JL Audio 500-1v2 User Manual

owner’s manual

monoblock subwoofer 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 [phone] during business hours.

Protect Your Hearing!

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 the warranty.

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 type 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.

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Product Description

The JL Audio 500/1v2 is a monoblock subwoofer amplifier utilizing proprietary and patented Class D technology. Its frequency response is limited to the range below 250 Hz. It is not designed for driving midrange speakers or tweeters. Every aspect of its operation has been optimized for low-frequency amplification.

For detailed specifications, please refer to Appendix B (page 15).

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 4 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 500/1v2.

 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 4 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 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.

10)Connect the RCA input cables to the amplifier.

11)Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier.

12)Carefully review the amplifier’s control settings to make sure that they are set according to the needs of the system.

13)Install power wire fuse (50A for a

single 500/1v2) 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.

16)Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.

Power Connections
Before installing the amplifier,			The ground connection should be made
disconnect the negative (ground) wire			using 4 AWG wire and should be kept as short
from the vehicle’s battery. This will prevent			as possible, while accessing a solid piece of sheet
accidental damage to the system, the vehicle			metal in the vehicle. The surface of the sheet
and your person during installation.			metal should be sanded at the contact point
			to create a clean, metal-to-metal connection
			between the chassis and the termination of
	+12VDC Ground Remote
			the ground wire. The use of a star washer to
			lock down the connection is advisable.
			Any wires run through metal barriers (such as
	500/1v2		firewalls), must be protected with a high quality
			insulating grommet to prevent damage to the
	Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier
			insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result
			in a dangerous short circuit.

The 500/1v2’s “+12 VDC” and “Ground” connections are designed to accept 8 AWG -

4 AWG power wire. 4 AWG is a minimum power wire size for this amplifier.

If you are installing the 500/1v2 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 500/1v2 with 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.

! IMPORTANT

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 (or larger) when installing amplifier systems with total fuse ratings exceeding 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 500/1v2 is being run from that power wire, we recommend a 50A fuse be used. AGU (big glass fuse) or MaxiFuse™ (big plastic-body fuse) types are recommended.

No fuse is required directly before the amplifier power connection. If one is desired, we recommend the use of a 50A AGU fuse or MaxiFuse™ type.

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Turn-On Options

!

IMPORTANT

2) Signal Sensing Turn-On Method: A valuable

You cannot use the turn-on output to turn on

The 500/1v2 can be turned on and off using

The amplifier will operate with only one input

two different methods:

feature of the 500/1v2 is its ability to be turned

processors that are in the signal path before the

connection (left or right), but will require an

on and off by the presence or lack of signal at

500/1v2. (Signal will not pass through most

increase in input sensitivity to overcome the loss

1) A conventional +12V remote turn-on lead.

its audio inputs. This allows you to operate the

processors when they are not powered up,

of signal. If a mono input signal is to be run, we

2) A signal sensing turn-on circuit.

amplifier without having to locate a remote

meaning that the amplifier will not turn on

recommend that you use a “Y-adaptor” like the

turn-on lead at the source unit. This can be

until that processor is active).

JL Audio ECS model XB-CLRAICY-1F2M to split

very useful if interfacing the amplifier with

the mono signal into both inputs of the amplifier.

+12VDC Ground Remote

some OEM source units that do not have

AMPLIFIER Input Section

conventional turn-on leads.

The 500/1v2 employs a differential-balanced

2) Input Voltage Range: A wide range of

input topology that provides the user with a high

signal input voltages can be accommodated

degree of input flexibility while retaining superior

by the 500/1v2’s input section (200mV – 8V).

500/1v2

!

IMPORTANT

noise rejection. This type of circuit also allows

This wide range is split up into two sub-

Monoblock Subwoofer Amplifier

The sensitivity of the signal sensing turn-on

the 500/1v2 to accept high-voltage inputs from

ranges, accessible via switches located in the

circuit has been designed for high-level

factory source unit outputs without excessive

“Amplifier Input Section” of the amplifier.

(speaker level) signals, not for low-level

distortion or noise problems.

The “Low” position on the “Input Voltage”

To select between the two modes there is a

(preamp level) signals. Using this feature with

switch selects an input sensitivity range

switch, marked “Signal Sensing”, located in the

low-level (preamp level) signals is not

between 200mV and 2V. This means that

“Amplifier Input Section” of the front panel.

recommended. We do not recommend this

Filter

Amplifier Input Section

the “Input Sens.” rotary control will operate

Slope

Input Voltage

Input Sens. Signal Sensing

method of turning the amplifier on and off as a

within that voltage window. If you are using

1) Conventional Remote Turn-On Method:

default. Whenever possible, use the

an aftermarket source unit, with conventional

B | 24dB

Low | High

Off | On

uses a conventional +12V remote turn-on

conventional remote turn-on lead method. The

80

preamp-level outputs, this is most likely the

lead, typically controlled by the source unit’s

signal sensing circuit is designed to detect

100

M

position that you will use. The “High” position

remote turn-on output. The amplifier will

midrange frequency signal presence. If the

200

on the “Input Voltage” switch selects an input

turn on when +12V is present at its “Remote”

signal feeding the amplifier is not full-range

q. (Hz)

Left Ch.

Right Ch.

sensitivity range between 800mV and 8V. This

input and turn off when +12V is switched

(for example, if there is an active low-pass

is useful for certain high-output preamp level

off. If a source unit does not have a dedicated

crossover in line before the amplifier), this

signals as well as speaker-level output from

remote turn-on output, the amplifier’s turn-

circuit will not operate properly.

1) Input Connections: A standard left/right pair

source units and small amplifiers. To use

on lead can be connected to +12V via a switch

of RCA type jacks is used for input on

speaker-level sources, splice the speaker output

that derives power from an ignition-switched

To activate the signal sensing turn-on feature,

the 500/1v2. You may run a stereo or a mono

wires of the source unit or small amplifier

circuit. To use this method, select “Off” on

place the “Signal Sensing” switch in the “On”

signal into the inputs of the amplifier. The

onto a pair of RCA cables or plugs or use the

the “Signal Sensing” switch in the “Amplifier

position. This should only be done if there is

amplifier’s input section automatically sums

JL Audio ECS Speaker Wire to RCA adaptor

Input Section”. The 500/1v2’s “Remote”

no conventional turn-on lead connected to the

stereo signals to mono for the internal

(XB-CLRAIC2-SW).

turn-on connector is designed to accept 12

amplifier’s “Remote” connector. When in the

amplifier section and for the “LP” “Filter

AWG – 8 AWG wire. 12 AWG is more than

“On” position, the signal sensing circuit will

Mode” of the “Preamp Output” section.

!

IMPORTANT

adequate for this purpose. To connect the

monitor the audio input signal and turn the

The output of the amplifier will decrease

remote turn-on wire to the amplifier, first back

amplifier on when signal is present. After about

!

IMPORTANT

out the set screw on the top of the amplifier,

25 seconds of no signal, the amplifier will shut off.

for a given input voltage when the “Input

using the supplied hex wrench. Strip 1/2

Turning on other amplifiers in signal sensing

If you plan to use the “Preamp Output” in

Range” switch is placed in the “High” position.

inch (12mm) of wire and insert the bare wire

mode: When the signal sensing circuit is turned

“Full-Range” or “HP” mode to feed a stereo

Conversely, the output will be higher with

into the receptacle on the front panel of the

on, the “Remote” Connector on the amplifier

amplifier, you must connect a stereo signal to

the switch in the “Low” position. While this

amplifier, seating it firmly so that no bare wire

may be used as a remote turn-on source for other

the input of the amplifier. A mono signal into

may sound counter-intuitive, it is correct

is exposed. Smaller wire than 12 AWG can be

amplifiers in the system. +12V will be present

the amplifier will result in a mono signal out of

as described.

used, but it may be necessary to strip 1 inch

at the connector when the amplifier turns on in

the preamp output. (It’s a great amplifier, but it

of insulation from the wire and fold the bare

signal sensing mode and will not be present when

doesn’t do magic).

wire in half prior to insertion. While holding

the amplifier turns off.

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.

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