FAQ: Connecting your soundcard to a Volkswagen Monsoon Amp

**qkslvr** · 08-15-2006, 09:34 PM

So, with the FireWave, you make two of these boxes, one for front (left and right) and one for rear (left and right), correct? this could work well, because that would give each speaker set in the car its own signal, right?

Then my question is, this handles 4 channels from the soundcard, but what about the other 1.1? How would the center channel be handled? Split between the two fronts?

**Bazmcc** · 08-25-2006, 04:24 PM

This is a pretty simple question for you Kbyrd (i hope).

I'm in the process of setting up and collecting the last few parts for my Car PC for my Bora.
Do you recommend using a monsoon AMP or an aftermarket one?
I'm asking this because there's a pretty good chance I can get a Monsoon amp for next to nothing. That way it's a little easier on my pocket.
Thanks
Baz

**kbyrd** · 09-06-2006, 01:18 PM

DON'T USE THE MONSOON AMP.

It's a pain in the ***. I only did all this crap because it came with the car. If you add a Monsoon amp, you'll need to be sure the impediance on your speakers match, I think the Monsoon expects different impediance for front vs. rear. Seriously...don't do it.

If I had an aftermarket amp, I wouldn't have needed to do any of this, as it would have a remote on/off wire.

**Shidoken** · 10-12-2006, 12:09 AM

sorry to revive this old thread but, i'm still a noob and i've finished wiring my computer and everything except for the sound.

for that, i have an external soundcard (audigy 2) and i have hooked up the 3.5 plugs to 2 rca cables to the front wiring harness in the center console. (i have 2 of these for the front and the rear speakers.)

my question is this, i don't really know what's going on with the ground loop isolator and the regulator and i don't know if i'd want to make that right now, but is there a way to feed a 5v/12v line and just add it to the left negative audio line? what if i hook it up to my cnx-p1900 psu?

also, does any one know where a good +12v ignition spot is on a b5.5 2001 passat?

**Bugbyte** · 10-12-2006, 08:53 AM

If you have the 5 volt point of load add on for the P1900, there's no reason you can't use it to supply the 5 volts necessary to trigger the monsoon amp.

You don't HAVE to use the ground loop isolator but you are likely to encounter poor sound quality.

As for finding the switched ignition, get a digital multimeter and probe around for it. I found mine in the wiring harness for the original radio.

**Goofybastard** · 03-15-2007, 12:24 AM

would this solution work for a CD deck with 2 rca outputs instead of a PC. i want to add and amplifire with subs and i dont want to lose the wattage to the speakers by replacing the HU. if this isnt the solution for me does any one have any links/suggestions?

**Bugbyte** · 03-16-2007, 08:51 AM

Yes, this will work.

**Goofybastard** · 03-16-2007, 11:19 AM

Thanks you made my day!

**ducati321** · 04-19-2007, 02:24 PM

I've wired everything as stated in the faq - everything works, except the turning off of the monsoon amp. (2001 golf).

When I disconnect the 12v power that goes into the 5v regulator, and shut the car off - the music continues to play. I have to disconnect the 2nd harness (the one I didn't muck with that goes into the monsoon) for the monsoon to cut off. I then have to reconnect the 2nd harness and apply the 12v power to the 5v regulator again to get it started up.

has this happened to anyone else?

Thanks folks!

**qkslvr** · 04-19-2007, 02:36 PM

Did you take the key out of the ignition after you turned the car off? I know in stock form the music won't turn off until the key is removed from the ignition.