If you have headphones with a microphone and speakers, it's tempting to connect both devices and use them depending on the time of day without having to constantly plug and unplug.
If your audio system supports multi-channel audio (most often, Realtek HD Audio is used everywhere now) - this is not difficult to do. The solution is to switch the computer's audio system to multi-channel (quadraphonic) mode and reassign the properties of the connectors on the computer through the audio driver settings panel.
I'll show you how to do this using the example of the most popular operating system, Windows XP. In Windows 7 and 8 everything is also simple.
Modern desktop computers usually have three audio connectors on the back panel and two on the front. Often the connectors on the front panel are not connected and we will not consider them.
The connectors on the rear panel have different colors:
blue - linear input;
green - line output (headphone output);
red - microphone input.
First of all, go to the Control Panel and click the “Sound and Audio System” button (in other operating systems just “Sound”). Select the tab or "Audio" and in it "Play audio". You can quickly get to this place by right-clicking on the system gray speaker icon at the bottom right of the panel near the clock and selecting “Adjust audio settings.”
Then launch the Realtek HD Audio Manager by right-clicking on the orange speaker icon on the panel next to the clock and selecting "Audio Manager". Click on the wrench button in the "Audio Inputs/Outputs" tab and check the "Connect automatic pop-up dialog for a turned on device" checkbox. Now, when you plug cables into the audio connectors, the system will prompt you to choose what exactly you plugged there. You also need to select “4CH speakers” from the drop-down list above the audio system testing picture.
Then, in turn, connect the green headphone connector to the green computer connector, the red microphone connector to the red computer connector, and the speaker audio cable to the blue computer connector (you don’t need to turn on the speakers yet). At the same time, in the pop-up window, indicate with a tick which device you connected.
For the green connector, select “headphone output,” for the blue connector, “output to the front speakers” (or vice versa), and for the red connector, select “microphone input.”
That's all! Now you can check - the sound will come from both the speakers and headphones at the same time! In the evening, you can turn off the speakers without disconnecting them from the computer. Happy listening!
Some car owners are not satisfied with the sound of the standard radio. The situation can be corrected by installing an active or passive subwoofer. Installing the device in a car is possible on your own, for which you should select the necessary materials and tools, familiarize yourself with the connection diagram and the step-by-step process algorithm. Then installing the equipment and connecting it will not be difficult.
The main differences between passive and active subwoofers
To answer the question about the distinctive aspects of active and passive subwoofers, you must first understand what each of the designs is individually.
What is a passive subwoofer
A passive sub is a design of one or more low-frequency (LF) dynamic drivers enclosed in a single housing, the material of which can be either plywood or wood. In order for such a device to reproduce sound vibrations, it is necessary to connect to an external audio amplifier through a low-pass filter, which passes only the signal band with low frequencies.
A passive subwoofer is a separate unit of speakers, filters and amplifier. Each of these blocks is purchased separately and connected to each other during installation.
What is active
An active sub is a single ready-made acoustic unit, consisting not only of a speaker and a filter, but also an amplification device. Such equipment is somewhat simpler to connect, and there is also an opinion that the sound quality is superior to the sound from a passive subwoofer. But if you look in more detail, the sound quality directly depends on how the settings are made.
The active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier, which saves space in cars with little free space. To connect to the radio, you only need to supply power and an audio signal.
Difference between them
To decide which design to give preference to, it is worth considering the main points that car owners pay attention to when choosing:
- Price indicator - the cost of an active subwoofer is higher, which is due to the presence of an amplifier and other expensive elements in the device.
- Advantages of installation - passive structures are more difficult to install due to the need to additionally install a filter and amplifier. The presence of an amplifier in the active system saves space, which is especially important for small cars.
- Sound quality - many would argue that the sound of an active system should be better. However, the sound directly depends on the correct setup of the system. Based on practice, with high-quality setup of a passive subwoofer, the sound surpasses the performance of the active system.
- Ease of setup - an active speaker system has more advanced setup options, but if a good external amplifier is used, then this feature is nullified.
Pros and cons of systems
The positive aspects of a passive subwoofer include its relatively low cost due to the lack of a built-in amplifier. In addition to this point, the use of passive systems allows you to assemble an acoustic device with exactly the requirements that will correspond to high-quality sound as you understand it. In order to get a subwoofer with optimal sound quality, you will need to select an amplifier, frequency filters, and a set of dynamic drivers in boxes. Compared to active ones, different types of enclosures are used for passive designs: bandpass, bass reflex, and standard boxes. As for active devices, it is difficult to use different types of housings due to the need to accommodate additional electronics.
The main advantage of active is the presence of a built-in amplifier and filter, which allows you to connect the system to a car radio without additional devices. This positive feature is also a disadvantage. Due to the fact that both the speaker and electronics are located in one case, something has to be sacrificed. The main nuance is the insufficient power of the amplifier.
How to install a subwoofer in a car and connect it to the radio
To install a subwoofer, in addition to the device itself, you will need the following tools and materials:
- wiring (power, “tulips” and positive wire to the amplifier and car radio);
- fuse;
- capacitor;
- pliers and wire cutters;
- insulating tape;
- screed;
- a set of wrenches and an adjustable wrench.
Where to install
Installing a sub can be a real challenge, depending on the car model. And it’s not just a matter of connecting the device, but also choosing a place for its installation. As the owner of a minivan or hatchback, the issue of space does not raise any questions, since the trunk is large. With sedans the situation is somewhat different and, as a rule, the sub is mounted in the armrests or on the rear parcel shelf. The most inconvenient body type is considered to be a convertible, since such cars have a small trunk volume. However, if you really want to, you can install the device in question in such cars.
Connecting a passive
Let's consider a sequential algorithm for installing a device. The installation will take about 1–3 hours, depending on the experience and model of the machine. One of the difficult steps is laying the power cable to the amplifier. Since the subwoofer is mounted in the trunk, all wires must be routed through the cabin to the power source. Before starting work on the battery, remove the terminals, which will eliminate the possibility of a short circuit.
- The first thing that is necessary is to find a technological hole, which is closed with a special plug. On domestic cars it may be missing, as well as the hole itself. Therefore, you will have to drill it and, after pulling the cable, seal it with sealant. It is best to insert a piece of hose into the hole to prevent chafing of the wire.
- The wiring in the engine compartment can be located in a standard harness and led out into the cabin. You first need to decide where and how the power cable will be laid. For wires in some places you will need to remove the trim, as well as the sill trims. Avoid kinking or pinching the wiring. After installation, all facing elements are installed in their places.
- In the luggage compartment, the wires to the amplifier are also routed through a hole in the body. Power is connected to the device in compliance with polarity.
- After connecting power to the amplifier, it must be connected to the radio. In this case, you will need wires of the “tulip” type, as well as a wire that allows you to control the power of the amplifier. To dismantle the radio, special keys are used, but you can carefully use a knife or a screwdriver of a suitable size.
- We connect the “tulips” according to the colors of the connectors. If it is necessary for the subwoofer and the radio to be turned on simultaneously, then use the corresponding positive wire.
- Then we pass the wires together with the power cable through the interior. We connect the “tulips” to the amplifier.
- If a power wire was connected to the radio, it should also be supplied to the amplifier so that the devices turn on simultaneously. We look for the terminal and connect it to the power cable of the radio.
- All that remains is to connect the subwoofer to the amplifier. When installing a two-channel amplifier, for power distribution, both channels are connected to the device in question.
The high-level adapter is used for radios without line-out connectors. The device converts the signal from the radio output into a linear signal
Connecting a subwoofer from a computer to a radio
Sometimes the quality of standard music in a car is not satisfactory and various ideas arise to improve the sound. One of the issues is connecting a computer subwoofer to the radio. In fact, the device can be connected in two ways: by supplying power through a 12/220V inverter or by finding the necessary contacts (+12V) on the amplifier board for the subwoofer. To do this, you need to arm yourself with a tester and have some experience in radio electronics. Having sorted out the power supply, we apply an audio signal to the subwoofer input, taking it from the linear output of the radio, using a shielded cable of the required length.
Crossover connection
Before considering connecting a subwoofer via a crossover, you need to understand what this device is. Crossover allows you to separate frequencies into ranges, i.e. plays the role of a filter. For example, there are speakers called “tweeters”. If you did not apply a frequency filter, then a signal from the entire frequency range would be supplied to the dynamic heads - from low frequencies to high frequencies. Without signal separation, the detail of the music will be worse. Crossovers come in active and passive types, as well as one- and two-way.
Pros, cons and connecting a passive crossover
A passive filter has no active elements, i.e. it consists of inductors, resistances and capacitors. This leads to a significant disadvantage - loss of signal power. Also among the disadvantages are restrictions on peak load, which leads to rapid failure of the device. To connect a passive crossover, it is placed directly in front of the load, i.e. in front of the dynamic heads. In this case, only one amplifier can be used, which is an advantage. Such filters can be built into the acoustics or form a separate unit.
Pros, cons and connecting an active crossover
An active filter is installed in front of the amplifier, so it is impossible to use one device to amplify the signal. In this case, the speaker is connected to a separate amplifier channel, regardless of the type of frequencies. One of the advantages of an active filter is the ability to fine-tune frequency cuts. It is this factor that determines the higher cost of such a design compared to a passive one.
Security measures
- Any work in the car related to electrical equipment must begin with de-energizing, i.e., disconnecting the terminals from the battery.
- All connections must be reliable and safe, for which seals, electrical tape, clamps, and special corrugation are used.
- Only high-quality wires are used for installation.
- The choice of fuse must be carried out in accordance with the passport data of the connected devices.
- Acoustic equipment in a car must be mounted conveniently and securely.
Video: connecting a passive subwoofer
Installing a subwoofer in a car allows you to get decent sound quality. If a passive design is used, each of the system devices can be selected according to the specified characteristics. For self-installation, it will be enough to purchase the necessary components and familiarize yourself with possible connection diagrams, and you can save on visiting a car service center.
For many car enthusiasts who do not have the necessary skills and special technical education, connecting an amplifier in a car using bells (tulips) often causes fear. For some, this may simply be a difficult task to solve due to a lack of practical knowledge in the specifics of connection. At this stage, the question involuntarily arises, how to deal with tulips for connecting to the radio? And most importantly, how to do it correctly?
In the first and second cases, car enthusiasts turn to craftsmen or car repair shops to install and connect good audio equipment in the car. Agree, the desire to feel comfortable in your favorite car and enjoy the excellent sound of audio equipment is not the dream of every modern car enthusiast. So where to start? Let's look at this situation one by one.
Amplifier purpose
At the initial stage, it is necessary to decide what the car enthusiast wants to get in the end. Typically, when installing a car amplifier in a car, two goals are pursued:
- improving the quality of the audio signal output from the car speakers;
- increasing the overall volume of music tracks.
A car amplifier is a universal device that allows you to increase the output signal level. In everyday life, many people use home theaters that include an amplifier. But household appliances typically use a 220-volt power source, while automotive systems are powered by a 12-volt on-board network. That's why such amplifiers are called automobile amplifiers.
What is line output
In order to connect the amplifier to the car radio, there must be linear outputs on the back wall of the player. Another name for such connectors is RCA outputs. To connect to audio equipment, a special cable is used, equipped at the ends with special plugs, popularly called tulips or bells.
There can be several tulip outputs on the radio, from one pair to three. There are advanced players that have more than three pairs of linear outputs. You can find out their number by looking at the technical specifications of your radio.
Line output Connecting to the radio via tulips using linear outputs is considered very reliable, since the connecting parts fit very tightly to each other. But when choosing a cable with tulips, it is worth remembering that a high-quality cable will not be cheap.
Important to remember! Don't take cheap Chinese stampings, they won't last long. When purchasing, consider the length of the cable; it should be generous when connecting devices.
Output functions for tulips
Oddly enough, it all depends on the cost of the equipment. The more expensive the radio, the richer its functionality. Accordingly, the number of RCA connectors will be greater in expensive models. Let's look at the purposes of different configurations of tulip outlets:
- a pair. It is practically present in all inexpensive players and is very convenient for connecting a subwoofer.
- two pairs. With two pairs of linear outputs, you can build a system of rear and front outputs. Such radios have an average price range. There is a possibility that they contain subwoofer settings with an HPF filter for adjusting low frequencies.
- three pairs. This is the best option. With this configuration, you can connect a complete set with an amplifier for all channels to the car radio. And if the radio has a built-in processor, then you can create a completely sophisticated audio system. But such a car radio will cost a lot of money.
So, if it makes sense to change the standard radio to a more advanced one, you should first decide what tasks it will have to face in the future.
Connecting with tulips
To correctly connect the wires to the RCA connectors, you need to remove the radio from the panel in the car and find the linear output block on the back wall. It is usually labeled Line Out. The tulip sockets are marked SUB, Front and Rear and are intended for connecting an amplifier, subwoofer and various speaker systems. The likelihood of finding at least two pairs of bell outputs on standard radios is not great. And many have to part with standard models and replace them with newer and more advanced ones.
But what to do if a car enthusiast does not have the funds to buy a more advanced model with the required number of outputs, or the radio is too expensive for the owner, and he does not want to part with it? What to do if there are not enough RCA outputs? Let’s say you’ve already connected to an amplifier for one pair of speakers, and the desire to also connect a subwoofer intensifies every day.
In this case, there are two solutions to this problem:
- Use additional equipment to output another pair of linear outputs.
- Use a so-called “Y” splitter or adapter.
Using the latter, you can compensate for the lack of linear outputs on the car radio.
From what has been written above, it becomes clear that connecting tulips to a radio to solve acoustic problems in the interior of your favorite car is not a very difficult task. The main thing is to understand the significance of this or that connection. Evaluate the importance and purpose of connected equipment. And it doesn’t even matter what kind of radio is installed in your car, an old Pioneer or a modern system with a quad-core processor. In the modern world, you can solve any problem of connecting speaker systems in a car.
The presence of a radio in a car depends on its assembly. But, as practice shows, many drivers, when purchasing vehicles, prefer options with an already built-in audio system. It is of good quality and provides clear sounding music.
Progress does not stand still, and new device models appear regularly. They are equipped with additional functions that improve acoustics. This system makes it possible to listen to music without distortion with a huge dynamic range. As a result, musical compositions sound bright, natural and authentic.
Linear output on the standard radio: features
In practice, it has been proven that an external power amplifier is the main additional device to the radio, which helps to reveal and improve the quality of sound diversity. This procedure can be carried out in several ways. The simplest and most inexpensive option is installing a subwoofer. It improves the sound quality of low-frequency musical compositions.
Another way is to replace the acoustics and install an amplifier. You can also carry out more radical manipulations. They involve installing a new crossover, surround sound processor, and more. But this is not the entire list. There are quite a few ways to help improve the musical picture in the car.
What all these methods have in common is that external devices are used. But you can also use a linear output for this purpose, which many radios have. In this case, the signal quality will be much higher and will be reproduced throughout the entire audio system.
How to make a linear output on a standard radio?
If the radio is not equipped with linear outputs, then you should not be upset. After all, the situation can be easily corrected. To do this, you can use different methods. For example, unsolder the linear output on the device itself or use special attachments that will help achieve the required signals. If in the first case you use an additional preamplifier, the sound will improve significantly.
Speaking about these methods, they are divided into two main groups. The first category includes those devices with which no additional actions are performed. But the second one provides for them. But do not forget that any interference with the integrity of the head equipment leads to the loss of the opportunity to use the guarantees that are provided for the radio. Therefore, it is better to give preference to the first method.
Line output on the standard Toyota radio
Unsoldering linear outputs from a standard radio is not a complicated process, but it requires care and a responsible approach. Especially if you do it yourself. The first thing you need to start with is selecting a microcircuit. Its appearance is shown in the photo. Moreover, it is connected to the radiator.
Once the circuit has been determined, markings must be installed. Next, you can start searching for the datasheet. This will allow us to determine which wiring is already on the circuit, and which one can be used in our case. This information is extremely important, since a signal is received from the input.
Recently, set-top boxes that reduce the signal level have become especially popular. This design is quite simple and has no special features. Therefore, everyone can handle its preparation and configuration. It is enough to use the appropriate scheme.
Soldering a linear output from the radio using a preamplifier is very similar to the previous one. The course of action is no different. Therefore it works the same way.
Wiring of linear outputs on the standard radio
Wiring of linear outputs involves carrying out several activities. First you need to remove the frame that is around the device. This must be done carefully, as it is easy to damage. Next, all the screws that are visible are unscrewed and removed. This will allow you to remove the face of the radio and disassemble it into two parts.
Having disassembled the device, you can see the processor and amplifier inside. Then everything becomes simpler. So, near the amplifier there is a sawing. She is responsible for the connection. Then you need to find the four legs that are at the input of the amplifier. Soldering is carried out to them, and rulers are drawn out.
You can use another method. It consists in using tracks on the board that go from the input to the amplifier. One is sent first to the resistor, then to the capacitor and amplifier. This configuration does not allow transmitting all the acoustics. But the situation can be improved. To do this you will need to solder a capacitor and resistor. This will allow you to get a much cleaner and more natural sound.
Output wiring on a Chevrolet: instructions
Another method of obtaining linear outputs requires the following actions:
- Removing the frame of the radio;
- Unscrewing screws;
- Removing the device. To do this, you need to disconnect the connectors and antenna;
- Disassembly of the radio. To complete this step, you need to unscrew the screws, remove the cover located on top, and unscrew the screws that secure the CD drive. In this case, the device is lifted and the cable is disconnected from the board;
- Preparation of RCA connectors;
- Soldering connectors and contacts. These elements are very small. To get the job done, you need to use a soldering iron that is equipped with a thin tip;
- Fastening the drive to the board.
The resulting line outputs allow you to get left and right channels that are located in front. In this case, the supplied signals are regulated by the volume and equalizer of the device. To get the rear channels, you need to use other resistor points.
With such simple actions - desoldering the linear outputs from the standard radio - you can make spending time in the car much more comfortable and enjoyable. In addition, the wonderful sound of the radio can improve your mood and charge you with positivity. After all, a modern person spends quite a lot of time in his car, and it is extremely important to make it comfortable.
Despite the fact that modern car players today simply amaze with their versatility, this can only be said about certain, expensive models. They can be installed and calculated accordingly as an additional option when purchasing a car from a manufacturer’s dealer. Standard car radios, unfortunately, lack many functions and electronic equipment. Such as a USB connector, AUX connection, line output and the like. What to do when you don’t have the money to buy a new radio with additional support, but want to listen to high-quality music, we’ll briefly explain in this article.
Amplifier without radio
Connecting the speakers (speakers) of the amplifier to the head unit of the car is carried out according to the standard scheme, through the line output. With simultaneous connection of the positive wire from the car ignition system to the REM terminal of the amplifier. In order to save battery power, it is recommended to insert a toggle switch or button into the circuit that breaks the contact. By connecting the amplifier in this way, you can listen to music from any medium (iPhone, tablet, etc.).
Amplifier without line output
Connecting an amplifier to a radio without a line output is also not difficult. To do this, you need a special adapter, which you can buy at any auto parts store. A standard signal level converter (adapter) has four contact wires that are connected to the wires going to the speakers from the car player and to two output plugs - a tulip.
Speakers without amplifier
You can connect the speakers to the radio without an amplifier yourself. The main thing is to distinguish how the type of subwoofer is included in the work, active or passive. Because it is impossible to connect a passive subwoofer to a radio without an amplifier. And to activate it you will have to use a sound amplification device.
An active subwoofer is called a subwoofer with a built-in power amplifier, which allows you to remove the load from low frequencies from the standard amplifier of the radio. And also having an active crossover for filtering high-frequency sounds, with your own hands.
A passive subwoofer is a device not equipped with a power amplifier, and connected only in a parallel way with respect to the main speakers, or even to a separate channel. The main disadvantage of connecting a passive subwoofer is that during operation an additional load is generated on the output amplifiers of the stereo channels.
Instructions on how to connect an active subwoofer to a radio without an amplifier
Before we start connecting the active subwoofer, on the back of the car radio panel, we find two input ports and connect them via a linear wire to the input on the subwoofer.
We connect the power supply through a wire from the positive terminal of the battery to the subwoofer.
Negative wire, according to the same principle, battery - subwoofer.
We install a mandatory and very important part for this type of installation near the battery - a fuse.
Since, when the amplifier reproduces low-frequency sounds, the consumption of electrical power increases (significantly) and, as a result, the load on the entire electrical network of the car, a capacitor is installed in the subwoofer power circuit, ensuring safety during overloads.
The next step after connecting the subwoofer to a standard car player is to set the upper limit of the speaker's low frequencies and the desired oscillation phase of the speaker.
Step-by-step video guide on how to connect a sub to the radio without an amplifier.
