Transcript
OWNER’S MANUAL Technical Specifications Output power (14.4v)
1 x 8000 Watt Max 1 x 3000 Watt RMS
@ 2 ohm @ 2 ohm (THD+N < 2.5%)
When using in bridge mode
1 x 1900 Watt RMS
@ 4 ohm (THD+N < 2%)
Output power (14.4v)
2 x 4000 Watt Max 2 x 1500 Watt RMS
@ 1 ohm @ 1 ohm (THD+N < 2.5%)
When using both channels individually
2 x 950 Watt RMS
@ 2 ohm (THD+N < 2%)
2 x 600 Watt RMS
@ 4 ohm (THD+N < 1%)
Frequency response
10 Hz ~ 200 Hz
Subsonic Filter Frequency Range
20 ~ 50 Hz (Adjustable)
Low Pass Filter Frequency Range
40 ~ 180 Hz (Adjustable)
Bass Boost Frequency Range
45 Hz
Input Impedance
67 Kohm
Input sensitivity
0.2 V ~ 5 V
Signal/Noise Ratio (A. Wtg) 1 Watt Reff.
>100 dB
Damping Factor (100 Hz @ 4 ohm)
>120
Efficiency
82%
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) 4 ohm loaded
1 Watt 800w RMS 80% of total
Idle Current
2.4 A
Max Peak Current
240 A
Minimum Subwoofer impedance
Each channel individually: 1 ohm In bridge mode: 2 ohm
Power supply
DC 12V
Dimensions: (length x width x height)
58 x 210 x 754 mm
0.20% 0.50% 0.70%
Features
HIGH PERFORMANCE CLASS D MONOBLOCK SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER
Class D monoblock subwoofer amplifier Huge power output Subsonic, Lowpass and bass boost filters Continuously adjustable phase control from 0 to 180 degrees N-Channel Circuit for high efficiency Excessive heat, Reverse polarity, Short circuit and Input overload protection Heavy-duty power supply Heavy-duty aluminium heatsink “Bass Kompressor” circuitry provides extra low-frequency enhancement All content © Copyright TheLoudest.com 2006
8,000 Watts Max @ 2 ohm 3,000 Watts RMS @ 2 ohm
OWNER’S MANUAL SAFETY GUIDELINES | TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FEATURES | INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS
OWNER’S MANUAL
Contents
OWNER’S MANUAL
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Competition Pro TL-1021 subwoofer amplifier. After huge amounts of careful and detailed research, design, development and testing, TheLoudest.com are able to present a revolutionary range of premium car audio products.
Page Introduction ................................................................... 2 Control Panel Functions ................................................... 3 Mounting Instructions ...................................................... 4 Installation ..................................................................... 5 Safety ........................................................................... 9 Troubleshooting .............................................................. 10 Technical Specifications ................................................. Back Features ...................................................................... Back
The TL-1021 Class D subwoofer amplifier has a durable, precision-engineered, robust heavy-duty build that offers fantastic bass reproduction, and maintains such clear bass reproduction at uncompromisingly high power levels. It is imperative that you read through this manual before installing and operating the amplifier. This will ensure correct configuration and operation. While this manual details generally how to install the amplifier, if you do not have sufficient experience or tools, it is best to have it professionally installed. This amplifier functions best with a good quality source unit. Connecting it up to a poor quality source unit (such as a standard, factory fitted one) may not give good results. With an output power of 8,000 watts max. (3,000w RMS), this amplifier can draw very large currents from the vehicle battery and alternator. Depending on vehicle model, one or more of these components may have to be replaced to enable the amplifier to operate to its full potential. Further details regarding this are within this manual. TheLoudest.com accepts no liability for any damage resulting to vehicle components when installing or operating the amplifier. It is the sole responsibility of the user to follow these instructions carefully and upgrade any vehicle components as required. Again, if you do not have sufficient experience or tools, it is best to have the unit professionally installed. Keep this manual in a safe place so it is accessible for future reference.
OWNER’S MANUAL
Control Panel Functions The control panels for the TL-1021 are as follows:
Side 1:
OWNER’S MANUAL 5. Low Pass Filter (LPF) control – This knob controls the highest frequency range that is sent to the subwoofer(s). The range is adjustable, from 40 to 180 Hz with a third order slope of 18 dB per octave. The value that this should be set to changes depending on the subwoofer(s), enclosure and vehicle used. This can be set by starting with the knob position fully clockwise, then turning the knob anti clockwise very slowly until the best result is heard. This may take some time to get exactly right. It is advisable to play music of the genre that will most commonly be listened to as this is set. It is also advisable to use different tracks when configuring the LPF. When set correctly, the subwoofer is able to work more efficiently, and the upper frequency range reproduced is configured to the equipment, surroundings and user taste. 6. Phase – This knob controls the continuously adjustable signal phase lag control of the subwoofers from 0 to 180 degrees. To find the optimum setting, it is ideal to have one person slowly turning the knob clockwise (from 0 degrees) fully round to 180 degrees, while the listener is sitting in the vehicle. The knob should be lest in the optimum position (listen out for smooth bass, bass response and power). When set correctly, the subwoofer(s) in the vehicle will be adjusted to suit the vehicle and other speakers in the vehicle.
Side 2:
7. Subsonic Filter – The subsonic filter is the opposite of the LPF; the knob controls the lowest frequency range that is sent to the subwoofer(s) (effectively a high pass filter). When the knob is turned fully anti-clockwise, the filter is off. To switch the subsonic filter on, simply turn this knob clockwise, from which point, the range is adjustable from 5 to 50 Hz with a third order slope of 18 dB per octave. The value that this should be set to changes depending on the subwoofer(s), enclosure and vehicle used. This can be set by starting with the knob position fully anti-clockwise, then turning the knob clockwise very slowly until the best result is heard. This may take some time to get exactly right. It is advisable to play music of the genre that will most commonly be listened to, as this is set. It is also advisable to use different tracks when configuring the subsonic filter. For some tastes and situations, the subsonic filter may not need to be switched on at all. When set correctly, the subwoofer is able to work more efficiently, and the lower frequency range reproduced is configured to the equipment, surroundings and user taste. 8. Bass Boost – This knob controls a boost of the bass frequencies at and around 45 Hz. There is no “bass boost” when the knob is turned fully anti-clockwise. Turning the knob clockwise from this position boosts the frequencies around the region of 45 Hz by up to 12 dB.
1. Indicators: Power indicator - This LED will light when power, remote and earth are all connected to the amplifier. If this LED is not on, there is a problem with one of these connections. Protection Indicator - This LED will light if the amplifier has detected a fault and has shut down to protect itself from permanent damage. This will be due to one of the following: excessive heat, reverse polarity, short circuit or input overload. If this happens disconnect the amplifier and investigate the problem. 2. Remote Gain – The supplied “Remote Gain Controller” plugs into this socket. With a long run of cable attached, the gain controller can be positioned in the front of the car so that the level of the output can be adjusted from the front. Most source units support “fade” function, where the level of the pre-out signal sent to the amplifier from the source unit can be altered giving exactly the same effect. However, this provides a hard-wired solution to gain control from the position of the listener. Please see “Gain Control” notes below. Connection is optional. 3. Audio Input – This section is labelled “Input”, and consists of two RCA phono sockets, one “R” (red) and one “L” (white), above each other. These are for the audio input. A source unit that supplies a “line level” (pre amp) audio output in the form of RCA phono plugs is required to connect to the input (via a phono extension lead). A high quality shielded lead is recommended as this will help reduce the possibility of noise entering the system. 4. Gain Control - Turning the knob to the right (clockwise) will increase the volume, and to the left (anti-clockwise) will reduce the volume. It is important to understand that the amount of gain needed is proportional to the level of the signal coming from the source unit. For example, it is possible for the gain knob to be at only a quarter of its maximum, but the amplifier is actually outputting to its full potential. This could be because the source unit is supplying slightly more power than normally expected. Please see “Installation” section for how to calibrate the amplifier to the output of the source unit using the gain knob.
9. Speaker Connections - These are screw terminals for attaching the subwoofer speaker cables. Undo the screw head enough to slot a stripped end of subwoofer speaker cable into the terminal, and then tighten the screw. Please see wiring diagrams in the “Installation” section for how to connect subwoofer speakers to the amplifier. To operate the amplifier in bridge mode, follow the lines printed next to the terminals on the side of the amplifier. By doing this you connect “CH 1” “+” to “CH 2” “-”. The minimum load impedance at bridge is 2 ohm, when using both channels, the minimum load impedance per channel is 1 ohm. 10. Power Connections – This is where all the power leads are connected to the amplifier. Particular care must be taken when connecting, NOT to cross any of the cables. “12v” is the positive connection from the battery. “-” is the negative or earth connection and “REM” is the remote or ignition connection.
Mounting Instructions Before mounting, please read the “Installation” section. The best place to mount the amplifier is somewhere where it will not get damaged, eg. by items in the boot of the vehicle. The amplifier dissipates heat using its heat sink; somewhere with sufficient space and air would be fine. Therefore placing the amplifier in between items, placing items on top of it, or mounting it upside down is not advisable. Examples of surfaces to mount on are: the floor of the boot, fake floor of boot (MDF) or side of boot. Never mount the amplifier on the side of a subwoofer box as this can damage the amplifier. Never mount the amplifier outside of the car, in the engine bay or anywhere where it has a risk of getting wet. Normally it is best to attach the amplifier to a board, and then attach the board to the car body. This is good practice to avoid noise problems. Before mounting, make sure that the surface is suitable and free from any obstructions. Use the amplifier as a template and mark where the holes are to be drilled with a pencil or pen. Drill the pilot holes with a drill bit of diameter smaller than that of the screws. Then place the amplifier on the surface and tighten the screws until they are holding the amplifier securely in place.
OWNER’S MANUAL
OWNER’S MANUAL If you do not have sufficient experience or tools to carry out the installation, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of someone who does, or have the amplifier professionally installed.
Installation Below is the basic completed installation for the TL-1021. This example shows the amplifier connected to two dual 2 ohm voice coil TL-1122 subwoofers in series-parallel, delivering 3000w RMS @ 2 ohm:
Before attempting the installation of this amplifier, it is important to understand that the TL-1021 is a substantial piece of kit; with an output of 3,000w RMS, this amplifier can draw large currents from the vehicle battery and alternator. Depending on vehicle model, one or more of these components may have to be replaced to enable the amplifier to operate to its full potential. Modifications to consider: - Alternator. The alternator is the heart of the power supply. The diodes will fail if the standard alternator can not supply enough current. An up-rated alternator will not leave the amplifier starved of power. It is best to seek advice from professionals who specialise in your make and model of vehicle to source an uprated alternator. Dual alternator setups are also recommended. - Up-rated battery. A high rated van battery/specialist audio battery will enable higher current to be drawn by the amplifier. Replacing the standard battery with an up-rated one is highly recommended. It is best to speak to a professional who specialises in batteries. Ideally use one suited to deep-cycle applications with a large capacity. - Second battery. A second battery installed as close to the amplifier’s positive terminal as possible, with a split charging relay, ensures that there is a dedicated battery for the amplifier. This helps protect other components on the vehicle and keeps resistance down with the short cable run. - Split charging relay. As mentioned above. Split charging relays usually used for boats or caravans are recommended. TheLoudest.com accepts no liability for any damage resulting to vehicle components when installing or operating the amplifier. It is the sole responsibility of the user to follow these instructions carefully and upgrade any vehicle components as required.
Below are some basic connection configurations for subwoofers to the TL-1021. Remember that the TL1021 has a minimum load of 2 ohm in bridge mode. It is also advisable to use subwoofers which have similar RMS power ratings, in general, a little under or over should be OK. These diagrams show the amplifier speaker terminals connected to the subwoofer terminals. Sometimes this is done directly, but if the subwoofer is inside an enclosure, the connections will be made via the terminal connection block on the side of the enclosure. Four dual 4 ohm voice coil subs connected in parallel-series:
Load to amplifier: 2 ohm
Two Dual 4 ohm voice coil subwoofers connected in parallelseries:
Load to amplifier: 4 ohm
Two single coil 4 ohm subwoofers connected in parallel:
Load to amplifier: 2 ohm
The TL-1101 0 AWG amplifier wiring kit is strongly recommended for use with this TL-1021 amplifier. It contains the components mentioned in the installation instructions below. Failing this, 0 AWG cable and a 250A fuse is an absolute minimum. Before starting the installation it is advisable to disconnect the negative terminal of the vehicle battery. This ensures the battery will not short if the wires are accidentally crossed during installation, and is generally good practice when making electrical changes. Please be warned that after disconnecting the battery, your control unit (head unit) may require a code to be entered, some car alarms may also sound. Therefore it is best to disable the alarm before installation and enable it again after installation is complete. Connect the power (+) cable (0 AWG red cable, 0 AWG minimum) directly to the positive terminal of your vehicle battery by unscrewing the nut on the positive terminal and slipping on the power lead connector, before replacing and tightening the nut. The TL1101 wiring kit includes a battery terminal block which ensures a very clean connection. There is a fuse holder and fuse already installed on this cable if purchased as part of the TL-1101 wiring kit. If not using the kit, you will need to install one about 60 cm from the battery, using at least a 250A fuse. This power cable then needs to be run to where the amplifier will be mounted. Look around the engine bay for a place to run the cable through to the inside of the vehicle. Suitable points are usually bonnet pull grommets or air intake holes. This positive wire
OWNER’S MANUAL needs to be protected from damage. Failure to protect it from damage could lead to a vehicle fire. When you have been able to feed the cable to the inside of the car, try to hide the cable as well as possible on its way to the amplifier (under carpet, or inside panels). The TL-1101 kit includes a connector already installed on the end of the power cable for connecting it to the amplifier. Un-tighten the power (B+) terminal of the amplifier, slide the connector in, and then tighten. If not using the TL-1101 kit, or cutting the cable to length, strip the end of the cable and slide the end into the power terminal of the amplifier. Competition Pro amplifiers are capable of delivering extremely high power levels. Therefore tight, reliable and clean power connections at both ends are very important, and ensure maximum performance. Connect the earth (-) (or ground) cable (0 AWG black cable, 0 AWG minimum) to a solid, bare metal point on the vehicle’s chassis. A common place for this is the boot catch; however any existing substantial bolt or screw that makes contact with the car’s body near the amplifier is sufficient. If there is no existing point, you can make one by drilling into the car’s body. This should be done carefully as a last resort, ensuring that none of the car’s electronics or any other component is going to be damaged. A clean connection is needed, so scraping away the paint for the connection is required. The length of the earth cable needs to be a short as possible, the one supplied with the TL-1101 kit will connect straight to the negative amplifier terminal, the other end has a ring connector installed and is to be bolted to the earthing point. Connect the remote cable (thin blue wire) from the source unit (head unit’s) remote output. This is called a variety of things including “remote”, “aerial”, “electric antenna”, “REM” and “remote turn on”. To do this you will need to have access to the back of the source unit; it will need pulled out. Please refer to the source unit’s manual to find the right wire to use. When the remote cable is attached to the remote output of the source unit, leave the source unit pulled out for the moment, and run the remote cable to where the amplifier is, down the same side of the vehicle as the power cable. As with the power cable, try to hide it under panels and carpet. Slide the connector into the “REM” terminal and tighten.
OWNER’S MANUAL Connect the remote gain controller to the amplifier. This is optional and not essential. The plug will slot straight in to the “Remote” socket on the amplifier. The cable needs to be sufficiently hidden out of view as it is run to the intended mounting point (usually on the under side of the driver’s side dashboard). It is important to mount the controller in an easily accessible location, however it must not hamper the driver in the operation of the vehicle while driving. Once you have checked that all the connections are good and solid, re-connect the negative terminal of the battery. If anything goes wrong, disconnect it immediately and investigate. The amplifier’s power LED should be lit. If not, or the protection LED is lit, please refer to the “Troubleshooting” section. Finally, all that is left to do is calibrate the amplifier with the source unit: 1. If using the remote gain controller, turn the knob fully clockwise to “MAX”. 2. Turn the gain knob on the amplifier all the way down 3. Play a CD or similar of music or audio that will be typically played 4. Turn the gain control on the source unit to around 70 – 80% of it’s maximum 5. Slowly increase the gain knob on the amplifier until you can hear distortion 6. Turn the gain knob on the amplifier to just before this distortion occurs (if no distortion can be heard, this is fine!). 7. Test the system and make any equalisation changes on the source unit or the amplifier according to taste, it may take some time to adjust all the amplifier settings to get the most from the setup. 8. If any equalisation changes are made, repeat stages 1 to 7 until satisfied 9. Never exceed the source unit gain that you used to calibrate the system Remember: It is possible for the amplifier gain knob to be at only a quarter of its maximum, but the amplifier is actually outputting to its full potential. This could be because the source unit is supplying slightly more input power than normally expected.
Connect the audio signal lead (RCA phono lead) to the “line level” or “pre-out” of the source unit. The pre-out of the source unit should be in the form of two RCA phono sockets. Simply plug your lead into the sockets, ensuring red goes to red, and white (or black) goes to white (or black). Then run the lead all the way to the amplifier. To minimise noise, please ensure that the audio signal lead is run well away from the power leads. It is normally best to run it down the opposite side of the car. If the cables are too close, a high pitched whine can get into the system; this is engine noise. If your source unit has no pre-outs, it is probable that it is not of sufficient quality to work well with the amplifier; if it is giving poor quality audio then the amplifier will simply amplify this poor quality audio. However, if a line output converter is purchased, it would convert speaker outputs to a line level and enable you to operate the amplifier. As mentioned, the output may not be of a great quality. Connect the subwoofer speaker cable from your subwoofer(s) to the amplifier. Some subwoofer configurations are illustrated on page 5, please see your subwoofer manual for in-depth connection configurations. It is advisable to cut the subwoofer speaker cable to size. Never connect or disconnect subwoofer(s) when the amplifier is on; you risk permanently damaging the subwoofer(s).
OWNER’S MANUAL
Safety Health Warning The Competition Pro range of car audio is built for very high power handling. Listening to music at such high powers is potentially capable of causing physical side effects such as nausea or even permanent side effects such as hearing loss. It is therefore absolutely essential that conservatism and a high sense of judgement are observed when in operation. TheLoudest.com accepts no liability for hearing disorders, nausea or other side effects caused by this equipment. General Safety Playing loud music in a vehicle can hinder your sense of what is going on around you on the road, including your ability to hear your own, and other vehicles. We recommend listening at low or moderate levels while driving. TheLoudest.com accepts no liability for injury, property damage or otherwise resulting from the use or misuse of this equipment.
OWNER’S MANUAL
Troubleshooting Problem Power LED off
No Output (Power LED on)
No Output (Protect LED on)
Do not use any chemicals when cleaning this equipment. Please use a clean dry cloth. Distorted output
Do not install this unit outside the car, or anywhere where it could become damp or humid, or where it can become exposed to the sun. It should be installed in a dry and ventilated area inside the car. Never connect or disconnect speakers when the amplifier is on; this can permanently damage the speakers. Always do this when it is off. Never open the amplifier up. Doing so would put you at risk of an electric shock. None of the internal parts are serviceable by the user. In the case of the unit needing repair or maintenance, please take it to a qualified professional.
Bass is weak
Blowing fuses Amplifier switches on and off
Possible Cause(s) No (or poor) power, remote or ground connections
Solution Verify connections both at amplifier and at other ends
Blown fuse Speakers not connected
Replace Fuse Verify speaker connections at amplifier, and also at the speakers
Gain down on either amplifier or source unit
Verify gain/eq controls
Speaker(s) blown
Disconnect speakers one at a time to pinpoint defective speaker
Faulty RCA leads Amplifier is overheated
Replace RCA leads Review mounting position and conditions
Vehicle’s battery is supplying something other than 12V Source unit/amplifier gain set too high
Check vehicle’s battery and charging system Re-calibrate amplifier with source unit
Source unit is not capable of good audio reproduction
Replace/upgrade source unit
Speaker(s) blown
Disconnect speakers one at a time to pinpoint defective speaker Try swapping over + and – on one of the voice coil connections
Dual voice coils on subwoofer wired out of phase Bad speaker connections
Check speaker connections at subwoofer and amplifier ends
Subwoofers connected out of phase
Check the + and – connections all match, swap to test
Eq settings are reducing bass power
Verify all eq settings on amplifier and source unit, especially “subsonic” and “LPF” settings on amplifier
Poor quality subwoofer(s)
Use TL-1121 subwoofer(s)
Enclosure too small for subwoofer Excessive output levels No (or poor) power, remote or ground connections
Increase enclosure size
Low voltage from battery
Test battery, replace if necessary
Lower gain Verify connections both at amplifier and at other ends
If your amplifier is still not functioning correctly after checking through the “troubleshooting” section, please contact our support team at:
[email protected]
