The quality of standard sound in modern cars often leaves much to be desired, especially if the owner is accustomed to high audio loss. Owners of Chinese Android radios are often faced with limited output power of the built-in amplifier, which rarely exceeds 4x45 W at peak, but in reality is much less. It is at this moment that the external power amplifier, capable of radically changing the acoustic picture in the cabin. Brand Mediabass has established itself as a manufacturer offering affordable solutions with good functionality for the budget segment.
Integrating an external amplifier into an Android-based system requires not only the correct selection of components, but also a competent approach to switching. Errors during the installation stage can lead to background noise, distortion, or even equipment failure. It is important to understand that Android head unit has its own power management features for external components, which differ from classic radios. In this article we will look at all the nuances of connecting an amplifier Mediabass, starting from the choice of wires and ending with fine-tuning frequency filters.
Choosing the right Mediabass amplifier model
Before starting installation work, you need to decide on the amplifier model, since the line Mediabass offers various channel configuration options. For most systems, a two-channel or four-channel solution is sufficient, which will allow you to drive the front speakers and, if necessary, the subwoofer. The key parameter here is output power into a 4 ohm load that should match the capabilities of your speakers, but not exceed their rating too much.
Pay attention to the presence of built-in crossovers, as this will eliminate the need to buy separate sound processors. Many models are equipped with adjustable filters LPF (Low Pass Filter) and HPF (High Pass Filter), which is critical for separating frequencies between midbass and treble. It is also worth checking the type of input connectors: the presence of High Level inputs will simplify the connection if you are not yet ready to change the head unit or install new line outputs.
⚠️ Attention: Do not select an amplifier solely based on the maximum (peak) power indicated on the box. Real RMS power usually 2-3 times less than the declared marketing values, and this is what you need to focus on when calculating the system.
The overall dimensions of the case also play a role, especially when there is limited space under the seat or in the trunk of a compact car. An aluminum radiator provides efficient heat dissipation, but requires free space around it for air circulation. If you plan to install in a closed space, make sure that the model Mediabass has a sufficient safety margin or forced cooling.
Necessary materials and tools for installation
The sound quality and reliability of the system directly depend on the materials used. To connect the amplifier, you will need a power cable of the appropriate cross-section, usually at least 4 Ga (about 21 mm²) for medium power systems. The use of standard car wiring is strictly not recommended, since it is not designed for high currents and can lead to a voltage drop and overheating.
To transmit an audio signal from an Android radio to an amplifier, interconnect cables (RCA) with high-quality shielding are required. Cheap cables often become a source of interference from the operation of the engine and generator, creating an unpleasant background in the speakers. You will also need a control wire REM (Remote), which informs the amplifier that the head unit is turned on.
☑️ Checklist of materials for installation
Don't forget about a set of tools: wire cutters, a stripper for stripping wires, screwdrivers and a multi-meter for checking circuits. Having a multimeter is critical to checking the battery voltage and the absence of short circuits before turning it on for the first time. All connections are best made by soldering followed by heat shrink insulation, although high-quality crimp terminals are also acceptable.
Connection diagram to Android radio
Amplifier connection process Mediabass for an Android device has its own characteristics related to the organization of power supply in the operating system. Unlike classic radios, where plus 12V appears immediately when you turn the key, Android systems often use logical control. You need to find a wire ACC or KEY on the power connector of the radio, which will control the wire REM amplifier
The power plus is taken directly from the battery through a fuse located as close as possible to the terminal (maximum 30-40 cm). This is a safety requirement: if the wire rubs against the body, the fuse will burn out and not cause a fire. The negative wire is grounded to the car body in a place that has been stripped to bare metal, preferably near the installation site of the amplifier.
| Component | Connection | Wire size | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (+) | Battery via fuse | 4 Ga (21 mm²) | Max. length 5 meters |
| Earth (-) | Car body | 4 Ga (21 mm²) | Short wire, stripped to metal |
| Management (REM) | ACC output of the radio | 1 Ga (0.5 mm²) | Signal wire |
| Audio (RCA) | Linear output of the radio | Shielded | Lay separately from power |
The audio signal is taken from the line outputs (Line Out) on the back of the Android radio. If you are using a 2-channel amplifier for the front, connect the appropriate RCA cables. It is important to lay signal cables on the opposite side of the power cables to minimize interference. Ideally, they should intersect at an angle of 90 degrees, unless the intersection cannot be avoided.
Use ferrite beads on RCA cables closer to the amplifier if high-frequency whistling or squeaking occurs after installation.
Setting sound options and filters
After the physical connection, the configuration stage begins, on which 50% of the success of the whole venture depends. On the amplifier case Mediabass There are regulators that need to be set to the correct position. First of all, set all gain levels (GAIN) to the minimum position, so that when you turn it on for the first time, you do not damage the speakers with a sudden jump in volume.
Next you need to configure the crossovers. If you connected the amplifier to the front speakers, turn on the mode HPF (High Pass Filter) and set the cutoff frequency to around 60-80 Hz. This will protect the speakers from reproducing low frequencies they cannot handle and prevent mechanical damage. For the subwoofer channel, accordingly, the mode is turned on LPF (Low Pass Filter) with a cutoff frequency of 60-80 Hz.
⚠️ Warning: Never leave the crossover switch in the
OFForFULLwhen connecting component speakers, if you are not using an external active crossover. This is guaranteed to lead to the failure of the tweeters.
Level adjustment GAIN (input sensitivity) should be done carefully. Turn on music with a track you know at 75% of the maximum volume of the radio. Rotate the regulator smoothly GAIN on the amp until distortion appears, then turn it back a little. This will ensure maximum dynamics without clipping (overload).
Solving problems with background noise and interference
One of the most common problems when installing an external amplifier is the appearance of extraneous noise. A hum that changes with engine speed indicates poor grounding or interference from the generator. First of all, check the quality of contact of the negative wire with the body: the attachment point should be cleaned to a shine and pressed tightly.
If the hum continues, try disconnecting the RCA cables from the amplifier. If the noise disappears, then the problem is in the signal circuit or the radio itself. It often helps to lay a separate ground wire from the amplifier body directly to the negative terminal of the battery. It is also worth checking whether the signal cable is laid parallel to the vehicle's standard wiring or power wires.
Noise Source Elimination Method
If there is noise without the RCAs connected, the problem is in the power supply or ground. If noise appears only with RCA connected, the problem is in the interconnect cables or the head unit. Try using RCA with a ground isolator or replace the cables with higher quality shielded ones.
In systems with Android radios, a high-frequency whistle is sometimes encountered, which changes when Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules are operating. This indicates insufficient filtering of the power supply of the head unit itself. Installing an additional high-capacity capacitor (1-2 Farads) in the power supply circuit of the radio can smooth out these dips.
Features of working with the Android system
Android radios have flexible sound settings that may conflict with the amplifier settings. On the menu Car Settings or Sound There are often equalizer and crossover settings. If you are using external filters on your amplifier Mediabass, it is better to set the internal settings of the radio to a flat position or turn it off to avoid double signal processing.
Some models of Android head units have a function for automatically switching modes (for example, the sound is muted when navigating). Make sure this function works correctly with the connected amplifier. Sometimes it is necessary to adjust the turn-on delay of the amplifier so that the click when the system starts is not reproduced in the speakers.
Synchronizing equalizer settings in Android and physical controls on the amplifier is the key to clear sound without distortion or phase shifts.
It's also worth mentioning sound tuning apps such as Equalizer FX or Viper4Android (requires root rights). They allow for more fine-tuning of the sound than standard controls, but require careful use to avoid overloading the amplifier's input with digital clipping.
Diagnostics and system check
After completing all work, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive check of the system. Turn on the radio and make sure that the power indicator on the amplifier lights up at the same time as the Android screen. If the amplifier goes into protection (the red indicator flashes PROTECT), immediately turn off the system and check the connections for short circuits.
The test should be carried out at different volume levels. Start with a low sound, gradually increasing it to maximum. Listen for any distortion, crackling, or humming. Pay special attention to bass tracks: the amplifier should not go into protection during sharp bass hits, which may indicate a lack of power or poor ground contact.
What to do if the amplifier gets hot?
Heating of the amplifier during operation is normal, but it should not be critical. If the body Mediabass burns your hand, check the ventilation, reduce the volume level or check the load resistance (the speakers may be connected incorrectly).
Is it possible to connect two amplifiers to one radio?
Yes, you can. To do this, use RCA splitters (Y-cables) or choose a radio with three pairs of linear outputs. The main thing is to ensure a sufficient cross-section of the power wire from the battery.
Is a capacitor needed for a Mediabass amplifier?
For medium power amplifiers (up to 500-600 W RMS) and a healthy car battery, a capacitor is usually not necessary. It is needed if, when the bass hits, the radio screen starts blinking or Bluetooth resets.
How to set up a subwoofer through a Mediabass amplifier?
Connect the subwoofer to a monoblock or free channels with a bridge. Install a filter LPF at 60-80 Hz, select the phase experimentally (0 or 180 degrees) for better coordination with the front speakers.