Alpine MRV-M1200 User Manual

FOR CAR USE ONLY/POUR APPLICATION AUTOMOBILE/PARA USO EN AUTOMÓVILES

MRV-M1200

EN

FR

MONO POWER AMPLIFIER

• OWNER’S MANUAL

Please read before using this equipment.

• MODE D’EMPLOI

Veuillez lire avant d’utiliser cet appareil.

• MANUAL DE OPERACIÓN

Léalo antes de utilizar este equipo.

ALPINE ELECTRONICS MARKETING, INC.

1-7, Yukigaya-Otsukamachi, Ota-ku,

Tokyo 145-0067, JAPAN

Phone: [phone]

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF AMERICA, INC.

19145 Gramercy Place, Torrance,

California 90501, U.S.A.

Phone 1-800-ALPINE-1 (1-800-257-4631)

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF AUSTRALIA PTY. LTD.

161-165 Princes Highway, Hallam

Victoria 3803, Australia

Phone [phone]

ALPINE ELECTRONICS GmbH

Wilhelm-Wagenfeld-Str. 1-3,

80807 München, Germany

Phone [phone]

ES

ALPINE ELECTRONICS OF U.K. LTD.

Alpine House

Fletchamstead Highway, Coventry CV4 9TW, U.K.

www.alpine.co.uk

ALPINE ELECTRONICS France S.A.R.L.

184 allée des Erables
CS 52016 – Villepinte

95 945 Roissy CDG cedex

FRANCE

Phone : + 33(0)1 48 63 89 89

ALPINE ITALIA S.p.A.

Viale Cristoforo Colombo, 8

20090 Trezzano sul Naviglio MI, Italy

Phone [phone]

ALPINE ELECTRONICS DE ESPAÑA, S.A.

Portal de Gamarra 36, Pabellón, 32

01013 Vitoria (Alava)-APDO 133, Spain

Phone [phone]

JEIL Moon Hwa Co.
18-6, 3Ga, Pil_dong, Jung_gu, Seoul, Korea

Designed by ALPINE Japan

Printed in Korea

68-29530Z91-A (Y-A5)

M3514596010

English

CONTENTS

WARNING................................................................................1

SERVICE CARE .......................................................................2

ACCESSORIES ........................................................................2

INSTALLATION .......................................................................3

ATTACHING THE TERMINAL COVERS.............................3

CONNECTIONS .....................................................................4

CONNECTION CHECK LIST ................................................8

SWITCH SETTINGS ...............................................................9

SYSTEM DIAGRAMS .........................................................11

SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................14

WARNING

Points to Observe for Safe
Usage

Read this manual carefully before using the system
components. They contain instructions on how to
use this product in a safe and effective manner.
Alpine cannot be responsible for problems
resulting from failure to observe the instructions in
this manual.

This symbol means important instructions.

WARNING

DO NOT OPERATE ANY FUNCTION THAT TAKES YOUR
ATTENTION AWAY FROM SAFELY DRIVING YOUR
VEHICLE.

Any function that requires your prolonged attention
should only be performed after coming to a complete
stop. Always stop the vehicle in a safe location before
performing these functions. Failure to do so may result in
an accident.

KEEP THE VOLUME AT A LEVEL WHERE YOU CAN STILL
HEAR OUTSIDE NOISES WHILE DRIVING.

Excessive volume levels that obscure sounds such as
emergency vehicle sirens or road warning signals (train
crossings, etc.) can be dangerous and may result in an
accident. LISTENING AT LOUD VOLUME LEVELS IN A CAR
MAY ALSO CAUSE HEARING DAMAGE.

Failure to heed them can result in serious
injury or death.

USE THIS PRODUCT FOR MOBILE 12V APPLICATIONS.

Use for other than its designed application may result in
fire, electric shock or other injury.

USE THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN REPLACING
FUSES.

Failure to do so may result in fire or electric shock.

DO NOT BLOCK VENTS OR RADIATOR PANELS.

Doing so may cause heat to build up inside and may result
in fire.

MAKE THE CORRECT CONNECTIONS.

Failure to make the proper connections may result in fire or
product damage.

USE ONLY IN CARS WITH A 12 VOLT NEGATIVE GROUND.

(Check with your dealer if you are not sure.) Failure to do so
may result in fire, etc.

BEFORE WIRING, DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE
NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL.

Failure to do so may result in electric shock or injury due to
electrical shorts.

DO NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED IN
SURROUNDING OBJECTS.

Arrange wiring and cables in compliance with the manual
to prevent obstructions when driving. Cables or wiring
that obstruct or hang up on places such as the steering
wheel, gear lever, brake pedals, etc. can be extremely
hazardous.

DO NOT SPLICE INTO ELECTRICAL CABLES.

Never cut away cable insulation to supply power to other
equipment. Doing so will exceed the current carrying
capacity of the wire and result in fire or electric shock.

DO NOT DAMAGE PIPE OR WIRING WHEN DRILLING
HOLES.

When drilling holes in the chassis for installation, take
precautions so as not to contact, damage or obstruct
pipes, fuel lines, tanks or electrical wiring. Failure to take
such precautions may result in fire.

DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OR ALTER.

Doing so may result in an accident, fire or electric shock.

1-EN

DO NOT USE BOLTS OR NUTS IN THE BRAKE OR
STEERING SYSTEMS TO MAKE GROUND CONNECTIONS.

Bolts or nuts used for the brake or steering systems (or any
other safety-related system), or tanks should NEVER be
used for installations or ground connections. Using such
parts could disable control of the vehicle and cause fire etc.

KEEP SMALL OBJECTS SUCH AS BATTERIES OUT OF THE
REACH OF CHILDREN.

Swallowing them may result in serious injury. If swallowed,
consult a physician immediately.

This symbol means important instructions.

CAUTION

HALT USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM APPEARS.

Failure to do so may cause personal injury or damage to
the product. Return it to your authorized Alpine dealer or
the nearest Alpine Service Center for repairing.

HAVE THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION DONE BY
EXPERTS.

The wiring and installation of this unit requires special
technical skill and experience. To ensure safety, always
contact the dealer where you purchased this product to
have the work done.

USE SPECIFIED ACCESSORY PARTS AND INSTALL THEM
SECURELY.

Be sure to use only the specified accessory parts. Use of
other than designated parts may damage this unit
internally or may not securely install the unit in place. This
may cause parts to become loose resulting in hazards or
product failure.

Failure to heed them can result in injury or
property damages.

SERVICE CARE

 IMPORTANT NOTICE

This Amplifier has been type tested and found to
comply with the limits for a Class B computing
device in accordance with the specifications in
Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. This equipment
generates and uses radio frequency energy, and it
must be installed and used properly in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions.

SERIAL NUMBER:
INSTALLATION DATE:
INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN:
PLACE OF PURCHASE:

 IMPORTANT

Please record the serial number of your unit in
the space provided here and keep it as a
permanent record. The serial number plate is
located on the rear of the unit.

 For European Customers

Should you have any questions about warranty,
please consult your store of purchase.

 For Customers in other Countries

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Customers who purchase the product with which
this notice is packaged, and who make this
purchase in countries other than the United States
of America and Canada, please contact your dealer
for information regarding warranty coverage.

ARRANGE THE WIRING SO IT IS NOT CRIMPED OR
PINCHED BY A SHARP METAL EDGE.

Route the cables and wiring away from moving parts (like
the seat rails) or sharp or pointed edges. This will prevent
crimping and damage to the wiring. If wiring passes
through a hole in metal, use a rubber grommet to prevent
the wire’s insulation from being cut by the metal edge of
the hole.

DO NOT INSTALL IN LOCATIONS WITH HIGH MOISTURE
OR DUST.

Avoid installing the unit in locations with high incidence of
moisture or dust. Moisture or dust that penetrates into this
unit may result in product failure.

2-EN

ACCESSORIES

• Self-Tapping Screw (M4 × 20) ......................................4

• Terminal Cover ..........................................................1 SET

• Speaker Input Connector ..............................................1

• Hexagon Wrench ..............................................................1

• Remote Bass Control Unit .....................................1 SET

– Connection Cable (5 m)..............................................1

– Self-Tapping Screw (M4 × 12)...................................4

INSTALLATION

Due to the high power output of the MRV-M1200
considerable heat is produced when the amplifier
is in operation. For this reason, the amplifier should
be mounted in a location which will allow for free
circulation of air, such as inside the trunk. For
alternate installation locations, please contact your
authorized Alpine dealer.

1. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the four
screw locations.

2. Make sure there are no objects behind the
surface that may become damaged during
drilling.

3. Drill the screw holes.

4. Position the MRV-M1200 over the screw holes,
and secure with four self-tapping screws.

Self-Tapping Screws (M4 × 20)

Holes

Self-Tapping Screws (M4 × 12)

CAUTION

DO NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED
IN SURROUNDING OBJECTS. Cables or wiring that
obstruct or hang up on places such as the steering
wheel, gear lever, brake pedals, etc. can be
extremely hazardous.

ATTACHING THE
TERMINAL COVERS

Attach the terminal covers (included) after
connections and confirmation of correct operation.
Attaching the terminal covers will improve the
appearance of the unit.

How to attach the terminal covers:

Attach the terminal covers to the main unit.

Terminal Covers

Chassis

NOTE:

• To securely connect the ground lead, use an

already installed screw on a metal part of the
vehicle (marked ( )) or a clean, bare metal spot
on the vehicle’s chassis. Be sure this is a good
ground by checking continuity to the battery (–)
terminal. Connect all equipment to the same
ground point while keeping wire length as short
as possible. These procedures will help eliminate
noise.

5. Attach the Remote Bass Control Unit.

Ground Lead

Attach the Remote Bass Control Unit under the
instrument panel or side of the front console,
etc., by using the four supplied Self-Tapping
Screws.

Holes

CAUTION

Do not lift or carry the unit by the attached
terminal covers.

3-EN

CONNECTIONS

 Be sure to add an in-line fuse with the battery lead as close as possible to the battery’s positive (+) terminal.

Before making connections, be sure to turn the
power off to all audio components. Connect the
battery lead from the amp directly to the positive
(+) terminal of the vehicle’s battery with
appropriate in-line vehicle’s fuse (see Battery Lead
section). Do not connect this lead to the vehicle’s
fuse block.

To prevent external noise from entering the
audio system

• Locate the unit and route the leads at least 10 cm

(4”) away from the vehicle’s harness.

• Keep the battery power leads as far away from

other leads as possible.

• Connect the ground lead securely to a bare metal

spot (remove any paint or grease if necessary) of
the vehicle’s chassis.

• If you add an optional noise suppressor, connect

it as far away from the unit as possible. Your
Alpine dealer carries various noise suppressors,
contact them for further information.

• Your Alpine dealer knows best about noise

prevention measures so consult your dealer for
further information.

4-EN

Speaker Output Terminals

• The speaker terminals of this unit are insert

terminal type.
Be sure to observe correct speaker output
connections and polarity in relation to the other
speakers in the system. Connect the positive
output to the positive speaker terminal and the
negative to negative.

About Bridged Connections

In the bridged mode, connect the left positive to
the positive terminal of the speaker and the
right negative to the negative terminal of the
speaker. Do not use the speaker (–) terminals as
a common lead between the left and right
channels.

NOTES:

• Do not connect the speaker (–) terminal to the

vehicle’s chassis.

• The input is stereo but the output is monaural.

• Reversing subwoofer polarity (swapping

positive and negative connections to the

subwoofer) may be desirable in some

installations for optimum bass performance.

Fuse: 25A x 4

USE THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN
REPLACING FUSES.

Failure to do so may result in fire or electric
shock.

Power Supply Terminal

Battery Lead (Sold Separately)

Be sure to add an in-line fuse with the battery
lead as close as possible to the battery’s positive
(+) terminal. This fuse will protect your vehicle’s
electrical system in case of a short circuit. See
below for appropriate fuse value and minimum
wire gauge requirement:

• 100 amp fuse, 4 AWG/21 mm

2

Ground Lead (Sold Separately)

Connect this lead securely to a clean, bare metal
spot on the vehicle’s chassis. Verify this point to
be a true ground by checking for continuity
between that point and the negative (–)
terminal of the vehicle’s battery. Ground all your
audio components to the same point on the
chassis to prevent ground loops while keeping
wire length as short as possible.
Minimum required wire gauge for this
connection is as follows:

• 4 AWG/21 mm

2

Remote Turn-On Lead (Sold Separately)

Connect this lead to the remote turn-on
(positive trigger, (+) 12 V only) lead of your head
unit. If a remote turn-on lead is not available, see
“CONNECTION CHECK LIST” section on
page 8 for alternative method.

NOTE:

• When connecting the speaker output leads of

the head unit to this unit with a Speaker Input
Connector (included), you do not need to
connect the remote turn-on lead, owing to the
“REMOTE SENSING” function of this unit.
However, the “REMOTE SENSING” function may
not work depending on the signal source
connected. In such a case, connect the remote
turn-on lead to an incoming power supply
cord (accessory power) in the ACC position.

Speaker Level Input Connector

These input leads are for use with head units not
equipped with preamp outputs. When not using
the RCA Line Input connectors, you should
connect these wires to the speaker output leads
of your head unit. The MRV-M1200 accepts input
from high power or standard power head units.

NOTE:

• For the “Speaker Level Input System” setting,

connecting the Remote Turn-On Lead is not
required due to the “REMOTE SENSING”
function of this product. However, the
“REMOTE SENSING” function may not work
depending on the signal source connected. In
such a case, connect the Remote Turn-On Lead
to an incoming power supply cord (accessory
power) in the ACC position.

5-EN

RCA Input Jacks

Connect these jacks to the line out leads on your

head unit using RCA extension cables (sold

separately). Be sure to observe correct channel

connections; Left to Left and Right to Right.

NOTE:

• Use either RCA line level or speaker level

inputs. Do not connect both at the same time.

Pre-Out Jacks

These jacks provide a line level output. This is an

ideal output for driving a second subwoofer

amp. This output is full-range, and is not affected

by the crossover.

Remote Bass Control Jack

Connection Cable

Remote Bass Control Unit

The Remote Bass Control Unit adjusts the output

level remotely. This is not to replace appropriate

gain level setting between the amplifier and

head unit.

Speaker Input Connector

Front Left Speaker (White (+))

Front Left Speaker (White/Black (–))

Front Right Speaker (Gray (+))

Front Right Speaker (Gray/Black (–))

Rear Right Speaker (Violet/Black (–))

Rear Right Speaker (Violet (+))

Rear Left Speaker (Green/Black (–))

Rear Left Speaker (Green (+))

CAUTION

About Power supply wires

If the length of the power and ground cables
exceed 1 m, or if you connect more than one
amplifier, a distribution block should be used. See
below for wire gauge recommendations for
distribution block connection to battery and
ground (depends upon wire length necessary):
2 AWG (33 mm

1 m
(Max.)

Distribution
block

 Connect all equipment to the same ground point while

keeping wire length as short as possible.

Ensure that you install a correctly-rated in-line fuse
on the power cable near the battery positive post.

Cautions on wire lead connections

When using third-party wire cables (power supply
wire), use the supplied screws to simplify the
connection. Refer to the description below for the
proper procedure. If you are in doubt about how to
make this connection, consult your dealer.

1. Check the wire size.

• Required Wire Size

– Battery Lead/Ground Lead ....4 AWG (21 mm2)

– Remote Turn-On Lead .............12 AWG (3 mm2)

– Speaker Output Lead ................ 8 AWG (8 mm2)

• If the wire gauge used is unknown, ask your

dealer.

2

) or 1/0 AWG (53 mm2)

MRV-M1200

BATTERY GROUND

To vehicle’s
battery

To vehicle’s
chassis

4 AWG

2

(21 mm

)

2 AWG (33 mm
1/0 AWG (53 mm



2

) or

2

)

6-EN

2. Remove the insulation from the ends of the wire
leads by about 7 – 10 mm (9/32” – 13/32”).

7 – 10 mm
(9/32” – 13/32”)

Lead end side of
the product

Twist the tip of
wire leads

NOTES:

• If length of the exposed wire is too short, a poor

connection may occur causing operation failure
or sound interruption.

• On the other hand, if the length is too long, an

electrical short-circuit may occur.

3. Tighten the hexagon hole screw with the
hexagon wrench (included) to secure the lead.

Before making this connection, use insulated
shrink tubing to cover any exposed wire
extending beyond the terminal.

Hexagon hole screw

Wire

Wire Terminal

Twist the tip of
wire leads

NOTES:

• Use only the screws included.

• For safety reasons, connect the battery leads last.

• To prevent disconnection of the leads or

dropping of the unit, do not use the cabling to
carry the unit.

7-EN

CONNECTION CHECK LIST

Please check your head unit for the conditions
listed below:

Remote Turn-On Lead

a. The head unit does not have a remote turn-on

or power antenna lead.

b. The head unit’s power antenna lead is activated

only when the radio is on (turns off in the tape
or CD Mode).

c. The head unit’s power antenna lead is logic level

output (+) 5V, negative trigger (grounding type),
or cannot sustain (+) 12V when connected to
other equipment in addition to the vehicle’s
power antenna.

If any of the above conditions exist, the remote
turn-on lead of your MRV-M1200 must be
connected to a switched power source (ignition)
in the vehicle. Be sure to use a 3A fuse as close
as possible to this ignition tap. Using this
connection method, the MRV-M1200 will turn
on and stay on as long as the ignition switch is
on.

If this is objectionable, a SPST (Single Pole,
Single Throw) switch, in addition to the 3A fuse
mentioned above, may be installed in-line on
the MRV-M1200 turn-on lead. This switch will
then be used to turn on (and off) the
MRV-M1200. Therefore, the switch should be
mounted so that is accessible by the driver.
Make sure the switch is turned off when the
vehicle is not running. Otherwise, the amplifier
will remain on and drain the battery.

Blue/White
Power Antenna
Remote Turn-On Lead
To other Alpine component’s Remote Turn-On

Leads
SPST Switch (optional)
Fuse (3A)
As close as possible to the vehicle’s ignition tap
Ignition Source

MRV-M1200

8-EN

SWITCH SETTINGS

NOTE:

• Before switching each Selector Switch, turn off

the power and insert a small screwdriver, etc.,
perpendicularly to the Switch.

Input Gain Adjustment Control

Set the MRV-M1200 input gain to the minimum
position. Using a dynamic CD as a source,
increase the head unit volume until the output
distorts. Then, reduce the volume 1 step (or until
the output is no longer distorted). Now, increase
the amplifier gain until the sound from the
speakers becomes distorted. Reduce the gain
slightly so the sound is no longer distorted to
achieve the optimum gain setting.

Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (LP

FILTER)

Use this control to adjust the crossover
frequency between 50 to 400 Hz.

Bass EQ Adjustment Knob

Add a 50 Hz bass boost up to +12 dB to tune
your bass response.

9-EN

About Power Indicator

Power Indicator

Lights up when power is on.
Is off when power is off.

Indication color Status Solution

Blue Amplifier circuit is normal.
Red

(blinking)

Red Amplifier circuit is abnormal.

Operating temperature is
high.

An electrical short has
occurred, or supply current is
too high.

Operating temperature is too
high.

Power supply voltage is too
high.

Decrease the vehicle’s interior temperature to a
normal level.
The indicator color changes to blue.

Turn off the power supply and eliminate the cause.
Then turn on the unit and verify that the indicator
color has changed to blue.
If it remains red, turn off the unit and consult your
dealer.

Decrease the vehicle’s interior temperature to a
normal level.
The indicator color changes to blue.

Use the correct power supply voltage.
The indicator color changes to blue.

10-EN

SYSTEM DIAGRAMS

When you connect one or multiple subwoofers, please take care to configure the correct total impedance
before connecting to subwoofer(s) to the amplifier.

Subwoofer
Head Unit, etc.
Subwoofer Output
RCA Extension Cable (Sold Separately)
Y-Adapter (Sold Separately)

TYPICAL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

1 Subwoofer System

Connecting to the Speaker Level Input System

1 For the “Speaker Level Input System” setting,

connecting the Remote Turn-On Lead is not
required due to the “REMOTE SENSING” function of
this product. However, the “REMOTE SENSING”
function may not work depending on the signal
source connected. In such a case, connect the
Remote Turn-On Lead to an incoming power
supply cord (accessory power) in the ACC position.

2 If connecting both Speaker Input Leads and RCA

Inputs at the same time, do not connect both
signals to the same input channel of the amplifier.
Instead, be sure to connect each pair of inputs to a

different Input channel pair.
example;
Speaker Input Leads:
FL/FR to CH1/CH2, RL/RR to CH3/CH4
RCA Inputs:
SUBWL/SUBWR to SUBWL/SUBWR

White Violet/Black
White/Black Violet

Gray Green/Black
Gray/Black Green

Gray/Black Green

Gray
White/Black
White

Green/Black
Violet
Violet/Black

11-EN

2 Subwoofer System (MONO)

Connecting to the Speaker Level Input System

White Violet/Black
White/Black Violet

Gray Green/Black
Gray/Black Green

Gray/Black Green

Gray
White/Black
White

Green/Black
Violet
Violet/Black

12-EN

MULTIPLE MONO AMPLIFIER SYSTEM

Important Tips on Bridging an Amplifier

NOTE:

• Low output will result if only one channel input is used. The Y-adapter is not required if a stereo/mono pair

line output is used to drive both inputs of the bridged amp.

Proper connection

One signal One signal

Improper connection

13-EN

SPECIFICATIONS

MRV-M1200

Performance

Per Channel, Ref.: 4 Ω, 14.4 V 600 W RMS x 1

Power Output

THD+N

S/N Ratio

Frequency Response +0/-3 dB, Ref.: 1 W into 4 Ω 10 Hz - 400 Hz
Damping Factor Ref.: 10 W into 4 Ω at 100 Hz >750

Control

Input Sensitivity

Crossover Variable LPF

Equalizer Bass EQ (fc=50 Hz)

Remote Level Linear Attenuation 0 to -20 dB

General

Input Impedance >10 kΩ
Preamp Output CH-1/2 Input Pass-through, Buffered 4 V max

Dimensions

Weight 4.16 kg (9 lb 3 oz)

Per Channel, Ref.: 2 Ω, 14.4 V 1,200 W RMS x 1
Bridged, Ref.: 4 Ω, 14.4 V –
Ref.: 10 W into 4 Ω ≤1%
Ref.: 10 W into 2 Ω ≤1%
Ref.: Rated Power into 4 Ω ≤1%
Ref.: Rated Power into 2 Ω ≤1%
IHF A-wtd + AES-17

Ref.: 1W into 4 Ω
IHF A-wtd + AES-17

Ref.: Rated Power into 4 Ω

RCA Input
Ref.: Rated Power into 4 Ω

Width 342 mm (13-1/2”)
Height 55 mm (2-1/4”)
Depth 219 mm (8-5/8”)

>85 dB

>107 dB

0.15 - 4.0 V

50 Hz - 400 Hz

(-24 dB/oct.)

0 to +12 dB

(Variable)

NOTE:

• Specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

14-EN