Hifionics BRE2500.1D, BRE1600.1D, BRE100.4, BRE60.4, BRE100.2 User Manual

...

ELITE

BRE100.2 / BRE60.4 / BRE100.4

BRE1100.1D / BRE1600.1D

BRE2000.1D / BRE2500.1D

HIFONICS BRUTUS

HIGH PERFORMANCE AMPLIFIERS

The BRUTUS ELITE Series products have been designed to a very high level of performance, with features unavailable in any other product. All of the amplifiers have variable crossovers built in, with added touches such as subsonic filter, bass equalization and an HFR-3 remote control module for the monoblocks that allows overall Level control from reach of the drivers seat.

To insure years of listening pleasure, all amplifiers have a built in diagnostic mode that will detect shorted speaker leads, low impedance, dangerous high temperatures, DC shorts and will shut down the amp to help prevent damage.

General Installation Procedure............................................................................................................................................1

AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS...............................................................................................................................2

BRE100.2 / BRE60.4 / BRE100.4 / BRE1100.1D / BRE1600.1D / BRE2000.1D / BRE2500.1D

BRE100.2 Applications.........................................................................................................................................................3

BRE60.4 / BRE100.4 Applications....................................................................................................................................4-5

BRE1100.1D / BRE1600.1D Applications............................................................................................................................6

BRE2000.1D Applications....................................................................................................................................................7

BRE2500.1D Applications....................................................................................................................................................8

Setting up systems after installation for best performance.............................................................................................9

Trouble Shooting and Diagnostics....................................................................................................................................10

Features and Specifications...............................................................................................................................................11

Product Warranty................................................................................................................................................................12

Check out our videos of new products,

events and technical tutorials at

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The contents of this manual may not be reproduced or copied with out the written consent of MAXXSONICS USA, Inc.

GENERAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

System Design

The success of any car stereo system relies on several factors, such as the system design, execution of the installation, and system setup. Please remember that any system is only as good as its weakest link.

Please remember that higher power systems are not necessarily useful purely for high sound pressure levels, but also to establish a headroom capability, to reproduce musical peaks cleanly without distortion. Lower power amplifiers will clip earlier than their more powerful cousins, and cause loudspeaker failure when overdriven, due to the harmonics generated by a clipped signal, thus overheating voice coils.

Amplifiers should be mounted with the fins running horizontally for best convection cooling, to minimize overheating. Purchase the best quality RCA cables you can afford, for reliability and less engine noise interference in the audio system.

Installation

WOOD

It is highly recommended that the amplifier be mounted to a board of MDF or other solid structure using the 4 mounting screws provided. Avoid mounting the amplifier to metal as this can introduce noise and other unwanted issues. When mounting the amplifier, ensure that it is mounted HORIZONTALLY, as shown in the diagram above, for optimal heat dissipation. Mounting amplifiers to speaker enclosures is not recommended as this can cause damage to the amplifier components. When choosing a location for mounting the amplifier, ensure that you check for clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical devices and brake lines etc.

ELITE

General:

BRUTUS

Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle that can cause electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.

Power and ground connections(see the features matrix on page 11 for proper gauge cables per amplifier):

Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Brutus series amplifiers require at least 4 gauge power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system amperage. Some applications may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to mount a large enough fuse right at the battery, and run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then a simple matter to connect the +12 volt terminal of each amplifier to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure that the main power fuse is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse must be within 12” of the vehicles battery.

Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least 4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the amplifiers’ power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution block to the chassis as short as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important, and the best way to achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis , slightly larger than the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent oxidization with time.

TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each piece directly to

the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and soldered for reliability. Make sure that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the chassis.

WIRE LENGTH

SYSTEM AMPERAGE

35-50

50-65

68-85

85-105

105-125

125-150

7-10 ft. 10-13 ft. 13-16 ft.

16-19 ft. 19-22 ft. 22-28 ft.

NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule

WIRE GAUGE

of thumb. Please refer to the manufacturers specific requirements. Brutus specifications can be found on page 11.

Safe connection sequence:

After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and remote turn on leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt cable to the battery, with the main fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system.

Power up the system:

The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work properly immediately. First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers to 0 dB (no boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input selector and crossover switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not blow, you can insert the fuse in one of the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio station, and increase the head unit volume control. If the system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining amplifiers, one by one, till the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.

AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

BRUTUS ELITE BRE AMPLIFIERS:

Each model is capable of 4 & 2-Ohms stereo per channel, or 4-Ohms mono bridged operation except the mono amps which are capable of 4, 2 and 1-Ohm loads. Tri-Mode operation with any stereo pair of amplifier channels is possible, as with all bridgeable amplifiers. The input sensitivities for rated output powers are variable from 0.2V to 6V for the multi channel amplifiers and 0.2V to 9V for the mono models. All crossovers are fully variable in their respective ranges. Crossover filters are 12dB/Octave.

LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 6V. REMOTE: Optional dash mount remote LEVEL control. HI PASS: Variable low frequency cut off from 10Hz to 15kHz.

The X-OVER slide switch selects the internal crossover functions:

-The input signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.

-HI: Selects the built in HI PASS filter.

-FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.

-LP/BP: Selects the built in LOW PASS LOW PASS: Variable high frequency cut off from 30Hz to 150Hz. BASS EQ: 45Hz bass boost variable from 0dB to 10dB. LEVEL: Variable LEVEL (GAIN) control from 6.0V to 0.2V. LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.

The 4 channel amps have the same features as the 2 channel models accept that there are 2 sets of controls. 1 set for channels 1 & 2 and 1 set for channels 3 & 4. In addition, the 4 channel models have a Mode switch which allows you to select 2 or 4 channel operation. Switch to 2 channel if you only have 1 set of RCA’s in CH 1/2 and the unit will automatically supply signal to channels 3/4. Select 4 channel if you are providing RCA’s to channels 1/2 and 3/4. The X-OVER slide switch selects the internal crossover functions:

-The input signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.

-HI: Selects the built in HI PASS filter.

-FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.

-LP/BP: Selects the built in LOW PASS filter. HI PASS: Variable low frequency cut off from 10Hz to 15kHz. LOW PASS: Variable high frequency cut off from 30Hz to 150Hz. BASS EQ: 45Hz bass boost variable from 0dB to 10dB. LEVEL: Variable LEVEL (GAIN) control from 6.0V to 0.2V. LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 6V. LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.

A POWER LED indicates the powered up and turned on condition. All Hifonics amplifiers feature a comprehensive diagnostic system, with speaker lead short circuit, and amplifier DC faults indicated by the red “PROTECT” LED.

CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE ANY AMPLIFIER BELOW THE INTENDED IMPEDANCE. YOU WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER THAT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY PRINTED IN THE BACK OF THE MANUAL. 2 & 4 Channel amps are capable of 4 and 2-Ohms wired stereo and 4-Ohms wired mono bridged. The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 and 1-Ohm.

BRE100.2 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

LINE INPUT REMOTE HI PASS X-OVER LOW PASS BASS EQ LEVEL POWER LINE OUTPUT

HI FULL LP/BP

10Hz 15kHz 30Hz 150Hz 0dB 10dB 6.0V 0.2V PROTECT

Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.

-In the LP/BP position, the HI PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.

-When the LP/BP mode is selected, a 0 to +10dB, at 45Hz, BASS -EQ is also switched in.

BRE60.4 / BRE100.4 4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS

CH1/2 CH3/4 REMOTE HI PASS CH1/2 X-OVER LOW PASS BASS EQ LEVEL POWER LINE OUTPUT

2CH 4CH

LINE INPUT MODE HI PASS CH3/4 X-OVER LOW PASS BASS EQ LEVEL

HI FULL LP/BP

10Hz 15kHz 30Hz 150Hz 0dB 10dB 6.0V 0.2V

HI FULL LP/BP

10Hz 15kHz 30Hz 150Hz 0dB 10dB 6.0V 0.2V

PROTECT

Note that the LOW PASS signal is MONO.

-In the LP/BP position, the HI PASS filter acts as a subsonic filter.

-When the LP/BP mode is selected, a 0 to +10dB, at 45Hz, BASS EQ is also switched in.

SUBSONIC: Crossover filter from 15Hz to 35Hz. LOW PASS: Crossover filter from 30Hz to 250Hz. LEVEL: Adjusts the input sensitivity from 0.2 volts to 9 volts. BASS EQ: Adjustable bass boost from 0db to 10dB. PHASE:

The Phase Shift is fully adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees and this allows you to control time

alignment.

REMOTE: This is the input jack for the remote Level control. BALANCED INPUT:

Accepts line level balanced input from 0.4v to 18v.

LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 9V. LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.

-The LINE INPUT signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, and not affected by the settings on the amplifier simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.

The Phase Shift is fully adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees and this allows you to control time

alignment.

REMOTE: This is the input jack for the remote Level control. BALANCED INPUT:

Accepts line level balanced input from 0.4v to 18v.

LINE INPUT: The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA) inputs from 0.2V to 9V. LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy

chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.

-The LINE INPUT signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, and not affected by the settings on the amplifier simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.

The BRE2500.1D is a linkable amplifier and features a MASTER / SLAVE selection switch and IN /

OUT RCA connection.

BRE1100.1D / BRE1600.1D / BRE2000.1D MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIERS

INPUT OUTPUT INPUT LEVEL PHASE REMOTE BASS EQ SONIC LOW PASS

L L

R R

BALANCED

9V 0.2V 0 180 0dB 10dB 15Hz 35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

SUB

POWER

PROTECT

The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 & 1-Ohm loads. Operating the amp below 1-Ohm can cause damage to the amp not covered in the warranty.

BRE2500.1D MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIERS

OUTPUT

MASTER

POWER PROTECT

INPUT SLAVE

OUT

BALANCED

INPUT OUTPUT INPUT LEVEL PHASE REMOTE BASS EQ SONIC LOW PASS

L L

R R

9V 0.2V 0 180 0dB 10dB 15Hz 35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

SUB

The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 & 1-Ohm loads. Operating the amp below 1-Ohm can cause damage to the amp not covered in the warranty.

BRE100.2 2-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS

FULL RANGE STEREO

This is the most basic application for the ELITE Series 2 channel amplifiers.

1. Interconnect cable checklist:

Connect the LINE INPUTS to the Radio/CD with good quality RCA cables.

2. Crossover Switch:

The X-OVER switch must be in the FULL position.

3. Crossover frequency control checklist:

N/A for full range operation.

FULL RANGE

STEREO LINE INPUT

REMOTE

10Hz 15KHz

HP FULL LP/BP

30Hz 150Hz

0dB 10dB

LINE INPUT

HI PASS LOW PASS

BASS EQ

BRUTUS

4. Line Level:

Refer to the section “Setting up systems after installation for best performance”

NOTE: Minimum final loudspeaker impedances: 4 & 2 Ohms stereo mode or 4-Ohms mono mode This amplifier will not do 1 Ohm stereo or 2/1 Ohm mono operation.

ELITE

BRIDGED

RIGHT LEFT

SPEAKER OUTPUT

- + - +

FUSE

FULL RANGE

SPEAKERS

6V 0.2V

LEVEL POWERX-OVER

PROTECT

LINE OUT

MONO

This application illustrates the basic mono bridging method for all Hifonics amplifiers.

Interconnect cable checklist:

A MONO signal source is required, such as would be available from the mono sub bass output of an active crossover, whether stand alone, or built into a head unit or equalizer. Important: Do not be tempted to connect the hot, or positive outputs, from any source together to obtain a mono signal, as this could very well damage the output stage of that source. It is necessary to feed the SAME signal to both left and right inputs via a Yadapter RCA cable. Connect the mono speaker positive terminal to the LEFT +, and its negative terminal to RIGHT -.

LINE INPUT

TO BATTERY +12v VIA FUSE

POWER INPUT

GND REM BATT+12V

REMOTE TURN-ON CHASSIS GROUND

Switch setting checklist:

- The AMPLIFIER X-OVER switch should be in the LP/BP position.

Crossover frequency control setting checklist:

LPF: 11 o’clock

Minimum final loudspeaker impedance:

- 4 ohm mono.

MONO SPEAKER

or SUBWOOFER

FULL RANGE

MONO LINE INPUT

VIA Y-ADAPTER

FROM MONO SOURCE

HP FULL LP/BP

REMOTE

10Hz 15KHz

30Hz 150Hz

0dB 10dB

6V 0.2V

PROTECT

HI PASS LOW PASS

BASS EQ

LEVEL POWERX-OVER

LINE OUT

BRUTUS

ELITE

BRIDGED

RIGHT LEFT

SPEAKER OUTPUT

- + - +

FUSE

POWER INPUT

GND REM BATT+12V

TO BATTERY +12v VIA FUSE

REMOTE TURN-ON CHASSIS GROUND

BRE60.4 / BRE100.4 4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS

4 CHANNEL FULL RANGE SYSTEM

Here we show how to use the 4 channel amplifiers as straightforward discrete 4 channel full range units.

- HI PASS: N/A

- LOW PASS: N/A

Interconnect cable checklist:

- Connect the four inputs of the amplifier to a Radio/CD with quality RCA cables.

Switch setting checklist:

- 1/2CH X-OVER: FULL

- 3/4CH X-OVER: FULL

Crossover frequency control checklist: Channels 1/2:

CH1/2 CH3/4

LINE INPUT

CH2-CH4

REMOTE

MODE

10Hz-15KHz

HI PASS LOW PASS

HI FULL LP/BP

X-OVER

4 CH

2 CH

30Hz-150Hz

0dB-10dB

BASS EQ

6V 0.2V

LEVEL

PROTECT

POWER

LINE OUT

2 or 3 CHANNEL SYSTEM

Here we show how to use the 4 channel amplifiers as a 3 channel unit by taking advantage of the mono bridging capability of all Hifonics amplifiers.

The following example shows how to create a 3 channel system by mono bridging channel pair 3 / 4. In order to create a 2 channel system, simply follow the example to also mono bridge channel pair 1 / 2.

Interconnect cable checklist:

- Connect the inputs of channel pair 1/2 to a suitable stereo source, e.g. a head unit with good quality RCA cables.

- A MONO signal source is required to bridge channel pair 3/4, such as would be available from the mono sub bass output of an active crossover, whether standalone, or built into a head unit or equalizer. If you only have 1 set of RCA outputs from your headunit, you can simply connect those to the inputs for ch 1/2 and switch the MODE to 2ch. The amplifier will auto sum the signal and provide mono output for bridged channels 3/4 once the X-OVER is switched to LP/BP. Important: Do not be tempted to connect the hot, or positive outputs, from any source together to obtain a mono signal, as this could very well damage the output stage of that source.

- It is necessary to feed the SAME signal to both left and right inputs via a Yadapter RCA cable.

- Connect the mono speaker positive terminal to the LEFT +, and its negative terminal to RIGHT - as shown.

Channels 3/4:

- HI PASS: N/A

- LOW PASS: N/A

Level control checklist:

- Refer to the section “Setting up systems after installation for best performance”

Minimum final loudspeaker impedances:

- 2 ohm per channel.

BRUTUS

ELITE

Switch setting checklist:

- 1/2CH X-OVER: FULL

- 3/4CH X-OVER: LP/BP

Crossover frequency control checklist: Channels 1/2:

- HI PASS: N/A

- LOW PASS: N/A

Channels 3/4:

- HI PASS: N/A

- LPF: 11 o’clock

TIP: If you are using the mono sub bass output of an active crossover, there is

nothing wrong with switching in the low pass filter in these amplifiers for a steeper low pass rolloff.

Level control checklist:

- Refer to the section “Setting up systems after installation for best performance”

Minimum final loudspeaker impedances:

- 2 ohm per channel in stereo mode.

- 4 ohm mono bridged.

BRIDGED

CH 1/2 SPEAKER OUTPUT CH 3/4

RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT

- + - + - + - +

FUSE

POWER INPUT

GND REM BATT+12V

STEREO LINE INPUT

MONO LINE INPUT

(Unless using procedure listed above for 3ch)

CH2-CH4

MODE

10Hz-15KHz

HI FULL LP/BP

30Hz-150Hz

0dB-10dB

6V 0.2V

CH1/2 CH3/4

LINE INPUT

REMOTE

10Hz-15KHz

HI PASS LOW PASS

HI PASS LOW PASS BASS EQ LEVEL

HI FULL LP/BP

X-OVER

4 CH

2 CH

30Hz-150Hz

0dB-10dB

BASS EQ

6V 0.2V

LEVEL

PROTECT

POWER

LINE OUT

BRUTUS

ELITE

BRIDGED

CH 1/2 SPEAKER OUTPUT CH 3/4

RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT

- + - + - + - +

FUSE

POWER INPUT

GND REM BATT+12V

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