How to Wire the LPC35 Marine Line Output Converter
By BOSS Audio Systems | Life at Full Volume | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: How-to Guides
Learn step-by-step how to wire the BOSS Audio LPC35 marine line output converter to add aftermarket amplifiers to your boat's audio system.
Quick answer
Wire the LPC35 between your marine receiver's speaker outputs and your amplifier's RCA inputs to add an aftermarket amp without replacing the head unit.
Why use the LPC35 instead of replacing the receiver
Many marine stereos lack dedicated preamp outputs. The LPC35 converts speaker-level signals to low-level RCA signals so you can add a subwoofer or full-range amplifier without swapping your existing receiver.
Because it works with any receiver that has speaker terminals, the LPC35 is a budget-friendly upgrade that preserves your current interface and wiring.
Wiring steps
- Disconnect power and ground the system: Remove the negative battery terminal to prevent shorts. Ground the LPC35's black wire to a clean metal chassis point near the amplifier location. A poor ground causes humming or no output. Use a star washer to scrape paint.
- Connect speaker-level inputs: Strip 1/4 inch of insulation from the receiver's left and right speaker wires. Insert them into the LPC35's high-level input terminals: positive to positive, negative to negative. Match polarity on both channels. Reversed polarity cancels bass. Mark wires with tape before disconnecting.
- Route and connect RCA outputs: Run the LPC35's RCA cables to your amplifier's input jacks. Keep RCA cables at least 12 inches away from power wires to avoid alternator whine. Close proximity to power cables is the most common cause of noise. Use zip ties to maintain separation.
- Set the gain and test: Turn the LPC35's gain knob fully counter-clockwise (minimum). Reconnect the battery, play music at low volume, and slowly increase gain until the amplifier produces clean output without distortion. Start low and raise slowly. Clipping at high volume means the gain is too high.
- Secure and weatherproof connections: Wrap each wire connection with self-fusing silicone tape and tuck the converter in a dry, ventilated compartment. This prevents corrosion from marine moisture. Even with IP68 parts, exposed wire ends are the weak point. Tape every splice.
What you need to know about the LPC35
- LPC35: AHD/CVBS switchable, IP68 dustproof and waterproof, wide angle view, low light visibility While the LPC35 is a line output converter (not a camera), its robust IP68 rating ensures reliable performance in wet marine environments.
LPC35
