PowerBass ASA 1200.2x Owner's Manual

ASA SERIES CLASS A/B 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.

ASA 1200.2x

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 types of speaker systems.

A/B CLASS FULL RANGE AMPLIFIERS

The PowerBass ASA Series are high quality MOSFET amplifiers that are capable of running a system full
range, or they may be selected 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
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 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.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

• Low Profile Aluminum Finned Heatsink

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

• Variable High Pass and Low Pass Electronic Crossover

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

• Fully Adjustable Bass EQ at 40Hz (18dB)

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

Short Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output.

• 2-ohm Stereo Stable (4-ohm Mono Bridgeable)

• Custom Tooled Speaker and Power Terminal Blocks

• Variable Gain Control

• Gain Control Port (for Optional Remote Control - model ASA-BASS sold separately)

• Low Level Line Inputs and Outputs

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 (not Acid Core) Solder

3

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.

To keep your PowerBass Autosound amplifier running at top performance, choosing the proper location
is of utmost importance. 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

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.

If mounting under a seat, make sure there is at least 1-inch (2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier’s heatsink
to permit proper cooling.

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 a seat, or on the back of the rear seat. For alternate installation
locations, please consult your authorized PowerBass Dealer.

*** WARNING ***

• Do not install in a place where it could injure the driver or passengers if the vehicle
stops suddenly.

• 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.

5

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

NOTE: Panel Layout and Controls may differ by model.

1. Line INPUT (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.

2. GAIN Control

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

3. Sub Sonic Filter

This switch enables the sub sonic circuit which is active at 28Hz.

4. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control

This control is continuously adjustable from 40Hz through 250Hz at 12dB per octave.

Fig.2 Panel Layout