iDatalink Maestro AR is a way to eliminate OEM processing - including ANC microphone issues, and fake exhaust note - in hundreds of vehicles. The Maestro AR takes the clean signal intended for an OEM amplified system, and relays it to the AF bit amplifier, along with preamp commands (Volume, Fader, and Tone Controls) needed to retain functions that you and your customer expect. With Maestro AR, the OEM head unit acts as a controller for the AF.
To check for vehicle compatibility, visit the iDatalink website
9.1 HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
1. iDatalink Maestro AR unit
2. a Maestro AR vehicle-specific interface harness (sold separately)
3. an ADS-HRN-AUD4 input adapter for the AF bit (sold separately)
4. an Audison AF bit amplifier
5. a PC which can configure Maestro AR and AF bit. You do need to be able to flash the Maestro AR to the vehicle - watch these video tutorials
9.2 SOFTWARE/FIRMWARE REQUIREMENTS
1. bit Drive software release 1.2.0 or higher is required
2. AF firmware release 1.2.0 or higher is required.
Note: unlike past Maestro-compatible products, there is no special firmware required to use Maestro AR with AF bit. The AR is automatically detected when connected to the “Maestro” port with its proprietary cable!
9.3 CONNECT AND TURN ON THE AF BIT WITH IDATALINK MAESTRO AR
The AF bit can be put in Maestro mode only when it is turned on by the Maestro AR. Please, follow these steps to make sure of a correct installation:
1. Connect the Maestro AR to the head unit (or to the OEM amplifier if that is the case) with the proper Maestro AR vehicle-specific interface harness Watch this video tutorial
2. While the AR originally stood for “Amplifier Replacement”, there are now many instances of coverage where the AR works with non-amplified vehicles. In these cases, the AR often installs behind the OEM head unit, and the optional iDatalink ACC-RCA1 extension harness is needed to extend the data cable to the AF amplifier if you install it in the trunk. The ACC-RCA1 is 5m in length, so it can reach under a seat or to most trunks, and a twisted-pair RCA cable is also needed (sold separately).
3. The OEM head unit signals must be connected to:
- PRE IN connector if the Vpp voltage is lower than 5.66 V
- SPK IN connector if the Vpp voltage is higher than 5.66 V
4. Connect the Maestro AR connector to the MAESTRO port of the AF bit
5. Put the RESCUE switch of the AF bit in OFF position
6. turn on the OEM head unit. Maestro AR will turn on and it will automatically turn on the AF bit in “Maestro” mode
7. Connect the PC to the AF bit and open the bit Drive software. Click on Features window and make sure that the Maestro AR mode is enabled. If so, the window will show the input sensitivity applied to each channel by Maestro AR and the informations about the Maestro AR connected.
bit Drive will show Maestro A/R in the SOURCES list
WARNINGS
- Do not connect the DRC AC to the AF bit. With Maestro AR the OEM head unit is your remote controller.
- Do not connect the REM IN signal of the AF bit
- The B-CON can be used, but the ADC cable must not to be connected since the source switching in this case is managed by the OEM head unit. As consequence, the B-CON go app cannot be used with Maestro AR.
- The native Optical input and the F2O board of the AF bit are not available for use. Some Maestro AR installations use theoptical input for signal from the vehicle.
- the Input triggers are not accessible in Maestro mode
9.4 TUNING WITH IDATALINK MAESTRO AR
The tuning process with Maestro AR is much shorter than in regular use, as part of the operations is managed by Maestro AR and does not require any intervention of the user.
1) If you already tuned the AF bit before connecting to Maestro AR, it is recommended to press the Device Reset button in bit Drive to restore the device at factory settings.
2) When using Maestro AR you can choose whether to define the setup through the Configuration Wizard procedure, or to define the Outputs manually.
If you decide to use the Configuration Wizard in Maestro mode, the procedure is much shorter and requires only the Ouput definition as per pictures below.
Notes:
- when using Maestro AR, all the automatic Input correction functions are removed from the Configuration Wizard (sensitivity, de-Time/polarity check, de-EQ) because Maestro takes care of them.
- If you ran the Configuration wizard before connecting to Maestro AR, the automatic Input corrections applied at that time are still active when you will use the AF in Maestro AR mode (even if they are not visible in the Input section of bit Drive).
3) Once the I/O setup has been defined you can start tuning in bit Drive, and Maestro AR and AF bit will automatically synchronize at any change in the software.
Notes:
a. in bit Drive the Input RTA, Input Sensitivity and Mixer settings are disabled because they are managed by Maestro AR.
b. in bit Drive the Final EQ is not available when the Maestro AR is in use, since it is reserved for use by the Maestro to execute OEM tone controls.
c. in bit Drive the Master volume is not available as it is managed by Maestro AR. Please use the Zone volume control to adjust the output level
4) It is suggested to put the Zone volume slider to 0 dB and to set the OEM volume accordingly. We recommend that because this is the way Maestro operates after the tuning is completed: Maestro forces the amplifier master level to 0 dB and it manages the OEM volume changes by modifying the input-to-output contributions in the bit Drive Mixer.
5) Once the tuning process is completed, you can Finalize the AF bit to store all the settings and close the bit Drive software.
The AF bit is now tuned and ready to play with Maestro AR!