SOUNDS REAM
TE C HN O LOG IES
RUBICON
RUB600-4
4/3/2 Channel
Power Amplifiers
Owner's Manual
and
Installation Guide
Congratulations!
You now own the Soundstream RUBICON amplifier, the product of an un-
compromising design and engineering philosophy, Your Soundstream
RUBICON amplifier will outperform any other amplifier in the world.
To Maximize the performance of your system, we recommend that you thor-
oughly acquaint yourself with its capabilities and features. Please retain this
manual and your sales receipt for future reference.
Soundstream amplifiers are the result of American innovation and the high-
est quality control standards. When properly installed, they will provide you
with many years of listening pleasure. Should your amplifier ever need ser-
vice or replacement due to theft, please record the following information
which will help protect your investment.
Model and Serial #
Dealer's Name
Date of Purchase
Installation Shop
Installation Date
Table of Contents
DEE FUE ace CEDER as ia as .P4-5
Rubicon RUB600-4 Amplifier Diagram................................... p6-7
Crossover AdjustmentS..…....…..…......…....….……rrserrsssercsessessansscasanaere p8
Hawkins Bass Control” Theory and Use... p 9
Installation: Speaker Output Modes... ee p 10
Installation: Balanced / Unbalanced Inputs........................—.... p 11
VD EEE p 12
aan MEU es EEE As p13
Installation: Level Setting and Front Spoiler........................... p 14
Sample System DiayramiS......—« === enano p15
Protection Circuitry, Service and Troubleshooting................... p 16
Specifications..................e...ee.eveeeresiiere e e e nan crane .p 17
DESIGN FEATURES
$
RUBI™(Rapid-Use @ranched Impulse) This new proprietary power sup-
ply topology eliminates “power sags” during low frequency reproduction
by rapidly increasing the duty cycle, stabilizing the power supply and
allowing it to deliver the power required when reproducing low frequen-
cies. Also, greater reserve gate power is stored for low voltage condi-
tions that occur during extreme conditions.
STACT™ (STabilized Apex Current Topology) Reduces power supply
stress by 50%. Typical designs degrade the stereo image due to phase
reversal of even-order harmonic distortion that occurs between the in-
verted channels. In the STACT design, inversion is done at the power
amplifier drive stage. Since the fully symmetrical power amplifier pro-
duces no even-harmonic distortion itself and all preamplifier circuitry is
run completely in-phase, no even harmonic distortion phase reversal
occurs.
Trident ™ Protection Topology provides three types of protection:
1. Output protection against short circuits or improper loads.
2. Ground fault detection: Shuts down the amplifier when a significant
voltage (> 5Volts) fluctuation occurs between electrical (turn-on lead)
and battery ground.
3. Thermal Protection: Puts the amplifier into thermal rollback or shuts
the amplifier down in extreme thermal conditions.
Hawkins Bass Control provides a focused subwoofer boost (0-9dB at
45Hz) and routes otherwise wasted amplifier power back to the
audiable bandwidth.
Harmonic Bass Alignment™ The 2nd and 3rd order harmonic peaks
are critically aligned to fundamental peaks at low frequencies. This
produces tighter, more accurate bass reproduction.
Drive Delay II™ Amplifier section powers up 2 to 3 seconds after the
power supply eliminating turn-on pops. Turn off process is reversed:
amplifier section turns off first, followed by the power supply.
Dynamically Optimized Power Grid™ Power grid is evenly distributed
between primary anad secondary power supplies, providing greater
dynamics and improved RF filtering.
ChassisinkTM AII transistors are ideally located and sandwiched be-
tween the circuit board and the heatsink to provide cool efficient ampli-
fier operation.
Differentially Balanced RCA Input eliminates ground loop related noise
in the audio.
Fully Balanced 6-pin DIN Input (RUB600-4) for professional-quality
performance and noise cancellation. The 6-pin DIN plug carries ( +)
signal information for Left and Right channels, audio ground, and +15
Vdc to operate the Soundstream BLT/BLT 4 Balanced Line Transmitters
and Balanced X.O crossovers.
Output Clipping Indicators (RUB600-4) indicate clipping on the output
stage of the amplifier. Monitoring the clipping indicators allows the user
to achive maximum SPL without clipping the amplifier.
Continuously Variable Crossover Networks : 12 dB/Octave highpass
variable from 65 to 220 Hz, and 24dB/Octave lowpass crossovers vari-
able from 30 Hz to 120 Hz.
Flexible Dual Input Level Control allows 300mV to 5V input sensitivity.
Symmetrical Discrete Balanced Class A Drive Boards Auto-adjust for
linear performance while driving low impedance loads.
Removable Front Spoiler allows for stealth installation of RCA, Bal-
anced Line, Speaker and Power wiring.
RUB600-4
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9.
10.
KEY TO CALLOUTS
FUSE LED - indicates blown fuse.
Power LED - indicates amplifier power, either in High Power or Auto High Current.
Subsonic / Hawkins Bass Control Switch - "SUB SONIC" to engage the Sub Sonic filter at 13 Hz.
"Hawkins Bass Control" to engage the high pass filter @ 45 Hz with variable boost (Q) for optimum
bass for any channel in Low Pass.
Clip Indicators - (Channels 1&2) Indicates the signal output level is too high and the output stage of
the amplifier is clipping.
XOVER Switch - (Channels 1&2) Select "L.P." for use with the internal low pass filter, "IN" for use
with the internal high pass filter, or "OUT" for use with external crossover.
Left Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 1) Select "BALANCED" to use the 6 pin
Balanced signal input. Select "UNBALANCED" to use the RCA signal inputs.
Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 2) Select "BALANCED" to use the 6 pin
Balanced signal input. Select "UNBALANCED" to use the RCA signal inputs.
Clip Indicators - (Channel 3&4) Indicates the signal output level is too high and the output stage of
the amplifier is clipping.
XOVER Switch - (Channel 3&4) Select "L.P." for use with the internal low pass filter, "HP." for use
with the internal high pass filter, or "OUT" for use with external crossover.
Left Channel Balanced/ Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 3) Select "BALANCED" to use the 6 pin
Balanced signal input. Select "UNBALANCED" to use the RCA signal inputs.
11. Right Channel Balanced/Unbalanced Input Selector - (Ch 4) Select "BALANCED" to use the 6 pin
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
: 25;
26.
27.
28.
29,
30.
31.
32.
Balanced signal input. Select "UNBALANCED" to use the RCA signal inputs.
Inputs - Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels 3&4.
Balanced Signal Input Connector - (Channel 384) 6-pin Balanced input connector for use with the
Soundstream BLT/BLT4 Balanced Line Transmitter or X.O Crossover.
Input LEVEL - Channels 344 independent left and right input level control.
High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channel 3&4) crossover frequency control for the internal high
pass filter.
Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch's 3&4.
Inputs- Right and left channel RCA inputs for channels 1&2.
Balanced Signal Input Connector - (Channel 182) 6-pin Balanced input connector for use with
the Soundstream BLT/BLT4 Balanced Line Transmitter or X.O crossover.
Input LEVEL - Channels 182 independent left and right input level control.
High Pass Control Adjustment - (Channels 1&2) crossover frequency control for the internal high
pass filter.
Low Pass Control Adjustment - Crossover frequency control for the internal low pass filter.
Applies to any channel with the low pass filter engaged.
Subwoofer Level Control - Additional level control ( + 6dB) to any channel receiving information
from the low pass filter.
Hawkins Bass Control "Boost" Adjustment - Varies from 0 to +9 dB of boost when the Hawkins
Bass Control is engaged. Note : Applies to any channel with the low pass filter engaged.
Line Outputs - Full range outputs to external amplifier. Note : Signal is driven from channel 1&2 inputs.
Speaker Connection Terminal - Speaker connections for Ch's 1&2.
REMOTE - Remote turn-on input from the head unit. Accepts +12V.
GND - Main ground connection. Bolt to a clean chassis point in the vehicle.
+12V - Connected to a fuse or circuit breaker, then to the battery's positive terminal
Main Fuse - Main power supply fuses.
Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channels 1&2) Select "MONO" for bridged mono output (use right level and
RCA input only). Select "STEREO" for stereo output.
Channels 3&4 INPUT SELECT - Selectable inputs from internal (from channels 1&2) or external
(from channels 3&4 local RCA inputs).
Stereo/Mono Switch - (Channel 3&4) Select "MONO" for bridged mono output (use right level and
RCA input only). Select "STEREO" for stereo output.
Subwoofer Level Control - Additional level control ( 6dB) to any channel receiving information
from the low pass filter. 7
CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENTS
The RUB600-4 amplifiers incorporates an on-board staggered electronic
crossover, with full range RCA outputs to drive an external amplifier. No
external electronic crossover is necessary. The high and low pass portions of
the crossover can be set independently of one another.
In many car audio installations, there is a tendency for a "midbass boom."
Because of their interior dimensions, most cars will resonate or ring at these
midbass frequencies. If we design the system so there is reduced output in
this region, the final response is very smooth and natural sounding. The high
pass crossover is independently variable from 65 to 220 Hz at 12dB/Octave,
and low pass crossover is independently variable from 30 to 120 Hz at 24
dB/Octave.
For initial crossover setup, try setting the low pass filter to approximately
60Hz, and the high pass filter to approximately 100 Hz. Change the cross-
over points to accommodate a good mixture of frequency response, power
handling, and personal preference.
12d8/Octave High Pass
__—24db/Octave Low Pass
Hawkins Bass Control - Theory and Use
Hawkins Bass Control (variable) is a unique subwoofer control [I
circuit included with the Soundstream RUB600-4 amplifier. uu e
It is capable of removing subsonic energy in program ma-| *™¢ сомко!
terial below 45 Hz at 12 dB/Octave, while boosting subwoofer
frequencies. The circuit consists of two controls. One engages
a sub sonic High Pass filter at 45 Hz, and the other adjusts the CONTROL
amount of boost (0 to +9dB). The Hawkins Bass Control func-
tions on either pair of channels (1&2 or 3&4) if their low pass
filter is engaged.
The Boost Control adjusts the amount of level applied at the set FIG. 1
frequency, and is adjustable from O to +9dB (see figure 2). When the boost is
set to 0, Hawkins Bass Control acts as a sub sonic filter only. The simple act
of removing potentially harmful low frequencies
can improve system output by as much as 3dB. 10
5
Application 0
Subwoofer drivers in general have excellent 5
power handling characteristics over their opera- -10
tional bandwidth. This bandwidth is determined 5
by many factors, including driver design, and
enclosure type. ltis possible to overdrive any -30
subwoofer deiver by sending powerful signals Fre) VARIABLE BOOST
outside of its operational bandwidth. These
potentially damaging signals can be removed by adding a subsonicfilter.
Figure 3 shows the effectiveness of the Hawkins Bass Control on woofer
excursion in a vented properly adjusted, this excursion can be reduced to
less than 1 mm. This is of great benefit to lowering woofer distortion and
increasing output.
Adjustment
An easy method of optimizing your existing subwoofer enclosure with
Hawkin's Bass Control is as follows : 5
0
1. Adjust the boost control to full counter ss
colck-wise (0) position. -10
-15
2.Setthe bass control switch to "HAWKINS
BASS CONTROL" -30
10 Frequency(Hz) 50 100 200
FIG. 3 Limited Excursion
3. Play moderate to loud bass material.
4. Adjust the boost (Q) control until you reach the desired level.
With Soundstream's Hawkins Bass Control, the boost and frequency
control can provide the "tailoring" needed for any type of "assisted" design
and any woofer in any type of installation.
( INSTALLATION STEP 1 |
SELECTING THE SPEAKER OUTPUT MODE
Channels 1 through 4 of the RUB600-4 amplifiers have the ability to
operation in any one of the following modes :
Stereo (STACT) : Use this mode for stereo operation (left and right channels).
Bridged Mono : Use this mode to get a bridged mono output while using only
the right channel input and gain control per pair of channels (for use with a
singular mono input.)
Please follow the wiring schemes below for the correct operation :
Wl) Cm
MONO ST
BRIDGED MONO STEREO
-L+ -R + -L+ -R+
ST
MIXED MONO
LARA
( INSTALLATION STEP 2 |
BALANCED / UNBALANCED INPUT
The RUB600-4 amplifier has the ability to accept either a standard Unbal-
anced RCA signal input, or a Balanced "Pro Audio" style input signals with
the use of the Soundstream BLT Balanced Line Transmitter or some other
balanced line audio source. Before installing your system, you should
decide upon which signal type you wish to run. There are advantages to
both:
UNBALANCED INPUT BALANCED INPUT
1. Most pre amplifier / source 1. Improved Signal to Noise
units have Unbalanced RCA Ratio (S/N Ratio)
outputs (Industry Standard).
2. Excellent noise cancellation
ADVANTAGES 2. No Interface module is characteristics.
necessary.
3. Immune to noise radiated in
the car audio environment.
The RUBICON amplifier's signal inputs accept a wide range of input level :
from 300mVrms to 5.0 Vrms for both Balanced and Unbalanced inputs. For
the best S/N Ratio, we recommend that the input level controls be set as far
down as possible (rotated counter-clockwise), while maintaining an
acceptable level of output.
Using the "Unbalanced" RCA Input
When using the Unbalanced RCA input, the RIGHT channel input signal
switch MUST be in the "UNBAL" position. Also, when first installing the
amplifier using the input configuration, we suggest that the left channel input
signal switch be in the "UNBAL" position as well. If you experience alternator
wine or other installation noise with both switches in the "UNBAL" position,
try moving the LEFT channel input signal switch to the "BAL" position. This
should remove any system noise due to the installation.
Using the "Balanced" RCA Input
When using the Balanced 6-pin DIN audio input, both switches MUST be in
the "BAL" position. Also, we recommend that when using this input
configuration, the input level controls be set to the "minimum" position
(rotated counter-clockwise).
The system can gain should then be adjusted on the BLT Balanced Line
Transmitter, other balanced line audio source. For the pin configuration, see
the diagram below:
BALANCED
NOTE : The pin configuration -15 Volts +15 Volts
shown in the diagram is the
- / - Right Signal
view looking into the Balanced EL TEA
inputjack on the amplifier + Left Signal + Right Signal
1
Shield
( INSTALLATION STEP 3 |
WIRING
POWER AND GROUND
To ensure maximum output from your RUBICON amplifier, use high quality,
low-loss power and ground cables and connections (4 gauge for RUB600-4).
The RUBICON amplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge power and ground cables.
Determine from the chart below the minimum gauge power and ground wire
for your application.
Up to 10' Up to 20'
RUB600-4 4 or 8 gauge 4 gauge only
CIRCUIT BREAKERS AND FUSES
EXTERNAL
Like all audio components, the RUBICON amplifiers must be fused near the
battery. A fuse or circuit breaker must be located within 18" of the battery.
This will prevents a fire in the event of a shorted cable. See the chart below to
determine the correct fuse value.
INTERNAL
The RUBICON amplifiers are fused with automotive-type fuses. In the event
of blown power supply fuses, replace with the correct value fuse found in the
chart below. Never replace the fuse with a higher value than what is supplied.
This may result in amplifier damage and will void the warranty!
RUBICON Amplifier Fuse Values
Amplifier Fuse Battery Fuse/Circuit Breaker
RUB600-4 (2) 30 amp automotive 80 amp
REMOTE TURN-ON
Connect the "Remote" line to the turn-on lead from the source unit. When
+1 2Volts is received, the amplifier will turn on.
SIGNAL CABLE
Use a high quality cable that will be easy to install and has minimal signal
loss to guarantee optimum performance.
SPEAKER CABLE
The RUBICON amplifiers will accept up to 8 gauge speaker cable. Use a
high quality, flexible, multi-stand cable for best performance and longevity.
12
| INSTALLATION STEP 4 )
INSTALLATION AND MOUNTING
AMPLIFIER LOCATION
The RUBICON amplifier employs highly efficient circuitry, a custom-
engineered heatsink, and a unique Chassisink construction to maintain
lower operating temperatures. Additional cooling may be required if the
amplifier is located in a tightly confined area or when driving especially low
impedance loads at extremely high levels.
When mounting the amplifier, it should be securely mounted to either a panel
in the vehicle or an amp board or rack that is securely mounted to the vehicle.
The mounting location should be either in the passenger compartment or in
the trunk of the vehicle, away from moisture, stray or moving objects, and
major electrical components. To provide adequate ventilation, mount the
amplifier so that there are at least two inches of freely circulating air above
and to the sides of it.
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
a. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the holes on the mounting surface.
b. Remove the amplifier and drill the holes for the mounting screws.
c. Secure the amplifier to the mounting surface using the supplied hardware.
WIRING
a. Run and connect the audio signal and remote turn-on cables to the
amplifier from the source unit.
b. Carefully run the positive cable from the amplifier to a fuse or circuit
breaker within 18" of the battery.
c. Connect the fuse or circuit breaker lead to the battery. Leave the circuit
breaker off or the fuse out until everything is bolted down.
d. Secure the ground cable to a solid chassis ground on the vehicle. It may
be necessary to sand paint down to raw metal for a good connection.
e. Double check each and every connection!
f. Re-connectthe fuse or circuit breaker.
POWER UP
Power up the system and look at the Power LED; there may be a 2-3 second
delay from the time the source unit is turned on to the time that the LED on
the amp turns on, which is normal. Once the amplifier LED is on and the
source unit is playing, you should have sound coming from the speakers.
13
(INSTALLATION STEP 5 |
LEVEL SETTING
The input level controls are located on the front of the amplifier. This is a
unique dual-stage circuit that adjusts both level and gain. This topology
maintains better S/N Ratio even when using sources with minimal output.
In the ideal situation, all components in the audio system reach maximum
undistorted output at the same time. If you send a distorted signal to an
amplifier, it is simply going to amplify distorted information. Ths same holds
true if an outboard processor or crossover begins to distort before you have
maximum output from the amplifier. By setting all components to reach
clipping at the same time, you can maximize the output of your system. For
your RUBICON amplifier, follow these steps for setting the input levels:
1. Turn the amplifier's input levels to minimum position (counter-clockwise)
2. Set the source unit volume to approximately 314 of full volume.
3. While playing dynamic source material, slowly increase the amplifiers’
input level until a near maximum undistorted level is heard in the system.
FRONT SPOILER
Once the amplifier is installed and the proper levels set, place the front
spoiler in position, and secure it using the supplied hardware.
14
SAMPLE SYSTEM # 1
4 channels of input
2-way with fader subwoofer level control
2 channels of Z-way high-pass, 2 channels of bridged low pass.
CH 1&2
CH 3&4
Bottom View
(RUB600-4)
LOCAL MONO
Top View (RUB600-4)
X-OVIR
CHANNELS à À
SAMPLE SYSTEM # 2
4 channels of input
4 Channels of 2-way high pass
Full range line output to external amplifier driving subwoofers
CH 1&2
Bottom View MONO
(RUB600-4) A
STEREO
CH 384
LOCAL MONO
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REMOTE STEREO
Top View (RUB600-4)
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SAMPLE SYSTEM # 3
2 channels of input
2 channels bridged in low pass driving subwoofers
Full range line output to external amplifier driving satellite speakers
CH 1&2 CH 384
Bottom View MONO LOCAL MONO
(RUB600-4) a a a
STEREO REMOTE STEREO
Top View (RUB600-4)
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|
TRIDENT PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
Your RUBICON amplifier is protected against both overheating and short
circuits by means of main power supply fuses and the following circuits :
¢ Speaker Protection
¢ Ground Fault Differential
* Afail-safe thermal protection circuit
a NOTE :
\
If you experience blown main power supply fuses, it is likely
that the amplifier is seeing a dead short, either in the speaker wire or in
the speaker itself. Rectify the problem before blowing multiple fuses!
DO NOT increase values beyond the original fuse value! Doing so will
void your warrant and may damage your amplifier.
NN
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
CAUSE
No sound and fuse light RUB600-4
is lit.
Fuse is blown, replace fuse with
proper value.
No sound and Power LED is not lit.
1. No power or ground at the amp.
2. No remote turn-on signal
3. Blown fuse near the battery
No sound, Power LED is lit.
1. No signal input.
2. The AIRBASS/Accessory switch is
in the "IN" position. Remove bottom
plate and move the switch to the
"OUT" position.
Repeatedly blow amp fuse;
frequent activation Trident Protection
1. Speaker or leads may be shorted
2. Too low of a load on amplifier
3. Verify adequate amp ventilation
No output from channels 3&4 with 1
pair of RCA inputs
Switch CH 3&4 Input Select to "CH
1&2" on the top of the amp.
In 3 channel mode, fade capability
does not operate with 2 pairs of RCA
inputs
Make sure Ch's 1&2 are H.P. on
satellite speakers and Ch's 3&4 are
L.P. on subwoofer speakers.
SERVICE
Your Soundstream RUBICON amplifier is protected by a limited warranty.
Please read the enclosed warranty card for details.
16
SPECIFICATIONS
4% Stereo 20) Stereo 10 Stereo TOTAL
MODEL (80 Bridged) (40 Bridged) (20 Bridged) POWER
(12.5 Vdc) (12.5 Vdc) (12.5 Vdc)
80W x 4 150W x 4 150W x 4
RUB600-4] (460W x 2) (300W x 2) (300W x 2) 600
THD <0.1%
Signal to Noise >100dB
Frequency Response
Stereo Separati
Damping
Input Sensitivity
Input Impedance
on
>200
300mV to 5.0 Volts
10 k Ohms
Crossover Specifications
Low Pass : 30Hz - 120 Hz at 24dB/Octave
High Pass : 65Hz - 220 Hz at 12dB/Octave
Hawkins Bass Control
O to +9dB Boost (Hawkins Bass Control "IN")
Boost Frequency = 45Hz
Sub sonic filter frequency = 13Hz
Dimensions
(WxDxH)
20Hz to 20 Khz +0.5dB
>50dB
RUB600-4 : 17.25" x 9.8"x 2.25" (437mm x 250mm x 57mm)
17
SOUNDS REAM
ГЕ СН N О
WWW. SOUNDSTREAM.COM
5920 E. Slauson Ave. Commeree Ca. 90040
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