Kicker KXM400.4 User manual

. Amplif'leiS

{fKICKER
MODEL:
Authorized KICKER Dealer:
Purchase Date:
Serial Number:
PERFORMANCE
KXM.4-SERIES AMPLIFIERS
OWNER'S MANUAL
KXM400.4
Pro Tip: To get the best performance from your new KICKER Amplifier and extend the warranty by 1 year, use
genuine KICKER accessories and wiring.
2

INSTALLATION
Mounting:
Choose a
dry,
structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifier. Make sure there are no
items behind the area where the screws
will
be driven. Choose a location that allows at least 4" (10cm) of open
ventilation for the amplifier.
Drill
four holes using a 7
/64" (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the
amplifier.
Wiring:
The KXM amplifier has dual input sensitivity differential RCA inputs which
will
receive either high or low
level signals from your source unit. A high-level signal can be run from the source unit's speaker outputs to the
stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifier using the KICKER KISL
as
shown (make sure you set the
KXM
amplifier's input. level switch
to
"HI").
Alternatively, the signal can be delivered to the amplifier using the low-level
RCA outputs on the source unit. Set the input level switch on the end panel of the amplifier to "LO". Either input
method
will
provide a low-level output signal at the amplifier's RCA output, which effectively passes the audio
signal to another amplifier or component. Keep the audio signal cable away from factory wiring harnesses and
other power wiring.
If
you need to cross this wiring, cross
it
at a
90
degree angle.
source unit
high-level speaker core conductor
outputs
····D
-
~
+
to amplifier
OR
to amplifier
from source unit high-
level speaker outputs
Disconnect the ground wire from the vehicle's battery to avoid
an
electrical short. Install a fuse within
7"
{18cm) of
the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifier. Connect the ground wire to the amplifier,
then connect this wire to the negative battery terminal.
If
you ever need to remove the amplifier from the vehicle
after
it
has been installed, the ground wire should be the first wire disconnected from the amplifier.
Model
KXM400.4
External
Fuse
(sold separately)
1 x
60
Ampere
Power/Ground
Wire
4 Gauge
3

For multiple amplifier installations where distribution blocks are used, each amplifier should have its proper-rated
fuse, or breaker, installed between the amplifier and the distribution block within seven inches of the block, or on
the distribution block
if it provides for fusing. The primary power wire should also be fused between the battery
and distribution block, within seven inches of the battery's B+ terminal, with a fuse or breaker rated at least to the
sum of the individual amplifier's fuse values, but not to exceed 1.5-times the sum of the individual fuse values
(not to exceed the ampacity of the thermal insulation of the wiring as shown
in U.S.C.G. CFR33 183.425, Table
5). See the diagram below.
NOTE: Seven inches
is the standard distance under U.S. Coast Guard CFR33 for placement of fuses or
breakers as required by law for new boat manufacturing. We recommend trying to adhere to this standard
in a
consumer installation. Failure to
do so does not mean you are breaking the law, but it does put the safety of your
boat and passengers at risk
in the event of a power wire short circuit.
~ 7 "
external fuse -
battery
power distribution block
f
~ 7"
~ 7"
(18cm) (18cm)
! !
external fuse external fuse
to amplifier to amplifier
4

POWER WIRING
audio inputs
ABYC-compliant power terminals
Amplifier uses 304-stainless steel screws
and conformal coated PCB for increased
weather resistance
AUTO
TURN
ON
DIJ
12VIDCIAUDIO
AMP2 AMP1
r-
BRIDGED--,
r-
BRIDGED--,
L+
L-
R+
R-
L+
L-
R+
R-
eoa
.a.r-
LOIHI OFF/ON
~=~=~=11
·
1;~;~~
0 0
~7"
aluminum bottom plate
1+-
(18cm) -+1
external fuse
remote turn-on (see page
7)
FOUR CHANNEL OPERATION
minimum impedance of 2 ohms per channel
L
R
battery
AIIIP2
r-BRIDGED----,
L+ L·
R+
R·
AMP1
r-BRIDGED----,
L+ L·
R+
R·
R
L
5

BRIDGED OPERATION (MONO)
minimum impedance of 4 ohms
+
AMP2
,---- BRIDGED ---,
L+ L- R+ R-
0
-
AMP1
,---- BRIDGED ---,
L+ L- R+ R-
0
+
STEREO-AND-MONO-SIMULTANEOUSLY (SAMS) OPERATION
minimum impedance of 4 ohms bridged (mono) and 2 ohms per channel stereo
L
R
6
AMP2
r- BRIDGED ---,
L+ L· R+ R·
AMP1
r- BRIDGED ---,
L+ L· R+ R·
+

OPERATION
Mini-USB for internal use only/ do
NOT
remove
or
tamper. KICKER
is
not
responsible for any
damage to equipment resulting from connections made to this port.
I
/
~
l
AMP1
l
AMP2
@ l
0
Q
~
O~FI!lp
~
I1X/:I
~
OFtHP/~~/BP
~
~
L]l]
~0
1X/10X
.. L..
~
o
dB
1s
0
f1
L':::"
..
~~
o
dB
1s
PRT
0
11
10 Hz 500
Z
500
40
Hz 500
RANGE
KXM400 4 GAIN FREQ.
:_j
KICKEQ
GAIN
~ss
LO-~
KICKEQ
• X-OVER X-OVER
,.....,...
.or-:
-
Use a
3mm
hex key to remove side panel cover
Automatic Turn-On Selection:
The
KX
series offers three different automatic turn-on modes that can be
selected on the end panel; +1
2V,
DC Offset, and Audio. Using either the DC Offset or Audio mode causes the
REM
terminal to
have+
12V out for turning on additional amplifiers.
• Remote Turn-On: Set the switch
to+
12Vto use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit.
Run
18
gauge wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled
REM
between the
amplifier's positive and negative power terminals. This
is
the preferred automatic turn-on method.
• DC Offset
Turn
-On:
If
Remote
Turn
-On
is
not
an
option, the next best setting
is
DC Offset. The DC Offset
mode detects a 6V.DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.
• Signal Sense Turn-On: The Audio setting
is
the
final
alternative for Automatic turn-on. This
is
a Signal Sense
turn-on method that detects the incoming audio signal from your source unit and automatically turns on the
amp. This turn-on method will not work properly
if
the input gain control
is
not set appropriately.
Input Level:
The RCA inputs on
KICKER
KX
amplifiers are capable of receiving either
Hi
or Low-level signals
from your source unit.
If
the only output available from your source unit
is
a Hi-Level signal, simply press
in
the
Input Level switch on the amplifier. Either input method will provide a low-level output signal at the RCA output,
which effectively passes the audio signal to another amplifier or component. Refer to the wiring section of this
manual for additional instructions.
Input Gain Control:
The input gain control
is
not a volume control.
It
matches the output of the source unit to
the input level of the amplifier.
Turn
the source unit up to about
3/4
volume
(if
the source unit goes to 30, turn
it
to 25). Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier up until you can hear audible distortion, then turn
it
down a Iittle.
Crossover Switches with Frequency Multiplier:
Use the
XOVER
switches on the end panel of the amplifier
to set the internal crossovers of AMPS 1
&
2 to
OFF,
HI-PASS, LO-PASS,
or
BAND-PASS (AMP 2 only). When
the switch
is
set to
OFF,
a full bandwidth signal
will
be amplified. Set the switch to
HP
if
you want the amplifier's
internal crossover to serve as a high-pass
filter.
Set the switch to
LP
if
you want the amplifier's internal crossover
to serve as a low-pass
filter.
Set the switch to
BP
when a specific frequency range
is
required. Never change the
crossover switches with the audio system on!
Set the
1X/10X
frequency multiplier switch to the setting that
is
appropriate for your application. A setting of
10X
will set the range of the
AMP 1
crossover to 1
00-5,000Hz,
and the LO-PASS crossover of
AMP 2
to
400-5,
OOOHz.
KICK EQ Bass Boost Control:
The variable bass boost control on the side of the KXM400.4 amplifier
is
designed to give you increased output,
0-18d8,
at 40Hz. The setting for this control
is
subjective.
If
you turn
it
up, you must readjust the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier.
7

TROUBLESHOOTING
If
your amplifier does not appear to be working, check the obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or
incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There
is
a Protection
(PRT)
LED
on the side panel of your
KICKER
KXM
series amplifier. Depending
on
the state of the amplifier and
the vehicle's charging system, the
LED
will
either glow red or be
off.
Red (PRT) LED flickering with loud music?
The
red
(PRT)
LED
indicates low battery voltage or
an
illegal
load. Check
all
the connections
in
your vehicle's charging system.
It
may be necessary to replace or charge your
vehicle's battery or replace your vehicle's alternator.
Red (PRT) LED on, no output?
0Amplifier
is
very
hot=
thermal protection
is
engaged. Test for proper
impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams
in
this manual for minimum
recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airflow around
the amplifier.
f)Amplifier
shuts down only while vehicle
is
running=
voltage protection circuitry
is
engaged.
Voltage to the amplifier
is
not within the 1
0-16
volt operating range. Have the vehicle's charging and electrical
system inspected.
0Amplifier
will
only play at low volume
levels=
short circuit protection
is
engaged. Check
for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers or speaker(s)
operating below the minimum recommended impedance.
No or low output?
0Check
the balance control on source unit
f)
Check the RCA
(or
speaker input) and
speaker output connections.
0Make
certain that the amplifier
is
not
in
BP (Band-pass) mode and that you have
created a notch
filter.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine's RPM?
0Check
for damaged RCA
(or
speaker input) cable
f)
Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable
0Check
the source unit for proper grounding
0Check
the gain settings and turn them down
if
they are set too high.
Ground Noise?
On a boat or other watercraft, alternator noise or ground loop noise
is
usually a voltage potential
difference, and
it
can happen on either the positive or the ground side of the power wiring. The most common
issue
is
that the stereo system wiring
is
delivered from two different locations and
is
therefore at two different
voltage potentials. The head unit power usually comes from the helm's wiring harness, while the amplifier's power
comes straight from the battery. The helm wiring has lots of noise on
it
from tachometers (the most common
engine noise culprit), depth finders, and engine management computers. The helm ground cable
is
often too
small for its total load. As a result, both the positive and the ground are usually
at
different voltage potentials
compared to amplifier power wiring.
The easiest way to get
rid
of noise
is
to ensure that the head unit's positive and ground wire are at exactly the
same voltage potential as the amplifier(s). The easiest way to accomplish this
is
to have the head unit's power
wiring removed from the helm's power harness, moving
it
directly to the battery or the amplifier's power terminals,
with the positive wire running through a switch or switched relay to allow the system to be turned on or
off.
CAUTION:
When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct.
Improper connections can result
in
blown amplifier fuses as well as the failure of other critical systems
in
the
vehicle.
If
you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new
KICKER
product, see the Authorized
KICKER
Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on installation, click on the SUPPORT tab on
the
KICKER
homepage,
www.kicker.com.
Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab, choose the subject you are
interested
in,
and then download or view the corresponding information. Please E-mail [email protected] or
call Technical Services [phone] for unanswered or specific questions.
8

KICKER will now provide a
three-year warranty with all KXM-
Series Amplifier purchases paired
with qualifying KICKER Installation
Accessories.
This extends the standard warranty by
an
additional
year.
Amplifiermust be purchased from an
Authorized KICKER Dealer.
KICKER
KXM
amplifier
success
is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended
warranty program even more beneficial
to
you.
Using poor-quality,
under-spec
wiring will
impede
KXM
amplifier performance.
A superior-quality installation
is
guaranteed to extend the life of KXM amplifiers.
The new extended warranty applies only to
KICKER
amplifiers and accessories sold to consumers by Authorized
KICKER
Dealers
in
the United States of America or its possessions.
It
also only applies to the original purchaser of
KICKER
amplifiers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifier
is
allowed. This program does not apply to "B"-
stock product or factory-refurbished product.
This offer is for a limited time,
so
see your local Authorized
KICKER
Dealer
soon
for details.
*U.S.A. Only
IEE.UU. solamente INur USA ILes USA Seulement
9

ELECTRONICS
LIMITED
WARRANTY
When purchased from
an
Authorized KICKER Dealer, KICKER warrants this product to be free from defects
in
material
and workmanship under normal use for a period of TWO
(2)
YEARS from date of original purchase with receipt.
If
this
product
is
identified as "Refurbished" or
"B
Goods", the warranty
is
limited to a period of
THREE
(3)
MONTHS from
the date of original purchase.
In
all
cases you must have the original receipt. Should service be necessary under this
warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period,
KICKER
will repair or
replace
(at
its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise. Warranty replacements may have
cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced with more current equivalent products. This
warranty
is
valid only for the original 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:
Defective merchandise should be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater Designs
(KICKER)
Dealer for warranty
service. Assistance
in
locating
an
Authorized Dealer can be found at www.kicker.com or by contacting Stillwater Designs
directly.
You
can confirm that a dealer
is
authorized by asking to see a current authorized dealer window decal.
If
it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise directly to Stillwater Designs
(KICKER),
call the KICKER
Customer Service Department at (405)
624-8510
for a Return Merchandise Authorization
(RMA)
number. Package only
the defective items
in
a package that
will
prevent shipping damage, and return to:
Stillwater Designs, 3100 North Husband St, Stillwater,
OK
74075
The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Please return only defective components. The
return of functioning items increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items
will
be returned freightcollect to you.
For example,
if
a subwoofer
is
defective, only return the defective subwoofer, not the entire enclosure. Include a copy
of the original receipt with the purchase date clearly visible, and a "proof-of-purchase" statement listing the Customer's
name, Dealer's name and invoice number, and product purchased. Warranty expiration on items without proof-of-
purchase will be determined from the type of sale and manufacturing date code. Freight must be prepaid; items sent
freight-collect, or COD, will be refused.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This warranty
is
valid only
if
the product
is
used for the purpose for which it was designed.
It
does not cover:
o Damage due to improper installation
o Subsequent damage to other components
o Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or
UV
radiation
o Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be
considered abuse
o Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product
o Speakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion
o Items previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility
o Return shipping on non-defective items
o Products with tampered or missing barcode labels
o Products with tampered or missing serial numbers
o Products returned without a Return
Mer~handise
Authorization
(RMA)
number
o Products purchased from
an
UNAUTHORIZED dealer
o Freight Damage
o The cost of shipping product to KICKER
s·'
1
0
Service performed by anyone other than KICKER
~
sti
Iwaterdesigns
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
KICKER strives to maintain a goal of one-week turnaround for
all
electronics (amplifiers, crossovers, equalizers, etc.)
returns. Delays may be incurred
if
lack of replacement inventory or parts is encountered. Failure to follow these steps
may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the KICKER Customer Service Department at [phone].
Contact your International
KICKER
dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for your country's warranty
policies.
P.O.
Box
459
• Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • USA • (405)
624-8510
11
KXM.4-E-2013021 9
34

INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
Contact your International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning
specific procedures for your country's warranty policies.
WARNING: KICKER products are capable
of
producing sound levels
that can permanently damage your hearing! Turning up a system to a
level that has audible distortion
is
more damaging to 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. Please use common
sense when controlling volume.
GARANTiA INTERNACIONAL
Versi6n
Espaiiol
Comuniquese con su concesionario o distribuidor KICKER internacional para obtener infor aci6n sobre procedimientos especificos
relacionados con las normas de garantia
de
su pafs.
ADVERTENCIA: Los excitadores KICKER son capaces de producir niveles de sonido que pueden danar permanentemente
el
oido. Subir
el
volumen del sistema hasta
un
nivel que produzca distorsi6n es mas danino para
el
oido que escuchar un
sistema sin distorsi6n
al
mismo volumen.
El
dolores
siempre una indicaci6n de que
el
sonido es muy fuerte y que puede danar
permanentemente
el
ofdo. Sea precavido cuando controle
el
volumen.
La frase "combustible para vivir
Ia
vida Livin' Loud™ a todo volumen" se refiere
al
entusiasmo
porIa
vida que
Ia
marca KICKER
de estereos de autom6vil representa y a
Ia
recomendaci6n a nuestros clientes de que vivan
lo
mejor posible
("a
todo volumen")
en todo sentido. La linea de altavoces y amplificadores
KICKER
es
Ia
mejor del mercado de audio de autom6viles y por
lo
tanto
representa el"combustible" para vivir a todo volumen en
el
area de "estereos de autom6vil" de
Ia
vida de nuestros clientes.
Recomendamos a todos nuestros clientes que obedezcan todas las reglas y reglamentos locales sobre ruido en cuanto a los
niveles legales y apropiados
de
audici6n fuera del vehiculo.
INTERNATIONALE GARANTIE
Deutsche
Version
Nehmen Sie mit lhren internationalen KICKER-Fachhandler oder Vertrieb Kontakt auf, um Details uber die Garantieleistungen
in
lhrem Land
zu
erfahren.
WARNUNG: KICKER-Treiber konnen einen Schallpegel erzeugen, der
zu
permanenten Gehorschaden
fUhren
kann! Wenn Sie ein
System auf einen Pegel stellen, der horbare Verzerrungen erzeugt, schadet das lhren Ohren mehr, als ein nicht verzerrtes System
auf dem gleichen Lautstarkepegel. Die Schmerzschwelle ist immer eine Anzeige dafur, dass der Schallpegel
zu
laut ist und
zu
permanenten Gehorschaden fUhren kann. Seien Sie bei der Lautstarkeeinstellung bitte vernunftig!
Der Slogan "Treibstoff
fUr
Livin' Loud" bezieht sich auf die mit den KICKER-Autostereosystemen assoziierte Lebensfreude und die
Tatsache, dass wir unsere Kunden ermutigen,
in
allen Aspekten ihres Lebens nach dem Besten ("Livin' Loud")
zu
streben. Die
Lautsprecher und Verstarker von KICKER sind auf dem Markt
fOr
Auto-Soundsysteme fUhrend und stellen somit den "Treibstoff"
fUr
das Autostereoerlebnis unserer Kunden
dar.
Wir empfehlen allen unseren Kunden, sich bezOglich der zugelassenen und
passenden Lautstarkepegel auBerhalb des Autos
an
die ortlichen Larmvorschriften
zu
halten.
GARANTIE INTERNATIONALE
Version Frant;aise
Pour connaltre les procedures propres a
Ia
politique de garantie de votre pays, contactez votre revendeur ou distributeur
International KICKER.
AVERTISSEMENT: Les haut-parleurs KICKER ont
Ia
capacite de produire des niveaux sonores pouvant endommager
l'ou'i'e
de
fac;on
irreversible! L:augmentation du volume d'un systeme jusqu'a un niveau presentant une distorsion audible endommage
davantage
l'ou'fe
que l'ecoute d'un systeme sans distorsion
au
meme volume.
Le
seuil de
Ia
douleur est toujours
le
signe que
le
niveau sonore est trop eleve et risque d'endommager
l'ou'fe
de
fac;on
irreversible. Reglez
le
volume en faisant prevue de bon sens!
L:expression" carburant pour vivre plein
pot"
fait reference
au
dynamisme de
Ia
marque KICKER d'equipements audio pour
vehicules
eta
pour but d'encourager nos clients a faire
le
maximum
("
vivre plein
pot")
dans
tousles
aspects de leur vie. Les
haut-parleurs et amplificateurs KICKER sont les meilleurs dans
le
do
maine des equipements audio et representent done pour nos
client
le"
carburant pour vivre plein
pot"
dans
I'
aspect"
installation audio de vehicule" de leur
vie.
Nous encourageons tous nos
clients a respecter toutes les lois et reglementations locales relatives aux niveaux sonores acceptables a
l'exterieur des vehicules.
35

KXM400.4
S/N
MODEL
NUMBER
SERIAL
NUMBER
CERTIFIED
POWER
TOTALPOWER
OUTPUT
[WATTS
RMS]
485
I
passed
I
TOTAL
HARMONIC
DISTORTION
TEST
SIGNAL-TO
-
NOISE
RATIO
TEST
PROTECTION
CIRC
UIT
TES
T