Power bass XTA 2160 User manual

XTREME SERIES A/B CLASS 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.
XTA 2160
XTA 2240
XTA 4140

Thank you and Congratulations
Thank you for your decision to purchase a PowerBass USA Xtreme mobile amplifier! Our Xtreme amplifiers are
the result of extensive engineering, testing, and bullet proof construction. Their versatility enables compatibility
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.
A/B CLASS FULL RANGE AMPLIFIERS
The PowerBass XTA 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 will cause hearing loss or damage. Also, operation of a motor vehicle while listening to audio equip-
ment at high volume levels may impair your ability to hear external sounds such as horns, warning signals, or emergency vehicles—thus cre-
ating a potential traffic hazard. In the interest of safety, PowerBass USA highly recommends listening at lower volume levels when driving.
AMPLIFIERS
3

TECHNICAL FEATURES
• Low Profile Finned High Density Aluminum Alloy Heatsink
• 4-Layer Double Sided Circuit Board Construction
• PWM MOSFET Power Supply for high power output and best stability into low impedance loads
• Variable High Pass and Low Pass Electronic Crossover
• Soft Delay Remote Turn On/Off System for eliminating pop noises
• Adjustable Bass EQ at 45Hz (18dB)
• Self Diagnostic Multi Protection Circuit with LED Indicator for; Impedance Over-load, Speaker Short
Circuit, Thermal Overheating, and DC Output.
• 2-ohm Stereo (4-ohm Mono Bridgeable)
• Custom Tooled Speaker and Power Terminal Blocks
• Variable Gain Control
• Low Level Line Inputs and Outputs
• Blue Power-on Edge-lit PowerBass Logo
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 Xtreme dealer. This
Owners 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.
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
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Proceed only if you are a qualified installer otherwise, let your dealer do it. Always wear protec-
tive 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.

To keep your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier running at top performance, choosing the proper loca-
tion it of utmost importance. For this reason the amplifier should be mounted in a location which
will allow air to circulate freely. A clearance of at least 2-inches (5 cm) to all sides of the ampli-
fier is necessary not only for proper cooling, but also for gaining access to the inputs and other
variable controls. Be sure that the power and signal cable connections can enter and leave the
amplifier in a straight line to avoid the risk of kinked wires causing a malfunction
MOUNTING LOCATION
Your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier comes with mounting feet that may need to be attached to the amplifier prior
to installation. Once the feet are in place, use the amplifier as a template and mark the four screw locations.
Use caution to make sure there are no objects behind the installation surface that may become damaged dur-
ing drilling. Remember your car has many hidden electrical wires and various gas, vacuum and brake lines.
Fig.1 Mounting Amplifier
MOUNTING THE AMPLIFIER
• When connecting ground points, make sure all paint is carefully scraped away from the auto body and
contact is make 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.
5

The amplifier should be protected from exposure to moisture and direct sunlight. The best places to mount
your amplifier are: The floor of the trunk, under the driver’s seat, or on the back of the rear seat. For alternate
installation locations, please consult your 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 thermal protection circuit causing the amplifier to shut down.
• Try to avoid mounting the amplifier on a subwoofer enclosure, as extended exposure
to vibration may cause the amplifier to malfunction.
• 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 a maximum of 12” from the battery positive (+)
terminal. Before making or breaking power connections at the amplifier power ter-
minals, disconnect the DC power wire at the battery end.
• The battery supply of the car audio system must be disconnected until the entire
wiring and installation is completed.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT
1. LINE OUT (RCA) JACKS
RCA style output jacks allow for unfiltered signal to be sent to other amplifiers or processors. Only one Remote
Gain Control can be used when multiple bass amplifiers are connected.
2. LINE IN (RCA) JACKS
The RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level outputs. A source unit with a
minimum of 250mV is required for proper operation. However, this input will accept levels up to 6Vrms.
3. GAIN Control
This control is used to match the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit that you are
using.
4. BASS EQ Control
This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low frequency response of the vehicle’s interior. With up to
18dB of boost centered at 45Hz, the BASS EQ can be adjusted to meet your own personal taste.
Fig.2 Panel Layout
For XTA 4140
7
14
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
FRONT
L
R
REAR
LINE IN CH 1/2
CH 3/4
LINE OUT
X-OVER
HPF LPF
FULL
INPUT
MODE
CH2 CH4
HPF LPF
FULL
MIN MAX
GAIN BASS EQ HPF
0dB 18dB 80Hz 1.5kHz
MIN MAX 0dB 18dB 80Hz 1.5kHz
40Hz 500Hz
LPF
40Hz 500Hz
1
12
13
234
5
67
9
8
10 11
MIN MAX
L L
GAIN
LINE OUT LINE IN
BASS EQ HPF
RR
0dB 18dB 80Hz 1.5kHz 40Hz 500Hz
X-OVER LPF
HPF LPF
FULL
POWER
STATUS
POWER SPEAKER OUTPUT
FUSE
GND REM BATT+
BRIDGED
CH1 CH2
XTA2160
30A

5. HPF (High Pass Filter) Control
This control is continuously adjustable from 80Hz through 1.5KHz at 24dB per octave.
6. X-OVER Switch for HPF/FULL/LPF
Activates the built in electronic crossover network. Works in conjunction with the HPF and LPF adjustable
controls.
7. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control
This control is continuously adjustable and varies the crossover point from 40Hz to 500Hz at 24dB per oc-
tave.
8. POWER/STATUS Indicator Light
This clear LED lights GREEN for power and normal operation, and lights RED when there is a problem. This
LED will light RED when the built in protection circuitry is activated. This indicates there is a problem with the
system in relation to the amplifier (see troubleshooting pg. 20).
9. GND (Ground Input Terminal)
A good quality ground is required for your PowerBass Xtreme amplifier to operate at peak performance. A
short length of cable the same gauge as your power cable should be used to attach the ground terminal
directly to the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that all of the paint is sanded or scraped away to ensure a
quality ground connection.
10. REM (Remote Input Terminal)
All PowerBass Xtreme amplifiers can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. This can be found on
the rear of the source unit in the form of an electric antenna output, or a remote output. If this is not available
you can wire to the ACC position on the key (this is a signal that is present when the key is on, but not while
starting). An 18 gauge wire is sufficient to run the REMOTE.
11. BATT+ (Power Input Terminal)
This terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive (+)
terminal of the car battery. (see Power Cable Selection Chart on Page 19 for recommended wire gauge for
each model).
12. FUSES
For convenience, all Powerbass Xtreme amplifiers utilize common automotive ATC type fuses. For continued
protection, in the even that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same fuse value (see specifications
page).
XTA 2160 30A x 1
XTA 2240 25A x 2
XTA 4140 25A x 2

*** WARNING ***
Disconnect the negative (-) battery terminal before you start any wiring work! The battery 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 don’t “starve”
your amplifier by using small power cable. Using too small of power cable can result in unnecessary over-
heating of the amplifier, and wire, distortion at high volume levels, thermal protection circuitry to shut-off the
amplifier, and may lead to fire.
• 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.
WIRING AND CONNECTIONS
Power Input Connections
Fig.3 Power Input Connection
These amplifiers are designed to work within a 10 to 16.5 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.
13. SPEAKER Terminals
As shown in the wiring diagrams, be sure to observe speaker polarity through the system, and speaker imped-
ance. This specially tooled terminal is designed to accommodate up to 8 gauge speaker wire.
14. INPUT Mode Switch
This control will allow 2 channel or 4 channel input for 4 channel output.
FUSE HOLDER
Battery
Within 12”
of Battery
Remote Turn ON
To Power Antenna
Chassis
Ground
(–)
POWER SPEAKER OUTPUT
FUSE
GNDREMBATT+
BRIDGED
CH1 CH2
POWER
STATUS
XTA2160
9

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 size is used. We recommend using as large a gauge cable as possible, use the Power Cable Selection
Chart to calculate the correct power wire size for your application.
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 (no farther then 12” 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 (prefer-
ably the floor pan or chassis). 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. 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.
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 Philips (cross) type screwdriver to loosen the
BATT+ and the GND connections 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. For high
current applications grounding directly to the battery may be the best choice.

REM (Remote)
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 pos-
sible, 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
11

Fig.4 Typical 2-channel amplifier low level input using RCA
XTA 2160
XTA 2140
RCA INTERCONNECT WIRING
Choose the correct length and style of RCA interconnects for your needs. The range of RCA gives you a wide
choice to suit your needs. These have multiple layers of shielding or are a twisted pair variety for better noise
rejection.
Be extra careful with your RCA interconnects. 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.
If RCA interconnects must cross power cables, noise can best be avoided by crossing them
between 45° and 75°.
CAR RADIO/
SOURCE
RCA
OUTPUTS
MIN MAX
LL
GAIN
LINE OUT LINE IN
BASS EQ HPF
RR
0dB 18dB 80Hz 1.5kHz 40Hz 500Hz
X-OVER LPF
HPF LPF
FULL

Fig.4a Typical 4-channel amplifier low level input using RCA
NOTE: The use of good quality RCA cables is just as important as power and speaker wire. Choose a high quality
low capacitance cable for best results.
XTA 4140
CH1
CH2
CH3
CH4
FRONT
L
R
REAR
LINE IN CH 1/2
CH 3/4
LINE OUT
X-OVER
HPF LPF
FULL
INPUT
MODE
CH2 CH4
HPF LPF
FULL
MIN MAX
GAIN BASS EQ HPF
0dB 18dB 80Hz 1.5kHz
MIN MAX 0dB 18dB 80Hz 1.5kHz
40Hz 500Hz
LPF
40Hz 500Hz
CAR RADIO/
SOURCE
RCA
OUTPUTS
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.
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,At the amplifier
end, it is very important 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. Check to make sure you’ve maintained
proper polarity and balance.
13

Fig.6 1-CH (Bridged Mode) Speaker Connection (Don’t connect total impedance under 4 ohms)
2. 1-CHANNEL (BRIDGED MODE) SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTION
Fig.5 2-CH Speaker Connection (Don’t connect total impedance under 2 ohms)
2 Ohm minimum 2 Ohm minimum
Subwoofer
4 Ohm minimum
Speaker Output Connections (XTA 2160 and XTA 2240)
1. TWO CHANNEL SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTION
POWER
STATUS
POWER SPEAKER OUTPUT
FUSE
GND REM BATT+
BRIDGED
CH1 CH2
XTA2160
POWER
STATUS
POWER SPEAKER OUTPUT
FUSE
GND REM BATT+
BRIDGED
CH1 CH2
XTA2160
CAUTION:
Maintaining proper impedance is critical when wiring the Class AB model amplifiers. Improper wiring can cause
severe 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.

Fig.7 4-CH Speaker Connection / 2 ohm minimum
2 ohm minimum
2 ohm minimum
2 ohm minimum
2 ohm minimum
2 ohm minimum
4 ohm minimum
2 ohm minimum
Speaker Output Connections (XA 4140)
3. 4 –CHANNEL SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTION
(Note: Don’t connect speaker impedance under 2 ohms)
4. 3-CHANNEL STEREO/MONO SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTION
Fig.8 3-CH Speaker Connection
POWER 25A 25A SPEAKER OUTPUT
FUSE
GND REM BATT+ BRIDGED BRIDGED
CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4
POWER
STATUS
XTA 4140
POWER 25A 25A SPEAKER OUTPUT
FUSE
GND REM BATT+ BRIDGED BRIDGED
CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4
POWER
STATUS
XTA 4140
15

5. 2-CHANNEL (BRIDGED MODE) SPEAKER OUTPUT CONNECTION
Fig.9 2-CH Speaker Connection / 4 ohm minimum
POWER 25A 25A SPEAKER OUTPUT
FUSE
GND REM BATT+ BRIDGED BRIDGED
CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4
POWER
STATUS
XTA 4140
4 ohm minimum
4 ohm minimum

This control (fig. 10) 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 these three steps above may leave you with dam-
aged speakers and/or a damaged amplifier.
Input Gain Adjustment
Fig.10 GAIN Control
GAIN
MIN MAX
ADJUSTMENTS AND SETTINGS
Bass EQ Adjustment
This special feature is designed to provide you more powerful sound quality, and it allows you to boost the real
Bass EQ up to +18dB. Keep in mind that more is not always better. Setting the control to the max (18dB) will
stress the amplifier and the speakers and could result in damage.
Fig.11 Bass EQ Control
0dB 18dB
BASS EQ
HPF (High Pass Filter) Adjustment
When you are using coaxial or component speaker system, this allows you to adjust high-pass X-over fre-
quency from 80Hz to 1.5KHz. To get better sound quality from coaxial or component speaker system, we
recommend the frequency should be higher than 65dB. Make sure the switch position of X-Over is at “HPF”
Fig.12 High Pass Control
80Hz 1.5KHz
HPF
17

Input Mode Switch (XTA 4140 ONLY)
Matches the input from the Source Unit to that of the amplifier, either 2 or 4 Channel (See page 13). This
eliminates the use of “Y” adapters and provides a cleaner input signal.
Low Pass Filter (LPF) Adjustment
Using this volume, adjust the LPF frequency for your subwoofer speaker(s) operation. The switch position of
X-Over should be at “LPF”
Fig.14 2 - 4 Channel Input Mode
Fig.13 Low Pass Control
40Hz 500Hz
LPF
CH2 CH4
INPUT MODE

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
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 2009 PowerBass USA, Inc.
19

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS
Problem Solution
Power LED not ON With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check:
• +12 Volt power terminal (should read +12 to
+16VDC
• Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12 to
+16VDC)
• Ground Terminal
Power LED lights GREEN, no output • Check RCA connections
• Test speaker outputs with known good speaker
• Substitute known good Source Unit
• Check for signal on the RCA cable with VOM in AC
position
Status Protection LED turns Red, no
output and
1. Amp is VERY HOT
2. Amp shuts down ONLY when the
vehicle is running
3. Amp plays at very low volume
• Thermal protection is engaged. Check for proper
impedance at speaker terminals. Also check for
adequate air flow around the amplifier.
• Voltage protection engaged. Voltage to the amp is
not within the 10-16 VDC operating range. Have the
battery/charging system inspected.
• Short circuit protection is engaged.Check for
speaker wires shorted to each other or the vehicle
chassis. Speakers operating below the minimum
impedance an cause this to occur.
Alternator noise (varies with RPM) • Check for damaged RCA cable.
• Check routing of RCA cable
• Check Source Unit for good ground
• Check amp gain setting, turn down if set too high
Poor Bass Response Check speaker polarity, reverse the connection
of one speaker only.
NOTE: If the Status L.E.D. is activated and glows RED with no speakers connected to the amplifier,
and all the power connections are correct, this would indicate an internal problem with the ampli-
fier. Contact PowerBass USA or your local dealer.