MTX Audio Thunder 4405 User Manual

AMPLIFIER OWNER’S MANUAL

5-CHANNEL
POWER
AMPLIFIER

AMPLIFIERS

2

3

• Intelligent Surface Mount Technology

•

Patented PWM MOSFET Switching Power Supply (#5,598,325)

•

Class A 100% Discrete Driver Circuit Topology

•

Class A/B, Amplifier (front and rear)

•

Dedicated AdaptiveClass D Sub Channel

•

High Powered Transformer

•

Pure N-Channel Design (front and rear)

•

Doubles power into 2 ohms

•

Bridgeable, multi-channel circuit design

•

Real Time Computerized Protection Circuit

•

18dB/Octave, defeatable/fixed 85Hz HP filter (front and rear)

•

18dB/Octave, butterworth fixed 85Hz LP filter x 1 (subwoofer)

•

Continuously adjustable and defeatable Bass EQ enhancement circuitry, centered at 40Hz - subwoofer channel only

•

Low level inputs

•

External Bass Control Port for easy Bass Adjustment via optional EBC unit (subwoofer)

•

Front, rear and subwoofer individually adjustable input sensitivity

•

Input select allows all channels to be driven using either 2,4 or 5 inputs

• Nickel-plated, heavy duty terminal block type connectors

•

2" max height for ease of installation

•

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

• Bold and Aggressive Heatsink Shape and Size

Specifications

THUNDER4405

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:
25 Watts RMS/Ch x 4 into 4 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N
50 Watts RMS/Ch x 4 into 2 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N
100 Watts RMS bridged x 2 into 4 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N

Subwoofer
100 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N
200 Watts RMS into 2 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC
Front and Rear
65 Watts x 4 into a 4 Ohm load
125 Watts x 4 into a 2 Ohm load
250 Watts bridged x 2 into a 4 Ohm load

Subwoofer
150 Watts x 1 into a 4 Ohm load
300 Watts x 1 into a 2 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: ≥100dB A-Weighted (front and rear)
Signal to Noise Ratio: ≥90dB A-Weighted (subwoofer)
Damping Factor: >200
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz±0.25dB (front and rear)

20Hz - 85Hz (subwoofer)

Bass EQ: Variable Bass Boost (0-18dB) centered at 40Hz (subwoofer)
Crossover: Fixed 85Hz, 18dB/Octave, HP Defeatable (front and rear)

Fixed 85Hz, 18dB/Octave, LP (subwoofer)

Dimensions:

13.2" x 9.75" x 2" (33.5cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

15.5" x 9.75" x 2.1" (39.5cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™

CONGRATULATIONS...

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 cover­to-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

[e-mail]

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:

Introduction

ENGLISH

Features

AMPLIFIERS

4

5

1. Input Select 2CH / 4CH / 5CH – This switch, found on the Thunder4405, is used to match the amplifier’s
input to the source unit’s output so all five channels of the amplifier are driven. If your source unit has 2
outputs (a 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, and 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. If your source unit has 5 or 6 outputs, (left front, left rear,
right front, right rear and subwoofer) connect them to the amplifier inputs and place the input select
switch in the 5CH postion.

2. Gain Control – These controls are used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier position to the par­ticular source unit that you are using. The controls are factory set to 1Vrms.

3. Crossover Control Front and Rear – This switch turns the internal electronic high pass 18dB/Octave 85Hz
crossovers on and off. If the switch is selecting HP, the crossover is on. When the switch is selects FR, the
crossover is bypassed for a full range output. (Subwoofer is a fixed low pass 18dB/Octave 85Hz crossover)

4. RCA Input Jacks Front and Rear – RCA or type input jacks for use with source units that have RCA or
Line Level Outputs. A source unit with a minimum output level of 200mV is required for proper operation.

5. Bass EQ – This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicle’s inte­rior. With up to 18 dB of boost and centered at 40Hz, the Bass EQ can be adjusted to meet your own per­sonal taste.

6. RCA Input Jacks (Sub) – L + R inputs are supplied to simplify installation. The left and right inputs sum
internally to form a single monaural channel. The left and right inputs are electronically isolated and will
not affect the isolation of the other four channels. A source unit with a minimum output level of 200mV
is required for proper operation.

7. EBC – The EBC, or Electronic Bass Control, allows a remote bass control to be adjusted from the driver’s
seat. If the optional EBC is installed, the bass level will be able to be adjusted to overcome noise and other
interference.

Input Panel Layout

❶

❹

❺

❻

❷

❸

❼

❷

❹

❸

❷

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.

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.

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. Term Block Right Channel

– The Right Rear + and Right Rear – terminals connect the right rear speak-

er to the right rear channel of the amplifier. Connect the + terminal of the speaker to the Right Rear + ter­minal of the amplifier and the – terminal of the speaker to the Right Rear – terminal of the amplifier. 2 ohm
minimum impedance is allowed. Operation the same for front channels.

6. Term Block Left Channel

– The Left Rear + and Left Rear – terminals connect the left rear speaker to the

left rear channel of the amplifier. Connect the + terminal of the speaker to the left Rear + terminal of the
amplifier and the – terminal of the speaker to the left Rear – terminal of the amplifier. 2 ohm minimum
impedance is allowed. Operation the same for front channels.

7. Term Block Sub Channel

– The sub + and sub - terminals connect the subwoofer to the dedicated sub-

woofer channel of the amplifier. Connect the + terminal of the speaker to the sub + terminal of the ampli­fier and the – terminal of the speaker to the sub – terminal of the amplifier. 2 ohm minimum impedance is
allowed.

8. 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.

Output Panel Layout

❶

❹

❺

❻

❷

❸

❼

AMPLIFIERS

6

7

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, mid-bass, 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)

Adjusting the Gain

1. Turn the gain controls 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 front channel gain control on the amplifier
until audible distortion occurs.

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

5. Follow steps 3-4 for rear channel and sub-channel gain
settings.

6. The amplifier is now calibrated to the source unit’s out­put. The rear and sub channels may be adjusted accord­ing to your personal taste.

Typical Speaker

Wiring

Configurations

Definitions of Common Terms

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

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
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 boomy Thunder EQ too high Lower setting

Bass is weak Thunder EQ too low Raise setting

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

Troubleshooting

5-Channel Amplifier
Mono Amp and Bridged Stereo Amp
Impedance Requirements

— 2 ohm minimum for sub (mono) channel
— 4 ohm bridge minimum for stereo channels

Note: The information shown for
bridged stereo channels is good
for both the front and rear channels

4 ohm

4 ohm

4 ohm

+ + - - +

- L L R R

s
u
b

Two 4 ohm speakers for
sub channel
One 4 ohm speaker for
bridged stereo channel

OK

— 2 ohm stereo minimum for stereo channels

8 ohm

8 ohm

8 ohm

8 ohm

8 ohm

8 ohm

+ + - - +

- L L R R

s
u
b

Four 8 ohm speakers for
sub channel
Two 8 ohm speakers for
bridged stereo channel

OK

4 ohm

4 ohm

4 ohm

Three or more 4 ohm speakers
for sub channel
Two 4 ohm speakers for bridged
stereo channel

4 ohm

4 ohm

+ + - - +

- L L R R

s
u
b

NOT
OK

AMPLIFIERS

8

9

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 enregistre 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 vous-même,
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 à la page 4. 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

[e-mail]

mtx.com

Introduction

FRANÇAIS

• Technologie Intelligente Surface Mount

•

Source d’alimentation à découpage PWM MOSFET brevetée (n° 5 598 325)

• Topologie de circuit à pilote 100 % discret, catégorie A

• Ampli x 4, classe A/B

•

Sub-canal de classe D adaptation fixée

• Transformateur haute puissance

• Dessin N-Canal pur (avant et arrière)

• Double la puissance sous 2 ohms

• Circuit multicanal avec possibilitété d’écoute

• Circuit de protection informatisé temps réel

• 18dB/Octave, défait, fixé 85 Hz HP filtre (avant et dos)

• 18dB/Octave, butterworth fixé 85 Hz HP filtre x 1 (subwoofer)

• Circuit d’accentuation des basses Bass EQ, réglable en continu ou supprimable, centré sur 40 Hz canaux
arrière et subwoofer

• Entrées de basse fréquence

• Prise de commande des bassesEBC-External pour une correction facile des basses via l’EBC (subwoofer) en option

• Sensibilité de tension avant, arrière et subwoofer réglable

• La sélection d’entrée permet de commander les canaux en utilisant les entrées 2,4 ou5

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

• Hauteur maximale de 5 cm pour faciliter l’installation

• Iso-Feet™ uniques, isolants en caoutchouc (#5,521,792)

• Forme et dimensions osées et agressives d’un radiateur

Caractéristiques

Specifications

THUNDER4405

RMS Power measured at 12.5 Volts DC:
25 Watts RMS/Ch x 4 into 4 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N
50 Watts RMS/Ch x 4 into 2 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N
100 Watts RMS bridged x 2 into 4 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N

Subwoofer
100 Watts RMS into 4 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N
200 Watts RMS into 2 Ohms with less than 1% Thd+N

Dynamic Power measured at 14.4 Volts DC
Front and Rear
65 Watts x 4 into a 4 Ohm load
125 Watts x 4 into a 2 Ohm load
250 Watts bridged x 2 into a 4 Ohm load

Subwoofer
150 Watts x 1 into a 4 Ohm load
300 Watts x 1 into a 2 Ohm load

Signal to Noise Ratio: ≥100dB A-Weighted (front and rear)
Signal to Noise Ratio: ≥90dB A-Weighted (subwoofer)
Damping Factor: >200
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz±0.25dB (front and rear)

20Hz - 85Hz (subwoofer)

Bass EQ: Variable Bass Boost (0-18dB) centered at 40Hz (rear and subwoofer)
Crossover: Fixed 85Hz, 18dB/Octave, HP Defeatable (front and rear)

Fixed 85Hz, 18dB/Octave, LP (subwoofer)

Dimensions:

13.2" x 9.75" x 2" (33.5cm x 24.8cm x 5.1cm)

15.5" x 9.75" x 2.1" (39.5cm x 24.8cm x 5.3cm) Including IsoFeet™