MTX Thunder4122 User manual

Introduction
CONGRATULATIONS
‘&
: On Your purchase of a new MTX
-m Thunder Amplifier! MTX has long been
. s’
*
“,”‘_ the industry leader in mobile enclosures
“” and speakers, and we have reached
i new heightswith the development ofthe
^g
p*+, new MTX Thunder amplifiers. You
::
& couldn’t have chosen a more reliable,
g powerful, or better performing amplifier
,,/,# - In fact, we back up every Thunder
j*$&_ amplifier with a three-Year warranty if
. installed by an authorized MTX retailer
(seethe warranty statement on page33).
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 improvementsto the amplifier’s electrical
and mechanical properties. ISMT devices
feature substantially shorter internal and
external lead lengths. This reduces stray
capacitance and inductance, which results in
cleaner andmore accurate musical reproduc-
tion with significantly less noise interference.
The ISMT mounter produces amplifier boards
with smaller and lighter components, which
are more resistantto vibrations inherent inthe
automotive environment.
A wordabourpowerratings.It isimportantforyou
to knowhow theystack up.MTXhaschosenthe
mosthonest,most conservativeway to rate our
amps.WeshowyoutheRMSpower;at 12.5volts,
anddynamicpowerat 14.4volts.However,we go
aboveandbeyondthe call of duty Wetest each
amplifiel: The technician records the “actual”
power output,and records this numberon your
CertifiedPerformanceCertificate.Theamplifier
must meet or exceed the rated specification
beforewe’llshipit. 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 authorized
MTX dealer.
HOWTOUSETHISMANUAL
If Youare 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 Youhave
all the equipment You need. Then follow the
step-by-step installation instructions included.
Sample installation diagrams may be found
on our website:
WWW.MTXAUOIO.COM
If You have any questions, write or call us:
MTX
4545E.BaselineRd.
Phoenix,AZ85040
l-602-438-4545
1-800-CALL-MTX
technicalQmtxaudio.com
www.mtxaudio.com
Registeryourwarrantyonline

Features
UniquerubberInsulatedIso-Fe@
fPatent#5,521,792)
Nickel-elated.heavvdutvterminalblocktvoeconnectors
Speakerandlowlevelinputs
Inputselect2CH/ 4CHswatchonThunder4244functronsasa built-inYconnector
Color-codedwire harnessfor speaker-levelinputinstallation
Smart-EngageTMauto-turnonfor easyintegrationwithfactoryheadunits
Built-in.defeatable18dB/octaveHPLPcrossoverat85Hz
Thunder4244FrontchannelcrossoverISadefeatablel8dB/octave,highpass,at85Hz
Adjustableinputsensitivity
Bridgeable,multi-channelcircuitdesign
RegulatedPWMMosfetSwitchingPowerSupply
New,morereliablehighpoweredtransformers
Buffered,isolatedoutputfor daisychainingmultrpleamplifiers
PureN-ChannelDesign
IntelligentSurfaceMountTechnology
ClassA 100%discretedrivercircuittopologv
RealRmeComputerizedProtectionCircuit
Anti-ShockPCBmountingdesign
AcousticallySeamlessTurn-On/Turn-Off
Sloecifications
Thunder4122
RMSPowermeasuredat12.5VoltsDC:
30 Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1%THD
60Watts x 2 mto a 2 Ohm load with less than 1%THD
120Watts bridgedintoa4Ohmloadwrthlessthan1%THD
DynamicPowermeasuredat 14.4VoltsDC,
50Wattsx2intoa4Ohmload
80Wattsx2intoa2Ohmload
200Wattsbridgedintoa4Ohmload
Srgnalto NorseRatro:1OOdBA-WeightedIReferencedto Rated
PWRat1VRMSInputSensitrvio/l
DampingFactor,200
FrequencyResponse:20-20.000Hz+.25dB
Defeatable18d%ctavecrosseverat85Hz,selectableforhrghpass.low
pass.
Drmensions:5.63”x9.75”xy 114.3cmx24.8cmx5lcm)
7.9r x9.75”x2.1”120.3cmx24.8cmx 5.3cm)lncludrnglsoFeetTM
Thunder4202
RMSPowermeasuredat12.5VoltsDC:
50Wattsx2intoa4Ohmloadwithlessthan1%THO
100Wattsx2intoa2Ohmloadwithlessthan1%THO
200Wattsbridgedmtoa4Ohmloadwithlessthan1%THD
DynamicPowermeasuredat14.4VoltsDC:
85Watts x 2 into a 4 Ohm load
140Watts x 2 into a 2 Ohm load
280WattsbridgedIntoa4Ohmload
Signalto NorseRatio: 1OOdBA-Weighted
(Referenced to Rated PWRet 1VRMS Input Sensitivity)
Damplng Factor: >200
Frequency Response: 20.20,000Hz+.25dB
Defeatable18dB/octavecrossoveret 85Hz.selectablefor high pass.low
pass.
Dimensions: 7” x 9.7Y x 2” (17.8cmx 24.8cm x 5.lcm)
9.3” x 9.75” x 2.1” 123.6cmx 24.8cmx 5.3cm) Including lsoFeetTM
Thunder4244
RMS Power measured et 12.5Volts DC:
45Watts x 4 into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1%THD
60Watts x 4 into a 2 Ohm load with less than 1%THD
120Watts x 2 bridged into a 4 Ohm load with less than 1% THD
Dynamic Power measured et 144 Volts DC,
55Watts x 4 mto a 4 Ohm load
100Watts x 4 mto a 2 Ohm load
200Watts x 2 bridged into a 4 Ohmload
Slgnal to Noise Ratio: IOOdBA-Wetghted (Referenced to Rated
PWRet 1VRMS Input Sensitivlh/)
DampIng Factor: >200
Frequency Response: 20.20,000Hzi-.25dB
Defeatable18d%ctave crossoverat 85 Hz,selectablefor high pass,
low pass.or full ranqe on rear channelsandhlqh passor full ranqefor
front channels
Dimensions: 9.2” x 9.75” x 2” (23.4cmx 24.8cmx 5 lcm)
11.5” x 9.7Y’ x 2.1” (29.2cmx 248cm x 5.3cm) Including lsoFeetTM

1.RCAInput Jacks - These RCAinput jacks are for usewith source units that have RCAor Line
Level Outputs.An independent set of jacks are provided on the Thunder4244for front and rear
stereo inputs. A source unit with a minimumlevel of 200mVis required for proper operation.The
use of high quality twisted pair cables is recommended to decrease the possibility of radiated
noiseentering the system.
2. Input Select 2CH/ 4CH - This switch, found onthe Thunder4244,is usedto match the ampli-
fier’s input to the source unit’s output so all four channels of the amplifier are driven. If your
source unit has 2 outputs (a left and right) connect them to the amplifier’s front channel inputs,
and placethe input select switch inthe 2CHposition. If your source unit has4 outputs, (left front,
left rear,andright front, right rear) connectthem to the amplifier inputs and placethe input select
switch in the 4CHpostion. Inthe 4CHposition,the fader onyour source unit will operate.
3. Speaker level Inputs - This input will allow the amplifier to operate from source units with
speaker-level outputs. Output speaker leads from the source unit should be tied directly to the
wire harness providedwith the amplifier.
Wire harness color codes:
Grey/ Black = Source units right negative (-) White / Black = Source units left negative (-)
Solid Grey= Source units right positive (t) SolidWhite = Source units left positive (+)
With the Smart-EngageTMauto-turn circuit, a remote turn-on wire is not necessary when
connecting the speaker-levelinputwire harnessto a high powered source unit.The amphfierwill
automatically turn onwhen music is received.
4. RCAOutput - These RCAoutputs allow for a signal to be sent to other amplifiers in a daisy-
chain configuration. The RCAoutputs on all Thunder4000series amplifiers will send afull-range
signalto additional amplifiers.
5. Gain Controls -These controls are usedto match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the
particular source unit that you are using. The controls are factory set to IVrms. Note that the
Thunder4244has a separate gain control for front and rear channels.
6.CrossoverSelect-This switch controls the type of crossover configuration that you desire.The
Thunder4000series 2-channel amplifiers include a defeatable 18dB/Octave85Hzcrossover that
is high pass/low passor full range selectable. TheThunder4244four channel amplifier includes a
defeatable 18dB/octave85Hzcrossover that is high pass or full rangefor the front channels, and
a high pass,low pass or full rangefor the rear channels.

In-put Panel Lavout

1. Power Fuse- For your convenience, an ATCtype fuse was selected for use in all Thunder
Amplifiers. Forcontinued protection, replace this fuse only with the sametype andvalue as was
originally provided.
Thunder4122- 20Amp
Thunder4202- 30Amp
Thunder4244- 25Amp x 2
2.Power Terminal -This is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected direct-
ly to the positive terminal of the car battery for the amplifier to operate properly. Seethe chart
below for recommended cable sizes for each amplifier. Use caution when running this cable
through the car. Tryto avoidthe input RCAcables, antenna cabling, or other sensitive equipment
asthe large amountof current flowing through this cable can induce noise into your system.It is
also very important to have atight connection to ensure maximumperformance.
Thunder4122- 10Gauge
Thunder4202- 10Gauge
Thunder4244- 8 Gauge
3. GroundTerminal -A good quality ground is required for your Thunder Amplifier to operate at
peak performance. A short length of cable the same gauge as your power cable should be used
to attach the groundterminal directly to the chassis of the car.Always scrape or sand any paint-
ed surfaces to expose bare metal where the groundwire will attach.
4. RemoteTerminal - All Thunder Amplifiers can beturned on by applying 12volts to this termi-
nal. Typicallythis voltage is supplied byawire from the source unit marked “remote” or “electric
antenna”.
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
responseand/or poor overall soundquality.Caution:Thunderamplifiers are not recommendedfor
loads below 2 ohmsstereo or 4 ohms bridged.

Outnut Panel Lavout

Adiustina the Gain
1. Turnthe gain control 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 the gain control on the amplifier until audible distor-
tion occurs.
4. Adjustthe gain control down until audible distortion
disappears.
5. Follow steps 3-4 for other gain control settings.
(THUNDER42441
6. The amplifier is now calibrated to the output of the
source unit.
Definitions of
Common Terms
Thefollowing /isi of terms with their definitions is offered as
help in understanding the set-up and operation of your
amplifiec
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,midrange andtweeters 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.Fall-range - refersto signalswhich coverthe entire audio
frequency spanfrom 20Hzto LOkHz.
3. High-pass - simply put, this blocks lower frequencies
which damage smaller speakers, and passesthe higher
frequencies for smaller speakers like the midrange and
tweeter.
4.Low-pass-You got it, this isthe inverse of a high-pass. It
blocks higher frequencies and passes the playable lower
frequencies to the larger speakers,like subwoofers.
Iv&Cal Smzaker
Wiring
Confiuurations
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). Line level
circuits are typically a high impedanceof several thousand
ohms,while speaker level circuits are usually a low imped-
ance of afew ohms.
6. tine level - Thetype of 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 - The h/pe of output that is meant to 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 enoughspace for Electronics 101,so if you
havea good, bad or amusingquestion,p/ease call us TOLL
FREEat 800~CALL-MTX!(800-225-5689)

Problem
NoLEDindication
LEDon,nooutput
Troubleshooting Guide
Readthisif youwannabeado-it-yourselfer-- orgiveusacallat I-8OWlLLMTX.
g&g
Not12Vatremoteconnection
Not12VatPowerconnection
Insufficientgroundconnection
Blownpowerfuse
Supplyt12Vtoterminal
Supplyt12Vtoterminal
Verifygroundconnection
Replacefuse
Volumeonheadunitoff
Speakerconnectionsnotmade
Gaincontrolonamplifieroff
Signalprocessingunitsoff
Allspeakersblown
Increasevolumeonheadunit
Makespeakerconnections
Turnupgain
Applypowertosignalprocessor
Replacespeakers
Outputdistorted Headunitvolumesettoohigh towerheadunitvolume
Amplifiergainsettoohigh toweramplifiergain
Balancereversed SpeakerswiredLt Rreversed
RCAinputsreversed Wirespeakerswithcorrectorientation
ReverseRCAinputs
Somebalancereversed SomeSpeakerswiredLt R
reversed
SomeRCAinputsreversed
Wirespeakerswithcorrectorientation
ReverseappropriateRCAinputs
Bassisweak Speakerswiredout
ofphase
NotusingMTXwoofers
Wirewithcorrectphase
BuyMTXwoofers
Blowingfuses Excessiveoutputlevels
Amplifierdefective towervolume
Returnforservice

Warrantv
All MTXThunder Amplifiers purchased inthe USAare guaranteed against defects in
material andworkmanship for 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 of the amplifier. This warranty is valid only inthe 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 of warranty claim. Ifthere is no proof of purchase providedwith 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:
I-800-225-5689
I-602-438-4545
MTX
4545E.Baseline Rd.
Phoenix,Arizona 85040
RegisterWarranty On-line:
www.mtxaudio.com

FIRST
CLASS
STAMP
HERE
Attn: Warranty Processing Center
4545 E. Baseline
Phoenix, AZ 85040-5306
II,,I,.I.I,II,,.,I.,III,.,.II,.,I,,III,,,II,,,,I,,I,I,I,,I,,II

Please fold and seal with tape
WARRANTYREGlSTRATlON&CUSTOMERSURVEY
NAME
PHONE
ADDRESS AGE
OCCUPATION
DEALERNAME
MTXMODELNO.
DATEPURCHASED
VEHICLETYPE
CITY
INSTALLEDBY
YEAR MAKE MODEL
1, WASTHISUNIT: m Purchasedforpersonaluse CI Receivedasagift
2. HOWDIDYOUFIRSTLEARNOFMTX?
Ll Dealer U Radio C! TV m Newspaper U Catalog
CI Friend/Familym Storedisplay
U Magazine(Circlethemagazine) MotorTrend CarandTrack RollingStone Lowrider
Truckin’ AutosoundandSecurity CarSound CarAudioandElectronics CarStereoReview
Ct Other
3. ISTHIS: D Yourfirstcarstereo tl Replacement/Upgrade
4. WHATWASTHEMAINREASONYOUSELECTEDTHISMTXPRODUCT?
0 DealerrecommendationU MTXName/reputationQ Friend/familyrecommendation
D ProductAppeal Ct Sound U Price Q Other
5. WHATARETHREETHINGSYOULIKEMOSTABOUTTHISMTXPRODUCT?
Ll Styling U SoundQuality CI Powerhandling Ct BassReproduction
0 Durability Ct InstallationFlexibility
6. HOWSATISFIEDAREYOUWITHTHISPRODUCT?
Ct VerySatisfied Ct Satisfied Cl Neutral Q NotSatisfied
7. WHEREDOYOUBUYYOURTAPESANDCD’S?
COMMENTS

- V’iiiiW~IDER4l22 / 7iW~~~ER4202-
Amplifier Output Connections
AMPLIFIER
Ground To Metal Of Vehicle
Connect To Car Stereo
Remote/Power Antenna
Turn-On Wire
DisconnectL
Battery Negative (-) Cable
Minimum Wire Size: 1
Power: 10 AWG. Ground: 10 AWG. Remove Pain+
From Metal
Prior To installing Amplifier
For installation options go to www.mtxaudio.com

1
Zii#Uif~~~4122~/ TiiV~RfDC~4202
Amplifier Input Connections
1
RCA Input
\ Remote/Power Antenna
AMPLIFIER y
Turn-On Wire
Amplifier Crossover Select
Switch Settings:
Subwoofer Separates Co-Ax
LQiIr m m
LP FR HP LP FR HP LP FR HP
When used with Subwoofer Amplifier
Seperates Co-Ax
LIIIm I
LP FR HP LP FR HP
CAR STEREO
(SOURCE UNIT)
REQUIRED INSTALLATION
TOOLS:
Power Drill Utility Knife
Adjustible Wrench l Crimpers
For installation options go to www.mtxaudio.com
Part #: NDM161