PROLONGED CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER, SPEAKER, OR SUBWOOFER IN A DISTORTED, CLIPPED
OR OVER-POWERED MANNER CAN CAUSE YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM TO OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY CATCHING FIRE
AND RESULTING IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR COMPONENTS AND/OR VEHICLE. AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE UP TO
4 INCHES (10CM) OPEN VENTILATION. SUBWOOFERS SHOULD BE MOUNTED WITH AT LEAST 1 INCH (2.5CM)
CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SPEAKER AND ANY SURFACE.
KickEQ+™ Parametric Bass BoostBoost - Variable 0–18db; Center Frequency - 20Hz–80Hz; Bandwidth 1–5
Subsonic FilterVariable 10–80Hz, 24dB/octave
KXA400.1 KXA800.1KXA1200.1 KXA1600.1 KXA2400.1
200W x 1
400W x 1
400W x 1
800W x 1
600W x 1
1200W x 1
800W x 1
1600W x 1
1200W x 1
2400W x 1
NOTE: 2017 KX amplifi er subwoofer channels are 1Ω stable - power rating equivalent to 2Ω operation, +/- 10%
INSTALLATION
Mounting: Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifi er. Make sure there are no
items behind the area where the screws will be driven. Choose a location that allows at least 4” (10cm)
of open ventilation for the amplifi er. If possible, mount the amplifi er in the climate-controlled passenger
compartment. Drill four holes using a 7/64” (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the
amplifi er.
Wiring: Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. Then, connect the ground wire to the
amplifi er. Make the ground wire short, 24” (60cm) or less, and connect it to a paint-and-corrosion-free,
solid, metal area of the vehicle’s chassis. Adding an additional ground wire of this same gauge (or larger)
between the battery’s negative post and the vehicle chassis is recommended.
The KX amplifi er’s RCA inputs will receive either high or low level signals from your car stereo’s source
unit. A high-level signal can be run from the source unit’s speaker outputs to the stereo RCA input on the
end panel of the amplifi er using the KICKER KISL as shown. Alternatively, the signal can be delivered to
the amplifi er using the low-level RCA outputs on the source unit. Keep the audio signal cable away from
factory wiring harnesses and other power wiring. If you need to cross this wiring, cross it at a 90 degree
angle.
Install a fuse within 18” (45cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifi er.
If you ever need to remove the amplifi er from the vehicle after it has been installed, the ground wire should
be the last wire disconnected from the amplifi er--just the opposite as when you installed it.
For multiple amplifi er installations where distribution blocks are used, each amplifi er should have its
proper-rated fuse, or breaker, installed between the amplifi er and the distribution block within eighteen
inches of the block, or on the distribution block if it provides for fusing. The primary power wire should
also be fused between the battery and distribution block, within eighteen inches of the battery’s positive
terminal, with a fuse or breaker rated at least to the sum of the individual amplifi er’s fuse values, but
doesn’t exceed the capacity of your wiring.
≤18”
(45cm)
≤18”
(45cm)
external fuse
to amplifi erto amplifi er
external fuse
power distribution block
≤18”
(45cm)
external fuse
12V
battery
KICKER will now provide a three-year warranty with all KXA-Series
Amplifi er purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER Installation Kit* .
This extends the standard warranty by an additional year. Amplifi er and Kit must be
purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer.
KICKER KX amplifi er success is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended warranty
program even more benefi cial to you.
Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede KX amplifi er performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of KX amplifi ers.
The new extended warranty applies only to KICKER amplifi ers and accessories sold to consumers by Authorized KICKER Dealers in the
United States of America or its possessions. It also only applies to the original purchaser of KICKER amplifi ers and accessories. One warranty
extension per amplifi er is allowed regardless of the number of amplifi er installation kits purchased. This program does not apply to “B”-stock
product or factory-refurbished product.
This offer is for a limited time, so see your local Authorized KICKER Dealer soon for details.
*U.S.A. Only | EE.UU. solamente | Nur USA | Les USA Seulement
Mini-USB for internal use only; do NOT remove or tamper. KICKER is not responsible for any damage to equipment resulting from connections made to this port.
GAIN
A
MATCH
PAIRING
Automatic Turn-On Selection: The KX series offers three different automatic turn-on modes that can be
selected on the end panel; +12V, DC Offset, and Audio. Using either the DC Offset or Audio mode causes
the REM terminal to have +12V out for turning on additional amplifi ers.
• Remote Turn-On: Set the switch to +12V to use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit. Run 18 gauge
wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled REM between the amplifi er’s
positive and negative power terminals. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method.
• DC Offset Turn-On: If Remote Turn-On is not an option, the next best setting is DC Offset. The DC Offset
mode detects a 3V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.
• Signal Sense Turn-On: The Audio setting is the fi nal alternative for Automatic turn-on. This is a Signal Sense
turn-on method that detects the incoming audio signal from your source unit and automatically turns on the
amp. This turn-on method will not work properly if the input gain control is not set appropriately.
Radio Detect: The RCA inputs on KICKER KX amplifi ers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level
signals from your source unit. If you are using Hi-Level inputs, but your source unit cannot detect an audio
system present or refuses to play audio out of one or more speakers, you may need to set Radio Detect
to ON. This will activate a load resistor at the amplifi er’s inputs and tell the source unit there are speakers
present. Do NOT use Radio Detect if you are using a Low-Level input signal; doing so will greatly reduce the
input signal.
Input Gain Control with Gain Matching: The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the
output of the source unit to the input level of the amplifi er and features Gain Matching to prevent clipping the
input. For a quick setup, turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it to
25). KICKER recommends using the test tones at www.kicker.com/support/ to reach the most accurate and
best performing settings. Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifi er up until you see the Gain LED
light up or hear audible distortion, then turn it down a little. If the GAIN knob’s backlight comes on, the input
is still clipping. For full instructions on Gain Matching, please see the next page.
Adjustable Subsonic Filter: The variable subsonic fi lter will provide a cut-off point for lower frequencies
(10–80Hz) that could potentially damage your speakers from over-excursion, along with wasting your
amplifi er’s power. The setting for this control should be set relative to your speaker’s low-frequency capability,
and is recommended for ported enclosures.
Crossover Control: The variable crossover on the amplifi er is always active, and allows you to adjust the
LO-PASS crossover frequency from 40–160Hz. The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good
place to start.
KICK EQ+ Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the side of the amplifi er is designed
to give you increased output, 0–18dB, at the selected frequency. A higher BANDWIDTH (Q) setting will
result in a sharper cut at the frequencies above and below the selected center frequency. The setting for this
control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must readjust the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifi er.
Remote Control-KXARC: With the included KXARC remote control, you have the ability to unlock and
control DSP functions of the amplifi er remotely. 2017 and newer KX amplifi ers. See page 7 for installation.
KXARC Pairing: Use the pairing button located above the pairing LED to put the KX amplifi er into pairing
mode. The light will fl ash when the amp is in pairing mode and ready to connect to a KXARC remote; once
connected it will remain solid.
In any audio system, the goal is to reach maximum input and output levels without distortion or clipping.
The engineers at KICKER have taken the guesswork, and hassle, out of matching the output voltage of
your source unit to the amplifi er with the Gain Matching feature. To begin, you’ll need to download the
KICKER test tones from www.kicker.com/test-tones. The following fi les are available in MP3 and WAV
formats:
These test tones are sine waves meant to provide a consistent signal for the KX amplifi er to reference.
The different recording levels are designed to give you the perfect gain match for your application.
0dBFS: Designed for audiophile applications to give you distortion free audio output with the most
dynamic range.
-5dBFS: Designed for normal/daily applications, there will be less dynamic range but higher potential
audio output levels. With this set up you can get some occasional clipping from the amplifi er.
-10dBFS: Designed only for Subwoofer applications, there will be less dynamic range but higher potential
audio output levels. With this set up you can get some clipping from the amplifi er.
Afterwards, use the following procedure to accurately Gain Match your amplifi er(s):
1. Disconnect the speakers from the KX amplifi er.
2. Set all EQ and crossover settings to fl at on your source unit.
3. Play the downloadable fi le from KICKER.com
4. Turn the source unit up to 3/4 volume.
5. Increase the gain of the amplifi er until the Gain LED turns on.
6. Decrease the gain of the amplifi er until the Gain LED turns off.
GAIN
MATCH
All level matching circuitry in the KX amplifi ers is at the beginning of the signal chain. If you are going to
use features like bass boost, SHOCwave or EQ settings, it may be necessary to readjust the gain to a
lower setting to compensate for increased output at those frequencies.
Once the amp and source unit are gain matched, you will want to make certain you are not overdriving
your speakers. Use the following procedure:
1. Set the source until volume to 0.
2. Reconnect the speakers to the KX amplifi er.
3. Slowly increase the volume level of the source unit as you listen for audible distortion.
4. If you can hear clipping, decrease the gain of the amplifi er until it is gone.
Likewise, you can use the CLIP indicator feature of the KXARC remote to easily identify which amplifi er’s
output is clipping and when.
On the back of the KXARC, slide the battery cover off in the manner shown. This will expose the battery
holder.
Slide the battery out of the batter holder from the top. Replace the battery and battery cover in the same
manner in which they were removed. Make sure the battery isn’t upside down when placed in the battery
holder. Positive is toward the top of the battery holder.
To place the KXARC in pairing mode, insert a pin, paperclip or other available skinny, pointy object into the
inconspicuous little hole on the back of the remote and press for 1 second. If the KXA amplifi er is also in
pairing mode, the devices will connect. Your KXARC will stay in pairing mode to connect to the next amp.
Pairing button
Pairing mode will time out after 30 seconds, or you may press the pairing button again. You may pair up
to 4 KXA amplifi ers that feature a subwoofer channel (mono or 5-channel models). The KXARC keeps
track of each amp and denotes the current amp selected with the bottom 4 status LEDs.
Press the KXARC knob to cycle through GAIN, SHOC, PHASE, and CLIP settings, then rotate the knob
to adjust the corresponding values. The KXARC supports up to 4 KICKER KXA amplifi ers featuring a
subwoofer channel.
Gain: The KXARC gain control is a gain attenuator from -26dB to 0dB. This will allow you to conveniently
adjust the gain of the subwoofer channel on the fl y, with the maximum being the gain setting you’ve
selected on the KXA amplifi er side panel.
SHOCwave: The SHOCwave (Sub Harmonic Octave Creation) will restore low frequencies that are
weaker in older recordings or lost in data compression. The SUBWOOFER channel must be operating
with a full-range signal for this effect to work properly. Press the knob until SHOC is illuminated, then
adjust the knob to a level that is satisfactory.
Phase: The PHASE setting allows you to select the phasing of the subwoofer frequency; 0°, or 180°. If
you are experiencing an absence of bass in the audio, the bass frequency may be out of phase with the
rest of the system. Changing subwoofer location may also resolve these types of issues. The top LEDs
will indicate 0°, while the bottom will indicate 180°.
Clip: The CLIP indicator will illuminate the LED corresponding to an amplifi er with a clipped output signal
when CLIP is selected. Simply press the KXARC knob until CLIP is selected, then watch the bottom 4
LEDs to see which amplifi er is clipping and at what time. If CLIP is not selected, the CLIP LED will act as a
global clip indicator. If you change your Gain or SHOCwave setting, you may notice the CLIP LED become
active. This means your new DSP settings have caused an output to clip and you should reduce the gain
or compensate in some other way.
TROUBLESHOOTING
If your amplifi er does not appear to be working, check the obvious things fi rst such as blown fuses, poor
or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There is a
Protection (PRT) LED on the side panel of your Kicker KX series amplifi er. Depending on the state of the
amplifi er and the vehicle’s charging system, the LED will either glow red or be off.
Red (PRT) LED fl ickering with loud music? The red (PRT) LED indicates low battery voltage. Check
all the connections in your vehicle’s charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your
vehicle’s battery or replace your vehicle’s alternator.
Red (PRT) LED on, no output?Amplifi er is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper
impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum
recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airfl ow
around the amplifi er. Amplifi er shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is
engaged. Voltage to the amplifi er is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging
and electrical system inspected. Amplifi er will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection
is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged
speakers or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.
No or low output?Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or speaker input)
and speaker output connections. If using a Low-Level signal, make sure Radio Detect is OFF.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM?Check for damaged RCA (or speaker
input) cable Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable Check the source unit for proper
grounding Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.
Ground Noise? KICKER amplifi ers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers’ head
units. Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. If
you are experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA
outputs on the head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.
KXARC Troubleshooting: If the KXARC LEDs fl ash three times, it is not currently connected to an
amp. Press the pairing button on the back of the remote and on the KXA amp for 1 second. NOTE: If the
KXARC is not active or in sleep mode, it will not show as connected on the KXA panel. If the KXARC will
not power on, replace the battery.
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are
correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifi er fuses as well as the failure of other critical
systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the
Authorized KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on installation, click on the
SUPPORT tab on the KICKER homepage, www.kicker.com. Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab,
choose the subject you are interested in, and then download or view the corresponding information.
Please E-mail support@kicker.com or call Technical Services (405) 624-8583 for unanswered or specifi c
questions.
KXA400.1
200 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
KXA800.1
400 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
KXA1200.1
600 x 1 @ 4 ohm, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
KXA1600.1
800 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
KXA2400.1
1200 x 1 @ 4 ohm, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)
ADVERTENCIA IMPORTANTE DE SEGURIDAD: LA OPERACIÓN PROLONGADA Y CONTINUA DE UN AMPLIFICADOR DE MANERA
DISTORSIONADA O CORTADA PUEDE PROVOCAR QUE SU SISTEMA DE AUDIO SE SOBRECALIENTE CON LA POSIBILIDAD DE
INCENDIARSE Y PROVOCAR DAÑOS GRAVES A SUS COMPONENTES O VEHÍCULO. ¡LOS PRODUCTOS KICKER PUEDEN PRODUCIR
NIVELES DE SONIDO QUE PUEDEN DAÑAR PERMANENTEMENTE SU OÍDO! SUBIR EL VOLUMEN DE UN SISTEMA A UN NIVEL EN EL
CUAL SE ESCUCHA UNA DISTORSIÓN ES MÁS DAÑINO PARA SUS OÍDOS QUE ESCUCHAR UN SISTEMA SIN DISTORSIÓN AL MISMO
NIVEL DE VOLUMEN. EL UMBRAL DEL DOLOR ES SIEMPRE UN INDICADOR DE QUE EL NIVEL DEL SONIDO ES MUY ALTO Y PUEDE
DAÑAR PERMANENTEMENTE SU AUDICIÓN. USE EL SENTIDO COMÚN AL CONTROLAR EL VOLUMEN.
RENDIMIENTO
Modelo:
Potencia RMS [Vatios]
a 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
a 14.4V, 2Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N
Relación señal-ruido [dB]>95dB, ponderación A, re: potencia nominal
Sensibilidad de entrada250mV–10V
Divisor de frecuencias electrónico
seleccionable
Refuerzo paramétrico de graves
KickEQ+™
Filtro subsónico10–80Hz, 24dB/octava
KXA400.1KXA800.1KXA1200.1 KXA1600.1 KXA2400.1
200W x 1
400W x 1
40Hz–160Hz variables de paso bajo, 24dB/octava
Boost - 0-18db variable; Centro de frecuencia - 20 Hz-80 Hz;
Ancho de banda 1-5
400W x 1
800W x 1
600W x 1
1200W x 1
800W x 1
1600W x 1
1200W x 1
2400W x 1
NOTA: Los canales del subwoofer del amplifi cador KX 2017 tienen estabilidad de 1 Ω, con potencia nominal
equivalente a operación de 2 Ω +/- 10%
INSTALACIÓN
Montaje: Escoja un lugar estructuralmente sólido para montar el amplifi cador KICKER. Asegúrese de
que no haya nada por detrás de dónde van a entrar los tornillos. Escoja un lugar en que queden por lo
menos 4 plg. (10 cm) de espacio abierto de ventilación alrededor del amplifi cador. Si es posible, monte el
amplifi cador en el compartimiento de pasajeros, con ambiente acondicionado. Haga cuatro agujeros con
una broca de 7/64 de plg. (3 mm) y monte el amplifi cador con los tornillos N° 8 que se suministran.
Cableado: Desconecte la batería del vehículo para evitar cortocircuitos. Luego, conecte un cable de
conexión a tierra al amplifi cador. El cable de conexión a tierra debe ser corto, de 24 plg. (60 cm) o menos, y
debe ir conectado a un punto sólido del chasis del vehículo en que no haya ni pintura ni corrosión. También
se recomienda instalar un cable de conexión a tierra adicional, de este mismo calibre (o de mayor calibre),
entre la terminal negativa de la batería y el chasis del auto.
Las entradas RCA del amplifi cador KX recibirán señales de alto o bajo nivel desde la unidad fuente del
estéreo de su automóvil. Una señal de alto nivel se puede transmitir desde las salidas de los altavoces de
la unidad fuente hasta la entrada RCA del estéreo en el panel inferior del amplifi cador utilizando el KICKER
KISL, como se muestra en la imagen. Alternativamente, la señal se puede transmitir hacia el amplifi cador
utilizando las salidas RCA de bajo nivel en la unidad fuente. Mantenga el cable de señal de audio lejos de
los arneses de cableado de fábrica y de otros cables eléctricos. Si necesita cruzar este cableado, hágalo a
un ángulo de 90 grados.
Cable de salida
cable central
Hacia el amplifi cador
KICKER KISL
de altavoz de
alto nivel
+
–
Conexión a tierra o blindaje
O
Hacia el
amplifi cador
Cable de salida de
altavoz de alto nivel
Instale un fusible a menos de 18 plg. (45 cm) de la batería y en línea con el cable de alimentación
conectado al amplifi cador. Si alguna vez necesita desmontar el amplifi cador, el cable de conexión a
tierra debe ser el último que se desconecte del amplifi cador. Exactamente lo contrario de lo que se hace
cuando se instala.
Para múltiples instalaciones de amplifi cadores en las que se utilicen bloques de distribución, cada
amplifi cador debe tener su fusible, o interruptor, de la capacidad correcta instalado entre el amplifi cador
y el bloque de distribución a una distancia máxima de 18 pulgadas del bloque, o bien en el bloque de
distribución si provee conexión al fusible. El cable principal de energía también se debe fusionar entre la
batería y el bloque de distribución, a una distancia máxima de 18 pulgadas de la terminal positiva de la
batería, con un fusible o interruptor con capacidad al menos similar a la suma de los valores del fusible
del amplifi cador, pero que no supere la capacidad de su cableado.