FAQ and Stereo Use
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      3. FAQ and Stereo Use

      Using Your Beatbox

      After your system is installed, here's how to get the most out of it.

      Using Your Beatbox Stereo – All Versions

      • Your vehicle must be keyed on in order for the stereo to work.
        Please keep your Mercedes equalizer at or near 0 across the board.
      • The subwoofer gain knob is below your cupholder (near the power outlet). Looking directly at the knob from below, clockwise is more subwoofer gain, counter-clockwise is less subwoofer gain. 
      • Beatbox Blackbird 
        • It is possible add the ability to power the stereo from your house batteries. However, this is not part of the standard installation because every van is different (even Revels) and it adds a lot of complexity to the install. Unless extra work has been done to power your stereo from the house batteries, your van must be keyed on in order to power the Beatbox Blackbird.
        • The Blackbird has the ability to add a Bluetooth receiver so that you do not need to use the Mercedes stereo for audio inputs. However, unless you are powering your stereo from your house batteries, then the engine will still need to be keyed on for the stereo to work (in which case you can just use the Mercedes stereo for inputs). 
        • Read more about Beatbox Blackbird optional upgrades here.

      Audio Quality

      Wired CarPlay/Android Auto audio will be the best sounding compared to compressed sources like satellite radio.

      If you notice distortion or poor quality sound with audio that wasn't a problem before, make sure you're using a high-quality source. Think of looking at a blurry photo with blurry vision. You would not know it was blurry until you have good light and good vision. The stereo upgrade is similar to having good light and good vision...suddenly the defects in the image (or audio) become obvious. We HIGHLY recommend using a wired, high-quality streaming source.

      Using a high quality audio source with the Mercedes EQ settings at 0, if you still have questions about sound then please let us know. When you do, tell us:

      • Where you are streaming music from and how the audio source is connected to the stereo.
      • The specific song(s), podcast episode(s) etc. and timestamps for the sounds in question.

       

      Can I tune my amplifier?

      • The Beatbox Blackbird amplifier comes from RoamRig with tuning already loaded. Each one of these tuning configurations is locked. Amplifier and speaker damage can occur when people without adequate training try to adjust amplifier settings.
      • If you have a specific reason why something needs to be tuned or customized on your Blackbird amp, please reach out to RoamRig and we can connect you with an Arc Audio approved shop for customizing the amplifier tuning/settings. Any adjustments made without prior approval from RoamRig and Arc Audio will result in a voided warranty from both RoamRig and Arc audio.