KICKER KX1200.1 (01) PDF Document

The KICKER KX1200.1 amplifier includes the following features:

• Class D Mono Amplifier: Delivers massive power into a single channel with greater efficiency than conventional class A/B amplification.

• Low Impedance Operation: Designed for stable operation and maximum power output into an amazing 1 ohm load.

• SORT Protection Circuitry: Protects the amplifier from short circuits, over-voltage, reverse polarity, and thermal issues.

• MOSFET Power Supply: Provides high-efficiency operation.

• KickBass: A variable bass boost circuit that provides up to 18dB of boost at 40Hz.

• Full-time Variable Crossover: A 12dB low-pass variable crossover from 50-200Hz.

• Subsonic Filter: A switchable (ON/OFF) speaker protection filter set at 12dB/octave @ 25 Hz.

• High & Low level inputs: Allows connection to various sources such as after-market stereos, factory radios, and DVD players.

• PAST (PRE Amp Signal Transfer) Output: RCA jacks to pass the incoming signal to another amplifier or component.

• Custom tooled gold plated connectors: Assure maximum power transfer and clamping.

• Strapping Jacks: Allow two amplifiers to be joined to produce two times the power.

• Remote Bass Level Control: A dash or center console mountable controller for remote fine-tuning of bass output.

• EndKaps: Cast aluminum, custom, removable covers to protect and hide wiring connections, which can be custom painted.

Follow these steps to mount your KICKER KX1200.1 amplifier:

1. Select a Location: Choose a location that is structurally sound. Check behind the area to ensure there are no items that could be damaged by the screws, such as wiring harnesses, brake lines, fuel lines, or gas tanks.

2. Ensure Ventilation: Amplifiers generate heat. Select a spot that allows for adequate ventilation. The air temperature in a trunk can exceed 140°F, so an amplifier mounted there may need additional cooling like fans or venting. Mounting in the passenger compartment can allow for cooler operation.

3. Access to Controls: Remember that the controls on top of the amplifier will need to be accessible for adjustment later.

4. Remove EndKaps: Use the supplied 3mm allen wrench to remove the amplifier EndKap. This will give you access to the mounting holes and all wiring connections.

5. Drill Holes: With the shroud removed, drill 4 holes using a 7/64″ drill bit.

6. Mount the Amplifier: Use the supplied #8 screws to securely mount the amplifier.

Signal Input:

Signal can be input using either the low-level RCA connections or the high-level speaker connections. Using the low-level RCA connections is the preferred method. Only use the high-level inputs if your head unit does not have RCA outputs. WARNING: Use only one input method; never use both at the same time.

Power and Ground Connections:

1. The ground wire should be connected to the amplifier first. This wire should be as short as possible (24 inches or less) and connected to a paint and corrosion-free solid metal area of the vehicle’s chassis.

2. Use the same gauge wire for the power connection as recommended. Adding an additional ground wire of the same gauge or larger between the car battery’s negative post and the car chassis is also recommended.

3. A fuse must be installed within 18 inches of the battery to protect the power wire. The fuse should be at least the same value used in the amplifier but no higher than the capacity of the wire.

Recommended Wire and Fuse Sizes:

When working with power connections, it is always recommended that you disconnect the battery to prevent accidents.

The use of twisted pair interconnects is recommended for all installations to minimize noise. When routing these cables through the vehicle, try to keep them away from factory wiring harnesses and other power wiring. If you need to cross any of this wiring, do so at a 90-degree angle to reduce the possibility of noise problems.

If you ever need to remove the amplifier from the vehicle after installation, the ground wire should be the last wire disconnected from the amplifier. This is the opposite of the installation procedure where the ground wire is connected first.

By using a Mono plug (3.5mm / 1/8″ Tip sleeve Mono 2 conductor), you can run two KICKER KX1200.1 amplifiers into one woofer. When strapping two KX1200.1 amplifiers, the minimum impedance is 2 ohms. In this configuration, the controls on the Secondary amplifier are bypassed.

Using the Signal Output Jacks (PAST):

The Output (Pre Amp Signal Transfer) RCA jacks allow you to send the incoming signal from one KICKER KX1200.1 to another amplifier or processor without needing Y-cables. The signal from the PAST jacks is identical to the signal fed to the amplifier (via RCA or High-Level inputs) and is not affected by the amplifier’s built-in crossover.

Using the Remote Bass Level Control:

The Remote Bass Level Control allows you to control the subwoofer level from the driver’s seat. To mount it, screw the metal bracket to a chosen location, then slide the housing onto the bracket until it snaps into place. Run the cable from the controller to the “REMOTE BASS” jack on the amplifier chassis.

To control more than one KICKER KX1200.1 with a single remote, use a common Modular Phone Splitter installed between the controller and the amplifiers.

Before turning on the system for the first time, ensure the three rotary controls (Gain, Bass Boost, Crossover Freq.) are turned fully counter-clockwise.

Subsonic Filter Switch:

This switch is for the subsonic filter, which is a 12dB/octave filter set at 25 Hz. It is located on the end panel next to the RCA jacks. IMPORTANT: Never change the subsonic filter switch setting while the system is on.

Gain Control:

The gain control matches the amplifier’s input level to the head unit’s output; it is not a volume control.

1. Turn the head unit up to about 3/4 of its total volume (e.g., to 25 if the max is 30).

2. Slowly turn the gain on the amplifier clockwise until you hear audible distortion.

3. Turn the gain down just a little from that point.

Crossover Control:

The crossover setting is subjective. The KICKER KX1200.1 has a full-time variable low-pass crossover that can be set from 50 Hz to 200 Hz. Adjust it to match your listening preference and speaker requirements.

Bass Boost:

The Bass Boost control provides increased output at 40 Hz (0 to +18dB). This setting is also subjective. If you turn up the Bass Boost, you must go back and re-adjust the Gain Control to avoid clipping the amplifier.

If your amplifier does not appear to be working, first check obvious things like blown fuses, poor wiring connections, and proper crossover and gain control settings.

LED Indicators:

• Green LED lit: The amplifier is on and working properly.

• Green LED off and Red LED lit: The protection circuitry (SORT) is engaged.

Troubleshooting Scenarios:

Green LED off, no output:

Using a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM), check:

• +12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to 16V).

• Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V).

• Ground terminal.

Green LED on, no output:

• Check RCA connections.

• Test speaker outputs with a known good speaker.

• Substitute a known good source unit.

• Check for a signal on the RCA cable with a VOM meter in AC position.

Red LED on, no output:

1. Amp is very hot: Thermal protection is engaged. Check for proper speaker impedance and adequate airflow around the amplifier.

2. Amp shuts down only while the vehicle is running: Voltage protection is engaged. The voltage is not within the 9-16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging/electrical system inspected.

3. Amp plays only at low volume levels: Short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or the vehicle chassis. Damaged speakers or operating below minimum impedance can also cause this.

Low Power Output:

• Swap speaker connections from positive to negative. If bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.

Alternator noise (whining sound that varies with engine RPM):

• Check for damaged RCA cable.

• Check the routing of the RCA cable.

• Check the source unit for a good ground.

• Check the gain setting; turn it down if it is set too high.

RMS POWER in Watts, All Channels Driven

SPECIFICATIONS COMMON TO ALL MODELS