Sound That Will Move You.
MB1
Owner’s Manual & Warranty
The Sound That Will Move You.
Earthquake Sound reserves the right to amend details of the specifications without notice.
Copyright © Earthquake Sound Corporation
Earthquake Sound Corporation • 2727 McCone Avenue Hayward CA, 94545 • Phone: 510-732-1000 Fax: 510-732-1095
Installation A,B,Cs
Thank You
Congratulations on your purchase of the world's most powerful and accurate bass synthesizer.
Whether this is your first Earthquake Sound product purchase, or you are already a supporter, you
will thoroughly enjoy the MEGA BASS synthesizer.
INSTALLATION
MEGA BASS Digital Synthesizers are required to be installed in the signal path between a head unit and an external
amplifier. Additionally it can be installed after an equalizer, but must be installed before a crossover.
Now that we have your attention please allow us to break down the basics of bass and how it can
effect your systems performance. Regardless of your age or musical preference, adding low
frequency extension to sound system is an experience that audiophiles can appreciate. Whether you
listen to classical music, rock music, rap music or if your a pure bread competitor, bass will truly
enhance the performance of your system. With that said, some people enjoy more bass than others
and for that reason MEGA BASS comes with a dash mountable remote and also includes a bass
management center for easy control of the bass potency. So no matter what music you prefer MEGA
BASS is for you.
Now that this is complete, you just need to hook up the power, ground and trigger then run the wire to the dash remote
and now you have instant bass at your finger tips. But with that said you should continue to read on. It will give you a more
visual understanding of the product that you have just purchased.
Remote Bass Control
Remote Bass Control
Moving on. Now that your ready to rock, we would like to recommend that read this manual in it's
entirety so that you can fully understand the installation instructions and what that big red button
does...before you go pushing it.
PH2000WD/1
SUB OUT
Features of the MEGA BASS Digital Synthesizer:
- Advanced Digital Bass Restoration System
- Subwoofer Maximization Control Center
- 100% Voltage Output Enhancement
- Dash-Mounted Remote Control
EQ7000PXi
PH2200W/4
- Portable Music Enhancement
- Woofer Protection Circuitry
Factory Settings Shipped Options
Bass Frequency
Bass Bandwidth
Bass Output Control 5 volts
Input Circuit
Ground Isolation
Subsonic Filter
40Hz
Wide
27Hz - 63Hz
Range from 30Hz - 250Hz2.5,
7.5 or 10 volts
FEATURES SUMMARY
Balanced Unbalanced
Isolated
33Hz
200 Ohm or Ground
25Hz, 30Hz, 35Hz, 40Hz, 45Hz
Advanced Bass Maximization:
The MEGA BASS Digital Synthesizer contains a bass maximization circuit that perfectly reproduces and pumps low
frequency info back into the voltage line. Which means that the synthesizer will enhance bass impact when using CDs,
Tapes and even portable media players, such as iPods and MP3 players.
Bass Circuit:
This is how MEGA BASS allows you to control your new found bass. This cool equalization circuit contours the restored
bass to your speaker system.
Easy Access Dash Mount Control Center:
MEGA BASS is designed to be mounted anywhere in your vehicle, with the exception of the obvious things like the
bumpers and in the gas tank. The MEGA BASS package comes with a dash mount control center which allows you to
control the intensity of your systems bass output right from the drivers seat. In addition the dash mount unit comes with a
built dual LED that dims and brightens as the bass increases and decreases.
DCF D.C. Filter:
The DCF over drive circuit allows the user to have massive bass while protecting the speaker from DC. failure that is
typical in other bass enhancement device.
Bass Expander Limiter:
The MEGA BASS circuitry produces huge amounts of hard hitting, concrete shattering bass without damaging your
speakers. The Bass Expander Limiter circuit allows MEGA BASS to enhance the bass output of any audio system while
controlling damaging burps.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
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EARTHQUAKE SOUND • MEGA BASS DIGITAL SYNTHESIZER
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Top Over View
Internal Over View
OVER VIEW OF MEGA BASS
INTERNAL VIEW OF MEGA BASS
The Outside
The Inside
1) Inputs: The inputs of MEGA BASS use a balanced input circuit to help minimize feed back. They are also
designed to handle very high signal voltage up to 15 volts.
1) Input Grounding: For most systems you can leave this jumper set in the BALANCED position. In some
systems, the source unit may look for a ground through the RCA connectors. In that event, you should go ahead and
change the jumpers to the UNBALANCED position.
2) Outputs: These RCA connectors should be connected to the next component after MEGA BASS, such as a
crossover, equalizer or amplifier. Just remember that MEGA BASS should be in line before a crossover.
2) Ground Isolation Jumpers: Occasionally alternator whine may appear in a system because the source unit
and amplifier may use different grounding. To help in this situation, we have provided alternative grounding connections.
Make sure your system is turned OFF bore you move these jumpers.
3) Dash Input Control: This allows you to connect MEGA BASS to the remote control knob. You can mount the
knob anywhere you want, although somewhere in the font of the vehicle is most common. (Remote Must Be Connected
For The Unit Operate Correctly)
3) Bass Output Control Jumpers: Not all systems are designed the same, some systems are designed strictly
for SPL while other are for average use. MEGA BASS's maximizer circuit can either increase or decrease the signal
voltage of the bass restoration circuit. Depending upon your system, you may want to change these jumpers to a higher or
lower setting to maximize your bass output and protect your speakers. In most systems the factory setting will suit you
fine. We recommend that you try the factory setting before any other.
4) Power Connection: This connector allows you to connect the Ground and Remote TURN-ON signals to
MEGA BASS. Connect all of the wires to their appropriate locations in a well lit area and then plug it into MEGA BASS
where ever you decided to mount it in your vehicle.
5) Bass Controls: These 2 knobs control the bass functions fo MEGA BASS.
The SWEEP knob allows you to pick the center frequency that you want MEGA BASS's restoration circuit to maximize.
The WIDE knob adjust how wide of a frequency range MEGA BASS will effect.
6) Power: When you have connected all of your wires correctly the POWER light should illuminate. If it does not
then you need to check your wires.
3
BASS OUTPUT
J6
10+ v
7.5 v
5 v
2.5 v
2
J5
200-Ohm
ISO
UNBAL
Ground
LEFT
RIGHT
J1
J2
5
6
1
POWER
BAL
Ground
Positive
Remote
1
2
3 4
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Placement and Mounting
Bass Control Center Adjustments
INSTALLING MEGA BASS
Placement and Mounting
Placement: MEGA BASS needs to be installed in the signal path as close to your source unit as possible, but
definitely before any crossover circuit. Although MEGA BASS is close to the source unit's signal, the chassis is usually
mounted in the rear of the vehicle as close to the amplifiers as possible. We recommend connecting the MB1 to the
EQ7000PXi SUB OUT and have it drive the bass amplifier.
ADJUSTING THE BASS CONTROL CENTER
The bass response in a system is affected by four factors:
1. The acoustics of the vehicle
2. The locations of the speakers
3. The music on the tape, CD or source unit
4. The speakers and or speaker enclosures
Mounting: Once you have selected a permanent mounting location, position the unit and mark the appropriate
mounting holes with a pen or pencil. Before doing anything else, make sure you are not about to drill a hole in a gas tank
or pierce existing wires or cables. Now drill a small pilot hole and mount the unit.
Because of the variations in the recording process we developed MEGA BASS to help restore any low frequencies lost
during the recording process or from source units, however, the acoustics of various environments are different. With this
in mind our engineers developed this fantastic system.
Electrical Connections
WARNING: Failure to disconnect the negative terminal of your battery prior to installation may result in
severe shock or damage of you system components.
The SWEEP control allows you to select a center frequency between 27 and 63Hz. The WIDE control then allows
you to control the shape of the filter centered around the SWEEP frequency.
SETTING THE BASS OUTPUT CONTROL
Remote In: Connect a 22 to 18 gauge wire from the head-unit's remote turn-on to the REMOTE-IN connector of
MEGA BASS.
MEGA BASS is the most powerful bass component on the market. It is able to leap to dramatically enhance any
audio system to audiophile status or preference. MEGA BASS is equipped with several different bass output selections. If
you should need to change the settings, please use the chart below for guidance. Before making any changes try listening
to the factor settings...they may be just what your looking for.
Positive(+12v) Connection: Insert and 18 gauge or larger wire into the connector labeled POWER on the
connector of MEGA BASS. Connect it to a good constant source of 12 volts, fused at 1-amp.
Ground Connection: Use the same gauge wire you did for the 12v connector on MEGA BASS's NEGATIVE
terminal of the battery, a ground bus, or a verified ground location. The factory head unit ground is not a good ground.
When all connection are complete you may reconnect the negative battery terminal it's original state.
Remote Bass Control
RECOMMENDED SETTINGS
Setting
2.5 Volt
5 Volt
7.5 Volt
10 Volt
Amplifier Input Voltage Minimum Speaker Size
Remote Bass Control
3 Volts or less
5 Volts or less
7.5 Volts or less
10 Volts or less
8"
10"
PH2000WD/1
12"
Some Kind of Beast
SUB OUT
EQ7000PXi
PH2200W/4
DPF D.C. Protection Filter
Many car audio systems truly push the limits of their subwoofer, without really knowing it. Tuned
enclosures affect the roll-off of many speakers, yet lots of source material forces the speakers to play lower
than expected. The net result i s wasted amplifier power and damaged speakers. MEGA BASS's DPF
Overdrive is a programmable subsonic filter. It allows you to only let the speaker play as low as it should be
played. Because every system is different, we allow you to change the DPF roll-off frequency to whatever you
choose.
REMOTE BASS CONTROL INSTALLATION
Placement and Mounting
The remote bass control may be mounted under the dash using its own bracket or through a custom hole in the
dash. It should be within reach of the driver.
Installation
The bracket is attached to the remote and mounts with two screws which attach to th underside of the dashboard,
or where ever you prefer. Find your preferred location, mark holes, drill pilot holes and then mount the unit.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
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Trouble Shooting
Specifications
TROUBLE SHOOTING
MEGA BASS SPECIFICATIONS
No Power
Maximum input level....................................................15 Vrms
Maximum output level..................................................13.5 Vpeak
Frequency response....................................................10Hz-80kHz; ±0.3dB
Total harmonic Distortion.............................................0.001%
Balanced input noise rejection.....................................> 60dB
Input impedance..........................................................10 Kohms
Output impedance....................................................... 150 Ohms
Power supply............................................................... High headroom PWM
Power draw..................................................................160mA
Recommended fuse rating.......................................... 1 Amp
If the LED on your dash remote is not on, check the POWER light on the chassis of MEGA BASS. If the POWER
light is on you will want to check to make sure that the cable connecting the remote to the chassis is not pinched or
disconnected. If th POWER light is off check to make sure that the power wire and remote turn on wires are connected or
a fuse has not blown.
No Restoration
When your system is playing and yet you don't hear any difference in the sound, try turning the knob clockwise. If
you still don't hear any affect, then you need to make sure that you have MEGA BASS in the right part of the signal chain.
Sound is Distorted
Should your system sound distorted or your speakers are moving way too much, you should decrease the amount
of bass restoration by turning the dash control knob counter-clockwise. You should also raise the DPF frequency or lower
the setting on you Bass Control.
Still No Good
Adjust the Bass controls by turning the sweep control clockwise to raise the center frequency. If you still have
distortion, you should power down MEGA BASS, and change the bass output settings inside the unit (See Page 7).
Dimensions..................................................................H=1-1/8" W=8" D=5-1/2" + 1/4" For RCAs
1.70 Lbs
Weight.........................................................................
All specifications are measured at 14.4 VDC. As technology advances Earthquake reserves the right to continuously
change our specifications.
All specifications are subject to change without notice.
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