Kicker ZXM450.2 Owner's Manual

ZXM MARINE
AMPLIFIER

ZXM450.2

English Version

Versión Español

Amplificador del la Serie ZXM.2

LIVIN’ LOUD

Deutsche Version

Stereoverstärker der ZXM.2-Serie

Version Francaise

Amplificateur de série ZXM.2

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ZXM.2-SERIES AMPLIFIERS Owner’s Manual

Authorized KICKER Dealer:

Purchase Date:

Model Number:

Serial Number:

ZXM450.2

PERFORMANCE

Model: ZXM450.2

RMS Power, all channels driven
@ 14.4V, 4Ω stereo,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω stereo,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 4Ω mono,  1% THD+N

Length 16¾” (425mm)

Specifi cations common to all models:

Height 2-1/8” (54mm)

Width 9-5/8” (244mm)

Frequency Response ± 1dB 20Hz–20kHz

Signal-to-noise Ratio >95dB, A-weighted, re: rated power

Input Sensitivity Low Level: 125mV–5V

Selectable Electronic Crossover Variable HI, LO, or OFF (bypass) | 50–200Hz, 12dB/octave

Bass Boost Variable 0–18dB @ 40Hz

150W x 2
225W x 2
450W x 1

High Level: 250mV–10V

Pro Tip: To get the best performance from your new KICKER Amplifi er, use genuine KICKER accessories and
wiring.

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.

The ZXM amplifi er has dual input sensitivity differential RCA inputs which will receive either high or low level
signals from your car stereo’s source unit. Ideally, when connecting the source unit to the amplifi er, the ZXM
amplifi er’s input level switch should be set to “LO” and a low-level signal should run from the source unit’s
stereo RCA output to the stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifi er using RCA interconnect cable. If a
low-level stereo RCA output is not available on the source unit, the signal can be delivered to the amplifi er using
the high-level speaker outputs on the source unit. Set the input level switch on the end panel of the amplifi er
to “HI”. Crimp and solder RCA connectors to the end of the speaker wire running from the high-level speaker
outputs on the source unit and connect the wire to the RCA Inputs on the end panel of the amplifi er or simplify
the installation by using a KICKER ZISL as shown below. Either input method will provide a low-level output signal

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ZXM AMPLIFIERS

at the RCA output, which effectively passes the audio signal to another amplifi er or component. 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
high-level speaker
outputs

core conductor

+

–

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.

shield

to amplifi er

OR

KICKER ZISL

to amplifi er

source unit high-level
speaker outputs

Model External Fuse Power/Ground Wire

ZXM450.2 1 x 60 Ampere 4 Gauge

GND REM +12V

remote turn-on
(see page 5)

external fuse

protection LED

18”

(45cm)

12V

battery

STEREO OPERATION

minimum impedance of 2 ohms per channel

LLRR

SPKR + SPKR - SPKR + SPKR -

L+ L– R+ R–

signal in signal out

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AUTO

ON

O

OFFS

O
I

UT

S

+

S

-

INPUT

SENS

Y

L

R

O

O

OUTPUT

S

+

S

-

BRIDGED OPERATION (MONO)

minimum impedance of 4 ohms

LLRR

SPKR + SPKR - SPKR + SPKR -

L+ L– R+ R–

signal in

signal out

STEREO-AND-MONO-SIMULTANEOUSLY (SAMS) OPERATION

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

hi pass hi pass

LLRR

SPKR + SPKR - SPKR + SPKR -

L+ L– R+ R–

signal in

signal out

woofer

lo pass

woofer

ZXRC* REMOTE BASS
INSTALLATION

1. mount the

2. slide the housing until it snaps
into the metal bracket

back view

metal bracket

TURN

+12V DC AUDI

PKR

ITIVIT

L

INP

ET

H

REMOTE BASS

PKR

XOVE

FF HI L

PKR

PKR

* ZXRC not included

4-conductor phone cable

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ZXM AMPLIFIERS

OPERATION

AUTO

TURN ON

+12V DC AUDIO

OFFSET

LSPKR + LSPKR -

INPUT

SENSITIVITY

LO
HI

LLRR

INPUT

L+ BRIDGE WIRING R-

REMOTE BASS

OUTPUT

RSPKR + RSPKR -

XOVER

OFF HI LO

Automatic Turn-On Selection: The ZXM 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 6V 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.

Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER ZXM amplifi ers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level signals
from your source unit. If the only output available from your source unit is a Hi-Level signal, simply press in the
Input Level switch on the amplifi er. Refer to the wiring section of this manual for additional instructions.

Crossover Switch: Use the XOVER switch on the end panel of the amplifi er to set the internal crossover to
OFF, HI or LO. When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplifi ed. Set the switch to HI if
you want the amplifi er’s internal crossover to serve as a high-pass fi lter. Set the switch to LO if you want the
amplifi er’s internal crossover to serve as a low-pass fi lter. Never change the crossover
“OFF/HI/LO” switch setting with the audio system on!

Input Gain Control: 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. Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it
to 25). Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifi er up until you can hear audible distortion, then turn it
down a little.

Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the top of the amplifi er is designed to give you
increased output, 0–18dB, at 40 Hz. 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.

Crossover Control: The variable crossover on the top of the amplifi er allows you to adjust the crossover
frequency from 50–200Hz. The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.

Remote Bass-ZXRC (not included): When the crossover on your ZXM amplifi er is set to LO pass, you have
the ability to control the output level of the amplifi er remotely. To mount the ZXRC remote bass level control,
simply screw the metal bracket to the chosen location, then slide the housing onto the bracket until it snaps into
place. Run the cable from the controller to the “Remote Bass” jack on the amplifi er chassis.

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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 an illuminated
aqua badge on top of the amplifi er denoting the power state of the amp in addition to the Protection LED on the
end panel of your KICKER ZXM series amplifi er. When the aqua badge is lit, this indicates the amplifi er is turned
on and the amplifi er is functioning properly.

AQUA Badge Light off, no output? With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following: +12 volt power
terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V) Check for
reversed power and ground connections. Ground terminal, for proper conductivity. Check for blown fuses.

AQUA Badge Light on, no output? Check the following: RCA connections Test speaker outputs with a
“known” good speaker. Substitute source unit with a “known” good source unit. Check for a signal in the
RCA cable feeding the amplifi er with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage.

Protection LED fl ashing with loud music? The red 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.

Protection 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 output from one channel? Check the balance control on source unit Check the RCA (or speaker
input) and speaker output connections for the channel Swap the RCA (or speaker input) cable from left to
right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad RCA (or speaker input) cable or source unit problem.

Swap the speaker output wire from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad speaker



cable, passive crossover network and/or speaker.

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.

Poor stereo image or reduced bass response? Check system phasing by turning the balance control from
left to right. If there is more bass output when turned to either side, then check your speaker wiring, passive
crossover networks and speaker terminals for proper positive and negative connections. Reverse a speaker
connection from positive to negative on the stereo/subwoofer channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was
out of phase.

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.

Please Note: Modern high performance speakers have a lower DC Resistance than what used to be available.
The KICKER Coaxial and Component speakers are rated at four ohms (some DC Resistances may be as low
as 3 ohms) and work with any amplifi er designed to operate at a four ohm load. If you want to use two KICKER
Coaxial or Component speakers on a single channel of your amplifi er, wire the speakers in series. This will
improve the sound quality, lower the total harmonic distortion and lessen the thermal load at the amplifi er. This
may prevent an amplifi er from shutting down due to over-current protection circuitry.

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.

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ZXM AMPLIFIERS

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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.

ZXM450.2

150 x 2 @ 4 ohms, 14.4VDC, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)
Signal to Noise Ratio -91
CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)

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AMPLIFICADOR DE LA SERIE ZXM.2
Manual del propietario

Distribuidor autorizado de KICKER:

Fecha de compra:

Número de modelo del amplifi cador:

Número de serie del amplifi cador:

ZXM450.2

RENDIMIENTO

Modelo: ZXM450.2

Potencia RMS, todos los canales activados
@ 14.4V, 4Ω estereofónico,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 2Ω estereofónico,  1% THD+N
@ 14.4V, 4Ω monofónico,  1% THD+N

Largo 16¾” (425mm)

Especifi caciones comunes de todos los modelos:

Altura 2-1/8” (54mm)

Ancho 9-5/8” (244mm)

Respuesta de frecuencias ± 1dB 20Hz–20kHz

Relación de señal a ruido >95dB, ponderado en A, ref: potencia nominal

Sensibilidad de entrada Bajo Nivel: 125mV–5V

Crossover electrónico a selección HI, LO, o OFF (desactivado), variable 50–200 Hz, 12

Refuerzo de bajos Variable de 0–18dB @ 40Hz

150W x 2
225W x 2
450W x 1

Alto Nivel: 250mV–10V

dB/octava

Nota: Para obtener el mejor rendimiento de sus nuevos amplifi cadores KICKER, le recomendamos que use
accesorios y cableado KICKER auténticos.

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 amplifi cador ZXM tiene entradas RCA diferenciales de doble sensibilidad de entrada que reciben señales
de alto nivel o bajo nivel de la unidad fuente del sistema estereofónico del automóvil. Idealmente, cuando se
conecta la unidad fuente al amplifi cador, el selector de nivel de entrada del amplifi cador ZXM debe estar en
la posición de bajo (LO) y una señal de bajo nivel debe ir de la salida RCA estereofónica de la unidad fuente
a la entrada RCA estereofónica del panel de extremo del amplifi cador por un cable de interconexión RCA.
Si no hay salida RCA estereofónica de bajo nivel en la unidad fuente, la señal se puede llevar al amplifi cador
desde las salidas de altavoz de alto nivel de la unidad fuente. Fije el selector de nivel de entrada del panel de
extremo del amplifi cador en la posición de alto (HI). Engarce y suelde conectores RCA al extremo del cable de
altavoz procedente de las salidas de altavoz de alto nivel de la unidad fuente y conéctelo a las entradas RCA

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AMPLIFICADOR ZXM

del panel de extremo del amplifi cador o simplifi car la instalación mediante un ZISL KICKER como se muestra a
continuación. Cualquiera de los métodos de entrada permite establecer una señal de salida de bajo nivel en la

salida RCA, lo cual, en efecto, pasa la señal de audio a otro amplifi cador o componente. Mantenga el cable de
señal de audio alejado de los arneses de cableado de fábrica y otros cables de alimentación. Si es necesario
cruzar este cableado, crúcelo en un ángulo de 90°.

Cable de salida
de altavoz de
alto nivel

cable central

+

–

Conexión a tierra o blindaje

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

ZXM450.2 1 x 60A Calibre 4

GND REM +12V

Cable de Alimentación y
Conexión a Tierra

Hacia el amplifi cador

O

KICKER ZISL

Hacia el
amplifi cador

Cable de salida de
altavoz de alto nivel

LED de “protection”

18”

(45cm)

encendido a distancia
(página 11)

fusible
externo

12V

batería

FUNCIONAMIENTO POR DOS
CANALES (ESTEREOFÓNICO)

impedancia mínima de 2 ohmios por canal en
estereofónico

LLRR

SPKR + SPKR - SPKR + SPKR -

L+ L– R+ R–

señal de salidaseñal de entrada

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