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A subwoofer is used to enhance the low-frequency response of an audio system. Vehicles generally use small speakers (10, 13 or 16.5 cm). These speaker sizes have a limited low-frequency output. In fact, these speakers do not go below a frequency of 70 Hz. A subwoofer completes the lack of bass from the car's main speakers. The result is a richer, livelier and more realistic listening experience. This is why the bass reproduction is often much better than the vehicle's original installation. There are several types of subwoofer. Your choice will depend on the type of sound, integration in the vehicle and your expectations. Suggestion related to this article : - Classic subwoofer vs active low profile subwoofer - Can two subwoofers be used in one vehicle ?

A headphone amplifier is designed to increase the power of the audio signal from a source to effectively power headphones. Using a headphone amplifier can improve your listening experience when it incorporates an internal Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) capable of improving the conversion of a digital source. Benefits of using a headphone amplifier Disadvantages of not using a headphone amplifier Improved audio quality Audio quality limited by the output power oh the service device Precise volume control Less precise volume control Improved sound dynamics Rick of distortion at high  Better frequency balance   Lack of power for high impedance headphones   Compatibility with high impedance headphones   Lack at ability to fully power headphones Can provide advanced audiophile features Limite customization and tuning options Suggestion related to this article : - What is a digital to analogue converter dac ? - Are focal headphones compatible with all devices ?

Choosing a speaker depends on certain factors, such as the size of the room, the aesthetics of the product, your listening location in the room and your budget. Among the FOCAL HOME division, we offer several types of speakers that will adapt perfectly to your interior : 1- Built-in speakers They are designed to be installed discreetly, integrating perfectly into your listening space. They can be used for stereo listening or as part of an immersive cinema installation. 2 - Bookshelf speakers They can be installed on stands to maintain a good listening height and their compactness means they can be installed in small / medium-sized spaces.    3 - Floorstanding speakers  These are suitable for installation in a larger listening space. Their loudspeaker configuration provides more definition and greater low-frequency pressure. 

High-level or low-level connections are used to connect an amplifier to a car radio. The choice of connection depends mainly on the car radio.  High-level connection means using the car radio's speaker outputs to transmit the sound signal to the external amplifier. This solution is preferred on original car radios, which do not have line (RCA) outputs. Low-level connection means using the car radio's low-level outputs (RCA). This solution is chosen on universal car radios known as "After market", because the vast majority have at least two stereo RCA outputs for connecting power amplifiers. It's a more efficient solution in terms of sound quality, especially if the cable distance between the amplifier and the car radio is long.  Is it still possible to connect a low-level original car radio ? Yes, there is an alternative: you need to use a converter like the Hilo V3. This solution is used for amplifiers that do not have high-level inputs. 

Any configuration can be adapted using the elements already in your possession. This is the advantage of FOCAL systems. For example, an initial simple 2.0 stereo configuration can evolve into a multi-channel (1 or 5.1.2 Atmos/DTS-X) or multi-zone system by integrating new speakers and, sometimes, a new amplifier. This expansion can enrich your experience, whether by exploring new content or extending your system to other rooms. Do not hesitate to share your projects with our technical support team through this shortcut : Assistance we will be able to support you in your projects.   Suggestions related to this article : 

To optimise the condition of your loudspeakers, it is crucial to take several recommendations into consideration :  Make sure you have made the appropriate power and impedance settings to avoid excessive distortion or overloading.  If your loudspeakers are positioned on supports, check that they are suitable for the weight of your installation and that they offer sufficient insulation. Respect the sound level tolerated by the loudspeaker to avoid damaging the speakers.  When it comes to positioning your loudspeakers, make sure you install them in an appropriate place, away from humidity and extreme temperatures, to prevent any impact on the materials and performance of the components.  Maintenance is limited to dusting with a soft, dry cloth. To remove stains, simply use a damp cloth. Avoid using solvents, detergents, alcohol, corrosive products, scrapers or scouring utensils to clean the surface of the speakers.  Suggestion related to this article : - How do i take care of my speakers ?

The role of the cables lies in their function of connection between the amplifier and the speakers, thus ensuring the necessary power to the speakers for sound reproduction. Cables play a crucial role in transmitting the most subtle nuances of your music; their importance should not be underestimated. In fact, lower quality cables can introduce various disturbances, such as limitations in signal dynamics and bandwidth or even alterations in the volume and coloring of certain audio frequencies. In other words, substandard cabling will have a direct impact on the quality of the signal transmitted to the loudspeakers, compromising the fidelity of sound reproduction. When choosing your power cables, it is important to consider different factors. The nature and quality of the conductive metal used: a copper cable will not produce the same sound as a silver-plated cable. The nature or quality of the insulation: the material which insulates the cable plays a significant role in its sound reproduction. The presence or absence of possible shielding: the cable's ability to protect itself against electromagnetic interference can influence the quality of the signal. For high-end hi-fi installations, it is recommended to choose cables of the same level in order to maintain the high linearity allowed by the related elements of the system. The higher the overall quality of the system, the more crucial the role of the cable becomes. As each speaker is connected to the amplifier, you will need to choose cables of suitable length and section when installing the system. To cover lengths between 3 and 10 meters, we recommend the use of pure OFC (deoxygenated) copper speaker cables : - with a section of between 2 x 1.5 mm² for your compact or bookshelf speakers. - with a section between 2 x 2.5 mm² for your floorstanding speakers. Beyond 10 meters, we advise you to retain a section : 2 x 2.5 mm² for your compact or bookshelf speakers. 2 x 4 mm² for your floorstanding speakers.

Acoustic panels are used to control the acoustics of a defined space. Their main functions are to correct acoustic problems and enhance the listening experience. This question takes us into the realm of acoustical optimization, or what is more generally known as "soundproofing". Acoustic optimization requires consideration of the materials and layout of the listening room's volumes, as well as its furnishings. Acoustic panels are divided into three types of equipment: Insulation materials to be installed on walls and, in some cases, under the elements making up the sound diffusion system (acoustic wall insulators, acoustic insulators such as spikes, absorbent trays, foams and agglomeration plates of rubberized materials). Wall-mounted panels that can be either absorbent or reverberant. There are also so-called "bass traps", acoustic dampers that are highly effective in the low frequency range. This is the final stage, after the investment in audio equipment, which will enable the most demanding to achieve a high-level acoustic solution in a dedicated room.

The Focal BAM is a sound insulator that helps reduce unwanted noise in your vehicle. A sheet metal wall and a plastic trim panel are not environments conducive to good sound reproduction. What is the BAM used for ? Sound from the woofer reverberates off the sheet metal wall, disturbing the diaphragm. The BAM absorbs this wave, resulting in better sound reproduction. It can also be used inside a door trim to reduce dashboard vibrations. Soundproofing also reduces exterior noise if the entire door surface is treated. The different BAM kits Focal BAM is available in three types of packaging: BAM : Kit of 2 sheets for placing a sheet of soundproofing behind each woofer in the front doors. BAM XL : 50 x 200 cm roll for two or four doors, depending on vehicle size. BAM XXXL : 0.5 X 6 m roll for soundproofing an entire trunk or passenger compartment. How much to choose ? You need at least a kit of 2 sheets to soundproof the space behind each speaker. If you wish to soundproof the entire door, you'll need to dismantle the door panel, then check that you have access to the entire sheet metal surface at the bottom of the door (on some vehicles, the door's safety structure does not allow access to the entire surface). You can then measure the surfaces to be covered to determine the quantity of BAM to be used. Installing BAM To begin with, the BAM must be installed at a suitable temperature (between 16 and 25°) and not in damp weather (the inside of the door will not be perfectly dry). Even if the vehicle is new, the inside of a door is never clean (grease, dust...). The first thing to do is to thoroughly clean the surface to which the BAM will be bonded. To clean the surface, use a lint-free microfiber cloth and a suitable product. We recommend an alcohol-based glass cleaner: it cleans well and evaporates quickly, leaving no solvent residue on the surface to be treated with BAM. Next, cut the BAM according to the surface to be covered. You can use cardboard templates to help you cut the BAM without making a mess. Apply the BAM to the metal sheet, smoothing with a wallpaper roller to ensure perfect adhesion. Don't hesitate to reapply several times. The BAM is then perfectly bonded to the sheet and will not move. After installation, we recommend that the vehicle is not subjected to high-pressure cleaning for a few days.

When installing an amplifier in your vehicle, please note the following : After reading the entire instruction manual, make sure you understand all the instructions before installing the amplifier. If you have any doubts about your ability to install the amplifier and wire the system properly, we recommend that you leave this task to a Focal dealer/installer. In advance, it is essential to plan the layout of the system and the necessary wiring in the vehicle. During this preparation phase, it is essential to ensure that all settings remain accessible once the audio system has been installed. Before starting installation, please disconnect the negative wire from the car battery. I - INSTALLATION AND WIRING CAR AUDIO Because of the power it generates, the car audio amplifier produces considerable heat during operation. It should therefore be installed in a well-ventilated area. II - MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER Position the amplifier in the desired location. Mark the location of the mounting holes. Check that there are no objects behind the surface that could be damaged during drilling. Remove the amplifier from its location, make sure you have a 3 mm diameter drill bit, then drill. Reposition the amplifier in its intended location. Secure the amplifier using the 4 self-tapping screws supplied. The mounting surface may have irregularities that make it difficult to secure the amplifier. In this case, we recommend mounting the amplifier with its mounting system on a wooden base fixed to the chosen wall. III - WIRING Avoid routing power cables near low-level input cables (RCA), antennas, sensitive equipment and wiring harnesses. Power supply wires carry a high current that could interfere with the audio signal. Keep cable lengths as short as possible to optimize installation quality and limit signal loss. Which power cable cross-section should I choose? Refer to the cable cross-section table : Cable insulation Run modulation cables (RCA), speaker cables, REMOTE cable and REMOTE CONTROL cable together, isolating them from other high-power automotive accessories, such as electric motors. We recommend that you retain the full length of the cables, which will be adjusted later. Positive power supply Route the positive (+) power supply cable, taking care to run it opposite the cables previously pulled, to avoid interference. Do not connect the cable immediately. Negative power supply Use the negative (-) power cable. Make sure this cable is as short as possible, ideally no more than 1 meter, to ensure a perfect connection between the amplifier and the vehicle chassis. The cable and its cross-section must comply with the specification table. Find a suitable grounding point, then sand it to remove any traces of paint or varnish, thus ensuring better contact quality. Drill a hole in the sanded sheet metal to match the diameter of the screw you've chosen, ensuring that no cables, fuel tanks or other sensitive parts of the vehicle are in the vicinity. Strip 1 cm of cable, then tin it. Crimp or solder the cable to a cable lug. Insert the terminal into the screw, then fit the screw and its nut, and screw tight. On the other side, screw the cable firmly to the amplifier's GND terminal. Modulation cables Now you can connect the modulation cables (RCA), REMOTE cable and speaker cables. Connect the RCAs to the amplifier, observing the correct polarity (INPUT Left = black or white, INPUT Right = red). Then connect the other end of the RCAs to the car radio's RCA* outputs (Left = left; Right = right). Power cable Start by preparing the positive (+) power cable by stripping 1 cm from the end to connect it to the amplifier. Then tin this part, using a soldering iron and tin wire. Insert the stripped, tinned end into the amplifier's "+ BATT" terminal, then screw the cable firmly in place. ATTENTION The cable connecting the battery's positive (+) terminal to the amplifier's "+ BATT" terminal must be fused at a distance of 40 cm or less from the vehicle's battery. In addition, fuse-holder connections must be watertight. IV - FUSE-HOLDER INSTALLATION The installation phase of the fuse holder designed to secure the system can now begin. The fuse-holder must be connected to both sides of the positive (+) power cable, and located close to the battery (10 to 40 cm). Remove the fuse holder, taking care to remove the fuse. Secure the fuse-holder base. Cut the red power cable between 10 and 40 cm (maximum) from the battery, retaining the cable off-cut which will be used to connect the other end of the fuse holder to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle's battery. Strip the cable by 1 cm, then tin it. Screw the cable into the fuse-holder terminal block. Strip 1 cm from the other end, then screw the cable into the other fuse-holder terminal block. V - SPEAKER CONNECTION To wire the loudspeakers, connect the loudspeaker cables to the right and left channel crossovers, respecting the polarities(+ = cable with red border in the case of a Focal kit) for traditional wiring. Note that Focal car audio amplifiers can operate in bridged mode to amplify a subwoofer. In this case, simply connect the positive speaker cable(+) to the BRIDGE(+) terminal block and connect the negative speaker cable(-) to the associated BRIDGE(-) terminal block. ATTENTION When connecting several subwoofers to the same output, make sure the amplifier's impedance is compatible. Connections, functions and settings To optimize your on-board installation, please refer to your amplifier manual for detailed information on functions and settings. All manuals can be downloaded from this site, on the relevant product pages.

To obtain full details of your product's warranty, please consult : The documentation supplied with your purchase (general sales conditions, purchase invoice, etc.). The Focal website. Customer service, accessible via the contact form: Assistance. Your dealer, where you made your purchase.

To ensure the authenticity of a Focal product, we recommend that you follow these steps: Check the source of purchase with an authorized dealer. Find the serial number of your product and send it to us for verification. Examine the product packaging and accompanying documents. Check your product's logo and design. By following these steps, you can be confident in the authenticity of your Focal product.