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Revel and A2B Automotive Audio Bus


TomV

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I used to think the Revel ACM and Revel Amplifier/DSP units were connected via a USB cable. While the T-port connectors appear like standard USB, it's actually unshielded twisted pair wire that uses the A2B automotive audio bus by Analog Devices.

 

A2B supports a 50MB high bandwidth digital bus with up to 32 channels. Looking at the circuit boards of the ACM and Amplifier/DSP I clearly see the AD241 chips.

 

Audio Control Module (ACM) for Revel with HD Radio.

ACM_A2B.jpg

Revel Amplifier/DSP for 14 and 20 channel systems

Revel_A2B.jpg

 

Unshielded Twisted Pair cable connector that connects the ACM to the Amplifier/DSP unit

UTP_A2B.jpg

Edited by TomV
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This fits in with the  Revel aftermarket amplifier interface post I created earlier.  The ZEN-A2B / DSP12A-A2B device is intended to completely eliminate the Revel Amplifier/DSP unit.

 

Unfortunately, it's a solution for better sound that is a bit too involved/expensive for me. I also believe the Revel systems sound really good and only lack deep powerful bass from a subwoofer.

 

What the market really needs is a simpler device that taps into the A2B signal and sends it out as variable output low level analog signal (RCA) before continuing on to the Revel Amplifier/DSP.  I'm imagining a device with:

 

2 Inputs

  • A2B (coming from ACM)
  • Control (Power, CAN Hi, CAN Lo, Ground for variable output)

2 Outputs

  • A2B (slave out to Revel Amplifier/DSP)
  • RCA (unaltered audio signal to an aftermarket subwoofer amp)

 

Something that looks like this device, but intended for Car Audio.

 

20151223090523_MentorAutomotiveA2BAnalyzer.jpeg

 

Now we just need to find a company to manufacture one for us. This is the only way to get a "full" audio signal from the ACM that hasn't been altered with DSP and low frequency rolloff.

Edited by TomV
fixed picture of A2B Analyzer
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  • 4 weeks later...

I’ve been into high end audio systems for car and home for years and agree with you regarding the engineering and sound quality provided by the Revel systems.  I’ve got the Ultima system in my MKZ and really enjoy it.  The low frequency extension is very good considering the type of speakers used.  Personally I don’t see the need for an aftermarket subwoofer enclosure in the trunk to augment the Ultima system.  Harmon International / Revel did their homework.

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