KICKER KX400.1 (01) PDF Document

The KICKER KX400.1 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 a 2 ohm load.

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

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, DVD Players, etc.

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 all wiring connections. They can be prepped and painted any custom color.

To mount your KICKER KX400.1 amplifier, follow these steps:

1. Select a location to mount the amplifier that is structurally sound and has no items behind it that could be damaged by screws, such as wiring harnesses, brake lines, fuel lines, or gas tanks.

2. Choose a location that allows adequate ventilation for the amplifier, as it generates heat during normal operation. If possible, mounting the amp in the passenger compartment will allow for cooler operation compared to the trunk.

3. Ensure the controls on top of the amp will be accessible for future adjustments.

4. Use the supplied 3mm allen wrench to remove the amplifier EndKap. This provides access to the mounting holes and wiring connections.

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

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

Signal Input:

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

Power and Ground Connections:

1. Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to prevent accidents before starting.

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

3. Use the same gauge wire for the power connection as recommended for your amplifier model. An additional ground wire of the same gauge (or larger) between the car battery’s negative post and the car chassis is also recommended.

4. Install a fuse within 18 inches of the battery to protect the power wire. The fuse should be at least the same value as the one in the amplifier but no higher than the capacity of the wire.

General Wiring Tips:

To minimize noise, it is recommended to use twisted pair interconnects. When routing these cables, keep them away from factory wiring harnesses and other power wiring. If you must cross any power wiring, do so at a 90-degree angle to reduce the possibility of noise problems.

Removal Note:

If you ever need to remove the amp from the vehicle, the ground wire should be the last wire disconnected. This is the opposite of the installation procedure.

For the KICKER KX400.1 amplifier, the following wire and fuse sizes are recommended:

The KICKER KX400.1 amplifier is capable of operating into a minimum impedance of 2 ohms for single-channel operation. Connect your source unit to the signal inputs, connect the power, ground, and remote turn-on wires, and connect the speaker outputs to your subwoofer load, ensuring the final impedance is not lower than 2 ohms.

By using a 3.5mm / 1/8″ Tip-sleeve Mono 2 conductor plug, you can run two KICKER KX400.1 amplifiers into one woofer. When strapping, the minimum impedance for the KICKER KX400.1 is 4 ohms. The controls on the secondary amplifier are bypassed in this configuration. All control adjustments are made on the primary amplifier.

The Output (Pre Amp Signal Transfer) RCA jacks, or PAST jacks, allow you to send the incoming signal from your KICKER KX400.1 to another amplifier or processor without needing Y cables. The signal from the PAST jacks is identical to the signal fed into the amplifier’s RCA input jacks or High-Level inputs and is not affected by the amplifier’s built-in crossover. Most head units with high voltage outputs can drive up to ten amplifiers in a chain using this feature.

The Remote Bass Level Control allows you to control the level of the subwoofers from the driver’s seat. To install it:

1. Screw the metal bracket to your chosen location.

2. Slide the controller housing onto the bracket until it snaps into place.

3. Run the cable from the controller to the “REMOTE BASS” jack on the amplifier chassis.

If you are using more than one KX.1 amplifier, you can control all of them from one Remote Bass Level Control by using a common Modular Phone Splitter. The splitter is installed between the controller and the amplifiers.

Before turning on the system for the first time, make sure that the three rotary controls (Gain, Bass Boost, Crossover Frequency) on top of the amplifier are turned fully counter-clockwise.

The switch located on the end panel next to the RCA jacks is for the subsonic filter. It is a speaker protection filter set at 12db/octave at 25 Hz, which helps to filter out extremely low, inaudible frequencies that can damage subwoofers and waste amplifier power. It is important to NEVER change the subsonic filter switch setting while the system is on.

The gain control matches the output of your head unit to the input level of the amplifier; it is not a volume control. To set it properly:

1. Turn the head unit up to about 3/4 of its maximum volume (e.g., if the head unit goes to 30, turn it to 25).

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

3. Turn the gain down just a little until the distortion is gone.

The BASS BOOST control is designed to give you increased output at 40 Hz, providing anywhere from 0 to 18dB of boost. The setting for this control is subjective and based on your listening preference. However, if you turn up the Bass Boost, you must go back and adjust the gain control again to avoid clipping the amplifier, which can damage your speakers.

If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, the crossover switch being set properly, and gain controls being set properly.

Your amplifier has two LEDs on the end panel: one green and one red.

Green LED is lit: This indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.

Green LED is off and Red LED is lit: This indicates that the protection circuitry (SORT) is engaged.

The power indicator on top of the amplifier illuminates the model badge and follows the same function as the green LED.

With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM), check the following:

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

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

• Ground terminal for proper connection.

If the green LED is on but you have no output, check the following:

• Check RCA connections.

• Test speaker outputs with a known good speaker.

• Substitute a known good source unit.

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

If the red LED is on, the protection circuitry is engaged. This can be caused by several issues:

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

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

3. Amp will only play 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 the minimum impedance will also cause this.

If you are experiencing low power output, try swapping the speaker connections from positive to negative at the amplifier. If the bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.

To troubleshoot alternator noise, check the following:

• Check for a damaged RCA cable.

• Check the routing of the RCA cable (keep it away from power wires).

• Check the source unit for a good ground.

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

The RMS Power in Watts for the KICKER KX400.1 is as follows:

CEA-2006 Compliant Specifications:

• Power: 200 x 1 @ 4 ohms, 14.4Vdc, 1% THD, CEA-2006 (Watts)

• Signal to Noise Ratio: -55 CEA-2006 (ref: 1W, A-weighted)