Pyramid PB1644X, PB744X, PB844X User Manual

congratulations...

On your purchase of a Pyramid Signature Series amplifier. This amplifier extends the pyramid tradition into a totally new series of amps, designed from the ground up to deliver the power, performance and flexibility the modern car audio enthusiast demands.

When you check the list of features offered by the PB744,PB844 and PB1644, you’ll know you made the right choice with a Pyramid Power amplifier.

23

precautions

Do not operate the am plifier when it is unmounte d, Attach all audio sy stem components securel y within the automobile to p revent damage, especial ly in an accident.

Do not mount this amp lifier so that the wire conne ctions are unprotected , or in a pinched condition, or l ikely to be damaged by nearby o bjects.

If you need to replac e the power fuse, do so only with a f use identical to that s upplied with the amplifie r. Using a fuse of a different type or rating may result in damage t hat isn’t covered in the manufactur er’s warranty.

. Before making or br eaking power connection s in your system, disconnect the ve hicle battery. Confirm th at your head unit or other equipment i s turned off while connecting the input jacks and speaker termi nals.

notes

general features

2

features and speifications

1

3- 4

24

2ch amp PB744

5- 6

4ch amp PB844

7- 8

4ch amp PB1644

electrical connections

9

4ch amp PB1644

stereo input connections

2CH amp PB744

13

mono input connections

2CH amp PB744

2/4 channel input connections

4CH amp PB844 PB1644

10

2ch amp PB744

speaker connections

17-18

4CH amp PB844

mounting and installation

23

protection circuitry and troubleshooting

precautions

If thi s occur s ,care fully i nspec t the sys tem to dete rmine t he sour ce of the p roble m.

When t he prot ectio n circu it is act ivate d by any of the se cond ition s, the Pr otect ion LED w ill be illu minat ed.

If the s hutdo wn was a re sult of a t herma l overl oad cond ition , allow t he ampl ifier to cool down be fore atte mptin g to rest art it.

If the s hutdo wn was a re sult of a n input o verload, or spe aker sh ort cir cuit, b e sure to c orr the cond ition b efore r estar ting.

The am plifi er can be r estar ted by tu rning the remo te powe r OFF and t hen ON ag ain.

No out pu t.

Chec k bo th i n- line and buil t- in f us es. Both the +1 2V a nd t he Remote ter mi na ls must h av e +1 2V r eferenced t o ch as si s ground.

Conf ir m th at a ll terminal s tr ip c on nections ar e se cu re and tight.

Conf ir m th at t he audio sign al s ou rc e(car radio , eq ua lizer, etc.) I s co nn ec ted and is s up pl yi ng output sig na l. To ch ec k if t he a mp is supplyi ng s ig na l, unplug the ca bl es f ro m the signal so ur ce (b ut leave them p lu gg ed into the amp ). Brie fl y ta p th e center pin of e ac h of t he d isconnect ed R CA pl ugs with your f in ge r. This s ho ul d pr oduce a noise )f ee db ack) in you r sp ea ke rs.

Only o ne c ha nn el works.

Conf ir m th at a ll terminal s tr ip c on nections ar e se cu re and tight.

If the a bo ve s te ps fail to impr ov e or c le ar noise inte rf er ence, the sys te m shou ld b e ch ec ked by a profes si on al m obile aud io i ns ta ller.

If you a re u si ng t he Low Level RC A inp ut , r ev erse the inpu t pl ug s at the ampl if ie r( i.e.,swit ch t he L with the R) . If t he c ha nnels which i s si le nt switches to the o th er s id e, the proble m is e it he r in the head uni t/ ot her source or t he conn ec ti ng c ables.

Weak output.

If the n oi se i s a “c licking” or “ po pp in g” noise whos e ra te f ollows the en gi ne spee d, t hi s us ually means t ha t th e ve hicle is equi pp ed w ith resisto r sp ar k plug s an d wi re s, or that the ig ni ti on i s in need of serv ic e.

Nois e in t he a ud io.

Read ju st t he I nput Level Co nt ro l( s) to better su it t he i nput signal .

If the n oi se i s a “w hine” whose p it ch f ol lows the engi ne s pe ed, confirm t ha t the am pl if ie r and any other s ig na l so urces(hes d un it , etc.) Are prop er ly g ro und.

Chec k th e Ba la nce control o n th e he ad u nit(or othe r so ur ce) to verify t ha t it is set t o it s mi dp oint.

Chec k th e ro ut ing of the spea ke r an d in put wires to ma ke s ur e they are not adja ce nt t o wi re which inte rc on ne ct lights and o th er a ccessorie s.

mono input connections

4CH amp PB844 PB1644

4CH amp PB844

19-20

1

22

2ch amp PB744

11

4ch amp PB844

12

14

15

16

21

22

The bu ilt-i n prote ction c ircui try in the Pyramid Sign ature a mplif iers wi ll disable the ampl ifier i f it sens es an inp ut over load, a s peaker short circ uit, or e xtrem e tempe ratur e condi tions.

No out pu t.

Conf ir m th at a ll terminal s tr ip c on nections ar e se cu re and tight.

table of contents

protection circuitry

troubleshooting

2

23

．

400 Wa tts×4 Out put

．

Variabl e Hi/ Lo Elec troni c Cross over Ne twork

．

Variabl e Hi/ Lo Elec troni c Cross over Ne twork

．

Variabl e Hi/ Lo Elec troni c Cross over Ne twork

Variabl e Bas s Boost (0-+1 8dB@6 0Hz)

．

Variabl e Bas s Boost (0-+1 8dB@6 0Hz)

．

Variabl e Bas s Boost (0-+1 8dB@6 0Hz)

Variabl e Inp ut Leve l(Gai n)Con trol

．

Variabl e Inp ut Leve l(Gai n)Con trol

．

Variabl e Inp ut Leve l(Gai n)Con trol

Rem ote Turn o n/Off

．

Rem ote Turn o n/Off

．

Rem ote Turn o n/O ff

RCA In put s

．

RCA In put s

．

RCA In put s

．．

Pow er ON LED I ndica tor

．

Pow er ON LED I ndica tor

．

Pow er ON LED I ndica tor

LED P rotec tion In dicat or

．

LED P rotec tion In dicat or

．

LED P rotec tion In dicat or

S/N R atio: > 95dB

THD : <0.04 %

The rmal Pr otect ion

Ove rload P rotec tion

Sho rt Circ uit Pro tecti on

Ant i-Thu mp Turn- On

．

S/N R atio: > 95dB

THD : <0.04 %

The rmal Pr otect ion

Ove rload P rotec tion

Sho rt Circ uit Pro tecti on

Ant i-Thu mp Turn- On

．

S/N R atio: > 95dB

THD : <0.04 %

The rmal Pr otect ion

Ove rload P rotec tion

Sho rt Circ uit Pro tecti on

Ant i-Thu mp Turn- On

For this reason,

Your new Pyramid Signa ture Series amplifier com es complete with required mounting hardware. When determinin g a suitable location in your v ehicle for the amp, please re member that it is a highpower electroni c device capable of generat ing high heat.

always choose a loc ation in your vehicle w hich has low vibratio n,

About power fuses:

Be sure to mount the am p

Mark the location f or the mounting screw h oles by positioning th e amp where you

wish to install

Then

mounting surfac e for the mounting screws and i nsert them. Tighten the screws securely.

Before attempti ng to drill the mountin g holes, take note of any w ires, lines or otherdevices in your vehicle which may be located behin d the mounting surfac e!

Use at least 8 gauge wi re for power and ground conne ctions.

Wire the amplifie r directly to the car battery. For the ground conn ection, use the shortest po ssible wire to a good chassis ground point. Wire the Remote con nection to the auto start lead of your head unit, equalizer or power antenna.

adequate

in such a manner as

ventilation, a minimum of dust, and no moisture.

to allow reasonab le airflow over the cooling f ins.

it and use a scribe (or o ne of the mounting screws) in serted in each of the mounting holes to mark the mounting surf ace for the mounting surface. If the mounting surf ace is carpeted, measure th e hole centers and ma rk with a felt tip pen.

drill pilot holes i n the

When making elect rical connections t o your amplifier, please observe the following:

100 0 Watts×4 Ou tput

800 Wa tts× 2 Bri dged Ou tput (4 00W×2+ 800W×1) 200 0 Watts× 2 Br idged O utput ( 100W×2+20 00 W×1)

general features

PB744

PB844

PB1644

21

High Performance 1000Watt 2 channel Bridgeable MOSFET Amplifier

High Performance 1600Watt 4 channel Bridgeable MOSFET Amplifier

High Performance 4000Watt 4 channel Bridgeable MOSFET Amplifier

500 Wa tts×2 Out put

．

100 0 Watts×1 Br idged O utput

．

．．

．

．．

．

mounting and installation

Be sure to mount the am p

by positioning th e amp where you

wish to install

in such a manner as

Pyramid Signatu re Series amplifiers feat ure built-in fuse systems. These fuses protect both the amplifier and the e lectrical system in your ve hicle from fault conditions. If you ever need to rep lace the fuse in your Pyra mid Signature Series amp, u se a fuse of exactly the sa me type and rating. A different type o r rating of fuse may result in da mage or fire.

Mul tiFun tion VF DMul tiFun tion VF D Mul tiFun tion VF D

PB1644

speaker connections

4ch amp PB1644

2CH Bridged Output Mode With Subwoofer Output

MINIMUN SPEAKER IMPEDANCE 4OHMS!

SUBWOOFER

L

SPEAKERS

R

20

PB744

PB1217

protection LED

low level inputs power LED high pass frequency control low pass frequency control

speaker connections

SPEAKER OUTPUT

features and controls

2ch amp PB744

output level

remote bass boost

input level control

bass boost level

crossover mode selector

power fuse

power terminals

3

features and specifications

2ch amp PB744

crossover mode selector

input level control

low pass frequency control

high pass frequency control

bass boost level control

low level inputs

remote bass boost

power LED

protection LED

power fuse

power terminals

connections

speaker

when used with normal, full range systems, set this switch to “FULL”. If you wish the internal crossover to power a driver of specific frequency range , use the “LOWPASS” or “HIGHPASS” settings.

use this control to match the outputs of you head unit to the amplifier. Starting with the amp level control until distortion begins to occur, and reduce slightly from this point.

when the crossover selector switch is in “low pass” mode, this control sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

when the crossover selector switch is in “high pass” mode, this control sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

this control permits approximately 18 dB.

this amp features gold-plate RCA input jacks for high impedance input. Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA-type connector cables.

Plug in the Remote Bass Control wire in here.

this indicator is illuminated when power is applied.

this indicator is illuminated when built-in protection circuitry is

the fuse protects the amplifier and your car’s electrical system from short circuit conditions.

use these connectors to deliver power, ground and remote turn-on control to the amplifier.

these terminals are 14K gold plated to guarantee high conductivity and minimum signal loss.

your head unit set at about the 2 o’clock position, increase

adjustment of the bass level up to an increase of

activated.

output [email protected] DC, 1KHz

RMS Power @ 4 ohms

RMS

Power @ 2 ohms

Maximun Power

frequency response

power supply voltage

matching speaker impedance

maximum current draw

dimensions(W×H×L)

Output

input impedance

low level inputs

high level inputs

input sensitivity

low level inputs

stereo mode

bridged mode

mm

inches

50Wa tt s×2

100Watts×2

250Watts×2

10Hz-70KHz

10K Ohms

100 Ohms

200 mV

14.4V DC Neg.Ground (10.5-16V)

2-4 Ohms

4-8 Ohms

15A×2

292×48×251

11.7×1.92×10.0

4

PB1644

4CH Output Mode

L

FRONT speaker

Bridged Dual Mono Output Mode

L

speaker

speaker connections

4ch amp PB1644

R

L

R

REAR speaker

MINIMUN SPEAKER IMPEDANCE 4OHMS!

R

19

PB844

speaker connections

4ch amp PB844

2CH Bridged Output Mode with Subwoofer Output

R

SUBWOOFER

L

speakers

18

MINIMUN SPEAKER IMPEDANCE 4OHMS!

PB844

CH1/2 low pass frequency control CH1/2 high pass frequency control

protection LED CH1/2 input level control

CH3/4 input level control power LED CH3/4 high pass frequency control CH3/4 low pass frequency control CH3/4 crossover mode selector control

CH3/4 speaker connections CH 1/2speaker connections

features and controls

4ch amp PB844

CH1/2 crossover mode selector switch CH1/2 bass boost level control

CH1/2 level inputs 2/3/4 channel selectorl switch

output level remote bass boost

CH3/4 level inputs CH3/4 bass boost level control

power fuse power terminals

5

crossover mode selector

low pass frequency control

high pass frequency control

PB844

bass boost level control

input level control

low level inputs

high level inputs

power LED

protection LED

power fuse

power terminals

speaker connections

features and specifications

4ch amp PB844

when used with normal, full range systems, set this switch to “FULL”. If you wish the internal crossover to power a driver of specific frequency range , use the “LOWPASS” or “HIGHPASS” settings.

when the crossover selector switch is in “low pass” mode, this control sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

when the crossover selector switch is in “high pass” mode, this control sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the

use this control to match the outputs of you head unit to the amplifier. Starting with the amp level control until distortion begins to occur, and reduce slightly from this point.

this amp features gold-plate RCA input jacks for high impedance input. Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA-type connector cables.

if your car stereo lacks RCA-type output jacks, you may connect speaker output

this control permits adjustment of the bass level up to an increase of approximately 18 dB.

this indicator is illuminated when power is applied.

this indicator is illuminated when built-in protection circuitry is activated.

the fuse protects the amplifier and your car’s electrical system from short circuit conditions.

use these connectors to deliver power, ground and remote turn-on control to the amplifier.

these terminals minimum signal loss.

your head unit set at about the 2 o’clock position, increase

leads to these input connectors.

are 14K gold plated to guarantee high conductivity and

speakers.

output [email protected] DC, 1KHz

RMS Power @ 4 ohms

RMS Power @ 2 ohms

Maximum Power Output

frequency response

input impedance

low level inputs

high level inputs

input sensitivity

low level inputs

power supply voltage

speaker impedance

matching

stereo mode

bridged mode

maximum current draw

dimensions(W×H×L)

mm

inches

75Watts×4

180Watts×4

250Watts×4

10Hz-70KHz

10K Ohms

100 Ohms

200mV

6

14.4V DC Neg.Ground (10.5-16V)

2-4 Ohms

4-8 Ohms

25A×2

292×48×360

11.7×1.92×14.5

PB844

4ch Output Mode

L

FRONT speaker

R

Bridged Dual Mono Output Mode

L

speaker connections

4ch amp PB844

R

REAR speaker

L

MINIMUN SPEAKER IMPEDANCE

speaker

R

4OHMS!

17

Stereo Output Mode

speaker connections

2ch amp PB744

SPEAKER OUTPUT

PB744

RIGHT speaker

LEFT speaker

Bridged Mono Output Mode

SPEAKER OUTPUT

speaker speaker

16

features and controlsfeatures and controls

4ch amp PB1644

PB1617X

PB1644

CH1/2 low pass frequency control CH1/2 high pass frequency control

protection LED CH1/2 input level control

CH3/4 input level control power LED CH3/4 high pass frequency control CH3/4 low pass frequency control CH3/4 crossover mode selector control

CH3/4 speaker connections

CH 1/2speaker connections

CH1/2 crossover mode selector switch CH1/2 bass boost level control

CH1/2 level inputs 2/3/4 channel selectorl switch

output level remote bass boost

CH3/4 level inputs CH3/4 bass boost level control

power fuse

power terminals

7

crossover mode selector

low pass frequency control

high pass frequency control

PB844

PB1644

bass boost level control

input level control

low level inputs

high level inputs

power LED

protection LED

power fuse

power terminals

speaker connections

features and specifications

4ch amp PB1644

when used with normal, full range systems, set this switch to “FULL”. If

when used with normal, full range systems, set this switch to “FULL”. If you wish the internal crossover to power a driver of specific frequency

you wish the internal crossover to power a driver of specific frequency range , use the “LOWPASS” or “HIGHPASS” settings.

range , use the “LOWPASS” or “HIGHPASS” settings.

when the crossover selector switch is in “low pass” mode, this control

when the crossover selector switch is in “low pass” mode, this control sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the speakers.

when the crossover selector switch is in “high pass” mode, this control

when the crossover selector switch is in “high pass” mode, this control sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the

sets the upper frequency limit for audio program sent to the

use this control to match the outputs of you head unit to the amplifier.

use this control to match the outputs of you head unit to the amplifier. Starting with

Starting with the amp level control until distortion begins to occur, and reduce slightly

the amp level control until distortion begins to occur, and reduce slightly from this point.

from this point.

this amp features gold-plate RCA input jacks for high impedance input.

this amp features gold-plate RCA input jacks for high impedance input. Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA-type connector cables.

Use these with car stereo output which uses RCA-type connector cables.

if your car stereo lacks RCA-type output jacks, you may connect speaker

if your car stereo lacks RCA-type output jacks, you may connect speaker output

output this control permits adjustment of the bass level up to an increase of

this control permits adjustment of the bass level up to an increase of approximately 18 dB.

approximately 18 dB.

this indicator is illuminated when power is applied.

this indicator is illuminated when built-in protection circuitry is activated.

the fuse protects the amplifier and your car’s electrical system from short

the fuse protects the amplifier and your car’s electrical system from short circuit conditions.

circuit conditions.

use these connectors to deliver power, ground and remote turn-on control

use these connectors to deliver power, ground and remote turn-on control to the amplifier.

to the amplifier.

these terminals

these terminals minimum signal loss.

minimum signal loss.

your head unit set at about the 2 o’clock position, increase

leads to these input connectors.

are 14K gold plated to guarantee high conductivity and

speakers.

R

output [email protected] DC, 1KHz

RMS Power @ 4 ohms

RMS Power @ 2 ohms

Maximum Power Output

frequency response

input impedance

low level inputs

high level inputs

input sensitivity

low level inputs

power supply voltage

matching speaker

maximum current draw

dimensions(W×H×L)

impedance

stereo mode

bridged mode

mm

inches

100Watts×4

200Watts×2

500Watts×4

10Hz-70KHz

10K Ohms

100 Ohms

200mV

14.4V DC Neg.Ground (10.5-16V)

2-4 Ohms

4-8 Ohms

80A

222×48×450

8.88×1. 92×18.1

8

6

PB317X

PB844

PB717X

PB1644

4ch amp PB844 PB1644

4ch mono input connections using low level inputs

LEFT FRONT Audio Outputs

LEFT REAR Audio Outputs

2ch mono minput connections using low level inputs

RIGHT REAR Audio Outputs

RIGHT FRONT Audio Outputs

L

Y adaptors

R

mono connections

head unit

96.8

head unit

96.8

15

16

PB417X

PB844

PB617X

PB1644

2/4 channel input connections

4ch amp PB844 PB1644

4ch input connections using low level inputs

L/R FRONT Audio Outputs

2ch input connections using low level inputs

L/R REAR Audio Outputs

Y adaptors

head unit

96.8

head unit

L

R

96.8

14

17

PB417X

PB744

SPEAKER OUTPUT

electrical connections

2ch amp PB744

+12V battery

head unit

96.8

to remote turn-on +12V

9

8

electrical connections

4ch amp PB844

PB844

10

+12V battery

head unit

96.8

to remote turn-on +12V

mono input connections

2ch amp PB744

using low level inputs

PB744

To a sencond amplifier

Y Adaptors

96.8

head unit

13

PLEASE NOTE! If using high level inputs, do not use the low level RCA inputs at the same time!

PB744

L/R Audio Outputs

stereo input connections

2ch amp PB744

12

head unit

96.8

PLEASE NOTE! If using high level inputs, do not use the low level RCA inputs at the same time!

PB1644

+12V battery

head unit

electrical connections

4ch amp PB1644

96.8

to remote turn-on +12V

11