DS18 SMD-200.4AB Smd Monoblock and Multi Channel Amplifiers

When we first started working on the SMD amplifiers with DS18, the first thing I made clear was that I wanted the amplifiers to stand out from the rest. It couldn’t simply look or perform like other amplifiers on the market; it needed to embody my own distinct style. Although there are only so many ways to design an amplifier due to their functional requirements and the commonality of components, I aimed for something that would not immediately resemble another product.

I have always admired amplifiers with a clear bottom, but this design poses challenges for mounting and can potentially affect heat dissipation. To overcome this, we flipped the guts and used a clear half-and-half top with integrated cooling fans. When incorporating a clear cover, LEDs are a must! Whether you choose a static RGB color to complement your system build or opt for a spectacle of color-changing light patterns, the SMD amplifier will make you stand out. To top it off, we included an SMD VM-1 Digital/Analog style LED voltmeter under the cover, allowing you to monitor power draw and demand in real time. The clear cover is also customizable, offering endless possibilities for personalization.

This SMD amplifier is built using the best quality components, produced in the best factories in Korea, and developed through countless hours of engineering, and knowledge by DS18. After two years of R&D, testing, and several revisions, I am proud to introduce this product to the world. I am honored to have my name associated with it, alongside DS18, who made this vision a reality. Thank you, and enjoy!

SMD MONOBLOCK & MULTI-CHANNELS AMPLIFIERS WITH VM-1 VOLTMETER AND DIGITAL LED LIGHTS

FEATURES

• Exclusive SMD design with VM-1 voltmeter.
• Front acrylic window and digital RGB lighting.
• IR remote control for LED patterns and colors.
• Metal adjustments knobs with click position.
• Professional Tiffany RCA terminals.
• Selectable crossover filters (Multi-Channels).
• Input mode selectable (2/4ch) (Multi-Channels).
• Remote level control knob with Clip indicator.
• Surface mount component technology.
• Built-in dual cooling fans.
• Bonded components for extra vibration protection.
• Audio quality control verification using Audio Precision instruments.
• Reliable heavy duty Korean board design.
• Power, protection, and clipping LED indicators on top.
• Very high efficiency digital circuit design (Monoblocks).
• High power class AB circuit design (Multi-Channels).

CONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS

SMD-200.4AB / SMD-300.4AB / SMD-500.4AB

SMD-2800.5

SMD-2000.1D / SMD-3000.1D /SMD-5000.1D / SMD-8500.1D

1. RCA AUDIO INPUT CONNECTION – Using high-quality shielded stereo RCA cables, connect the source signal to the amplifier RCA inputs.
2. LEVEL SENSITIVITY – Adjust the amplifier’s pre-amp sensitivity level. The minimum sensitivity level is 200mV, while the maximum level is 6V.
3. BASS BOOST – Adjust the Bass Boost frequency from 30Hz to 60Hz with a 0 to 9dB level.
4. LPF/HPF CROSSOVER – Adjust the frequency setting of the low-pass or high-pass crossover. For LPF, frequencies higher than the set point will be filtered out of the audio signal. For HPF, frequencies lower than the set point will be filtered out of the audio signal.
5. CROSSOVER SELECTION SWITCH – Choose high-pass crossover, low-pass crossover, or full-range operation.
6. PHASE – The Phase setting synchronizes the phase of your Subwoofer output with that of the other speakers in the car. Set your amp to 0 and listen to a track with some bass. Then, set the Phase setting to 180 degrees, and see if the bass output improves or worsens with the same track. Leave the switch set to whichever setting yields the best results.
7. POWER PROTECTION INDICATOR LED – When the amplifier is on and in proper working condition, the green LED will illuminate. If the amplifier activates its protection mode, the red LED will illuminate. If the amplifier does not power on or the red LED illuminates, refer to the troubleshooting guide for possible solutions.
8. INPUT MODE (4CH AMPLIFIER) – In 2-channel position, the amplifier can use one input signal on the 1&2 channels to drive both 1&2 and 3&4 outputs simultaneously. In 4-channel position, the 1&2 and 3&4 inputs are separated and only output to their respective channels as well.
   INPUT MODE (SCH AMPLIFIER) – In 4-channel position the amplifier can use one input signal on the 1&2 and 384 channels to drive 5th (Subwoofer) channel. In 5-channel position, the 1&2, 3&4 and 5th inputs are separated and only output to their respective channels as well.
9. REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL CONNECTION – Connect the remote level control to this terminal. The remote level control allows adjustment of the subwoofer level from a remote location in the vehicle.
10. CLIPPING – Clipping usually happens because the gain is set too high in an attempt to maximize the amp’s output potential. When the gain is set too high for the application, the amp will produce a squared or clipped sound wave, and both the amp and the connected speakers will generate a large amount of heat while trying to reproduce the clipped signal. This can result in catastrophic damage to your equipment.
    Follow these simple steps to avoid facing clipping problems: Once your amp is set up, watch the CLIP indicator. If you see the light blinking, turn the gain down. When the CLIP indicator goes off, you’re no longer clipping. Our clipping indicator is as accurate as an oscilloscope, but also it gives you the ability to monitor the dynamic source material we call music in real-time.
    TIPS: If you set your gains with an oscilloscope, it’s all good until some factor in your system changes. This change could be in head unit volume, charging system voltage, source recording level, etc. If any of these factors change from when you initially set your gains, the amplifier’s clipping point will change
11. SUBSONIC FILTER – Adjust the frequency setting of the subsonic crossover. The frequency range is 10Hz-50Hz. Frequencies lower than the setting will be filtered out of the audio signal.
12. LINK MODE – Use a RCA cable to connect two amplifiers that are in daisy chain mode. Move the switch to “MASTER” if this is the main amplifier receiving the RCA signal from the radio and connected to the positive output of the subwoofer. Move the switch to “SLAVE” if this is the secondary amplifier connected to the negative output of the subwoofer.
13. SPEAKER TERMINALS (+/-) – Connect your speakers to these terminals. Make sure to keep an eye on the speaker polarity throughout your system. Ignoring this can lead to a loss of bass response and a drop in the overall audio quality.
14. POWER INPUT – The power and ground terminals will accommodate 0 gauge wire. Use high-quality pure copper wire only. The REM connector will accept wire sizes from 12 to 16 gauge. This terminal is used to remotely turn the amplifier on and off when + 12V DC is applied.

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

1. Green light= Power ON
2. Adjust the output level
3. Clipping indicator

SETTING THE GAINS

How to properly set gains on an SMD amplifier.

GAINS AND GAIN OVERLAP
A system that has improper gain settings can result in unwanted noise and distortion. It is not recommended to use the “ear-o-meter” or the typical “3/4 volume” method that you will see in most owner’s manuals. Starting with a clean signal-to-noise ratio from the source and keeping it clean all the way to the amplifier is a must! For example, you do not want your system to max out at 20 at the head unit, when its maximum setting is 60. You will want it to stay clean throughout its entire range, all the way to the top, for best results.

Music is dynamic. The peaks while listening to music are very fast so we can use what is called “gain overlap” with very little negative audible consequences. Gain overlap is basically introducing a small amount of unnoticeable clipping at the top of your source volume (only at the amplifier). When each amp (or channel) is set to clip at the same time near the top of the volume source output, it allows the average system volume level to increase. This will allow the entire system to play noticeably louder nthroughout its range. For a system with well-matched amplifier/speaker (output) ratings, we recommend starting with 10dB of overlap on the subs, as they are not extremely sensitive and can usually handle a bit more with no noticeable difference. Use 5dB of overlap on the mids/highs as a starting point if using a passive crossover. For standalone tweeters, which are more sensitive and typically handle less power, we recommend 1 to 2dB of overlap.

Proper tools for the job
It is highly recommended you use an SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector (U.S. Patent No. 9,313,596) or a high-quality Oscilloscope (using the same procedure outlined below) for a cleaner, safer (for sensitive speakers), and more dependable result. Setting gains properly is an essential step. These tools can be purchased online.
Note when using an oscilloscope, you will be looking for clipping rather than the illuminating light on the DD-1.

BASS BOOST CONTROL
The monoblock amplifiers feature a variable bass boost control from 30Hz to 60Hz. You can adjust the amount of boost from OdB to 9dB.

FREQUENCY RESPONSE WITH BASS BOOST ON

MOUNTING YOUR AMPLIFIER

Choosing the best mounting location for your amplifier is crucial. The amplifier should not be mounted to any wood, metal, or carpeted surface. The heatsink can be mounted directly to the chassis of the car, or isolated for best performance. It needs proper ventilation, so avoid mounting the amp under seats, in the engine bay, or in any other area where moisture might accumulate. Be sure the mounting screws do not penetrate the fuel tank, brake lines, or any other crucial fluid lines. Never mount the amplifier to a subwoofer enclosure, as excessive vibrations can cause damage.

WARNING: We highly recommend that an in-line fuse or circuit breaker be installed within 18″ of the battery. Although your amplifier has adequate internal protection, it is possible a damaged wire between the component and the battery may result in a fire. The in-line fuse or circuit breaker should be installed in a location that is easy to access, and all wiring should be routed safely, following the suggestions below:

• Avoid placing wires near hot or moving objects.
• Always use wire grommets when routing wire through the firewall or any other metal surfaces.
• Avoid the potential for damaged wires by routing all wires away from moving hinges, seats, brake and gas pedals, hood and trunk hinges, etc.

Please read carefully before installing or operating this high-powered amplifier.

WARNING: Make sure you choose a suitable place to mount the unit. The position should be completely dry with a good circulation of air, and from a mechanical point of view very stable.

POWER CONNECTIONS

It is important to have good quality power and ground connections. Remember, to complete an electrical circuit, the ground connection is just as important as the positive power connection. Before any power connections are made, disconnect the ground cable of the battery. Use 4 gauge or larger automotive grade wire if the distance from the battery to the amp is excessive. Avoid sharp or rough edges as a safeguard against short-circuiting and potential fire hazards.

GND = Connect the proper gauge ground wire to the amplifier GND terminal. Locate the position on the chassis of the car where the amplifier will be grounded. Use solder or a crimped ring terminal to connect the ground wire. Pre-drill the prepped chassis to bolt the ground ring terminal using a nut, bolt, and lock washer to insulate the metal and the connector with paint or silicone to prevent rust and oxidation. Silicone also works great to prevent nuts and bolts from working loose in the harsh environments of an automobile. Upon completion of the ground connection, grab the wire end connector to confirm the connection is solid. To prevent engine noise, it is recommended to ground the head unit and other electronic audio devices in the same location.

REM = Connect the remote wire (power antenna output) from the head unit to the REM terminal. If the head unit is not equipped with a remote/antenna output, locate a wire that is controlled by the accessory position of the key. It is important to have the amplifier turn off with the radio or key. If the amplifier remains on, the battery will drain.

12V = Connect the proper gauge power wire to the B+ terminal. Trace the power wire through the car to the in-line fuse or circuit breaker that is no more than 18″ from the battery. Remember, the in-line fuse or circuit breaker protects the car in the event of a short circuit. Connect the in-line fuse or circuit breaker to the battery, but do not install the fuse or activate the circuit breaker yet.

SMD-2000.1D / SMD-3000.1D

SMD-5000.1D / SMD-8500.1D

SMD-200.4AB / SMD-300.4AB / SMD-500.4AB / SMD-2800.5

SPEAKER OUT CONNECTIONS

Single speaker wire connection

Dual speaker wire connection

4 Channels speaker connection

5 Channels speaker connection

LINK MODE CONNECTIONS

INPUT CONNECTION

• STEP 1. Connect the master amplifier to the head unit and set its “LINK MODE” switch to “MASTER”.
• STEP 2. Set the slave amplifier by moving the “LINK MODE” switch to “SLAVE” position.
• STEP 3. Connect RCA cable from the master to slave amplifier as shown in the diagram.

SPEAKER CONNECTION:

• STEP 1. Connect speaker cable ( + ) on master amplifier to subwoofer ( + ).
• STEP 2. Connect speaker cable ( + ) on slave amplifier to subwoofer ( – ).
• STEP 3. Connect speaker cable ( – ) on master amplifier to speaker cable ( – ) on slave amplifier.

Fully adjusted signal is transferred from master amp to slave amp via RCA cable.

Important: Minimum strappable working impedance is 2ohm. Lower than 1ohm can damage the amplifier. Working voltage : 9V to 16Volts.

SPECIFICATIONS

TROUBLESHOOTING

DIMENSIONS

WARRANTY

Please visit our website DS18.com for more information on our warranty policy. We reserve the right to change products and specifications at any time without notice. Images may or may not included optional equipment.
Warning: Cancer and Reproductive Harm. www.P65Warning.ca.gov
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT DS18.COM

Documents / Resources

DS18 SMD-200.4AB Smd Monoblock and Multi Channel Amplifiers [pdf] Owner's Manual SMD-200.4AB Smd Monoblock and Multi Channel Amplifiers, SMD-200.4AB, Smd Monoblock and Multi Channel Amplifiers, Multi Channel Amplifiers, Channel Amplifiers, Amplifiers

References

• User Manual