PowerBass ASA 1000.1Dx, ASA 1500.1Dx Owner's Manual

ASA SERIES CLASS D AMPLIFIER

Owners Manual

Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with your new amplifier. Should your PowerBass Auto-

Sound mobile amplifier ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt.

ASA 1000.1Dx
ASA 1500.1Dx

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. They feature the
latest in D Class microprocessor technology. 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 of subwoofer options.

CLASS D AMPLIFIERS

All PowerBass ASA series Class “D” models are single channel dedicated subwoofer 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 D Class mobile amplifier.

∆ Caution ∆

High powered audio systems in a vehicle are capable of generating higher then “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 thigh volume levels may impair your ability to hear external sounds suck 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

• Mono Block Amplifier for Subwoofer

• Latest Class D Technology

• Double Sided Circuit Board Construction

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

Loads

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

• Built-in Fully Adjustable Electronic Crossover Network

• Built-in Fully Adjustable Bass Boost

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

Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output.

• Real 1-ohm Stable Operation with Extensive Output Power Increase

• Heavy-duty Brass CNC Machined Terminal Blocks

• Variable Gain Control

• Pass Thru Line Output Jacks

• Remote Gain Control (Included)

• Internal Thermal Cooling Fan

• Dual Link Power Doubling Circuit (Amp-to-Amp Bridged at 2 ohm)

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

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 auto body

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 Class D 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. You may use the amplifier 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.

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.

*** 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.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

1. POWER Indicator
The clear L.E.D. lights BLUE when the power is on.

2. STATUS Indicator
This L.E.D. turns RED when the built-in protection circuitry is activated. This indicates a problem with the
system in relation to the amplifier (see Troubleshooting Tips).

3. LINE OUT (RCA) Jacks

RCA style pass through output jacks allow for a signal to be sent to other amplifiers in a daisy-chain configu­ration. Only one Remote Bass Control can be used when multiple bass amplifiers are connected.

Fig.2 Panel Layout

13 14 15 16 17

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

SPEAKER FUSE POWER

LINE
OUT

LINE

IN

LEVEL PHASE

MIN MAX

POWER

STATUS

R

L

LPF

50Hz 150Hz

SUB

SONIC

15Hz 50Hz

BASS

BOOST

0 +18dB

0180

BRIDGED

BRIDGED

CONNECTION

REMOTE

MASTERSLAVE

BATT+ REM GND

12

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4. 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 500mV is required for proper operation. However, this input will accept levels up to
4Vrms.

5. LEVEL Control

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.

6. SUB SONIC Control

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

7. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control

This filter allows low pass of frequency and is adjustable from 50Hz through 150Hz to eliminate unwanted
high frequencies.

8. BASS BOOST Control

This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicle’s interior. With up to
18dB of boost centered at 45Hz, the BASS BOOST can be adjusted to meet your own personal taste.

9. PHASE Switch

This switchable control can be used to correct any “phase” or “time delay” effect in the system by bringing the
low frequency from the rear of the vehicle to the front.

10. BRIDGED Switch

Two like amplifiers can be connected together and bridged into a single 2-ohm (min) load. The level and fre­quency controls on the SLAVE amp will be disabled. Only the amplifier you select as the MASTER will control
these functions. The Dual Link Power Doubling Circuit increases the output power as follows:
ASA-1000.1Dx x 2 = 2,000 watts RMS (2 ohms min)

ASA-1500.1Dx x 2 = 3,000 watts RMS (2 ohms min)

11. BRIDGED CONNECTION (RJ45 Jack)

For linking two of the same model PowerBass Autosound Class D amps together. Connect the INPUT of
the MASTER to a suitable source via a standard telephone wire with RJ45 modular connectors to the jack
on the SLAVE amplifier. Then select the MASTER/SLAVE switch properly (see Speaker Output Configuration
diagram).