Installing Equalizers Straightforward Components

Equalizers and crossovers are straightforward components to install. The hardest part is deciding where to mount them because space is usually at a premium in most vehicles.

An equalizer is always installed between a head unit and an amplifier. Some require a preamp or un-amplified signal, although some can accept an amplified signal from a stock head unit. Where you mount your EQ largely depends on what type it is: in-dash or remote-mount.

In-dash EQs

If you have the space, an in-dash EQ can be mounted above or below your head unit. Depending on the configuration of your dash, this could be an easy task or require hours of custom work. If you have room in your dash, some installation kits, which are brackets that hold a head unit in the dash, also have a slot for an EQ (see Figure 17-10). If you don’t have much room, you’ll have to have the equalizer custom-fitted in the dash, which is a task best left to a professional installer. Another option is to mount the EQ below the dash using an under-dash mounting kit.

Figure 17-10:

A Scosche installation kit with a slot for an in-dash equalizer.

Remote-mount EQs

A remote-mount equalizer is usually installed alongside a car audio system’s amplifiers. This makes it easy if you decide to add more amps later on because you can make a short wire run from the equalizer to the new amp — as opposed to running the wire from, say, under a seat if the EQ is mounted there to the trunk where the amps are installed. You should also locate the equalizer where it’s easily accessible because you’ll want to make adjustments to it.

Mounting your equalizer directly to the metal body of the car could cause it to pick up noise that radiates through a car’s chassis, instead, attach it to a wooden board that’s in turn attached to the car body. Be careful where you drill holes in your vehicle and always be sure you know what’s on the other side!