Trouble Shooting Installation Instructions

The key to finding the problem in a misbehaving sound system is to isolate System does not turn on General: SETTING UP SYSTEMS AFTER INSTALLATION FOR
parts of that system in a logical fashion to track down the fault. 1 - Check all fuses. Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker
2 - Check all connections. cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle that can BEST PERFORMANCE
Description of the Diagnostic system built into all MB Quart amplifiers 3 - Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If cause electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and
The diagnostic system will shut down the amplifier, until reset by turning the head unit these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders, distribution other on-board electronic modules. General:
off, and back on. This state of affairs will be indicated by the front panel PROTECT blocks, the head unit’s +12 volt and remote leads to localize the problem. At this point you are ready to get more specific on the settings for your amplifier.
LED lighting up under the following conditions: Noise problems
1 - A short circuit on the loudspeaker leads. System noise can be divided into two categories, hiss, and electrical interference.
Power and ground connections:(See table below)
2 - An internal amplifier fault that causes a DC offset on the loudspeaker output. Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as High Pass:
Hiss, or white noise reference to what size wire you require. Discus series amplifiers require at least 4 -When in Hi Pass operation, this setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your
Should the amplifier go into diagnostic mode, simply disconnect all RCA and speaker 1 - High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned gauge power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the system reproduction. The point that you set it at cuts off any frequencies from
leads, while keeping +12 volt, power ground and remote leads connected. up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section ”Setting up systems after manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system amperage. Some reproduction beyond this point. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point.
1. Now turn the amplifier back on, and if the diagnostic LED lights, the amplifier has an installation for best performance” applications may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system EXAMPLE: If you adjust the High Pass to 100Hz, the amplifier will not play
internal fault. 2 - Another major problem that can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy head unit - unplug requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to mount a large enough frequencies below 100Hz but will play frequencies from 100Hz to the chosen Low
2. If not, plug the RCA cables back, and reset the amplifier. If it goes into diagnostic the amplifier input RCA cables, and if the hiss level reduces, the source unit is at fault. fuse right at the battery, and run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused Pass frequency.
now, the fault lies in the input, either with bad cables or source unit. distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then a simple matter to connect the +12 -When in Low Pass/Bandpass operation, this setting acts as a low frequency cut
3. If the amplifier seems fine with RCA cables plugged in, connect the speakers, one at Electrical interference volt terminal of each amplifier to the distribution block. During this process, please off for your system reproduction aka Subsonic Filter. The point that you set it at
a time, and if one of the speakers or its wiring is faulty, it will activate the diagnostic The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment. The multitude of ensure that the main power fuse is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. cuts off any frequencies from reproduction beyond this point. The 12 o’clock
system. electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air The main fuse must be within 12” of the vehicles battery. position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the High Pass to 25Hz,
conditioners, to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the amplifier will not play frequencies below 25Hz but will play frequencies from
Amplifier heatsink overheating the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first unplug Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the 25Hz to the chosen Low Pass frequency.
The amplifiers will shut down when the heatsink temperature reaches 80 degrees amplifier input RCA cables, if the noise is still present, check the speaker leads, if not, vehicle chassis using at least 4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the -When in Flat/Full operation, the High Pass crossover is bypassed. Lower power amplifiers will clip earlier than their more powerful
centigrade, and turn back on once the unit has cooled down below that point. plug the RCA’s back, and investigate the source driving the amplifier, one component amplifiers’ power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is
extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution block to the Installation Manual cousins, and cause loudspeaker failure when overdriven, due to
Causes of overheating: at a time.
chassis as short as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity Bass EQ: the harmonics generated by a clipped signal, thus overheating
1 - Inadequate cooling - relocate or remount to provide better natural airflow over the
to the chassis is very important, and the best way to achieve a good, solid This setting is a fixed bass boost at 45Hz that is variable from 0-9dB. This feature
fins. A ticking or whine that changes with engine RPM: provides impact to your bass, but if not adjusted correctly, it can be over used and voice coils.
2 - Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, 1 - This problem could be caused by radiation pickup of RCA cables too near to a fuel electrical and mechanical contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and
soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to scrape the paint off the vehicle cause damage to your speakers and amplifiers. It is best to slowly turn this setting Congratulations!
and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the recommended pump or a distributor, for instance, - relocate cables.
chassis , slightly larger than the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clockwise until the desired punch is felt. It is not recommended to exceed the 12 Amplifiers should be mounted with the fins running horizontally for
loudspeaker impedance. 2 - Check that the head unit ground is connected straight to the vehicle chassis, and o’clock position unless listening at a low volume or a low recording quality as this By purchasing an amplifier from MB Quart, you have decided on a
does not use factory wiring for ground. clearance hole in the chassis, the same size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring best convection cooling, to minimize overheating. Purchase the
washer and nut to securely fasten the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the can result in high distortion and possibly clipping. product of the highest technical quality. MB Quart wishes you
Low output power 3 - Try to supply the head unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly from the battery +, best quality RCA cables you can afford, for reliability and less
1 - Check that level controls have been set up properly. instead of using a supply from the in dash wiring/fusebox. bolt/lug connection, to prevent oxidization with time. great enjoyment with your amplifier. Should you have any
engine noise interference in the audio system.
2 - Make sure that the battery voltage, as measured at the amplifier’s +12 volt and Low Pass: questions about this system or other MB Quart products, please
TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio
ground terminals, is 11 volts or more. A constant whine: The Low Pass control acts as a ceiling and doesn’t allow frequencies to the right of email us at info@maxxsonics.com
3 - Check all +12 volt and ground connections. This type of noise can be more difficult to pinpoint, but is usually caused by some kind equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each piece directly to the desired setting to be reproduced. Turning the potentiometer all the way to the It is highly recommended that the amplifier be mounted to a board
of instability, causing oscillations in the system. the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground right is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Low Pass to 120Hz, the of MDF or other solid structure using the 4 mounting screws
Fuses blowing 1 - Check all connections, especially for good grounds. and speaker connections should be crimped and soldered for reliability. Make sure
that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle,
amplifier will not play frequencies above 120Hz but will play frequencies from System Design provided. Avoid mounting the amplifier to metal as this can
1 - The use of loudspeaker impedances below the recommended minimums will draw 2 - Make sure that no speaker leads are shorting to exposed metal on the vehicle 120Hz to the chosen Hi Pass or Subsonic frequency.
more current - check. causing short circuits to the chassis. -When in Hi Pass operation, this setting is bypassed.
The success of any car stereo system relies on several factors, introduce noise and other unwanted issues. When mounting the
chassis.
2 - A short on the main +12 volt cable from the battery to the vehicle chassis will cause 3 -RCA cables are notorious for their problematic nature, so check that these are such as the system design, execution of the installation, and amplifier, ensure that it is mounted HORIZONTALLY, as shown in
Safe connection sequence:
the main fuse to blow. good, in particular the shield connections.
After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then
Level Control Setup: system setup. Please remember that any system is only as good the diagram above, for optimal heat dissipation. Mounting
3 - If an amplifier fuse blows continually, with only +12 volt, ground and remote leads Ensure that the Level is turned completely to the left prior to turning the system on. as its weakest link. amplifiers to speaker enclosures is not recommended as this can
connected, the amplifier may be faulty. run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and remote turn on
leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks Next you should insert a CD or cassette that you are familiar with to use as a Please remember that higher power systems are not necessarily cause damage to the amplifier components. When choosing a
reference, and turn the head unit volume control to about 80% of its full setting.
and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt cable to the battery, with the
The system sound level will of course be very low, and the following procedures
useful purely for high sound pressure levels, but also to establish location for mounting the amplifier, ensure that you check for
main fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system. a headroom capability, to reproduce musical peaks cleanly without clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical devices and brake lines
will help you to match the amplifier input sensitivities properly to the head unit
output signal level. distortion. etc.
Power up the system: It is important to match the amplifier LEVEL input sensitivity to the Radio/CD
The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more output sensitivity. This can be located in the Radio/CD manual.
frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work properly If the Radio/CD output sensitivity is 2 volts, then adjust the amplifier LEVEL input
immediately. to 2 volts.
First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum
1 1 1 1 1
(counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers to 0 If you are not sure what the Radio output sensitivity is, follow these general guide
dB (no boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as
recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input selector and
lines:
Turn the level control up slowly, till you hear distortion, then back off a few degrees
WOOD
crossover switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and on the control. If at any point your amplifier goes into protection, you will need to
insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not blow, you can insert the turn the Level to the left a bit and then try again. If you reach a point where the
fuse in one of the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the output does not increase, stop turning the Level control to the right as the
head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio station, and increase the head unit amplifier/speaker combo has reached its maxx output in this application.
volume control. If the system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in
the remaining amplifiers, one by one, till the complete system is powered up and 2 or 3 way active systems (all):
functioning properly. Always start with the bass, or low frequency amplifier as a reference, by turning its
control up to the point where distortion is audible, and back it off some.
Now adjust the level control for the highs or tweeter channels in a 2 way active system,
to balance the highs to lows.
In a 3 way active system, match the midrange level to the bass, and then the highs to
the midrange and bass. It may be necessary to perform a few iterations of the
midrange and highs level control settings to achieve a satisfactory sound balance.
DISCUS

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