GAS MAX A2 User manual

MAX
HARDCORE CAR AUDIO
MAX
A2-100.2 / A2-150.4

WE PLAY LOUD!!
We know what you want. You want it LOUD, and that’s
exactly what we do, what we live for. Vibrations,
gut-punches and straight up loud music - that’s what
makes us tick. We won’t dress up in fancy words or
claim to be something we’re not. We are the NO
BULLSH!T car audio brand!
Every single product with the GAS logo on it is born
out of passion, the same that has driven us for two
generations and that will keep us rolling up to your
neighbourhood, winning and pushing the limits for
many generations to come!
It’s up to you to choose your own level of loud, and if
you don’t like what we do that’s OK. You are welcome

We don’t exclude, we don’t judge and we do not make
up any excuses for who we are.
We are GAS and we are proud to be LOUD!

TABLE OF CONTENT
SAFETY..................................................................................................
UNPACKING........................................................................................
DIMENSIONS..............................................................................................
SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................
MAX A2-100.2...................................................................................
MAX A2-150.4...................................................................................
Recommended cable sizes...............................................................
FUNCTIONS..............................................................................................
Input / Output / HI Input....................................................................
Level (Gain) / Bass EQ / HPF / LPF.....................................................
Crossover / Mode / Indicators / Mode channels................................
Bass remote / Ground / Remote / Power...........................................
Fuses / Speaker outputs..................................................................
HOW TO.........................................................................................................
Install amplifier................................................................................
Connect speakers............................................................................
Tweaking & settings.........................................................................
TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................
No power..........................................................................................
No sound..........................................................................................
Unwanted noise...............................................................................
Distortion....................................................................................
Protection...................................................................................
WARRANTY & DISPOSAL...............................................................................
THE GAS WORLD............................................................................................
3
4
4
5
5
5
6
7
7
8
9
10
11
12
12
17
19
25
25
25
25
25
25
26
27
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X

SAFETY
3
Make sure to pay attention to the instructions when you see this symbol:
Make sure that your vehicle has a 12 VDC voltage negative ground system, that it can
handle an increased power consumption, and that both the alternator and the power
source are healthy and up to the task.
Don’t install the amplifier inside the engine compartment or any other surface that
may be compromised by water or dirt. Your amplifier will produce heat so make sure
it’ll have sucient air circulation (4-5cm open space on all sides).
Keep the cables inside the vehicle separate from sharp edges or components that may
be affected or take damage. Follow the recommended cable sizes and always use high
quality cables and accessories. Even if you are eager to put the amplifier to use – take
no shortcuts when installing the cables, make sure that all connectors are protected
and secured, and take your time finding the perfect grounding point.
Don’t drill any holes without checking what lies beneath, and don’t cut anything
without making sure that no important components risk being damaged.
There’s a first time for everything, if you need help - ask a friend or contact your local
GAS AUDIO POWER dealer/installer.
We want you to experience your products to the MAX, but we don’t want you to injure
yourself or others. Use common sense, respect high pressure levels and volume, and
follow your local laws and regulations.
NO COMPROMISES! Especially when it comes to safety. Before installing your MAX

follow the instructions. Save the manual for future usage and reference!

UNPACKING
We know you’re excited to dive head first into installing your new amplifier, but before you
do: Make sure that the amplifier and all the accessories are included in the packaging.
4
Amplifier Manual
DIMENSIONS
A
B
CD
E
A2-100.2
A2-150.4
A B C D E
mm
mm
323
493
280
450
198
198
155
155
60
60
Fuses
(2 or 3 pcs)
Allen keys
(2 pcs)
Remote cable & Remote only included with MAX A2-150.4
Screws
(4 or 6 pcs)
HI input cable
(1 or 2 pcs)
Remote cable Remote

SPECIFICATIONS
5
We take pride in our work! True, honest specifications and power ratings are an important
part of all amplifiers. Listening, measuring and engineering are essential parts in our
workshop. That’s how we make sure to bring you an awesome product with NO BULLSH!T.
Component
Channels

Two
MAX A2-100.2
Input Mode Mono / 2Ch
Power RMS (2 Ohm)
Bridged Power RMS (4 Ohm)
Frequency Response
Low Pass Filter
High Pass Filter
S/N Ratio (A-weighted)
Power RMS (4 Ohm)
2x160W
1x320W
10-45000Hz
30-4000Hz
10-4000Hz
>102dB
2x100W
Bass EQ
Crossover Slope
0-12 dB @45Hz
12dB
Power Voltage
REM voltage
Input Sensitivity
10-16V
10-16V
0.5-6V
Input Impedance 10K Ohm
T.H.D
Power Fuse
<0.05%
2x25A
Damping Factor >150
High Level Input
RCA Line Out
Yes
Yes
Component
Channels

Four
MAX A2-150.4
Input Mode 2Ch / 4Ch
Power RMS (2 Ohm)
Bridged Power RMS (4 Ohm)
Frequency Response
Low Pass Filter
High Pass Filter
S/N Ratio (A-weighted)
Power RMS (4 Ohm)
4x230W
2x460W
10-45000Hz
30-4000Hz
10-4000Hz
>102dB
4x150W
Bass EQ
Crossover Slope
0-12 dB @45Hz
12dB
Power Voltage
REM voltage
Input Sensitivity
10-16V
10-16V
0.5-6V
Input Impedance 10K Ohm
T.H.D
Power Fuse
<0.05%
3x35A
Damping Factor >150
High Level Input
RCA Line Out
Yes
N/A

SPECIFICATIONS
6
Power cable 4AWG (20mm
Speaker cable
REM cable
4AWG (20mm
14AWG (1,5mm 12AWG (4mm
18AWG (0,75mm 12AWG (4mm
Power cable 4AWG (20mm
Speaker cable
REM cable
4AWG (20mm
14AWG (1,5mm 12AWG (4mm
18AWG (0,75mm 12AWG (4mm
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SIZE MAX SIZE
MAX A2-100.2
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM SIZE MAX SIZE
MAX A2-150.4
RECOMMENDED CABLE SIZES

NO COMPROMISES - that’s the spirit of the MAX series. The MAX amplifiers are made for the
enthusiasts out there who crave crazy amounts of power! We’ve packed these powerful
amplifiers with a bunch of interesting features. We know you’re itching to start building your
new sound system, but make sure to read through these pages - so you can get the most out
of your drivers!
With the MAX A2 series we’ve created a diverse range of high-performing amplifiers that
will both impress and astonish, no matter the setup. This also means that not all of the
models will have all of the features presented in this chapter, and placement might differ.
7
LOW LEVEL OUTPUT
OUTPUT Left - Right.
Send original signal to
a second amplifier.
FUNCTIONS
LOW LEVEL INPUT
INPUT Left - Right.
Connects to your head
unit’s RCA outputs.
Example: A2-100.2Example: A2-100.2
HIGH LEVEL INPUT
Example: A2-100.2
HI INPUT. Used instead
of low level input/RCA to
connect speaker output
directly to the head unit.
Never use high level
and low level input
at the same time!

8
FUNCTIONS
LEVEL (GAIN)
LEVEL. Sync your head
unit’s output signal
with the amplifier.
Follow the HOW
TO instructions
Example: A2-100.2Example: A2-100.2
BASS EQ
BASS EQ. Boosts the
bass at 45Hz, Variable
between 0-12dB.
Follow the HOW
TO instructions
HIGH PASS FILTER
HPF. Limits the output
below selected freq-
uency.
Follow the HOW
TO instructions
Example: A2-100.2Example: A2-100.2
LOW PASS FILTER
LPF. Limits the output
above selected freq-
uency.
Follow the HOW
TO instructions

9
FUNCTIONS
CROSSOVER
X-OVER. Choose the
type of crossover to
use: High pass, Full-
range or Low/Band
pass setting.
Example: A2-100.2
Follow the HOW
TO instructions
INDICATORS
POWER - PROTECT.
Power = Illuminates
when the amplifier is
connected and on.
Protect = Illuminates
when the amplifier in-
dicates a failure.
If protect glows, read
TROUBLE SHOOTING.
Example: A2-100.2
MODE MONO/STEREO
Example: A2-100.2
MODE. Choose the type
of input mode to use:
Mono or Stereo.
Follow the HOW
TO instructions
MODE CHANNELS
Example: A2-150.4
MODE. Choose which
type of input mode to
use: 2CH or 4CH.
Follow the HOW
TO instructions

10
FUNCTIONS
BASS REMOTE
GROUND
REMOTE
POWER
Example: A2-100.2
REMOTE. Use this to
connect a remote level
output control knob
for an easy access and
adjustement of the
amplifier’s output.
Example: A2-150.4Example: A2-100.2
REM. Terminal input
connector for the unit
that controls the turn-
on signal.
Example: A2-100.2
GND. Terminal input
connector for ground
cable ( - power cable).
The GND cable must
be in direct contact
to the vehicle chassis
or the power source’s
neg. (-) binding post.
BATT +12V. Terminal in-
put connection for +12V
cable (+ power cable).
Make sure the vehicle
use a 10-16V power
source and electrical
system.
Works on A2-150.4
CH3 and CH4

11
FUNCTIONS
FUSES
SPEAKER OUTPUTS
Example: A2-100.2Example: A2-100.2
FUSE. Protects your
amplifier from major
damage in case of a
power failure.
Which fuse type the
amplifier uses is in
the SPECIFICATION.
SPEAKER OUTPUT.
Connect left and right
speaker or subwoofer
to the amplfier.
Connect positive &
negative output to
the equivalent con-
nector on speaker
/subwoofer.
Example: A2-150.4

A well-built sound system will set you aside from the rest and elevate your vehicle! It’s
important that you carefully read the instructions on the following pages. This is to make
sure that you install and use the amplifier correctly, for the true MAX EXPERIENCE!
12
INSTALL AMPLIFIER
HOW TO
Make sure your vehicle is up to task. You need a 12VDC negative ground electric system
and the power source and the alternator should be fully functional and healthy.
Disconnect and secure the negative terminal from your
power source to eliminate the risk of damaging your-
self or the products. Place the negative terminal in a
secure position so that it won’t accidentaly contact
the positive or the negative power source post.
Better safe than sorry! Find a location that has a normal temperature and is safe
from rain, excessive moisture and dirt when you’re going to install your amplifier.
65-85 AMP
50-65 AMP
35-50 AMP
20-35 AMP
0-20 AMP
225-300 AMP
150-225 AMP
125-150 AMP
105-125 AMP
0-1m 1-2m 2-3m 3-4m 4-5m
85-105 AMP
5-6m 6-7m 7-8m
Have all the necessary tools ready and close at hand. Make sure that the needed wiring
accessories are prepared. Your wiring kit should be of the recommended size
depending on the specific amplifier (see the SPECIFICATION chapter).
Cable
size:
A.W.G: 0 Gauge
MM²: 50mm²
A.W.G: 2 Gauge
MM²: 35mm²
A.W.G: 4 Gauge
MM²: 20mm²
A.W.G: 10 Gauge
MM²: 6mm²
A.W.G: 8 Gauge
MM²: 10mm²

It’s time to find the perfect location to place your amplifier! Since the amplifier produces
heat you don´t want to install it where it might get overheated. Find a place where air can
circulate around it to stay cool. Also leave enough space so it´s easy to connect your cables
and reach for the controls. Don´t bolt the amplifier to your vehicle chassis (if this is your only
option, you need to isolate the amplifier from the screws).
13
HOW TO
Find the best way to run the cables through your vehicle! This might take some time, and may
vary between different models. Preferably the cables shouldn’t be visible when you’re
finished and they shouldn’t be placed in a way that they obstruct any of the vehicle’s
functions or hinder you from operating the vehicle safely. It’s also important you don’t run
the power cable together with the signal cable, since this can cause interference.
Connect the power cable to the positive power source terminal, preferably together with the
vehicle +12V cable. A fuse holder needs to be placed on the cable at a 15-25 cm distance
from the terminal and before any steel parts. WARNING! Install the fuses as the absolute
final step when the rest of the installation is complete.
The next step is to run a remote wire from your head unit to the amplifier, preferably
together with the power cable (see illustration below). Use a separate 14-18 AWG wire for
the remote signal. You also need a high quality RCA signal cable. To make sure there’s no
interference, the RCA cable should be run as far away from the power cables as possible,
preferably on the opposite side of the vehicle (see illustration below).
RCA cable
Grounding is ESSENTIAL! The ground cable must be in
direct connection with the vehicle’s metal frame. So take
your time finding the perfect bolt or area for this. There
should be no paint or dirt preventing a clean connection,
so scrape down the area where the ring terminal
touches/is in contact with the frame.
Remote and
power cable

If you don’t have any RCA outputs on your head unit you can use the high level input function.
Use the included HI input cable. This will connect the speaker output of the head unit direct-
ly to the amplifier. When you use the high level input the amplifier will turn on automatically
when the head unit starts (only for the A2-100.2 model). This means you don’t need to
connect the REM (remote cable) to the amplifier. The A2-150.4 still needs REM input for
turn-on signal when using the high level inputs.
14
HOW TO
Use the right speaker cable for the job! Make sure to use the recommended size, and follow
the polarity of the speaker wire from the speaker to the amplifier.
Left +
Left -
Right -
Right +
WHITE CABLE
WHITE/BLACK CABLE
GREY/BLACK CABLE
GREY CABLE
MAX A2-100.2 MAX A2-150.4
CH1 +
CH1 -
CH2 -
CH2 +
WHITE CABLE
WHITE/BLACK CABLE
GREY/BLACK CABLE
GREY CABLE
CH3 +
CH3 -
CH4 -
CH4 +
GREEN CABLE
GREEN/BLACK CABLE
PURPLE/BLACK CABLE
PURPLE CABLE
See the SPECIFICATION chapter for recommended cable sizes. You can also look through
the table on the following page to find your minimum recommended size for speaker cables.
Speaker cables

15
HOW TO
900 W
600 W
450 W
300 W
150 W
3000 W
2500 W
2000 W
1500 W
0-1m 1-2m 2-3m 3-4m 4-5m
1200 W
5-6m 6-7m 7-8m
100 W
50 W
Cable
size:
A.W.G: 12 Gauge
MM²: 4mm²
A.W.G: 14 Gauge
MM²: 2,5mm²
A.W.G: 16 Gauge
MM²: 1,5mm²
We’re almost there! Are you ready? When all cables have been installed and secured with
grommets, cable end-sleeves, cable ties, terminals and wire looms, you’re ready to connect
the cables to the amplifier.
  
Follow the instructions on your amplifier and/or in the manual to make sure that each
cable is connected to the correct output and input. WARNING! Make sure that any Bass EQ
function is set to a minimum, that the level/gain is set to a minimum and all crossovers are
turned off/set to default.
Remember that if you’re using the high level input connection on the MAX A2-100.2 model,
you don’t need to connect the REM (remote) cable to the amplifier.

16
HOW TO
Install the fuses in the fuse holder and reconnect
the negative power source terminal. Be pre-
pared to disarm your vehicle’s alarm and to
enter your radio/source unit code.
Time to test it out! Turn the ignition on your vehicle and turn the source/head unit on. Make
sure that the amplifier’s power indicator is on and shows that there’s power coming all the
way through, if not – turn the head unit off, the ignition off, disconnect the negative power
source terminal and re-check all your connections.
One last thing... We know you are ready to show off your upgraded sound system to the
world, but before you reattach all panels and put the head unit back in place, do a final
check. Make sure that all the speakers have a signal by playing some really good music,
turning the head unit volume up just a bit, and just slightly turning the level/gain on the
amplifier. WARNING! Do not turn the level/gain more than to just hear the music (read
through the HOW TO-section on setting the level/gain before further use).

17
HOW TO
CONNECT SPEAKERS
Make sure you got everything you need when connecting your subwoofers/speakers to your
sound system’s new powerhouse. Depending on what amplifier you have, and what type of
speaker you want to connect, there are a few different ways to make the right connections.
Make sure to have the correct load on your amplifier, going below specified impedance
will damage your amplifier. Usually you can find the speaker’s impedance in their manual.
TWO CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
Two speakers (impedance per channel minimum 2 Ohm):
One bridged woofer (impedance minimum 4 Ohm):

18
HOW TO
FOUR CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
Four speakers (impedance per channel minimum 2 Ohm):
Two bridged woofers (impedance minimum 4 Ohm):

19
HOW TO
TWEAKING & SETTINGS
The devil is in the details. Tweak the settings on your MAX amplifier using the following
recommendations and cross the line that separates the average user from the hardcore
high-power audio junkie!
LEVEL (GAIN)
Example: A2-100.2
Every sound system is different, and there are several ways to set the amplifier level/gain.
To get started you can use your own senses and audio skills by following the instructions
below. On the following page we also tell you how to set the level/gain with an oscilloscope.
Use your own senses and audio skills
If you are planning to set the level/gain by hand, do so in a quiet environment. The more
experience you have in making this sort of settings, the easier it is to get a good result. If
you haven’t done this before, a tip is to ask a friend to help you out.
• Set the level/gain to minimum.
• Set the volume on your head unit to 75%.
• Start to play your favourite track that you are really familiar with and knows the sound of
by heart, or use the test tones on a sine-wave test CD or digital test track.
• Slowly start to increase the level/gain.
• When you hear that the sound starts to change and you can note distortion, stop and turn
the level/gain down slightly.
Remember that the level/gain setting is not a volume control! It’s there to let you sync your
head unit’s output signal with the amplifier.