PowerBass ACS-500D, ACS-1000D Owner's Manual

ACS COMPACT CLASS D AMPLIFIER

Owners Manual

Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with your new amplifi er. Should your PowerBass

AutoSound mobile amplifi er ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt.

ACS-500D

ACS-1000D

1-OHM STABLE DESIGN
Minimum Impedance Load is 1-Ohm

Thank you and Congratulations

Thank you for your decision to purchase a PowerBass USA Autosound mobile amplifier! Our Autosound
amplifiers are the result of extensive engineering, testing, and bullet proof construction. Their versatility
enables compatibility with optional signal and audio processors. These high quality MOSFET amplifiers
may be configured to allow maximum flexibility in designing different subwoofer options.

COMPACT CLASS D AMPLIFIERS

Unlike most Full Range amplifiers, these models are designed specifically for low frequencies and are intended
only to power subwoofers. It is important that you closely follow the wiring instructions contained in this
Owners Manual so that you get the most from your PowerBass AutoSound Class D Mono mobile amplifier.

∆ Caution ∆

High powered audio systems in a vehicle are capable of generating higher than “Live Concert” levels of sound pressure. Continued

exposure to excessively high volume sound levels will cause hearing loss or damage. Also, operation of a motor vehicle while listening

to audio equipment at high volume levels may impair your ability to hear external sounds such as horns, warning signals, or emergency

vehicles—thus creating a potential traffic hazard. In the interest of safety, PowerBass USA highly recommends listening at lower volume

levels when driving.

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TECHNICAL FEATURES

• High Efficiency Class D Design

• Mono Block Amplifier for Subwoofer

• High and Low Level Line Input

• MOSFET Power Supplies for High Power Output and Best Stability into Low Impedance Loads

• Soft Delay Remote Turn On/Off Circuit Eliminates Pops and Clicks

• Variable Low Pass Electronic Crossover

• Selectable Bass Boost EQ

• Self Diagnostic Protection Circuit with LED Status Indicator for; Impedance Over-load, Speaker Short

Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output.

• 1-OHM Stable Operation with Extensive Output Power Increase

• Variable Gain Control

• Remote Level Control Port(for optional controller)

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of PowerBass mobile amplifiers requires detailed knowledge of electronics wiring and proper
speaker impedance. We strongly recommend installation by an authorized PowerBass dealer. This Owners
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.

IMPORTANT: This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12-volt Negative ground
electrical systems only.

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

• Electronic (Rosen Core not Acid Core) Solder

INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS

NOTE: Proceed only if you are a qualified installer, otherwise; see your Authorized PowerBass
Dealer to professionally install this amplifier. Always wear protective eyewear when using
tools.

• Turn off all stereo and other electrical devices before you begin.

• Disconnect the negative (-) lead from your vehicles battery.

• Locate all fuel lines, brake lines, oil lines, and electrical cables when planning the install.

• Make sure there is at least 2-inches (5 cm) around the air vents on the amplifier.

• When connecting ground points, make sure all paint is carefully scrapped away from the vehicle’s

chassis and contact is make with bare metal.

• Use a utility knife to trim away fabric from hole locations before drilling or cutting.

• When running power cables through sheet metal, be sure to use grommets to properly insulate the

metal edges from the wire insulation.

• If possible, use tubing through grommets.

Due to the high power output of the PowerBass Autosound mono amplifiers, considerable heat may be
produced when the unit is in operation. For this reason the amplifier should be mounted in a location
which will allow air to circulate freely. A clearance of at least 2-inches (5 cm) to all sides of the amplifier is
necessary not only for proper cooling, but also for gaining access to the inputs and other variable controls.
Be sure that the power and signal cable connections can enter and leave the amplifier in a straight line to
avoid the risk of kinked wires causing malfunction.

Fig.1 Mounting Amplifier

MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER

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MOUNTING LOCATION

Find a clear and well ventilated area to mount your amplifier that is unobstructed by any objects that will cause
harm or block ventilation. Despite the fact that this amplifier is compact, it still needs air to cool the heatsink
fins. Do not mount under a carpet or an area with dead or stagnant air. Without proper air flow the amplifier
may overheat and go into protection where the thermal overload circuitry will shut down the amplifier.

You may use the amplifier as a template and mark the four screw locations with a felt tip pen. Set the amplifier
aside before drilling. Use caution to make sure there are no objects behind the installation surface that may
become damaged during drilling.

The amplifier should be protected from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. The best places to mount
your amplifier are: The floor of the trunk, under the driver’s seat, or on the back of the rear seat. For alternate
installation locations, please consult your authorized PowerBass Dealer.

NOTE: Do not use a drill with driver bit to mount the amplifier. Excessive force could cause the
plastic mounting feet to crack.

*** WARNING ***

• Upside down mounting will compromise heat dissipation through the heatsink and
could engage the thermal protection circuit.

• Try to avoid mounting the amplifier on a subwoofer enclosure, as extended exposure
to vibration may cause malfunction of the amplifier.

• Don’t mount the amplifier so that the wire connections are unprotected or are
subject to pinching or damage from nearby objects.

• The DC power wire must be fused at the battery positive (+) terminal connection.
Before making or breaking power connections at the amplifier power terminals,
disconnect the DC power wire at the battery end.

• The battery of the car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring and
installation is completed.

• Don’t use a power drill to tighten the power, ground, remote or speaker output
terminals on the amplifier to avoid stripping the terminal screws. It is best to hand
tighten these connections.

• The use of Ring and Spade terminals (not included) provides the best electrical
connection for use with the clamp style connections on this amplifier.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

NOTE: Panel Layout and Controls may differ by model.

1. REMOTE LEVEL PORT

This is the connector port for the optional Remote Gain Control. Now the amplifiers secondary gain circuit can
be adjusted from the driver’s seat. Requires PB-GAIN1 accesory.

2. HIGH INPUT

Allows you to connect speaker output from factory radio to amplifier without the use of a low level convertor.

3. LINE IN (RCA) Jacks

These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level outputs. A source unit with a
minimum output of 250mV is required for proper operation. However, this input will accept levels up to 6Vrms.

4. BASS EQ Switch

This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicle’s interior. Selectable for
12dB of boost centered at 45Hz, the BASS EQ can be adjusted to meet your own personal taste.

Fig.2 Panel Layout

SPEAKE R

SU BW OOFER

OUTPU T

FUSE

25 A25 A

BATT +G NDRE M

STATUS

POWE R

ACS-500D

LOW

INPU T

R

L

HIGH I NPUT

RL

GAIN

MINM AX

SUBSONI C

15Hz 50H z

REMO TE

LEVEL

0dB1 2dB

BASS E Q LP F

30Hz 250H z

1 OHM Stable •

Mono Class D Amplifier

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5. GAIN Control

This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit that you are
using up to 6 volts.

6. SUB SONIC Control

This control is continuously adjustable from 15Hz through 50Hz at 12dB per octave to provide an extra level of
subwoofer protection from bass robbing power at unheard frequencies.

7. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control

This filter controls low pass of frequencies and is adjustable from 30Hz through 250Hz to eliminate unwanted
high frequencies.

8. SPEAKER Output Terminals

As shown in the wiring diagrams, be sure to observe speaker polarity through the system and speaker impedance.
The clamp style wire terminal is designed to accommodate up to 10 gauge speaker wire (#8 spade).

9. POWER/STATUS Indicator

The clear LED turns BLUE when the power is on. Should the LED turn RED this is an indicator there is a problem
with the system in relation to the amplifer (see Troubleshooting Tips).

10. FUSES

For convenience most PowerBass AutoSound amplifiers utilize common automotive ATC type fuses. For
continued protection in the event that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same value. CAUTION:

These power fuses on the amplifier chassis are for protecting the amp against over current situation.
To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse should be used within 18-inches of the
battery on the 12V+ cable. [ACS-500D (25A x 2)] [ACS-1000D (35A x 3)]

11. BATT+ (Power Input Terminal)

This terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive (+)
terminal of the car battery. The clamp style wire terminal is designed to accommodate up to 4-gauge wire (#10
ring). See Power Cable Selection Chart for recommended wire gauge for each model.

12. REM (Remote Input Terminal)

All PowerBass AutoSound amplifiers can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. This can be found
on the rear of the source unit in the form of an electric antenna output, or a remote output. If this is not
available you can wire to the ACC position on the key. An 18 gauge wire is sufficient to run the REMOTE.

13. GND (Ground Input Terminal)

A good quality ground is required for your PowerBass AutoSound 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 vehicle. The clamp style wire terminal is designed to accommodate up to 4-gauge wire
(#10 ring). Make sure that all of the paint is sanded or scraped away to ensure a quality ground connection

This amplifier is designed to work within a 9 to 16 volt DC range. Before any wires are connected, the
vehicles electrical system should be checked for correct voltage supply with the help of a voltmeter.

First, check the voltage at the battery with the ignition in the OFF position. The voltmeter should read no
less than 12V. If your vehicles electrical system is not up to these specifications, we recommend having it
checked by an auto electrician before any further installation. Once the vehicle is checked, make certain the
correct cable gauge is used. We recommend using as large a gauge cable as possible, use the Power Cable
Selection Chart to calculate the correct power wire size for your application. Remember Bigger is Better!

*** WARNING ***

Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before you start any wiring work! The bat­tery of your car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring installation is
completed.

Your PowerBass Autosound Mono amp will draw large levels of current, so use the largest gauge power/
ground cable possible. Using too small of power cable can result in unnecessary over-heating of the ampli­fier, distortion at high volume levels and might even cause the thermal protection circuitry to shut-off the
amplifier. Remember, bigger wire is better! For best results we recommend a PowerBass amplifier install kit,
available at your local PowerBass dealer.

• Use rubber grommets when running cables through any metal or sharp plastic, to prevent accidental
shorting or shearing. Make sure the cables do not interfere with normal operation of the vehicle.

• The audio signal cables (RCA interconnects) should be kept far away from any potential sources of
electrical interference such as electronic vehicle management systems (relays, engine computers
wiring harnesses, fuel pumps etc.)

POWER WIRING AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS

Fig.3 Power Input Connection

SPEAKE R

SU BW OOFER

OUTPU T

FUSE

25 A25 A

BATT +G NDRE M

STATUS

POWE R

FUSE HOLDER

Battery

Within 18" of Battery

Remote Turn ON
To Power Antenna

Chassis

Ground

(–)