Part One

Audio System Description

Overview

There are two audio systems available for the RDX:

- The premium audio system is on vehicles without navigation. It includes six speakers, a subwoofer, and an XM receiver.
- The ELS audio system is available on vehicles with navigation. It includes surround sound with nine speakers (the same six that are available on the premium audio system, plus one in each D pillar and in the middle of the front dash), a subwoofer, and AcuraLink control unit (HIP/XM receiver).

The audio unit acts as the processor for all audio functions. You can select the audio functions from the front panel, the audio remote switch (on the steering wheel), or by using the navigation voice control system. The audio display provides the current front audio status. For vehicles with navigation, additional audio information is available by touching the audio button. (See the Owner's Manual navigation system manual for more details.)

Each audio component passes its audio signal to the audio unit. In addition, it communicates with the audio unit via the GA-Net bus. Any open connection in this circuit will cause audio and navigation functions to appear inoperative.

The audio unit has a built-in EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory). This memory holds the audio preset data (AM/FM radio frequency, sound settings, etc.) even when the battery is disconnected.

With the ELS and the premium audio system, a stereo amplifier powers the speakers.

The 6DVD (6CD) changer output can be directed to the audio unit.

The XM radio plays through the audio unit.

A security signal is daisy-chained between the audio and navigation components and integrated into the vehicle's security system.

Speed - sensitive volume compensation (SVC)

The audio system is equipped with speed-sensitive volume compensation (SVC). The audio unit receives the vehicle speed pulse (VSP) from the PCM. The system processes the speed input and increases the navigation or audio system volume level as the vehicle speed increases to compensate for the various interior noise that occurs at higher speeds. When the vehicle slows down, the volume returns to its normal level. The SVC has four settings: SVC OFF, LOW, MID and HIGH that can be adjusted using the audio unit. The SVC comes from the factory with the MID set as the default (See Owner's Manual for more information).

- ELS audio system
To change the audio unit SVC setting, press the AUDIO button, and then select the SOUND displayed on the audio-HVAC sub display.

- Premium audio system
To change the audio unit SVC setting, press the SOUND button repeatedly until the SVC is displayed, rotate the PWR knob to adjust the SVC to the desired setting (SVC OFF, SVC LOW, SVC MID, SVC HIGH).