Clarion APX400 Stereo Amplifier User Manual
Contents
1. E DS RP a a an a ee Seo ace es es Ssssedes CO Ea Se 238323289353 o Se 2 O SO SO S OSS SS Dae ra pai od Clarion APX400 4M Power System Amplifier INTRODUCTION The Clarion APX400 4M is a full featured four channel amplifier It comes with the following features e Full frequency response with low distortion and exceptional signal to noise performance e Advanced circuit design features bridgeable and mixed mode operation for use in a variety of 4 3 or 2 channel systems e Independent front and rear low pass high pass electronic crossovers each with a 12dB per octave slope and full adjustment range from 55Hz to 550Hz Front and 55Hz to 5 5kHz Rear to aid in audio system design e Variable bass boost circuit to reinforce low frequency signals that may be lost due to subwoofer box design e Adjustable input level controls with ground loop isolation accepting a wide range of input signals e Remote turn on with soft start muting to prevent turn on thump e Pulse Width Modulated PWM MOSFET power supply with low AM RFI and protection circuits for overheating and speaker shorts e 2 ohm load capacity to drive a variety of speaker systems e Gold plated input output connectors and an external automotive type fuse e Aluminum heat sink for efficient heat dissipation e Low profile compact size for space limited installations ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY To start enjoying your new Clarion four channel amp2. L mH C uF Subwoofer 4 ohms A 2 S mal A A lt x NOTE Chart values based on 4 ohm speakers Figure 7 The amplifier can be configured for a mixed mode operation on either channels 1 2 or 3 4 amplifier sections The table provides component values to create a 6dB per octave crossover at specified frequencies Use components that have a 5 tolerance and capacitors rated at 100V NOTE Choose the same frequency for both LP and HP crossovers Do not overlap frequencies as this may damage the amplifier OWNER S MANUAL INSTALLATION This section lists Mounting and Wiring Precautions for installing the Clarion APX400 4M Combined with the experience of a professional installer these safeguards provide enough detail to successfully complete an installation If you do not have the necessary skills do not install the amplifier yourself Instead see your authorized Clarion dealer for installation recommendations MOUNTING PRECAUTIONS Although the Clarion APX400 4M incorporates heat sinks and protection circuits mounting the amplifier in a tight space without any air movement can still damage internal circuitry over time Choose a site that provides adequate ventilation and is isolated from the marine environment For easy system set up mount the amplifier so the front panel controls will be accessible after installation In addition observe the following precautions 1 For the most efficient cooling mount the
3. Figure 4 In this 4 channel system the APX400 4M drives a pair of stereo satellites for the front and a pair of stereo subwoofers for the rear Note the filter settings Clarion APX400 4M Power System Amplifier 2 Channel Stereo System with Low Pass Bridged Mono Channel F A Er e i E E po wo cd SAME Pos ch SE Pes Se ii Ed go mn me So pee me enfia pes a a Wy 2 ba S ml A A x Sub weno ey Figure 5 The APX400 4M can also be used to drive a pair of stereo satellites for the front and a single mono subwoofer for the rear Note the filter settings OWNER S MANUAL 2 Channel High Power Systems Satellite or Subwoofer Je E Off tee am mM a s n a n a o a s n a n u s a s a a n a s a n a n n n a a s a s n a els s s n s n s as oe n a al Lae F T Ai 5 E pe F ee ae ed Jwg Pani a Zawa Ponsa o El a pi OR Cro sacas ie alll Bridged L Staite Bridged A Saaie ag E nn Bridged L Subrooler br ik ti nda uq s Ei Bridged A Subwoola 3 S LD gt E Figure 6 The APX400 4M can be set up as a 2 channel high power amplifier to drive a pair of satellites or subwoofers Clarion APX400 4M Power System Amplifier Mixed Mode System On Rear Full Range Speakers On Front i q L Full Range 2 i 7 r Paaa afa aa aa a a a m a a n a a n n sta sa aa n a a a o a n a n a sta a a na aha aa n a n a e aa L Speaker F b 4 fi in E Nm as he L Full Range y E FREQ hz
4. 4 channel amplifier with a flip of a switch You can also configure the front or rear amplifier sections for a mixed mode operation to drive a set of satellite speakers and or subwoofer The built in 12dB per octave electronic crossover lets you custom tailor the sound of the front and rear channels using two independent filters with adjustable crossover frequencies for high pass or low pass filtering The amplifier also uses an unregulated MOSFET power supply for superior control of output wattage A toroid coil transformer yields maximum power transfer with minimum heat loss Careful circuit design keeps AM RFI at low levels so you won t hear unwanted noise when the level is cranked up Protection circuits safeguard the amplifier against overheating speaker shorts or improper load conditions that may occur All connections and controls are on the end panels and are easy to understand We use gold plated RCA and barrier connectors to ensure the best electrical connection for your system Included are external automotive type fuses that are easy to replace INPUT CONNECTIONS AND AUDIO CONTROL The front panel of the APX400 4M contains connections for RCA Inputs and Audio Control as shown below The Input Connections are gold plated RCA Jacks and are labeled as FRONT Figure 1 SN A a ae EEE EEE EEE ES ADT y Y S 10 11 12 3 14 gt 1 Front RCA Input Jacks 8 Rear Input Mode Switch 2 Rear RCA Input Jacks 9 Sp
5. Switch to increase the value by a multiplier of 10 For example 55Hz x 10 550Hz or 550Hz x 10 5 5kHz 3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 for both the front and rear crossovers SETTING THE BASS BOOST 1 Initially set the Bass Boost control to its full left position 1 e OdB 2 Listen to a variety of music styles e g Rock Rap etc and slowly increase the Bass Boost control until a noticeable increase in low bass response is perceived 3 Slowly adjust the Bass Boost control up or down to realize the best bass response Un x gt Q x E Z CAUTION If you hear a pop due to speaker over excursion lower the Bass Boost to prevent speaker damage If the system sounds muddy and distorted due to amplifier clipping lower Bass Boost to avoid shutdown from overheating 11 Clarion APX400 4M Power System Amplifier FINAL SYSTEM CHECKS 1 Start the engine and turn on the source unit After a two second delay slowly increase the Volume Control and listen to the audio If you hear any noise static distortion or no sound at all check the connections and also refer to Troubleshooting Depending on your system design the levels may become quite loud even at low Volume Control settings Until you get an audio feel of the system s power use care when adjusting controls 2 Turn the Balance Controls to their extreme positions and listen to the results Audio output should match control settings audio from
6. amplifier so cool air runs along the length of the fins rather than across them Remember any moving air will dissipate heat 2 Mount the amplifier on a rigid surface Avoid mounting to subwoofer enclosures or areas prone to vibration 3 Prior to drilling make sure proposed mounting holes will not cut into the fuel tank fuel lines brake lines under chassis or electrical wiring WIRING PRECAUTIONS Read all wiring precautions If you are not sure of the connections contact your authorized Clarion dealer 1 Before installation make sure the source unit Power switch is in the OFF position 2 Disconnect the negative lead of the battery before making any power connections 3 When making connections be sure that each connection is clean and secure Insulate final connections with electrical tape or shrink tubing Failure to do so may damage your equipment Minny a EN D S 2 4 A secure clean ground connection is critical to the performance of your Clarion amplifier Use the shortest ground wire possible and securely connect to the vessel battery to minimize resistance and avoid noise problems 5 Add an external fuse on the amplifier s positive power lead and connect it as close as possible to the vessel s battery terminal Use a rating that equals the total current consumption at full output of all amplifiers in the system Adding an external fuse will protect the electrical system from short circu
7. of wires from amplifier to each speaker as defined by the system design Problem Amplifier fuse keeps blowing Solution Incorrect wiring or short circuit Review Installation and check all wiring connections Problem Whining or ticking noise in the audio with engine on Solution Amplifier is picking up alternator noise or radiated noise Turn down input gain move audio cables away from power wires Check power and ground connections on amplifier install an in line noise filter on source unit s power wire check alternator and or voltage regulator test for weak battery or add water to battery PRODUCT SPECS APX400 4M Frequency Response 20Hz 20kHz Signal Noise Ratio gt 95db THD 05 all channels driven Input Sensitivity Low Level 250mV 2 5V Input Sensitivity Speaker Level 500mV 5V Max Power Output 380W 190 x 2 Cont Power Output 200W 50W x4 08 THD 2 Ohm Stereo Output 90 x 4 8 THD Bridged Power 190 x 2 O 8 THD Dimensions 21 8 Hx81 4W x 12 L Current Consumption O Max Power Output 46A 380 Watts NOTES y Y Q O lt N Y n Un 13 Clarion CAR AUDIOGD BEYOND 661 W Redondo Beach Blvd Gardena CA 90247 1 800 GO CLARION www clarion usa com APX400 4M 10 Rev 2 05 00
8. Rear Crossover Frequency Multiplier for a wide range of crossover points Use this feature along with your speaker manufacturer s recommended crossover frequencies to quickly design a more advanced system see Applications on page 6 NOTE If either of the X Over Mode Switches is set to OFF varying the Freq Hz Control will produce no effect e Rear X Over Frequency Multiplier Switch When engaged this switch increases the crossover frequency of the rear channels by a factor of 10 Example If the Freq Hz dial is set for 240Hz pushing in the multiplier Switch changes the setting to 2400Hz e X Over Mode Switches These switches are equipped with 12dB per octave electronic filters for precise frequency attenuation with minimal phase distortion The steep crossover slopes keep midrange tones out of the subwoofer and thereby eliminating an unnatural nasal tone quality in the audio system Each filter is activated by sliding the X Over Mode Switch to either LP or HP Ur Q Po x S LJ e Input Mode Switches These switches allow you to set the input mode for front and rear channels Stereo input allows full left and right stereo operation Right bridged input allows single channel input for bridged operation This is especially useful in high powered systems when using the APX400 4M as a bridged 2 channel amplifier L R sum mono allows a stereo input to be summed into a mono output OWNER S MANUAL e Rear Ch
9. annel Input Select This switch allows you to use a 2 channel input to drive all 4 channels of this amplifier e Speaker Level Inputs These provide connections for a high level stereo source In addition these connections are provided for installations where the source unit s RCAoutputs are unavailable WARNING When using the speaker high level inputs the Black wire must be grounded at the Radio Failure to do this will result in noise and improper operation CONNECTIONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS The rear panel of the APX400 4M contains power and speaker connections as shown below 1 Left Front Speaker Output 5 Battery 12V Input 2 Right Front Speaker Output 6 40 Amp Fuse 3 Remote Turn on Input 7 Left Rear Speaker Output 4 Ground Input 8 Right Rear Speaker Output A A S a Clarion 4PX400 4M Power System Amplifier APPLICATIONS The Clarion APX400 4M 4 channel marine amplifier can be used in a variety of system applications We ve enclosed some example systems to help plan your own installation 4 Channel Full Range Stereo System AL Full Range RA Full Range Es E E i ms FA Full Range FL Full Range ee Wy 2 ba S ml A A x Figure 3 In this application the APX400 4M is used as a 4 channel amplifier to drive four full range speakers in stereo OWNER S MANUAL 4 Channel Stereo System 2 Channels High Pass 2 Channels Low Pass 3 S LD gt E A Subwoofer
10. eaker Level Inputs 3 Front Gain Control 10 Front Frequency Control 4 Rear Gain Control 11 Front X Over Mode Switch 5 Bass Boost Control 12 Rear Frequency Control 6 Rear Channel Input Selector 13 Multiplier Switch 7 Front Input Mode Switch 14 Rear X Over Mode Switch Clarion 4PX400 4M Power System Amplifier RIGHT FRONT LEFT REAR RIGHT and REAR LEFT The Gain Controls provide a wide adjustment range to accommodate output levels from any brand of source unit e Gain Controls Seperate Front and Rear Gain Controls allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier The amplifier s range 250mV to 2 5V for RCA inputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level inputs can accommodate input levels from virtually any brand of source unit e Bass Boost Control The amplifier also features a high Q i e narrow frequency band Bass Boost circuit It acts much like an equalizer with adjustable gain from 0 to 18dB fixed at 45Hz Use this feature to tune low frequency audio response to compensate for a less than ideal subwoofer enclosure design The added boost produces rich full bass tones that are normally difficult to reproduce in the car audio environment Note If Bass Boost is undesired set Bass Boost to OdB High pass Low pass Filter Controls e Freq Hz Controls The front crossover frequency is fully adjustable between 55Hz and 550Hz The rear crossover frequency is fully adjustable between 55Hz and 5500Hz via the
11. its that can cause a fire Clarion 4PX400 4M Power System Amplifier 6 Refer to the Figure 8 when making electrical connections Connect the amplifier s positive lead via a fuse directly to the positive terminal on the battery Do not connect this wire to the vessel s fuse panel Use red insulated 10 gauge or larger wire for the amplifier s positive power lead and the same gauge black insulated wire for the ground 7 When replacing the amplifier s fuse always use one having the same current rating Substituting a higher rated fuse or a slow blow type can result in serious damage to the amplifier 8 Make sure that your vehicle s electrical system alternator battery etc is capable of handling the additional load If you are planning a multi amplifier system you may need to add a second battery and possibly upgrade the alternator with a higher output rated model Consult your authorized Clarion dealer for recommendations 9 To avoid noise problems run the amplifier s positive power lead along one side of the vessel to the battery Run the remote turn on wire and RCA audio cables down the center and route the speaker wires along the remaining side If wires must cross run them perpendicular to each other 10 When creating passage holes for the power wire use grommets to eliminate any sharp edges created during drilling This will protect the wire from being nicked and causing a short circuit 11 Ex
12. lifier please read the instructions listed in this manual Keep all instructions for future reference Please fill out and send in the enclosed warranty card to protect your purchase and aid in warranty service Also save your original sales receipt as proof of purchase TABLE OF CONTENTS Description vc cc cc cc cc 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00 000000000 000000 Input Connections and Audio Controls cceccccc coco co 0 00 0000 Connections for Power and Speakers cce cc coco 00 0000000003 Applications cce cesso coco coro o soco soco oco 0 0 00001 Installation vc cccc coco 00000 000 000000000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000 Mounting Precautions 0000000000 00000000 000000000 0 00 00 Wiring Precautions ecc ce coco soco sore socos 0 0 0 0 0000000 Setting the Gan cc cc cc cc cc 0 00 00 0 0 0 0 0 00 000 00000000 Setting the Crossover 00 000000000 0000000000 0000 000000 Setting the Bass Boostee cc cc cc cc cc 000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0000000 000 Final System Checks ee cc cc coco oco co oco o 0 0 0 00000000 0 7 Troubleshooting ec cce ecc coco oc soco 0 0 0 0 0 0 00000000 0 7 Product Specs ccccc coco coros o coco o 0 0 0 00 0 0000 6 3 Notes cccc cc 000000 000000000 0000000000 000 000 0 00 of 3 2 0 Q z E z OWNER S MANUAL DESCRIPTION The Clarion APX400 4M 4 channel marine amplifier is an excellent choice for creating a variety of multi channel sound systems It features built in system design flexibility that allows you to create a 2 3 or
13. the left speaker when balance is left 3 Increase the volume and verify that the amplifier reproduces audio at full frequencies without distortion If you hear distortion check the connections and verify that the Gain Control is set correctly Another possibility is damaged speakers or under powered speakers Once again refer to Troubleshooting for additional help TROUBLESHOOTING Problem No Audio Solution Low or no remote turn on voltage Check remote connections at amplifier and source unit Blown amplifier fuse Replace with new fast blow fuse same rating Power wires not connected Check battery and ground wiring at amplifier also check battery connections Speaker leads shorted Check speaker continuity to ground it should not show a common ground Speakers not connected or are blown Check speaker connections at amplifier measure coil impedance Problem Audio cycles on and off Solution Thermal protection circuits are shutting amplifier off Check location for adequate ventilation consult an authorized Clarion Audio Dealer gt E S a Q S Problem Distorted audio Solution Gain is not set properly or damaged speaker cones Review Setting Gain inspect each speaker cone for signs of damage 1 e frozen cone burning smell etc 12 OWNER S MANUAL Problem Audio lacks punch Solution Speakers wired incorrectly which causes cancellation of bass frequencies Check polarity
14. tra cable can cause signal loss and act as an antenna for noise Use only high quality RCA cables that are no longer than necessary to make a direct connection with the source unit or equalizer 2 es 3 5 Right From Speer High Fen Speaker i Let Fran Soeaker 3 Lot From Speaker 10 OWNER S MANUAL SETTING THE GAIN After completing the installation follow these steps to set the Gain Control and then perform the Final System Checks 1 Turn the Gain Control all the way counter clockwise 2 Turn the vehicle s Ignition Switch to the ON position Then turn the ON OFF Switch on the source units to the ON position Set all Tone or Equalization Controls to flat positions and turn Loudness off 3 Play a CD or Tape and set the Volume Control at 75 of full level Note If the system uses an equalizer set its frequency controls to flat positions 4 Slowly increase the Gain Control Stop when you hear a slight distortion of audio SETTING THE CROSSOVER The Clarion APX400 4M features fully adjustable front and rear crossovers To set the crossovers follow these steps 1 Using the X Over Mode Switch select the desired mode LP for Low Pass HP for High Pass and OFF for Full Range 2 Using the Freq Hz Selection Control select the desired frequency If the desired frequency exceeds the range of the Freq Hz Selection Control press the Crossover Frequency Multiplier
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search