Power bass XAX 5670FD User manual

XAX 5670FD
XTREME SERIES MINI AMPLIFIER
Owners Manual
Please read through this manual to familiarize yourself with your new amplifier. Should your PowerBass
Xtreme mobile amplifier ever require service, you will need to have the original dated receipt.

Thank you and Congratulations
Thank you for your decision to purchase a PowerBass USA Xtreme mobile amplifier! Our new mini amplifiers
are the result of extensive engineering, testing, and bullet proof construction. Their versatility enables compat-
ibility with optional signal and audio processors. These high quality MOSFET amplifiers may be configured to
allow maximum flexibility in designing different types of speaker systems.
D CLASS MINI AMPLIFIERS
The PowerBass XAX Series are high quality MOSFET amplifiers that are capable of running a system full range,
or they may be selected only to power subwoofers. It is important that you closely follow the wiring instructions
contained in this Owners Manual so that you get the most from your PowerBass Xtreme mobile amplifier.
∆Caution ∆
High powered audio systems in a vehicle are capable of generating higher then “Live Concert” levels of sound pressure. Continued exposure
to excessively high volume sound levels could cause hearing loss or damage. Also, operation of a motor vehicle while listening to audio
equipment at high volume levels may impair your ability to hear external sounds such as horns, warning signals, or emergency vehicles—thus
creating a potential traffic hazard. In the interest of safety, PowerBass USA highly recommends listening at lower volume levels when driving.
AMPLIFIERS

TECHNICAL FEATURES
• FRD (Full Range Class-D) technology
• Philips/NXP Chip Set
• Ultra Low Current Draw
• High Damping Control Circuit
• High Efficiency SMD Circuit Technology
• Double Sided Copper Plated PCB
• Digital Sound Optimization Circuitry
• Dead Zero Switching
• High Current Voltage Ripple Rejection Circuitry
• Virtual Silence Turn On/Off Mute Circuit
• Advanced Protection Circuitry
• Temperature Controlled Output Current Limiting Protection
• Platinum Tiffany RCA Connectors
FRD-FULL RANGE CLASS D TECHNOLOGY
These amplifiers use the latest Philips/NXP Class D chipset combined with premium MOSFETSs to provide
full range audio signal accuracy. The result is an extremely high switching rate.
Because of the high carrier switching frequency the amplifier is able to increase efficiency while main-
taining excellent response across the entire audio range. Thus these amplifiers require less heatsink for
cooling resulting in a mini chassis (small mounting footprint). A Thermal Limiting Circuit has been incorpo-
rated in the design of these amplifiers which automatically reduces current consumption and output power
should the amplifier become too hot and risk damage to the internal components.
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INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE
Installation of PowerBass mobile amplifiers requires detailed knowledge of electronics wiring and proper
speaker impedance. We strongly recommend installation by an authorized PowerBass dealer. This Own-
ers Manual only provides general installation and operation instructions. If you have any reservations
about your installation skills, please contact your local PowerBass dealer for assistance.
IMPORTANT : This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12-volt Negative ground
electrical systems only.
PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION
NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for basic installation
• An electric drill with bits
• Philips head and standard screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Crimping tool
• VOM (electronic volt ohm meter)
• Heat shrink tubing and heat gun
• Soldering iron
• Electronic (not Acid Core) Solder
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Proceed only if you are a qualified installer, otherwise; see your Authorized PowerBass
Dealer to professionally install this amplifier. Always wear protective eyewear when using
tools.
• Turn off all stereo and other electrical devices before you begin.
• Disconnect the negative (-) lead from your vehicles battery.
• Locate all fuel lines, brake lines, oil lines, and electrical cables when planning the install.
• Make sure there is at least 2-inches (5 cm) around the air vents on the amplifier.
• When connecting ground points, make sure all paint is carefully scrapped away from the auto body
and contact is made with bare metal.
• Use a utility knife to trim away fabric from hole locations before drilling or cutting.
• When running power cables through sheet metal, be sure to use grommets to properly insulate the
metal edges from the wire insulation.
• If possible, use tubing through grommets.

To keep your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier running at top performance, choosing the proper location is of
utmost importance. Both Thermal and Overload protection are built in. In the event of overheating, the
amplifier will reduce its power output (volume) to maintain operation. For this reason the amplifier should
be mounted in a location which will allow air to circulate freely. The compact size of the PowerBass XAX
Series amplifier allows greater flexibility in mounting.
Fig.1 Mounting Amplifier
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
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*** WARNING ***
Make sure there are at least 2-inches (5cm) around the air vents on the amplifer.
Air vents

MOUNTING LOCATION
Find a dry, clear and well ventilated area to mount your amplifier that is unobstructed by any objects that will
cause harm or block ventilation.
The amplifier should be protected from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. You may use the amplifier
as a template and mark the four screw locations with a felt tip pen. Set the amplifier aside before drilling. Use
caution to make sure there are no objects behind the installation surface that may become damaged during
drilling.
If mounting under a seat, make sure there is at least 1-inch (2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier’s heatsink
to permit proper cooling.
The best places to mount your amplifier are: The floor of the trunk, under a seat, or on the back of the rear seat.
For alternate installation locations, please consult your authorized PowerBass Dealer.
*** WARNING ***
• Do not install in a place where it could injure the driver or passengers if the vehicle
stops suddenly.
• Upside down mounting will compromise heat dissipation through the heatsink and
could engage the Advanced Protection Circuitry.
• Try to avoid mounting the amplifier on a subwoofer enclosure, as extended exposure
to vibration may cause malfunction of the amplifier.
• Don’t mount the amplifier so that the wire connections are unprotected or are sub-
ject to pinching or damage from nearby objects.
• The DC power wire must be fused at the battery positive (+) terminal connection.
Before making or breaking power connections at the amplifier power terminals,
disconnect the DC power wire at the battery end.
• The battery of the car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring and
installation is completed.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT
1. Line INPUT (RCA) Jacks/CH 1 and CH 2
These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level inputs. A source unit with a
minimum of 0.5 volt is required for proper operation. However, this input will accept levels up to 6Vrms. CH1
and CH2 are commonly used for the FRONT Left and Right Channels.
2. Line INPUT (RCA) Jacks/CH3 and CH4
These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level inputs. A source unit with a
minimum of 0.5 volt is required for proper operation. However, this input will accept levels up to 6Vrms. CH2
and CH3 are commonly used for the REAR Left and Right Channels.
3. GAIN Control/CH 3 and CH 4
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the source unit you are using on CH3 and
CH4 inputs.
4. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control/Subwoofer
This control is continuously adjustable from 30Hz through 300Hz at 12 dB per octave and is used in conjunc-
tion with the Subwoofer only.
Fig.2 Panel Layout
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5. HPF (High Pass Filter) Control/CH 3 and CH 4
This control is continuously adjustable from 15Hz through 250Hz at 12dB per octave and is used in conjunc-
tion with CH3 and CH4 only
6. BASS EQ Control/Subwoofer
This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicles interior. Variable up
to 18dB of boost for the Subwoofer channel centered at 45Hz, the BASS EQ control can be adjusted to meet
your own personal taste.
7. GAIN Control/CH 1 and CH 2
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the source unit you are using on CH1 and
CH2 inputs.
8. GAIN Control/Subwoofer
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the source unit you are using on the SUB
INPUT.
9. HPF (High Pass Filter) Control/CH1 and CH 2
This control is continuously adjustable from 15Hz through 250Hz at 12dB per octave and is used in conjunc-
tion with CH1 and CH2 only.
10. SUB INPUT Selector Switch
This button selects the signal source for the SUB channel. When the button is in, the input signal will be sup-
plied from the SUB INPUT RCA. When the button is out, the amplifier will use the signals from CH1 through
CH4 summed.
11. SUB INPUT (RCA) Jacks
These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have a dedicated RCA line level SUBWOOFER
outputs. A source unit with a minimum of 0.05 volt is required for proper operation. However, this input will
accept levels up to 6Vrms.
12. REMOTE (Remote Gain Input Connection)
This is the input port for the wired Remote Gain control (included). This allows up to 18dB of volume adjust-
ment and controls the level of the subwoofer channel only.
13. POWER Indicator
This clear LED lights Blue when the power is on and the amplifier is wired correctly.

9
14. STATUS Indicator
This Red LED glows constantly if a short circuit or too low of an impedance is detected at the speaker connec-
tions. When the built-on protection circuitry is activated the amplifier will “shut down” until the problem is cor-
rected. If this happens refer to the Trouble Shooting Tips page located toward the back of this owner’s manual.
15. SUB Output Terminals
For Subwoofer connection only stable down to 2-ohms minimum. This specially tooled solderless terminal
block is designed to accommodate up to 10-gauge speaker wire. Please refer to the speaker wiring diagrams
in this manual and be sure to observe proper polarity.
16. SPEAKER Output Terminals
This specially tooled solderless terminal block is designed to accommodate up to 10-gauge speaker wire and
can be used to power various combinations of front and rear speakers. Please refer to the speaker wiring
diagrams in this manual and be sure to observe speaker polarity and impedance throughout the system.
CAUTION: This amplifier is not recommended for impedance loads below 2-ohm stereo and
4-ohms bridged (CH1/2/3/4) and 2-ohms for the Sub channel.
17. FUSE(S)
For convenience PowerBass uses common automotive ATC type fuses. For continued protection in the event
a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same value.
CAUTION: These power fuses on the amplifier chassis are for protecting the amp against over-
drive. To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse MUST be used within 18-inhces
of the battery on the 12V+ cable.
18. BATT+ (Power Input Connection)
This solderless terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the 12-volt
Positive (+) terminal of the car battery. The terminal can accept up to 4-gauge wire (see Power Cable Selection
Chart for the minimum recommended wire gauges).
19. REMOTE (Remote Input Connection
All PowerBass amplifiers can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal.
20. GND (Ground Input Connection)
A good quality Ground is required for your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier to operate at peak performance. A
short length of cable (no more than 3-feet) the same gauge as the Power Cable should be used to attach the
GND terminal directly to the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that all of the paint is sanded or scraped away
to ensure a good ground connection.

*** WARNING ***
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before you start any wiring work! The bat-
tery of your car audio system must be disconnected until the entire wiring installation is
completed.
Your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier requires unrestricted current to deliver peak performance, so do not “starve”
your amplifier by using small power cable. Using under sized power cable can result in unnecessary over-
heating of the amplifier, distortion at high volume levels and might even cause the thermal protection circuitry
to shut-off the amplifier. Remember, bigger wire is better! For best results we recommend a PowerBass ampli-
fier install kit, available at your local PowerBass dealer.
• Use rubber grommets when running cables through any metal or sharp plastic, to prevent accidental
shorting or shearing. Make sure the cables do not interfere with normal operation of the vehicle.
• The audio signal cables (RCA interconnects) should be kept far away from any potential sources of
electrical interference such as electronic vehicle management systems (relays, engine computers etc.),
wiring harnesses, fuel pumps etc.
POWER WIRING AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS
Fig.3 Power Input Connection
FUSE HOLDER
Battery Within 18"
of Battery
Remote Turn ON
To Power Antenna
Chassis
Ground
(–)

These amplifiers are designed to work within a 10 to 16 volt DC range. Before any wires are connected, the
vehicles electrical system should be checked for correct voltage supply with the help of a voltmeter.
First, check the voltage at the battery with the ignition in the OFF position. The voltmeter should read no less
than 12V. If your vehicles electrical system is not up to these specifications, we recommend having it checked
by an auto electrician before any further installation. Once the vehicle is checked, make certain the correct
cable gauge is used. The XAX amplifier terminals are capable of accepting up to 4 gauge power and ground
cable. We recommend using as large a gauge cable as possible, use the Power Cable Selection Chart to cal-
culate the correct power wire size for your application.
POWER WIRING
BATT+ (Power)
This amplifier should be wired directly to the vehicle battery using the appropriate size cable. Start at the
vehicle battery and run the power cable through to the amplifier. Avoid running the power cable over engine
components and near heater cores. The use of an inline fuse or circuit breaker is a must; this will prevent the
risk of a potential fire caused by a short in your power cable. Connect the fuse holder or circuit breaker as close
to the battery positive (+) terminal as possible (within 18” from the battery). This fuse or circuit breaker should
be no greater then the sum of the fuses found on the chassis of your amplifier (also see specifications chart).
You may now connect the cable to the battery, but remember to leave the fuse out or circuit breaker “off” until
all other cable connections are made.
GND (Ground)
When grounding your amplifier, locate a metal area close to the amplifier that is good source of ground
(preferable the floor pan). Use a short length of cable the sam gauge as your power cable never more than
30" (76cm). Once again, investigate the area you wish to use for electrical wires, vacuum lines, and brake or
fuel lines. Use either a wire brush or sandpaper to eliminate unwanted paint for better contact of the ground.
Note: Remove any paint
below ring connector
Star Washer
Ring ConnectorFactory Bolt
Ground Wire
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Secure the ground cable to the body using a bolt, star washer and nut. Spread silicon over the screw and
bare metal to prevent rust and possible water leaks.
NOTE: The Ground must be capable of carrying the same amount of current as the positive wire.
Now it’s time to connect the power and ground cables to the amplifier. Cut both cables to length.
Strip off 1/2 inch (12mm) of the insulation so that the bare wire fits all the way in the terminal block on
the side panel of the amplifier, seating it firmly so no bare wire is exposed. Use a screw driver to losen the
BATT+ and the GND connection on the amplifier. Insert the ground first, and then the +12V and please make
sure that you place them into the correctly marked terminals. Then tighten the screws down securely - use
care not to over tighten and damage the wire.
REMOTE (Remote Trigger)
This terminal must be connected to a switched +12V source. Typically, remote turn-on leads are provided
at the source unit that will turn on and off the amplifier in correspondence with the source. If the source unit
does not have a remote turn-on lead, then a power antenna wire can be used. If neither of these leads is
available at the source unit, then a switched +12V supply must be used, like the ACC, +12V.
Run a minimum of 18 gauge wire from the amplifier location to the source of the switched +12V lead. If
possible, route this wire on the same side of the vehicle as your power cable. Connect the source remote
output to the wire. Go back to the amplifier and cut the wire to length. Loosen the screw terminal marked
REMOTE on the amplifier using a Philips (cross) type screwdriver. Insert the stripped (bare) portion of the
wire into the terminal and tighten the screw securely.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that a hand screw driver and NOT a power drill is used to
tighten the set screws on the terminal blocks. This will prevent stripping or other possible
damage to the amplifier.

RCA INTERCONNECTS
Fig.4 Low Level Input using RCA
Choose the correct length and style of RCA interconnects for your needs. Always use high quality RCA audio
cables (not supplied) for signal connections—those with multiple layers of shielding or a twisted pair variety
for better noise rejection.
Be extra careful when routing your RCA audio interconnect cables. Car environments are notorious for poorly
insulated wires. This means that hiss, engine noise, and fan noise can easily be picked up through RCA
cables if run incorrectly.
Make sure that the cables for power and audio signal are not on the same side of the vehicle and that they
do not cross each other; this will help reduce any noise that may radiate from the power cable and the signal
cable. If an audio cable is too close to a power cable, it may pick up the magnetic field generated by the
power cable, which could lead to a loss of quality in your signal.
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CAR RADIO
FRONT SUBREAR

CAR RADIO
BUTTON POSITION
(Button OUT)
CAR RADIO
FRONTREAR
BUTTON POSITION
(Button OUT)
Single RCA OUT
Dual RCA OUT (Front and Rear)
Single RCA Output on the Radio (Rear only)
In the event the car radio (head unit) you are using
has only 1-set of RCA preamp outputs, you will
need to split the signal using “Y” adaptors on the
Right and Left channels as shown above. Since
the radio's 2V (or possibly lower) pre out signal is
split between 3 sets of inputs, the GAIN controls
will need to be set considerably higher to maximize
the amplifiers ouput. By doing this you will lose the
Front to Rear fader capability as only the Rear RCA
is being used.
Dual RCA Output from the Radio
(Front and Rear)
If the car radio (head unit) you are using has
2-sets of RCA preamp outputs you will retain the
full balance and fade capabilities of your radio.
With the SUB INPUT button “out” the subwoofer is
unaffected by fade Front to Rear.
Y adaptors

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CAR RADIO
FRONT SUBREAR
BUTTON POSITION
(Button IN )
Three RCA OUT (Front and Rear plus Subwoofer)
Three RCA Outputs from the Radio (Front and Rear plus Subwoofer)
This is the optimum configuration for this amplifier by providing 3-sets of discrete signal to the preamp. It
will also offer the most flexibility in tuning the system.

This control allows you to match the input level of the amplifier to the output level of your head unit. Matching
the input can be accomplished in three simple steps:
1. Set the volume of GAIN on the amplifier to Min (completely counter clock wise).
2. Turn on the head unit and adjust volume to 2/3 maximum, and set the BASS and TREBLE to zero.
3. Adjust the GAIN control clockwise until the sound just begins to distort, then back off slightly to cut
distortion and operate at optimum gain.
Remember, the GAIN control is not a volume control. Ignoring the three steps above may leave you with
damaged speaker and/or a damaged amplifier.
NOTE: The XAX-5670FD is a 5-channel amplifier that can accept up to three separate sets of
signal imputs. When setting the individual GAIN levels, it is recommended to start first with CH1/
CH2 GAIN, then CH3/CH4 GAIN and followed lastly by the SUB GAIN (depending on the number of
input signals available).
USER ADJUSTABLE CONTROLS
Input GAIN Adjustment
BASS EQ Adjustment
Fig.5 GAIN Control
GAIN
MINMAX
Input Sensitivity Control
This special feature is designed to provide you more powerful sound quality, and it allows you to boost the
real Bass EQ up +18dB. The level of boost can be set to either 0 (no boost), +12dB or +18dB. Keep in mind
that more is not always better! Setting the control to the max (18dB) can stress the amplifier and the speakers
which may result in damage to your system.
NOTE: The BASS EQ will only work with the SUB Channel on the XAX-5670FD
Fig.6 Bass EQ Control

When you are using coaxial or component speaker system, this allows you to adjust high-pass X-over fre-
quency from 15Hz to 250Hz. To get better sound quality from coaxial or component speaker system, we
recommend the frequency should be higher than 15Hz.
17
Using this volume, adjust the LPF frequency for your subwoofer speaker(s) operation.
Fig.8 Low Pass Control (LPF)
HPF (High Pass Filter) Adjustment
LPF (Low Pass Filter) Adjustment
Fig.7 High Pass Control (HPF)
Your PowerBass Xtreme amp includes a remote GAIN control module. It uses standard 6-pin telephone wire
and modular (U.S.A. style) telephone connectors. To connect the remote GAIN Control to the amplifier, simply
insert one end of the telephone plug into the REMOTE gain input port. Plug the other end into the remote
module. Install the module within easy reach on or under your dash.
NOTE: The GAIN control on the side panel of the amplifier chassis serves as the “main” GAIN
control, and the remote will not exceed the setting of the end panel.
Remote Gain
Controller Connection
Fig.5 Connection with RJ12 Jack

SPEAKER WIRING AND CONFIGURATIONS
Speaker Load
Keep in mind your PowerBass Autosound amplifier is a high power amplifier and not a high current amplifier.
In other words this amplifier requires a minimum impedance of 2 ohms STEREO and 4 ohms bridged
MONO to operate trouble free.Lower impedance will send the amplifier into protection and may possibly
damage the electronics inside and void the waranty.
NOTE: Know your total impedance load before you make any connections.
Speaker Wiring
Choose the correct speaker wire for your application. Most applications will require a minimum of 16 gauge
wire. Route these using the same precautions as you did when you ran the power cable. Terminate these wires
at the speaker end using insulated speaker terminals (not supplied) or by soldering the connection. Make sure
the speaker connections are positive-to-positive and negative-to-negative. At the amplifier end, it is very im-
portant that the wires are making solid contact. Strip the wires insulation back approximately 1/2 inch (12mm)
and insert the wires into the appropriate openings while being careful there are no loose or frayed strands of
wire straying from the terminal. Check to make sure you’ve maintained proper polarity and balance.
CAUTION:
Maintaining proper impedance is critical when wiring the amplifier. Improper wiring can cause se-
vere damage to BOTH the woofer and the amplifier. Detailed wiring diagrams are supplied with all
PowerBass woofers. IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCED OR UNCOMFORTABLE READING THE WIRING
DIAGRAMS CONSULT YOUR AUTHORIZED POWERBASS DEALER BEFORE YOU ATTEMPT TO WIRE
THE SYSTEM.

Speaker Output Connections 5 Channel Model (XAX 5670FD)
1. 5-Channel Speaker Output Connection
2. 3-Channel Speaker Output Connection
Fig.17 3-CH Speaker Connection
Fig.16 5-CH Speaker Connection / 2 ohms minimum
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2-OHM
minimum 2-OHM minimum
FULL RANGE SPEAKERS
2-OHM
minimum 2-OHM minimum
FULL RANGE SPEAKERS
SUBWOOFER
2-OHM
minimum
FULL RANGE SPEAKERS
4-OHM minimum
4-OHM minimum
SUBWOOFER
2-OHM minimum

RECOMMENDED WIRE SIZES
Power Cable Selection Chart
Fuse Total 4Ft 4-7Ft 7-10Ft 10-13Ft 13-16 Ft 16-19 Ft 19-22 Ft
In Amperes Length of Wire/Gauge
150A - 200A 2 GA 2 GA 2 GA *1/0* *1/0* *1/0* *1/0*
125A - 150A 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 2 GA 2 GA 2 GA
105A - 125A 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 2 GA
85A - 105A 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA
65A - 85A 10 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 4 GA 4 GA 4 GA
50A - 65A 10 GA 10 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA
35A - 50A 10 GA 10 GA 10 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA 8 GA
25A - 35A 10GA 10GA 10GA 10GA 8GA 8GA 8GA
PowerBass makes several types of amplifier wiring kits to assist with the installation of your PowerBass amplifier. Consult
your local PowerBass dealer for details. For more information about recommended power wire check out our website at
www.powerbassusa.com.
PERSONAL NOTES:
Name: ______________________________________________________________
Date Purchased: ______________________________________________________
Dealer: _____________________________________________________________
Installed By: _________________________________________________________
Model: _____________________________________________________________
Serial Number: ______________________________________________________
Miscellaneous: ______________________________________________________
This manual is the exclusive property of PowerBass USA, Inc. Any reproduction of this manual, or use other than its intentions
is strictly prohibited without the express consent of PowerBass USA, Inc. © Copyright 2012 PowerBass USA, Inc.