Vibe STEREO2-V1 User manual

Power Amplifier
Instruction Manual
To ensure maximum performance and safety,
please follow this manual. Please retain the
manual for future reference after installation
Models: STEREO2-V1
STEREO4-V1

CONTENTS
Mounting Guidelines.............................. 3
Connections........................................... 4-7
Setup Section........................................ 8
Applications............................................ 9
Trouble shooting.................................... 10
Specification........................................... 11
Warranty................................................. 14
Accessories............................................15-16
OWNERS MANUAL
Models: STEREO2-V1 STEREO4-V1
Attention
An aftermarket audio amplifier will place an additional load on the vehicles charging system, most
modern vehicles have sufficient capacity in the charging system as not all the electrical
components of the vehicle will be switched on at once. Check the fuse rating of the amplifier and
use this as the peak current requirement, generally the continuous current draw will be a third of
the peak current, in other words an amplifier fused at 30 amps will have a continuous current
draw of 10 amps when playing music, however it may peak at 30 amps on occasions. Please
check with the manufacturer as to whether your vehicle can cope with the additional load of your
amplifier, in some instances it may be necessary to upgrade the alternator and battery or risk
damage to the vehicles electrical system.
Congratulations on purchasing your VIBE STEREO amplifier, please read
this manual in order to fully understand how to get the best results from
your enclosure and ensure that all advice on how to look after the
enclosure is followed.
Thank you for buying VIBE, we hope you enjoy listening to your product
as much as we enjoyed creating it.
VIBE R&D Division

Mounting Guidelines
Your VIBE amplifier is designed with a swift installation routine in mind. Please mount the amplifier in a dry location on a solid
surface. NEVER mount the amplifier upside down, this will cause the amplifier to over heat and will eventually damage the
amplifier. Before fixing the amplifier in place please ensure that there is sufficient air flow around the exterior of the casing,
at least two inches is sufficient.
Connections
Power Cable
●At least an 8 gauge cable should be used for both the power and the ground connections to the amplifier.
●The power cable should be taken directly from the battery. Rubber grommets should be used when passing through
any bulkheads to prevent the cable from becoming chaffed or cut.
●It is vital that a fuse / circuit breaker (of at least equal value to the one fitted on the amplifier) is placed inline with the
power cable and is no further than eighteen inches away from the battery.
●Please ensure that the fuse is not fitted until the entire installation procedure is complete.
●The two tables below are to help you decide on what cable is correct for you. The first enables you to select the size of
cable depending on the length required. The second will help you convert the cable size from American Wire Gauge to
Metric if you need to.
Length of Run
Current demand 0 – 4 Ft 4 – 7 Ft 7 – 10 Ft 10 – 13 Ft 13 – 16 Ft 16 – 19 Ft 19 – 22 Ft 22 – 28 Ft
0–20 amps 14 12 12 10 10 8 8 8
20–35 amps 12 10 8 8 6 6 6 4
35–50 amps 10 8 8 6 4 4 4 4
50–65 amps 8 8 6 4 4 4 4 2
65–85 amps 6 6 4 4 2 2 2 0
85–105 amps 6 6 4 2 2 2 2 0
105–125 amps 4 4 4 2 0 0 0 0
125–150 amps 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0
AWG to Metric Conversion Chart
cross sectional area
AWG Number Inch mm mm2
0 0.325 8.25 53.5
1 0.289 7.35 42.4
2 0.258 6.54 33.6
3 0.229 5.83 26.7
4 0.204 5.19 21.1
5 0.182 4.62 16.8
6 0.162 4.11 13.3
7 0.144 3.66 10.5
8 0.128 3.26 8.36
9 0.114 2.91 6.63
10 0.102 2.59 5.26
8
8

Ground Cable
●The ground cable needs to carry the same current as the power cable. At least an 8 gauge cable should be used.
●The amplifier ground should be connected directly to the chassis of the vehicle, to bare metal.
●The cable length should be kept to an absolute minimum.
●It is not recommended that you connect the ground cable to the vehicles seat belts anchor point.
Remote Turn On
●A minimum of 18 gauge cable should be used for this connection.
●The cable should be run with exactly the same care and attention as the power cable and taken back to the source
(headunit) and joined to the remote cable provided.
●If the source (headunit) does not have a remote turn on cable then a 12v supply should be used. This will require a
switch to be fitted inline to enable the amplifier to be turned on and off. Remember that if this switch is left on you will
flatten the car battery.
RCA Cables
●Depending on the model number of your amplifier and the number of speakers you wish to power you will have to run
either one or two RCA cables from the source to the amplifier.
●Please take extra care when running these cables from the source to the amplifier. Ensure that they are placed away
from all items that can generate any interference, wiring harnesses etc.
●It is recommended that the RCA cables should be run on opposite sides of the car to the previously installed power
cables if possible, to avoid the cable picking up interferance.
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1. Low Level Input
For connection to any source (head unit) with a low level output. This is your RCA output from the source (headunit).
2. High Level Input
To be used when no RCA's are available. Use the provided loom and connect to the closest speaker wires. The loom connector will
only fit one way around. Once plugged in you should connect the wires as below:
Left Positive – L+ white Right Positive - R+ Grey
Left Negative - L- white / Black Right Negative - R- Grey / Black
3. Gain Control
Used to match the input signal of the source to the amplifier. See the setup section for more details.
4. Gain Input Sensitivity Switch
The gain input sensitivity switch allows the amplifiers input bias to be set according to the line output level of the source (headunit).
The switch can be set to 0.2v – 0.6v, 0.6v – 2v and 2v to 8v, the higher output source unit you have the higher setting you should
use.
5. Crossover mode switch
The switch is used to select between low pass filter LP, high pass filter HP or no filter at all OFF.
6. Crossover frequency control
This control is used to set the crossover point for the amplifier.
The frequency ranges on the low pass filter are from 55 Hz to 330 Hz, The frequency ranges on the high pass filter are from 55 Hz to
330 Khz.
7. Crossover frequency multiplier switch
The switch is used to multiply the selected crossover point by 10, for example 330Hz becomes 3.3KHz
8. Bass Boost control
This control provides up to an extra +15 dB of bass boost at 45 Hz. Use this boost to increase bass output from the amplifier.
9. Input mode switch
This switch sets the amplifiers operation, stereo, bridged and L + R mono
10. Indicator LED (on the top of amplifier B logo)
When the amplifier is operating correctly the LED will Illuminate blue.
When the amplifier is in protection mode the LED will flash to indicate protection mode.
11. Power Connections
See Connections section for details on correct installation
connections.
12. Fuses
Please ensure the following fuse rating is used when replacing fuses: 30 amp x 1
13. Speaker Terminal Output
For connection to the speakers. See Application section for wiring examples.

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1. Low Level Input
For connection to any source (head unit) with a low level output. This is your RCA output from the source (headunit.)
2. High Level Input
To be used when no RCA's are available. Use the provided loom and connect to the closest speaker wires. The loom connector will only fit
one way around. Once plugged in you should connect the wires as below:
Front input
Left Positive – L+ white Right Positive - R+ Grey
Left Negative - L- white / Black Right Negative - R- Grey / Black
Rear input
Left Positive – L+ Green Right Positive - R+ Purple
Left Negative - L- Green / Black Right Negative - R- Purple / Black
3. Front gain control
Used to match the input signal of the source to the amplifier. See the setup section for more details.
4. Front Gain Input Sensitivity Switch
The gain input sensitivity switch allows the amplifiers input bias to be set according to the line output level of the source (headunit).
The switch can be set to 0.2v–0.6v, 0.6v–2v and 2v to 8v, the higher output source (headunit). you have the higher setting you should
use.
5. Front Crossover mode switch
The switch is used to select between low pass filter LP, high pass filter HP or no filter at all OFF.

6. Front Crossover frequency control
This control is used to set the crossover point for the amplifier. The frequency ranges on the low pass filter are from 55 Hz to 330 Hz,
The frequency ranges on the high pass filter are from 55 Hz to 330 Khz.
7. Rear gain control
Used to match the input signal of the source (headunit). to the amplifier. See the setup section for more details.
8. Rear Gain Input Sensitivity Switch
The gain input sensitivity switch allows the amplifiers input bias to be set according to the line output level of the source (headunit).
The switch can be set to 0.2v – 0.6v, 0.6v – 2v and 2v to 8v, the higher output source unit you have the higher setting you should use.
9. Rear Crossover mode switch
The switch is used to select between low pass filter LP, high pass filter HP or nofilter at all OFF.
10. Rear Crossover frequency control
This control is used to set the crossover point for the amplifier.
The frequency ranges on the low pass filter are from 55 Hz to 330 Hz, The frequency ranges on the high pass filter are from 55 Hz to
550 Khz.
11. Crossover frequency multiplier switch
The switch is used to multiply the selected crossover point by 10, for example 550Hz becomes 5500Hz
12. Bass Boost control
This control provides up to an extra +15 dB of bass boost at 45 Hz. Use this boost to increase bass output from the amplifier.
13. Front input mode switch
This switch sets the amplifiers operation, stereo, bridged and L + R mono.
14. Rear input mode switch
This switch sets the amplifiers operation, stereo, bridged and L + R mono.
15. Source switch
This switch is used to set the amplifiers low level input to use 1 or 2 pairs of RCA inputs, this switch can be set to 2ch, 4ch or 2ch bass
inputs.
16. Indicator LED (on the top of amplifier B logo)
When the amplifier is operating correctly the LED will show as blue.
When the amplifier is in protection mode the LED will flash to indicate protection mode.
17. Power Connections
See Connections section for details on correct installation.
18. Fuses
Please ensure the following fuse rating is used when replacing fuses: 25 amp x 2
19.Speaker Terminal Output
For connection to the speakers. See Application section for wiring examples.

Set Up Section
To correctly set the gain control of the amplifier to match that of the source (headunit) use the following setup routine:
●Turn the gain control to minimum on the amplifier.
●Ensure the bass boost is set to 0 dB.
●On the headunit set all crossovers (if applicable) to flat and both bass and treble to zero.
●Turn up the source (headunit) to approx 3/4 volume.
●Very slowly turn up the gain on the amplifier until distortion can be heard in any of the speakers or until the volume
reaches an uncomfortable listening level when this is reached turn down the gain control slightly.
The gain control is now set.
The setting of the crossover will depend on what kind of speaker you are installing.
●For a subwoofer it is recommended that the crossover is set to Low Pass and the frequency is set to match that of the
speakers specifications, or your preferred frequency - this is usally about 60 Hz - 120 Hz
●For a pair of full range speakers it is recommended that the crossover is set to FLAT. The two frequency controls will
then have no effect on the amplifiers output and the speaker will receive a full range signal. However, using the high
pass crossovers will allow more control of your speakers. By removing the bass (low frequencies) the speakers can
perform at higher volumes with less distortion.
●Note: The smaller the speaker, the less bass it can handle. Adjust the crossover to get the most and best sound from
your speakers. The easiest was to do this is by limiting the amount of bass you feed them.
●For a pair of speakers with a passive crossover it is recommended that the crossover is set to High Pass and the
frequency is set to match that of the speakers specifications. - This is usually about 40 - 120Hz
Note:
By using the crossovers correctly you will not only lengthen the life of your speakers but you will also get better performance
from them. To optimise your setup seek the advise of a professional installation engineer or visit your local VIBE audio dealer.
Bridged connection FIG.1
This diagram shows a bridged connection, this is usually used to connect a subwoofer to the amplifier as this will deliver the
full output of both channels into a single channel, please note that the minimum speaker impedance that can be used is 4
ohms.
Min impedence
4 Ohms
FIG.1

Tri-mode connection FIG.3
This diagram shows a tri-mode connection, this is a method of connecting full range co-axial or component speakers AND a
subwoofer to the amplifier, running the amplifier in stereo and mono at the same time. Please note that you MUST use
passive crossovers ( These must be purchased separately ) with this method of connection or the amplifier will see an
impedance lower than that recommended risking damage to the amplifier, the minimum impedance for the full range
speakers is 4 ohms, the minimum impedance for the subwoofer is 4 ohms.
Capacitors block the bass signals from the amplifier, how much bass is blocked will vary depending on the value which
is measured in microfarads, coils block the high frequency signals from the amplifier, how much high frequency is
blocked will vary depending on the value which is measured in millihenries, IMPORTANT the capacitors and coils must be
matched, e.g. if the capacitor blocks bass at 100Hz the coil must block treble at 100Hz.
Min impedence
2 Ohms
FIG.2
Stereo connection FIG.2
This diagram shows a stereo connection, this is usually used to connect full range co-axial or component speakers to the
amplifier, please note that the minimum speaker impedance that can be used is 2 ohms
1050 watts
s10
Min impedence
4 Ohms
Min impedence
4 Ohms
FIG.3
NOTE: Trimode crossovers
must be perfectly matched,
VIBE recommends consulting
an authorized dealer for advice
before installation.

Trouble shooting
●Before removing the amplifier, refer to the list below and follow the suggested procedures.
●Always test the speakers and confirm that they are wired correctly first.
●If in any doubt get help from a qualified auto electrician.
Amplifier Will Not Power Up
✓Check for good ground connections. Ensure Ground cable is connected directly to bare metal and not a painted
surface.
✓Using a multimeter check that remote terminal has at least 7V DC.
✓Using a multimeter check that there is battery voltage of at least 10.5v DC on the positive terminal.
✓Check all fuses.
✓Check that the protection light is not illuminated. If it is lit, shut off the amplifier by disconnecting for thirty seconds and
then turning it back on.
Protection LED Illuminates When Amplifier Is Powered Up
✓Check for shorts on all speakers wires. (i.e. no speaker wires should be joined together and no speaker wires should
be touching the cars chassis)
●The amplifier is designed to shut down automatically when the units temperature goes above 80 degrees. If the
amplifier feels very hot then this may be the reason for the amplifier not starting. Allow to cool down try again.
●Remove the speaker wires and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED still comes on then the amplifier is faulty. This
damage may have been caused by either failure to follow these setup guidelines or abuse.
Amplifier Gets Very Hot
✓Check the minimum speaker impedance for the amplifier is correct.
✓Check for shorts on all speakers wires. (i.e. no speaker wires should be joined together and no speaker wires should
be touching the cars chassis)
✓Check that there is good airflow around the amplifier. In some applications an external fan may be required.
Blown Fuse(s)
✓Check both positive supply and ground for shorts.
✓Check that the positive wire is connected to the positive terminal on the amplifier.
✓Check that the negative wire is connected to the ground terminal on the amplifier.
✓Ensure that the correct rated fuse is fitted:
The VIBE Stereo 2 amplifier uses 1 x 30 amp fuse
The VIBE Stereo 4 amplifier uses 2 x 25 amp fuse
Distorted Sound
✓Check the gain control is not set too high. If the speakers sound distorted turn down the gain until the
sound is clear.
✓Check that all crossover frequencies are correct. See Setup section for more details.
✓Check for shorts on all speaker wires.
✓Check all speakers are wired correctly. With the correct polarity being observed on each connection.