PowerBass ABA-1 User Manual

AUTOSOUND BASS ACCELERATOR

User's Manual

Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with your new signal processor. Should your PowerBass AutoSound bass

accelerator ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt.

ABA-1

Thank you and Congratulations

Thank you for your decision to purchase a PowerBass ABA-1 Bass Accelerator signal processor. The
ABA-1 is a bass restoration unit that allows you to electronically shape low frequency bands in a ste­reophonic system. Your PowerBass ABA-1 has been designed and engineered using the latest in signal
processing technology and will afford you many years of listening pleasure.

BASS ACCELERATOR

This installation manual contains valuable information on how to get the most out of your new PowerBass
ABA-1 Bass Accelerator. Virtually any car stereo system will benefit from the addition of this unique and
versatile product.

To learn more about PowerBass Autosound, please visit us on the World Wide Web at

http://www.powerbassusa.com

∆ Warning ∆
Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of 100 dB can cause permanent hearing loss. PowerBass Autosound Speakers
are capable of producing sound pressure levels well over 170 dB. Please observe all local sound ordinances while listening to your
PowerBass Autosound system. PowerBass USA, Inc. accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property damage due to the
result of use or misuse of this product.

3

FEATURES

Bass Driver: Contains a proprietary Bass Driver circuit that accurately recreates and injects low fre-

quency information back into the signal path.

Bass Equalization Circuit: This unique equalization circuit contours restored bass to your speaker
system.

Decibel Level Meter: The three (3) L.E.D. indicators flash when the bass equalization circuit is activated
and SPL (Sound Pressure Level) is increased.

Dash Mount Remote Control: This is a wired level control that that allows the user to adjust the amount
of bass from the driver’s seat.

INTRODUCTION

The Bass Accelerator is a bass restoration signal processor with a remote gain control. Think of it as an
electronic subwoofer turbo-charger for your system! The Bass Accelerator identifies and restores the low
frequencies mixed down or filtered out during the normal recording process.

Since the acoustics and speaker placements of each vehicle are different, the Bass Accelerator is
equipped with a set of frequency and bandwidth (Q) controls to fine tune and compensate for possible
bass deficiencies. For hands on control of the amount of bass restoration, a dash mount wired remote
gain control is included.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

1. VARI Q Control
Fine tunes the bandwidth of the frequencies being amplified.

2. FREQUENCY Control
Selects the center frequency for the bass restoration effect.

3. POWER On L.E.D.

This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit that you are
using up to 4 volts.

4. LEVEL METER

A bank of three clear L.E.D.’s that glow on and off. The brightness intensifies as the amount of bass restora­tion increases. Should the lights no longer blink, clipping is taking place that could harm the speakers, the
amplifier or both.

5. POWER PLUG

Provides power to the processor ( follow POWER CONNECTION on page 7).

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ABA-1

DECIBEL LEVEL METER

POWER

BASS ACCELERATOR

Min

20Hz

INPUT

80Hz

Max

VARI-Q

FREQUENCY

LR

OUTPUT

REMOTE

BATTERY+

REMOTE

GROUND

LR

1

2

3

4

5

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of PowerBass mobile sound equipment requires detailed knowledge of electronics wiring and
proper speaker impedance. We strongly recommend installation by an authorized PowerBass dealer. This
Owner’s Manual only provides general installation and operation instructions. If you have any reservations
about your installation skills, please contact your local PowerBass dealer for assistance.

PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION

NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for basic installation

• An electric drill with bits

• Philips head and standard screwdrivers

• Wire strippers

• Crimping tool

• VOM (electronic volt ohm meter)

• Heat shrink tubing and heat gun

• Soldering iron

MOUNTING THE PROCESSOR

To keep your PowerBass Bass Accelerator running at top performance, choosing the proper location is of
utmost importance. The processor should also be protected from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight.

The best place to mount your processor is a location which will allow access to the inputs and other variable
controls. Be sure that the power and signal cable connections can enter and leave the processor in a straight
line to avoid the risk of kinked wires causing malfunction.

You may use the processor as a template and mark the four screw locations with a felt tip pen. Use caution
to make sure there are no objects behind the installation surface that may become damaged during drilling.
(Fig. 1)

Fig.1

Power Connections: Use the convenient Power Plug (fig.2) to wire up the Power, Ground and Remote Turn-on
as follows:

Choose the correct length and style of RCA interconnects for your needs (not included). Run the RCA cables
from the bass amplifier to the location of the PowerBass ABA-1. Make sure all the RCA cables are run on the
opposite side of the vehicle from where you ran the power cables to the amplifier(s). Hiss, engine noise, and
fan noise can easily be picked up through the RCA cables if run incorrectly.
Attach the RCA cable from the bass amplifier to the OUTPUT jacks on the side panel of the processor.
Next attach the RCA cable from the output on the source unit to the processor’s INPUT jacks.

NOTE: For signal connection, the output RCA connectors should be connected to the next compo-

nent before the ABA-1, such as a crossover or equalizer and then the amplifier (see Fig. 4)

BATTERY+: Insert an 18 gauge or larger wire into the plug for the 12 volt (+) position.
He other end should be connected to a good, fused, constant 12V DC positive source.
REMOTE: Connect a 22 to 18 gauge wire from the Radio’s (head unit) remote turn-on
lead.
GROUND: Use the same gauge wire as you did for the positive connection and run it
from the “Ground” connector to a good ground (-) location.

Once you have completed wiring the Power Plug, gently push it into the socket on the side panel of the
PowerBass ABA-1.

RCA INTERCONNECTS

POWER CONNECTION

L

Input

R L

Output Remote Power Plug

R

Fig.3

Fig.2

Power Plug

BATTERY+

REMOTE

GROUND

POWER

PLUG

7

SIDE PANEL HOOK UP

Amplifier

Equalizer

Headunit

Remote Level

Crossover

frontsubwoofer

input output

Amplifier

Amplifier

Fig.4

VARIABLE CONTROLS

These two adjustments control the “Bass Restoration” functions of the unit. The FREQUENCY control allows
you to pick the center frequency that you want the Bass Accelerator circuit to maximize. The VARI Q control
adjusts how wide of a frequency range the restoration will effect.

ADJUSTING THE BASS ACCELERATOR

The Bass Accelerator provides variable enhancement of the bass frequencies. The level of peak boost varies
from 0 to +12dB. The frequency that peak boost occurs is adjustable from 20Hz to 80 Hz. The Vari Q settings
can be adjusted from MIN to MAX. When adjusting the Q, turning the control to MAX will boost a wide range
of frequencies and is useful for general sound quality enhancement. Setting the Q to MIN will boost a narrow
range of frequencies and can be used to tune a subwoofer system for maximum output. Rotating the VARI Q
between MIN and MAX will provide you with a linear progression of frequency boost.

TUNING THE BASS ACCELERATOR

Before you begin, be sure that your loudness setting is turned OFF and the bass boost setting you your ampli­fier is turned OFF. The ABA-1 will replace these settings. Leaving these setting on will cause audible distortion
and lead to damage or destruction of your subwoofer and amplifier.

The Bass Accelerator VARI Q adjustment should be set to the MIN position. The FREQUENCY control should be
set to approximately one octave below the subwoofers resonate frequency. In vented enclosures, the roll off of
the system is quite steep below the tuning frequency (typically 24dB/octave). In this case, the Bass Accelerator
should be set to the MAX position.

SPECIFICATIONS

ABA-1 BASS ACCELERATOR

Frequency Response: 10Hz - 100Hz
S/N: >100dB
THD: 0.003%
Input Impedance: 10K ohm
PWM Power Supply: 10 – 16V DC, negative ground
Power Draw: 150mA
Recommended Fuse: 1 Amp
Dimensions: 1.212" (H) x 7.477" (W) x 5.178" (D)
31mm (H) x 190mm (W) x 132mm (D)

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This manual is the exclusive property of PowerBass USA, Inc. Any reproduction of this manual, or use other than its inten­tions is strictly prohibited without the express consent of PowerBass USA, Inc. © Copyright 2009 PowerBass USA, Inc.

11

POWERBASS AUTOSOUND LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY

PowerBass USA, Inc. offers limited warranty on PowerBass products under normal use on the following terms:

PowerBass Autosound Electronics are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a
period of one (1) year.

This warranty applies only to PowerBass products sold to consumers by Authorized PowerBass Dealers in the United States
of America. Products purchased by consumers from a PowerBass dealer in another country are covered only by that coun­try’s Distributor and not by PowerBass USA.

This warranty covers only the original purchaser of PowerBass product. In order to receive service, the purchaser must
provide PowerBass with the receipt stating the consumer name, dealer, product and date of purchase.

Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a product deemed to be equiva­lent) at PowerBass’s discretion and will not be liable for incidental or consequential damages. PowerBass will not warranty
this product under the following situations:

•Electronics received with apparent rust or corrosion

  •Anyevidenceofliquiddamageorexposuretoexcessiveheat

  •Attemptedrepairsoralterationsofanynature

  •Productthathasnotbeeninstalledaccordingtothisownersmanual

Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are limited in duration to the period of
the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty, so this
limitation may not apply. No person is authorized to assume for PowerBass any other liability in connection with the sale
of this product.

Please call [phone] for PowerBass Customer Service. You must obtain an RA# (Return Authorization Number)
to return any product to PowerBass. The RA number must be prominently marked on the outside of the shipping
carton or the delivery will be refused. Please pack your return carefully; we are not responsible for items damaged in
shipping. Return the defective product along with a copy of the original dated retail sales receipt, plus $9.00 for handling
and diagnostic evaluation to:

PowerBass USA, Inc.,
Attn: Returns (RA#__________)
13936 Mountain Avenue, Chino, CA 91710

Residents of HI, AK and US territories will be charged for return shipping. All inquires regarding service and warranty should
be sent to the above address.

Removed or altered serial numbers will void this warranty

PowerBass Autosound – A division of PowerBass USA, Inc.

13936 Mountain Avenue – Chino, CA 91710

Tel. [phone] – Fax [phone]

www.powerbassusa.com