Wavtech link500.1mini User manual

www.wavtech-usa.com
Owner’s Manual
500W RMS Mono Amplifier
link500.1mini

1
• DO NOT DRIVE WHILE DISTRACTED. Any function that requires your prolonged attention should not be
performed while driving. Always stop the vehicle in a safe location before performing any such function. Failure
to do so may result in an accident.
• KEEP THE VOLUME AT MODERATE LEVELS WHILE DRIVING. Excess volume levels can obscure sounds such
as emergency vehicle sirens or road warning signals and may result in an accident. Continuous exposure to high
sound pressure levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Use common sense and practice safe sound.
• FOR USE WITH 12V NEGATIVE GROUND VEHICLE APPLICATIONS ONLY. Using this product other than in its
designed application may result in fire, injury or product damage.
•MAKE THE CORRECT WIRING CONNECTIONS AND USE PROPER FUSE PROTECTION. Failure to connect
wiring correctly with appropriate gauge and fuse protection may result in fire, injury or product damage . When
replacing fuse(s), never exceed the specified rating. Ensure proper protection of all system power wiring and
install an external fuse (not included) with specified rating for each amplifier connected with the +12V lead at
the battery terminal.
• DISCONNECT THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL BEFORE INSTALLATION. Failure to do so may result in
fire, injury or damage to the unit.
• D O NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED IN SURROUNDING OBJECTS. Arrange wiring and cables
to prevent obstructions when driving. Cables or wiring that obstruct or hang up on places such as steering
wheel, brake pedals, etc. can be extremely hazardous.
• DO NOT DAMAGE VEHICLE SYSTEMS OR WIRING WHEN DRILLING HOLES. When drilling holes in the
chassis for installation, take precautions so as not to contact, puncture or obstruct brake lines, fuel lines, fuel
tanks, electrical wiring, etc. Failure to take such precautions may result in fire or an accident.
• DO NOT UTILIZE OR CONNECT TO ANY PART OF VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS. Bolts, nuts or wires used in
the brake, airbag, steering or any other safety-related systems or fuel tanks should NEVER be used for
mounting, power or ground connections. Using such parts may disable control of the vehicle or result in fire.
WARNING This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in serious injury or death.
CAUTION
• STOP USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM OCCURS. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or damage to
the product. Return it to your authorized Wāvtech dealer.
• HAVE AN EXPERT DO THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION. This unit requires special technical skill and
experience for wiring and installation. To insure safety and proper function, always contact the authorized
dealer where you purchased the product to have it done professionally.
• INSTALL THE UNIT SECURELY WITH SPECIFIED PARTS. Be sure to use only the included parts and specified
installation accessories (not included). Use of other than designated parts may damage this unit. Install the
unit securely so that it will not come loose during a collision or sudden jolt.
• ROUTE WIRING AWAY FROM SHARP EDGES AND MOVING PARTS. Arrange cables and wiring away from
sharp or pointed edges and avoid moving parts such as seat hinges or rails to prevent pinching or wear. Use
loom protection where appropriate and always use a grommet for any wiring routed through metal.
• NEVER RUN SYSTEM WIRING OUTSIDE OR UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. All wiring must be routed, secured
and protected inside the vehicle. Failure to do so may result in fire, injury or property damage.
• INSTALL THE UNIT IN A DRY AND VENTILATED LOCATION. Avoid mounting locations where the unit will
likely be exposed to high moisture or heat without adequate ventilation. Moisture penetration or heat buildup
may result in product failure. Always make sure the amplifier chassis temperature is safe before touching it.
• REDUCE GAIN AND SOURCE VOLUME TO MINIMUM LEVELS FOR INITIAL SYSTEM TUNING. Ensure
amplifier power is off before connecting signal cables and follow proper system gain setting procedures.
Failure to do so may result in damage to the amplifier and/or connected speakers.
Package Contents: Accessories Required for
Installation (not included):
ŸRCA Cables or Signal Wire
ŸPower Supply & Speaker Wire
ŸIn-line Fuse Holder w/50A Fuse
ŸBattery Ring Terminal
ŸChassis Ground Terminal
ŸWire Crimp Connectors
ŸGrommets & Loom
WARNING
CAUTION
This symbol means important instructions.
Failure to heed them can result in injury or property damages.
Mounting Tabs
(pre-attached)
Spk Level
Input Terminal
Main Unit
Hex Wrenches Mounting Screws

2
Introduction
Welcome to Wāvtech, exceptional mobile audio products for audiophiles. Our products are
engineered from the ground up to provide a truly remarkable listening experience with superior
performance, sound quality and reliability. Built for the professional installer, our innovative
features enable maximum application coverage with ultimate system flexibility. Whether retaining
the factory receiver or utilizing an aftermarket source, our solutions are simply the best available
for unlimited sound system upgrades.
Features:
• Differential Balanced Inputs
• Dual Input Range with Ideal Gain Structure
• Variable Gain Adjustment with Clip LED
• Fully Adjustable Parametric EQ
• Variable -24dB/oct. Low-Pass Filter
• Variable -24dB/oct. Subsonic Filter
• RLC Ready (linkRC sold separately)
• Auto Turn-On via DC-Offset and Audio Detect
• Stop-Start Vehicle Compatible
• OEM Load Detect System Compatible
• Active Rollback Thermal Management
• Panel Mount RCA Inputs with Bal/Unbal Select
• Locking Detachable Spk Level Input Terminal
• 4AWG Insert Power/Ground Terminals
• Dual Mono 12AWG Insert Speaker Output Terminal
• Compact Chassis w/Detachable Mounting Tabs
Input Panel Connections & Settings
Auto Turn-On Detect Jumpers:
Œ
By default, the amplifier is set to
detect both DC-offset and audio
signals for turning itself on/off
automatically. These jumpers
allow either turn-on mode to be
defeated independently for cases
where only one turn-on mode is
preferred or to bypass both
modes when a switched +12V trigger
is available and connected to the remote turn-on (REM) terminal.
Load Jumpers: Each speaker level input channel has built-in loading to satisfy most OEM load

detect systems. These internal loading circuits can be bypassed (OFF) for channels where no
loading is required, such as when a speaker is still directly connected to the source.
Speaker Level Input Terminal: For left/right channels of speaker level input connections to
Ž
the source. When set to the 20V input range (default), audio signal from 1-20Vrms will produce
up to full power output from maximum to minimum gain. For factory amplifiers with more than
20Vrms output signal or if volume range is not sufficient with gains set at minimum, select the
40V input range, which will reduce the input sensitivity by half for signals up to 40Vrms.
RCA Input Bal/Unbal Jumpers: These jumpers select the RCA input configuration between

balanced (default) and unbalanced. Unbalanced connects the RCA shield to ground reference,
which may be useful in eliminating noise under certain source or system conditions. Both
jumpers (left/right) should be moved together if changed.
RCA Inputs: For left/right channels of RCA line level input connections to the source. When set

to the 5V input range, audio signal from 0.2-5Vrms will produce up to full power output from
maximum to minimum gain. For sources with more than 5Vrms output signal or if volume range
is not sufficient with gains at minimum, select the 10V input range, which will reduce the input
sensitivity by half for signals up to 10Vrms. Use quality interconnects to ensure stable
connection and minimize the possibility for induced noise.
Remote Level Control Jack: This RJ45 jack is for connecting the optional linkRC remote level
‘
controller to the main unit with its supplied cable. A standard ethernet cable may also be used.
Power/Protect Indicator: This LED will illuminate green when the amplifier is powered on and
’
operating normally. If a shutdown occurs due to a detected fault, the LED will turn red. Note
that over-current and short circuit protections require manual reset (power off/on) to recover
after the fault has been cleared, while other protection modes will automatically recover.
DETECT PWR
PRO
LOAD LOAD
CH1(L) CH2(R)
CH2(R)CH1(L) RLC
RCA IN
BAL
UNBAL
CH1/2
Ž
Œ

‘
’

GAINCLIP
MIN MAX (Hz)10 50
SUBSONIC
(Hz)50 500
LPF
5V/
20V
10V/
40V NAR WIDE
(dB)
012
BOOST WIDTH
(Hz)30 80
FREQ
PARAMETRIC EQ
Top Panel Controls
Input Sensitivity Range: Two input
Œ
sensitivity ranges are provided for each
channel pair to optimize source volume
range while minimizing the gain required
to achieve full power output for best signal-to-noise. Choose the input range that will
accommodate the source's maximum output signal voltage without excessive clipping, 5V or
10V for low level (RCA) inputs, and 20V or 40V for speaker level inputs.
Gain Adjustment with Clip LED: This adjustment is for matching the amplifier's input to the

source's maximum undistorted output signal. The clip LED will dimly illuminate just before the
onset of clipping and become fully bright when the amplifier has reached full power output at
clipping. Follow proper gain setting procedure to ensure optimum source volume range with
minimum chance for clipping or distortion. Gain readjustment may be necessary after any
changes made to the parametric EQ, subsonic or low-pass filters.
Parametric EQ: This section provides full adjustment over all parameters of a single EQ band,
Ž
including boost, width and frequency. Unlike traditional bass boost, a parametric EQ provides
the tuning flexibility required for differences between vehicles, subwoofers and enclosures.
Boost: This adjustment sets the amount of boost

at the center frequency (Fc) of the parametric EQ
band from 0dB up to +12dB. Note that adding
boost may cause the output to clip or subwoofer
to be over-driven. Readjust the gain, subsonic and
low-pass filters as necessary to optimize bass
response vs. maximum output and volume range.
Width: Also known as Q, width sets the

bandwidth (BW) of boost for the parametric EQ
band. A wide setting will include more adjacent
frequencies for a broad boost, while a narrow
setting will only boost frequencies close to the
chosen center frequency (Fc). The range of Q
adjustment is 1.5 (wide) to 5 (narrow). To calculate the bandwidth between the -3dB points
that are boosted by the EQ band, use the formula BW = Fc/Q.
Example: If FREQ is set to 50Hz, and WIDTH is set to narrow (Q=5), then the boosted
ð
bandwidth is 50Hz/5=10Hz, which puts the upper and lower -3dB points at 45Hz and 55Hz.
Frequency: This adjustment sets the center frequency (Fc) of the parametric EQ band
‘
between 30Hz and 80Hz. Note that boosted frequencies that overlap with the subsonic and
low-pass filters will attenuated.
Subsonic Filter: This adjustment sets the -3dB cut-off point ( ) below which all frequencies
’F3
are filtered out at -24dB/oct. Very low frequencies can waste amplifier power and damage
subwoofers. This adjustment is especially important for ported enclosures to prevent over-
excursion below the tuning frequency.
Low-Pass Filter: This adjustment sets the -3dB cut-off point ( ) above which all frequencies
“F3
are filtered out at -24dB/oct. Unwanted high frequencies allowed to play through subwoofers
can cause boomy, buzzy bass that is easy to localize. With a steep -24dB per octave slope, the
cut-off frequency can be set higher, allowing more punch with less distortion and optimized
integration with full-range speakers to achieve up-front bass.
3
Œ
Ž
‘ ’
Boost (dB)
Freq (Hz)
Fc
BW = F2-F1
F2F1
3dB
Note: If the subsonic and low-pass filter cut-off points are set too close together, only a narrow
frequency range will pass through and may result in significantly reduced output.
“

MONOGND REM +12V
MONOGND REM +12V
4
Œ
Ž
System Wiring
It is important to read this manual thoroughly before starting your installation and always plan
accordingly. Before installing any Wāvtech product, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from
the vehicle’s battery to avoid damage to the vehicle or yourself. Following all guidelines will ensure
years of enjoyment with your Wāvtech amplifier.
Chassis
Ground
≤2ft
(45cm)
Remote
Turn-on
≤18in
(45cm)
12V
Power Supply Terminal Wiring:
8AWG
(min)
Power Supply & Output Panel Connections
Power Supply Terminal:
Œ
Ground (GND): The ground
Ÿ
terminal must be connected to a
metal part of the vehicle with
ground plane back to the main
battery ground attachment point
(a.k.a. chassis ground). This wire
should be as short as possible,
but no longer than 2ft (60cm),
with minimum gauge of 8AWG.
The ground wire should be terminated with a ground specific or ring terminal and securely
bolted to the vehicle with a star or lock washer and nut to prevent from coming loose. The
chassis ground connection point should be scuffed to the bare metal.
Remote Turn-on (REM): If the source unit has a remote output wire (+12V switched output),
Ÿ
connect it to the REM terminal. If a remote lead is unavailable, the amplifier will automatically
turn-on by detecting DC-offset or audio signal from the source. While auto turn-on works well
in most applications, there may be some cases were a +12V trigger is preferable or necessary.
Both detect functions are enabled by default, but can be individually defeated via the two
jumpers located on the input panel.
ŸPower (+12V): The constant +12V power connection must be made at the vehicle's main
battery, securely connected with a ring terminal and protected with an in-line fuse within 18in
(45cm) from the positive battery terminal. The link500.1mini requires a 50A external in-line
fuse (not included) and a minimum power wire gauge of 8AWG. Do not install the fuse until all
other system connections have been made.
Speaker Output Terminal: This terminal is for connecting the amplifier's output to one or

more subwoofers as a single mono channel. The dual positive (+) and negative (-) outputs are
provided for wiring convenience of parallel connections. Ensure correct polarity and that the
connected subwoofer(s) are configured as a total nominal impedance no less than 2Ω.
Mounting Tabs: These mounting tabs are pre-attached and should be used to properly secure
Ž
the amplifier with the included mounting screws to a solid mounting surface that is directly
attached to the metal structure of the vehicle cabin. These tabs are removable if the unit can
be safely secured by another method.

MONOGND REM +12VMONOGND REM +12V
DETECT PWR
PRO
LOAD LOAD
CH1(L) CH2(R)
CH2(R)CH1(L) RLC
RCA IN
BAL
UNBAL
CH1/2
DETECT PWR
PRO
LOAD LOAD
CH1(L) CH2(R)
CH2(R)CH1(L) RLC
RCA IN
BAL
UNBAL
CH1/2
5
Single Subwoofer
Speaker Output Terminal Wiring:
RCA Input Wiring: Speaker Level Input Wiring:
CH1
(L) CH2 (R)
Note: Always connect stereo sources to both CH1(L) and CH2(R) inputs to retain full music content. If only one
source channel is available, use an RCA y-adapter or jumper wires to connect it to both CH1 and CH2 inputs,
otherwise signal level will be reduced by half and require increasing the gain to achieve full power output.
Notes:
• Ensure at least a 2Ω minimum total load impedance for any single or multiple subwoofer system configuration.
• After checking all wiring and connections, make all initial settings and adjustments before turning on the
amplifier to avoid damaging the connected speakers. Gains should always start at minimum with the
appropriate input range selected for your aftermarket or OEM source's maximum output voltage. For smaller
subwoofers, free-air or ported alignments, always set the subsonic filter cut-off frequency to protect them
from being over-driven.
• If bass output seems diminished vs. cone excursion, check the polarity of all input and output connections.
Depending upon the particular vehicle and subwoofer placement, reversing subwoofer polarity may be
necessary to minimize cancellation of bass frequencies at the listening position.
2Ω
(min) 4Ω (min) 4Ω
(min)
Dual Subwoofers (Parallel)

6
Specifications link500.1mini
4Ω 300W RMS x 1
2Ω 500W RMS x 1
1W, 100Hz, A-wtd -78dBA
Max Flat (+0/-1dB)
Extended (+0/-3dB)
RCA Input
Spk Level Input
Low Range
High Range
Low Range
High Range
Slope
Remote
2V
via RCA Input 10mV/50mV (1kHz/100Hz)
via Spk Input
50mV/200mV (1kHz/100Hz)
<2mA
<0.7A
Fuse Rating
50A
Operational Voltage
7V - 16.5V
Rollback / Auto-Recover
Auto-Recover
Auto-Recover
Manual Reset
16AWG, Insert/Plug
4AWG, Insert
12AWG, Insert
42 x 115 x 233mm
1.65" x 4.53" x 9.17"
44 x 115 x 259mm
1.73" x 4.53" x 10.2"
External (not included)
Thermal
Over-Voltage
Under-Voltage
Short Circuit
Current Draw Sleep Current
Idle Current
Protection
Chassis Dimensions HxWxL
w/o terminals, tabs
incl. terminals, tabs
Battery / DC Power Supply
Crossover
Low-Pass Filter
Turn-On Threshold
Audio Signal
Terminals Speaker Level Input
Power Supply
Speaker Output
Input Impedance
Input Sensitivity
RCA Input
Spk Level Input
Power Output 14.4V,
<1%THD+N
S/N Ratio
Frequency Response 15Hz - 400Hz
10Hz - 500Hz
20KΩ
20KΩ / 20Ω
200mV - 5V
400mV - 10V
1V - 20V
2V - 40V
-24dB/oct.
2.6Vvia REM
DC-Offset via Spk Input
Note: All Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Panel Mount
RCA Input
Slope
Subsonic Filter -24dB/oct.
Boost
Width (Q)
0dB to +12dB
1.5 - 5
Frequency (Fc) 30Hz - 80Hz
Parametric EQ
Frequency (F3) 50Hz - 500Hz
Frequency (F3) 10Hz - 50Hz
Remote Level Control (w/optional linkRC) 0dB to -30dB
Volume Range
Manual Reset
Over-Current

®
Wāvtech
©Copyright 2023 Wāvtech, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
1350 W. Melody Ave.
Suite 101
Gilbert, AZ 85233
[phone]
v0223
Warranty & Service Care
Wāvtech warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period
of one (1) year when purchased from an authorized Wāvtech retailer within the United States. This
warranty will be extended to a period of two (2) years when the installation is performed by an
authorized Wāvtech retailer. A valid sales receipt is required to verify eligibility of purchase and
installation.
This warranty is valid only to the original purchaser and is not transferrable to subsequent parties.
This warranty is void if the product serial number has been altered or removed. Any applicable
implied warranties are limited in duration to a period of express warranty as provided herein
beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether expressed or
implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied
warranties, therefore these exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights. You may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
If your product needs service, you should contact Wāvtech Customer Service to receive a Return
Authorization (RA) Number. Any product received without an RA number will be returned to
sender. Once your product is received and inspected by customer service, Wāvtech at its sole
discretion, will repair or replace it with a new or remanufactured product at no charge. Damage
caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, abuse, failure to follow
instructions, misuse, modification, neglect, unauthorized repair or water damage. This warranty
does not cover incidental or consequential damages. This warranty does not cover the cost of
removing or reinstalling the product. Cosmetic damage and normal wear are not covered under
warranty.
For Service within the United States:
Wāvtech Customer Service: [phone]
Monday – Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm MST
Important Notice for International Customers:
For products purchased outside the United States of America or its Territories, please contact your
local distributor concerning specific procedures for your country's warranty policy. International
purchases are not covered by Wāvtech, LLC.
Serial Number:
Installation Date:
Place of Purchase: