Audio Design IX500.4 User Manual

IX AMPLIFIER

IX500.4

English Version

Versión Español

Amplificador del la Serie IX.4

LIVIN’ LOUD

Deutsche Version

Stereoverstärker der IX.4-Serie

Version Francaise

Amplificateur de série IX.4

IX.1-SERIES AMPLIFIERS Owner’s Manual
IX500.4

Authorized KICKER Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Serial Number:

PERFORMANCE

Model: IX500.4

RMS Power
@ 14.4V, 4Ω stereo,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω stereo,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono,  1% THD+N

Length 11-3/8” (288mm)

Height 2-3/16” (55mm)

Width 7-7/8” (200mm)

Frequency Response ± 1dB 20Hz–20kHz

Signal-to-noise Ratio 98dB, A-weighted, re: rated power

Input Sensitivity Low Level: 125mV–5V

Electronic Crossover Selectable HI/LO/OFF, Variable lo-pass 50–200Hz,

Bass Boost Variable 0–18dB @ 40Hz

Maximum Effi ciency (2Ω) >80%

75W x 4
125W x 4
250W x 2

High Level: 250mV–10V

12dB/octave

Pro Tip: To get the best performance from your new KICKER Amplifi er and extend the warranty by 1 year, use
genuine KICKER accessories and wiring.

INSTALLATION

Mounting: Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifi er. Make sure there are no items
behind the area where the screws will be driven. Choose a location that allows at least 4” (10cm) of open
ventilation for the amplifi er. If possible, mount the amplifi er in the climate-controlled passenger compartment.
Drill four holes using a 7/64” (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifi er. Use the IXSM
mounting bracket (sold separately) to stack IX amplifi ers of different sizes.

IXSM

sold separately

2

IX AMPLIFIERS

Wiring: Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. Then, connect the ground wire to the
amplifi er. Make the ground wire short, 24” (60cm) or less, and connect it to a paint-and-corrosion-free, solid,
metal area of the vehicle’s chassis. Adding an additional ground wire of this same gauge (or larger) between the
battery’s negative post and the vehicle chassis is recommended.

The IX amplifi er has dual input sensitivity differential RCA inputs which will receive either high or low level signals
from your car stereo’s source unit. Ideally, when connecting the source unit to the amplifi er, the IX amplifi er’s input
level switch should be set to “LO” and a low-level signal should run from the source unit’s stereo RCA output to
the stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifi er using RCA interconnect cable. If a low-level stereo RCA
output is not available on the source unit, the signal can be delivered to the amplifi er using the high-level speaker
outputs on the source unit. Set the input level switch on the end panel of the amplifi er to “HI”. Crimp and solder
RCA connectors to the end of the speaker wire running from the high-level speaker outputs on the source unit
and connect the wire to the RCA Inputs on the end panel of the amplifi er or simplify the installation by using a
KICKER ZISL as shown below. Either input method will provide a low-level output signal at the RCA output, which
effectively passes the audio signal to another amplifi er or component. Keep the audio signal cable away from
factory wiring harnesses and other power wiring. If you need to cross this wiring, cross it at a 90 degree angle.

source unit

core conductor

to amplifi er

KICKER ZISL

high-level speaker
outputs

+

–

shield

OR

to amplifi er

source unit high-level
speaker outputs

Install a fuse within 18” (45cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifi er. Install
a second fuse within 18” (45cm) of the amplifi er. If you ever need to remove the amplifi er from the vehicle after it
has been installed, the ground wire should be the last wire disconnected from the amplifi er--just the opposite as
when you installed it.

Model External Fuse

Power/Ground Wire KICKER Wiring Kit

(sold separately)

IX500.4 2 x 50 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4, ZCK4

remote turn-on
(see page 5)

BRIDGED

POWERAMP1

GNDL+ L– R+ R– REM +12V

AUTO

OUTPUT

L

R

TURN ON

12V DC AUDIO

OFFSET

FADER

OFF
ON

INPUT
LEVEL

LO
HI

AMP2AMP1

AMP2

L+ L– R+ R–

BRIDGED

24”

(60cm)

bare-metal
chassis ground

external fuse

external fuse

18”

(45cm)

12V

battery

3

FOUR CHANNEL OPERATION

minimum impedance of 2 ohms per channel

POWERAMP1

GNDL+ L– R+ R– REM +12V

BRIDGED

signal in

AMP2AMP1

OUTPUT

L

R

AUTO

TURN ON

12V DC AUDIO

OFFSET

FADER

OFF
ON

INPUT
LEVEL

LO
HI

AMP2

L+ L– R+ R–

BRIDGED

signal in

BRIDGED OPERATION
(MONO)

minimum impedance
of 4 ohms

BRIDGED

POWERAMP1

GNDL+ L– R+ R– REM +12V

AUTO

TURN ON

AMP2AMP1

OUTPUT

12V DC AUDIO

L

OFFSET

INPUT

FADER

LEVEL

R

LO

OFF

HI

ON

woofers

STEREO-AND-MONO-SIMULTANEOUSLY (SAMS) OPERATION

minimum impedance of 4 ohms bridged (mono) and 2 ohms per channel stereo

signal in

AUTO

AMP2

TURN ON

L+ L– R+ R–

OFFSET

INPUT
LEVEL

LO

BRIDGED

HI

BRIDGED

POWERAMP1

GNDL+ L– R+ R– REM +12V

AMP2AMP1

OUTPUT

12V DC AUDIO

L

FADER

R

OFF
ON

AMP2

L+ L– R+ R–

BRIDGED

woofer

4

IX AMPLIFIERS

OPERATION

BRIDGED

POWERAMP1

GNDL+ L– R+ R– REM +12V

AUTO

L

R

TURN ON

12V DC AUDIO

OFFSET

FADER

LO

OFF

HI

ON

INPUT
LEVEL

AMP2AMP1

OUTPUT

AMP2

L+ L– R+ R–

BRIDGED

Automatic Turn-On Selection: The IX series offers three different automatic turn-on modes that can be
selected on the end panel; +12V, DC Offset, and Audio. Using either the DC Offset or Audio mode causes the
REM terminal to have +12V out for turning on additional amplifi ers.

• Remote Turn-On: Set the switch to +12V to use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit. Run 18
gauge wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled REM between the
amplifi er’s positive and negative power terminals. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method.

• DC Offset Turn-On: If Remote Turn-On is not an option, the next best setting is DC Offset. The DC Offset
mode detects a 6V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.

• Signal Sense Turn-On: The Audio setting is the fi nal alternative for Automatic turn-on. This is a Signal Sense
turn-on method that detects the incoming audio signal from your source unit and automatically turns on the
amp. This turn-on method will not work properly if the input gain control is not set appropriately.

Fader Switch: Depress the fader switch if you are running two sets of inputs (front and rear for example) to the
amplifi er. Leave the fader switch OFF if you want to drive all channels from a single stereo input.

Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER IX amplifi ers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level signals from
your source unit. If the only output available from your source unit is a Hi-Level signal, simply press in the Input
Level switch on the amplifi er. Refer to the wiring section of this manual for additional instructions.

IX

PWR PRT

GAIN

0

X-OVER FREQ BASS BOOST GAIN

XOVER

OFF HI LO

50Hz11 200Hz 0dB 18dB

AMP2 AMP1

0

X-OVER FREQ BASS BOOST

XOVER

OFF HI LO

50Hz11 200Hz 0dB 18dB

Input Gain Control: The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output of the source unit to
the input level of the amplifi er. Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it
to 25). Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifi er up until you can hear audible distortion, then turn it
down a little.

Crossover Switch: Use the XOVER switch on the end panel of the amplifi er to set the internal crossover to
OFF, HI or LO. When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplifi ed. Set the switch to HI if
you want the amplifi er’s internal crossover to serve as a high-pass fi lter. Set the switch to LO if you want the
amplifi er’s internal crossover to serve as a low-pass fi lter. Never change the crossover
“OFF/HI/LO” switch setting with the audio system on!

Crossover Control: The variable crossover on the front of the amplifi er allows you to adjust the crossover
frequency from 50–200Hz. The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.

Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the front of the amplifi er is designed to give you
increased output, 0–18dB, at 40 Hz. The setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must readjust
the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifi er.

5

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your amplifi er does not appear to be working, check the obvious things fi rst such as blown fuses, poor or
incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There is an illuminated
blue badge on top of the amplifi er denoting the power state of the amp in addition to the Protection LED on the
end panel of your KICKER IX series amplifi er. When the blue badge is lit, this indicates the amplifi er is turned on
and the amplifi er is functioning properly.

BLUE Badge Light off, no output? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: +12 volt power
terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Check for
reversed power and ground connections. Ground terminal, for proper conductivity. Check for blown fuses.

BLUE Badge Light on, no output? Check the following: RCA connections Test speaker outputs with a
“known” good speaker. Substitute source unit with a “known” good source unit. Check for a signal in the
RCA cable feeding the amplifi er with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.

Protection LED fl ashing with loud music? The red LED indicates low battery voltage. Check all the
connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your vehicle’s battery or
replace your vehicle’s alternator.

Protection LED on, no output? Amplifi er is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper
impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum
recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airfl ow around
the amplifi er. Amplifi er shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged.
Voltage to the amplifi er is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging and electrical
system inspected. Amplifi er will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection is engaged. Check
for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers or speaker(s)
operating below the minimum recommended impedance.

No output from one channel? Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or speaker
input) and speaker output connections for the channel Swap the RCA (or speaker input) cable from left to
right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad RCA (or speaker input) cable or source unit problem.

Swap the speaker output wire from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad speaker



cable, passive crossover network and/or speaker.

Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? Check for damaged RCA (or speaker input) cable

Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Check the source unit for proper grounding Check



the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.

Poor stereo image or reduced bass response? Check system phasing by turning the balance control from
left to right. If there is more bass output when turned to either side, then check your speaker wiring, passive
crossover networks and speaker terminals for proper positive and negative connections. Reverse a speaker
connection from positive to negative on the stereo/subwoofer channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was
out of phase.

No Fader? When using both sets of low-level (RCA) or high-level (speaker wire) inputs, the fader button must
be pushed in.

Ground Noise? KICKER amplifi ers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers’ head units.
Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. If you are
experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA outputs on the
head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.

Please Note: Modern high performance speakers have a lower DC Resistance than what used to be available.
The KICKER Coaxial and Component speakers are rated at four ohms (some DC Resistances may be as low
as 3 ohms) and work with any amplifi er designed to operate at a four ohm load. If you want to use two KICKER
Coaxial or Component speakers on a single channel of your amplifi er, wire the speakers in series. This will
improve the sound quality, lower the total harmonic distortion and lessen the thermal load at the amplifi er. This
may prevent an amplifi er from shutting down due to over-current protection circuitry.

6

IX AMPLIFIERS

CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct.
Improper connections can result in blown amplifi er fuses as well as the failure of other critical systems in the
vehicle.

If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the Authorized
KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on installation, click on the SUPPORT tab on
the KICKER homepage, www.kicker.com. Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab, choose the subject you are
interested in, and then download or view the corresponding information. Please E-mail [e-mail] or
call Technical Services [phone] for unanswered or specifi c questions.

KICKER will now provide a three­year warranty with all IX-Series
Amplifi er purchases paired with a
qualifying KICKER Installation Kit* .

This extends the standard warranty by an additional
year. Amplifi er and Kit must be purchased from an
Authorized KICKER Dealer.

KICKER amplifi er success is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended
warranty program even more benefi cial to you.

Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede IX amplifi er performance.

A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of IX
amplifi ers.

The new extended warranty applies only to KICKER amplifi ers and accessories sold to consumers by Authorized
KICKER Dealers in the United States of America or its possessions. It also only applies to the original purchaser of
KICKER amplifi ers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifi er is allowed regardless of the number of amplifi er
installation kits purchased. This program does not apply to “B”-stock product or factory-refurbished product.

This offer is for a limited time, so see your local Authorized KICKER Dealer soon for details.

*U.S.A. Only | EE.UU. solamente | Nur USA | Les USA Seulement

IX500.4

75 x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -85dB CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

7

AMPLIFICADOR DE LA SERIE IX.1
Manual del propietario | IX500.4

Distribuidor autorizado de KICKER:

Fecha de compra:

Número de serie del amplifi cador:

RENDIMIENTO

Modelo: IX500.4

Potencia RMS
@ 14.4V, 4Ω estéreofónico,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω estéreofónico,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 4Ω monofónico,  1% THD+N

Largo 11-3/8” (288mm)

Altura 2-3/16” (55mm)

Ancho 7-7/8” (200mm)

Respuesta de frecuencias ± 1dB 20Hz–20kHz

Relación de señal a ruido 98dB, ponderado en A, ref: potencia nominal

Sensibilidad de entrada Bajo Nivel: 125mV–5V

Crossover electrónico a selección HI/LO/OFF, Pasabajas variable de 50–200Hz, 12dB/octava

Refuerzo de Bajos Variable 0–18dB @ 40Hz

Efi ciencia Máxima (2Ω)

75W x 4
125W x 4
250W x 2

Alto Nivel: 250mV–10V

>80%

Nota: Para obtener el mejor rendimiento de sus nuevos amplifi cadores KICKER, le recomendamos que use
accesorios y cableado KICKER auténticos.

INSTALACIÓN

Montaje: Escoja un lugar estructuralmente sólido para montar el amplifi cador KICKER. Asegúrese de que no
haya nada por detrás de dónde van a entrar los tornillos. Escoja un lugar en que queden por lo menos 4 plg.
(10 cm) de espacio abierto de ventilación alrededor del amplifi cador. Si es posible, monte el amplifi cador en el
compartimiento de pasajeros, con ambiente acondicionado. Haga cuatro agujeros con una broca de 7/64 de
plg. (3 mm) y monte el amplifi cador con los tornillos N° 8 que se suministran. Utilice el IXSM soporte de montaje
(se vende por separado) a la pila IX amplifi cadores de diferentes tamaños.

IXSM

se vende por separado

8

AMPLIFICADOR IX

Cableado: Desconecte la batería del vehículo para evitar cortocircuitos. Luego, conecte un cable de conexión
a tierra al amplifi cador. El cable de conexión a tierra debe ser corto, de 24 plg. (60 cm) o menos, y debe
ir conectado a un punto sólido del chasis del vehículo en que no haya ni pintura ni corrosión. También se
recomienda instalar un cable de conexión a tierra adicional, de este mismo calibre (o de mayor calibre), entre la
terminal negativa de la batería y el chasis del auto.

El amplifi cador IX tiene entradas RCA diferenciales de doble sensibilidad de entrada que reciben señales de alto
nivel o bajo nivel de la unidad fuente del sistema estereofónico del automóvil. Idealmente, cuando se conecta
la unidad fuente al amplifi cador, el selector de nivel de entrada del amplifi cador IX debe estar en la posición de
bajo (LO) y una señal de bajo nivel debe ir de la salida RCA estereofónica de la unidad fuente a la entrada RCA
estereofónica del panel de extremo del amplifi cador por un cable de interconexión RCA. Si no hay salida RCA
estereofónica de bajo nivel en la unidad fuente, la señal se puede llevar al amplifi cador desde las salidas de
altavoz de alto nivel de la unidad fuente. Fije el selector de nivel de entrada del panel de extremo del amplifi cador
en la posición de alto (HI). Engarce y suelde conectores RCA al extremo del cable de altavoz procedente de
las salidas de altavoz de alto nivel de la unidad fuente y conéctelo a las entradas RCA del panel de extremo del
amplifi cador o simplifi car la instalación mediante un ZISL KICKER como se muestra a continuación. Cualquiera
de los métodos de entrada permite establecer una señal de salida de bajo nivel en la salida RCA, lo cual, en
efecto, pasa la señal de audio a otro amplifi cador o componente. Mantenga el cable de señal de audio alejado
de los arneses de cableado de fábrica y otros cables de alimentación. Si es necesario cruzar este cableado,
crúcelo en un ángulo de 90°.

Cable de salida

cable central

Hacia el amplifi cador

KICKER ZISL

de altavoz de
alto nivel

+

O

Hacia el
amplifi cador

–

Conexión a tierra o blindaje

Cable de salida de
altavoz de alto nivel

Instale un fusible a menos de 18 plg. (45 cm) de la batería y en línea con el cable de alimentación conectado
al amplifi cador. Instalar un fusible segundo dentro de los 18 “(45cm) del amplifi cador. Si alguna vez necesita
desmontar el amplifi cador, el cable de conexión a tierra debe ser el último que se desconecte del amplifi cador.
Exactamente lo contrario de lo que se hace cuando se instala.

Modelo Fusible

Externo

Cable de Alimentación y
Conexión a Tierra

Kit de cableado
KICKER

(no incluido)

IX500.4 2 x 50A Calibre 4 PK4, CK4, ZCK4

encendido a distancia
(página 11)

BRIDGED

POWERAMP1

GNDL+ L– R+ R– REM +12V

AUTO

TURN ON

OUTPUT

AMP2AMP1

12V DC AUDIO

L

OFFSET

FADER

R

OFF

ON

INPUT
LEVEL

LO
HI

AMP2

L+ L– R+ R–

BRIDGED

24”

(60cm)

conexión
a tierra

fusible externo

fusible externo

18”

(45cm)

12V

batería

9