ILLUSION AUDIO

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PRODUCT MANUAL
CARBON, LUCCENT & ELECTRA
COMPONENTS
 THANK YOU!

Thank you for purchasing Illusion Audio products. At Illusion, we are dedicated to
the design and manufacturing of “State Of The Art” loudspeakers. Illusion Audio
strives to set a new standard for both quality and sonic accuracy.

Through innovation, design, testing and listening, Illusion Audio speakers represent
the passion that the entire staff at Illusion Audio has; That passion for GREAT
SOUNDING MUSIC!

MANUAL INDEX BOX CONTENTS

PG 01 Thank You
Manual Index
Box Contents

PG 02 Installation Options
CO
CA MP
ON
PG 03 Sub-bass Considerations
RB
ON
, L
UC EN
CEN
T, E TK
IT
Crossover installation LE
CT
RA

PG 04 Standard Tweeter Settings

(On Crossover) 1 Pair Mid bass Drivers
Crossover Settings
1 Pair Tweeters
PG 05 Speaker Installation
1 Pair of Bi-ampable Crossovers
PG 06 Tweeter Installation
Warranty Information 1 Pair of Tweeter Mounting Cups

1 Mounting Hardware Set

1 Illusion Audio Manual

ILLUSIONAUDIO-AMERICA.COM CARBON / ELECTRA / LUCCENT COMPONENTS PG 01

 INSTALLATION OPTIONS
1 SINGLE AMPLIFIER SYSTEMS
The objective behind a single amplifier system is simplicity.

By choosing this route the installer can run minimum components and achieve excellent sound quality. A single
two channel amplifier will drive both the mid bass and tweeters; eliminating the need for an additional amplifier and
installation time, thus reducing the cost.

1. The amplifier will need to be connected to either the crossover mid-bass input (TIN) or the midbass input (WIN).
2. The internal switch will need to be set to single amp.
3. Connect the crossover mid-bass output to the mid-bass driver.
4. Connect the crossover tweeter output to the tweeter.
5. The internal jumpers control the tweeters output level. With 3 selectable jumpers we have the options of -1db, -2db,
and -3db. These can be added together so you will have up to -6db. If you want -4db as an example, you would
turn on the -1db & -3db which will give you -4db of tweeter attenuation.

2 BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM
The objective behind a dual amplifier system is added tuning flexibility.

By choosing this route the installer can use two amplifiers or a single four-channel amplifier to achieve improved sound
quality. Each driver will have its own amplifier channel, the mid-bass and tweeter levels may be easily adjusted at the
amplifier. Increased sound quality may be achieved by supplying each driver with the proper amount of power.

1. The mid-bass amplifier output will connect to the crossover mid-bass input. (WIN)
2. The tweeter amplifier output will connect the crossover tweeter input. (TIN)
3. The internal switch must be set to bi-amp.
4. Connect the crossover mid-bass output to the mid-bass speaker.
5. Connect the crossover tweeter output to the tweeter.
6. Adjust the tweeter and mid-bass levels at the amplifier.
7. The crossover tweeter level jumpers should remain in the off settings.

3 BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM WITHOUT USING THE PASSIVE CROSSOVER

This setup will allow the maximum flexibility for tuning and sound quality. Each driver will have its own amplifier channel:
the mid-bass and tweeter levels may be independently adjusted easily at the amplifier. Crossover points may be
adjusted to maximize vehicle/speaker interaction.

Increased sound quality may be achieved by supplying each driver with the proper amount of power.

1. Connect the mid-bass amplifier output to the mid-bass driver.

2. Connect the tweeter amplifier output to the tweeter wires.
3. The tweeter and mid-bass levels are to be adjusted at the amplifiers.

! ELECTRONIC FILTERING MUST BE USED TO AVOID DAMAGE TO THE SPEAKERS!

We recommend the use of a 2500hz or higher/-12db per octave high-pass filter for the tweeter. The mid-bass may
be crossed over according to the listener/installers desires, but starting at the same frequency as the tweeter is a
recommended starting point. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT WHEN TWEETERS ARE USED WITHOUT THE
SUPPLIED PASSIVE CROSSOVER, A 30uf POLYPROPYLENE CAPACITOR MUST BE PLACED IN LINE WITH THE
TWEETER TO AVOID DAMAGE FROM AMPLIFER DC OFFSET!

ILLUSIONAUDIO-AMERICA.COM CARBON / ELECTRA / LUCCENT COMPONENTS PG 02

 SUB-BASS CONSIDERATIONS
Illusion Audio manufactures a variety of high quality subwoofers specifically designed to integrate seamlessly in
application with Illusion Audio speakers. The Carbon, Luccent, and Electra Lines feature respectively four, two,
and two high quality Subwoofers that will perfectly complement your Illusion Components and Coaxials. For
specifications and more information on Illusion Subs, visit http://www.IllusionAudio-America.com .

CROSSOVER INSTALLATION
CROSSOVER DIRECTIONS

1. CAREFULLY remove the cover by grabbing both sides, applying pressure, and lifting.
2. Mount the crossover using the two holes located under the crossover cover, being careful to not over
tighten the screws and crack the plastic. A wire tie may be utilized if mounting the crossover to a wire
loom etc.
3. Mounting crossovers in the doors are not recommended for 2 main reasons. 1- It’s not possible to
adjust tweeter attenuation after you have done some critical listening. 2- WATER DAMAGE! Damage
may occur to the crossover if it is exposed to water when located in a door. If you need to mount them
in the door please make sure you mount them in a DRY AREA. Water damage is NOT covered under
warranty.
4. Adjust the tweeter level jumpers according to the tweeter chart, (only use if not bi-amping the system).
5. Replace the cover.

TWEETER LEVEL JUMPERS

The purpose of these jumpers is to match the tweeter volume to the midrange or midbass. This can be
adjusted easily by
Listening to a well recorded track. If the tweeters sound too loud in comparison to the midrange or midbass
then adjust the jumpers until it sound balanced. An RTA
Can also be used if you have one.

The tweeter level attenuations are specified on the following page.

All crossovers will be shipped with bi-amp switches in the default single-amp position.

ILLUSIONAUDIO-AMERICA.COM CARBON / ELECTRA / LUCCENT COMPONENTS PG 03

 STANDARD TWEETER SETTINGS ON CROSSOVER
0 dB Attenuation -1 dB Attenuation -2 dB Attenuation -3 dB Attenuation

-1 dB -1 dB -1 dB -1 dB

ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF

TWEETER LOUDNESS ADJUSTMENT -2 dB -2 dB -2 dB -2 dB
CROSSOVER JUMPER SETTINGS
ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF
-3 dB -3 dB -3 dB -3 dB
SINGLE AMP CONNECTION

ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF

-4 dB Attenuation -5 dB Attenuation -6 dB Attenuation

-1 dB -1 dB -1 dB
OFF

OFF
OFF
-1 dB

-2 dB

-3 dB

ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF

ON

ON
ON

-2 dB -2 dB -2 dB

+ TIN - + WIN - + WF - - TW + ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF

-3 dB -3 dB -3 dB

ON OFF ON OFF ON OFF

TIN: TWEETER INPUT WIN: WOOFER INPUT WF: WOOFER OUTPUT TW: TWEETER OUTPUT

CROSSOVER CONFIGURATION

SINGLE AMPLIFIER CONNECTION BIAMP AMPLIFIER CONNECTION

SINGLE AMP BI AMP

ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF
ON OFF

-1 DB

-2 DB

-3 DB
-1 DB

-2 DB

-3 DB

+ TIN - + WIN - + WF - - TW + + TIN - + WIN - + WF - - TW +

+ - + - + -
+ - WOOFER WOOFER
TWEETER
AMPLIFIER
AMPLIFIER
- + - +
TWEETER TWEETER
+ -
WOOFER
AMPLIFIER

ILLUSIONAUDIO-AMERICA.COM CARBON / ELECTRA / LUCCENT COMPONENTS PG 04

 SPEAKER INSTALLATION
MOUNTING SUGGESTIONS

To achieve the best possible performance from your speakers, please follow these recommendations:

1. Mount the speakers as far forward as possible. This allows for correct staging to take place.
2. Locate the speakers as far apart as possible, (left & right). This applies to speakers being installed in
the rear of the vehicle as well.
3. If possible, flush all drivers into the mounting surface

INSTALLATION

1. LEAVE THE SPEAKERS IN THE PACKING BOX UNTIL FINAL INSTALLATION!

2. After determining the best location for the drivers make sure that you are not going to be cutting any
wires.
3. Do not install the speaker until the area is thoroughly cleaned, vacuumed and no other work is being
done that could cause metallic particles to be attracted to the driver.
4. Use the driver to mark the mounting holes.
5. Remove the driver and place it in a safe place.
6. Drill the mounting holes and CLEAN UP! Be sure to vacuum inside of the door, etc…
7. All mounting gaskets are glued to the back of the speaker so you do not need to apply one.
8. Connect the wires from the head unit/amplifier to the speaker/crossover and double check polarity.
9. Mount the driver to the baffle using the supplied hardware.
10. Check polarity again on the speaker!

ILLUSIONAUDIO-AMERICA.COM CARBON / ELECTRA / LUCCENT COMPONENTS PG 05

 TWEETER INSTALLATION
FOR FLUSH MOUNT

1. Check the area behind the tweeter location for loose wires, etc…
2. Using an adjustable hole saw carefully cut a 1 11/16 “ hole for mounting the tweeter. ( the hole saw is
available from Macmaster.com Part number 4192a26. Changeable end and carbide tip)
3. Clean up the hole and press fit the tweeter in.
4. Connect the wires to the crossover accordingly.

FOR SURFACE MOUNT

1. A surface mounting cup is provided in the box.
2. Place the surface mounting cup where it needs to be and screw it into place. Mounting hardware is
provided.
3. Run the wires from the tweeter through the mounting cup. Be sure you have the wires from the crossover
available so that the tweeter wires may be attached securely.
4. Place the tweeter into the mounting cup and snap into place.

A mounting brace is provided as well to secure the tweeter behind a panel when the hole that is cut is not
made of a sufficient strength material that would support a standard flush mount.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Illusion Audio / Orca Design & Manufacturing supports their products and guarantees them to be free of
manufacturing defects for a period of 1 year (non-transferrable) from the date of purchase, if purchased from an
authorized retailer. This time period is extended to 3 years (non-transferrable) from the date of purchase, if the
product is purchased from and installed by an authorized retailer, and no alterations are made to the installation
or setup of the product outside of the authorized retailer.

This manufacturing warranty does not extend to situations involving physical or installation damage, misuse,
abuse, or modification. If a product malfunctions, please return it to the authorized retailer from which the
product was purchased to have it and/or its installation inspected and to have the warranty period verified from
date of purchase.

The authorized dealer will then work with Illusion Audio / Orca Design & Manufacturing to obtain service, if
necessary. If found to be a defect due to manufacturing, the item will be repaired or replaced with a refurbished
product. The product will be returned to the authorized retailer when repairs are complete, so that the dealer can
return the product to you, or reinstall the product to maintain the above mentioned warranty timeline.

ILLUSIONAUDIO-AMERICA.COM CARBON / ELECTRA / LUCCENT COMPONENTS PG 06