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The EDGE Active Enclosures are a series of bass enclosures designed to enhance the audio experience in vehicles, providing deep and punchy bass. The manual covers installation, setup, troubleshooting, and general care to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the product.
The primary function of the EDGE Active Enclosures (EDB10A-E2, EDB12A-E2, EDB12TA-E2) is to reproduce low-frequency sounds, commonly known as bass, within a car audio system. These are "active" enclosures, meaning they come with a built-in amplifier, eliminating the need for a separate external amplifier. This integrated design simplifies installation and ensures that the amplifier is perfectly matched to the subwoofer for optimal performance. The enclosures are designed to integrate seamlessly with existing car audio systems, whether they have low-level (RCA) or high-level (speaker wire) outputs.
The amplifier within the enclosure features several controls to tailor the bass output to individual preferences and vehicle acoustics. These include a gain control, a crossover frequency control, and a bass boost function. The gain control allows for matching the input signal from the headunit to the amplifier, ensuring that the amplifier receives an appropriate signal level without distortion. The crossover frequency control enables users to set the upper limit of the frequencies the subwoofer will reproduce, allowing for a smooth blend with the car's main speakers. The bass boost function provides an additional enhancement to the bass at a specific frequency, offering more impact when desired.
A key feature of the EDGE Active Enclosures, particularly when using high-level inputs, is the "Autosense" auto turn-on circuit. This intelligent circuit detects when the connected source unit (headunit) is turned on and automatically powers up the amplifier. Conversely, when the headunit is turned off, the amplifier will shut down, preventing unnecessary battery drain. This feature adds convenience by eliminating the need for a separate remote turn-on wire in high-level input setups. For low-level (RCA) inputs, a remote turn-on wire is still required, offering flexibility for various headunit configurations.
The enclosures are built with protection mechanisms to safeguard against potential issues. Power/protection LEDs indicate the operational status of the amplifier; a green LED signifies correct operation, while a red LED illuminates in case of an abnormal situation, such as speaker cable shorting or incorrect wiring. This visual feedback helps users quickly identify and address problems.
The EDGE Active Enclosures are designed for straightforward use and integration into a vehicle's audio system. The installation process begins with mounting the enclosure securely in the luggage compartment. The manual emphasizes experimenting with the enclosure's position, as its orientation (e.g., facing the rear bumper versus the rear seat) can significantly alter the perceived bass depth and impact. This flexibility allows users to customize the sound to their musical tastes and the specific acoustics of their vehicle. Secure mounting is crucial to prevent movement and potential damage to the enclosure or subwoofer from other objects in the luggage area. Additional luggage straps are recommended for extra security.
Connecting the enclosure involves several key steps. A minimum of 10-gauge cable is recommended for both the power and ground connections. The power cable should be run directly from the battery, with rubber grommets used when passing through bulkheads to prevent chafing. A fuse or circuit breaker, matching the amplifier's fuse rating, must be placed inline with the power cable, no more than eighteen inches from the battery, and should only be fitted after the entire installation is complete. The ground cable should be connected directly to the vehicle's chassis, to bare metal, and kept as short as possible.
For the remote turn-on, an 18-gauge cable is recommended, run alongside the power cable back to the headunit. If the headunit lacks a remote turn-on output, a switched 12V supply can be used, requiring an inline switch to manually turn the amplifier on and off, with a reminder to turn it off to prevent battery drain. RCA cables, used for low-level inputs, require careful routing away from interference-generating items and ideally on opposite sides of the car from power cables to minimize noise pickup. For high-level inputs, connection is made directly to the front or rear speaker wires of the headunit, ensuring correct polarity.
Once installed, the setup section guides users through optimizing the amplifier's controls. The gain control is set by turning it to minimum, setting headunit crossovers to flat and bass/treble to zero, increasing headunit volume to about 3/4, and then slowly increasing the amplifier's gain until distortion is heard or an uncomfortable listening level is reached, then backing off slightly. This ensures a clean signal match. The crossover setting involves playing dynamic music and adjusting the frequency control to blend the subwoofer's output seamlessly with the car's main speakers, aiming for a balanced sound rather than an overly prominent bass.
A "run-in" procedure is also recommended for new subwoofers. Like many new audio components, the subwoofer's moving parts are initially stiff. Playing the subwoofer at low to medium volumes for the first 30 hours allows these parts to loosen up, enabling the subwoofer to deliver its full potential. This gradual break-in period is crucial for achieving the best long-term performance and sound quality.
The manual provides essential troubleshooting steps to address common issues, which also serve as maintenance guidelines. If the amplifier fails to power up, users are advised to check ground connections for good contact with bare metal, verify that the remote (REM) terminal receives at least +12V DC, confirm the battery voltage is between 12V and 16V DC, and inspect all fuses. It's also suggested to check if the protection light is illuminated; if so, turning the amplifier off and then back on after a short period might resolve the issue.
If the protection LED is illuminated, indicating a fault, the first step is to check all cables for shorts. The amplifier is designed to shut down automatically if its temperature reaches 80°C, so a very hot heatsink could be the cause. Removing the signal cables and attempting to restart the amplifier can help determine if the amplifier itself is damaged. If it still doesn't restart, it might indicate damage due to abuse or failure to follow the manual's advice.
For blown fuses, users should check both positive and ground cables for shorts, ensure the positive wire is connected to the +12V terminal and the negative wire to the GND terminal, and verify that the correct fuse rating is fitted for their specific model (20 amp for EDB10A-E2 and EDB12A-E2, 25 amp for EDB12TA-E2). This ensures proper electrical protection and prevents further damage.
In cases of distorted sound, the primary maintenance action is to reduce the gain control until the sound is no longer distorted. This indicates that the input signal level was too high for the amplifier, leading to clipping. Adjusting the gain correctly, as outlined in the setup section, is key to maintaining clear audio.
The warranty information also highlights aspects related to product care. Damage due to improper installation, exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, UV radiation, negligence, misuse, accident, abuse, or amplifier clipping/distortion is not covered. This implicitly guides users on how to maintain the product by avoiding these conditions. Items repaired or modified by unauthorized facilities also void the warranty, emphasizing the importance of professional service if needed. Retaining the original receipt and packaging for the 12-month warranty period is crucial for any potential returns or repairs.
Overall, the EDGE Active Enclosures are designed for robust performance, with user-friendly installation and setup, and clear guidelines for troubleshooting and care to ensure a long and satisfying listening experience.
General| Model | EDB12TA-E2 |
|---|---|
| Category | Enclosure |
| Material | Steel |
| Color | Black |
| Expansion Slots | 7 |
| Form Factor | ATX |
| Front Ports | 2 x USB 3.0 |
| Drive Bays | 6 x 3.5" |
| Cooling | 2 x 120mm fans |
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