MTX Thunder 6152 User manual

introduction
CONGRATULATIONS
on your purchase of a new MTX
Thunder Amplifier! MTX has long been
the industry leader in mobile enclosures
and speakers, and we have reached
new heights with the development of
the new MTX Thunder amplifiers. You
couldn’t have chosen a more reliable,
powerful, or better performing amplifier
- In fact, we back up every Thunder
amplifier with a three-year warranty if
installed by an authorized MTX retailer
(seethe warrantY statement).
Your new MTX Thunder amplifier was
designed, built and thoroughly tested at our
state-of-the-art electronics manufacturing
facility in Phoenix, Arizona. We manufacture
every amplifier using the latest Intelligent
Surface Mount Technology. Some of the
advantages of the new design are its signifi-
cant improvements to the amplifier’s electri-
cal and mechanical properties. ISMT
devices feature substantially shorter internal
and external lead lengths. This reduces stray
capacitance and inductance, which results
in cleaner and more accurate musical repro-
duction with significantly less noise interfer-
ence. The ISMT mounter produces amplifier
boards with smaller and lighter components,
which are more resistant to vibrations inher-
ent in the automotive environment.
Awordaboutpowerratings.It isimportantforyou
to knowhowthey stack up.MTXhaschosenthe
mosthonest,most conservativeway to rate our
amps.Weshowyouthe RMSpower,at 12.5volts,
anddynamicpowerat 14.4volts.However,we go
aboveandbeyondthe call of duty.We test each
amplifier.Thetechnicianrecordsthe “actual”
power output,and recordsthis numberon your
Certified PerformanceCertificate.The amplifier
must meet or exceed the rated specification
beforewe’ll shipit. Noquestions.Noexceptions.
We want to ensure you get continuous
high performance from your MTX Thunder
amplifier, so we recommend that you have
it professionally installed by your author-
ized MTX dealer.
HOWTOUSETHISMANUAL
If you are installing this amplifier yourself,
we recommend that you read the manual
cover-to-cover before you install it.
Familiarize yourself with the features and
details on the input and output panels. Make
sure you have all the equipment you need.
Sample installation diagrams may be found
on our website:
WWW.MTXAUDIO.COM.
If you have any questions, write or call us at:
MTX
4545E.BaselineRd.
Phoenix,AZ85040
l-602-438-4545
1-800~CALL-MTX
[email protected]
www.mtxaudio.com
Registeryourwarrantyonline

Features
l Intelligent Surface Mount Technology
* PatentedPWMMOSFETSwitchingPowerSupply(#5,598,325)
* ClassA 100%DiscreteDriverCircuitTopology
l New,morereliablehighpoweredtransformers
l Pure N-Channel Design
l Speaker and low level inputs InputsonThunder6152
l Color-codedwire harnessfor speaker-levelinputinstallationonThunder6152
* Smart-EngageTMautoturn onfor easyintegrationwithfactoryheadunits(Thunder6152only)
l Inputselect2CH/4CHswitchonThunder6304functionsasabuilt-inYconnector
l RealIme ComputerizedProtectionCircuit
l AcousticallySeamlessTurn-on/Turn-off(~.a.nonoise1
. Continuouslyvariable/defeatable12dB/octavehighpass,24dB/octavemonolowpasscrossover(variablefrom40Hzto 200Hz)
l Continuouslyvariable/selectablecrossoveroutput,switchablefromfull range/highpass/lowpassoutputs(Fullrangeonlyon
Thunder63041
. EBCMaxonThunder8302,allowsfor controlof additionalsubwooferampsmadaisychainconfigurationinlow passmode
l ContlnuouslvadjustableanddefeatableThunderEQBassenhancementcircuitry,canteredat40Hz
* Leftandrightindividuallyadlustableinputsensitivity(ExceptforThunder6304)
- Nickel-plated, heavy duty terminal block type connectors
l Untquerubber Insulated Iso-FeetTM
l Buffered.isolatedoutputfor daisychainingmultipleamplifiers
Smzcifications
THUNDER6152
RMSPowermeasuredat12.5VoltsDC
375Wattsx2mt”a4Ohmloadwithlessthan0.1%ThdtN
75Wattsx2mma2Ohmloadwithlessthan0.1%ThdtN
150Wattsbridgedmt”a4Ohmloadwithlessthan01%ThdtN
DynamicPowermeasuredat144VoltsDC
90Wattsx2lmt~a4Ohmload
I65Wattsx2mt”a2Ohmload
325Wattsbridgedmt”a4Ohmload
SIgnaltoNoseRat10>llOdBA-WeIghted
DampIngFactor,200
, FrequencyResponses20Hz-20kHzf 025dB
MaxImumInput.8Vrms
ThunderE@VariableBassBoostIO-l8dBlcenteredat40Hz
Crossover:Variable40Hzto200Hz.12dBioctavehighpass,
24dBiactavelowpasswithm”“” output
Dlmensmns8.3”x9.75”xY (21.lcmx24.8cmx5.lcml
1O.rx375”x21”1272cmx248cmx5.3cmlIncludinglsoFeetTM
THUNDER8302
RMSPowermeasuredat12.5VoltsOC.
75Wattsx2intoa4Ohmloadwithlessthan01%ThdtN
150Watlsx2intoa2Ohmloadwithlessthan01%ThdtN
300wattsbridgedmma4Ohmloadwithlessthan01%ThdtN
OynamlcPowerIIHF-202Standard)measuredat14.4VoltsDC
I20Waasx2mt”a4Ohmload
212Wattsx2mma2Ohmload
425Wattsbridgedmt”a4Ohmload
Smnalt” NmseRatio?llOdBA-Wemhted
OampmgFactor,200
FrequencyResponse20Hz-20kHzf 025dB
MaxImumInpu?8Vrms
ThunderE@VariableBassBoost(0.ISdB)centeredat40Hz
Crossover:Variable40Hzt” 200Hz,lZdBloctavehighpass,
24dBioctavelowpasswl!hm”n”output
Dlmensmns9.2nx975”xY (228cmx22.8cmx5lcml
II 5”x3.75”x2I” (292cmx248cmx5.3cm)lncludlnglsoFe@’
THUNDER6304
RMSPowermeasuredat12.5VoltsDC:
37.5Wattsx4mt”a4Ohmloadwithlessthan03%ThdtN
75Wattsx4IntOa2Ohmloadwithlessthan0.3%ThdtN
I50Wattsx2bridgedmtaa4Ohmloadwithlessthan0.3%ThdtN
DynamicPowerlIHF-202Standard)measuredat14.4VoltsDC
90wattsx4mtoa4Ohmload
I65Wattsx4mt”a2Ohmload
325Wattsx2bridgedmma4Ohmload
SIgnaltoNoiseRatlo:tllOdBA-Welghted
DampIngFactor:,200
FrequencyResponse:20Hz-20kHzi 025dB
MaxImumInput:8Vrms
ThunderEa:VanableBassBoostIO-18dB)centeredat40Hz
Crossover:Vanable40Hzt” 200Hz,12dBlactavehighpass,
24dBioctavelowpasswith“0”” output
Dlmensmns.l1.Yx9.75”x2”(29.2cmx24.8cmx5.lcm)
13.9”x9.75”x2I” (35.3cmx24.8cmx5.3~~1lncludmglsoFe@

1.GainControls-These controls areusedto matchthe input sensitiviD/ofthe amplifierto the particular source
unitthat Youare using.The controls are factory set to 1Vrms. Notethat the Thunder6304has a separate gain
control for front andrear channels.
2 RCAInputJacks -These RCAinputjacks arefor usewith source unitsthat haveRCAor LineLevelOutputs.
An independentset ofjacks areprovidedonthe Thunder6304for front andrearstereo inputs.A source unitwith
a minimumlevel of 200mVis requiredfor proper operation.The use of high quality twisted pair cables is rec-
ommendedto decreasethe possibilin/of radiated noiseenteringthe system.
3.input Select 2CH/4CH - Thisswitch, found onthe Thunder6304,is usedto matchthe amplifier’sinputto the
source unit’soutput so all four channelsofthe amplifier are driven. If your source unit has2outputs (aleft and
right) connectthem to the amplifier’sfront channelinputs,andplacethe inputselect switch inthe 2CHposition.
If Yoursource unit has4 outputs, (left front, left rear,and right front, right rear) connect them to the amplifier
inputs and place the inputselect switch in the 4CHpostion. Inthe 4CHposition,the fader on Yoursource unit
will operate.
4. SpeakerLevelInputs-This input,found onthe Thunder6152will allow the amplifierto operatefrom source
units with speaker-leveloutputs. Outputspeakerleadsfrom the source unit shouldbetied directly to the wire
harnessprovidedwith the amplifier.
Wire harnesscolor codes:
GreY/ Black = Sourceunits right negativeI-) White / Black = Sourceunits left negativef-j
SolidGrey= Sourceunits right positive (tj SolidWhite = Source units left positive(t)
WiththeSmart-EngageTMauto-turncircuit,aremoteturn-onwire isnotnecessan/whenconnectingthespeaker-level
inputwire harnessto ahighpoweredsourceunit.Theamplifierwill automaticallyturnonwhenmusicisreceived.
5.FrequencyControl-This controliscontinuouslyadjustablefrom4OHzthrough200Hz.Factorysettingisat40Hz.
6.CrossoverSelect - Thisswitch determineswhat type of signal comesout ofthe amp.If Youselect high pass,
the crossover slope is 12dB/stereo. If Youselect low pass,Yourcrossover slopewill be 24dB/mono.Available
crossoverfrequencies are40-200Hz.
7.ThunderEQ- Thisequalizationcircuit is usedto enhancethe low frequencyresponseofthe vehicle’sinterior.
With upto 18dBof boostandcenteredat40Hz,the BassEClcan beadjustedto meetYourown personaltaste.
8.CompressionCircuit - Thisnew circuit, found onthe Thunder8302,preventsthe amplifierfrom goinginto clip-
ping,evenat highSPLlevels.Thecompressioncircuit allowsthe listenerto playthe amplifierat highvolumelev-
els,Yetprotectsthespeakersagainstthe potentialdamagethat can occur duringdynamicmusicalpassages.The
circuit is switchable on/off,for those SPLcompetitorswho runtheir amplifiersinto clippingon purposeor 6152.
Warning- Damageto speakersmayoccur whenthe compressioncircuit is inthe off position.
9.EBC2-TheEBC,or ElectronicBassControl,allows aremotebasscontrolto beadjustedfromthe driver’sseat.
If the optional EBCis installed,the bass levelwill be ableto be adjustedto overcomenoiseand other interfer-
ence.With EBC2multiple amplifiers can be controlled.( Not included onThunder6152or 6304)
IO.RCAOutputJacks andSwitch- TheseRCAoutputsallowfor asignalto besentto otheramplifiersin adaisy-
chain configuration.. Youcanselectwhetherthe signalshouldbehighpass, low passorfull range. Inlow pass
mode,the RCAoutputsallow for multiple bassamplifiersto belevel controlled usingoneEBC. Onthe Thunder
6304,the RCAoutputjacks providea line levelfull-range summedoutput ofthe RightFront/RightRearandLeft
Front/LeftRearinput signals.

Inaut Panel Lavout

1.Fuses- Forconvenience,all amplifiersutilizeATCtype fuses. Forcontinuedprotectionin the eventthat a fuse
blows,replacethefuseonlywith thesamevalue.
Caution- The power fuses on the amp are for protectingthe amp againstoverdrive. To protect the vehicle’s
electricalsystem,anadditionalfuseis requiredwithin 18”ofthe batteryonthe 12Vtcable.
Thunder6152- 30A
Thunder6304- 25Ax3
Thunder8302- 30Ax 2
2.PowerTerminal-Thisterminaliswherethe powersourceofthevehicleisconnected.The12Vtmustbeconnected
directlytothe positivebatterypost. It is highlyrecommendedthatyouplaceanadditionalfusewithin 18”ofthe bat-
teryconnection.Besureto usethecorrectgaugeofpowercable! If wire ofinsufficientsizeis used,therewill bea
voltagedropandtheampwill starve,causingpoorperformance.Inanextremecase,theampmayshutdowndueto
the low batteryvoltageprotectionfeature. Theterminalclosestto the fuse(s)iswherethe powercablewith con-
nector shouldbe installed. Be sureto makeyour connectioncleanto avoidanyshortingto the otherterminals.
Alwaysdoublecheckallofthe connectionsfor anydiscrepancies.
Thunder6152- 10Gauge
Thunder6304- 6 - 8 Gauge
Thunder8302- 8 Gauge
3.RemoteTerminal- Thisisthe wire that turnsthe amplifieronand off.Thisterminalconnectsto the ampturn-on
leadorthe powerantennaleadcomingfromthe sourceunit. Ifthe sourceunitdoesn’thaveoneofthesewires,you
caneitherrunawireto the batterywith a switch or useanignitioncontrolledwire to powerupthe amp. If youuse
the ignitioncontrolledwire, be awarethatthe amplifierwill beon,as longasthe car is on.Whenusingthe Smart
EngageTMfeature,ahighpoweredradio,andspeakerlevelinputsit is notnecessaryto connecttheRemoteTerminal.
4.GroundTerminal-Thegroundterminalconnectstheamplifiertothevehicleground. Besureto usethe samesize
wire gaugeorlargerasthet12Vconnection.A stronggroundpointisveryimportant.A littlescrewthroughthebody
isnotacceptable.Thecableshouldbeasshortaspossibleandconnectedtothe chassisofthevehicle. Thecontact
pointshouldbefree of paintanddebrisfor bestresults. All precautionsfor the 12Vtconnectionapplyto this con-
nectionaswell.
5. Speaker Terminals -As shown in the wiring diagrams, be sure to observe speaker polarity through the
system. Failingto wire the speakers in proper phase could result in a loss of bass response and/or poor
overall sound quality. CAUTION: ThunderAmplifiers are not recommended for loads below 2 ohms stereo
or 4 ohms bridged.

Outnut Panel Lavout
Q Q Q Q + R- REAR-L+

Aafiustina the Gain
1. Turn the gain controls on the amplifier all the way down.
2. Turn up the volume control on the source unit to
approximately 3/4 of maximum.
3. Adjust one gain control on the amplifier until audible
distortion occurs.
4. Adjust that same gain control down until audible
distortion disappears.
5. Follow steps 3-4 for other gain control settings.
6. When the Thunder 6152 and 8302 is bridged, adjust only
the left channel gain control.
7. The amplifier is now calibrated to the output of the
source unit.
Definitions of
Common Terms
The following list of terms with their definitions is
offered as help in understanding the set-up and oper-
ation of your amplifier.
1. Crossover(xover) - an electrical filter with high-pass or
low-pass characteristics that divides the frequency range
into playablebandsfor certain speakers. Subwoofers, mid-
bass,midrangeandtweeters are all designedto playdiffer-
ent frequencies and should do so to avoid damage. The
xover point is where the playable frequencies cross from
onespeakerto the next at -3dB below reference level.
2.Full-range - refers to signalswhich coverthe entire audio
frequency spanfrom 20Hzto 2OkHz.
3. High-pass - simply put, this blocks lower frequencies
which damage smaller speakers, and passes the higher
frequencies for smaller speakers like the midrange and
tweeter.
4.low-pass -You got it,this is the inverse of a high-pass. It
blocks higher frequencies and passes the playable lower
frequencies to the larger speakers,like subwoofers.
Tvroical SD,eaker
Wiring
Confirrurations
Stereo Amplifier
Bridge Mode Application
Impedance Requirement
4 ohm bridge minimum
2 ohm stereo minimum
5. Impedance - the resistance to the flow of current in an
alternating current circuit (such as with music). Linelevel
circuits are typically a high impedanceof severalthousand
ohms,while speaker level circuits are usuallya low imped-
ance of afew ohms.
6.line level - TheD/peof signal produced at the outputs of
tape decks, CDtuners, preamplifiers, etc., with a D/pica1
valueof a volt or less in a highimpedancecircuit.
7. Speaker level - Thetype of output that is meantto drive
speakers. These signals are sometimes called high level
andare uSuallyconnected bytwo conductor speakerwires
8. Signal - The signal of an audio system is what is heard
from the speakers. These signals may be high pass, low
passor full-range.
We don’t have enough space for Electronics 101,so if you
have a good, bad or amusingquestion,please call us TOLL
FREEat 800.CALL-MTX!(800-225-5689)

Problem
NoLEDindication
LEDon,nooutput
Blowingfuses
Troubleshootina Guide
Readthisif youwannabeado-it-yourselfer--orgiveusacallat I-800~CALLMTX
Not12Vatremoteconnection
Not12VatPowerconnection
Insufficientgroundconnection
Blownpowerfuse
solution
Supplyt12Vtoterminal
Supplyt12Vtoterminal
Verifygroundconnection
Replacefuse
Volumeonheadunitoff
Speakerconnectionsnotmade
Gaincontrolonamplifieroff
Signalprocessingunitsoff
Allspeakersblown
Increasevolumeonheadunit
Makespeakerconnections
Turnupgain
Applypowertosignalprocessor
Replacespeakers
Outputdistorted Headunitvolumesettoohigh Lowerheadunitvolume
Amplifiergainsettoohigh Loweramplifiergain
Balancereversed SpeakerswiredL$Rreversed
RCAinputsreversed Wirespeakerswithcorrectorientation
ReverseRCAinputs
Somebalancereversed SomeSpeakerswiredLt R
reversed
SomeRCAinputsreversed
Wirespeakerswithcorrectorientation
ReverseappropriateRCAinputs
Bassisboomy
Bassisweak
ThunderEQtoohigh
ThunderEQtoolow
Speakerswiredout
ofphase
NotusingMTXwoofers
Lowersetting
Raisesetting
Wirewithcorrectphase
BuyMTXwoofers
Excessiveoutputlevels
Amplifierdefective Lowervolume
Returnforservice

Warrantv
All MTXThunderAmplifiers purchased in the USAare guaranteed against defects in
material andworkmanshipfor a period ofthree years from the date purchased bythe
end user, if the amplifier is installed by an authorized MTX dealer (one year, if
installed bythe consumer).This warranty is limited to the original retail purchaser of
product. MTX disclaims any liability for the other incurred damages resulting from
product defects. Any expenses incurred in the removal and reinstallation of
amplifiers are not covered bythis warranty. MTX’stotal liability will not exceed the
purchase price ofthe amplifier. This warranty is valid only in the USA.
To ensure efficiency and full benefit on any warranty claim during the warranty
period stated above, MTX requests the return of the warranty registration card,
completed in full immediately following purchase. Proof of purchase must be
provided attime ofwarranty claim. If there is no proof of purchase provided with the
warranty claim, MTX reserves the right not to honor the warranty set forth above.
Therefore, labor and parts may be charged to you.
This warranty does not apply to product exterior and cosmetics. Misuse, abnormal
service or handling,improper alterations or modifications in design or construction
void this warranty.
No sales personnel of the seller, or any other person is authorized to make any
warranties other than those described above or to extend the duration of any
warranties on behalf of MTX beyondthe time period described above.
ForWarranty Inquiries, please call:
l-800-225-5689
I-602-438-4545
MTX
4545E.BaselineRd.
Phoenix,Arizona 85040
RegisterWarranty On-line:
www.mtxaudio.com