1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Bazooka MA460 4-Channel Amplifier. This manual provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your amplifier. Please read this manual thoroughly before attempting installation or operation to ensure optimal performance and safety.
2. Safety Information
Always observe the following safety precautions to prevent injury or damage to the amplifier and vehicle:
- Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before any electrical work.
- Ensure proper ventilation around the amplifier to prevent overheating.
- Use appropriate gauge wiring for power, ground, and speaker connections as specified in the installation section.
- Avoid mounting the amplifier in locations exposed to direct sunlight, excessive heat, moisture, or dust.
- If you are unsure about any installation steps, consult a qualified professional installer.
3. Product Overview
The Bazooka MA460 is a versatile 4-channel amplifier designed to deliver clear and powerful audio. It features flexible configuration options for both stereo and bridged mono applications, along with adjustable crossovers and bass equalization for fine-tuning your sound system.
An angled view of the Bazooka MA460 4-channel amplifier, featuring a silver casing with a blue central panel displaying the 'Bazooka' logo. The cooling fins are visible on the sides, and connection terminals are on the right.
Key Features:
- 4-Channel Stereo or 2-Channel Bridged Mono Operation
- High Power Output: Up to 4 x 85 Watts RMS @ 2 ohms stereo or 2 x 170 Watts RMS @ 2 ohms mono
- Variable 12dB High-Pass/Low-Pass Crossover (60Hz - 400Hz)
- Variable Bass EQ (0 - 12dB)
- Input Sensitivity: 0.2V - 6V
- Auxiliary Output
- Remote Control Capability
4. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for the performance and longevity of your amplifier. It is recommended that installation be performed by a qualified professional.
4.1 Mounting the Amplifier
The MA460 amplifier is designed for surface mount installation. Choose a location that:
- Provides adequate ventilation and airflow around the amplifier's cooling fins.
- Is protected from moisture, excessive heat, and direct sunlight.
- Allows for secure fastening to a solid surface.
- Is easily accessible for wiring and adjustments.
Avoid mounting the amplifier directly to carpeted surfaces as this can restrict airflow.
4.2 Wiring Connections
Before making any connections, ensure the vehicle's battery is disconnected.
4.2.1 Power Connections
- Power (B+): Connect a heavy-gauge power cable (e.g., 8-gauge or larger, depending on cable length) directly from the positive terminal of the vehicle's battery to the amplifier's B+ terminal. Install an appropriate fuse holder with a fuse (not included) within 18 inches (45 cm) of the battery.
- Ground (GND): Connect a heavy-gauge ground cable of the same size as the power cable from the amplifier's GND terminal to a clean, unpainted metal surface of the vehicle's chassis. Ensure a solid, low-resistance connection.
- Remote Turn-On (REM): Connect a smaller gauge wire from the amplifier's REM terminal to the remote turn-on output of your head unit. This wire signals the amplifier to turn on and off with your audio system.
4.2.2 Input Connections
Connect RCA cables from your head unit's pre-amp outputs to the amplifier's RCA input jacks. The MA460 features an input sensitivity range of 0.2V to 6V, allowing compatibility with various head units.
4.2.3 Speaker Connections
Connect your speakers to the amplifier's speaker terminals. Observe correct polarity (+ to + and - to -) for all speakers. The MA460 supports:
- 4-Channel Stereo: Connect one speaker to each of the four output channels.
- 2-Channel Bridged Mono: For higher power output to two speakers or subwoofers, bridge two channels together. Refer to the amplifier's terminal markings for correct bridging connections. Ensure the speaker impedance is suitable for bridged operation (typically 4 ohms minimum per bridged pair).
4.2.4 Auxiliary Output
The amplifier includes an auxiliary output, which can be used to pass the audio signal to another amplifier in your system.
4.2.5 Remote Control
If using the optional remote control, connect it to the designated remote input on the amplifier.
5. Operating Instructions
Once all connections are securely made and verified, reconnect the vehicle's battery. Turn on your head unit to power up the amplifier.
5.1 Adjusting Controls
- Gain/Input Sensitivity: This control matches the amplifier's input level to the output level of your head unit. Start with the gain set to minimum. Play a familiar piece of music at about 75% of your head unit's maximum volume. Slowly increase the amplifier's gain until you hear distortion, then back it off slightly until the sound is clear.
- Crossover (HPF/LPF): The MA460 features variable 12dB high-pass (HPF) and low-pass (LPF) filters, adjustable from 60Hz to 400Hz.
- High-Pass Filter (HPF): Allows frequencies above the set point to pass through. Typically used for full-range speakers to remove low bass frequencies they cannot reproduce effectively.
- Low-Pass Filter (LPF): Allows frequencies below the set point to pass through. Typically used for subwoofers to reproduce only bass frequencies.
- Bass EQ: The variable bass equalization (0 - 12dB) allows you to boost bass frequencies. Use this control sparingly to avoid distortion and potential speaker damage.
6. Maintenance
The Bazooka MA460 amplifier requires minimal maintenance.
- Periodically inspect all wiring connections to ensure they are secure and free from corrosion.
- Keep the amplifier's cooling fins clean and free of dust or debris to maintain proper heat dissipation. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
- Ensure that nothing obstructs the airflow around the amplifier.
7. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your amplifier, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifier does not turn on | No power, blown fuse, faulty ground, no remote turn-on signal. | Check battery connections, inline fuse, ground connection, and remote turn-on wire from head unit. |
| No sound output | RCA cables disconnected, speaker wires disconnected, gain too low, head unit muted. | Verify RCA and speaker connections, adjust gain, check head unit settings. |
| Distorted sound | Gain set too high, improper crossover settings, faulty speaker, poor ground. | Reduce gain, adjust crossover, check speaker integrity, ensure solid ground connection. |
| Amplifier overheats | Insufficient ventilation, impedance too low, gain too high. | Ensure proper airflow, verify speaker impedance, reduce gain. |
If these steps do not resolve the issue, contact Bazooka customer support or a qualified service technician.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Channels | 4 |
| RMS Power @ 4 Ohms Stereo | 4 x 65 Watts |
| RMS Power @ 2 Ohms Stereo | 4 x 85 Watts |
| RMS Power @ 4 Ohms Mono (Bridged) | 2 x 130 Watts |
| RMS Power @ 2 Ohms Mono (Bridged) | 2 x 170 Watts |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 22kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (S/N R.) | > 90dB |
| Variable Crossover (HPF/LPF) | 12dB/octave, 60Hz - 400Hz |
| Variable Bass EQ | 0 - 12dB |
| Input Sensitivity | 0.2V - 6V |
| Auxiliary Output | Yes |
| Remote Control | Yes |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 31.75 x 26.04 x 6.99 cm (12.5 x 10.25 x 2.75 inches) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Minimum Supply Voltage | 0.2 Volts |
9. Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Bazooka website. Keep your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.
