installed amplifiers with built-in crossovers. Channel summing lets you eliminate any factory-installed active crossovers. Many of today's factory stereo systems include separately amplified & crossed-over tweeters, midranges, & subs. If you are going to add aftermarket amps and speakers to the car you will need to combine (or sum) these separate signals into a single full-range signal for the new system. The LCQ-1 has the capability to combine together multiple (2, 4, or 6) input signals from the factory source unit into 2 channels. The LCQ-1 has internal jumpers that allow you to select which input signals will be summed into the Main outputs. When the jumper is moved to the "Sum" position, there will also be a corresponding green indicator light on the front of the LCQ-1.
Note: The LCQ-1 is shipped from the factory in the non-summed (separate) position.
Preamp Outputs: The AudioControl LCQ-1 is equipped with 3 stereo preamp outputs (Front/Main, Rear/Ch2, and Sub/Ch3) to connect to your aftermarket amplifier(s). Each stereo preamp output has an independent level control which allows you adjust the signal level from your factory source unit to match the input of your aftermarket amplifier(s).
GTO (Great Turn-On) Circuit: The main speaker level inputs have a signal sensing circuit (GTO) that turns the unit "On" when there's a speaker level input signal, and turns the unit off when the signal disappears.
Remote Output: The +12 volt DC remote output will trigger an amp to turn on whenever the LCQ-1 is "On". The remote's maximum current output is 1 amp.
Optional Remote Control: You can add a multi-function dash control (161ACR2, sold separately) that allows you to set the level of the subwoofer. It also has an in/out switch for the equalizer function so you can hear the system before and after your tuning changes. The ACR-2 is a multi-function remote that gives you control over the level of the Channel 3/Subwoofer output so you can balance the bass level with the rest of the system. An additional feature of the ACR-2 dash remote is that it allows the equalization to be switched in and out of the audio circuit by tapping the switch. You can hear the system before and after the EQ adjustments.
Installation: The LCQ-1 needs to be installed in the signal path between your OEM source unit (or factory amplifier) and aftermarket amplifier(s) and/or processor(s). Do not connect the LCQ-1 between the factory head unit and the factory amplifier. Locate the amplified speaker wires that are coming from your factory source unit and/or amplifier and connect them to the speaker-level inputs on the LCQ-1. In many cases you can find factory speaker leads in the rear of the vehicle or at the factory amplifier. Then use RCA connecting cables to connect the RCA outputs of the LCQ-1 to your aftermarket amplifier(s). Finally, connect +12V power and ground. The LCQ-1 has a 12-volt trigger input, but normally you will just let the GTO turn on circuit take care of that by itself.
Specifications:
- Maximum Speaker Level Input: 400 watts
- Maximum Output Voltage: 8.5 volts RMS
- Output Gain: +/-12 dB
- Frequency response: 10Hz-22kHz
- THD: 0.01%
- Input Impedance: 20 kΩ
- Output Impedance: 150 Ω
- Power Draw: 350mA
The AudioControl LCQ-1 replaces these items

AudioControl LCQ-1
- 6 speaker-level inputs (each can handle up to 400 watts RMS)
- 11-band graphic equalizer
- 6 preamp outputs (up to 8.5 volts RMS)

AudioControl LCQ-1
- 6 speaker-level inputs (each can handle up to 400 watts RMS)
- 11-band graphic equalizer
- 6 preamp outputs (up to 8.5 volts RMS)
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Customer Q&A
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really good product! Has helped me achieve the missing sound i needed with stock head unit and factory amp. This sits between my factory amp and aftermarket amplifier.
Noel from Hackensack NJ