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Arc Audio

Upgrading Car Audio Systems with Data Bus Interfaces

July 29, 2020 By 1sixty8

Data Bus Audio

As vehicle manufacturers work to reduce the number of wires that need to be run in a vehicle, more and more have switched to using the vehicle data bus to control amplifiers. Using data commands in concert with digital or fixed-level audio signals also helps to ensure that these audio systems deliver noise-free performance. Finally, with the volume control and signal processing built into the amplifier, manufacturers can use similar system designs across a variety of vehicles by loading different calibrations within the amplifier. Having your installation technician upgrade these systems with new amplifiers isn’t typically difficult, but it requires extra hardware.

Conventional Car Audio System Design

In classic analog audio systems, the volume control for the system is built into the source unit. When you turn the volume up, the voltage of the audio signal going to the amplifier increases. The drawbacks of these systems are that there is a relatively low voltage of that audio signal between the source unit and the amp, and that they are susceptible to picking up unwanted noise.

Data Bus Audio
The volume level of a conventional analog audio system is dependent on the voltage of the signal sent to the amplifier.

Data Bus Audio Systems

In most new mid- to high-level audio systems, the CAN bus is used to send digital commands from the source unit to the amplifier. These commands include changes to volume level, fader changes and instructions to load different presets depending on vehicle conditions. For example, Ford Mustang convertibles load a different configuration depending on whether the roof is up or down.

In terms of the audio signal from the source unit to the amp, these are passed as moderate voltage, fixed-level analog signals or as digital signals using copper wire or fiber-optic connections.

When you adjust the volume on the source unit, a command is relayed to the signal processor in the amplifier. The amplifier adjusts its output level to turn the music up or down.

Data Bus Audio
Data bus audio systems use a fixed-level signal between the source unit and amp. The volume control adjustments take place in the amplifier.

Upgrading Audio Systems with Data Bus Communication

To upgrade these audio systems, you’ll want your installer to add new amplifiers, a digital signal processor, new speakers and a subwoofer system. The DSP is pretty much mandatory since the factory-installed systems are often carefully calibrated to deliver good imaging and neutral tonal balance. Forgoing equivalent calibration will result in a reduction in perceived quality, even if the system has more bass and plays louder.

Data Bus Audio
An amplifier replacement interface converts digital commands on the data bus into changes in output so you can upgrade your car stereo with high-power amplifiers and a great signal processor.

The first thing you’ll need is an interface that can understand the commands from the radio. Companies like Nav-TV, iDatalink and PAC offer solutions for these applications. The Nav-TV ZEN Audio and PAC AmpPRO 4 modules provide RCA analog or Toslink digital outputs that can be fed into your processor and amplifiers.

The Maestro AR module adds the option of communicating directly with a signal processor from ARC Audio, Audio Control or Audison so that commands from the radio are executed in the digital domain inside the processor itself.

Data Bus Audio
The Maestro AR adds the ability to control amplifiers and signal processors from ARC Audio, AudioControl and Audison from the factory source unit in your vehicle.

Because many of these interfaces are universal in terms of their hardware, they have to be combined with appropriate interface cables and flashed with vehicle-specific software by your installation technician before installation. As such, this isn’t a do-it-yourself kind of project.

Data Bus Audio
Zen Audio interfaces from NAV TV work with MOST, A2B, and AVD Audio bus systems to make it easier than ever to add high-quality sound to premium vehicles.
Data Bus Audio
The AmpPro4 from PAC provides a full-range, processing-free audio signal that can be sent to your choice of amplifiers and speakers.

Benefits of Audio Upgrades Using the Factory Radio

If you drive a late-model vehicle that includes an audio system that is integrated into the dash in a way that prevents the addition of an aftermarket radio, then you have no choice but to add a DSP and new amplifiers to power the speakers. Likewise, using the factory source unit helps to maintain the overall appearance of the vehicle, which reduces the potential for theft. Finally, all elements of the interface, including touchscreens, instrument cluster displays, heads-up displays, steering wheel controls and center console controls, will continue to function normally with the factory-installed radio as the source for your audio system. In some cases, you can even add smartphone connectivity solutions like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to your factory infotainment system.

If you want more output, better bass performance, improved imaging or increased clarity from the stereo that came with your car or truck, then drop by your local specialty mobile enhancement retailer today and ask them about upgrading the audio system with new equipment and a bus interface.

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Filed Under: ARTICLES, Car Audio, Resource Library Tagged With: Amplifiers, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, CAN bus, Data Bus Audio, Digital Signal Processors, iDataLink, Nav-TV, PAC Audio, Radios, Speakers, Subwoofers, TOSLINK

About 1sixty8

1sixty8 media is a content marketing, website development, and business solutions provider specializing in the mobile enhancement industry. The 1sixty8 media team includes many household names in the industry, from store owners and industry writers to award-winning installers and fabricators. To learn more about 1sixty8 media, visit www.1sixty8.com.

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