MTX Audio Thunder4122, Thunder4202, Thunder4244 User Manual

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AMPLIFIER OWNER’S MANUAL

POWER

AMPLIFIERS

AMPLIFIERS

Introduction

CONGRATULATIONS...

ENGLISH

on your purchase of a new MTX Audio

 

 

Thunder Amplifier! MTX has long been

 

the industry leader in mobile enclosures

 

and speakers, and we have reached

 

new heights with the development of the

 

new MTX Thunder amplifiers. You

 

couldn’t have chosen a more reliable,

 

powerful, or better performing amplifier.

 

In fact, we back up every Thunder

 

amplifier with a three-year warranty if

 

installed by an authorized MTX Audio

 

retailer (see the warranty statement).

Your new MTX Thunder amplifier was designed, built and thoroughly tested at our state-of-the-art electronics manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. We manufacture every amplifier using the latest Intelligent Surface Mount Technology. Some of the advantages of the new design are its significant improvements to the amplifier’s electrical and mechanical properties. ISMT devices feature substantially shorter internal and external lead lengths. This reduces stray capacitance and inductance, which results in cleaner and more accurate musical reproduction with significantly less noise interference. The ISMT mounter produces amplifier boards with smaller and lighter components, which are more resistant to vibrations inherent in the automotive environment.

A word about power ratings. It is important for you to know how they stack up. MTX has chosen the most honest, most conservative way to rate our amps. We show you the RMS power, at 12.5 volts, and dynamic power at 14.4 volts. However, we go above and beyond the call of duty. We test each amplifier. The technician records the “actual” power output, and records this number on your Certified Performance Certificate. The amplifier

must meet or exceed the rated specification before we’ll ship it. No questions. No exceptions.

We want to ensure you get continuous high performance from your MTX Thunder amplifier, so we recommend that you have it professionally installed by your authorized MTX dealer.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

If you are installing this amplifier yourself, we recommend that you read the manual cover- to-cover before you install it. Familiarize yourself with the features and details on the input and output panels. Make sure you have all the equipment you need. Then follow the step-by-step installation instructions included. Sample installation diagrams may be found on our website:

mtx.com

If you have any questions, write or call us: MTX Audio

4545 E. Baseline Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85042

602-438-4545 • 800-CALL MTX technical@mtx.com mtx.com

Please take a moment to register your purchase on line at mtx.com.

Please also record the serial number of your amplifier in the space provided below and keep this manual for future reference, as well as your sales receipt as proof of ownership. (The serial number of your amplifier is marked on the bottom of its metal chassis.)

Serial Number: Date of Purchase:

Features

Unique rubber Insulated Iso-Feet™ (Patent# 5,521,792)

Nickel-plated, heavy duty terminal block type connectors

Speaker and low level inputs

Input select 2CH / 4CH switch on Thunder4244 functions as a built-in Y connector

Color-coded wire harness for speaker-level input installation

Smart-Engage™ auto-turn on for easy integration with factory head units

Built-in, defeatable18dB/octave HP/LP crossover at 85 Hz

Thunder4244 Front channel crossover is a defeatable18dB/octave, high pass, at 85Hz

Adjustable input sensitivity

Bridgeable, multi-channel circuit design

Regulated PWM Mosfet Switching Power Supply

New, more reliable high powered transformers

Buffered, isolated output for daisy chaining multiple amplifiers

Pure N-Channel Design

Intelligent Surface Mount Technology

Class A 100% discrete driver circuit topology

Real Time Computerized Protection Circuit

Anti-Shock PCB mounting design

Acoustically Seamless Turn-on/Turn-off

Specifications

Thunder4122

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:

30 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD 60 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

120 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC: 50 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load

80 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load

200 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: 100dB A-Weighted (Referenced to Rated PWR at 1VRMS Input Sensitivity)

Damping Factor: >200

Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz ±.25dB

Defeatable 18dB/octave crossover at 85 Hz, selectable for high pass, low pass.

Dimensions: 5.63" x 9.75" x 2" (14.3cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

7.98" x 9.75" x 2.1" (20.3cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™

Thunder4202

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:

50 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD 100 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

200 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC: 85 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load

140 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load

280 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: 100dB A-Weighted

(Referenced to Rated PWR at 1VRMS Input Sensitivity) Damping Factor: >200

Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz ±.25dB

Defeatable18 dB/octave crossover at 85 Hz, selectable for high pass, low pass.

Dimensions: 7" x 9.75" x 2" (17.8cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

9.3" x 9.75" x 2.1" (23.6cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™

Thunder4244

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:

45 Watts x 4 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD 60 Watts x 4 into a 2 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

120 Watts x 2 bridged into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC: 55 Watts x 4 into a 4 Ohm load

100 Watts x 4 into a 2 Ohm load

200 Watts x 2 bridged into a 4 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: 100dB A-Weighted (Referenced to Rated PWR at 1VRMS Input Sensitivity)

Damping Factor: >200

Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz ±.25dB

Defeatable 18dB/octave crossover at 85 Hz, selectable for high pass, low pass, or full range on rear channels and high pass or full range for front channels.

Dimensions: 9.2" x 9.75" x 2" (23.4cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

11.5" x 9.75" x 2.1" (29.2cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™

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3

MTX Audio Thunder4122, Thunder4202, Thunder4244 User Manual

AMPLIFIERS

1.RCA Input Jacks – These RCA input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA or Line Level Outputs. An independent set of jacks are provided on the Thunder4244 for front and rear stereo inputs. A source unit with a minimum level of 200mV is required for proper operation. The use of high quality twisted pair cables is recommended to decrease the possibility of radiated noise entering the system.

2.Input Select 2CH/4CH – This switch, found on the Thunder4244, is used to match the amplifier’s input to the source unit’s output so all four channels of the amplifier are driven. If your source unit has 2 outputs (left and right) connect them to the amplifier’s front channel inputs, and place the input select switch in the 2CH position. If your source unit has 4 outputs, (left front, left rear, right front, right rear) connect them to the amplifier inputs and place the input select switch in the 4CH postion. In the 4CH position, the fader on your source unit will operate.

3.Speaker Level Inputs – This input will allow the amplifier to operate from source units with speaker-level outputs. Output speaker leads from the source unit should be tied directly to the wire harness provided with the amplifier.

Wire harness color codes:

Grey/Black = Source units right negative (-)

White/Black = Source units left negative (-)

Solid Grey = Source units right positive (+)

Solid White = Source units left positive (+)

With the Smart-Engage™ auto-turn circuit, a remote turn-on wire is not necessary when connecting the speaker-level input wire harness to a high powered source unit. The amplifier will automatically turn on when music is received.

4.RCA Output – These RCA outputs allow for a signal to be sent to other amplifiers in a daisychain configuration. The RCA outputs on all Thunder4000 series amplifiers will send a full-range signal to additional amplifiers.

5.Gain Controls – These controls are used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit that you are using. The controls are factory set to 1Vrms. Note that the Thunder4244 has a separate gain control for front and rear channels.

6.Crossover Select – This switch controls the type of crossover configuration that you desire. The Thunder4000 series 2-channel amplifiers include a defeatable 18dB/Octave 85Hz crossover that is high pass/low pass or full range selectable. The Thunder4244 four channel amplifier includes a defeatable 18dB/octave 85Hz crossover that is high pass or full range for the front channels, and a high pass, low pass or full range for the rear channels.

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Input Panel Layout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPEAKER FRONT IN

SUM OUT

REAR IN SPEAKER

 

 

LEVEL

 

 

LEVEL

 

 

INPUT

 

 

INPUT

 

FRONT AMP RCA

FRONT

L

L

REAR

AMP

REAR

GAIN X–OVER INPUT

 

 

 

 

X–OVER GAIN

 

 

R

R

 

 

 

FR HP 2CH 4CH

RR+– LL+–

 

RR+– LL+–

LP FR HP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

AMPLIFIERS

1. Fuses - For convenience, all amplifiers utilize ATC type fuses. For continued protection in the event that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same value.

Caution: The power fuses on the amp are for protecting the amp against overdrive. To protect the vehicle’s electrical system, an additional fuse is required within 18" of the battery on the 12V+ cable.

Thunder4122 – 20 Amp

Thunder4202 – 30 Amp

Thunder4244 – 25 Amp x 2

2. Power Terminal – This is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive terminal of the car battery for the amplifier to operate properly. See the chart below for recommended cable sizes for each amplifier. Use caution when running this cable through the car. Try to avoid the input RCA cables, antenna cabling, or other sensitive equipment as the large amount of current flowing through this cable can induce noise into your system. It is also very important to have a tight connection to ensure maximum performance.

Thunder4122 – 10 Gauge

Thunder4202 – 10 Gauge

Thunder4244 – 8 Gauge

3.Ground Terminal – A good quality ground is required for your Thunder Amplifier to operate at peak performance. A short length of cable the same gauge as your power cable should be used to attach the ground terminal directly to the chassis of the car. Always scrape or sand any painted surfaces to expose bare metal where the ground wire will attach.

4.Remote Terminal – All Thunder Amplifiers can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. Typically this voltage is supplied by a wire from the source unit marked “remote” or “electric antenna”.

5.Speaker Terminals – As shown in the wiring diagrams, be sure to observe speaker polarity through the system. Failing to wire the speakers in proper phase could result in a loss of bass response and/or poor overall sound quality. Caution: Thunder amplifiers are not recommended for loads below 2 ohms stereo or 4 ohms bridged.

6.Power LED (top of heatsink)- A lighted LED indicates that power has been applied to the amplifier. +12V from the battery to the +BATT terminal (#10) and +12V from a switched ignition or remote lead from a head unit. An unlighted LED indicates power has been removed or the amplifier has overheated. In the case of the overheat condition, the amplifier will turn back on after it cools down.

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Output Panel Layout

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7

AMPLIFIERS

Adjusting the Gain

1.Turn the gain control on the amplifier all the way down.

2.Turn up the volume control on the source unit to approximately 3/4 of maximum.

3.Adjust the gain control on the amplifier until audible distortion occurs.

4.Adjust the gain control down until audible distortion disappears.

5.Follow steps 3-4 for other gain control settings. (THUNDER4244)

6.The amplifier is now calibrated to the output of the source unit.

Typical Speaker

Wiring

Configurations

Stereo Amplifier

Bridge Mode Application

Impedance Requirement

4 ohm bridge minimum

2 ohm stereo minimum

 

 

8 ohm

 

 

 

 

 

4 ohm

 

 

 

 

 

8 ohm

 

 

 

 

 

4 ohm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

+

-

-

+

 

 

+

-

-

+

 

 

L

L

R

R

 

 

L

L

R

R

 

 

 

AMP

 

 

 

AMP

 

Two 8 ohm Speakers

Two 4 ohm Speakers

not

OK ok

Definitions of Common Terms

The following list of terms with their definitions is offered as help in understanding the set-up and operation of your amplifier.

1.Crossover (xover) - an electrical filter with high-pass or low-pass characteristics that divides the frequency range into playable bands for certain speakers. Subwoofers, midbass, midrange and tweeters are all designed to play different frequencies and should do so to avoid damage. The xover point is where the playable frequencies cross from one speaker to the next at -3dB below reference level.

2.Full-range - refers to signals which cover the entire audio frequency span from 20Hz to 20kHz.

3.High-pass - simply put, this blocks lower frequencies which damage smaller speakers, and passes the higher frequencies for smaller speakers like the midrange and tweeter.

4.Low-pass - you got it, this is the inverse of a high-pass. It blocks higher frequencies and passes the playable lower frequencies to the larger speakers, like subwoofers.

5.Impedance - the resistance to the flow of current in an alternating current circuit (such as with music). Line level circuits are typically a high impedance of several thousand ohms, while speaker level circuits are usually a low impedance of a few ohms.

6.Line level - the type of signal produced at the outputs of tape decks, CD tuners, preamplifiers, etc., with a typical value of a volt or less in a high impedance circuit.

7.Speaker level - the type of output that is meant to drive speakers. These signals are sometimes called high level and are usually connected by two conductor speaker wires.

8.Signal - the signal of an audio system is what is heard from the speakers. These signals may be high pass, low pass or full-range.

We don’t have enough space for Electronics 101, so if you have a good, bad or amusing question, please call us TOLL FREE at 800-CALL MTX! (800-225-5689)

Troubleshooting Guide

Read this if you wanna be a do-it-yourselfer or give us a call at 800-CALLMTX.

Problem

Cause

Solution

No LED indication

No +12V at remote connection

Supply +12V to terminal

 

No +12V at Power connection

Supply +12V to terminal

 

Insufficient ground connection

Verify ground connection

 

Blown power fuse

Replace fuse

LED on, no output

Volume on head unit off

Increase volume on head unit

 

Speaker connections not made

Make speaker connections

 

Gain control on amplifier off

Turn up gain

 

Signal processing units off

Apply power to signal processor

 

All speakers blown

Replace speakers

Output distorted

Head unit volume set too high

Lower head unit volume

 

Amplifier gain set too high

Lower amplifier gain

Balance reversed

Speakers wired L + R reversed

Wire speakers with correct orientation

 

RCA inputs reversed

Reverse RCA inputs

Some balance reversed

Some Speakers wired L + R

Wire speakers with correct orientation

 

reversed

 

 

Some RCA inputs reversed

Reverse appropriate RCA inputs

Bass is weak

Speakers wired out

Wire with correct phase

 

of phase

 

 

Not using MTX woofers

Buy MTX woofers

Blowing fuses

Excessive output levels

Lower volume

 

Amplifier defective

Return for service

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AMPLIFIERS

Introduction

FELICITATIONS...

vous félicitant de votre achat d’un nouveau amplificateur MTX Audio Thunder! MTX a été depuis longtemps un leader dans l’industrie d’enclos mobiles et speakers, et nous sommes arrivés à un nouveau sommet avec le développement des nouveaux amplificateurs MTX Thunder. Vous n’auriez pas pu choisir d’amplificateur plus fiable, plus puissant ou meilleur. En effet ; nous garantissons pendant trois ans chaque amplificateur Thunder s’il est installé par un vendeur agréé (voir la garantie).

Votre nouvel amplicateur MTX Thunder a été conçu, construit et testé dans notre usine électronique de dernier cri à Phoenix, Arizona. Nous fabriquons chaque amplificateur en employant la Technologie Surface Mount le plus récent et intelligent . Quelques advantages du nouveau dessin sont les perfectionnements aux propriétés mécaniques et électriques de l’amplificateur. Les mécanismes SMT ont de substantiellement plus courtes longueurs internes et externes. Cela réduit l’inductance et la capacitance égarées, qui résulte en une reproduction musicale plus pure et plus exacte avec considérablement moins d’intervention du bruit. Le SMT mounter produit des cartes d’amplificateur avec plus petits et plus légèrs composants qui sont plus résistants aux vibrations inhérentes dans l’environnement automobile.

Un mot au sujet d’évaluations de puissance. C’est important de savoir comment elles s’y comparent. MTX a choisi la méthode la plus honnête et la plus conservatrice d’estimer les ampères. Nous vous montrons la puissance RMS, aux 12,5 volts et la puissance dynamique aux 14,4 volts. Cependant ; nous allons au-delà l’appel de devoir. Nous testons chaque amplificateur. Le technicien enreg-

istre la puissance de sortie ‘actuelle’, et puis il note ce

nombre sur votre Certificat de Performance Attesté. L’amplificateur doit satisfaire ou dépasser les spécifications d’évaluation avant d’être envoyé. Pas de questions. Pas d’exceptions.

Nous voulons tout faire pour assurer que vous obtenez la haute performance continue de votre amplificateur MTX Thunder, donc nous vous recommandons de l’avoir installé professionellement par votre vendeur agréé.

COMMENT UTILISER CE MANUEL

Si vous installez cet amplificateur vousmême, nous vous recommandons de lire ce manuel de la première à la dernière page avant de l’installer. Familiarisez-vous avec les caractéristiques et les détails des panneaux entrée-sortie. Vérifiez que vous avez tout l’équipement dont vous avez besoin. Puis suivez les instructions d’installation point par point qui se trouvent. Vous pouvez trouver des échantillons des diagrammes d’installation sur le Web à notre site :

mtx.com

Si vous avez des questions, écrivez ou téléphonez-nous à :

MTX Audio

4545 E. Baseline Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85042 602-438-4545 800-CALL MTX technical@mtx.com mtx.com

Caractéristiques

Plaque de fond exclusive Split Shield™ unique avec pieds en nylon Iso-Feet™ isolés (brevet 5 521 792)

Iso-Feet™ uniques, isolants en caoutchouc

Connecteurs nickelés, d’un type bloc terminal à usage industriel

Speaker et les entrées de niveau bas

Le contrôle Input Select 2CH / 4CH sur Thunder 4244 fonctionne comme un connecteur Y encastré

Harnais métallique codifié par couleurs

Auto-allumage Smart-Engage ™ pour intégration facile avec les unités de tête d’usine

Filtre passe-haut/passe-bas 18dB/octave contournable intégré à 85 Hz

Le croisement du canal avant Thunder 4244 est un 18dB/octave défait (defeatable), haut laissez-passer, à 85Hz

Sensibilité d’entrée réglable

Possibilité de ponter l’ampli et trimode possible

Source d’alimentation régulée à transistor Mosfet PWM régulé

Nouveaux transformateurs haute puissance plus fiables

Sortie isolée tamponnée pour la connexion en guirlande de plusieurs amplis

Dessin N-Canal pur

Technologie Intelligente Surface Mount

Topologie de circuit moteur 100 % discret de classe A

Circuit de protection informatisé temps réel

Montage carte-mère antichoc

Marche/arrêt transparent au plan acoustique

Specifications

Thunder4122

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:

30 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD 60 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

120 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC: 50 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load

80 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load

200 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: 100dB A-Weighted (Referenced to Rated PWR at 1VRMS Input Sensitivity)

Damping Factor: >200

Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz ±.25dB

Defeatable 18dB/octave crossover at 85 Hz, selectable for high pass, low pass.

Dimensions: 5.63" x 9.75" x 2" (14.3cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

7.98" x 9.75" x 2.1" (20.3cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™

Thunder4202

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:

50 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD 100 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

200 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC: 85 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load

140 Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load

280 Watts bridged into a 4 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: 100dB A-Weighted

(Referenced to Rated PWR at 1VRMS Input Sensitivity) Damping Factor: >200

Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz ±.25dB

Defeatable 18dB/octave crossover at 85 Hz, selectable for high pass, low pass.

Dimensions: 7" x 9.75" x 2" (17.8cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

9.3" x 9.75" x 2.1" (23.6cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™

Thunder4244

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:

45 Watts x 4 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD 60 Watts x 4 into a 2 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

120 Watts x 2 bridged into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC: 55 Watts x 4 into a 4 Ohm load

100 Watts x 4 into a 2 Ohm load

200 Watts x 2 bridged into a 4 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: 100dB A-Weighted (Referenced to Rated PWR at 1VRMS Input Sensitivity)

Damping Factor: >200

Frequency Response: 20-20,000 Hz ±.25dB

Defeatable 18dB/octave crossover at 85 Hz, selectable for high pass, low pass, or full range on rear channels and high pass or full range for front channels.

Dimensions: 9.2" x 9.75" x 2" (23.4cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

11.5" x 9.75" x 2.1" (29.2cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™

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