Cerwin Vega EXL 1000D Installation Manual

CERWIN-VEGA!
MOBILE AUDIO

POWER AMPLIFIER

Operation and Installation Manual

EXL 1000D

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CERWIN-VEGA! EXL1000D POWER SYSTEM AMPLIFIER

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Input Connections and Audio Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Connections for Power and Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Mounting Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Wiring Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Setting the Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Setting the Crossover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Setting the Bass Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Final System Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Product Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

The Cerwin-Vega! EXL1000D is a full-featured
two-channel amplifier incorporating
the following features:

• Advanced circuit design that features
bridgeable and mixed mode operation for use
in various systems, including those with
satellite speakers and/or subwoofers

•Variable high-pass/low-pass electronic
crossover with a selectable 12 or 24dB per
octave slope and full adjustable range (from
50Hz to 5.5kHz) to aid in audio system design

•Variable bass boost circuit to reinforce low
frequency signals that may be lost due to

subwoofer box design

• Adjustable input level controls with ground loop
isolation accepting a wide range of input signals

• Remote turn-on with “soft start” muting to
prevent turn-on “thump”

• Pulse-width modulated (PWM) MOSFET
power supply with low AM RFI and protection
circuits for overheating and speaker shorts

• 2-ohm load capability to drive a variety of
speaker systems

• Nickel-plated input/output connectors and an
external automotive type fuse

•Power save lowers the current drawn when
system volume is reduced

To start enjoying your new Cerwin-Vega! two­channel amplifier, please read the instructions
listed in this manual. Keep all instructions for
future reference. Please fill out and send in the

enclosed warranty card to protect your purchase
and aid in warranty service. Also, save your
original sales receipt as proof of purchase.

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY

Thank you for purchasing a Cerwin-Vega! car audio amplifier. This power amplifier has been
designed to provide high quality performance with a minimum of maintenance. However, it’s
performance will only be as good as the care and quality of components with which it is installed.
We therefore advise that you read these instructions very carefully to familiarize yourself with the
product and it’s features.

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OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

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1

2

3

45 6 78 9

INPUT

L

R

REMOTE

LEVEL CONTROL

PORT

GAIN

MIN

MAX

SUBSONIC

FILTER

OFF

ON

15

dB

BASS

BOOST

0

LOW PASS

XOVER

FREQ Hz

55

240

110

550

330

24 dB

12dB

12 dB STEREO

24 dB MONO

LPF

FLAT

AMP

MODE

STEREO

MONO

BRIDGED

BRIDGED-R IN

XOVER
SLOPE

1. RCA Input Jacks

2. Remote Level Control Port

3. Remote Gain Control

4. Subsonic Filter

5. Bass Boost Level

6. Low-Pass X-Over Frequency

7. X-Over Slope 12 dB/24 dB Oct.

8. LPF/Flat Mode

9. Amp Mode

The Cerwin-Vega! EXL1000D two-channel
amplifier provides 2x270 watts of power into a 4
ohm load and 2x500 watts of power into a 2 ohm
load and 1,000 watts bridged into mono at 2 ohm.
This full featured model is an excellent choice for a
variety of car audio sound system configurations.

The EXL1000D uses an unregulated MOSFET
power supply for superior control of output
wattage. A toroid-coil transformer yields
maximum power transfer with minimum heat loss.
Careful attention to circuit design keeps AM RFI at
low levels, so you won’t hear unwanted noise
when the level is cranked up. Protection circuits

safeguard the amplifier when overheating and
speaker shorts or improper load conditions occur.

All connections and controls of the EXL1000D are
on the end panels and are easy to understand. We
use nickel-plated RCA and barrier connectors to
ensure the best electrical connection for your
system. Included is an external automotive type
fuse that is easy to replace.

DESCRIPTION

INPUT CONNECTIONS AND AUDIO CONTROLS

The front panel of the EXL1000D contains
connections for RCA Inputs, Pass Through Outputs
and Audio Controls as shown below. The nickel-

plated RCA Input and Output Connectors and are
labeled as LEFT and RIGHT.

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CERWIN-VEGA! EXL1000D POWER SYSTEM AMPLIFIER

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Gain Control - This allows you to set the

nominal operating level of the amplifier. The
amplifier’s range, 250mV to 2.4V for RCA inputs,
can accommodate input levels from virtually any
brand of source unit.

Bass Boost Control - The amplifier also features

a “high-Q” (i.e. narrow frequency band) Bass
Boost circuit. It acts much like an equalizer, with
adjustable gain (from 0 to +18dB) fixed at 45Hz.
Use this feature to tune low frequency audio
response to compensate for a less than ideal
subwoofer enclosure design. The added boost
produces rich, full bass tones that are normally
difficult to reproduce in the car audio
environment. NOTE:If Bass Boost is undesired, set
Bass Boost to 0dB.

Pass Through - This allows you to “daisy chain”

multiple amplifiers by internally splitting off the
RCA Input to the Pass Through output. (The Pass
Through output signal will be identical to the input
signal. For example, full range in equals full range
out, 50Hz low-pass in equals 50Hz low-pass out.)

Power Save - When engaged,the amplifier will

automatically minimize the current drawn while the
amplifier is idle or the system volume is at a low
level. This feature increases your amplifier’s
efficiency by not drawing unnecessary current.

Low Impedance (One-Ohm Mode) LED -

Indicates when amplifier detects a low impedance
environment.The amplifier will automatically switch
to one-ohm mode and the LED will illuminate.

Frequency (Hz) Selection Control - The

crossover frequency is fully adjustable between
50Hz and 5500Hz (via the Crossover Frequency
Multiplier) for a wide range of crossover points.
Use this feature, along with your speaker
manufacturer’s recommended crossover frequencies,
to quickly design a more advanced system (see
Applications on page 5.) NOTE: If the X-Over Mode
Switch is set to FULL, varying the Freq (Hz) Control
will produce no effect.

Crossover Frequency Multiplier Switch -

When engaged, this switch increases the crossover
frequency by a factor of 10. Example: If the Freq
(Hz) dial is set for 240 Hz, pushing in the multiplier
Switch changes the setting to 2400 Hz.

X-Over Mode Switch - This switch is equipped

with a selectable 12 or 24dB per octave electronic
filter for precise frequency attenuation with
minimal phase distortion.The steep crossover slope
keeps midrange tones out of the subwoofer and
thereby eliminates an unnatural “nasal” tone
quality in the audio system. A filter is activated by
sliding the X-Over Mode Switch to either LP or HP.

Input Mode Switch - This switch allows you to

set the input mode. Stereo input allows full left
and right stereo operation. Right (bridged) input
allows single channel input for bridged operation.
This is especially useful in high-powered systems
when using one amplifier for each subwoofer/speaker.
L + R (sum mono) allows a stereo input to be summed
into a mono output.

HIGH-PASS/LOW-PASS FILTER CONTROLS

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1. Power LED

2. Low Impedance (One-Ohm) LED

3. Left Speaker Output

4. Right Speaker Output

5. Ground Input

6. Remote Turn-on Input

7. Battery + 12v Input

CONNECTIONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS

The rear panel of the EXL1000D contains power and

speaker connections as shown below.

Figure 2-

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CERWIN-VEGA! EXL1000D POWER SYSTEM AMPLIFIER

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INSTALLATION

This section lists Mounting and Wiring
Precautions for installing a Cerwin-Vega!
EXL1000D. Combined with the experience of a
professional installer, these safeguards provide
enough detail to successfully complete an
installation. If you do not have the necessary
skills, do not install the amplifier yourself.
Instead, see your authorized Cerwin-Vega!
dealer for installation recommendations.

MOUNTING PRECAUTIONS

Although the Cerwin-Vega! EXL1000D
incorporates heat sinks and protection circuits,
mounting the amplifier in a tight space without
any air movement can still damage internal
circuitry over time. Choose a site that provides
adequate ventilation around the amplifier. For easy
system set-up, mount the amplifier so the front
panel controls will be accessible after installation.
In addition, observe the following precautions:

1. For the most efficient cooling, mount the
amplifier so cool air runs along the length of
the fins rather than across them. Remember,
any moving air will dissipate heat.

2. Mount the amplifier on a rigid surface.
Avoid mounting to subwoofer enclosures
or areas prone to vibration. Do not install
the amplifier on plastic or other
combustible materials.

3. Prior to drilling, make sure proposed
mounting holes will not cut into the fuel
tank, fuel lines, brake lines (under chassis)
or electrical wiring.

WIRING PRECAUTIONS

Read all wiring precautions. If you are not sure
of the connections, contact your authorized
Cerwin-Vega! dealer.

1. Before installation, make sure the source
unit Power switch is in the OFF position.

2. Disconnect the negative (-) lead of the battery
before making any power connections.

3. When making connections, be sure that
each connection is clean and secure.
Insulate final connections with electrical
tape or shrink tubing. Failure to do so may
damage your equipment.

4. A secure clean ground connection is
critical to the performance of your Cerwin­Vega! amplifier. Use the shortest ground
wire possible and securely connect to the
car chassis to minimize resistance and
avoid noise problems.

5. Add an external fuse on the amplifier’s
positive (+) power lead and connect it as
close as possible to the vehicle’s (+)
battery terminal. Use a rating that equals
the total current consumption at full
output of all amplifiers in the system.
Adding an external fuse will protect the
electrical system from short circuits that
can cause a fire.

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OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

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6. Refer to Figure 6 when making electrical
connections. Connect the amplifier’s positive
(+) lead via a fuse directly to the positive (+)
terminal on the battery. Do not connect this
wire to the car’s fuse panel. Use red-insulated
10-gauge (or larger) wire for the amplifier’s
positive (+) power lead and the same-gauge
black-insulated wire for the ground.

7. When replacing the amplifier’s fuse, always use
one having the same current rating. Substituting
a higher-rated fuse or a slow-blow type can
result in serious damage to the amplifier.

8. Never ground the speakers to the vehicle
chassis or body.

9. Make sure that your vehicle’s electrical
system (alternator, battery, etc.) is capable of
handling the additional load. If you are
planning a multi-amplifier system, you may
need to add a second battery and possibly
upgrade the alternator with a higher-output
rated model. Consult your authorized Cerwin­Vega! dealer for recommendations.

10. To avoid noise problems, run the amplifier’s
positive (+) power lead along one side of the
vehicle to the battery.Run the remote turn-on
wire and RCA audio cables down the center,
and route the speaker wires along the
remaining side. If wires must cross, run them
perpendicular to each other.

11. When creating passage holes for the power
wire, use grommets to eliminate any sharp
edges created during drilling. This will protect
the wire from being nicked and causing a
short circuit.

12. Extra cable can cause signal loss and act as
an “antenna” for noise. Use only high-quality
RCA cables that are no longer than necessary
to make a direct connection with the source
unit or equalizer.

WIRING PRECAUTIONS (cont.)

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CERWIN-VEGA! EXL1000D POWER SYSTEM AMPLIFIER

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RIGHT REAR SPEAKER +

RIGHT REAR SPEAKER -

LEFT REAR SPEAKER +

LEFT REAR SPEAKER -

F
U
S
E

CHASSIS GROUND

(BARE METAL)

REMOTE TURN-ON

LR

MIN

1

BRIDGED

MIN

2

1

MIN

+12VGND

REM

POWER

ONE OHM

MODE

WIRING

Figure 6.- Electrical connections for the EXL1000D

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SETTING THE CROSSOVER

The Cerwin-Vega! EXL1000D features a fully
adjustable crossover. To set the crossover, follow
these steps.

1. Set the X-Over Bypass switch to ON.

2. Using the X-Over Mode Switch, select the

desired mode - LP for Low Pass, HP for High Pass.

3. Set the X-Over Slope Selection Switch to 12
or 24dB per octave.

4. Using the Freq (Hz) Control, select the
desired frequency. If the desired frequency
exceeds the range of the Freq (Hz) Control,
press the Crossover Frequency Multiplier
Switch to increase the value by a multiplier
of 10.

For example, 55Hz x 10 = 550Hz or 550Hz

x 10 = 5.5kHz.

SETTING THE BASS BOOST

1. Initially set the Bass Boost control to its full

left position (i.e. 0dB).

2. Listen to a variety of music styles (e.g.Rock,
Rap, etc.) and slowly increase the Bass
Boost control until a noticeable increase in
low bass response is perceived.

3. Slowly adjust the Bass Boost control (up or
down) to realize the best bass response.

CAUTION: If you hear a “pop” (due to speaker
over-excursion), lower the Bass Boost to prevent
speaker damage.If the system sounds muddy and
distorted (due to amplifier clipping), lower Bass
Boost to avoid shutdown from overheating.

After completing the installation, follow these
steps to set the Gain Control and then perform
the Final System Checks.

1. Turn the Gain Control all the way counter­clockwise.

2. Turn the vehicle’s Ignition Switch to the ON
position. Then turn the ON/OFF Switch on
the source units to the ON position. Set all
Tone or Equalization Controls to “flat”
positions and turn Loudness off.

3. Play a CD or Tape and set the Volume
Control at 75% of full level. Note: If the
system uses an equalizer, set its frequency
controls to “flat” positions.

4. Slowly increase the Gain Control. Stop when
you hear a slight distortion of audio.

SETTING THE GAIN

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TROUBLESHOOTING

1. Start the engine and turn on the source unit.

After a two-second delay, slowly increase the
Volume Control and listen to the audio. If you
hear any noise, static, distortion or no sound at
all, check the connections, and also refer to
Troubleshooting. Depending on your system
design, the levels may become quite loud even
at low Volume Control settings. Until you get an
“audio feel” of the system’s power, use care
when adjusting controls.

2. Turn the Balance Controls to their extreme
positions and listen to the results. Audio
imaging should match control settings (audio
from the left speaker when balance is left).

3. Increase the volume and verify that the
amplifier reproduces audio (at full frequencies)
without distortion. If you hear distortion, check
the connections and verify that the Gain
Control is set correctly. Another possibility is
damaged speakers or under-powered speakers.
Once again refer to Troubleshooting for
additional help.

Problem: No Audio.
Solution:

• Low or no remote turn-on voltage. Check

remote connections at amplifier and source unit.

• Blown amplifier fuse. Replace with new fast­blow fuse (same rating). Power wires not
connected. Check battery and ground wiring
at amplifier; also check battery connections.

• Speaker leads shorted. Check speaker
continuity to ground, it should not show a
common ground.

• Speakers not connected or are blown. Check
speaker connections at amplifier, measure coil
impedance.

Problem: Audio cycles on and off.
Solution: Thermal protection circuits are

shutting amplifier off. Check location for
adequate ventilation; consult an authorized
Cerwin-Vega! Audio Dealer.

Problem: Distorted audio.
Solution: Gain is not set properly, or damaged

speaker cones. Review Setting Gain; inspect
each speaker cone for signs of damage (i.e.
frozen cone, burning smell, etc.)

FINAL SYSTEM CHECKS

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Frequency Response

Signal Noise Ratio

THD

Input Sensitivity Low Level

Cont. Power Output

2-Ohm Stereo Output

Bridged Power

Current Consumption at output @ max power

Dimensions

Weight

20Hz ~ 20kHz +/- 1 dB
>90 db (20Hz ~ 20kHz )
.05% all channels driven @ 1kHz
250mV ~ 2.4 V
500w (250w x 2) @.05% THD, 2-Ohm load
250 x 2 @ .05% THD
1000x 1 @ 0.1% THD, 2-Ohm load
90A @ 1000 Watts
2-1/2”H x 9-1/2 “ W x 16-1/4” L

9.6 lbs.

PRODUCT SPECS FOR THE EXL1000D

Problem: Audio lacks punch.
Solution: Speakers wired incorrectly, which

causes cancellation of bass frequencies.
Check polarity of wires from amplifier to each
speaker as defined by the system design.

Problem: Amplifier fuse keeps blowing.
Solution: Incorrect wiring or short circuit.

Review Installation and check all wiring
connections.

Problem: Whining or ticking noise in the
audio with engine on.
Solution: Amplifier is picking up alternator
noise or radiated noise.Turn down input gain;
move audio cables away from power wires.
Check power and ground connections on
amplifier; install an in-line noise filter on
source unit’s power wire; check alternator
and/or voltage regulator; test for weak
battery or add water to battery.

TROUBLESHOOTING (Cont.)

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9340 De Soto Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311

Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone] • Email: [e-mail]

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