owner???s manual
1000W Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier
Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for your automotive sound system.
Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vehicle. For maximum performance, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier installed by an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your authorized dealer has the training, expertise and installation equipment to ensure optimum performance from this product. Should you
decide to install the amplifier yourself, please take the time to read this manual thoroughly so as to familiarize yourself with its installation requirements and setup procedures.
If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this manual or any aspect of your amplifier???s operation, please contact your authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance,
please call our Technical Support Department at (954)
Protect Your Hearing!
We value you as a
While driving, operate your audio system in a manner that still allows you to hear necessary noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns, sirens, etc.).
Serial Number
In the event that your amplifier requires service or is ever stolen, you will need to have a record of the product???s serial number.
Please take the time to enter that number in
Installation Applications
This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12V,
This product is not certified or approved for use in aircraft.
Do not attempt to ???bridge??? the outputs of this amplifier with the outputs of a second amplifier, including an identical one.
Remote
Connector
(pg. 6)
Planning Your Installation
It is important that you take the time to read this manual and that you plan out your installation carefully. The following are some considerations that you must take into account when planning your installation.
Cooling Efficiency Considerations:
The outer shell of your JL Audio amplifier is designed to remove heat from the amplifier circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, this outer shell should be exposed to as
large a volume of air as possible. Enclosing the amplifier in a small, poorly ventilated chamber can lead to excessive heat
! IMPORTANT
Mounting the amplifier upside down is strongly discouraged.
If mounting the amplifier under a seat, make sure there is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier???s outer shell to permit proper cooling.
Safety Considerations:
Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry,
Stupid Mistakes to Avoid:
the space provided below. The serial number can be found on the bottom panel of the amplifier and on the amplifier packaging.
Serial Number:
Made in China
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Product Description
The JL Audio
Class D technology. Its frequency response is limited to the range below 160 Hz. It is not designed for driving midrange speakers or tweeters. Every aspect of its operation has been optimized for
Typical Installation Sequence
The following represents the sequence for a typical amplifier installation, using an aftermarket source unit or OEM Interface product. Additional steps and different
procedures may be required in some applications. If you have any questions, please contact your authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance.
???1) Disconnect the negative battery post connection and secure the disconnected cable to prevent accidental
???2) Run power wire (minimum 4 AWG)
from the battery location to the amplifier mounting location, taking care to
route it in such a way that it will not be damaged and will not interfere with vehicle operation. Use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG power wire if additional amplifiers are being installed with the
???3) Connect power wire to the positive battery post. Fuse the wire with an appropriate fuse block (and connectors) within 18 inches (45 cm) wire length of the positive battery post.
This fuse is essential to protect the vehicle. Do not install the fuse until the power wire has been connected to the amplifier.
???4) Run signal cables (RCA cables) and remote
???5) Run speaker wire from the speaker systems to the amplifier mounting location.
???6) Find a good, solid metal grounding point close to the amplifier and connect the negative power wire to it using appropriate hardware. Use minimum 4 AWG power wire, no longer than 36 inches (90 cm) from the amplifier to the ground connection point. In some vehicles, it may be necessary to upgrade the battery ground wire. (See page 5 for important notice).
???7) Securely mount the amplifier using appropriate hardware.
8)Connect the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier.
???9) Connect the remote
to the amplifier.
10)Connect the RCA input cables to the amplifier.
11)Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.
12)Carefully review the amplifier???s control settings to make sure that they are set according to the needs of the system.
13)Install power wire fuse (100A for a single
14)Turn on the source unit at a low level
to
15)Make necessary adjustments to the input sensitivity controls to obtain the right overall output and the desired balance in the system. See Appendix A (page 12) for the recommended input sensitivity setting method.
16)Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.
Power Connections
Before installing the amplifier, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from the vehicle???s battery. This will prevent accidental damage to the system, the vehicle and your person during installation.
35A
The
If you are installing the
Note: that smaller AWG numbers mean bigger wire and
2 AWG is smaller, then 4 AWG, then
8 AWG, etc.).
To connect the power and ground wires to the amplifier, strip
The ???Ground??? connection should be made using 4 AWG wire and should be kept as short as possible, while accessing a solid piece of sheet metal in the vehicle. The surface of the sheet metal should be sanded at the contact point
to create a clean,
Any wires run through metal barriers (such as firewalls), must be protected with a high quality insulating grommet to prevent damage to the insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result in a dangerous short circuit.
! IMPORTANT
Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG - 6 AWG) wire to ground the battery to the
vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator???s positive connection to the battery. To prevent voltage drops, these wires should ???be upgraded to 4 AWG (or larger) when installing a
Fuse Requirements
While the
If only the
FUSES
35A 35A 35A
5
???REMote???
The
35A
The amplifier will turn on when +12V is
present at its ???Remote??? input and turn off when
+12V is switched off. If a source unit does not
have a dedicated remote
18 AWG wire is more than adequate for the remote
???AMPLIFIER InputS???
The
Amplifier Inputs
RIGHT
You may run a stereo or a mono signal into the inputs of the amplifier. The amplifier???s input section automatically sums stereo signals to mono for the internal amplifier section.
The amplifier will operate with only one input connection (left or right), but will require an increase in input sensitivity to overcome the loss of signal. If a mono input signal is to be run into the RCA jacks, we recommend that you use a
1)
???Amplifier Inputs??? section is used for preamp level
2)
! IMPORTANT
Make sure you observe correct polarity in making the
The connections for the
White: Left Positive (+)
White/Black: Left Negative
Black: Common Ground (rarely used)*
Gray: Right Positive (+)
Gray/Black: Right Negative
*The only time you will use the ???Common Ground??? connection is with some older (pre- 1980???s) factory systems or head units that ground their speakers to chassis ground. To use this connection, ground the black wire on the plug to chassis ground and only connect the
Left and Right Positive plug wires to the factory
radio outputs.
! IMPORTANT
If you plan to use the preamp outputs to feed a stereo amplifier, you must connect a stereo signal to the input of the amplifier. A mono signal into the amplifier will result in a mono signal out of the preamp output.
???INPUT SENSITIVITY??? (GAIN) ADJUSTMENT
Located next to the input connectors is a rotary control labeled ???Input Sens.???. This rotary control can be used to match the source unit???s output voltage to the input stage of the amplifier for maximum clean output.
Amplifier Contr
Input Sens. LP
Rotating the control clockwise will result in higher sensitivity (louder for a given input voltage). Rotating the control
Do not increase the ???Input Sens.??????setting for any amplifier in the system beyond the maximum level established during the procedure outlined in Appendix A (page 12). Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
???LP FILTER??? (CroSSOVER) Control
The
(LP) active filter for its internal channel. This feature is designed to attenuate frequencies above its filter frequency, so that the system???s subwoofers do not reproduce any audible midrange content.
The
The ???10 o???clock??? position corresponds to 80 Hz
and is a good starting point for system tuning.
Controls
LP Filter Frequency (Hz)
The
LEFT
RIGHT
The Preamp outputs deliver the same signal that
is being fed to the inputs. (If the input signal are
This signal is not affected by the bass boost or LP
FIlter processing selected for the amplifier.
! IMPORTANT
The signal level of the preamp output is always low level regardless of whether you are using the
???BASS BOost??? Control
The
)Bass Boost
REMOTE LEVEL Control
The
Remote Level Port
Care should be taken to securely mount this control in a manner that does not interfere with vehicle operation.
When setting the amplifier???s input sensitivity, the Remote Level Control should be unplugged or at full clockwise rotation (maximum level).
SPEAKER OUTPUT
Speaker connection to the
Speaker Output (Mono)
! IMPORTANT
Speaker loads below 1?? nominal are not recommended and will cause the amplifier to enter into a protection mode.
Do not chassis ground any speakers connected to this or any other JL Audio amplifier. Doing so will cause the amplifier to go into protection.
To connect the speaker wires to the amplifier, strip
each speaker wire and insert them into their appropriate connector (observing correct polarity). Then, tighten each connector using a
Phillips screwdriver.
! IMPORTANT
Do NOT attempt to ???bridge??? two
! IMPORTANT
Before reconnecting the battery ground and turning the system on, verify that all control settings on the amplifier are set according to the needs of the system.
9
Status Indicator Lights /
Protection Circuitry
There are two status indicator lights on the top of the amplifier. These are as follows:
1)???Power??? (Green): lights to indicate that the amplifier is turned on and operating normally.
2)???Protect??? (Red): lights to indicate that the amplifier has exceeded its safe operating temperature or has detected a
on troubleshooting this amplifier, refer to Appendix C (pages 14, 15).
Amplifier Status
Protect Power
Level Port
Servicing your Amplifier
If your amplifier fails or malfunctions, please return it to your authorized JL Audio dealer so that it may be sent in to JL Audio for service. There are no user serviceable parts or fuses inside the amplifier. The unique nature of the circuitry in the JL Audio amplifiers requires specifically trained service personnel. Do not attempt
to service the amplifier yourself or through unauthorized repair facilities. This will not only void the warranty, but may result in the creation of more problems within the amplifier.
If you have any questions about the installation or setup of the amplifier not covered in this manual, please contact your dealer or technical support.
JL Audio Technical Support:
(954)
9:00 AM ??? 5:30 PM (Eastern Time Zone)
Monday - Friday
Appendix A:
Input Sensitivity Level Setting
Following the directions below will allow the installer to adjust the input sensitivity of each amplifier channel pair simply and easily in just a few minutes using equipment which is commonly available in installation bays.
Necessary Equipment
???Digital AC Voltmeter
???CD with a
0 dB reference level in the frequency range to be amplified for that set of channels (50 Hz for subwoofer channels, 1 kHz for a
midrange application). Do not use attenuated test tones
The
1)Disconnect the speaker(s) from the amplifier???s speaker output connectors.
2)Turn off all processing (bass/treble, loudness, EQ, etc.) on the source unit, processors (if used) and amplifier. Set fader control to center position and subwoofer level control to 3/4 of maximum. If connected, set the amplifier???s Remote Bass Control at maximum (full clockwise).
3)Turn the ???Input Sens.??? control all the way down.
4)Set the source unit volume to 3/4 of full volume. This will allow for reasonable gain overlap with moderate clipping at full volume.
5)Using the chart on this page, determine the target voltage for input sensitivity adjustment according to the nominal impedance of the speaker system connected to the amplifier outputs.
6)Verify that you have disconnected the speakers before proceeding. Play a track with an appropriate sine wave (within the frequency range to be amplified) at 3/4 source unit volume.
7)Connect the AC voltmeter to the speaker output connectors of the amplifier. Make sure you test the voltage at the correct connectors (+ and
8)Increase the ???Input Sens.??? control until the target voltage is observed with the voltmeter.
9)Once you have adjusted the amplifier to its maximum
controls can now be adjusted downward if the amplifier requires attenuation to achieve the desired system balance.
! IMPORTANT
Do not increase any ???Input Sens.??? setting for any amplifier channel or channel pair in the system beyond the maximum level established during this procedure. Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
It will be necessary to
???Input Sens.??????with this procedure. This applies to any EQ boost circuit, including source unit tone controls or EQ circuits. EQ cuts will not require
Appendix b:
General???Specifications:
Recommended Fuse Value: 100A
Recommended Fuse Type: ANL at battery, 3x 35A ATC fuses on amplifier chassis.
Input Section:
Amplifier???Section:
Amplifier Topology: Class D Monaural
Power Supply: PWM switching type, unregulated
Rated Power with less than 1% THD (14.4V supply):
400W RMS x 1 @ 4??
500W RMS x 1 @ 3??
700W RMS x 1 @ 2??
900W RMS x 1 @ 1.5??
1000W RMS x 1 @ 1??
Frequency Response: 10 - 160 Hz (+/??? 0.5dB)
Crossover Section:
Preamp Outputs:
Bass Boost:
Remote Level Control:
Via included, wired remote control knob. Full mute to 0 dB range.
Dimensions (LxWxH):
14.60" x 9.60" x 2.15" (371 mm x 244 mm x 55 mm)
Due to ongoing product development, all specifications are subject to change without notice.
Appendix c: TROUBLESHOOTING
???How do I properly set the input sensitivity on my amplifier???
Please refer to Appendix A (page 12) to set the input sensitivity for maximum,
???My amplifier doesn???t turn on???
Check the fuse, not just visually, but with a continuity meter. It is possible for a fuse to have poor internal connections that cannot be found by visual inspection. It is best to take the fuse out of the holder for testing. If no problem is found with the fuse, inspect the
Check the integrity of the connections made to each of the
???+12VDC???, ???Ground???, and ???Remote??? terminals. Ensure that no wire insulation is pinched by the terminal set screw and that each connection is tight.
Check to make sure there is +12V at the ???Remote??? connection of the amplifier. In some cases, the
???My amplifier???s output fluctuates when I tap on it or hit a bump???
Check the connections to the amplifier. Make sure that the insulation for all wires has been stripped back far enough to allow a good contact area inside the terminal block.
Check the input connectors to ensure that they all are making good contact with the input jacks on the amplifier.
???My amplifier turns on, but there is no output???
Check the input signal using an AC voltmeter to measure the voltage from the source unit while an appropriate test tone is played through the source unit (disconnect the input cables from the amplifier prior to this test). The frequency used should be in the range that is to be amplified by the amplifier (example: 50 Hz for a sub bass application or 1 kHz for a full range /
Check the output of the amplifier. Using the procedure explained in the previous check item (after plugging the input cables back into the amplifier) test for output at the speaker outputs of the amplifier. Unless you enjoy test tones at high levels, it is a good idea to remove the speaker wires from the amplifier while doing this. Turn the volume up approximately half way. 5V or more should be measured at the speaker outputs. This output level can vary greatly between amplifiers but it should not be in the millivolt range with the source unit at half volume. If you are reading sufficient voltage, check your speaker connections as explained below.
Check to ensure that the speaker wires are making a good connection with the metal inside the terminal block. The speaker wire connectors are designed to accept up to 8 AWG wire. Make sure to strip the wire to allow for a sufficient connection with the metal inside the terminal block.
INSTALLATION???NOTES:
Use this diagram to document your amplifier???s switch and control positions.
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Amplifier Controls
Amplifier Status
Protect Power
Remote Level Port
Limited Warranty - Amplifiers (USA)
JL Audio warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase.
This warranty is not transferrable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized
JL Audio dealer. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction, JL Audio will (at its discretion), repair or replace the defective product with new or remanufactured product at no charge. Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, misuse, abuse, product modification or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions, unauthorized repair attempts, misrepresentations by the seller. This warranty does not cover incidental or consequential damages and does not cover the cost of removing or reinstalling the unit(s). Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear is not covered under warranty.
Warranty is void if the product???s serial number has been removed or defaced.
Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to the period of the express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether express or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, therefore these exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
If you need service on your JL AUDIO product:
All warranty returns should be sent to JL Audio ???s Amplifier Service Facility
Warranty expiration on products returned without proof of purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated as this date is previous to purchase date. Non- defective items received will be returned
For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call JL Audio Customer Service: (954)
JL Audio, Inc
10369 North Commerce Pkwy.
Miramar, FL 33025
(do not send product for repair to this address)
International Warranties:
Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only by that country???s distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.