CONTENTS
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 1
U S E R ’ S M A N U A L
2 Introduction
2 What is included?
3 Features
3 About 2 Ohm operation
4 General precautions
4 Installation precautions
5 Mounting the amplifier
6 Connecting the amplifier
7 Low level input wiring
8 High level input wiring
9 Power and Speaker wiring
10 Troubleshooting
11 Specifications
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
F2.200
Two Channel
High Power Car Audio
Amplifier
F4.400
Four Channel
High Power Car Audio
Amplifier
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 2
Introduction
With the Sound Storm Laboratories
FORCE high power amplifier series,
we are introducing two new models,
both designed in the USA. This new
series includes a 2-channel and a
4-channel amplifier.
These FORCE models feature a low
pass crossover, and the F4.400 adds
a high pass crossover on CH1/2. Both
amps feature both high level and RCA
low level inputs on the front panel.
Input level can be precisely controlled
by variable input gain controls.
These features help you integrate the
amp into your system regardless of
the nature of your input source.
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.
• FORCE amplifier
•High input cable with connector
• Four (4) mounting screws
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 3
Features About 2 Ohm operation
Your new FORCE amplifier features
the following:
• 2 Ohm stable stereo operation
with output power increase
• Thermal and speaker short
protection
• Soft turn-on circuit
• Remote turn-on/turn-off circuit
• Variable input gain control
• Built-in fixed crossovers:
F2.200: fixed low pass (120Hz)
F4.400: fixed low pass (120Hz)
on CH3/4
fixed high pass (200Hz)
on CH1/2
• Nickel-plated RCA low level and
high level inputs
• LED power and protection
indicators
• Black anodized heatsink
Your FORCE amplifier has been
designed to operate efficiently at loads
down to 2 Ohms. This means that you
can install four 8 Ohm speakers per
channel, when using parallel wiring.
Increasing the number of woofers per
channel at low frequencies (below
100Hz) produces an acoustic coupling
effect. This acoustic coupling effect
increases your power output by about
3dB per speaker, or the equivalent of
an additional 10W per speaker.
When operating at 2 Ohms, the
amplifiers will increase their output
power by approximately 50%. The
current draw will also increase by
about the same amount, so be sure
you have enough current to run the
amplifiers into a 2 Ohm load.
If you lack adequate current, your
music reproduction will be distorted.
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 4
General precautions
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.
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.
• 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.
• 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 .
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.
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 5
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.
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.
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 6
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.
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 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 8
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
8 gauge (or heavier) cable from this
fuse to the amplifier location.
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.
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.
Connecting the amplifier
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.
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.
Don't misuse the
level control!
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 8
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 7 FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 9
The high level input(s) should only be used when your head unit lacks RCA outputs.
If the RCA outputs are not present, connect the speaker outputs from the receiver
to the high level input connector of the amplifier. Be sure to observe polarity to
avoid audio phase problems.
Low Level Input Wiring
Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for best audio performance. Always use
a high-quality RCA cable for best audio performance.
NOTE: Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your
receiver to your amplifier at the same time!
2-Channel Amplifier
F2.200
To Audio Outputs
of head unit or
signal processor
4-Channel Amplifier
F4.400
R L
+ -
GND
- +
R L
POWER
2 C H AN N EL HI G H P OW E R A MP L IF I ER
MAXMIN
LEVEL INPUTS
HIGH LE VEL
INPUTS
LOW PASS
CROSSOVE R
MODE
FULL RAN GE
CH
3
CH
1
POWER
4 C H AN N EL HI G H P OW E R A MP L IF I ER
HIGH LEV EL INPUT S
INPUTS INPUTS
CHANN EL 1 /2
MAXMIN
LEVEL
HIGH PASS
CROSSOVE R
MODE
+ -
GND
- +
CH4 CH3
CH
4
CHANN EL 3 /4
HIGH LEV EL INPUT S
LOW PASS
CROSSOVE R
MODE
FULL RAN GE
MAXMIN
LEVEL
+ -
GND
- +
CH2 CH1
CH
2
FULL RAN GE
To Audio
Outputs of head
unit or signal
processor
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 8
High Level Input Wiring, cont.
The high level input(s) should only be used when your head unit lacks RCA outputs.
If the RCA outputs are not present, connect the speaker outputs from the receiver
to the high level input connector of the amplifier. Be sure to observe polarity to
avoid audio phase problems.
NOTE: Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your
receiver to your amplifier at the same time!
2-Channel Amplifier
F2.200
4-Channel Amplifier
F4.400
R L
+ -
GND
- +
R L
POWER
2 C H AN N EL HI G H P OW E R A MP L IF I ER
MAXMIN
LEVEL INPUTS
HIGH LE VEL
INPUTS
LOW PASS
CROSSOVE R
MODE
FULL RAN GE
CH
3
CH
1
POWER
4 C H AN N EL HI G H P OW E R A MP L IF I ER
HIGH LEV EL INPUT S
INPUTS INP UTS
CHANN EL 1 /2
MAXMIN
LEVEL
HIGH PASS
CROSSOVE R
MODE
+ -
GND
- +
CH4 CH3
CH
4
CHANN EL 3 /4
HIGH LEV EL INPUT S
LOW PASS
CROSSOVE R
MODE
FULL RAN GE
MAXMIN
LEVEL
+ -
GND
- +
CH2 CH1
CH
2
FULL RAN GE
To Speaker Terminals
of head unit
To Speaker Terminals
of head unit
R+ R- L- L+
CH+
CH4-
CH3-
CH3+
CH2+
CH2-
CH1-
CH1+
Power and Speaker Wiring
F2.200
2-Channel Amplifier
F4.400
4-Channel Amplifier
POWER
CONNECTIO NS
GND
CH
1
CH
2
CH
3
CH
4
SPEA KER
CONNECTIO NS
FUSE
REM+12V
POWER
CONNECTIO NS
GNDREM+12V
R
SPEA KER
CONNECTIO NS
L
FUSE
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
2-8 OHMS
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
2-8 OHMS
to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit
Chassis ground point
Battery
FUSE
SPEAKER
IMPEDANCE
2-8 OHMS
to REMOTE TURN-ON
terminal of head unit
Chassis ground point
Battery
FUSE
RIGHT
Speaker
+
–
LEFT
Speaker
+
–
CH4
Speaker
CH2
Speaker
CH3
Speaker
CH1
Speaker
+
–
+
–
Troubleshooting
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 10
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.
Amplifier will not
power up.
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.
Protection LED
comes on when
amplifier is
powered up.
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.
No output.
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.
Low output.
Reset the Level Control.
Check the Crossover Control settings.
Audio present in
only one channel.
Check the RCA interconnect cables.
Check all speaker wiring.
High hiss in the
speakers.
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.
Squealing noise
from speakers.
Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects.
Distorted sound.
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.
Amplifier gets
very hot.
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.
Engine noise
(static type)
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.
Engine noise
(alternator
whine)
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.
SYMPTOM POSSIBLE REMEDY
Specifications
FORCE Amplifier User’s Manual - page 11
RMS POWER
into 4 Ohms
MAX POWER
into 2 Ohms
Min. speaker
impedance
THD
Frequency response
Signal-to-noise ratio
Channel separation
Crossover
low pass
high pass
Fuse rating
Dimensions:
(9" x 2
-1/16
" x ...)
MODEL F2.200
Two Channel
Car Au dio Ampli fier
F4.400
Four Cha nnel
Car Au dio Ampli fier
All specifications subject to change without notice.
50W x 2
100W X 2
2 Ohms
0.01%
12Hz-22kHz
90dB
60dB
120Hz fixed
n/a
7.5A x 1
5-1/8"
50W x 4
100W X 4
2 Ohms
0.01%
12Hz-22kHz
90dB
60dB
120Hz fixed (CH3/4)
200Hz fixed (CH1/2)
15A x 1
7-5/8"
Notes
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