OPERATION
INSTALLATION
MANUAL
clafton
4 Channel Power System Amplifier
INTRODUCTION
The
APX400A IS
The Clanon
Clarion APX400.4
is aa full-featured
full-featured four-channel
four-channelamplifier.
amplifier. It
It comes
comeswIth
with
the
the folloWIng
followmg features:
features:
•l Full frequency
nOIse
frequencyresponse
responsewIth
with low distortIon
distortion and
and exceptIOnal
exceptionalsIgnal
signal to noise
performance
performance
•l Advanced
bndgeable and
AdvancedCIrcUIt
circuit desIgn
designfeatures
featuresbridgeable
and mIxed
mixed mode
mode operatIOn
operationfor
use m aa vanety
use
variety of
of 4,
4,33 or 2 channel
channelsystems
systems
•l Independent
rear, low-pass/hlgh-pass
Independentfront
front and
andrear,
low-pass/high-passelectromc
electromccrossovers
crossoverseach
each
With
per octave
range (from 55Hz
with aa 12dB
12dBper
octaveslope
slopeand
and full adjustment
adjustmentrange
55Hz to 550Hz
550Hz
Front
Front and
and 55Hz
55Hz to 5.5kHz
5.5kHz Rear)
Rear)to aId
aid In
m audio
audio system
systemdesign
design
•l Vanable
bass boost
boost CIrcUIt
remforce low frequency
may be
be
Variablebass
cncmt to reinforce
frequencysignals
signalsthat
that may
lost due
dueto subwoofer
subwooferbox design
design
•l Adjustable
AdjustableInput
input level
level controls
controls With
with ground
groundloop
loop IsolatIOn
isolation acceptIng
acceptingaa wide
range of
range
of Input
input signals
signals
•l Remote
prevent tum-on
Remotetum-on
turn-on With
with "soft
“soft start"
start” mutmg
mutmg to prevent
turn-on "thump"
“thump”
•l Pulse-WIdth
modulated (PWM) MOSFET
power supply
Pulse-widthmodulated
MOSFET power
supply With
with low AM
AM RFI
RF1
and
protectIOn CircUits
andprotection
circuits for overheatIng
overheatingand
and speaker
speakershorts
shorts
•l 2 ohm
ohm load
load capacity
capacityto
to dnve
drive aa vanety
variety of
of speaker
speakersystems
systems
•l Gold-plated
Gold-platedInput/output
mput/outputconnectors
connectorsand
and an
an external
externalautomotIVe
automotivetype
type fuse
fuse
•l Alummum
heat diSSipatIOn
Aluminum heat
heat SInk
smk for effiCient
efficient heat
dissipatton
•l Low profile, compact
compactsize
size for space
spacelimited InstallatIOns
installations
bABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY
To
please read
read the
the
To start
start enjoyIng
enjoying your new
new Clanon
Clarion four-channel
four-channelamplifier,
amplifier, please
InstructIOns
reference.
mstructtonslisted
listed In
m thiS
this manual.
manual. Keep
Keep all InstructIOns
instructionsfor future
future reference.
Please
warranty card
protect your purchase
purchase
Pleasefill
fill out
out and
and send
sendIn
m the
the enclosed
enclosedwarranty
card to protect
and
warranty service.
proof of
and aid
aid In
m warranty
service. Also, save
saveyour original
original sales
salesreceipt as
as proof
purchase.
purchase.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Descrlptlon •. •. •••••
. . . . . •. •. •. •. •••••••••••
. . . . . . . . . . . •. •••••••••••••••
. . . . . ..*..o..o.~
DescrIption
3
Input ConnectIOns
Connectionsand
andAudio Controls
Controls •••••••••••••••••••• 3
ConnectIOns
Connectionsfor Power
Powerand
and Speakers
Speakers•••••• • ••••••••••••••• 5
Applications •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
l ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~6
ApplicatIons
6
Installation ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
l ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~*~*~~~~~
InstallatIon
11
Mo~tlngPrecautlons
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..oll 11
MountIng
PrecautIons •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
WirlngPrecautlons
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..***o*ll
WirIng
PrecautIons •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
11
&ttlngth&aln
l ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3
SettIng
the GaIn •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
• • 13
Se~lngtheCrossover
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...013 13
Setting
the Crossover •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Se~lngtheBassBoost
l ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~3
Setting
the Bass Boost •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
13
FinalSystemChecks
l ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~4 • ••• 14
Final
System Checks ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Troubleshooting ••••••••
. . . . . . . . •. •••••••
. . . . . . . •. ••••••••••••••••••
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...14 14
TroubleshootIng
ProductSpecs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . l .ee.15 15
Product
Specs ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Nofes..o.......o..............................ol5
Notes·
• • ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 15
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OWNER'S MANUAL
DESCRIPnON
The Clanon APX400.4 4-channel car audio amplifier IS an excellent choice for
creatmg a vanety of multi-channel sound systems. It features built-m system
deSign flexibility that allows you to create a 2, 3 or 4 channel amplifier With a
flip of a sWitch. You can also configure the front or rear amplifier sectIOns for a
mixed mode operatIOn to dnve a set of satellite speakers and/or subwoofer.
The built-m 12 dB per octave electrOnIc crossover lets you custom tailor the
sound of the front and rear channels, usmg two mdependent filters With
adjustable crossover frequencies for high-pass or low-pass filtermg.
The amplifier also uses an unregulated MOSFET power supply for supenor
control of output wattage. A torOid-coil transformer yields maximum power
transfer With minImum heat loss. Careful CirCUit deSign keeps AM RFI at low
levels, so you won't hear unwanted nOise when the level IS cranked up.
ProtectIOn CirCUits safeguard the amplifier when overheatmg and speaker shorts
or Improper load conditIOns occur.
All connections and controls are on the end panels and are easy to understand.
We use gold-plated RCA and bamer connectors to ensure the best electncal
connectIOn for your system. Included are external automotive type fuses that
are easy to replace.
INPUT CONNECTIONS AND AUDIO CONTROL
The front panel of the APX400.4 contams connectIOns for RCA Inputs and
Audio Control as shown below.
The Input ConnectIOns are gold-plated RCA Jacks and are labeled as FRONT
Figure 1-
2
6
10
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7
Front RCA Input Jacks
Rear RCA Input Jacks
Front Gam Control
Rear Gam Control
Bass Boost Control
Rear Channel Input Selector
Front Input Mode SWitch
11
14
8. Rear Input Mode SWitch
9 Speaker Level Inputs
10. Front Frequency Control
11. Front X-Over Mode SWitch
12. Rear Frequency Control
13. Multiplier SWitch
14. Rear X-Over Mode SWitch
3
clarion
4 Channel Power System Amplifier
RIGHT, FRONT LEFT, REAR RIGHT and REAR LEFT. The Gam Controls
provIde a wIde adjustment range to accommodate output levels from any brand
of source umt.
• Gain Controls - Seperate Front and Rear Gam Controls allow you to set the
nommal operatmg level of the amplifier. The amplifier's range, 250mV to 2.5V
for RCA mputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level mputs, can accommodate
mput levels from vIrtually any brand of source umt.
• Bass Boost Control - The amplifier also features a "high-Q" (i.e. narrow
frequency band) Bass Boost CIrcUit. It acts much like an equalizer, wIth
adjustable gam (from 0 to + 18dB) fixed at 45Hz. Use thIS feature to tune lowfrequency audio response to compensate for a less than Ideal subwoofer
enclosure desIgn. The added boost produces nch, full bass tones that are
normally difficult to reproduce m the car audio enVIronment. Note: If Bass
Boost IS undesIred, set Bass Boost to OdB.
High-passlLow-pass Filter Controls
• Freq (Hz) Controls - The front crossover frequency IS fully adjustable
between 55Hz and 550Hz. The rear crossover frequency IS fully adjustable
between 55Hz and 5500Hz (vIa the Rear Crossover Frequency MultIplier) for a
wIde range of crossover pomts. Use thIS feature, along wIth your speaker
manufacturer's recommended crossover frequencIes, to qUickly desIgn a more
advanced system (see ApplicatIons on page 6.) NOTE: If eIther of the X-Over
Mode SWItches IS set to OFF, varymg the Freq (Hz) Control will produce no
effect.
• Rear X-Over Frequency Multiplier Switch - When engaged, thIS sWItch
mcreases the crossover frequency of the rear channels by a factor of 10.
Example: If the Freq (Hz) dial IS set for 240Hz, pushmg m the multIplier
SWItch changes the settmg to 2400Hz.
• X-Over Mode Switches - These sWItches are eqUipped wIth 12dB per octave
electromc filters for preCIse frequency attenuatIOn wIth mimmal phase
distortIOn. The steep crossover slopes keep mIdrange tones out of the
subwoofer and thereby elimmatmg an unnatural "nasal" tone quality m the
audio system. Each filter IS actIvated by sliding the X-Over Mode SWItch to
eIther LP or HP.
• Input Mode Switches - These sWItches allow you to set the mput mode for
front and rear channels. Stereo mput allows full left and nght stereo operatIOn.
RIght (bndged) mput allows smgle channel mput for bndged operatIOn. ThIS IS
espeCIally useful m hIgh-powered systems when usmg the APX400A as a
bndged 2 channel amplifier. L + R (sum mono) allows a stereo mput to be
summed mto a mono output.
4
OWNER'S MANUAL
• Rear Channel Input Select - ThIS sWItch allows you to use a 2 channel mput
to dnve all 4 channels of thIS amplifier.
• Speaker Level Inputs - These provIde connectIOns for a hIgh-level stereo
source. In additIOn, these connectIOns are provIded for mstallatIOns where the
source umt's RCA outputs are unavailable.
WARNING: When usmg the speaker (hIgh-level) mputs, the Black WIre must
be grounded at the Radio. Failure to do thIS will result m nOIse and Improper
operatIOn.
CONNECTIONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS
The rear panel of the APX400.4 contams power and speaker connectIOns as
shown below.
6
2
Figure 2-
~BA~~ED~
':~
biJr@ [irijl j
@
----\------11-------------
1.
2.
3.
4.
7
8
Left Front Speaker Output
RIght Front Speaker Output
Remote Tum-on Input
Ground Input
5.
6.
7
8.
u!
®
Battery + 12v Input
40 Amp Fuse
Left Rear Speaker Output
RIght Rear Speaker Output
5
clarion
4 Channel Power System Amplifier
APPLICATIONS
The Clanon APX400.4 4-channel car audio amplifier can be used In a vanety
of system applicatiOns. We've enclosed some example systems to help plan
your own InstallatiOn.
4-Channel Full-Range Stereo System
RL Full Range
FR Full Range
RR Full Range
FL Full Range
Figure 3 - In thIS applicatiOn, the APX400.4 IS used as a 4-channel amplifier to
dnve four full-range speakers In stereo.
6
OWNER'S MANUAL
4-Channel Stereo System
2-Channels High-Pass, 2-Channels Low-Pass
FRONT
GAIN
REAli
GAIN
=:1
[dB]
..(0)..~,~
2.SV
2.11V
18
I~~~~f::t'E~\~ I
tiS
NT
FRONT REAR
w/OI\S&
I:!§EfJ
FRONT
BOOST~
,"::~
..,'~'
':':~'"
"~
~ "~
330
~:
flo",O
~.p
.;-<,;
tL:J
lP
HP
OFF
330
~1
&Xl0
R Satellite
L Satellite
L Subwoofer
R Subwoofer
Figure 4 - In this 4-channel system, the APX400A dnves a pair of stereo
satellites for th efront and a pair of stereo subwoofers for the rear. Note the
fil ter settmgs.
7
clarion
4 Channel Power System Amplifier
2-Channel Stereo System with Low-Pass
Bridged Mono Channel
LSatellite
R Satellite
2-way Passive
Crossover
Subwoofer
Figure 5 - The APX400A can also be used to dnve a pair of stereo satellites
for the front and a smgle mono subwoofer for the rear. Note the filter settmgs.
8
OWNER'S MANUAL
2-Channel High Power Systems (Satellite or Subwoofer)
Bridged L Satellite
Bridged L Subwoofer
--
--
2-way Passive
Crossover
Bridged A Satellite
Bridged R Subwoofer
Figure 6 - The APX400A can be set up as a 2-channel hIgh-power amplifier to
dnve a pair of satellites (or subwoofers).
9
clanon
4 Channel Power System Amplifier
Mixed-Mode System On Rear; Full-Range
Speakers On Front
L Full Range
L Speaker
R Speaker
c
L Full Range
+
L
FREQ (hz)
l(mH}
C (uF)
80
100
125
150
200
8.0
6.4
5.1
4.2
3.2
497
398
318
265
199
Subwoofer 4 ohms
NOTE: Chart values based on 4 ohm speakers.
Figure 7 - The amplifier can be configured for a mixed-mode operatiOn on
either channels 1/2 or 3/4 amplifier sectiOns. The table provides component
values to create a 6dB per octave crossover at specified frequencies. Use
components that have a ± 5% tolerance and capacitors rated at lOOV NOTE:
Choose the same frequency for both LP and HP crossovers. Do not overlap
frequencies, as thiS may damage the amplifier.
10
OWNER'S MANUAL
INSTALLATION
This sectIOn lists Mounting and Winng PrecautIOns for Installing the Clanon
APX400.4. Combined with the expenence of a professIOnal Installer, these
safeguards provide enough detail to successfully complete an installatIOn. If
you do not have the necessary skills, do not Install the amplifier yourself.
Instead, see your authonzed Clanon dealer for installation recommendatIOns.
MOUNTING PRECAUTIONS
Although the Clanon APX400.4 Incorporates heat sinks and protectIOn cIrcUIts,
mounting the amplifier In a tight space without any air movement can still
damage Internal circUitry over time. Choose a site that provides adequate
ventilatIOn around the amplifier. For easy system set-up, mount the amplifier
so the front panel controls will be accessible after installatIOn.
In additIOn, observe the following precautIOns:
1. For the most effiCient cooling, mount the amplifier so cool air runs along the
length of the fins rather than across them. Remember, any moving air will
diSSipate heat.
2. Mount the amplifier on a ngld surface. AVOId mounting to subwoofer
enclosures or areas prone to vibratIOn. Do not Install the amplifier on plastic or
other combustible matenals.
3. Pnor to drilling, make sure proposed mounting holes will not cut Into the
fuel tank, fuel lines, brake lines (under chaSSIS), or electncal wmng.
WIRING PRECAUTIONS
Read all wmng precautIOns. If you are not sure of the connectIOns, contact
your authonzed Clanon dealer.
1. Before installatIOn, make sure the source umt Power sWitch IS In the OFF
posItion.
2. Disconnect the negative (-) lead of the battery before making any power
connectIOns.
3. When making connectIOns, be sure that each connectIOn IS clean and secure.
Insulate final connectIOns with electncal tape or shnnk tubing. Failure to do so
may damage your eqUipment.
4. A secure clean ground connectIOn IS cntlcal to the performance of your
Clanon amplifier. Use the shortest ground wire possible snd securely connect
to the car chaSSIS to minimize resistance and aVOid nOise problems.
5. Add an external fuse on the amplifier's positive (+) power lead and connect
It as close as possible to the vehicle's (+) battery terminal. Use a rating that
equals the total current consumptIOn at full output of all amplifiers In the
system. Adding an external fuse will protect the electncal system from short
CirCUits that can cause a fire.
11
clanon
4 Channel Power System Amplifier
6. Refer to the Figure 8 when maklllg electncal connectIOns. Connect the
amplifier's positive (+) lead Via a fuse directly to the positive (+) termmal on
the battery. Do not connect this Wire to the car's fuse panel. Use red-lllsulated
la-gauge (or larger) WIre for the amplifier's pOSItive (+) power lead and the
same-gauge black msulated WIre for the ground.
7 When replacmg the amplifier's fuse, always use one havmg the same current
ratmg. SubstItutmg a hIgher-rated fuse or a slow-blow type can result m senous
damage to the amplifier.
8. Never ground the speakers to the vehIcle chassis or body.
9 Make sure that your vehIcle's electncal system (alternator, battery, etc.) IS
capable of handling the additional load. If you are plannlllg a multI-amplifier
system, you may need to add a second battery and possibly upgrade the
alternator with a hIgher-output rated model. Consult your authonzed Clanon
dealer for recommendatIOns.
10. To avoId nOIse problems, run the amplifier's posItIve (+) power lead along
one sIde of the vehIcle to the battery. Run the remote tum-on WIre and RCA
audio cables down the center, and route the speaker WIres along the remammg
sIde. If WIres must cross, run them perpendicular to each other.
11. When creatmg passage holes for the power WIre, use grommets to elimmate
any sharp edges created durmg drilling. ThIS will protect the WIre from belllg
mcked and causmg a short CIrcUIt.
12. Extra cable can cause sIgnal loss and act as an "antenna" for nOIse. Use
only hIgh-quality RCA cables that are no longer than necessary to make a
direct connectIOn wIth the source umt or equalizer.
Lefl Fronl Speaker
LeflFrontSpeaker+
Le1tRearSpeakef+-
;@,
~,
..__
----IJ\, ~
Figure 8 - Electncal connectIOns for the APX400.4
12
"
OWNER'S MANUAL
SEmNG THE GAIN
After completmg the mstallatIOn, follow these steps to set the Gam Control and
then perform the Final System Checks.
1. Tum the Gam Control all the way counter-clockwIse.
2. Tum the vehIcle's IgllltIOn SWItch to the ON posItIOn. Then tum the
ON/OFF SWItch on the source UllltS to the ON posItIOn. Set all Tone or
EqualizatIOn Controls to "flat" posItIons and tum Loudness off.
3. Playa CD or Tape and set the Volume Control at 75% of full level.
Note: If the system uses an equalizer, set ItS frequency controls to "flat"
posItIons.
4. Slowly mcrease the Gam Control. Stop when you hear a slight distortIOn of
audio.
SEmNG THE CROSSOVER
The Clanon APX400.4 features fully adjustable front and rear crossovers. To
set the crossovers, follow these steps.
1. Usmg the X-Over Mode SWItch, select the desIred mode - LP for Low Pass,
HP for High Pass and OFF for Full Range.
2. Usmg the Freq (Hz) SelectIOn Control, select the desIred frequency. If the
desIred frequency exceeds the range of the Freq (Hz) SelectIOn Control, press
the Crossover Frequency MultIplier SWItch to mcrease the value by a multIplier
of 10.
-For example, 55Hz x 10 = 550Hz or 550Hz x 10 = 505kHz.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for both the front and rear crossovers.
SEmNG THE BASS BOOST
1. IllltIally set the Bass Boost control to ItS full left posItIon (i.e. OdB).
2. LIsten to a vanety of mUSIC styles (e.g. Rock, Rap, etc.) and slowly mcrease
the Bass Boost control until a notIceable mcrease m low bass response IS
perceIVed.
3. Slowly adjust the Bass Boost control (up or down) to realize the best bass
response.
CAUTION: If you hear a "pop" (due to speaker over-excursIOn), lower the
Bass Boost to prevent speaker damage. If the system sounds muddy and
distorted (due to amplifier clippmg), lower Bass Boost to avoId shutdown from
overheatmg.
13
clarion
4 Channel Power System Amplifier
FINAL SYSTEM CHECKS
1. Start the engme and turn on the source umt. After a two-second delay,
slowly mcrease the Volume Control and listen to the audio. If you hear any
nOIse, static, distortiOn or no sound at all, check the connectiOns, and also refer
to Troubleshootmg. Depending on your system desIgn, the levels may become
qmte loud even at low Volume Control settmgs. Until you get an "audio feel"
of the system's power, use care when adjustmg controls.
2. Tum the Balance Controls to theIr extreme posItions and listen to the results.
Audio output should match control settmgs (audio from the left speaker when
balance IS left).
3. Increase the volume and venfy that the amplifier reproduces audio (at full
frequencIes) WIthout distortiOn. If you hear distortiOn, check the connectiOns
and venfy that the Gam Control IS set correctly. Another possibility IS
damaged speakers or under-powered speakers. Once agam refer to
Troubleshootmg for additiOnal help.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
NoAudio.
Solutipn
Low or no remote rum-on voltage. Check remote connections at amplifier and
source unit.
Blown amplifier fuse. Replace with new fast-blow fuse (same rating).
Power wires not connected. Check battery and ground wiring at amplifier;
also check battery connections.
i
Speaker leads shorted. Check speaker continuity to ground, it should not show i
a common ground.
Speakers not connected or are blown. Check speaker connections at amplifier,
measure coil impedance.
PrQklcJtl
Audio cycles on and off.
SQ/ufWn
Thermal protection circuits are shutting amplifier off. Check location for
adequate ventilation; consult an authorized Clarion Audio Dealer
Distorted audio.
~
Gain is not set properly, or damaged speaker cones. Review Setting Gain;
nspect each speaker cone for signs of damage (Le. frozen cone, burning smell, ;
M~
14
~
OWNER'S MANUAL
!
Problem
Audio lacks punch.
Solution
kern wired incorrectly, which causes cancellation of bass frequencies.
k polarity of wires from amplifier to each speaker as defined by the
system design.
Problem
Amplifier fuse keeps blowing.
,Solution
I Incorrect wiring or short circuit. Review Installation and check all wiring
connections.
,Problem
Whining or ticking noise in the audio with engine on.
Solution
Amplifier is picking up alternator noise or radiated noise. Tum down input
gain; move audio cables away from power wires. Check power and ground
connections on amplifier; install an in-line noise filter on source unit's power
wire; check alternator and/or voltage regulator; test for weak battery or add
water to battery
I
PRODUCT SPECS
APX400.4
Frequency Response
Signal NOise Ratio
THD
Input SensitiVity Low Level
Input Sensitivity Speaker Level
Max. Power Output
Cont. Power Output
2-0hm Stereo Output
Bndged Power
DimenSions
Current Consumption @ Max Power Output
20Hz - 20kHz
>95db
.05% all channels dnven
250mV - 2.5V
500mV - 5V
380w (190 x 2)
200w (50w x4) @.08% THD
90 x 4 @ .8% THD
190 [email protected]%THD
21/8" H x 81/4" W x 12" L
46A @ 380 Watts
15
clariOri
CAR AUDIOQBEYOND
661 W. Redondo Beach Blvd.
Gardena. CA 90247
1-800-GO-CLARION
www.clanon-usa.com
APX400.4-10
Rev.1 (02100)
ATTENTION INSTALLER!!!
When using the speaker (high-level) inputs, the Black
wire must be grounded at the Radio. Failure to do this
will result in noise and improper operation.
For more information, please see the owners guide.
">
