Ulti Mate DD1-1200 User manual

DD1DD1--12001200
MonoMono--Bloc Digital Power AmplifierBloc Digital Power Amplifier
Ultimate Sound, Inc. Ultimate Europe AB
Ultimate Sound, Inc Ultimate Europe AB
138 University Parkway Flojelbergsgatan 7A
Pomona, California SE 431 37
Phone: [phone] Molndal, Sweden
Fax: [phone] Phone: [phone]
e-mail Fax: [phone]
[e-mail] europeansupport@ultimate-
europe.com
400 Watts RMS400 Watts RMS-- 44ΩΩ
700 Watts RMS700 Watts RMS-- 22ΩΩ
1200 Watts RMS1200 Watts RMS-- 11ΩΩ
ii
INTRODUCTION
I. Description
This device is a high power, audio amplifier. Use it responsibly. Very
loud music can cause permanent hearing loss. This amplifier is intended
for installation in vehicles with a 12 Volt, negative ground electrical
system. Attempting to connect or operate the amplifier in another type of
electrical system may cause damage to the amplifier or the electrical
system.
II. About This Manual
Read the Instructions-
Be sure that you have read all operating instructions and understand all
safety precautions before installing and operating the amplifier. We
recommend that you have your DigitalisDigitalis amplifier installed by a
specialist.
Follow the Instructions-
The instructions are intended to help you safely obtain the best
performance from the amplifier. Carefully follow all installation and
operating instructions.
Save the Operating Manual-
Keep the manual in a safe place after installing the amplifier. You may
have questions later.
Text Conventions used in this Manual-
Bold-
Headings and important information.
Bold, Underlined-
Very important information.
"Bold"-
As labeled on the amplifier, or quoted from elsewhere in this
manual.
III. Safety and Operating Precautions-
Caution!
This symbol warns the user of a potential risk or hazard if instructions are
not followed.
⇒This arrow symbol points to a specific instruction for avoiding a
potential hazard.

1
1. Installation
1.1 Installation-Mounting the Amplifier
Step 1-Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before mounting the
amplifier or making any connections. Check the battery and alternator
ground (-) connections. Make sure they are properly connected and free of
corrosion
Step 2-Choose a mounting location for your amplifier. Find a location
on a flat surface away from heat and moisture. Be sure the mounting
location and the drilling of pilot holes for mounting will not present a
hazard to any wires, control cables, fuel lines, fuel tanks, hydraulic lines,
or other vehicle systems or components. Common mounting locations are
under the front passenger seat, or in the trunk area. Choose a location
with unimpaired air circulation. The amplifier will dissipate heat more
efficiently if mounted vertically.
Step 3-Place the amplifier in the mounting location, and mark the
positions of the holes with a marker, pen or pencil. Carefully drill the
mounting holes in the marked positions.
Caution!
⇒Check carefully before drilling any pilot holes.
Step 4-Use the supplied mounting screws to securely fasten the amplifier
to the mounting surface. Wrap the screw driver shaft with electrical tape
to avoid marring the area around the mounting holes.
1.2 Installation-Power Connections
Step 1-Run a power cable from the battery to the amplifier mounting
location. Use rubber grommets to protect the cable anywhere it has to go
through metal. Use #4 AWG or larger power and ground cable.
Step 2-Connect one end of an in-line fuse holder to the power cable.
Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the positive battery post with
20 cm (or less) of the same cable. This fuse location will protect the
system and the vehicle against the possibility of a short circuit in the
power cable. Be sure to use a fuse and fuse holder adequate for the
application. Do not place a fuse in the holder at this time.
The maximum fuse rating for the Digitalis DDDigitalis DD11--12001200 is:
3 X 40 Amps
Caution!
⇒Bridging fuses or replacing a fuse with one of a higher rating may
cause damage to the amplifier and the vehicle's electrical system.
2
SPEAKER
- + - +- + - +
Step 3-Run a remote turn on cable from the switched +12V source you
will be using to turn on the system components. This may be a toggle
switch, a relay, or your source unit’s remote trigger wire, or power
antenna trigger wire. Run this lead to the amplifier mounting location.
Use #18 AWG wire or larger.
Step 4-Locate a secure grounding connection as close to the amplifier as
possible. Make sure the location is clean and provides a direct electrical
connection to the frame of the vehicle. Connect one end of a short piece
of the same size cable as the power cable to the grounding point. Run the
other end of the cable to the amplifier mounting location.
Step 5-connect the ground cable to the screw terminal labeled
“POWER, GND”.
Step 6-Connect the power cable to the amplifier at the screw terminal
labeled “POWER, BATT”.
Step 7-Connect the remote turn on cable to the screw terminal labeled
“POWER, REM”.
1.3 Installation-Speaker Connections
Step 1-Run #14 AWG or larger connecting wire from your speakers to
the amplifier mounting location. Keep speaker wires away from power
cables and amplifier input cables. Use grommets anywhere the wires have
to pass through holes in the metal frame or sheet metal. Connect to the
speakers according to the type of terminals on each speaker.
Step 2-Strip 3/8" of insulation from the end of each wire and twist the
wire strands together tightly. Make sure there are no stray strands that
might touch other wires or terminals and cause a short circuit.
Step 3-If possible, tin the wire ends with solder to provide a secure
termination.
Step 4-Connect the wire ends to your amplifier as follows:
SPEAKER TERMINALS
Follow the (+) (-) polarity markings,
making sure they match the polarity of the
connections at the speakers. There are 2
sets of (+) and (-) terminals for
convenience in connecting multiple
subwoofers.

3
MULTIPLE SPEAKER CONNECTION
PARALLEL-Each additional speaker decreases the load impedance
for the amplifier. The amplifier delivers more current and works
harder.
SERIES-Each additional speaker increases the load impedance for
the amplifier. Impedances higher than 8 ohms are rarely used for car
audio.
1.5 Installation-Input
Connections
Low Level, High Impedance, Gold Plated RCA Input
and Output Jacks-
Connect the input jacks to a source providing preamp
level outputs. Use heavy duty RCA patch cords designed
(+)
(-)
+
-
(+)
(-)
4 Ohm 2 Ohm
PARALLEL CONNECTION USING 4 OHM SPEAKERS
A
M
P
L
I
F
I
E
R
O
U
T
P
U
T
(+)
(-)
+
-
(+)
(-)
4 Ohm 8 Ohm
SERIES CONNECTION USING 4 OHM SPEAKERS
A
M
P
L
I
F
I
E
R
O
U
T
P
U
T
LINE
INPUT
LINE
OUT
4
for mobile applications . Run the patch cables carefully, maintaining as
much distance as possible from power, speaker, and accessory wiring.
Make sure the RCA plugs fit tightly for a secure connection.
Connect the output jacks to any component that can accept preamp level
inputs.
1.6 Installation-Check all Connections
Recheck all connections before reconnecting the negative(-) battery cable.
Insert the correct value fuse in the fuse holder at the battery before
attempting to turn on the system.
2. Operation
2.1 Operation-Input Level adjustments
Adjust the control marked “LEVEL” to control the input
sensitivity of the DD1-1200.Turn clockwise to increase the
level, counter clockwise to decrease. Amplifiers will run
cooler and produce less system noise at lower level settings.
Consult an experienced installation specialist for assistance in
balancing the levels in multi-amplifier systems, or systems with signal
processing accessories.
2.2 Operation-Variable Subsonic Filter
The subsonic filter protects your subwoofers from over excursion at
frequencies that might damage your subwoofers. The frequency is
variable from 15Hz to 50Hz, and the slope is 24dB/Octave
2.3 Operation-Bass Boost, Remote Bass
Boost-
Turning the “BOOST” control clockwise increases the
level of frequencies around 45Hz by up to 18dB when fully
clockwise. Plugging in the remote control module overrides
the on-board control for remote operation and adjustment.
The remote plug –in jack is located next to the speaker
terminal block. You can mount the remote control on any
LEVEL
MIN MAX
BASS
BOOST
0dB 18dB

5
flat surface, but it is most commonly secured under the dash, or in the
center console of the vehicle. Use the supplied screws to mount the
remote control housing.
2.4 Operation-Built-in Crossover
The DigitalisDigitalis DD1-1200 has a built-in crossover filter for low-pass
operation. The filter slope is 24 dB/Octave.
FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT
Adjust the low pass frequency by turning the control
marked “FREQ, 50Hz –250Hz". Turn clockwise to set
to a higher frequency, counter clockwise to set to a lower
frequency.
2.5 Operation-Phase Control
The “PHASE” switch changes the phase of the output 180 degrees when
switched on. This allows quick phase adjustment to match the phase of
subwoofers to the main speakers for better stereo imaging and bass
response.
2.6 Operation-Protection Circuits and
L.E.D. Indicators
L.E.D. INDICATOR-The green LED lights to
provide a visual indication that the amplifier is
turned on. The red LED lights to indicate that a
problem exists and the protection circuitry has
protected the amplifier by shutting it down. Turn the system off and
correct the problem before turning the system on.
THERMAL PROTECTION-The amplifier will shut down if its
temperature exceeds a safe operating level. The amplifier will remain off
until it cools to a safe operating temperature. Exercise care, the exterior of
the amplifier may get uncomfortably hot to the touch before shutting
down.
OVERLOAD AND SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION-The amplifier
will shut down if a short circuit condition exists, or if electrical current
demands exceed safe levels.
50HZ 250HZ
FREQ
POWER PROTECT
6
FUSES
40A
DIGITALIS
1 2 34 5 6789
LEVEL
MIN MAX
BASS
BOOST
0dB 18dB
LINE
INPUT
LINE
OUT SUB
SONIC
0 - 18dB 50HZ 250HZ
FREQ
POWER PROTECT
PHASE
0 - 180
FUSE PROTECTION-A blown fuse indicates a
problem that should be corrected before the fuse is
replaced. Always replace with the same value fuse.
Never substitute a larger value fuse.
2.4 Operation-Location of Terminals,
Controls and LED indicators
1. RCA input jacks 2. RCA output jacks 3. Input level adjust
4. Subsonic freq. 5. Low pass freq. 6. Phase switch
7. Bass Boost 8. Power LED 9. Protect LED
1. Speaker terminals 2. Remote Jack 3. Fuse(s)
4. Power terminals
1 2 3 4
40A
40A
40A
FUSE
BATT GND REM
POWER
SPEAKER
- + - +- + - +
REMOTE

7
Features and Specifications:
DD1DD1--12001200
1ΩΩ Stable Yes
Mono-bloc Yes
Terminals Gold plated RCA jacks, speaker and power terminals
Soft Start Yes
Inputs RCA line level inputs
Crossover Low Pass, 24dB/Octave, 50Hz –250Hz
Subsonic
Filter 15Hz –50Hz, 24dB/Octave
Bass Boost Variable, Remote, 0 to 18dB @ 45Hz
Protection Thermal, short-circuit, DC offset, fuse
Power
Supply Pulse Width Modulated, MOSFET power supply,
+12V/Negative Ground
Power, 4ΩΩ, 400 Watts RMS <0.1% THD
Power, 2ΩΩ, 700 Watts RMS <0.3% THD
Power, 1ΩΩ 1200 Watts RMS <0.3% THD
Signal to
Noise Ratio >90dBA
Frequency
Response 20Hz –250Hz
Input
Sensitivity 200mV –4V
Fuse 3 X 40A
These specifications are subject to change in the continuing effort to
improve the product.
8
Troubleshooting:
Condition Possible Cause Possible Solution
No sound Low or no remote turn
on voltage, or no remote
turn on connection
Check the remote turn on
connection and the voltage at
the amplifier and source unit
Blown fuse(s) Check all system fuses
Wiring problems Recheck all connections
Check for short circuits
Blown speakers Check speakers on another
amplifier
Amplifier
shut down Protection circuit protecting against
overheating or overload
Check for adequate ventilation
Check load impedance
Check speaker wiring for short
to the vehicle chassis
Reduce input level
Distortion Input level not properly
adjusted
Speaker damage
Readjust amplifier input level
Check speakers on another
amplifier
Poor bass
response Speakers out of phase Recheck speaker wiring Reverse polarity of one speaker
Ticking
noise Radiated noise from spark plug wires Reroute amplifier input wiring
Install a noise filter
Whining
noise Alternator noise caused by poor grounding of
amplifier, source, other
component, battery, or
alternator
Check all ground connections
Install a noise filter on the
source unit’s power cable
Install a coupling transformer
in the signal path to improve
ground isolation for the signal
path