QUALITY, RELIABILITY, & PURE BLISS
4000 WATT RMS CLASS D
COMPETITION AMP
A4KDN
OPERATING INTSTRUCTIONS
PLEASE RETAIN MANUAL FOR FUTRE USE AND REFERENCE
The Audiobahn Way
To bring the product to market that excites the consumer through sound and vision from an orientation of integrity and customer service. We make you look as good as you sound. We strive to take car audio to an extreme the world has never seen, and a world that never stops evolving.
Audiobahn was established in 1997 with one long-term goal in mind,
" Build it Bigger, Badder, & Better, and the people will take notice!" We back this statement with an engineering team that has brought home several
Innovations, Design & Engineering Showcase Awards, and a marketing team from around the world that spends countless hours developing our no compromise products to satisfy the most discriminating enthusiasts.
Our global manufacturing facilities feature ISO9002 ratings (the highest level of quality control awarded in the electronics manufacturing industry), fully robotic assembly lines and a state of the art, California based R & D laboratory.
Due to overwhelming response from our competitors, and our goal to participate in even more events this year, we created *"TEAM AUDIOBAHN."
This organization is designed to create a support network along with shirts and perks for team members. "TEAM AUDIOBAHN" is not only for the diehard competitor, but also for anyone that loves car audio as much as we do. With four levels of play, one is right for you to get started in the Audiobahn family.
Our Technical Department and entire staff look to strive above and beyond the rest of the pack by going that extra mile to help you out. Whether you happen to be a veteran competitor, or a beginner car audio enthusiast who does not know a voice coil from a spider. We are all her to help you get the best system you can with what you have.
Judge for yourself, and remember what it's all about, "If it's not
Bigger, Badder & Better, it's not Audiobahn." If audio is your life,
Audiobahn is the brand for you! We make you look as good as you sound.
People never stop trying to get the best product, so we will never stop making it.
*To learn more about "TEAM AUDIOBAHN" please give us a call, see our website at website at www.audiobahn.com, or email us at [email protected] to learn about all the details.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Features and Specifications
Control and Functions
Planning / Mounting Your System
Wiring Diagram
Bridging 2 Amplifiers
Adjusting and Tuning
Troubleshooting
Warning and Disclaimer
Warranty
15
16
17
18-19
3
4
5-10
11
12
13-14
2
Introduction
Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of the worlds finest brand of car audio products. Here at
Audiobahn Inc. we are devoted to making our musical reproduction the very best, and we are pleased you have chosen our product. Through years of engineering expertise, hand craftsmanship, and critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products that reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.
For maximum performance we recommend you have your Audiobahn product installed by an
Authorized Audiobahn Dealer, as we provide specialized training through our Audiobahn
Installer Training Programs. Please read your warranty, keep your receipt, and original carton for possible future use.
Great products and proper installation are only a small piece of the puzzle when it comes to your system. Make sure that your installer is using only 100% authentic installation accessories from the Audiobahn Connections. The Audiobahn line has everything ranging from the smallest terminal, to power wires up to 0 gauge, and 4 channel RCA cables.
To get a free brochure on Audiobahn products in the U.S. call (714) 988-0400 or e-mail us at [email protected].
WARNING
Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 100 dB may cause permanent hearing loss. High powered autosound systems may produce sound pressure levels well over 135dB. Need we say more! Use common sense.
If after reading this manual, you still have questions regarding your product, we recommend that you see your nearest Audiobahn Dealer. A list of Authorized
Audiobahn Dealers can be found on our web page. If you need further assistance, feel free to call us at (800)488-8595 and ask for the Technical Department. Be sure to have the model number, date of purchase, and invoice number available when you call.
The model number can be located on the outside of the carton. Record this in the space provided below along with the date of purchase. It is a good idea to keep your receipt with this, as you will need it in the case of a warranty repair or exchange.
Model Number:___________________ Date of Purchase: _____________________
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Features and Specifications
> Class D MOSFET Amplifier
> Multi-Stranded Power Supply Toroids
> Double-Sided Glass Epoxy Circuit Board
> Remote Bass Control with BLUE Backlight Knob
> Large Display Volt meter with BLUE Illumination
> 4-Way protection circuitry: Thermal, Short circuit, Over load , and DC Offsct
> Dual Cooling FANS
> Cobalt BLUE Illumination
> Chrome Flame FAN Grills
> High Gloss Chrome-Plated Finish
> Nickel-plated Block Terminals
> RMS Power , INTO 4 Ohms
> RMS Power , INTO 2 Ohms
> RMS Power , INTO 1 Ohms
> THD at 1 Watt , 4 Ohm
> Input sensitivity
> Frequency response, at 1 Watt, 4 Ohm
> Variable Low Pass Filter
> Variable Subsonic Filter
> Variable Bass Boost Control
> Phase Shift Control
> Input Impedance
> Source Voltage (Automobile battery)
> Maximum DC current (1 Ohm, 1% THD +n)
> Dimensions : WxHxL
2000W Mono
3000W Mono
4000W Mono
0.05%
200mV-8V
15Hz~150Hz (+/-3dB)
50Hz~150Hz, 24dB/Octave
15Hz~40Hz, 24dB/Octave
0~ +18dB
0~180 degree
10K Ohm
11~16V DC
456 amperes DC
11.97" x 2.76" x 23.54"
NOTE:
As the A4KDN amplifier is a competition grade Class D Amplifier, no fuses are included on the amplifier. It is recommended to fuse the power wire no further then 18” away from the battery. The fuse rating you need to use will vary depending on the setup of your system, impedance the amplifier is running, and use of the system.
4
Controls and Functions
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Controls and Functions
1. Bass Boost Gain Remote Control
This plug connects the amplifier and the remote bass knob using the supplied cable.
2. Input Sensitivity Control
This control adjusts the amplifier's input sensitivity. The input sensitivity is variable from 200 Millivolts to 8 volts. Turning clockwise increases sensitivity. Turning counterclockwise decreases sensitivity. This knob is not a volume control for the amplifier . The amplifier can be driven to full power with a wide range of input signals. A lower signal level will require increased sensitivity to reach full power. A higher signal level will require decreased sensitivity.
3. Low level Input RCA Jacks
These inputs are for signal cables from the source. Always use high quality, shielded RCA cables.
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Controls and Functions
4. Low Level LINE OUT RCA Jacks
The LINE OUT allows you to build a multiple amplifier system without having to use splitter cords or
Y-adapters to distribute the signal. Now it is simply a matter bringing one set of RCAs into the first amplifier, then using the line out RCA jacks as the feed to the next amplifier.
5. Bass Boost Control
By using the bass boost function, bass notes at 45Hz are emphasized as much as 18dB.
6. Phase Shift Control
Allows you to change the phase of your subwoofer from 0 to 180 degrees to help compensate for timing differences between drivers.
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Controls and Functions
7. Low-Pass Filter Control
For use as a dedicated subwoofer channel, set the filter switch to the "LPF" (Low Pass Frequency).
Adjust the variable crossover frequency with control knob as desired. The amplifier input circuit filters out everything above 50Hz ... 150Hz (dependant on the adjustment of the frequency control), so only the lowest bass notes are amplified.
8. Sub Sonic Control
The sub sonic control will cut all frequencies below what it is set to from going to your sub(s). This will prevent your subs from playing any frequencies that may harm them.
9. Bridged Connection
This is the connection used to bridge 2 two of the same class D amplifiers together. Later in this manual it is explained how to bridge the amps and what settings to use.
CLIPPING INDICATOR
Included on the front of this amplifier is a clipping indicator. You will notice that the lights on the front of the amplifier light up blue. This happens during normal good operation. If the light start to turn red, it indicates that the amplifier is clipping. This can lead to permanent damage to both your amplifier and any speakers hooked up to it.
Clipping can be caused by low voltage supply to the amplifier, having the gain / level or bass boost setting adjusted to high, or too low of a ohm load causing the amplifier to overdrive itself.
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Controls and Functions
10. Speaker Terminals
These terminals are used to wire your subwoofer(s) to the amplifier.
11. B- Terminal (Chassis Ground)
To avoid unwanted ignition noise caused by ground loops, it is essential that the amplifier be grounded to a clean, bare, metal of the vehicle's chassis. This metal surface should be solid, strong and connected directly to the frame of the car.
Note: GROUND WIRE SHOULD NOT BE EXTENDED MORE THAN 3 FEET (1 METER)
12. B+ Terminal (Battery Positive)
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Due to the power requirements of the amplifier, this connection should be made directly to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. For safety purposes, install an in-line fuse holder (not included) as close to the battery positive (+) terminal as possible with an ampere rating not to exceed the total value of fuses in the amplifier.
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Controls and Functions
13. Remote Turn-on Input
The remote terminal needs to be wired to the car's stereo or source unit remote turn on wire. This amplifier is turned on remotely when the vehicle's stereo is turned on.
NOTE: iF YOUR RADIO DOES NOT HAVE A +12 VOLT OUTPUT LEAD WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED
ON, THE "REMOTE" TERMINAL ON THE AMPLIFIER CAN BE CONNECTED TO THE VEHICLE'S
ACCESSORY CIRCUIT THAT IS LIVE WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED ON.
14. LED Indicators
PWR (Power): This BLUE LED will illuminate when the amplifier is turned on. If it fails to illuminate, check the fuses and power connections to the amplifier.
PROT (Protection): The amplifier protection circuitry will disable the amplifier if there is an imput overload, short circuit, or extremely high temperature conditions are detected. When the protection mode is in operation, the LED indicator on the side panel will be illuminated RED, indicating the amplifier has gone into a self-preservation mode.
If you observe that the protection LED is lit, please check the system carefully to determine what has caused the protection circuit to engage. The amplifier can be reset by turning the remote power off and then on again. If the amplifier shut down due to a thermal overload condition, please allow time for the amp to cool down before restarting. If the amplifier shut down because of an input overload or short circuit, be sure to repair these conditions before attempting to power up the amplifier again.
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Planning and Mounting Your System
Planning Your System
Before beginning the installation, consider the following: a. If you plan to expand your system by adding other components sometime in the
future, ensure that adequate space is left, and cooling requirements are met.
If your radio/source is equipped with Pre-Amp outputs, it is possible to utilize them
to drive an Amplifier and connecting (amplifier) to the 2 rear speakers.
Then, use the built-in power of your radio to drive the 2 front speakers.
NOTE:
DISTORTION LEVEL IS CONSIDERABLY LOWER FROM PRE-AMP (LOW LEVEL) b. Are your components matched? The RMS power rating of your speakers must be
equal or greater than the amplifier's. They also must be 1-8 Ohms impedance
(this information is normally printed on the speaker magnet).
c. Consider both the length of your leads, and routing when determining the mounting
location. Pre-Amp input Jacks require a length of high quality shielded male to male
RCA patch cord.
Mounting Your System
The mounting position of your amplifier will have a great effect on its ability to dissipate the heat generated during normal operation. It has an ample heat sink for heat dissipation, and also is designed with a thermal shut-down (for heat protection) circuit, having enough air directed over the cooling fins will improve heat dissipation dramatically.
DO NOT enclose the amplifier in a small box or cover it so that air can not flow around the fins. Temperatures in car trunks have been measured as high as (155 F) in the summer time. Since the thermal shut-down point for the amplifier is (158 F) it is easy to see that it must be mounted for maximum cooling capability. To achieve the maximum advantage of convection air flow in an enclosed trunk, mount the amplifier in a horizontal position. Cooling requirements are considerably relaxed when mounting inside the passenger compartment since the driver will not allow temperatures to reach a critical point. Floor mounting under the seat is usually satisfactory as long as there is at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) above the amplifier's fins for ventilation.
a. Select a suitable location that is convenient for mounting, accessible for wiring, and
has ample room for air circulation and cooling.
b. Use the amplifier as a template to mark the mounting holes. Remove the amplifier
and drill holes. Use extreme caution. Inspect underneath the surfaces before drilling!
c. Secure the amplifier using the screws provided.
CAUTION: Before connecting any wires to the amplifier, disconnect the ground lead from
the battery. Leave the ground lead disconnected until you are done wiring the
amplifier.
11
Wiring Diagram
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Bridging 2 Amplifiers
IF BRIDGED SWITCH POSITION IS ON SLAVE, ALL CONTROLS ARE NON-FUNCTIONAL.
ALL CONTROLS ARE NOW CONTROLLED BY THE MASTER AMPLIFIER.
DES. 423,503 ��
Bridging 2 Amplifiers
When bridging the amps together follow these wiring instructions:
1. Positive (+) of the MASTER amp goes to Positive (+) of the sub
2. Positive (+) of the S LAVE amp goes to the Negative (-) of the sub
3. Connect the Negative (-) terminals of both amps together
US 6,656,000B2
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Adjusting and Tuning
TURNING ON THE AMPLIFIER
The amplifier automatically turns on a few seconds after you turn your vehicle's ignition switch to ACC or turn on your auto sound system (depending on how you have wired the system). The POWER indicator on the top of the amplifier illuminates when the amplifier is on.
I mportant : Your amplifier requires 30 amps or more of power from your vehicle's battery during operation. To protect your battery from discharging, do not operate the amplifier unless your vehicle is running.
Note: Your amplifier temporarily shuts down if it gets too hot, then restarts automatically once it cools.
ADJUSTING THE AUDIO LEVEL
For the best performance, you must set GAIN (4V/0.2V) on the side of the amplifier to adjust the level of the audio signals that enter the amplifier.
1. Use a screwdriver to turn GAIN (4V/0.2V) fully counterclockwise to 4V.
2. Turn the auto sound system's volume control to about one-third of its full range.
3. Adjust GAIN (4V/0.2V) to a comfortable listening level.
4. Turn up the auto sound system's volume control until the sound begins to distort.
Then immediately turn the volume down to a point just before where the distortion began.
Caution Never turn up the auto sound system's volume control more than needed to adjust the audio level (More than two thirds of its maximum volume).
5. Adjust GAIN (4V/ 0.2V) until the sound is at the maximum level you want the amplifier to produce.
6. Adjust the auto sound system's volume control to a comfortable listening level.
+ 20dB
FREQUENCY RESPONSE BASS BOOST ON
+ 10dB
0dB
- 10dB
- 20dB
- 30dB
10 50 100 500 1K
FREQUENCY (Hz)
5K 20K 50K
NOTE Raising the LPF frequency allows higher frequencies to reach the bass speakers while blocking lower frequencies from midrange speakers. Lowering the LPF frequency allows lower frequencies to reach the midrange speakers while blocking higher frequencies from bass speakers.
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Troubleshooting
SYMPTOMS
NO SOUND
AMP NOT
SWITCHING
ON
NO SOUND
IN ONE
CHANNEL
CHECK POINTS
Is the power
LED illuminated ?
( NO )
Is the Diagnostic
LED illuminated ? ( YES )
No power to power wire
No power to remote wire with receiver on
Fuse broken
Check Speaker Leads
Check Audio Leads
AMP
TURNING OFF
MEDIUM/HIGH
VOLUME
Check speaker load impedance
CURE
Check fuses in amplifier.
Be sure Turn-on lead is connected
Check signal leads. Check gain control.
Check Tuner/Deck volume level.
Clean contacts on fuse holders.
Check for speaker short or
Amplifier overheating.
Repair power wire or connections.
Check connections to radio.
Replace fuse.
Inspect for short circuit or an open connection.
Reverse Left and Right RCA inputs to determine if it is occurring before the amp.
Be sure proper speaker load impedance recommendations are observed.
(If you use an ohmmeter to check speaker resistance, please remember that DC resistance and
AC impedance may not be the same.)
STATUS
LAMP ON
Temperature shut down
Speaker wires short
Turn radio down
Separate speaker wires and insulate
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Warning / Disclaimer
WARNING
Investigate the layout of your automobile thoroughly before drilling or cutting any holes.
Take care when you work near the gas tanks, lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical wiring.
Do not use the power amplifier unmounted. Attach the system securely to the automobile to prevent damage, particularly in the event of an accident. Do not mount the system so that the wire connections are unprotected or are subject to pinching or damage from nearby objects.
The +12V DC power wire must be fused at the battery positive terminal connection.
Before making or breaking power connections at the system power terminals, disconnect the +12V wire at the battery end. Confirm your radio/head unit and/or other equipment is turned off while connecting the input jacks and speaker terminals.
If you need to replace the power fuse, replace it only with a fuse identical to that supplied with the system. Using a fuse of different type or rating may result in damage to this system which is not covered by the warranty.
Disclaimer
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
For the most updated Specifications call Audiobahn, your local Authorized Audiobahn Dealer, or check the Audiobahn website.
www.audiobahninc.com
17
Warranty
Audiobahn Consumer
Product Warranty Policy
Audiobahn products are manufactured with the highest quality components and some of the most advanced technology available. Because of this, we recommend that you have your new products installed by an Authorized Audiobahn Dealer .
(A list of Authorized
Audiobahn Dealers can be found on our web page).
Warranty Period: One year from the original date of purchase.
Warranty Coverage : This warranty covers manufacturer defects only. The warranty is applicable to the original purchaser, and is non-transferable. You must have a receipt from an Authorized Audiobahn Dealer that shows the location of purchase, price paid, and date of purchase.
(Products purchased by consumers from an Authorized Audiobahn Dealer outside the
United States, are covered only by that countries Distributor and not by Audiobahn ).
Notes:
Complete subwoofer enclosures ( Audiobahn will replace defective subwoofers, plexiglass, or neon only. Do not send the entire enclosure, unless the enclosure is defective itself. You must receive prior authorization and an RA# before sending in any complete enclosure).
Audiobahn will only replace L.E.D.(s) found to be defective at the time of purchase.
Audiobahn warranties do not cover the following:
Any product not purchased from an Authorized Audiobahn Dealer (including Internet dealers)
Damage caused by abuse, misuse, accident, water / flood, or theft (including any cosmetic damage to the body of the product)
Damage caused by improper installation
Any cost or expense related to removal or reinstallation
Any unauthorized services
Any product that has the serial number removed, altered, or defaced
Subsequent damage to any other components
Pinched, cut, or stripped wires
Any product that is new, and/or found to be in working condition
L.E.D. indicators on electronics
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Warranty Continued
How to receive warranty service: Contact your local Authorized Audiobahn Dealer , or call Audiobahn at
(800) 488-8595 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM PST.
If you are having problems with your system, we recommend you check the product carefully and thoroughly to confirm that the product truly has a manufacturer defect; as opposed to abuse, or other components in the system causing the failure. This might include having an Authorized Audiobahn
Dealer look at the product to confirm the source of the problem. Any product found to have a manufacturer defect will be replaced with a new piece of the same or similar model, or repaired at the discretion of Audiobahn . Any product found to have no manufacturer defect will be returned to the sender at their cost.
You must acquire a Return Authorization Number (RA#) prior to returning ANY product to
Audiobahn.
That Return Authorization Number (RA#) must be prominently and clearly marked on the outside of the shipping carton, or product delivery will be refused (no exceptions will be made).
Please note: All shipping and handling (to and from) charges will be the sole responsibility of the consumer.
Please record and keep your Return Authorization Number (RA#) in the event that further communication is required.
Return Authorization Number (RA#):
Date product was sent:
______________________________
______________________________
Contact Information
Audiobahn Headquarters
114 South Berry St.
Brea, CA 92821
Phone (800)488-8595 Fax. (714)988-0433
Pacific Coast Time : 9am-5pm Mon. - Fri.
[email protected]
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