Clarion CMD4 Helm speaker output low

[Cliffm]

The wife & I just bought a 2006 Carver 36 MY. It has the factory installed Clarion CMD4 head unit in the salon with speakers on the salon area and aft berth, plus 2 speakers at the Helm.

My question is how to play the radio or CD for the helm area, adjusting the Helm volume via the wired "remote" helm controller without blasting out the salon area ? is there a "zone" control similar to what Fusion does?

we're not ready to change out electronics just yet, try to understand and work with what we just acquired.

Insight would be much appreciated.

[tomschauer]

I BELIEVE they are set up as front (bridge) and rear (salon). Try using the fader control at the main unit and see if you can "shut off" either the bridge or salon speakers by fading fully front or rear. I am not sure if the clarion lets you adjust the fading from the remote or only at the main unit.

[SplashyLady]

I had the same issue with speakers on the bridge. Remote did not work from up there. I put an L-pad volume control on the bridge so I would adjust the volume locally. Now I just reach over and turn the knob... Parts Express has them:

https://www.parts-express.com/speaker-l ... m--260-260

[Cliffm]

Qr Bbpost I had the same issue with speakers on the bridge. Remote did not work from up there. I put an L-pad volume control on the bridge so I would adjust the volume locally. Now I just reach over and turn the knob... Parts Express has them:

https://www.parts-express.com/speaker-l ... m--260-260

Great tip. Thanks

[denpooch]

I have similar issues on my 2005 Mariner. On my unit, the 'fade' controls volume balance fore and aft. (Fore mainly being on the bridge).
I am not happy with the results. I have also taken a look at the amp, trying to tweak, but it requires someone with more knowledge.
I am planning to upgrade the TV this spring and will likely bring in professional help to get them both right. In the meantime, I use a Bose Bluetooth speaker on the bridge and am very pleased with the sound.

[Midnightsun]

Qr Bbpost I BELIEVE they are set up as front (bridge) and rear (salon). Try using the fader control at the main unit and see if you can "shut off" either the bridge or salon speakers by fading fully front or rear. I am not sure if the clarion lets you adjust the fading from the remote or only at the main unit.

This is how mine was set up from the factory or at least this is how I remember it which may not be entirely accurate. To create a controllable 3rd zone in the aft cabin Carver added an analogue volume adjuster on the wall in the aft cabin. Worked but sort of archaic.

Switched out to a Fusion system that streams and does everything normal stereos do today. Unfortunately the CD died along with the cassette and 8 track and now one needs to stream music which was not a feature on the older Clarion stuff. luckily I bought a lifetime subscription to Sirius way back to the tune of around $250 which I have been using form one boat to the next. Was easily able to add a Sirius tuner to the fusion which made Sirius integration seamless.

Speaking of Fusion, I opted for the hidden version which basically put the electronics and connectors hidden away seperate from the small control head. Fusion called this "Black Box". https://www.fusionentertainment.com/mar ... /ms-bb300r Made for a really neat and obtrusive installation locating the main box and wiring easily accessible right behind the pull out TV.



Added another control head to be able to select and control everything from the bridge. As you can see I am not stupid and installed it on the Admirals side.



One tip, forget about the wireless stuff, found out long ago it is more troublesome than anything else. All my installs are wired and dependable.

[Cliffm]

Qr Bbpost

Qr Bbpost I BELIEVE they are set up as front (bridge) and rear (salon). Try using the fader control at the main unit and see if you can "shut off" either the bridge or salon speakers by fading fully front or rear. I am not sure if the clarion lets you adjust the fading from the remote or only at the main unit.

This is how mine was set up from the factory or at least this is how I remember it which may not be entirely accurate. To create a controllable 3rd zone in the aft cabin Carver added an analogue volume adjuster on the wall in the aft cabin. Worked but sort of archaic.

Switched out to a Fusion system that streams and does everything normal stereos do today. Unfortunately the CD died along with the cassette and 8 track and now one needs to stream music which was not a feature on the older Clarion stuff. luckily I bought a lifetime subscription to Sirius way back to the tune of around $250 which I have been using form one boat to the next. Was easily able to add a Sirius tuner to the fusion which made Sirius integration seamless.

Speaking of Fusion, I opted for the hidden version which basically put the electronics and connectors hidden away seperate from the small control head. Fusion called this "Black Box". https://www.fusionentertainment.com/mar ... /ms-bb300r Made for a really neat and obtrusive installation locating the main box and wiring easily accessible right behind the pull out TV.



Added another control head to be able to select and control everything from the bridge. As you can see I am not stupid and installed it on the Admirals side.



One tip, forget about the wireless stuff, found out long ago it is more troublesome than anything else. All my installs are wired and dependable.

I do like the fusion stuff, they're intuitive in the functions. Have an older one in the wifes 2003 Bayliner 245. It has in internal dock for an ipod. It has zone controls, which makes more sense than a fader.
Down the road we may upgrade.

[Cliffm]

Resurrecting old thread for those searching. Turns out our helm speakers were "trashed". After replacing the OEM Clarion w/Fusion 6" the volume on the helm balances well with salon volume.

If your volume is pitiful on the helm, pop the speaker covers and inspect. Our future upgrade, after others, will be a Fusion 3 zone audio system.

[g36]

Fusion makes some good stuff