JL Audio 300/4v2 Owners Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
four-channel full-range amplifier
Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for
your automotive sound system.
Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting
standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vehicle.
For maximum performance and extended warranty
coverage, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier
installed by an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your authorized
dealer has the training, expertise and installation equipment to ensure
optimum performance from this product. Should you
decide to install the amplifier yourself, please take the time
to read this manual thoroughly so as to familiarize yourself
with its installation requirements and setup procedures.
If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this
manual or any aspect of your amplifier’s operation, please contact your
authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance,
please call the JL Audio Technical Support Department
at (954) 443-1100 during business hours.
2 | JL Audio - 300/4v2 Owner’s Manual
3
PROTECT YOUR HEARING!
Front Channel
Input Voltage
Range Selector
(pg. 6)
Front Channel
Filter Slope
Selection
(pg. 8)
Front Channel
Filter Frequency
Range Selector
(pg. 8)
Front Channel
Left and Right
Input Jacks
(pg. 6)
Rear Channel
Left and Right
Input Jacks
(pg. 6)
Front Channel
Input Mode
Selector
(pg. 6)
Remote Turn-On
Connector
(pg. 6)
Chassis Ground
Connector
(pg. 5)
+12 V Power
Connector
(pg. 5)
Front Channel
Speaker Outputs
(pg. 9)
Rear Channel
Input Voltage
Range Selector
(pg. 6)
Rear Channel
Filter Slope
Selection
(pg. 8)
Rear Channel
Filter Frequency
Range Selector
(pg. 8)
Rear Channel
Input Sensitivity
Control
(pg. 6)
Rear Channel
Speaker Outputs
(pg. 9)
Front Channel
Filter Cuto
Frequency Selector
(pg. 8)
Front Channel
Filter Mode
Selector
(pg. 7)
Rear Channel
Filter Mode
Selector
(pg. 7)
Rear Channel
Filter Cuto
Frequency Selector
(pg. 8)
Front Channel
Input Sensitivity
Control
(pg. 7)
Bridged
Left Right
+12VDC Ground Remote Front Filter Controls Front Input Section Front Speaker Outputs
Bridged
Left Right
Rear Speaker Outputs
Left Ch. Right Ch.Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter Slope
Freq. Range
Input Voltage Input Sens. Input Mode
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10 Low | High
Rear Input Section
Left Ch. Right Ch.
Input Voltage Input Sens.
Low | High 2ch | 4ch
50
60
7595130
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300 / 4v2
Four-Channel Full-Range Amplifier
Rear Filter Controls
Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter SlopeFreq. Range
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10
50
60
7595130
200
500
We value you as a long-term customer. For
that reason, we urge you to practice restraint in
the operation of this product so as not to damage
your hearing and that of others in your vehicle.
Studies have shown that continuous exposure to
high sound pressure levels can lead to permanent
(irreparable) hearing loss. This and all other
high-power amplifiers are capable of producing
such high sound pressure levels when connected
to a speaker system. Please limit your continuous
exposure to high volume levels.
While driving, operate your audio system in
a manner that still allows you to hear necessary
noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns,
sirens, etc.).
SERIAL NUMBER
In the event that your amplifier requires
service or is ever stolen, you will need to
have a record of the product’s serial number.
Please take the time to enter that number in
the space provided below. The serial number
can be found on the bottom panel of the
amplifier and on the amplifier packaging.
Serial Number:
INSTALLATION APPLICATIONS
This amplifier is designed for operation in
vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical
systems. Use of this product in vehicles with
positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V
may result in damage to the product and will void
th e w ar ran ty.
This product is not certified or approved for
use in aircraft.
Do not attempt to “bridge” the outputs of this
amplifier with the outputs of a second amplifier,
including an identical one.
PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION
It is important that you take the time to read
this manual and that you plan out your
installation carefully. The following are some
considerations that you must take into account
when planning your installation.
Cooling Efficiency Considerations:
Your JL Audio amplifier employs an
advanced ty pe of heat management, called
RealSink™. This feature takes advantage of
convection and radiation effects to remove
heat from the amplifier circuitry. For optimum
cooling performance, the vertical heat sinks
located at the back of the amplifier should be
exposed to as large a volume of air as possible.
Enclosing the amplifier in a small, poorly
ventilated chamber can lead to excessive heat
build-up and degraded performance. If an
installation calls for an enclosure around the
amplifier, we recommend that this enclosure
be ventilated with the aid of a fan. In normal
applications, fan-cooling is not necessary, but
you still need to follow some basic guidelines:
• Amplifier mounted vertically with heat sink fins
pointing up: Optimum
• Amplifier mounted horizontally,
right side up: Good
• Amplifier mounted horizontally, but upside
down: Fair (not recommended if there is
less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) clearance above the
amplifier heat sinks)
• Amplifier mounted vertically with heat sink fins
pointing laterally: Fair
• Amplifier mounted vertically with heat sink fins
pointing down: Poor (not recommended)
If mounting the amplifier under a seat,
make sure there is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of
space above the amplifier’s outer shell to permit
proper cooling.
Safety Considerations:
Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry,
well-ventilated environment and in a manner
which does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety
equipment (air bags, seat belt systems, ABS brake
systems, etc.). You should also take the time to
securely mount the amplifier using appropriate
hardware so that it does not come loose in the
event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vehicle.
Stupid Mistakes to Avoid:
• Check before drilling any holes in your
vehicle to make sure that you will not be
drilling through a gas tank, brake line, wiring
harness or other vital vehicle system.
• Do not run system wiring outside or underneath
the vehicle. This is an extremely dangerous
practice which can result in severe damage to
your vehicle and person.
• Protect all system wires from sharp metal
edges and wear by carefully routing them,
tying them down and using grommets and
loom where appropriate.
• Do not mount the amplifier in the engine
compartment, under the vehicle, on the roof
or in any other area that will expose the
amplifier circuitry to the elements.
4 | JL Audio - 300/4v2 Owner’s Manual
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Bridged
Left Right
+12VDC Ground Remote Front Filter Controls Front Input Section Front Speaker Outputs
Bridged
Left Right
Rear Speaker Outputs
Left Ch. Right Ch.Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter Slope
Freq. Range
Input Voltage Input Sens. Input Mode
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10 Low | High
Rear Input Section
Left Ch. Right Ch.
Input Voltage Input Sens.
Low | High 2ch | 4ch
50
60
7595130
200
500
300 / 4v2
Four-Channel Full-Range Amplifier
Rear Filter Controls
Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter SlopeFreq. Range
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10
50
60
7595130
200
500
IMPORTANT
!
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The JL Audio 300/4v2 is a four-channel full-
range amplifier utilizing patented Absolute
Symmetry™ Class A/B technology for all
channels. All channels benef it from JL Audio’s
exclusive R.I.P.S. power supply design which
optimizes the output of each channel pair for any
impedance between 1.5 and 4 ohms per channel.
The 300/4v2 can be operated in the
following modes:
1) As a full-system amplifier in bi-amp mode with
one pair of channels driving subwoofers in lowpass mode (75W x 2 or 150W x 1) and the other
pair of channels driving main speakers in highpass mode (75W x 2).
2) As a four-channel satellite amplifier in a
bi-amplified system, delivering high-passed
signals to front and rear speaker systems.
3) Connect power wire to the positive battery
post. Fuse the wire with an appropriate fuse
block (and connectors) within 18 inches (45
cm) wire length of the positive battery post.
This fuse is essential to protect the vehicle. Do
not install the fuse until the power wire has
been connected to the amplifier.
4) Run signal cables (RCA cables) and remote
turn-on wire from the source unit to the
amplifier mounting location.
5) Run speaker wire from the speaker systems to
the amplifier mounting location.
6) Find a good, solid metal grounding point close
to the amplifier and connect the negative power
wire to it using appropriate hardware. Use
minimum 8 AWG power wire, no longer than
36 inches (90 cm) from the amplifier to the
ground connection point. In some vehicles, it
may be necessary to upgrade the battery ground
The 300/4v2’s flexible input and crossover
sections permit operation with a wide variety
of source units and system configurations. The
300/4v2 can operate with a single pair of stereo
inputs or with separate inputs for front and rear
channels, if the source unit is equipped with front
and rear outputs.
wire. (See page 5 for important notice).
7) Securely mount the amplifier using
appropriate hardware.
8) Connect the positive and negative power
wires to the amplifier. A fuse near the
amplifier is not necessary.
9) Connect the remote turn-on wire
to the amplifier.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE
The following represents the sequence
for a typical amplifier installation, using an
aftermarket source unit or OEM Interface
processor (like the CleanSweep® CL441dsp).
Additional steps and different procedures may
be required in some applications. If you have
any questions, please contact your authorized
JL Audio dealer for assistance.
1) Disconnect the negative battery post
connection and secure the disconnected cable
to prevent accidental re-connection during
installation. This step is not optional!
2) Run power wire (minimum 8 AWG)
from the battery location to the amplifier
mounting location, taking care to
route it in such a way that it will not be
damaged and will not interfere with
vehicle operation. Use 2 AWG or 1/0
AWG power wire if additional amplifiers
are being installed with the 300/4v2.
10) Connect the RCA input cables
to the amplifier.
11) Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.
1 2 ) Carefully review the amplifier’s control
settings to make sure that they are set
according to the needs of the system.
1 3 ) Install power wire fuse (40A for a
single 300/4v2) and reconnect the negative
battery post terminal.
14) Turn on the source unit at a low level
to double-check that the amplifier is
configured correctly. Resist the temptation
to crank it up until you have verified the
control settings.
15) Make necessary adjustments to the input
sensitivity controls to obtain the right
overall output and the desired balance
in the system. See Appendix A (page 14)
for the recommended input sensitivity
setting method.
1 6 ) Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your
favorite music.
POWER CONNECTIONS
Before installing the amplifier,
disconnect the negative (ground) wire
from the vehicle’s battery. This will prevent
accidental damage to the system, the vehicle
and your person during installation.
The 300/4v2’s “+12 VD C” and “Ground”
connections are designed to accept 8 - 4
AWG power wire. 8 AWG is the minimum
recommended power wire size for this amplifier.
If you are installing the 300/4v2 with other
amplifiers and wish to use a single main power
wire, use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire
(depending on the overall current demands of
all the amplifiers in the system). This 2 AWG
or 1/0 AWG power wire should terminate into
a distribution block mounted as close to the
amplifiers as possible and should connect to the
300/4v2 with 8 - 4 AWG power wire.
Note: that smaller AWG numbers mean bigger
wire and vice-versa (1/0 AWG is the largest,
2 AWG is smaller, then 4 AWG, then
8 AWG, etc.).
To connect the power wires to the amplifier,
first back out the set screw on the top of the
amplifier, using the supplied 2.5 mm hex
wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation
from the end of each wire and insert the bare
wire into the receptacle on the front panel
of the amplifier, seating it firmly so that no
bare wire is exposed. While holding the wire
in place, tighten the set screw firmly, taking
care not to strip the head of the screw.
The ground connection should be made using
the same gauge wire as the power connection
and should be kept as short as possible, while
accessing a solid piece of sheet metal in the
vehicle. The surface of the sheet metal should
be sanded at the contact point to create a clean,
metal-to-metal connection between the chassis
and the termination of the ground wire. For
optimal grounding, we recommend the use of a
JL Audio ECS master ground lug (XB-MGLU).
Alternatively, a sheet metal screw or bolt can be
used with a star washer.
Any wires run through metal barriers (such as
firewalls), must be protected with a high quality
insulating grommet to prevent damage to the
insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result
in a dangerous short circuit.
Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG -
6 AWG) wire to ground the battery to the
vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator’s
positive connection to the battery. To prevent
voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded
to 4 AWG when installing amplifier systems
with main fuse ratings above 60A.
FUSE REQUIREMENTS
It is absolutely vital that the main power
lead to the amplifier(s) in the system be fused
within 18 inches (45 cm) of the positive battery
post connection. The fuse value at each power
wire should be high enough for all of the
equipment being run from that power wire.
If only the 300/4v2 is being run from
that power wire, we recommend a 40A fuse
be used. AGU (big glass fuse), MaxiFuse™
(big plastic-body fuse) or AFS (miniblade fuse) ty pes are recommended.
No fuse is required or recommended directly
before the amplifier power connection. If one is
desired, we recommend the use of a 40A AGU,
AFS or MaxiFuse™ type fuse.
6 | JL Audio - 300/4v2 Owner’s Manual
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IMPORTANT
!
Bridged
Left Right
Left Ch. Right Ch.Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter Slope
Freq. Range
Input Voltage Input Sens. Input Mode
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10 Low | High
|
4ch
50
60
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200
500
Bridged
Left Right
Bridged
Left Right
Rear Speaker Outputs
Left Ch. Right Ch.Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter Slope
Freq. Range
Input Voltage Input Sens. Input Mode
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10 Low | High
Rear Input Section
Left Ch. Right Ch.
Input Voltage Input Sens.
Low | High 2ch | 4ch
50
60
7595130
200
500
Rear Filter Controls
Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter SlopeFreq. Range
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10
50
60
7595130
200
500
TURNON LEAD
Bridged
Left Right
Left Ch. Right Ch.Filter Freq. (Hz)
Input Voltage Input Sens. Input Mode
|
High
|
4ch
Bridged
Left Right
Bridged
Left Right
Rear Speaker Outputs
Left Ch. Right Ch.Filter Freq. (Hz)
Filter Slope
Freq. Range
Input Voltage Input Sens. Input Mode
12dB | 24dB
Filter Mode
Off | LP | HP
x1 | x10 Low | High
Rear Input Section
Left Ch. Right Ch.
Input Voltage Input Sens.
Low | High 2ch | 4ch
50
60
7595130
200
500
The 300/4v2 uses a conventional +12V remote
turn-on lead, typically controlled by the source
unit’s remote turn-on output. The amplifier will
turn on when +12V is present at its “Remote”
input and turn off when +12V is switched off. If
a source unit does not have a dedicated remote
turn-on output, the amplifier’s turn-on lead can
be connected to +12V via a switch that derives
power from an ignition-switched circuit.
The 300/4v2’s “Remote” turn-on connector is
designed to accept 18 AWG – 8 AWG wire.
12 AWG is more than adequate for this purpose.
To connect the remote turn-on wire to the
amplifier, first back out the set screw on the top
of the amplifier, using the supplied hex wrench.
Strip 1/2 inch (12mm) of wire and insert the
bare wire into the receptacle on the front panel
of the amplifier, seating it firmly so that no bare
wire is exposed. When using smaller wire, it may
be necessary to strip 1 inch of insulation from
the wire and fold the bare wire in half prior to
insertion. While holding the wire in the terminal,
tighten the set screw firmly, taking care not to
strip the head of the screw and making sure that
the wire is firmly gripped by the set screw.
1) Input Mode Switch: If you wish to operate
all four channels of the 300/4v2 with a single
pair of stereo inputs, select the “2ch” position
on the “Input Mode” switch and connect a
single pair of input cables to the input jacks
in the “Front Input Section”. In this mode,
the amplifier will route the signals connected
to the front inputs to the rear inputs as well.
If you wish to use separate inputs for the front
and rear channel sections (to allow front-torear fading, for example) and the source unit
is equipped with front and rear outputs, select
“4ch” on the “Input Mode” switch. In this
mode, you must connect separate pairs of input
cables to each input section.
2) Input Voltage Range: A wide range of signal
input voltages can be accommodated by each of
the 300/4v2’s input sections (200mV – 8V).
This wide range is split up into two sub-ranges,
accessible via switches located in each input
section of the amplifier. Be aware that each
input section’s “Input Voltage” switch will
have to be configured, regardless of how many
input cables are actually feeding the amplifier.
The “Low” position on each “Input Voltage”
FRONT AND REAR INPUT SECTIONS
The 300/4v2 has two separate input sections,
one for its front channels and another for its rear
channels. Each section contains a pair of RCA-
type input jacks, an “Input Voltage” switch and
an “Input Sens.” rotary control.
switch selects an input sensitivity range
between 200mV and 2V. This means that the
“Input Sens.” rotary control will operate
within that voltage window. If you are using an
aftermarket source unit, with conventional
preamp-level outputs, this is most likely the
position that you will use. The “High” position
on each “Input Voltage” switch selects an
input sensitivity range between 800mV and 8V.
This is useful for certain high-output preamp
level signals as well as speaker-level output
from source units and small amplifiers. To use
speaker-level sources, splice the speaker output
wires of the source unit or small amplifier onto
a pair of RCA plugs for each input pair or use
the JL Audio ECS Speaker Wire to RCA
adaptor (XB-CLRAIC2-SW).
The “Front Input Section” also contains an
“Input Mode” switch to allow operation of all
four amplifier channels with one or two pairs of
input signals.
The output of the amplifier will decrease
for a given input voltage when the “Input
Range” switch is placed in the “High”
position. Conversely, the output will be
higher with the switch in the “Low” position.
While this may sound counter-intuitive, it is
correct as described.
3) Input Sensitivity Adjustment: Located next
to the “Input Voltage” switch in each input
section is a rotary control labeled “Input
Sens.”. Once the appropriate “Input Voltage”
range has been selected, this control can be
used to match the source unit’s output voltage
to the input stage of each pair of amplifier
channels for maximum clean output. Rotating
the control clockwise will result in higher
sensitivity (louder for a given input voltage).
Rotating the control counter-clockwise will
result in lower sensitivity (quieter for a given
input voltage). To properly set each pair
of amplifier channels for maximum clean
output, please refer to Appendix A (page 14)
in this manual. After using this procedure,
you can then adjust the relative level of each
channel pair by adjusting the input sensitivity
downward on either or both channel pairs, if
they require attenuation to achieve the desired
system balance. Do not increase the “Input
Sens.” setting for any amplifier in the system
beyond the maximum level established during
the procedure outlined in Appendix A (page
14). Doing so will result in audible distortion
and possible speaker damage. Be aware that
both “Input Sens.” adjustments will have to
be made, regardless of how many input cables
are feeding the amplifier. These controls will
allow you to set the appropriate relative levels
for front and rear channels and any other
amplifier channels in the system.
CROSSOVER CONTROLS
Crossovers are groups of individual electronic
filters which allow only certain frequency
ranges to pass through them by attenuating
frequencies outside the selected range. These
filters allow the user to specify what frequency
range will be sent out of each channel section
of the amplifier. This, in turn, allows each
speaker system to only reproduce a range of
frequencies it is well-suited for, resulting in
reduced distortion and improved fidelity.
Front And Rear Filter Section:
The 300/4v2 employs two separate, but
identical filter sections for its front and rear
channel pairs. These sections consist of the
following controls
1) “ Filter Mode” Control: This switch allows you
to configure the filter into one of two filter
types or to defeat it completely:
“Off”: Defeats the filter for that channel
section completely, allowing the full range of
frequencies present at the inputs to feed that
pair of channels. This is useful for systems
utilizing outboard crossovers or requiring full-
range reproduction from that pair of channels.
“LP” (Low-Pass): Configures the filter to
attenuate frequencies above the selected
filter frequency. Useful for connection of
subwoofer(s) to that channel section.
“HP” (High-Pass): Configures the filter to
attenuate frequencies below the selected
filter frequency. Useful for connection
of component speakers to that channel
section in a bi-amplified system.
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