PowerBass ASA3-200.2, ASA3-300.2, ASA3-400.2, ASA3-600.2, ASA3-800.2 Owner's Manual

ASA3-200.2
ASA3-300.2
ASA3-400.2
ASA3-600.2
ASA3-800.2

ASA3-1200.2

ASA3-400.4
ASA3-600.4
ASA3-700.5

ASA3-1100.5

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.

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 ASA3 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 Crossovers

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

• Fully Adjustable Bass EQ at 45Hz (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

• Level Control Port (for Optional Remote Level Control - model PB-GAIN1 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 (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.

MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER

Fig.1 Mounting Amplifier

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.

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. Without proper
airflow the amplifier may over heat 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.

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.

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

cause the plastic mounting feet to crack.

*** 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.

• 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.

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CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

Fig.2 Panel Layout

NOTE: Panel Layout and Controls may differ by model.

1. Line OUTPUT (RCA) Jacks
RCA style pass through output jacks allow for a signal to be sent to other amplifiers.

2. 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.

3. GAIN Control

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

4. HPF (High Pass Filter) Control

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

5. X-OVER Switch for FULL/HPF/LPF

Activates the built in electronic crossover network. Works in conjunction with the HPF and LPF adjustable
controls.

6. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control

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

7. 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.

8. REMOTE LEVEL Port

This is the connector port for the optional Remote Level Control. Now the amplifiers secondary gain circuit
can be adjusted from the driver’s seat. (See your local PowerBass dealer and ask for model PB-GAIN1 sold
separately.)

9. BADGE Switch

Controls the lighting of the top mounted PowerBass logo badge.

10. 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).

11. SPEAKER Output Terminals

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

12. 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. (See
speficification tables)

CAUTION: These power fuses on the amplifier chassis are for protecting the amp against over
current situations. To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse should be

installed within 18-inches of the battery on the 12V+ cable.

13. 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. (see Power Cable Selection Chart on page 20 for recommended wire gauge for
each model).

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14. 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.

15. 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 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.

POWER WIRING AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS

*** 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 amplifier requires unrestricted current to deliver peak performance, so do not
“starve” your amplifier by using small power cable. 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. 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 etc.),
wiring harnesses, fuel pumps etc.

Fig.3 Power Input Connection

These amplifiers are designed to work within a 9 to 17 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 gauge cable is used. We recommend using as large a gauge cable as possible, use the Power Cable
Selection Chart on page 20 to calculate the correct power wire size for your application. Remember Bigger is
Better!

BATT+ (POWER)

This amplifier should be wired directly to the vehicle battery using the appropriate size cable. Start at the
vehicle battery and run the power cable through to the amplifier. Avoid running the power cable over engine
components and near heater cores. The use of an inline fuse or circuit breaker is a must; this will
prevent the risk of a potential fire caused by a short in your power cable. Connect the fuse holder or circuit
breaker as close to the battery positive (+) terminal as possible (no farther then 18” from the battery). This
fuse or circuit breaker should be no greater then the sum of the fuses found on the chassis of your amplifier
(also see specifications chart). You may now connect the cable to the battery, but remember to leave the fuse
out or circuit breaker “off” until all other cable connections are made.

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