®

BassLink II

in
st
ructions

Universal Line Level Fuse

Interface Input
Auto 25A
R R Turn On Power
R E
E A
Servo REM
A R
R L
_ AUTO OFF
+

F
F R R Phase
R O
O N
N T
T L 180∞ 0∞ Gnd Rem +Batt
L R
®
BassLink II
INTRODUCTION CHOOSING A MOUNTING LOCATION MOUNTING BASSLINK II
THANK YOU for choosing the Infinity BassLink II
® ®
Choose a mounting location that doesn’t interfere CAUTION: Make sure mounting screws will not HORIZONTAL MOUNTING
powered subwoofer. BassLink II has been designed with cargo, fold-down rear seats or the trunk lid. puncture wiring harnesses, brake or fuel lines, or Position BassLink II so that the controls are facing
to provide the kind of high-performance low- The best location is usually a corner of the trunk the vehicle’s fuel tank. Some or all of these may down and the back of the unit is up. Align the
frequency reproduction that used to require big, or cargo area, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. be located behind or under the mounting surface. mounting feet as shown in Figure 4. Secure the
clumsy enclosures, large amplifiers and complex
feet using the supplied machine screws.
installation. To ensure maximum performance,
we strongly recommend that installation be These locations, in addition to being out of the
entrusted to a qualified professional. Although way, will provide the best sonic reproduction in VERTICAL MOUNTING Securely mount BassLink II to the mounting
these instructions explain how to install the the 60Hz to 100Hz range because the woofer out- Position BassLink II so that the heatsink is facing surface using the four enclosed self-tapping
BassLink II in a general sense, they do not show put will be “corner loaded” against the vehicle’s down and the bottom of the unit is up. Align the screws.
the specific installation methods for your particular walls. In any case, BassLink II must not interfere mounting feet as shown in Figure 3. Secure the
vehicle. If you feel you do not have the necessary with the safe operation of the vehicle. feet using the supplied machine screws. Figure 4. Horizontal mounting of BassLink II.
tools or experience, do not attempt the installation
yourself; rather, ask your authorized Infinity car Figure 1. BassLink II in a car’s trunk. Place BassLink II (with its feet) so the controls
audio dealer about professional installation options. are easy to adjust. Securely mount BassLink II to
the mounting surface with the four enclosed self-
Remember to keep this manual and your sales
tapping screws.
receipt in a safe place for future reference.

HEARING WARNING! Figure 3. Vertical mounting of BassLink II.

Playing loud music in a vehicle can permanently
damage your hearing, as well as hinder your ability
to hear traffic. We recommend using low volume
levels while driving. Infinity accepts no liability for
hearing loss, bodily injury or property damage
resulting from the use or misuse of this product.

YOUR CAR AND BASS REPRODUCTION

Depending on the interior volume of your vehicle
and the dimensions of the passenger compartment
and cargo area, reproduced frequencies below
80Hz may be boosted by nearly 12dB per octave Figure 2. BassLink II in an SUV’s cargo area.
as frequency decreases.This effect, known as the
vehicle’s “transfer function” or “cabin gain,” plays
an important part in shaping the overall in-car
response of the BassLink II.

BassLink II is designed to work with your vehicle’s

other speakers to reproduce frequencies below
100Hz. Moreover, depending on orientation and
mounting location, BassLink II may be “in phase”
or “out of phase” with those speakers. The resulting
conditions, known as constructive and destructive
interference, also play a role in shaping the total
frequency response of your system. Fortunately,
BassLink II has controls to optimize both of these
conditions, and their adjustment is explained later
in the manual.

2
POWER CONNECTIONS APPLICATIONS
Make Power, Ground and Remote Turn-On • Install a fuse holder with a 25A fuse within 18" BassLink II is equipped with four line-level (RCA) To help you plan your installation, we have
connections as shown in Figure 5. Observe of the battery + terminal (see Figure 5). inputs and four speaker-level inputs. Any combina- included three system applications in Figures 6
the following installation tips: tion of line-level and speaker-level inputs may be through 8. For more system ideas, see your
• The REM connection requires +5 to +12Vdc used to provide nonfading bass when connected to authorized Infinity car audio dealer.
• Use #8 AWG wire for the +BATT (+12Vdc) for BassLink II to turn on remotely. Most head a head unit with four outputs.
and GND (ground) connections. If needed, use units with preamp outputs provide this remote Note: The applications show the REMOTE LEVEL
at least a #20 AWG wire for the REM (remote) voltage signal. For speaker-level applications, Figure 6. BassLink II audio connections for a head control, which installs under the dashboard for
connection. a remote connection is not required, since unit with two line-level or subwoofer (RCA) outputs. easy in-car bass level adjustments (see page 7).
BassLink II’s Auto Turn On feature will sense
• If you pass the power or remote wire voltage on the speaker wires to automatically
through the vehicle’s firewall or other metal turn on BassLink II.
obstruction, it must be insulated with a rubber
grommet. If a factory-installed grommet is IMPORTANT: To enable BassLink II’s Auto
unavailable, be sure to install a rubber Turn On feature, set AUTO TURN ON to the
grommet to protect the wires. AUTO position (see Figure 15 on page 6).

• Connect a short ground wire from BassLink II

to the nearest bare metal surface. For a good
connection, sand away paint from the metal
surface and use a screw with a (star) lock washer.

Figure 5. Power connections for BassLink II.

BassLink II
®

3
APPLICATIONS (CONTINUED)
Figure 7. BassLink II audio connections for a head Figure 8. BassLink II audio connections for a head
unit equipped with four line-level (RCA) outputs. unit equipped with four speaker-level outputs.

BassLink II
(right side)

BassLink II
(right side)

LF Speaker RF Speaker

– + RCA Stereo Cables – +

(not supplied)

– + Source Unit – +

LR Speaker RR Speaker

4
BASSLINK 4SC INSTALLATION APPLICATION
DESCRIPTION Figure 9. CONNECTIONS Figure 13. Typical installation using all four speaker-
The BassLink 4sc is a plug-and-play amplifier Connect the front and rear speakers as shown in level inputs from the source unit.
designed to make upgrading your system easy. Figure 11.
RR LF
The BassLink 4sc is designed to slide into an
available slot in the BassLink II. Unlike an Figure 11.
additional outboard amplifier, the BassLink 4sc
BassLink II
doesn’t require any additional space. The
Left Front Right (right side)
BassLink 4sc also includes a Phantom Center – – + +
– –
effect, which creates the illusion of a center

+
channel even if no center speaker is installed.

INSTALLATION Figure 10.

1. Remove the wiring cover from BassLink II.
2. Remove the eight screws that hold the
AMPLIFIER DOCK cover panel in place
(Figure 9). Save the screws.

+
3. Remove the screw that attaches the two
wiring harnesses and connectors to the panel.
Left Front Right –
–

4. Connect the wiring harness connectors to the

Right Rear Left
appropriate connectors on the BassLink 4sc’s
circuit board. See Figure 10.
5. Insert the amplifier and install the eight
screws that were removed in Step 2. See
– –
SETTINGS
The BassLink 4sc has input level control for the
Figure 10. front and rear speakers and PHANTOM CENTER
6. Install 40A fuse at the battery. controls.
+

+
Note: All four inputs on BassLink II must be used For proper setup, please refer to the full
in order for the BassLink 4sc amplifier to function BassLink 4sc owner’s manual.
properly.
Figure 12.

– + + –

LR RF

BassLink II
+

®
– –
5
CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS TUNING BASSLINK II
BassLink II provides several controls and indica- Figure 15. BassLink II controls on right-side panel. 1. Unplug the RJ11 cable that connects the 8. Adjust the CROSSOVER control clockwise
tors that simplify sonic integration with virtually REMOTE LEVEL control to BassLink II. or counterclockwise until you hear only low-
any vehicle’s unique acoustic properties. They are frequency information. For example, you
located on the front and side panels, as shown in 2. Make sure the head unit is off and its volume should NOT hear any vocals coming from
Figures 14 and 15. control is set to minimum. BassLink II when seated in the normal listen-
ing position.
Figure 14. BassLink II controls on the front panel. 3. On BassLink II’s front panel, initially set
PHASE Control: Use this switch to reverse the all controls to their midpoint positions, as 9. Adjust the BASS BOOST control clockwise or
phase of BassLink II’s output with respect to shown in Figure 14. On BassLink II’s side counterclockwise to suit your taste.
its input. Choose the position (0° or 180°) that panel, initially set PHASE to 0°, as shown
sounds the best. in Figure 15. 10. Recheck the SERVO LED to make sure it’s
flashing in time with the bass but is not lit
Note: Depending on BassLink II’s orientation and 4. Turn on the head unit and play a favorite continuously. If it is lit continuously, adjust
location in a vehicle, reversing the phase may, music track that has substantial bass. Set the the GAIN control counterclockwise until the
or may not, increase or decrease the amount head unit’s volume control to 75 percent of SERVO LED only flashes in time with the bass.
of upper bass being reproduced. the total output (approximately 3 o’clock on
rotary controls). 11. Reconnect the RJ11 cable between the
POWER LED:This indicator will glow blue when AUTO TURN ON: For speaker-level connections, REMOTE LEVEL control and BassLink II. You
BassLink II is operational. use this switch to activate (or deactivate) BassLink 5. Adjust the GAIN control clockwise until the may then use the REMOTE LEVEL control to
II’s automatic turn-on circuit. For most speaker-level SERVO LED (on BassLink II’s side panel) adjust the level of the bass to suit your taste
GAIN Control: Use this control to adjust the rela- applications, slide the switch to AUTO. However, if begins to flash with each bass note but and/or different program material.
tive volume (loudness) of BassLink II with respect your system produces false turn-on signals or uses doesn’t stay lit continuously.
to the other speakers in the vehicle. a remote (REM) connection, slide the switch to OFF. Note: In most cases, the above steps will provide
6. Listen to your system, making a mental satisfactory tuning. However, the actual process
CROSSOVER: Use this control to adjust the REMOTE LEVEL Control: Use this RJ11 jack to note of the amount of upper bass being may require several readjustments of each control,
amount of high-frequency information present in connect the REMOTE LEVEL control (see page 7). reproduced. since the settings will interact with each other.
BassLink II’s output. A lower value means more of If necessary, consult your authorized Infinity
the high frequencies are filtered out. SERVO LED:This indicator glows blue when the 7. Switch the PHASE control to 180° and listen car audio dealer for help in tuning your system.
subwoofer is at maximum excursion and the again for upper bass content. There may be
BASS BOOST: Use this control to correct any amplifier is modifying the output to maintain more upper bass, less upper bass, or no
perceived peak or dip in the bass response maximum performance. Be sure to monitor this change at all. The position that provides the
(typically around 40Hz in most vehicles). Set the indicator during BassLink II setup (see Tuning most upper bass is correct, but choose either
control to any value between –6dB and +3dB, BassLink II). When properly tuned, the SERVO LED setting according to your taste.
according to what sounds best. should light momentarily during high-level bass
transients. Avoid adjustments that cause the LED
to remain lit for extended periods.

6
 CONNECTING THE REMOTE LEVEL
INSTALLATION CONTROL TO BASSLINK II OPERATION
The REMOTE LEVEL control may be mounted Route the cable behind the dash or other interior The REMOTE LEVEL control is used to adjust the
under the dash or may be dismantled and panels and under the carpet. Do not route the output level of the subwoofer. This level control
mounted in the dash for a factory appearance. cable outside the vehicle. Connect the RJ11 cable allows you to reduce the subwoofer output for
between the RJ11 receptacle on the BassLink II music with heavy bass content and increase the
UNDER-DASH MOUNTING and the receptacle on the REMOTE LEVEL control level for music with less bass content.
Select a mounting location that allows easy (Figure 17).
access to the control while driving. Using the PHANTOM CENTER Switch:The REMOTE LEVEL
REMOTE LEVEL control as a template, mark and Figure 17. REMOTE LEVEL control electrical control has a three-position switch that is used
drill holes in the mounting surface. Attach the connection. when the BassLink 4sc amplifier is installed.
REMOTE LEVEL control using the mounting Please refer to the BassLink 4sc owner’s
screws provided (Figure 16). manual for the specific operation of this switch.

Figure 16. Under-dash mounting of the REMOTE

LEVEL control.

BassLink II
®

7
TROUBLESHOOTING SPECIFICATIONS
BassLink II (4sc, if installed) • PROBLEM: • PROBLEM: BassLink II
• PROBLEM: No output from BassLink II when head-unit BassLink II produces a loud humming noise Amplifier Power: 250W RMS
POWER LED not lit. fader control is set to front or rear (in a four- with the system OFF when using speaker-level Frequency Response: 20Hz to 120Hz
channel connection). inputs. Fuse: 25A
CAUSES and SOLUTIONS: Max. Current Draw: 26A
1. Fuse is blown and needs replacement. CAUSE and SOLUTION: CAUSE and SOLUTIONS: Idle Current Draw: < 800mA
2. Head unit not functioning properly. Check Input connections are improperly wired. Verify This problem is caused by a feedback loop Input Sensitivity: 50mV to 4V Line-level input
remote voltage, and power, ground or all connections (see Applications starting on between your speakers and the high-level inputs 1V to 16V universal interface
remote connections. page 3). of BassLink II. Crossover Frequency: 50Hz to 120Hz
Crossover Slope: 12dB Per octave
Choose one of the following solutions: Bass Boost: –6dB to +3dB @ 40Hz
• PROBLEM: • PROBLEM: Dimensions (L x W x H): 15-1/16" x 8-3/4" x 15-5/16"
POWER LED is lit but there is no bass. BassLink II turns on before head unit is com- 1. Connect a wire from the REMOTE terminal on (383mm x 223mm x 389mm)
pletely on and produces a “thump” sound. BassLink II to the remote turn-on of your head Sub Level Control 2-3/16" x 2-5/16" x 7/8"
CAUSES and SOLUTIONS: unit or to the vehicle’s accessory circuit. On the (with housing): (56mm x 59mm x 23mm)
1. Inputs are not connected. Check connections. CAUSE and SOLUTION: control panel, slide the AUTO TURN ON switch Sub Level Control 2-3/16" x 1-5/16" x 3/4"
2. Head-unit fader control is not set properly. For speaker-level connections, head unit is to the OFF position. (without housing): (56mm x 34mm x 20mm)
Adjust head-unit fader control to feed audio producing a false turn-on signal. On BassLink
signals to BassLink II. II’s side panel, slide AUTO TURN ON to OFF. 2. Connect the supplied capacitors between
each of the speaker outputs of the head unit
and the speaker’s positive lead, as shown
• PROBLEM: • PROBLEM: in Figure 18. Connect each positive lead of
BassLink II sounds muddy or distorted. BassLink II’s POWER LED remains on after head BassLink II’s high-level inputs to the head-unit
unit is turned off. side of the capacitors. Use one capacitor per
CAUSES and SOLUTIONS: speaker input channel.
1. Gain is set too high and SERVO LED is lit CAUSE and SOLUTION:
constantly. Readjust GAIN control (see For speaker-level connections, this is normal Figure 18. Connecting supplied capacitors.
Tuning BassLink II on page 6). operation when AUTO TURN ON is set to ON. + Speaker wire
2. Bass is set too high. Readjust BASS BOOST BassLink II will remain on another 5 to 10 min- from head unit To + speaker lead
control (see Tuning BassLink II on page 6). utes after sensing that audio signals are not Capacitor
3. Head-unit output is distorted or blown. See present before shutting down.
your authorized Infinity car audio dealer.
Declaration of Conformity
To + speaker-level
input on BassLink II

We, Harman Consumer Group International

2, route de Tours
72500 Chateau-du-Loir
A valid serial number is required for warranty coverage. France

Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice. declare in own responsibility that the products described in this
owner’s manual are in compliance with technical standards:
This product is designed for mobile applications and is not intended for connection to the mains.
EN 55013:2001+A1:2003
Infinity Systems, 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA EN 55020:2002+A1:2003
516.674.4463 • FAX 516.682.3520 • www.infinitysystems.com
© 2005 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved. • Part No. BASSLINKIIOM9/05 Klaus Lebherz
Infinity, Harman International and BassLink II are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. Harman Consumer Group International
¤
Chateau-du-Loir, France 9/05