Head+Units

=** What is a Head Unit? **=

A head unit, also known as a deck, is the command centre for a car audio system. Usually mounted in the centre of the dash, it is where the entire system can be controlled to certain extent. The banner at the top of this wiki is front view of simple Kenwood head unit.

Every modern car is equipped with some form of a head unit. Some come with more features than others. Stock head units that come with cars are often replaced with aftermarket head units. This is because aftermarket head units allow external devices to be connected to the audio system on older model cars. They often result in better sound quality and better control of the sound system. Modern head-units have some amplifying capabilities as well. They can provide power to the speakers in the car, although this power is limited. Also, they make it much easier to install aftermarket speakers to the car. A head unit is the site in the audio system where the music is connected, whether it be through CD, cassette, or MP3 player. Many head units today also offer DVD and GPS capabilities.

There are many head units available. They range from basic, entry-level units, to high-end, complex touch-screen units. Below you can see a basic Alpine head unit and touch-screen Sony head unit.



**Head Unit Controls**
Head units are also responsible for the control of many aspects of a sound system. Some of the most common uses of a head unit, are to control a system's volume, equalization settings, frequency filter, and speaker balance and fade. These controls may seem confusing, but they are essential to setting up a great sounding audio system.

**Volume:** control is fairly straightforward. The head unit is able to control how loud the speakers will play.

**Equalization Settings:** allow you to set the amount of bass, mid-range frequencies, and treble your system plays. Having these controls at your finger tips makes it easy to adjust your settings to suit the type of music being played.

**Frequency Filters:** give you the ability to direct certain types of notes through different speakers. This gives you the ability to use your speakers exactly what they were built for without having them play notes that could damage them if the volume is increased.

**Speaker Balance and Fade:** controls where music is played from. Balance controls the speakers on the left and right side of the car. Fade controls the speakers in the front and back of the car. These controls allow you to isolate the music so it is played from the amount of speakers you wish. These controls are very helpful in determining if a speaker is damaged and easily identifies which one

Sources: http://www.bcae1.com/headunit.htm http://www.edmunds.com/car-technology/car-audio/understanding-car-audio-systems-the-head-unit.html

Image Sources: http://static.trustedreviews.com/94%7c7aff4b%7c77be_4105-9881RBanglesh.jpg http://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/products/new/613121.jpg