1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing KICKER KSC3504 3.5-inch coaxial speakers. These speakers are designed to deliver clear and accurate audio reproduction in your vehicle. Featuring a 2-way design with silk dome tweeters and polypropylene woofers, they offer a balanced sound profile. This manual provides essential information for proper installation, operation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your speakers.
Image 1.1: Front view of the KICKER KSC3504 coaxial speaker, showing the central tweeter and surrounding woofer cone.
2. Safety Information
Please read all safety instructions before installing or operating your speakers. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in injury or damage to the equipment.
- Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before beginning any electrical installation to prevent electrical shorts and damage.
- Professional Installation: If you are unsure about any part of the installation process, it is recommended to seek assistance from a qualified professional car audio installer.
- Hearing Protection: Prolonged exposure to high volume levels can cause permanent hearing damage. Always listen at moderate volume levels.
- Wiring: Ensure all wiring is properly routed and secured to prevent pinching, cutting, or shorting. Use appropriate gauge wire for connections.
- Ventilation: Ensure speakers are installed in a location that allows for adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
- Proposition 65 Warning: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
3. Package Contents
Verify that your package contains the following items:
- 2 x KICKER KSC3504 3.5-inch Coaxial Speakers
- Speaker Wire (pre-attached or included for connection)
- Mounting Hardware (screws, clips)
4. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is crucial for optimal speaker performance. Follow these steps carefully:
4.1 Pre-Installation Checks
- Vehicle Compatibility: Confirm that the 3.5-inch speaker size and mounting depth are compatible with your vehicle's speaker locations. Refer to the specifications section for detailed dimensions.
- Tools Required: Gather necessary tools such as screwdrivers, wire strippers, crimping tool, drill (if new holes are needed), and safety glasses.
- Disconnect Power: Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal.
4.2 Speaker Removal (if replacing existing speakers)
- Carefully remove the factory speaker grilles and speakers from their mounting locations.
- Disconnect the existing speaker wires. Note the positive and negative terminals.
4.3 KSC3504 Speaker Installation
- Mounting: The KSC3504 speakers feature a thin-mount design, allowing them to fit easily behind many factory grilles. Position the speaker in the desired mounting location.
- Secure Speakers: Use the provided mounting hardware to securely fasten the speakers. Ensure they are firmly in place to prevent vibrations.
Image 4.1: Angled view of the KICKER KSC3504 speaker, highlighting its compact design and mounting tabs.
4.4 Wiring Connections
The KSC3504 speakers have a 4-Ohm impedance. Ensure your amplifier or head unit is compatible with this impedance.
- Identify Polarity: Connect the positive (+) terminal of the speaker to the positive (+) output of your amplifier/head unit, and the negative (-) terminal of the speaker to the negative (-) output. Incorrect polarity can lead to poor sound quality.
- Secure Connections: Use crimp connectors or solder connections for secure and reliable electrical contact. Insulate all connections with electrical tape or heat shrink tubing.
- Route Wires: Route speaker wires away from sharp edges, moving parts, and heat sources. Secure them with zip ties or clips to prevent damage and rattles.
Image 4.2: Rear view of the KICKER KSC3504 speaker, illustrating the magnet structure and wiring terminals for connection.
4.5 Final Steps
- Once speakers are wired and secured, re-install any removed vehicle panels or grilles.
- Reconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal.
- Test the audio system to ensure both speakers are functioning correctly and producing clear sound.
5. Operating Instructions
The KICKER KSC3504 speakers are designed to integrate seamlessly with your car's audio system. For optimal performance, ensure your head unit or amplifier provides 50 watts of continuous power per speaker.
- Power Handling: These speakers are rated for 50 Watts RMS (Continuous Power Handling) and 100 Watts Peak Power Handling. Avoid exceeding these limits to prevent damage.
- Audio Settings: Adjust your head unit's equalizer and balance/fader settings to achieve your preferred sound. The KSC3504 speakers are engineered for smooth highs and extended bass response.
- Break-in Period: Like most new speakers, the KSC3504 may benefit from a break-in period of several hours of normal listening. This allows the speaker components to loosen and achieve their full sonic potential.
6. Maintenance
To maintain the performance and appearance of your KICKER KSC3504 speakers, follow these simple maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe dust or dirt from the speaker cones and grilles. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
- Moisture Exposure: While the speakers are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. Avoid direct exposure to water or excessive moisture. If they become wet, allow them to dry completely before operation.
- Environmental Factors: Protect speakers from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight for prolonged periods, which can degrade materials over time.
- Inspection: Periodically inspect speaker wires and connections for any signs of wear, corrosion, or loose connections.
7. Troubleshooting
If you experience issues with your KICKER KSC3504 speakers, refer to the following troubleshooting guide:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No sound from speakers | Loose or disconnected wiring Incorrect polarity Amplifier/head unit issue | Check all speaker connections at both the speaker and the amplifier/head unit. Ensure correct positive/negative connections. Verify amplifier/head unit is powered on and functioning. |
| Distorted or unclear sound | Overpowering speakers Incorrect audio settings Loose mounting Damaged speaker cone | Reduce volume or amplifier gain. Adjust equalizer settings on head unit. Ensure speakers are securely mounted. Inspect speaker cone for visible damage. |
| Intermittent sound | Loose wiring connection Faulty speaker wire | Check and secure all wiring connections. Inspect speaker wire for cuts or breaks; replace if necessary. |
8. Specifications
Detailed technical specifications for the KICKER KSC3504 3.5-inch Coaxial Speakers:
Image 8.1: Dimensional diagram of the KICKER KSC3504 speaker, indicating measurements for length, width, and depth.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Speaker Design | 2-Way Coaxial |
| Woofer Size | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| Tweeter Size | 0.5 inches (13 mm) |
| Rated Impedance | 4 Ohms |
| Peak Power Handling | 100 Watts |
| Continuous Power Handling (RMS) | 50 Watts |
| Sensitivity | 88 dB (1W, 1m) |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz |
| Mounting Hole Diameter | 3-1/16 inches (78 mm) |
| Top Mount Depth | 1-5/8 inches (42 mm) |
| Bottom Mount Depth | 1-15/16 inches (49 mm) |
| Tweeter Protrusion | 3/16 inches (4 mm) |
| Grilles | Not Included |
| Material | Plastic (Woofer: Polypropylene, Surround: Rubber) |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 2.72"D x 5.39"W x 7.99"H |
| Item Weight | 1.56 pounds (0.71 kg) |
| Water Resistance Level | Water Resistant (Not Waterproof) |
| UPC | 713034079019 |
| Model Number | 44KSC3504 |
9. Warranty Information
KICKER KSC3504 speakers come with a Limited Warranty. The specific terms and duration of the warranty may vary by region and retailer. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.
For complete warranty details, including coverage, exclusions, and the claims process, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official KICKER website.
10. Support
For further assistance, technical support, or to inquire about replacement parts, please contact KICKER customer service or visit their official website:
- KICKER Official Website: www.kicker.com
- Refer to the contact information provided on the KICKER website for phone or email support.
