Hi-Lo Converters
Hi-lo converters make it possible to add aftermarket amplifiers, subwoofers, and upgraded speakers while keeping your vehicle’s factory radio. Also known as high-to-low converters, line output converters, LOCs, or speaker-level-to-RCA converters, these devices convert the amplified speaker signal from an original factory radio into a lower-level signal that an aftermarket amplifier can use.
Many factory radios do not have the RCA preamp outputs normally found on aftermarket head units. A hi-lo converter provides the connection needed between the factory speaker wiring and an aftermarket amplifier, allowing you to improve your car audio system without removing the original radio, screen, controls, cameras, or other factory features.
Audio Sellerz carries hi-lo converters for basic subwoofer additions, speaker amplifier upgrades, 5-channel systems, and larger multi-channel car audio installations.
What Does a Hi-Lo Converter Do?
A factory radio sends a high-level signal directly to the vehicle’s speakers. Many aftermarket amplifiers are designed to receive a lower-level signal through RCA inputs. A hi-lo converter takes the factory speaker-level signal and converts it into an RCA-level output that can be connected to the amplifier.
The basic signal path normally looks like this:
Factory radio speaker output → hi-lo converter → RCA cables → aftermarket amplifier → speakers or subwoofers
The converter becomes an important part of the signal path. Choosing the correct converter and connecting it to a usable factory speaker signal can help the amplifier receive a cleaner, stronger, and more consistent input.
For a complete explanation of how these products work, read our guide on how to choose the right line output converter for a factory radio.
Keep Your Factory Radio and Add an Amplifier
Replacing the original radio is not always practical. Modern factory radios and screens may control vehicle settings, steering-wheel functions, climate controls, warning sounds, cameras, navigation, and other factory equipment.
A hi-lo converter allows many customers to keep those original features while adding an aftermarket car audio amplifier.
A hi-lo converter may be useful when you are:
- Adding a subwoofer amplifier to a factory radio
- Adding bass without replacing the original head unit
- Powering upgraded door speakers with an aftermarket amplifier
- Installing a 4-channel or 5-channel amplifier
- Connecting multiple amplifiers to a factory radio
- Keeping the factory screen and vehicle controls
- Adding RCA outputs to a radio that does not have them
Choosing the Right Number of Channels
The correct hi-lo converter depends on what part of the factory audio system you are upgrading and how many amplifier channels need a signal.
2-Channel Hi-Lo Converters
A 2-channel hi-lo converter is commonly used for a basic subwoofer upgrade. It can take the left and right factory speaker signals and provide an RCA output for a monoblock subwoofer amplifier.
This is often the simplest option when you are keeping the factory speakers and only adding an amplifier and subwoofer.
5-Channel Hi-Lo Converters
A 5-channel hi-lo converter can support a more complete audio upgrade. It may be used when adding an amplifier that powers front speakers, rear speakers, and a subwoofer from one system.
This gives installers more signal channels to work with than a basic 2-channel converter and can make sense for customers upgrading both their speakers and bass.
6-Channel Hi-Lo Converters
A 6-channel hi-lo converter provides additional outputs for larger systems, full speaker upgrades, and installations using multiple amplifiers. Certain models may also include convenient features such as adjustable output controls or remote bass-level control.
More channels do not automatically mean that a converter is better for every installation. The right choice is the one that matches the factory signal and the aftermarket system being installed.
Do You Need a Hi-Lo Converter to Add Subwoofers?
You may need a hi-lo converter when adding a subwoofer amplifier to a factory radio that does not have RCA outputs. The converter creates the signal connection between the factory speaker wiring and the amplifier.
Some aftermarket amplifiers have speaker-level inputs built directly into the amplifier. In that situation, a separate converter may not be necessary. Check the amplifier’s input options before ordering.
You will also need to properly power and protect the amplifier. Browse our car audio amp kits for power wire, ground wire, fuse protection, remote wire, RCA cables, terminals, and other installation parts.
Choosing the Correct Factory Speaker Signal
A hi-lo converter can only work with the signal connected to it. Not every factory speaker wire carries the same information. Some factory systems send different frequency ranges to different speakers, while others reduce bass as the radio volume increases.
Connecting the converter to the wrong speaker wires may cause:
- Weak bass output
- Missing frequencies
- Low amplifier output
- Poor left-to-right balance
- Distortion at higher volume
- A signal that changes unexpectedly with radio volume
Our car audio wiring diagram guide explains how factory-radio signals, line output converters, amplifiers, power wiring, speakers, and subwoofers connect within a complete system.
Avoid Noise and Signal Problems
Unwanted noise is not always caused by the hi-lo converter itself. Poor grounding, incorrect wire routing, loose connections, damaged RCA cables, an unsuitable signal source, or improper amplifier settings can also introduce problems.
Install the converter securely, make solid wiring connections, keep signal wiring away from major power wiring when possible, and make sure the amplifier has a clean ground.
If your system has buzzing, whining, humming, or other unwanted sounds, use our guide on how to fix engine noise and ground loops in car audio.
Set the Amplifier Gain Correctly
After the hi-lo converter is installed, the amplifier gain still needs to be adjusted correctly. Gain is not a volume control. It matches the amplifier’s input sensitivity to the signal coming from the radio and converter.
Setting the gain too high can introduce distortion, clipping, overheating, speaker damage, and poor sound quality. Setting it too low may prevent the system from reaching the output it should.
Read our step-by-step guide explaining how to set amplifier gain for subwoofers, mids, and highs before tuning the finished system.
Shop Hi-Lo Converters at Audio Sellerz
Shop Audio Sellerz for hi-lo converters designed for factory-radio amplifier installations. Whether you are adding a single subwoofer amplifier, upgrading your factory speakers, installing a 5-channel amplifier, or building a larger multi-amplifier system, choosing the correct converter gives the aftermarket equipment the signal connection it needs.
Match the converter to the number of channels being added, verify the factory signal before installation, use quality RCA and power wiring, and properly set the amplifier gain after everything is connected.
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