PowerBass ASA SERIES, ASA3-400.1, ASA3-600.1 Owner's Manual

ASA SERIES CLASS AB MONO BLOCK 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.

ASA3-400.1
ASA3-600.1

2-OHM STABLE DESIGN
Minimum Impedance Load is 2-Ohms

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.

CLASS AB Mono Block AMPLIFIERS

Unlike most Full Range amplifiers these models are equipped with a Low Pass Filter control (LPF) that
when engaged is intended only to power subwoofer(s). 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
A/B Class Mono Block 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

• Mono Block Amplifier for Full Range or Subwoofer Only Applications

• 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 Low Pass (LPF) Crossover Network

• Built-in Fully Adjustable Bass Equalization

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

Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output.

• 2-ohm Stable Operation (Minimum)

• Variable Gain Control

• Pass Thru Line Output Jacks

• Remote Level Control (Included)

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

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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 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 our PowerBass Autosound 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

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. Do not mount under a carpet or in an area with no air circulation. 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.

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.

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 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.

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NOTE: Do not use a drill with driver bit to mount the amplifier. Excessive force could

cause the plastic mounting feet to crack.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

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 200mV is required for proper operation. However, this input will accept levels up
to 6Vrms.

2. Line OUTPUT (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.

3. 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.

Fig.2 Panel Layout

4. X-OVER Switch

When switched to LPF this control engages the units Low Pass electronic crossover circuitry. The LPF setting
should be selected with using this as a bass amp only for the subwoofer(s). The FULL position defeats the
crossover and allows the full range of frequencies present at the inputs to feed the amplifier.

5. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control

This filter allows low pass of frequency and is adjustable from 40Hz through 250Hz to eliminate unwanted
high frequencies.

6. BASS EQ 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 EQ can be adjusted to meet your own personal taste.

7. REMOTE Gain (RJ45 Jack)

This is the connector port for the Remote Level Control. Now the amplifiers secondary gain circuit can be
adjusted from the driver’s seat.

8. BADGE Switch

Controls the lighting of the top mounted PowerBass logo badge.

9. POWER/STATUS Indicator

The BLUE L.E.D. lights up when the power is on. This L.E.D. turns RED constantly or flashes when the built-in
protection circuitry is activated. This indicates a problem with the system in relation to the amplifier (see
Troubleshooting Tips).

10. SPEAKER Output Terminals

As shown in the wiring diagrams, be sure to observe speaker polarity through the system and speaker imped­ance. This specially tooled terminal is designed to accommodate up to 10 gauge speaker wire.

11. 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 over­drive. To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse should be used within 18-inch­es (45cm) of the battery on the 12V+ cable.

ASA3-400.1 20A x 2
ASA3-600.1 40A x 2

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12. BATT+ (Power Input Connection)

This terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive (+)
terminal of the car battery. This solderless terminal accepts up to 2 gauge wire (see Power Cable

Selection Chart for recommended wire gauges).

13. REM (Remote Input Connection)

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.

14. GND (Ground Input Connection)

A good quality ground is required for your PowerBass AutoSound amplifier to operate at peak performance.
A short length of cable, no longer then 36-inches (90cm) of the same gauge as your power cable should be
used to attach the ground terminal directly to the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that all of the paint is
sanded or scraped away to ensure a quality ground connection.

*** 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 amp will draw large levels of current, so use the largest gauge power/ground
cable as possible. Using under sized 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.

• 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