Thread: FS: Audiocontrol Matrix Linedriver 6ch

I have many questions to ask you about this unit. I have been researching devices to raise my line level voltage from my carputer. I am using the onboard sound card with the headphone jack feeding the aux in of my headunit. The PC volume even when maxed is much weaker than my other peripherals, so I thought a line driver would help.

I was told that this unit can also downmix two inputs into a single output. Is that true?

Should this unit be put between the PC and the head unit or between the head unit and the amps?

What output voltage did you use when you hooked it up and did it increase the volume significantly?

Is six inputs overkill? And can you think of how the extra channels could be used in a Carputer environment? (I currently have two inputs into the PC, but have two more ready to add already)

I know that's a lot of questions, but I hope you don't mind.

two inputs to a single output? you might want to download the audiocntrol manual for the matrix from their website to double check if it can do that. ive never used it in that configuration. but im assuming you could use one channel on the matrix to feed the headunit. then from the headunit rca out just connect it to another channel on the matrix to feed the amps. sorta like a double dipping effect. i dont know if this will cause any noise to come out, but it might have some sort of issue. you could play with the jumpers inside the unit to try out different configurations, thats what i did and it completely eliminated any engine noise.

normally you would use the HU -> matrix -> amps, in my case its computer -> line driver -> amps. so you might be able to go computer -> 3+4 channels of matrix -> HU -> 1+2 channels of matrix -> link the 1+2 outputs and 5+6 outputs to produce the sounds inputted from channles 1+2 (internal jumpers are set) -> speaker amp + sub amp. used in this configuration you would probably have to use an rca Y splitter to get proper sound out of the front and rear speakers, but you will use your fader ability. not like anyone ever uses that in the firstplace. generally you want this thing as close to the source as possible so that it boosts voltages and reduces the chance of picking up excessive noise in the wiring. higher voltages = better interference rejection. power should be tapped from the same place as the amps, heck i just shove my power wires inside an amp terminal for my 8ga output, fused of course. and use the same ground. this also helps to keep noise to a minimum.

the output voltages i used were based on turning the amp gain ALL THE WAY DOWN. and turning the matrix's gain up until they were set correctly. the little leds will show the voltage. so it will be dependent on your amps. but yeah it makes a difference because most amps can only support a low input voltage and not a high one as this thing puts out.

6 inputs are not overkill.. its basically 3 sources stereo. so you would normally have two front speakers, two rear speakers, and two mono for your subwoofer. if anything its not enough =P

i currently use mine this way. quadraphonic output from my creative soundcard. that goes into my line driver (its also 6 ins and outs, the only difference is not as high gains/reductions as the matrix and it has a crossover built in) you could use both in conjunction with eachother, but in my case this isnt needed. its way loud enough. So continuing, quadraphonic, 4 channel output from my sound card, front and rear. that goes into my front and rear input on my line driver. then with some internal processing, it sends the front to front, which it sends signal to my front mids and tweets, rear to my rear, and "magically" takes the signal from both front and rear channels and creates a subwoofer channel output in left and right. So really im just using 4 inputs and 6 outputs. (really 8 outputs but thats somethign irrelevent to the matrix and only has to do with my 6xs so ignore that completely to not get confused) like i said before normally its front, rear, and sub channels for 6 ins and outs. or you can use it like me and do 4 ins and 6 outs, heck you can do it with 2 ins and 6 outs. or just not use the other outs, and do 2 in 2 out. or whatever combination you think of.

this brings us back to it being able to downmix the two inputs into a single output.. it really sounds like it should based on how i have my 4 front/rear inputs and how it creates the sub output from those. but im not exactly sure how it reacts for the numbered channels involved. i do not know if it can mix say channels 1+3 and 2+4 into a single output channel. it just raises a red flag in my head saying its not possible to do that, and would probably require some sort of other mixer. but double check the manual for the matrix. its available on audiocontrol.com i believe. and the way i explained to hook it up before in theory "should" work without any problems. the only thing i could think of is that it might create extra noise if basically the signal is going around twice in the system. but it shouldnt matter.

Oh by the way, im located in Northern California. Local pickups are welcome. and Yes the line driver is still available.. i just thought i would update this information to try to comply with the rules.