Kicker KXA400.2, KXA1200.2, KXA400.4 User Manual

KX

AMPLIFIERS

Owner’s Manual

KXA400.2 | KXA1200.2
KXA400.4

Manual del Propietario | Español
AMPLIFICADOR DEL LA SERIE KX.2

Benutzerhandbuch | Deutsch
STEREOVERSTÄRKER DER KX.2-SERIE

Manuel d’utilisation | Française
AMPLIFICATEUR DE SÉRIE KX.2

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KX.2-SERIES AMPLIFIERS
OWNER’S MANUAL

MODEL: KXA400.2 | KXA1200.2 | KXA400.4

IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING

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.

PERFORMANCE

Model: KXA400.2 KXA400.4 KXA1200.2

RMS Power
@ 14.4V, 4 stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2 stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N

Length [in, cm] 9-9/16, 24.4 11-3/16, 28.4 11-3/16, 28.4

Specifi cations common to all models:

Height [in, cm] 2-1/8, 5.5

Width [in, cm] 8-5/16, 21

Frequency Response [Hz] 10Hz–20kHz

Signal-to-Noise Ratio [dB] 95dB

Input Sensitivity 250mV–10V

Selectable Electronic Crossover Off; Variable HP, 10–500Hz; Variable LP, 40–500Hz;

KickEQ™ Bass Boost 0–18dB @ 40Hz

100 x 2
200 x 2
400 x 1

50 x 4
100 x 4
200 x 2

300 x 2
600 x 2
N/A

400Hz–5,000Hz with 10X Switch (bandpass capable);
Slope: 24dB/octave"

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.

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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.

source unit

core conductor

to amplifi er

KICKER KISL (optional)

high-level speaker
outputs

+

OR

–

shield

to amplifi er

from source unit high­level speaker outputs

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.

Model External Fuse

Power/Ground Wire KICKER Wiring Kit

(sold separately)

KXA400.2 1 x 60 Ampere 8 Gauge PK8, CK8

KXA400.4 1 x 100 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4

KXA1200.2 1 x 150 Ampere 4 Gauge PK4, CK4

POWER WIRING

audio inputs

RADIO

DETECT

OFF/ON

≤18”

(45cm)

≤24”

external fuse

12V

(60cm)

remote turn-on

battery

(see page 6)

bare-metal

bare-metal chassis ground

chassis ground

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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)

external fuse

power distribution block

≤18”

(45cm)

external fuse

≤18”

(45cm)

external fuse

to amplifi er to amplifi er

KICKER will now provide a three-year warranty with all KXA­Series Amplifi er purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER
Installation Kit* .

12V

battery

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

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FOUR CHANNEL OPERATION

minimum impedance of 2 ohm

L

DETECT

RADIO

R

R

BRIDGED OPERATION (MONO)

minimum impedance of 4 ohms

RADIO

DETECT

STEREO-AND-MONO-SIMULTANEOUSLY (SAMS) OPERATION

minimum impedance of 4 ohms bridged (mono) and 2 ohm per channel stereo

L

RADIO

DETECT

L

R

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5

OPERATION

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

GAIN

MATCH

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.

Fader Switch (KXA400.4 only): Depress the fader switch if you are running two sets of inputs (front
and rear for example) to the amplifi er. Leave the fader switch OFF if you want to drive all channels from a
single stereo input.

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.

Crossover Switches with Frequency Multiplier: Use the XOVER switches on the end panel of
the amplifi er to set the internal crossovers of AMPS 1 & 2 to OFF, HI-PASS, LO-PASS, or BAND-PASS
(AMP 2 only). When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplifi ed. Set the switch to
HP if you want the amplifi er’s internal crossover to serve as a high-pass fi lter. Set the switch to LP if you
want the amplifi er’s internal crossover to serve as a low-pass fi lter. Set the switch to BP when a specifi c
frequency range is required. Never change the crossover switches with the audio system on!

Set the 1X/10X frequency multiplier switch to the setting that is appropriate for your application. A setting
of 10X will set the range of the AMP 1 crossover to 100–5,000Hz, and the crossover of AMP 2 to
400–5,000Hz.

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 40Hz. 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.

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GAIN MATCHING

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:

1kHz @ 0dBFS, 50Hz @ 0dBFS, 1kHz @ -10dBFS, 50Hz @ -10dBFS, 1kHz @ -5dBFS, 50Hz @ -5dBFS

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, 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.

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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?
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.

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 [e-mail] or call Technical Services [phone] for unanswered or specifi c
questions.

Amplifi er is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper



KXA400.2

100 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

KXA1200.2

300 x 2 @ 4 ohm, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

KXA400.4

50 x 4 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006B (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -75dB CEA-2006B (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

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AMPLIFICADOR DE LA SERIE KX.2
MANUAL DEL PROPIETARIO

MODELOS: KXA400.2 | KXA400.4 | KXA1200.2

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, 4 stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
a 14.4V, 2 stereo, ≤ 1% THD+N
a 14.4V, 4Ω mono, ≤ 1% THD+N

Longitud [pulg, cm] 9-9/16, 24.4 11-3/16, 28.4 11-3/16, 28.4

Especifi caciones en común de todos los modelos:

Altura [pulg, cm] 2-1/8, 5.5

Ancho [pulg, cm] 8-5/16, 21

Respuesta de frecuencia ± 1dB 10Hz–20kHz

Relación señal-ruido [dB] >95dB, ponderación A, re: potencia nominal

Sensibilidad de entrada 250mV–10V

Divisor de frecuencias electrónico seleccionable Off; Variable HP, 10–500Hz; Variable LP, 40–500Hz; 400Hz–

Refuerzo de graves KickEQ

™

KXA400.2 KXA1200.2 KXA400.4

100 x 2
200 x 2
400 x 1

5,000Hz con interruptor 10X (BP capaces); Slope: 24dB/octave”

0–18dB @ 40Hz

300 x 2
600 x 2
N/A

50 x 4
100 x 4
200 x 2

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.

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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.

Modelo Fusible Externo

(no incluido)

Cable de Alimentación y
Conexión a Tierra

Kit de cableado
KICKER

KXA400.2 1 x 60 Ampere Calibre 8 PK8, CK8

KXA400.4 1 x 100 Ampere Calibre 4 PK4, CK4

KXA1200.2 1 x 150 Ampere Calibre 4 PK4, CK4

CABLEADO DE ALIMENTACIÓN

RADIO

DETECT

OFF/ON

≤18”

(45cm)

≤24”

fusible externo

12V

(60cm)

batería
encendido a
distancia (página 13)

conexión a tierra

conexión a tierra

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