Product Overview
This document provides comprehensive owner's information for the ButtKicker BKA-130-C Power Amplifier. It details operation, safety instructions, specifications, warranty, and included accessories.
The ButtKicker BKA-130-C is a power amplifier designed to drive ButtKicker® transducers, enhancing low-frequency audio experiences.
Image Description: The ButtKicker BKA-130-C amplifier is a compact, black rectangular metal chassis unit. The front panel features a power button, power status indicator light, volume controls (labeled with '+' and '-'), signal indicator light, clip indicator light, low filter cutoff switch, and high cutoff frequency control with a push switch. A wired remote control can be connected to the front panel.
Important Safety Instructions
STOP! If you have questions or need technical support, please contact The Guitammer Company, not the store where you purchased the product.
- Read these instructions and keep them for future reference.
- Carefully follow instructions and take heed to all warnings.
- Do not use this apparatus near water.
- Clean amplifier housing only with a slightly damp cloth.
- Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
- Do not install near any heat source such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other electrical devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
- Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit easily into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet before attempting to power up the amplifier.
- Prevent the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the plug or at the point where it exits from the amplifier.
- Use only attachments and accessories specified by the manufacturer. When uncertain about specifications, please first consult the manufacturer's website and see the FAQs; if still uncertain please call the phone numbers listed in this manual for tech support.
- When this apparatus is placed on a cart, stand or table, make sure that it is sufficiently stable and can accommodate the weight of this unit. When placed on a cart with wheels, use extra caution so that it does not tip over when the cart is moving.
- Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when it is unused for an extended period of time. This device may be plugged into a surge protector or power strip, but should NOT be plugged into a UPS (uninterruptible power supply).
- DO NOT LEAVE THIS AMPLIFIER IN 'STAND BY MODE' WHEN NO ONE IS IN ATTENDANCE. For safety and to ensure long life, turn the amplifier power switch to the OFF position when unit is not being used.
- Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way. This would include damage to the power supply cord or plug, whenever liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, when the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, when it does not operate normally, or whenever it has been dropped.
- Where the MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK - DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
Symbol Descriptions:
[Lightning flash with arrowhead]: Warning: High voltage present inside. Risk of electric shock.
[Exclamation point]: Warning: Important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
[Earth symbol]: The apparatus shall be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
[Stand-by symbol]: Indicates a switch or switch position for standby mode.
[Alternating current symbol]: Indicates the equipment is suitable for alternating current only; to identify relevant terminals.
Remote Control
The wired remote control allows for convenient adjustment of the amplifier's intensity.
Image Description: The wired remote control features a black cable and a handheld unit with a prominent round "POWER" button. Below the power button are two smaller buttons for "Intensity" adjustment, labeled with a minus (-) and a plus (+) symbol.
Connection: Plug the Remote Control into the front of the BKA-130-C Power Amplifier where it says "Remote". Ensure the correct side up on the connector.
Operation:
- POWER BUTTON: The Power Button on the remote duplicates the Power Button on the front panel of the amplifier.
- INTENSITY: The Intensity Buttons duplicate the Volume Buttons on the front panel. Use these to step the transducer intensity up or down. Holding the button allows for multiple steps.
Amplifier Operation - Front Panel
Image Description: The front panel of the ButtKicker BKA-130-C Power Amplifier displays controls from left to right: "Remote" connection port, "Power" button, "Power Status Indicator" (Orange/Green LED), "Volume" control (labeled with '+' and '-'), "Clip" indicator (Red LED), "Signal" indicator (Green LED), "Low Filter Cutoff" push switch, and "High Cutoff Frequency" control with a push switch.
- POWER BUTTON: Engages and disengages amplifier circuits. Ensure all connections are verified and AC line power is available before engaging. If in Standby mode, the amplifier will activate with an input signal or by pressing the Power Button twice.
- POWER STATUS INDICATOR (Orange/Green LED):
- Orange: Amplifier is in Off mode or has reverted to Standby mode after 20 minutes of no input signal.
- Green: Amplifier circuits are energized and ready. The amplifier will revert to Standby mode after 20 minutes of no input signal.
- LOW FILTER CUTOFF PUSH SWITCH: When engaged ('in' position), reduces frequencies below 25Hz (-3dB) with a 12dB per octave rolloff.
- HIGH CUTOFF FREQUENCY CONTROL: Determines the frequency above which higher frequencies are rolled off, active when the High Cutoff Switch is pushed in.
- HIGH CUTOFF FILTER PUSH SWITCH: Engages the circuit to roll off higher frequencies (rolloff rate of 12dB per octave).
- CLIP INDICATOR LIGHT (Red LED): Illuminates when maximum output is approached.
- SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT (Green LED): Illuminates when a signal passes through the circuits to the amplifier's output terminal.
- VOLUME (-) (+): Adjusts transducer intensity. Short presses step the intensity, while holding the button allows for multiple steps. This is labeled 'Intensity' on the Remote Control.
- REMOTE CONTROL: Connect the wired remote control here, noting the correct connector orientation.
Amplifier Operation - Rear Panel
Image Description: The rear panel of the ButtKicker BKA-130-C Power Amplifier features various connection ports and labels. From left to right, it includes: "Line Level Input", "Speaker Level Output", "Output", "Power" switch, "Remote" connection, and the IEC power cord receptacle with an integrated fuse holder. Also visible are certification logos (Intertek, UL, CSA, RoHS) and warning labels.
- IEC TYPE POWER CORD RECEPTICAL: Connect the power cord here for operation.
- FUSE HOLDER (INTEGRATED INTO THE POWER RECEPTICAL): For 120v operation, the fuse is T4AL 250VAC. A spare fuse is included in the holder. Pull straight out after removing the power cord to access both the active and spare fuses.
- "HARD" POWER SWITCH: This switch disconnects all AC power from the amplifier's internal circuits. Set to the OFF position to prevent power consumption during extended periods of non-use.
- LINE IN/OUT: These are RCA/phono jacks. The Output connector is a duplicate of the In connector and can be used to 'daisy chain' multiple amplifiers. It is recommended to limit daisy-chained units to 4; for more, an audio distribution amplifier is advised.
- SPEAKER LEVEL OUTPUT BINDING POSTS: Used for attaching speaker wire to ButtKicker® Unit(s). Refer to the Amplifier Usage Guidelines on page 5 for compatible ButtKicker® models. Turn the amplifier OFF before connecting to the Speaker Output. 14 gauge wire or larger is recommended. Binding posts accept banana connectors or bare wire.
Amplifier Usage Guidelines
This amplifier is designed for use with the following ButtKicker® transducer models only:
- BK-GR: (quantity 1 max)
- BK-mini-LFE: (quantity 2 max)
- BK-mini-CT: (quantity 1 max)
- BK4-4: (quantity 2 max)
- BK4-2: (quantity 1 max)
Amplifier Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Dimensions | 9.5" L x 7.5" W x 2.76" H |
Weight | 5.6 lbs./2.5 kgs. |
Power Output | 90 watts rms @ 2 ohms (120v Only, also available in 240v) |
Frequency Response | 10-300Hz |
Input Sensitivity | 80 mVolt |
Included Accessories
- Wired Remote Control
- AC Power Cord
Image Description: The included accessories are a wired remote control with a black cable and a standard AC power cord.
Limited Warranty
Your ButtKicker Power Amplifier BKA-130-C is warranted against failure for 1 YEAR, unless otherwise stated. The Guitammer Company will service and supply all parts at no charge to the customer provided the unit is under warranty. Shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. THE GUITAMMER COMPANY DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICING OTHER THAN OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY.
The Guitammer Company assumes no responsibilities for ButtKicker® low frequency audio transducers or speakers damaged by this unit. This warranty does not cover, and no liability is assumed, for damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow instructions. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied. No representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for The Guitammer Company any liability in connection with the sale of servicing of products of The Guitammer Company. THE GUITAMMER COMPANY SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
When RETURNING merchandise to The Guitammer Company, you may call or email for a return authorization number. Describe in writing each problem. If your unit is out of warranty, you will be charged the current FLAT RATE for parts and labor to bring your unit up to factory specifications.
Contact Information
For support, FAQs, and more information on this and other ButtKicker® brand products and accessories, visit www.thebuttkicker.com.
The Guitammer Company
Phone: 1-888-676-2828 / 1-614-898-9370
Email: support@guitammer.com
Hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM EST