Audiobahn A18001DJ, A12001DJ User Manual

A12001DJ / A18001DJ

OWNER’S MANUAL

PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL

BEFORE OPERATING THIS UNIT.

RETAIN FOR FUTURE 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.

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction______________________________________________________ 3

Features and Specications_________________________________________ 4

Control and Functions_____________________________________________ 5-10

Planning / Mounting Your System____________________________________ 11

Wiring Diagram__________________________________________________ 12

Bridging 2 Ampliers______________________________________________ 13-14

Adjusting and Tuning______________________________________________ 15

Troubleshooting__________________________________________________ 16

Warning / Disclaimer______________________________________________ 17

Warranty_______________________________________________________ 18-19

Notes__________________________________________________________ 20-22

INTRODUCTION

3

Dear Customer,

Congratulations on your purchase of the worlds nest brand of car audio products. Here at

Audiobahn Inc. we are devoted to making our musical reproduction the vert 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.

To get a free brochure on Audiobahn products in the US call [phone] or e-mail us at

[e-mail].

WARNING

Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 100dB 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 [phone] 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 needing a warranty, repair service or ex­change.

Date of Purchase: _____________________Model Number:___________________

FEATURES

1-CHANNEL HIGH OUTPUT CLASS D AMPLIFIER

DOUBLE SIDED CIRCUIT BOARD

DUAL COOLING FANS

VARIABLE LOW PASS FILTER

REMOTE BASS BOOST CONTROL

DIGITAL DISPLAY VOLT-METER

ILLUMINATED CIRCUIT BOARD

L.E.D. ILLUMINATED HEAT SINK

VAIRIABLE LOW PASS FILTER 50Hz - 150Hz

VARIABLE SUBSONIC FILTER 15Hz - 40Hz

VARIABLE BASS BOOST 0 - 18dB

FREQUENCY RESPONSE + 3dB FROM 15Hz to 150Hz

SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO > 100dB

INPUT SENSITIVITY 200mV to 8V

TYPICAL CURRENT DRAW 1.4 AMPS

FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

4

SPECIFICATIONS

Fuse Ratings

A12001DJ: 30A x 4
A18001DJ: 30A x 5

Dimensions

A12001DJ (W x H x L) : 11 15/16" x 2 1/2" x 14 3/4"
A18001DJ (W x H x L) : 11 15/16" x 2 1/2" x 16 7/8"

POWER OUTPUT

A12001DJ

INTO 4 OHMS........................................................1 x 450 WATTS RMS Power

INTO 2 OHMS........................................................1 x 800 WATTS RMS Power

INTO 1 OHM...........................................................1 x 1500 WATTS RMS Power

A18001DJ

INTO 4 OHMS........................................................1 x 700 WATTS RMS Power

INTO 2 OHMS........................................................1 x 1300 WATTS RMS Power

INTO 1 OHM...........................................................1 x 2500WATTS RMS Power

CONTROLS & FUNCTIONS

5

A12001DJ / A18001DJ

A12001DJ / A18001DJ

A12001DJ: 4 EA

A18001DJ: 5 EA

CONTROLS & 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 counter clockwise 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.

6

3. Low level Input RCA Jacks

These inputs are for signal cables from the source. Always use high quality, shielded RCA cables.

CONTROLS & FUNCTIONS

7

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.

CONTROLS & 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

8

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.

10. Light Switch

This switch is used to tun the extrnal lights on and off. When set to the off position, only the
power/protection lights, volt-meter and clipping lights will stay on.

CONTROLS & FUNCTIONS

9

11. Speaker Terminals

These terminals are used to wire your subwoofer(s) to the amplifier.

12. 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)

13. B+ Terminal (Battery Positive)

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.

CONTROLS & FUNCTIONS

14. 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.

15. LED Indicators

10

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,
sort vircuit, 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 fetermine 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.

PLANNING/MOUNTING YOUR SYSTEM

11

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 Amplier and connecting (Amplier) 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) OUTPUTS, THAN
SPEAKER (HIGH LEVEL) OUTPUTS.

b. Are your components matched? The RMS power rating of your speakers must

be equal or greater than the Amplier’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 Amplier will have 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 ns will improve heat dis­sipation dramatically. DO NOT enclose the amplier in a small box or cover it so that air can not ow around
the ns. Temperatures in car trunks have been measured as high as (155˚F) in the summer time. Since the
thermal shut-down point for the Amplier 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 ow in an enclosed trunk, mount the
amplier 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 (2.54cm) above the Amplier’s ns for

ventilation.

a. Select a sutable location that is convenient for mounting, accessible for wiring and has
ample room for air circulation and cooling.

b. Use the amplier as a template to mark the mounting holes. Remove the amplier and

drill holes. Use extreme caution. Inspect underneath the surfaces before drilling!

c. Secure the Amplier using the screws provided.

CAUTION: Before connecting any wires to the amplier, disconnect the ground lead from

the battery. Leave the ground lead disconnected until you are done wiring the

amplier.

WIRING DIAGRAM

12

A12001DJ / A18001DJ

MONO MODE

Bridged 2 amplifiers

13

HEAD UNIT

Master Slave

BRIDGED

Master Slave

BRIDGED

IF BRIDGED SWITCH POSITION IS ON SLAVE, ALL CONTROLS ARE NON-FUNCTIONAL.
ALL CONTROLS ARE NOW CONTROLLED BY THE MASTER AMPLIFIER.

Bridging Two Amplifiers

14

A12001DJ: 4EA

A18001DJ: 5EA

A12001DJ: 4EA

A18001DJ: 5EA

ADJUSTING AND TUNING

15

Below you will nd information on adjusting the ampliers gains. Adjusting the gain correctly is essential to
proper operation of the amplier. If the gain is not adjusted properly it can and will lead to damage of

the amplier and connected speakers and will void your MANUFACTURER WARRANTY. The gain on

an amplier is not a volume control. It is a signal level setting that tells the amplier how strong of a signal
is coming from the head unit. Your amplier has an input sensitivity of 200mV-8V. The minimum setting is

8V and the maximum setting is 200mV. Minimum meaning the head unit or processor has 8V output and the
maximum meaning it has a 200mV output.

When using Low-Level (RCA) inputs you MUST know what the pre-out or line-out voltage of your head
unit is rated in Volts. This is not the wattage rating. This can be found in the manual of the head unit or by
contacting the manufacturer. If you are using a line-driver or another type of processor that adjusts the output

voltage of the signal to the amplier you will need to know what the output is adjusted to. The gain on the
amplier needs to be set proportionately to the pre-out or line-out voltage rating of the head unit or processor.

If the signal strength is 4V then the gain would be adjusted to about 45 - 50%. Below is a list of commonly

found voltage ratings and their appropriate gain adjustments. When adjusting the gain you want to start with
the bass boost setting on the amp set to minimum and bass adjustments on the head unit or processor are

set at 0 or at. As these other settings for bass adjustments are increased, the gain setting will need to be

adjusted lower.

2V ≥ 70%
4V ≥ 45%
5V ≥ 32.%
8V ≥ 5% (Bass boost must be left at minimum on the amp and 0 or at on the head unit or processor)
10V ≥ Can not be used with this amplier.

If your amplier includes Hi-Level (speaker wire) inputs and you are using them for the audio signal connec-
tion, please use the below steps to adjust the amplier. Start with a song with good bass that you know very

well.

1. Use a screwdriver to turn GAIN (8V / 0.2V fully counter clockwise to 8V

2. Turn the auto sound system’s volume control to about 3/4 of its full range. Any higher normally

leads to the signal being distorted.

3. Turn up the ampliers gain / level control unit the sound begins to distort, then immediately gain /

level down to a point just before where the distortion began.

4. Adjust the auto sound system’s volume control to a comfortable listening level and you are good to

go.

NOTE: The steps to adjusting the gain / level control need to be repeated when you adjust any bass boost
setting on the amplier, processors or signicantly on the head unit. Adjusting bass boost settings signi­cantly without adjusting the gain / level can lead to a distorted signal and damage to the amp and speakers.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you should have any questions concerning the installation or set­tings on your amplier or are unsure of anything discussed in this manual, please contact
our Technical Support department at 714.452.1476 for help. It is much better to take 5
minutes today to get it right then to adjust the settings incorrectly and have a problem
with your amp or speakers.

TROUBLESHOOTING

16

CHECK POINTS CURESYMPTOMS

NO SOUND Is the power

LED illuminated ?
( NO )

Is the Diagnostic
LED illuminated ? ( YES )

AMP NOT
SWITCHING
ON

wire with receiver on

Fuse broken

NO SOUND
IN ONE
CHANNEL

Check Audio Leads

AMP
TURNING OFF
MEDIUM/HIGH
VOLUME

No power to power wire

No power to remote

Check Speaker Leads

Check speaker load
impedance

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

WARNING / DISCLAIMER

17

Investigate the layout of your automobile thoroughly before drilling or cutting any holes. Take care
when you work near gas tanks, gas lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical wiring. Do not use the power ampli-

er 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. Con-

rm 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 a different type or rating may result in damage to this system which is not covered by
the warranty.

Disclaimer

Specications are subject to change without notice.

For the most updated Specications call Audiobahn,

your local Authorized Audiobahn Dealer,

or check the Audiobahn web site.

www.audiobahn.com

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 Au-

thorized 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 provide 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 the Distributor of that specic country and are not covered 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 DOES NOT WARRANTY ANY PRODUCTS NOT PURCHASED THROUGH AN AUTHO­RIZED DEALER.
(A list of Authorized Audiobahn Dealers can be found on our web page).

18

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 / ood, 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 / terminals

• Any product that is new, and/or found to be in working condition

• L.E.D. indicators on electronics (Audiobahn will only replace L.E.D.(s) found to be defective at the time

of purchase)

WARRANTY CONTINUED

19

How to receive warranty service: Contact your local Authorized Audiobahn Dealer, or call Audiobahn at
[phone] between the hours of 9:00AM and 5:00PM PST.

If you are having problems with your system, we recommend you check the product carefully and thoroughly

to conrm that the product truly has a manufacturer defect; as opposed to abuse, or other components in the

system caused the failure. This might include having an Authorized Audiobahn Dealer look at the product

to conrm 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 (#) 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

7050 Village Drive Bldg. G

Buena Park, CA 90621

Phone [phone] Fax [phone]

Pacic Coast Time: 9am - 5pm Mon. - Fri.

[e-mail]

WARRANTY CONTINUED

20

NOTES

21

NOTES

22

7050 Village Drive, Bldg G
Buena Park, CA 90621

714-452-1476 oce

888-880-8469 fax

[e-mail]

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