Cerwin Vega Mobile CVM1 Digital Bass Enhancer
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing the Cerwin-Vega Mobile CVM1 for your car audio system. You have chosen Cerwin Vega Mobile because you deserve the best!
The Cerwin Vega Mobile CVM1 Digital Bass Processor is designed and engineered to reproduce extreme bass in your vehicle. Our authorized Cerwin Vega Mobile dealers can help guide you with various installation applications and technical information to customize your sound system according to your own listening preference. It is highly recommended that you have your new CVM1 installed by an authorized Cerwin Vega Mobile dealer to ensure you receive the ultimate listening experience.
If you decide to install the unit yourself, please thoroughly read this manual before getting started. This manual will help familiarize you with this product and guide you through the installation process and procedures.
Please contact your local authorized Cerwin Vega Mobile dealer if you have any questions regarding the instructions in this manual or the CVM1 processor's application capabilities. For additional assistance, please contact the Cerwin Vega Mobile Technical Support Department during business hours at 213-261-4161.
Note: We reserve the right to change products and specifications at any time without notice. Images may or may not include optional equipment.
Features
The CVM1 offers several key features to enhance your car audio experience:
Bass Driver
The CVM1 contains a Bass Driver circuit that accurately recreates and injects low-frequency information back into the signal path. In everyday terms, this means the BASS BOOSTER will give more bass impact to your music, whether from compact discs or older tapes.
Bass Equalization Circuit
The CVM1 has a unique equalization circuit that contours the restored bass to your speaker systems.
Dash Mount Remote Control
The CVM1 comes with a dash-mountable remote control, allowing you to enjoy the effects without leaving the driver's seat. The Dash Mount Control features an LED indicator that grows brighter as you add more bass and dimmer as you decrease it.
Bass Maximizer Indicator
Beyond great sound, the CVM1 also provides visual feedback. On the chassis of the CVM1, one LED under the logo “Artconnection” indicates that the system is on.
PFM Subsonic Filter Switch
This unique feature is legendary for its ability to fine-tune the bass response of any system. It helps clean up unwanted subsonic information, saving power and improving sound quality.
Bass Output Control
The CVM1 is capable of producing large amounts of deep, powerful bass without damaging your speakers. The Bass Output Control circuit allows the CVM1 to maximize bass output while restraining destructive bursts.
Functions: The Outside
Diagram showing the top and rear of the CVM1 unit with numbered connection points and controls.
Labeled Components:
- 1. INPUTS: Balanced input circuit designed to minimize induced noise and handle very high signal voltages of up to 15 volts.
- 2. OUTPUTS: RCA connectors that should be connected to the next component AFTER the CVM1, before a crossover.
- 3. DASH REMOTE CONTROL: Connection port for the remote control.
- 4. POWER CONNECTOR: For connecting the main power supply.
- 5. BASS CONTROLS: Two knobs. The SWEEP knob allows you to choose the center frequency (between 27Hz and 63Hz). The WIDE knob adjusts how wide the frequency range affected by the CVM1 is.
- 6. BASS MAXIMIZE INDICATOR: Three LED indicators that flash when the bass maximization circuit is activated.
- 7. POWER ON LED: Indicates that the unit is powered on.
- 8. SUB VOLUME CONTROL: Knob to adjust the subwoofer volume.
- 9. DASH SUBSONIC CONTROL: Knob to control the subsonic frequency from 35Hz to 80Hz.
Functions: Internal Jumpers
Diagram showing the internal jumper configurations on the CVM1 unit.
Labeled Jumpers:
- 10. INPUT GROUNDING: In most systems, the source unit may leave this jumper set in the BALANCED position. In some systems, the source unit may look for a ground through the RCA connectors. In this event, you should change the jumpers to the UNBALANCED position.
- 11. GROUND ISOLATION JUMPERS: Occasionally alternator whine may appear in a system due to different grounding between the source unit and amplifier. These jumpers provide alternative grounding connections to help mitigate this issue. Ensure your system is turned OFF before moving these jumpers.
- 12. BASS OUTPUT CONTROL JUMPERS: Not all systems are designed the same. Some are designed strictly for SPL (sound pressure level), while others prioritize different characteristics. The Bass Maximizer circuit can either increase or decrease the signal voltage of the Bass Restoration Circuit. Depending on your system, you may opt to change these jumpers to a higher or lower setting to maximize bass output and protect your speakers. In most systems, the factory setting will be suitable. We recommend trying the factory setting first.
Electronic Connections & Wiring
Power Connection
B+)12V(: Connect a red wire to the battery or other power source.
REMORE: Connect an orange wire to the remote activating (12V DC) wire of your car stereo or equalizer.
GND: Connect a black wire to the car chassis for ground connection.
Diagram illustrating the power connection of the CVM1 to the car battery and head unit. It shows a red wire from the battery's positive terminal to the CVM1's B+12V input, an orange wire from the head unit's remote output to the CVM1's REMORE input, and a black wire from the CVM1's GND input to the car's chassis.
Signal Connection
Diagram illustrating signal connections. The CVM1 outputs connect to an equalizer, which then connects to a crossover. The crossover outputs connect to amplifiers for midrange speakers and a subwoofer.
NOTE: For signal connection, the output RCA connectors should be connected to the next component after the CVM1; such as, a crossover, equalizer, or amplifier. Remember, the CVM1 should go inline BEFORE a crossover.
Control & Specification
Adjusting the Bass Control
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 source (CD, Tape, etc.)
- (4) Speakers and speaker enclosures.
Because of variations in the recording process, the CVM1 helps restore low frequencies that may be lost. The Sweep control allows you to select a center frequency (the frequency most affected) between 27Hz and 63Hz. The Width control then allows you to control the range of the filter centered on the Sweep frequency.
Setting the Bass Output Control
The CVM1 is a powerful bass component equipped with several different Bass Output selections. If you need to change the settings, use the chart below to determine the new setting. It is recommended that you listen to the factory setting first before changing the Bass Output setting.
Recommended Setting | Amplifier Voltage | Minimum Speaker Size |
---|---|---|
2.5 Volts | 3.0 Volts or less | 8" |
5.0 Volts | 5.0 Volts or less | 10" |
7.5 Volts | 7.5 Volts or less | 12" |
10.0 Volts | 10.0 Volts | 15" |
Specifications
- Maximum Input Level: 15V rms
- Maximum Output Level: 13.5V peak
- Frequency Response: 10Hz-35KHz; +/-1dB
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.0025%
- Signal to Noise Ratio: 133dB
- Balanced Input Noise Rejection: >62dB
- Input Impedance: 10K ohm
- Output Impedance: 150 ohm
- Power Supply: High Headroom PWM
- Power Draw: 150mA
Guide
Troubleshooting Guide
If the Unit does not turn-on, and/or the power indicator LED is NOT illuminated, do this:
- Check and make sure that B+ and GND are not reversed.
- Check that all power wires are properly connected and have the appropriate potential (11-16 volts).
- Check that the fuse is intact and functioning.
If you experience high audible distortion or low output volume:
- Check that the input and output levels are set correctly. Input should match the source, and output should match the sensitivity of the host.
- Check the crossover settings; make sure they are correct. For a high “Q” systems, set it 1 octave or more above.
If you experience high audible distortion or low output volume (continued):
- Verify that the GND connection is secure, the conductor (wire) is not too thin and unnecessarily long.
- Check that the B+ wire is not too thin and unnecessarily long.
- Change the power source; try taking power from a different point.
Installation
Diagram showing the mounting hardware: Tapping Screw, Spring Washer, and Plain Washer.
Notes
This section is for user notes.
Warranty
Thank you for purchasing a Cerwin Vega Mobile product and we hope to provide you with countless hours of listening enjoyment.
Cerwin Vega Mobile warrants all of our amplifiers and speakers to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year.
This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized Cerwin Vega Mobile dealer. If service is required and necessary under this warranty due to manufacturing defect or malfunction, then Cerwin Vega Mobile will repair and/or replace defective product with either new or remanufactured like product at no charge at our discretion.
Damage to product caused by the following will not be covered under this warranty: abuse, accident, misuse, neglect, modifications, repairing attempts, seller/installer misrepresentation.
This warranty does not cover any incidental, consequential, or cosmetic damage due to accidents or normal wear and tear, nor does it cover the cost of removing or reinstallation of the product. Warranty is void if the product's serial number has been removed, defaced, and/or tampered with.
Warranty Procedure:
We recommend that you contact your Cerwin Vega Mobile authorized dealer where your original purchase was made to initiate all warranty claims. Our authorized dealers can guide you through the warranty procedure to ensure that your claim will be processed in a timely manner. All warranty returns must be accompanied with a proof of purchase (a copy of the original sales receipt) and be shipped freight prepaid to our facility with an RA (Return Authorization) number clearly marked on the outside of the package. Direct returns from consumers or non-authorized dealers will be refused if shipped without a valid RA number authorized by Cerwin Vega Mobile beforehand.
INTERNATIONAL
Products purchased outside of the U.S.A. are covered only by that country's distributor and not by Cerwin Vega Mobile U.S.A.
Please Ship All Warranty Claims With Pre-Authorized RA Number
To: CV&DA Holdings, Inc. ATTN: Customer Service Department 3761 S. Hill St. Los Angeles, CA 90007 USA
Please Contact Customer Service for Further Warranty Information: U.S.A. Tel: 213-261-4161 / Fax: 213-246-2423 / Tech Support 213-212-3187