It isn’t hard to notice that AudioControl hasn’t eased up on its delivery of amazing new mobile audio product solutions. The latest addition to the AudioControl family is the high-power LC-1.1500 subwoofer amplifier. Rated to produce 1,500 watts of continuous power and equipped with the integration and audio processing features you’ve come to expect from AudioControl, this new monoblock is sure to be a huge hit!
AudioControl LC-1.1500 Design
The LC-1.1500 shares the same cast aluminum heat sink as the LC-6.1200 with a total length of 12 inches. All of the connections are on the front edge of the amplifier, including the beefy 0-AWG power block and a hefty 8-AWG speaker terminal block. There are two positive and two negative speaker output terminals to facilitate connections to multiple subwoofers or multiple voice coils.
The left side of the end panel features no less than four 40-Amp ATC fuses. The center of the panel is home to the input connections. Your installer can choose from a pair of line-level RCA jacks or connect the amp to a factory-installed source unit or amplifier using the provided speaker-level input terminals. It’s well worth noting that the LC-1.1500 will accept speaker-level signals up to 40 volts RMS. This high-voltage compatibility eliminates the need for an external line-level converter. Last but certainly not least, an RJ-11 jack serves as the connection for the optional ACR-1 remote level control.
Audio Processing Features
It should come as no surprise that signal processing has always been one of AudioControl’s strengths. Starting with the basics, the 1.1500 includes an adjustable -24dB/octave electronic crossover with a Linkwitz-Riley alignment. The crossover is adjustable from 30 to 230 Hz. Beside the crossover is the amplifier sensitivity control. When using the line-level inputs, the amp will produce full power with an input signal between 500mV and 6 volts. When using the speaker-level inputs, the input voltage range increases from 3V to 40V. Input and output level optimization LEDs are included to increase the efficiency and accuracy of the level-setting process.
The 1.1500 includes AudioControl’s GTO (Great Turn On) signal sensing circuit. If you have the LC-1.1500 connected to a factory-installed radio or amplifier, this circuit will turn the 1.1500 on automatically when you start playing music.
Speaking of factory audio integration, the 1.1500 also includes the AccuBASS processing feature. This feature helps to restore low-frequency information that is often limited in factory-installed audio systems. Your installer can set the input threshold level and decide just how much extra output is required to restore impact and excitement to your music.
Amplifier Design
A look under the top cover of the AudioControl LC-1.1500 reveals a massive power transformer flanked by two large banks of filtering and stiffening caps. The output from the Class D circuitry features two large toroidal filters and two large caps. An internal shield keeps RF emissions away from the signal processing circuitry for improved sound quality. All the caps and transformers are secured in place with silicone to prevent damage from vibration. The majority of the signal processing and control components on the board are high-tolerance surface-mount devices.
A compact cooling fan in the center of the circuit board helps to circulate air across the heat sink and reduce the chances of thermal overload. AudioControl includes a microcontroller in the amp that monitors the system performance and can protect the amp if a short circuit, thermal overload or power supply voltage issue occurs. The Protection LED flashes a code that you can look up in the owner’s manual, so you’ll know what’s happening. The microcontroller also controls the fan speed.
Big Bass with Big Features
The 1.1500 is rated to produce 850 watts of power into a 4-ohm load and 1,500 watts into a 2-ohm load. The S/N ratio specifcation of -102 dBA referenced to full power and the bandwidth is 24Hz to 230Hz with the crossover at its maximum frequency. A 24dB/octave infrasonic filter that AudioControl calls the PFM Subsonic filter protects your vented subwoofer systems from damage.
This amplifier isn’t for the meek. If you are serious about big bass in your car, truck or SUV and you have the subwoofers to handle this sort of fun, this is an amazing option. You’ll need to be sure to feed the amp with proper wiring (0 AWG). With the ability to draw over 150 amps of current, beefing up your battery isn’t a bad idea either. If this sounds like your cup of tea, drop into your local authorized AudioControl dealer and check out the new LC-1.1500 amplifier.
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