JL Audio M600/6 Owner's Manual
OWNER’S MANUAL
600W Marine 3/4/5/6 Channel Amplier
Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for
your marine sound system.
Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting
standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vessel.
For maximum performance, 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 - M600/6 Owner’s Manual
3
PROTECT YOUR HEARING!
Status
LED
(pg. 11)
Ch. 1 & 2 Filter
Frequency
Selector
(pg. 8)
Ch. 1 & 2
Filter Mode
Selection
(pg. 8)
Ch. 1 & 2 Input
Sensitivit y Control
(pg. 7)
Remote
Level Mode
Switch
(pg. 9)
Input
Mode
Switch
(pg. 7)
Ch. 3 & 4 Filter
Frequency
Selector
(pg. 8)
Ch. 3 & 4
Filter Mode
Selection
(pg. 8)
Ch. 3 & 4 Input
Sensitivit y Control
(pg. 7)
Ch. 5 & 6 Filter
Frequency
Selector
(pg. 8)
Ch. 5 & 6
Filter Mode
Selection
(pg. 8)
Ch. 5 & 6 Input
Sensitivit y Control
(pg. 7)
Remote Turn-On
Connector
(pg. 6)
Chassis Ground
Connector
(pg. 5)
Channels 1 & 2
Preamp Input Jacks
(pg. 7)
Channels 5 & 6
Preamp Input Jacks
(pg. 7)
+12 V Power
Connector
(pg. 5)
Channels 5 & 6
Speaker Outputs
(pg. 10)
Channels 3 & 4
Speaker Outputs
(pg. 10)
Channels 1 & 2
Speaker Outputs
(pg. 10)
Jack for
Remote Level
Control Knob
(pg. 9)
Channels 3 & 4
Preamp Input Jacks
(pg. 7)
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 vessel.
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 vessel 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
vessels with 12 volt, negative-ground electrical
systems. Use of this product in vessels 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:
The outer shell of your JL Audio amplifier is
designed to remove heat from the amplifier
circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, this
outer shell 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.
Mounting the amplifier upside down is
strongly discouraged.
Safety Considerations:
Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry,
well-ventilated environment and in a manner
which does not interfere with your vessel’s factory
installed electronic devices. You should also take
the time to securely mount the amplifier using the
supplied screws so that it does not come loose in
the event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vessel.
Stupid Mistakes to Avoid:
• Check before drilling any holes in your vessel to
make sure that you will not be drilling through
the hull, a fuel tank, fuel line, wiring harness or
other vital vessel system.
• Do not run system wiring outside or underneath
the vessel. This is an extremely dangerous
practice which can result in severe damage to
your vessel and person.
• Protect all system wires from sharp edges
(metal, fiberglass, etc.) by carefully routing
them, tying them down and using grommets
and loom where appropriate.
• Do not mount the amplifier in the engine
compartment or in any other area that will
expose the amplifier circuitry to the elements.
While this amplifier is specially designed
for marine applications, it is not waterproof
and it should not be mounted where it is
likely to get wet.
4 | JL Audio - M600/6 Owner’s Manual
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The JL Audio M600/6 is a six-channel,
full-range audio amplifier utilizing JL Audio
NexD™ ultra-high speed switching technology to
deliver outstanding fidelity and efficiency.
The M600/6 can be operated with a wide
variety of source units and system configurations.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE
The following represents the sequence
for a typical amplifier installation, using
an aftermarket source unit. 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 4 AWG power wire 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 vessel operation. Use 4 AWG or larger
power wire and a power distribution block if
additional amplifiers are being installed with
the M600/6 .
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 f use is essential to protect t he vessel. Do
not install the fuse until the power wire has
been securely connected to the amplifier.
4) Connect negative power wire to the negative
battery post. Use the same size power
wire as the wire connected to the “+1 2V”
connection (minimum 4 AWG).
5) Run signal cables and remote turn-on wire
from the source unit to the amplifier
mounting location.
6) Run speaker cable from the speaker systems
to the amplifier mounting location.
7) Securely mount the amplifier.
8) Connect the positive and negative power
wires to the amplifier. A fuse near the
amplifier is not necessary if the M600/6 is the
only device being run from the fused main
power wire. If the fused main power wire is
shared by the M600/6 and other amplifiers
or devices, fuse each amplifier/device
within 12 inches (30 cm) of wire length,
via a fused distribution block or multiple
individual fuse blocks/on-board fuses.
9) Connect the remote turn-on wire
to the amplifier.
10) Connect the input cables to the amplifier.
11) Connect the speaker cables 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 the power wire fuse (50A for a
single M600/6) and reconnect the negative
battery post terminal. Install the fuse (50A)
near the amplifier (if applicable).
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, disconnect the
negative (ground) wire from the vessel’s battery.
This will prevent accidental damage to the system,
the vessel and your body during installation.
The M600/6’s “+12 VD C” and “Ground ”
connections are designed to accept 4 AWG
power wire. 4 AWG is the required wire size for
this amplifier.
If you are installing the M600/6 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
fused distribution block mounted as close to
the amplifiers as possible (within 12 inches /
30cm of wire length). The fused output of the
distribution block will connect to the M600/6
with 4 AWG power wire. JL Audio ECS
fused distribution blocks are recommended
(XD-FDBU-2 and XD-FDBU-4)
Note: 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
terminal block, 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 terminal block, 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.
Any wires run through barriers must
be protected with a high quality rubber
grommet to prevent damage to the
insulation of the wire. Failure to do so
may result in a dangerous short circuit.
Many vessels employ small (10 AWG - 6 AWG)
wire to connect the alternator’s positive
connection to the battery. To prevent voltage
drops, this wire should be upgraded to 4 AWG
when installing amplifier systems with main
fuse ratings above 60A.
It is common for the alternator to be grounded
through its chassis. If the alternator is not
grounded through its chassis and instead employs
a small (10 AWG - 6 AWG) wire to connect to
ground, this wire should also 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
wire(s) 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 M600/6 is being run from that power
wire, we recommend a 50A fuse be used.
If fusing the amplifier near its power
connections (when more than one amp is being
run from the main power wire), use a 50A fuse.
MAXI™ (big plastic-body) fuses
are recommended.
6 | JL Audio - M600/6 Owner’s Manual
7
TURNON LEAD
The M600/6 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 M600/6’s “Remote” turn-on connector is
designed to accept 18 AWG – 12 AWG wire. To
connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier,
first back out the set screw on the top of the
terminal block, using the supplied 2.5mm hex
wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12mm) of wire and insert
the bare wire into the terminal block, seating it
firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. 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 (not the
insulation) is firmly gripped by the set screw.
INPUT SECTION
The M600/6’s input section allows you to send
signals to the amplifier section through the use
of two, four or si x differential-balanced inputs.
Input connections are via up to three pairs of
traditional RCA-type jacks.
If you wish to send six discrete channels into
the M600/6, simply use all six inputs and set the
“Input Mode” switch in the “6 Ch.” position.
If you wish to feed all six channels by using
only four channels of full-range input, set the
“Input Mode” switch in the to “4 Ch.” and use
only the inputs to channels 1, 2, 3 & 4. In this
mode, channels 5 & 6 will operate with a sum of
the 1 & 3 and 2 & 4 input signals, respectively.
If you wish to feed all six channels by using
two channels of full-range input plus two
channels of low-frequency input (subwoofer
output from the source unit), first set the “Input
Mode” switch to “6 Ch.”. Next, it will be necessary
to split the full-range signals with y-adaptors and
feed these signals into the inputs to channels 1 &
2 and 3 & 4. The dedicated subwoofer signal will
be sent to channels 5 & 6.
If you wish to use only two channels of
input to deliver signal to all six amplifier
channels, set the “Input Mode” switch to “2
Ch.” and use only the inputs to channels 1 &
2. In this mode, Channels 3 & 5 will operate
with the channel 1 signal and channels 4 &
6 will operate with the Channel 2 signal.
Input Voltage Range:
The M600/6’s input sections are designed to
accept signal voltages from 100mV – 4V. This
will accommodate all preamp level signals and
many speaker level signals.
To use speaker-level sources, simply splice the
speaker output wires of the source unit onto a
pair of RCA plugs for each input pair. (or use JL
Audio part XD-CLRAIC2-SW) No “line output
converter” is needed in most cases.
If you find that the output cannot be reduced
sufficiently with a direct speaker level signal
applied to the amplifier, you may use a “line
output converter” to reduce the signal level.
INPUT SENSITIVITY CONTROLS
The controls labeled “Input Sens.” located in
each channel section 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 counterclockwise will result in lower sensitivity (quieter
for a given input voltage.)
To properly set the amplifier for maximum
clean output, please refer to Appendix A (page
14) in this manual. After using this procedure,
you can then adjust any or all “Input Sens.”
levels downward if this is required to achieve the
desired system balance.
Do not increase any “Input Sens.” setting for
any channel(s) of 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.
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