Kicker 40ss User manual

CiKICKER.
IXSiA*
40ss
POWER AMPLIFIER
Congratulations. You've Just purchased the best amplifier In car audio. It's only
natural that an amplifier this good would be called a KICKER. Over the last decade
Stillwater Designs has established KICKER as the premier car audio speaker. The
name Is synonymous with rugged design, outstanding performance, and timeless
quality, a KICKER tradition that Is continued In your new amplifier.
CONTENTS:
Introduction . 2
Features . 2
Wiring . 3
Mounting . 4
System Diagrams . 6
Setting Gain Control . . . . 8
Modules . 9
Troubleshooting . 9
Specifications . 1 1
Warranty . 1 2
AMERICA’S [MQil
MACHIIUES»,

INTRODUCTION
From the cast aluminum base to the completely functional heat
sink, this amp is built for performance. Uncompromising attention to
detail, flexibility and pure clean power, KICKER Car Audio
Amplifiers—The way amplifiers ought to be.
Stillwater Designs recommends that the KICKER Amplifier be
installed at an authorized dealer. The length of your KICKER
Amplifier's warranty is three times as long when installed by an
authorized KICKER Dealer.
FEATURES & CONTROLS
Your new KICKER Power Amplifier incorporates today's most
advanced and innovative design techniques. Three different circuits
provide continuous protection from the severe conditions
associated with car audio. These are thermal, speaker short, and
reversed power connections. The high input impedance allows for
multiple amplifiers to be daisy-chained from a single source, without
degrading the signal. The custom tooled connectors provide
positive contact for power and speaker connections, while allowing
maximum gauge wires to be used effectively. Optional plug-in
modules can provide active equalization, crossover, and other
signal processing functions. The output of the module can be
directed to successive amplifiers through the signal output of the
initial amplifier. All these features are included in an attractive and
easy to install chassis.

WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
FUSE
The 40ss amplifier requires 8 gauge power wires for both +12v and
ground connections. The screws in the amplifiers terminal strip must
be very tight. Always make the ground connection first when
installing this amplifier and disconnect ground last when removing it
from the system. Connect the ground wire, which is 24 inches or less,
to a structural chassis member. Be sure this connection is to bare
metal and securely screwed or bolted. (It is not recommended to
run the ground wire to the battery.) Run the positive wire directly to
the positive terminal of the battery and use a 30 amp fuse within 18
inches of the battery. This fuse protects the wire run from the battery.
Run the power and signal wires on opposite sides of the car. This
helps to reduce noise in the signal wires between the source and
the amplifier. The speaker connections can accept up to 8 gauge
wire to reduce losses in long runs.
The cover panel allows for two wiring methods; standard and
stealth. The standard method requires the removal of a break-away
panel, as shown in the following diagram.
3

BREAKOUT SECTION
The breakout panel Is removed by scoring the groove with a razor knife and
bending the shaded portion away from the cut. The remaining edge can then
be touched up with a small file. This allows the wiring to be run directly out of the
control panel side of the amplifier.
The opening In the base of the amplifier allows the wiring to travel through the
base without altering the cover panel for a stealth look, which Is often preferred
for custom Installations. With this method, short right angle RCA connectors are
required for the signal connections.
Caution
1
Do not route the wires beneath the vehicle without proper
protection. Do not pinch wires beneath seat frames or trim
panels.
Do not ground speaker leads.
MOUNTING INSTRUCTIONS
The orientation of the ampiifier is critical to provide proper cooling. The
cooling fins are designed to operate best when run in a vertical position or
mounted flat with the fins up. The mounting feet can be attached so they are
positioned to the end or the edge of the amplifier, whichever works best for you.

stealth mounting Is accomplished by
using the template provided In the box.
The template shows where the screw
holes are located and where the
mounting surface must be cut out to run
the wires. A #6 sheet metal screw must be
used when stealth mounting the
amplifier. The chart on the template
shows the screw length needed for the
thickness of mounting board used.
Since the case of the amplifier Is part
of the noise shielding system In the
amplifier. It Is necessary to mount It to a
nonconductive surface. Mounting the
amplifier to chassis ground will cause
engine noise.
5

Two Channel Operation
In conventional stereo or two channel operation, a signal Input Is required for
each channel and a speaker load of no less than 2 ohms Is connected to the
right and left outputs.
LEFT SPEAKER
2Q MINIMUM
RIGHT SPEAKER
2Q MINIMUM
GROUND
CABLE
SIGNAL
SOURCE
CD, Cassette,
Equalizer, Etc.
CAR BATTERY
Bridged Operation
For bridged mono systems
an input is required to both
Input connectors and the
speaker load of no less than 4
ohms is connected to the left+
and right-.
SPEAKER
4n MINIMUM
GROUND
REMOTE
SIGNAL
SOURCE
CD, Cassette,
Equalizer, Etc.
CAR BATTERY
OUTPUT

Three Channel (Mixed Mono) operation
(Left Channel, Right Channel A Subwoofer Channel)
The upper frequency drivers are connected In stereo while the mono woofer Is
connected from the left+ to the right-. A typical crossover point would be 100 Hz.
These systems require the use of passive crossovers to maintain proper
impedance loads at all frequencies.
TWEETER MDRANQE SUBWOOFER MDRANQE TWEETER
EOMNIMUM EOMMKUM 4aMNIMUM EaiMNIMUM ZnMNMUM
ft f Wt ft
LEFTCHANNEL SUBWOOFER RIQHTCHANNEL
2niyNNIMUM 4QMNMUM 2nMISMUM

DAISY CHAINING AMPLIFIERS
When operating more than one amplifier In the same frequency range it Is
possible to connect the Input of the next amplifier to the output of the first. Daisy
chaining requires only one source for several amplifiers.
The gain control Is provided for level matching purposes. It DOES NOT give the
amplifier any more power by turning it up. Its purpose Is to adjust the sensitivity of
the amplifier In relation to the output level provided by the source.
Start with the amp gain set to minimum by turning the control counter¬
clockwise. Turn the source level up until distortion is barely audible. Then turn it
down slightly. This will typically be at about 75% to 85% of full volume. Raise the
amplifier gain until distortion is Just audible. The gain Is now set correctly. Check
the level with cd/tape and tuner to make sure the adjustment is correct for all
sources.
8

OPTIONAL MODULES
All KICKER amplifiers have a Module Docking Port, which allows the use of any
KICKER Module. These modules greatly Increase your amplifier's versatility, and
cost very little when compared to "stand alone' units with the same functions.
When not using a KICKER Module, the Bypass Module supplied with your amp
must be left in place.
Active Crossover Modules:
These 2-way modules allow you to use
separate amplifiers for your subwoofers, midbass
drivers, midranges, or tweeters. By doing this,
especially on the subwoofer, a clean and
undlstorted sound is available at much higher
listening levels.
Each module offers a range of selectable
crossover frequencies and 24dB/octave filtering.
• ASW - 60Hz, 80Hz, or lOOHz subwoofer/mIdbass or midrange crossover.
• AMR - 175Hz, 250Hz, or 350l-lz midbass/mIdrange crossover.
• ATW - 3500Hz or 4500Hz midrange/tweeter crossover.
Specialty Modules::
• AEE (Active Electronic Enclosure) - When used with KICKER Freealr^'^
woofers, this module simulates the response of KICKER Competition ™ woofers In a
sealed enclosure.
• AEQ (Active EQ) - Frequency Enhancement and extension module that
specializes frequencies in the low bass region as well as the upper treble regions.
• ACR (Active Center/Rear Fill) - This module allows one amplifier to drive a
center channel and rear speakers Independently at the same time.
• ARG (Active Remote Gain) - An Ideal amplifier enhancement module that
provides a remote gain control function.
Consult with your authorized KICKER dealer for more information.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Power indicator off, no output.
With a Voit Ohm Meter (VOM),
• Check + 12V power terminal.
• Check GND terminal.
• Check remote turnon terminal.
Q Power indicator on, no output.
• Check RCA and speaker connections.
• Test speaker outputs with known good test speaker.
• With VOM In AC volts position, check RCA for Input voltage.
Q No output from one channei.
• Check RCA and speaker connections on that channel.
• Swap RCA connections between channels.
• Swap speaker connections between channels. 9

m Yellow LED protection light Is on and there Is no output
Case 1: Amp la very hot.
Thermal protection Is engaged. Verify that speaker load Impedance
Is not below specified mlnimums. Check area surrounding amplifier
for objects which may restrict air flow and proper cooling. If this
continues to be a problem, take vehicle to an authorized KICKER
dealer for evaluation.
Case 2: Output resumes momentarily when system is turned off
and then back on.
Short circuit protection Is engaged. Verify that speaker load
Impedance Is not below specified mlnimums. With VOM check for
short between speaker positive and negative, and between
speakers and chassis ground. If unable to perform task or locate
problem, take vehicle to an authorized KICKER dealer for evaluation.
Alternator noise (a whining that varies with engine RPM.)
Make sure source grounds are as short as possible and connected to
bare chassis metal, not to factory radio ground. Beware of dash
braces. Many are not grounded to chassis. Check RCA cable for
proper connections and routing. Try another cable routed In a
different location In the vehicle. If unable to cure problem, take
vehicle to an authorized KICKER dealer for evaluation. Do not ground
amp chassis.
Stereo image is unfocused and bass is reduced.
Check system phasing by turning the balance control to the left and
right speakers. If bass Is more prominent when turned to either side,
check speaker wiring for proper positive and negative connections.
Reverse connections on one speaker If necessary.
Caution
When Jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made
with Jumper cables are correct. If Improper connections are
made, It can result In blown fuses In the amplifier power line as well
as other systems In the vehicle.
10

SPECIFICATIONS
Number of channels
2 (Stereo)
Rated power/channei into ASX
no more than 0.02% THD, 20Hz to 20KHz,
both channels driven 12.5-16VDC
20W
Rated power/channei Into 2^
no more than 0.02% THD, 20Hz to 20KHz,
both channels driven 12.5-16VDC
40W
Bridged power l^to4^
no more than 0.02% THD, 20Hz to 20KHZ,
both channels driven, 12.5-16VDC
sow
Max Current Draw,
2Q stereo load or 4Q bridged load
15A
Frequency Response, (+0, -1 dB)
10 Hz to 28 kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio,
unweighted, relative to roted power/chonnel
>100 dB
Input Impedance
22 m
Input Sensitivity range
125mV-2.5V
Slew Rote
20Vps
Damping Factor, @4£2
>200
11

LIMITED WARRANTY
Stillwater Designs warrants this product to be free from defects In material and workmanship
under normal use for a period of throe (3) yean from date of ortglrKil purchase when Installed by an
Authorized KICKER Dealer or one (1) year from date of original purchase If not Installed by an
Authorized KICKER Dealer. If this product Is labeled 'B Stock". It Is warranted for one (1) year from
date of purchase, regardless of place of Installation. Should service be necessary under this
warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period,
Stillwater Designs will replace or repair (at Its discretion) the defective merchandise at no charge.
This warranty is valid only for the ortginal purchaser and Is not extended to owners of the product
subsequent to the original purchaser. Any applicable Implied warranties are limited In duration to a
period of the express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase^
at retail and no warranties, whether express or Implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some
states do not allow limitations on Implied warranties, therefore these exclusions may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights; however you may have other rights that vary from
state to state.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE
If It becomes necessary for you to send defective merchandise, package all defective Items In
the original container or In a package that will prevent shipping damage, and return to
Stillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74076
Return only defective components. Non-defective Items received will be returned freight collect.
Include a dated proof-of-purchase from an Authorized Dealer. Warranty expiration on Items
returned without proof-of-purchase will be determined from the manufacturing dote code.
Coverage may be Invalidated If this dote Is greater than one (1) year previous to the date Item Is
sent In. Freight must be prepaid; Items received freight collect will be refused.
Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the
Warranty Depxartment at [phone].
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This warranty Is valid only If the product Is used for the purp>ose for which It was designed. It does
not cover:
Products purchased from an unauthorized dealer.
Damage due to Improper Installation
Damage caused by exposure to water, excessive
heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation.
Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or
abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage
may be considered abuse.
Freight damage.
The cost of shipping product to Stillwater Designs
Service.
Items previously repaired or modified by any
urxauthorlzed repair facility.
Items returned from urKiuthorIzed Individuals or
dealers.
Return shipping on non-defective Items.
Products with tampered or missing barcode
labels.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Stillwater Designs maintains a goal of 24-hour service for all returns. Delays may be Incurred If
lack of replacement Inventory or parts Is encountered.
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
Contact your International Stillwater Designs dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures
for your country's warranty policies.
P.O. Box 469 • Stillwater. Oklahoma 74076 • U.S.A.
STILUAgTER
405 624-8510
WARNING:
KICKER components ore copoble of producing sound levels that con permanently damage
your hearingl Turning up a system to o level that has audible distortion is more damaging
ta your ears than listening to an undistorted system at the same volume level. The threshold
of pain is always an Indicator that the sound level is too loud and may permanently
damage your hearing. PiMM ust common sonto when controlling volumol
JANUARY 1996