Blaupunkt MPA 400US User Manual

MPA 400us

3/2 Channel Mobile Audio Amplifier with 400 Watts Max. Power
Amplificateur audio mobile de 400 watts de puissance maximum à 3/2 canaux
Amplificador Móvil de Áudio de 31 Canales con Potencia Máx. de 400 vatios
Amplificador Móvel de Áudio de 3/2 Canais com Potência Máx. de 400 Watts

MPA MULTI-CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

MPA 400us

2x80W + 1x200W/2x200W • 2 OHM STABLE

3/2 CHANNEL POWER AMPLIFIER

– CH3 +

– CH2 +

SPEAKERS

– CH1 +

FUSE

+12V

Below is a basic trouble-shooting guide to assist in seeking out and correcting a problem that may occur in the installation
process. Although lengthy, this chart cannot address every single problem possible but mainly the ones most common.

PARAMETER/FEATURE VALUE

Channels 3/2 active channels
Size ( W x H x D) 8.69 x 2.19 x 11.82 inches (220 x 56 x 300mm)
Weight 7.0 lbs (3.2 kg)
Crimping style speaker terminals? YES
Maximum terminal wire size 8 ga.
Subsonic filter YES (10 Hz)
Separate front/rear or left/right gains? YES (sep. front/rear in 3ch/sep. left/right in 2 ch.)
Spade type auto fuses? YES
Speaker short, short to +12V, and short to ground protection? YES
High, low, and reverse voltage protection? YES
Power output transistors High current, bipolar outputs
Switching power supply transistors High-Speed, MOSFET’s
Minimum speaker impedance 2 ohms (non-bridged mode only)

4 ohms ONLY in bridge mode

PERFORMANCE DATA VALUE

Rated power output @ 0.1% THD
2 channels into 4 ohms / 2 ohms 2 x 30 W / 2 x 40 W + 1 x 100 W
1 channel into 4 ohms 2 x 100 W
Total Harmonic Distortion @ rated full output 0.06% THD
Rated Signal/Noise ratio (averaged value) > 90 dBA

Measured @ full rated power 101 sat/110 sub

Measured @ 1 watt / 1 kHz 85 sat/90 sub
Damping factor >100
Frequency response (full-range mode) 20 - 50,000 Hz
High-pass crossover frequency limits 20 - 500 Hz (continuously variable control)
Low-pass crossover frequency limits 20 - 250 Hz (continuously variable control)
Input impedance 20 kOhms
Input signal voltage control range 0.3 - 4.0 Vrms
Current draw for undistorted output @ 14.4 VDC

@ full undistorted output, non-bridged 29.0 A (2 ch x 40 W + 1 ch x 120 W x 4 ohms)

@ full undistorted output, bridged mode 33.0 A (2 ch x 100 W x 4 ohms)

@ 33% of undistorted power (full “music” power) 16.5 A (2 ch x 13 W + 1 ch x 40 W x 4 ohms)

@ idle 0.5 A
Minimum battery voltage to maintain rated power 12.6 Volts DC
Usable battery voltage 10 - 18 Volts DC
Trigger line voltage range 10 - 18 Volts DC
Trigger line current draw < 15 mA draw
Turn on delay time @ 1.5 seconds
Thermal shutoff temperature (averaged heat-sink exterior temperature) 170°F (80° C)

NOTE: DUE TO ONGOING PRODUCT IMPROVEMENTS, DESIGN AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
WITHOUT ADVANCED NOTICE TO THE CONSUMER OR RETAILER.

BLAUPUNKT SPECIFICATIONS - MPA400US, 3/2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER

Congratulations! You are the now the owner of an exceptional car audio amplifier from the audio enthusiasts at

Blaupunkt. Our engineering staff has spent considerable time refining our MPA series amplifiers in order to introduce great
sound to the consumer at an affordable price. With these products we focus on sonic performance but balanced with
rugged design and flexible installation.

Not only do we offer you a great product but also a supportive owners manual. This manual can be used as a teaching
guide due to its brief, but informative, explanations of amplifier and system design. We are also very concerned about the
end consumer using proper installation techniques for the highest performance possible from their new audio products.
MOST important to us are the concerns with safety and the installation process. Since our Blaupunkt retail dealers have the
tools and experience for an optimized and safe installation, we always recommend they do the final vehicle integration. But,
should you choose to install these products yourself, please take the time to read this manual completely and abide by all
precautions.

An amplifier, by definition, is a device that receives a small audio signal on its input and reproduces it with larger voltages (or
current) on its output. Ideally there should be no modifications of the signal other than to make the signal larger either in
voltage or current levels. If there are changes in the signal character it is considered a "distortion" of the input signal and in
most cases undesirable. With the added power of an amplifier you can play your system at higher volume levels without
worrying about such distortions that actually can damage the speakers and your ears (assuming of course that the amplifier
is NOT grossly over-driven).

The perfect amplifier will be able to reproduce any output voltage regardless of input signal level. But, infinite output voltage
is impossible due to upper limits created by the voltages found in a car, typically 12-15 volts DC. In order to achieve
undistorted power levels beyond about 20 watts per channel a switching power supply MUST be used to step up the
voltage "rails" inside an amplifier.

Amplifiers are rated in "watts" of audio output power but there are often references to "rms" power and "MAX" power. Rms
power is considered as "clean power" since it is undistorted power that is used for reproducing quality sound at all but the
highest listening levels. "MAX" power is the most power the amp will produce when driven deep into distortion. MAX
power is considered usable power only by the more "aggressive" listener since the original waveform is so distorted that it is
uncomfortable to listen to for most people. Regardless of the consumer's listening habits, we dual list these power levels so
everyone has an understanding of what they are purchasing.

Your new Blaupunkt MPA series amplifier, although a simple product, offers some important features. These include:

■

"Multi-Mode" operation allowing for combined stereo high-pass/bridged mono subwoofer low-pass output capability.

■

2 ohm stability (in non-bridged mode) for paralleling two, 4 ohm speakers.

■

RCA inputs (low level) allowing for your typical aftermarket radio signal level outputs.

■

Modular inputs (high level) for tapping off of the speaker outputs of a factory radio for example to derive a subwoofer

signal for an add-on subwoofer speaker system.

■

Internal low pass filters for easily deriving a subwoofer system without an add-on crossover that increases system

complexity and the potential for noise.

■

Variable frequency low-pass and high-pass filters (on upper MPA models) for custom tailoring the crossover

frequency choice for any vehicle.

■

Efficient heat-sink design to quickly wick away heat thus ensuring a life time of reliability.

■

Simple mounting system for ease of installation.

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING BLAUPUNKT!

WHAT IS AN AMPLIFIER?

K

EY FEATURES

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We always recommend you have your Blaupunkt amplifiers professionally installed but the
installation process is often so easy that the average consumer can achieve success with little
trouble. Regardless of the person installing, you should be sure to review the following points
before proceeding with the installation:

■

READ THE MANUAL! Understanding the product and installation limitations before

lifting a screwdriver.

■

WEAR SAFETY GLASSES AT ALL TIMES - Flying debris are always dangerous.

■

PROTECT THE VEHICLE - Always disconnect the negative battery cable before

starting any kind of installation work. This prevents a possible high current electrical

short (potential fires).

■

HEAT - Keep all audio components away from nearby hot vehicle components that heat up over time such as hoses,

high current wires, and braking system components.

■

GIVE YOURSELF LOTS OF TIME - Rushing to complete an installation nearly always ends up with problems.

■

DO NOT LISTEN AT HIGH SOUND LEVELS FOR A PROLONGED TIME - these amplifiers, used with high

efficiency speakers from ANY manufacturer, have the potential to cause permanent hearing loss after listening at

maximum volume levels for several hours.

SAFETY CONCERNS

Before disassembling your beautiful new car you need some basic installation knowledge and skill with common hand and
power tools. Following such basic installation tips and warnings will prevent possible damage to the vehicle and also
prevent possible fires.

■

AGAIN...READ THE MANUAL! There is a lot of helpful information in this manual that

will save time and prevent problems later.

■

COVER THE VEHICLE WORK AREAS - Use fender covers or blankets to protect the

work areas from scratches or dings.

■

DISCONNECT THE (-) LEAD ON THE BATTERY - No sparks or fires please!

■

“REVIEW” THE INSTALLATION - Before using any tools or moving vehicle

components, take five minutes to review the installation intentions (e.g., verify that an

amplifier will fit in an area of a car before tearing out all the interior).

■

“REVIEW” THE VEHICLE - Before drilling any holes or cutting into any surfaces, make

sure there are no fuel or hydraulic lines behind the surfaces. Also make sure there are no

wires routed directly behind or near the desired mounting area (remember...screws can

often extend 1-2 inches behind the mounting surface).

■

ENSURE PROPER FIT - Before cutting or drilling, make sure the amplifier will physically

fit in its desired location. Check for clearance around rear deck torsion bars or other

structural elements.

■

EVERY CAR IS ASSEMBLED DIFFERENT - Every auto manufacturer uses different

assembly techniques. Take care in removing/modifying all trim panels and mounting surfaces since they often use

unique screws or snap fasteners that are difficult to replace if they are lost or broken.

■

BE CAREFUL WITH CABLE ROUTING - When routing audio cables, make sure RCA and speaker wires are

routed away from high current power lines for audio amplifiers and vehicle systems lines when possible. This will

help prevent noises from creeping into the audio system, plus prevent potential damage to the vehicle wiring itself.

■

BE CAREFUL WITH ALL CONNECTIONS - When making connections, make sure each connection is clean

and properly secured. Observe all polarity markings carefully to ensure proper end performance.

■

CAUTION - FUEL TANKS AND FUEL LINES ARE NOW LOCATED DIRECTLY BENEATH THE REAR

DECK IN MANY CARS - CHECK FOR ADEQUATE CLEARANCE BEFORE EVEN CONSIDERING

SUCH A MOUNTING LOCATION!

INSTALLATION WARNINGS!

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