DB Drive NEO Series Amplifiers User Manual
Brand: DB Drive
Models: NEO4v2, NEO5v2, NEO1.5Kv2
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of a DB Drive state-of-the-art power amplifier. Your selection of a DB Drive car audio product indicates a true appreciation of fine musical reproduction. Whether adding to an existing system or including your DB Drive amplifier in a new system, you are certain to notice immediate performance benefits.
Keep Your Sales Receipt
Take this time to attach your sales receipt to the manual and put in a safe place. In case of any unforeseen reason this product may need warranty service, your receipt will be necessary to establish purchase date.
Recommendation
A power amplifier's performance is only as good as its installation. Proper installation will maximize the system's overall performance. It is recommended that you have our product installed by an authorized DB Drive retailer. However, if you decide to install it yourself, please carefully read through this manual and take your time to do a quality installation.
Due to continuing product improvements and possible manual revisions, we recommend checking our website for latest product information at www.dbdrive.net.
Important Note: Before making any connections, disconnect the car's battery until the installation is completed to avoid possible damage to the electrical system.
Warning: Exposure to high power sound systems can cause hearing loss or damage. Listening to your system at loud levels while driving will impair your ability to hear traffic sounds and emergency vehicles. Use common sense when listening to your system.
Safety Precautions
Fuse Amplifiers Power Wire at the Battery
Be sure to fuse the power wire within 12" of the car's battery. This will protect the car's battery in case of a short circuit between the power amplifier and battery. This is a must; the amplifier's built-in fuse will only protect the power amplifier, not the car's battery!
Use High Grade Wire Connectors
To ensure maximum power transfer and secure safe connections, it is recommended to use high grade barrier spades (for connection at amplifier) and terminal rings (for connection at battery).
Do Not Run Any Wires Underneath Vehicle
Exposed wires have a chance of being cut or damaged. It is best to run all wires through the vehicle under the carpet and/or side panels. This lends to a cleaner installation and less risk of damage.
Use Caution When Mounting Amplifier
Remember there are many electrical wires, gas lines, vacuum lines, brake lines as well as a gas tank in the automobile. Make sure you know where they are when mounting the amplifier to avoid puncturing lines, shorting wires or drilling holes in the gas tank.
Run Signal Wires Away From Electrical Wires
To avoid possibility of induced noise from the car's electrical system (i.e. popping noises or engine noise), run wires away from the car's electrical wiring.
Make All Ground Wires As Short As Possible and at the Same Point
In order to reduce the chance of ground loops (i.e. engine noise), make the grounding wire as short as possible to reduce the wire's resistance. Also, when using multiple components, make sure all units are grounded at the same point.
Avoid Sharp Edges When Running the Wires
To avoid the possibility of power, signal or speaker shorts, be careful not to allow the amplifier's wires to come in contact with sharp edges. Use a grommet to protect the wire when running through the fire wall.
Features and Benefits
DC Offset Protection
This circuit protects the output of the amplifier against DC voltage. If for some reason DC voltage is detected at the output stage, the amplifier will shut down protecting the speakers from direct current.
Short Circuit Protection
The circuit protects the amplifier from damage due to a short found in the speakers or wiring. If one of the speakers or its wiring comes in contact with ground, the amplifier will shut down. To resume normal operation, correct the problem and turn the head unit off, then back on. The amplifier will reset and play again.
Thermal Protection
To protect the amplifier circuitry against damage caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, a thermal protection circuit is activated if the amplifier reaches excessively high operating temperature. Once the thermal circuit is activated, the amplifier will shut down to cool off. The amplifier will automatically turn back on once it cools down to a safe operating temperature.
Power Indicator
The diagnostic L.E.D. illuminates when the amplifier is on and receiving power.
Power Fusing
This protects the amplifier against short circuits and excessive current.
- NEO4v2: 60 Amp
- NEO5v2: 70 Amp
- NEO1.5Kv2: 80 Amp
Remote Turn-on
Automatically turns amplifier on when connected to the head unit's remote output. The amplifier will turn on and off with the head unit to save current consumption. This control also operates the reset circuit for the amplifier's protection. It must be connected with the head unit in order to reset protection circuits.
Adjustable Input Sensitivity
Allows you to fine-tune the level matching between your source and the power amplifier.
Low Impedance Stability
- NEO4v2: 2 Ohm Stereo
- NEO5v2: 2 Ohm Stereo
- NEO1.5Kv2: 1 Ohm Mono
Built-in Crossover
The NEO amplifiers include a built-in variable crossovers. The crossover features a variable frequency selection for precise low pass filtering for the NEO1.5Kv2. The NEO4v2 and NEO5v2 also feature the same frequency selection with the option or high pass or low pass filtering.
Power and Speaker Distribution Blocks
Heavy gauge bare wire distribution blocks are provided for maximum power and signal transfer with minimal resistance.
Bass Boost (NEO1.5Kv2, NEO5v2)
For added low frequency performance the amplifiers are equipped with a variable 0~12 dB bass boost @ 45Hz.
Installation Guide
Mounting Location
Before you start the installation, it will be necessary to find a mounting location for the amplifier. Find a location in which the amplifier will receive adequate ventilation in order to dissipate the heat it develops during operation. Two popular mounting locations are in the trunk or under the seat.
Select the location in which you wish to mount the amplifier. Use caution when mounting amplifier, there are many wires, gas lines, vacuum lines, brake lines as well as a gas tank in the automobile. Make sure you know where they are when mounting the amplifier to avoid puncturing lines, shorting wires or drilling holes in the gas tank. Once you are ready, use a pencil to mark the mounting holes in the bottom panel. After you have marked the locations of the holes move amplifier out of the way and drill small starter holes to make the tapping screws easier to install. Use provided screws to tighten down the amplifier.
Power Connections
Description of the power connection diagram: The diagram shows connections for Ground, Remote, +12V, Fuse, and Speaker Output. Important: Before making any connections, disconnect the car's battery until the installation is completed to avoid possible damage to the electrical system.
Connect the amplifier to the car's battery: At times, the amplifier will need to draw large levels of current that cannot be provided by any circuit in the car's fuse box. We recommend using a 4 to 8 gauge power wire for your connections depending on the amplifier and length of the wire. Strip one end of the wire to connect to the terminal on the amplifier marked "batt+". Loosen screw terminal and connect bare wire and tighten. Use caution to make sure no stray wire strands come in contact with surrounding terminals causing short circuits. Run the wire directly to the positive terminal of the car's battery. Make sure to use an in-line fuse within 12" of the car's battery to protect the electrical system and amplifier against short circuits and/or power surges.
Connect the ground terminal of the amplifier to the car's chassis: For the ground connection, use a 4 to 8 gauge wire (black) to connect to the terminal marked "ground" and then connect it to the car's chassis. Try to keep the length of the cable as short as possible, preferably less than 6". Also make sure that the point on the car where the connection is to be made is free of paint and dirt.
Connect the remote terminal of the amplifier to a switchable +12V source: This connection allows the amplifier to be turned on and off with the power control of the radio. If the radio has a REMOTE output terminal, connect it to the amplifier's terminal marked "remote" (using a 16 gauge wire or heavier). Now when the radio is turned on, the amplifier will automatically turn on. This connection can also be made to the radio's Power Antenna wire.
Signal Connections
Description of signal connection diagram: Connect the RCA output of the head unit (AM/FM cassette player, CD, or DAT) to the RCA input terminals of the amplifier. To make these connections, we recommend high quality RCA cables, which are available at your local car audio retailer. Run signal wires away from electrical wires to avoid possibility of induced noise from the car's electrical system (i.e. popping noises or engine noise). Diagrams show connections for a 4 Channel Amplifier using 2 pair of RCA inputs and a Mono Signal Connection.
Speaker Connections
Description of speaker connection diagram: The following speaker connections are for the amplifier in normal mono configuration. Make the speaker connections using speaker wire that is at least 16 gauge or heavier. As with any audio component, proper phasing of the amplifier and speakers is essential for strong bass response. When connecting, make sure that positive (+) from the amplifier is connected to the positive (+) of the speaker, and the same for negative (-). Diagrams illustrate connections for NEO4v2, NEO5v2, and NEO1.5Kv2 models.
Troubleshooting the System
We have put together this trouble-shooting guide if you experience problems after installing the amplifier. Please keep in mind that the majority of problems incurred are caused by improper installation and not the equipment itself. In addition, there are many components in the system that could cause various signal problems such as inducted electrical noise and engine noise.
Before you can properly address the problem, you must first find the component that is causing the problem. This will take patience and a process of elimination.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No Output | Blown fuse | Replace fuse |
| Bad RCA Cable(s) | Replace cable | |
| +12V at power terminal | Check connection | |
| +12V at remote terminal | Check connection | |
| Grounding point clean and tight | Check connection | |
| Head Unit's fader not in center position | Set to center position | |
| Master & Slave settings | Confirm correct setting | |
| Low Output | Check level adjustments | Re-adjust |
| Bad RCA cable(s) | Replace cable | |
| Improper level matching | Confirm correct setting | |
| Master & Slave settings | Confirm correct setting | |
| Engine Noise | Grounding points are clean and tight | Check for ground w/meter |
| Ground all components at same point | Ground at same point | |
| Try different grounding point | Change for better ground | |
| Bad RCA cable(s) | Replace cable | |
| Use High Quality shielded RCA cables | Rejects inducted noise | |
| Low Vehicle charging system and/or battery | Fix and/or replace | |
| Red Protection L.E.D. illuminated | Speaker short | Check speakers connection for short circuit |
| Speaker grounding out | Make sure speaker wires do not touch chassis ground | |
| Impedance too low | Check speaker impedance | |
| Overheating | Check mounting location for adequate air circulation, check speaker impedance too low |
Specifications
| Parameter | NEO4v2 | NEO5v2 | NEO1.5Kv2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | 4 Channel Class D Full Range Amplifier | 5 Channel Class D Full Range Amplifier | Mono Class D Amplifier |
| Load | 4 Ohm: 4 x 125W 2 Ohm: 4 x 250W 4 Ohm Bridged: 2 x 500W |
4 Ohm: 4 x 125W 2 Ohm: 4 x 250W 4 Ohm Bridged: 2 x 250W 2 Ohm 5th CH Bridged: 1 x 500W |
1 Ohm: 1 x 750W 2 Ohm: 1 x 350W |
| Voltage | 14.4 Volts | 14.4 Volts | 14.4 Volts |
| THD (1kHz @ 4Ω) | 0.04% | 0.04% | 0.04% |
| Bandwidth (-3 dB) | 18Hz-22KHz | 18Hz-22KHz | 18Hz- 22KHz |
| Damping Factor (1k Hz @ 4Ω) | 100 | 100 | 100 |
| S/N ratio (as weighted @ 1 Volt) | 99db | 99db | 99db |
| Input Sensitivity | 0.20mV - 5.0V RMS | 0.20mV - 9.0V RMS | 0.20mV - 5.0V RMS |
| Minimum Load Impedance | 2Ω | 2Ω | 2Ω |
| Input | Pre in RCA | Pre in RCA | Pre in RCA |
| Filter Range (Ch 1-2) | 55Hz - 750Hz | High Pass: 40Hz-300Hz | Low Pass: 30Hz~150Hz |
| Filter Range (Ch 3-4) | 55Hz - 750Hz | High Pass: 40Hz-300Hz | Sub Sonic: 15Hz~55Hz |
| Filter Range (Ch 5) | N/A | Low Pass: 40Hz-400Hz | N/A |
| Filter Slopes | N/A | HPF/LPF: N/A | LPF: 12dB, Sub Sonic: 12dB |
| Bass Boost @45 Hz | 0~12dB | 0~12dB | 0~12dB |
Limited Warranty
DB DRIVE warrants any products purchased in the U.S.A. from an authorized DB DRIVE dealer. All products are warranted to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of (1) year when the unit installed by an authorized DB DRIVE dealer. Non-authorized dealer installed products carry a (1) year parts and labor limited warranty. This warranty applies to the original purchase only.
DB DRIVE will either repair or replace (as its option) any unit that has been found to be defective and under warranty provided the defect occurs within: One (1) year if purchased through an authorized DB DRIVE dealer.
This limited warranty does not extend to units that have been subjected to misuse, abuse, neglect, or accident. Products that in DB DRIVE's judgment shows evidence of having been altered, modified, or serviced without DB DRIVE's authorization, will be ineligible under this warranty.
To obtain warranty service please contact your retailer or see our website www.dbdrive.net for more details.
All warranty claims must be handled directly through the authorized DB Research dealer they were originally purchased from.
DB Research L.L.P.
302 Hanmore Industrial Parkway // Harlingen, TX 78550
ph: 877.787.0101 // fx: 956.421.4513 // www.dbdrive.net
