Powerbass XL-600DM, XL-350DM User Manual

XL-350DM
XL-600DM

XL POWERSPORT CLASS D MONO AMPLIFIER

Owners Manual

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

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

AMPLIFIERS

Thank you and Congratulations

Thank you for your decision to purchase a PowerBass USA Xtreme mobile amplifier! Our new mini amplifiers

are the result of extensive engineering, testing, and bullet proof construction. Their versatility enables compat-

ibility 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.

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 Own-

ers Manual so that you get the most from your PowerBass Xtreme 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 could 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.

• Class D Mono Amplifier

• International Rectifier® Chip Set

• Conformal Coated PC Board to Resist Moisture, Dust and Extreme Heat

• AUX Input Accepts MP3, iPod® or Portable Source Device

• Wrap-around Aluminum Heatsink Shell

• Ultra Low Current Draw

• High Damping Control Circuit

• High Efficiency SMD Circuit Technology

• Double Sided Copper Plated PCB

• Digital Sound Optimization Circuitry

• Quiet Switching

• High Current Voltage Ripple Rejection Circuitry

• Virtual Silence Turn On/Off Mute Circuit

• Subsonic Filter (variable 10Hz-50Hz)

• Wired Remote Level Control

*iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple

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.

TECHNICAL FEATURES

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 not Acid Core) Solder

IR® is a registered trademark of International Rectifier Corporation.

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.

WARNING: Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual before disconnecting the battery. Disconnecting
the battery on some vehicles may require an anti-theft code when reconnecting the battery and
require the on-board computer to be reset at the dealership. Check with your local dealer if you
are uncertain.

MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER

Fig.1 Mounting the Amplifier

Due to the high power output of the PowerBass Xtreme 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.

MOUNTING LOCATION

The XL Series amplifiers have a conformal coating applied to the PC board. This coating makes them resistant
to water and dust—however they are not waterproof. Therefore, care should still be taken to protect the am­plifier from water and find a mounting location that is not likely to get wet. Take care not to mount in a vehicle/
vessel where it can cause interference with the factory installed electronic devices.

The unique wrap around outer shell (heatsink) allows the XL Series amplifiers to be mounted in spaces with
minimal air flow. It is important that whatever location is selected the amplifier must be mounted securely in a
manner keeps the unit intact even during rough jolts that can occur to the vehicle/vessel.

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 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.

• 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

Fig.2 Panel Layout

NOTE: Panel Layout and Controls may differ by model.

1. POWER/STATUS Indicator

This clear LED lights Blue when the power is on—or turns Red constantly when the built-in protection circuitry
is activated. Red indicates a problem with the system in relation to the amplifier (See Troubleshooting Tips).

2. REMOTE LEVEL

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

3. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control

This filter controls low pass of frequencies and is adjustable from 50Hz through 250Hz to eliminate unwanted
high frequencies.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. AUX Input Jack

This 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mini jack can be used to accept an MP3, iPOD or smartphone as the source unit from
that device's headphone (3.5mm) output.

8. LOW INPUT

Use this Low Level 4-pin Molex style input is where the wiring harness plugs in for the Low Level input that
connects to source units with RCA line level outputs. A source unit with a minimum input of 250mV is required
for proper operation. However, this input can accept levels up to 6Vrms.

9. GND (Ground Input Connection)

A good quality ground is required for your PowerBass Xtreme 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.

10. REM (Remote Input Connection)

All PowerBass Xtreme 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 electronic 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.

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11. 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. The solderless terminal block is designed to accommodate up to 4-gauge power wire.

FUSE-IMPORTANT

Due to the limited space on the XL amplifier chassis they do NOT come with internal fusing! Instead we have
included an in-line fuse holder that can be connected directly to the BATT+ input on the amplifier. Please
note the proper ampere fuse for each model are listed below. Never replace a fuse with a higher rating then
what is listed.

XL-350DM 40A
XL-600DM 60A

12. SUBWOOFER OUTPUT

This 4-pin Molex style connector is where the speaker output harness plugs in. Be sure to observe the correct
speaker polarity and follow the speaker wiring diagrams found elsewhere in this owners manual.