Ssl F2600D, F5000D, F3600D User Manual

USER’S MANUAL

F2600D

CLASS D MonoBlock
Car Audio Amplifiers

F3600D
F5000D

Congratulations on your
purchase of a Sound Storm
Laboratories FORCE Amplifier.

It has been designed, engineered
and manufactured to bring you
the highest level of performance
and quality, and will afford you
years of listening pleasure.

Thank you for making Sound
Storm Laboratories your choice
for car audio entertainment!

page

CONTENTS

2 Introduction

2 Features

3 What is included?

3 General precautions

3 Installation precautions

3 Mounting the amplifier

4 Connecting the amplifier

5 Important system considerations

5 Tips for a safe system

6 Low level input wiring

6 Speaker wiring

7 Power connections

Normal and with Stiffening Capacitor

9 Bridging two F2600D or
F3600D Amplifiers

11 Bridging two F5000D
Amplifiers

13 Troubleshooting

14 Specifications

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 1

Introduction

Features

With the Sound Storm Laboratories
FORCE F2600D, F3600D and F5000D
models, we are introducing three new
CLASS D amplifiers, all designed in
the USA.

These FORCE models feature variable
low pass and subsonic filters and a
variable input gain control. All three
models also incorporate a phase
selector switch to help compensate
for time delays in subwoofer
applications.

For further flexibility in the use of a
subwoofer, a variable 0-+18dB Bass
Boost control has been included.You
can control the subwoofer level with
the remote level control module.

Sound Storm Laboratories
understands that amplifiers are placed
in many different kinds of installations,
so we have also included an input
sensitivity control to help you integrate
the amp into your system regardless
of the nature of your input source.

A special feature on this Class D amp
is DataLink circuitry, which allows you
to “strap” together two F2600D’s, two
F3600D’s or two F5000D models for
an astounding total maximum output
power of 5200, 7200 or 10000 watts,
respectively.

Your new FORCE amplifier features
the following:

• Class D operation

• MOSFET PWM (Pulse Width
Modulated) Power Supply

• One Ohm stable mono operation

• Thermal, overload and speaker
short protection

• Soft turn-on circuit

• Remote turn-on/turn-off circuit

• Variable input gain control

• Input voltage sensitivity selector

• Variable subsonic filter: 15-40 Hz,
24/dB/octave

• Variable low pass filter: 50-150 Hz,
24/dB/octave

• Variable 0-+18dB Bass Boost

• 0/180º Phase Shift selector

• Nickel-plated RCA low level inputs

• Nickel-plated speaker and power
terminals

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 2

• LED power and protection
indicators

• Black anodized heatsink

• Remote subwoofer level control

What is included?

When first unpacking your new
amplifier, please check first that the
package contains all of the items
below. If something is missing, contact
the store where you purchased the
player.

• If there is smoke or any peculiar odor
present during use or if there is damage
to any of the component enclosures,
immediately unplug the power cord
and send the amplifier to your local
dealer or service center as soon as
possible .

• Class D amplifier

• Remote subwoofer level control

• Remote subwoofer control cable

• DataLink cable (for strapping two
identical Force Class D amps
together)

• Four (4) mounting screws

General precautions

Before installing and using your new
Sound Storm Laboratories amplifier,
please become familiar with all the
information contained in this manual.

Please keep this manual in a safe
place for future reference.

• Do not open or attempt to repair this
unit yourself. Dangerous high voltages
are present which may result in electric
shock. Refer any repairs to a qualified
service technician.

Installation precautions

Before you drill or cut any holes,
investigate your car's layout very
carefully. Take special care when you
work near the gas tank, fuel lines,
hydraulic lines and electrical wiring.

Never operate the amplifier when it is
unmounted. Attach all audio system
components securely to prevent
damage, especially in an accident.

Before making or breaking power
connections in your system, disconnect
the vehicle battery. Confirm that your
head unit or other equipment is turned
off while connecting the input jacks and
speaker terminals.

If you need to replace the power fuse,
replace it only with a fuse identical to
that supplied with the amplifier. Using
a fuse of a different type or rating may
result in damage to your audio system
or your amplifier which is not covered
by the manufacturer's warranty.

• To avoid risk of electronic shock or
damage to the amplifier, do not permit
any of this equipment to become damp
or wet from water or drinks. If this does
occur, immediately unplug the power
wires and send the amplifier to your
local dealer or service center as soon
as possible.

Mounting the amplifier

1. Find a suitable location in the vehicle
in which to mount the amplifier.

2. Make sure there is sufficient air
circulation around the intended
mounting location.

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 3

3. Mark the location for the mounting
hole screws by positioning the amplifier
where you wish to install it. Use a scribe
or mounting screw, inserted through
each of the amp's mounting holes, to
mark the mounting surface. If the
mounting surface is carpeted, measure
the hole centers and mark with a felt
tip pen.

4. Drill pilot holes in the mounting
surface for the mounting screws. Place
the amplifier in position, and attach
the amplifier to the mounting surface
securely using screws.

Connecting the amplifier

4. Check that the fuse holder is empty.
Then connect the fuse holder to the
"BATT+" connection on the amplifier.

5. If multiple amplifiers are being used
in your system, either:

• Run a separate pair of cables from
the battery and a chassis ground point
to each amplifier. Each (+) cable must
have its own inline fuse.

-or-

• Run a #4 cable from the fuse holder
at the battery to a distribution block
at or near the amplifier's location. Then
run separate cables from the amplifier
to this distribution block and to
independent chassis ground points.

Before doing any wiring, look through
this manual and identify the diagrams
to follow for power, input and speaker
connections for your particular
installation. Be sure you understand
all the connections before you proceed.

1. Connect the amplifier’s power
ground terminal to the closest point
on the chassis of the car. Keep this
ground wire to less than 39" (100 cm)
in length. Use 4 gauge (or heavier)
wire.

2. Connect the remote terminal to the
remote output of the head unit using
16 gauge (or heavier) wire.

3. Connect an empty fuse holder within
18" (45 cm) of the car battery, and run
4 gauge (or heavier) cable from this
fuse to the amplifier location.

The purpose of placing a fuse in this
location is to protect your vehicle’s
battery in the event that this wire
accidentally touches the chassis
ground on its run to the amplifier.

6. Connect all line inputs and outputs
(if used) using high-quality cables.
Connect all speakers, following the
diagrams in this manual. Be sure to
observe proper polarity to avoid audio
phase problems.

7. Insert fuse(s) into the battery fuse
holder(s).

8. Recheck all connections before
powering up the amplifier.

9. Set all level controls to minimum
position, and set all crossover
controls/switches to the desired
frequency points.

10. Power up the head unit and the
amplifier. Then set the volume control
on the head unit to about 3/4 volume,
and adjust the amplifier’s input level
control(s) to just below the level of
distortion.

11. Further fine tuning of the various
controls may be necessary to obtain
best results.

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 4

Important installation
considerations for using
this amplifier.

Your Force Class D amplifier
is designed to run with a min­imum load of 1 Ohm.

Operating the F2600D, F3600D
or F5000D with a speaker im­pedance load below 1 Ohm
may result in poor sound qual­ity and damage to the amplifier
circuitry. Such damage is not
covered under the warranty
for this product.

The fuse rating for the amp is 50A
(using two 25A fuses) for the F2600D
and 90A (using three 30A fuses) for
the F3600D. The F5000D’s fuse rating
is 175A (using a single inline ANL type
fuse – fuse and holder are included).
Although sufficient for normal working
conditions, overloading the amp may
result in blown fuses. Please try to
avoid overloading the amp in this
manner.

Don't misuse the
level control!

Do not mistake the input level control
for a volume control! It is designed
ONLY to match the output level of
your audio source to the input level
of your amplifier.

Do not adjust this input level to
maximum unless your input level
requires it.

Tips for making your system
as save as possible

When making electrical connections
to the amplifier, please observe the
following:

• Always use 4GA or heavier wire for
power and ground connections.

• Wire the amplifier directly to the car
battery. Make sure there is circuit
protection (such as a fuse) on the
positive power lead within 18” of the
battery.

• When making a ground connection,
always use the shortest possible wire
to a good chassis ground point.

• Wire the remote turn-on connection
to the remote turn-on lead of your EQ
or head unit. In some cases, this may
be the power antenna lead of the head
unit.

• Fuses protect BOTH the amplifier
and the electrical system of your
vehicle from faulty conditions. If you
must replace a fuse on the amplifier,
you must use a fuse of exactly the
same type and rating. A different type
of fuse or rating may result in damage
or cause a fire.

SHOCK HAZARD! Do not open the case
of this product. There are dangerous

voltages present within the unit. There are
no user-serviceable parts within the unit.

Ignoring these instructions will result
in an input overload to the amplifier,
and excessive audio distortion. It
can also cause the protection circuit
to engage.

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 5

Low Level Input Wiring

SPEAKER

IMPEDANCE

1-8 OHMS

Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for best audio performance. Always use
a high-quality RCA cable for best audio performance.

LINE O UT INPUTS

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

RR

POWER

LL

INPUT
LEVEL

MAXMIN

INPUT S ENSITIVITY

100mV-2V

SUBSONIC

FILTER

BASS

LOW PASS

FILTER

SLAVE

PHASE
SHIFT

180º

150Hz50Hz

DATALINK

BOOST

150Hz40Hz

+18dB0

AMPLIF IER MODE

MASTER2V-8V

0

PROTECTION

MINIMUM IMPE DANCE 2 OHMS

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

+

To Audio Outputs of head unit
or Subwoofer outputs of a signal
processor

To Audio Inputs of
satellite amplifier
(if present)

CLASS D MONOBLOCK P OWER AMPLIFI ER

SUBSONIC

INPUT

BASS

LOW PASS

PHASE

LINE OUT INPUTS

POWER

FILTER

LEVEL

BOOST

MAXMIN

INPUT SENSITIVIT Y

FILTER

150Hz40Hz

+18dB0

AMPLIFIER MODE

SLAVE

MASTER2V-8V

RR

LL

100mV-2V

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

SHIFT

0

180º

PROTECTION

150Hz50Hz

DATALINK

MINIMUM IMPEDANCE 2 OHMS

+

PLEASE NOTE:
Front panel of F5000D varies from model
shown in diagram. However, input and
speaker connections are identical to those
shown on this page.

Speaker Connections

LINE O UT INPUTS

POWER

F2600D • F3600D * F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 6

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

RR

LL

INPUT
LEVEL

MAXMIN

INPUT S ENSITIVITY

100mV-2V

SUBSONIC

FILTER

BASS

LOW PASS

FILTER

SLAVE

PHASE

SHIFT

180º

0

150Hz50Hz

PROTECTION

DATALINK

BOOST

150Hz40Hz

+18dB0

AMPLIF IER MODE

MASTER2V-8V

SUBWOOFER

Speaker

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

+

MINIMUM IMPE DANCE 2 OHMS

Power Connections

F2600D and F3600D

Without Stiffening Capacitor

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

Subwoofer Level Control

FUSE S

Remote

POWER

CONNECTIONS

GNDREMBATT+

Chassis

ground

point

to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit

BatteryFUSE

With Stiffening
Capacitor

Remote

Subwoofer Level Control

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

FUSE S

Battery

Chassis

ground

point

POWER

CONNECTIONS

Distribution
Block

FUSE

Stiffening

Capacitor

GNDREMBATT+

Chassis
ground
point

to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 7

Power Connections

F5000D

Without Stiffening Capacitor

CLASS D MONOBL OCK POWER AMPL IFIER

AMPLIFIER

MODE

SLAVE

MASTER

DATALINK

GNDREMBATT+

POWER

CONNECTI ONS

With Stiffening
Capacitor

175A

ANL FUSE

(PROVIDED)

AMPLIFIER

SLAVE

ANL FUSE HOLDER (PROVIDED)

CLASS D MONOBL OCK POWER AMPL IFIER

MODE

MASTER

DATALINK

Chassis ground point

to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit

FUSE

GNDREMBATT+

Battery

POWER

CONNECTI ONS

175A ANL FUSE

Chassis

ground point

F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 8

(PROVIDED)

Battery

Distribution

Block

Chassis

ground

point

FUSE

to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit

Stiffening

Capacitor

Bridging Two F2600D or F3600D amplifiers

SPEAKER

IMPEDANCE

2-8 OHMS

INP
LEV

R

INPUT, SPEAKER AND DATALINK CONNECTIONS

(SEE NEXT PAGE FOR POWER CONNECTIONS)

MASTER
AMPLIFIER

To Audio Outputs of head unit

SLAVE
AMPLIFIER

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

LINE O UT INPUTS

POWER

INPUT
LEVEL

RR

LL

100mV-2V

or Subwoofer outputs of a

signal processor

BRIDGED MODE

SWITCH IN SLAVE

POSITION

SUBSONIC

FILTER

150Hz40Hz

MAXMIN

INPUT S ENSITIVITY

AMPLIFIE R MODE

SLAVEMASTER

BASS
BOOST

+18dB0

AMPLIF IER MODE

MASTER2V-8V

LOW PASS

FILTER

SLAVE

SLAVEMASTER

AMPLIFIE R MODE

BRIDGED MODE
SWITCH IN MASTER

SLAVEMASTER

PHASE

SHIFT

180º

150Hz50Hz

0

PROTECTION

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

POSITION

+

DATALINK

MINIMUM IMPE DANCE 2 OHMS

+

–

SUBWOOFER
Speaker

LINE O UT INPUTS

POWER

PLEASE NOTE:
In this MASTER AMP/SLAVE AMP configuration, the Slave amp
receives its audio signal from the Master Amp. Therefore, DO NOT
USE THE INPUTS ON THE SLAVE AMP!)

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

RR

L

LL

INPUT
LEVEL

MIN

INPUT S ENSITIVITY

100mV-2V

SUBSONIC

BASS

LOW PASS

FILTER

BOOST

150Hz40Hz

MAXMIN

+18dB0

AMPLIF IER MODE

MASTER2V-8V

FILTER

SLAVE

PHASE

SHIFT

0

180º

150Hz50Hz

PROTECTION

DATALINK

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 9

SPEAKER CONNECTIONS

+

MINIMUM IMPE DANCE 2 OHMS

Bridging Two F2600D or F3600D amplifiers

POWER CONNECTIONS

(SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR INPUT, SPEAKER AND DATALINK CONNECTIONS)

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

FUSE S

POWER

CONNECTIONS

GNDREMBATT+

MASTER
AMPLIFIER

PLEASE NOTE:
In this MASTER AMP/SLAVE AMP
configuration, the Slave amp receives its
audio signal from the Mas ter Amp. Therefore,
DO NOT USE THE REMOTE
SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL ON
THE SLAVE AMP!)

Subwoofer Level Control

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

SLAVE
AMPLIFIER

Remote

FUSE S

Distribution
Block

POWER

CONNECTIONS

Chassis

ground

point

GNDREMBATT+

Chassis
ground
point

Chassis

ground

point

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 10

Battery

FUSE

Stiffening
Capacitor

to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit

Bridging Two F5000D amplifiers

SPEAKER

IMPEDANCE

2-8 OHMS

S

100m

R

L

INPUT, SPEAKER AND DATALINK CONNECTIONS

(SEE NEXT PAGE FOR POWER CONNECTIONS)

MASTER
AMPLIFIER

To Audio Outputs of head unit

SLAVE
AMPLIFIER

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

LINE OUT INPUTS

POWER

PROTECT ION

SENSITIVITY

R

100mV-2V 0

L

or Subwoofer outputs of a

signal processor

INPUT

2V-8V

INPUT
LEVEL

SUBSONIC

FILTER

BASS

PHASE

BOOST

SHIFT

150Hz40Hz

+18dB0

180 º

SPEAKER CO NNECTIONS

MINIMU M
IMPEDANCE
2 OHMS

LOW PASS

FILTER

MAXMIN

150Hz50Hz

+

–

+

SUBWOOFER
Speaker

LINE OUT INPUTS

POWER

PROTECT ION

PLEASE NOTE:
In this MASTER AMP/SLAVE AMP configuration, the Slave amp
receives its audio signal from the Master Amp. Therefore, DO NOT
USE THE INPUTS ON THE SLAVE AMP!)

CLASS D MONOBLOCK POWER AMPLIFIER

SENSITIVITY

INPUT

INPUT
LEVEL

LOW PASS

FILTER

SUBSONIC

FILTER

BASS

BOOST

R

MAXMIN

2V-8V

100mV-2V 0

150Hz40Hz

150Hz50Hz

+18dB0

L

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 11

PHASE
SHIFT

180 º

SPEAKER CO NNECTIONS

+

MINIMU M
IMPEDANCE
2 OHMS

Bridging Two F5000D amplifiers

POWER CONNECTIONS

(SEE PREVIOUS PAGE FOR INPUT, SPEAKER AND DATALINK CONNECTIONS)

MASTER
AMPLIFIER

CLASS D MONOBL OCK POWER AMPL IFIER

SLAVE

AMPLIFIER

MODE

MASTER

DATALINK

GNDREMBATT+

POWER

CONNECTI ONS

Subwoofer Level Control

Remote

PLEASE NOTE:
In this MASTER AMP/SLAVE AMP
configurati on, the Slave amp receives its
audio sig nal from the Master A mp. Therefore,
DO NOT USE THE REMOTE
SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL ON
THE SLAVE AMP!)

AMPLIFIER

MODE

SLAVE

SLAVE
AMPLIFIER

175A ANL FUSE

(PROVIDED)

CLASS D MONOBL OCK POWER AMPL IFIER

MASTER

DATALINK

Chassis

ground

point

GNDREMBATT+

AMPLIFIE R MODE

SLAVE MASTER

POWER

CONNECTI ONS

BRIDGED MODE
SWITCH IN MASTER
POSITION

AMPLIFIE R MODE

SLAVE MASTER

BRIDGED MODE

SWITCH IN SLAVE

POSITION

Chassis

ground

point

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 12

Battery

Distribution
Block

FUSE

Stiffening
Capacitor

Chassis
ground
point

to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit

Troubleshooting

If you experience operation or performance problems with this product, compare your
installation with the electrical wiring diagram on the previous pages. If problems persist,
read the following troubleshooting tips which may help eliminate the problems.

SYMPTOM POSSIBLE REMEDY

Amplifier will not
power up.

Protection LED
comes on when
amplifier is
powered up.

No output.

Low output.

Audio present in
only one channel.

Check to make sure you have a good ground connection.

Check that the Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 3VDC.
Check that there is battery power on the (+) terminal.

Check that there is at least 12v.
Check all fuses, replace if necessary.

Make sure that the Protection LED is not illuminated. If it is lit, shut off
the amplifier briefly, and then repower it.

Check for short circuits on speaker leads.
Turn down the volume control on the head unit to prevent overdriving.

Remove speaker leads, and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED still
comes on, then the amplifier is faulty and needs servicing.

Check that all fuses are OK.

Check that amplifier is properly grounded.
Check that the Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 3VDC.

Check that the RCA audio cables are plugged into the proper inputs.
Check all speaker wiring.

Reset the Level Control.

Check the Crossover Control settings.

Check the RCA interconnect cables.

Check all speaker wiring.

High hiss in the
speakers.

Squealing noise
from speakers.

Distorted sound.

Amplifier gets
very hot.

Engine noise
(static type)

Engine noise
(alternator
whine)

Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifiers. If the hiss disappears, then
plug in the component driving the amplifier and unplug its inputs. If the
hiss disappears at this point, go on until the faulty/noisy component is
found.

It is best to set the amplifier's input level control as low as possible. The
best subjective signal-to-noise ratio is achieved in this manner. Try to set
the head unit as high as possible (without distortion) and the amp input
level as low as possible.

Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects.

Check that the Input Level Control is set to match the signal level of the
head unit. Always try to set the Input Level as low as possible.

Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set.
Check for short circuits on the speaker leads.

Check that the minimum speaker impedance for the amp model is correct.

Check that there is good air circulation around the amp. In some
applications, it may be necessary to add and external cooling fan.

This is usually caused by poor quality RCA cables,which can pick up
radiated noise. Use only the best quality cables, and route them away
from power cables.

Check that speaker leads are not shorted to the vehicle chassis.

Check that the RCA grounds are not shorted to the vehicle chassis.

Check that the head unit is properly grounded.

F2600D • F3600D * F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 13

Specifications

CLASS D MonoBlock Car Audio Amplifiers

RMS POWER

into 4 Ohms

RMS POWER

into 2 Ohms

MAX POWER

into 2 Ohms

MAX POWER

into 1 Ohm

Min. speaker
impedance

Input
impedance

Input
sensitivity

Frequency response

Signal-to-noise ratio

Crossover/filter range

low pass

subsonic

Bass Boost

Phase Shift

Fuse rating

Dimensions:
(10" x 2

-7/16" x ...)

F2600DMODEL

750W x 1

1200W x 1

1800W x 1

2600W x 1

1 Ohm Mono

10k Ohm

Selectable 100mV-2V or 2V-8V

10Hz-200Hz

103dB

50Hz-150Hz

15Hz-40Hz

Variable 0 -+18dB

Selectable 0/180º

25A x 2

11-1/8"

F3600D F5000D

1200W x 1

1800W x 1

2200W x 1

3600W x 1

1 Ohm Mono

10k Ohm

Selectable 100mV-2V or 2V-8V

10Hz-200Hz

100dB

50Hz-150Hz

15Hz-40Hz

Variable 0 -+18dB

Selectable 0/180º

30A x 3

11-1/2"

1400W x 1

2200W x 1

3400W x 1

5000W x 1

1 Ohm Mono

10k Ohm

Selectable 100mV-2V or 2V-8

10Hz-200Hz

100dB

50Hz-150Hz

15Hz-40Hz

Variable 0 -+18dB

Selectable 0/180º

175A x 1

19-1/2"

F2600D • F3600D • F5000D Amplifier User’s Manual - page 14

All specifications subject to

change without notice.