AXTON ATB120QBA 8"/20 CM ACTIVE SUBWOOFER

Welcome and Overview

Dear Customer,

Thank you for purchasing the AXTON ATB120QBA. This active subwoofer system utilizes high-quality parts. Professional installation is highly recommended. If you choose to install it yourself, please read this guide carefully before proceeding. Retain this manual, the packaging, and your purchase receipt for future reference. For additional information, contact your AXTON dealer.

Unpacking the System

Carefully unpack the giftbox and check the contents for damage and completeness. The set includes:

• ATB120QBA active subwoofer
• Connector
• Owner's manual

Please contact your authorized AXTON dealer if the set is incomplete or shows signs of transport damage.

Specifications

• 8" / 20 cm active subwoofer
• Frequency response: 60 - 200 Hz
• 100 W RMS x 1 @ 4 ohms (< 1.0 % THD / 14.4V)
• Variable lowpass filter: 50 - 150Hz / 12 dB/oct.
• Bass-Boost: 0 dB - 12 dB
• RCA, adjustable input sensitivity: 150 mV – 5 V
• High-Level, adjustable input sensitivity: 1.0 V – 16 V
• Signal to noise ratio: > 90 dB
• Dimensions H x W x D: 185 x 365 x 265 mm
• Net Weight: 7.3 kg

Dimensions

A diagram illustrates the physical dimensions of the AXTON ATB120QBA active subwoofer. The overall dimensions are shown as 185 mm (Height) x 365 mm (Width) x 265 mm (Depth). A front view of the unit reveals its control panel, featuring various adjustment knobs and input connectors.

Safety Instructions

⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION ⚠️

1. This unit is designed for use in a vehicle with a 12V battery and negative ground.
2. Before any wiring, always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent short-circuiting. This is the last connection to be made (or remade).
3. Do not disassemble or alter the unit; this will void your warranty. Do not attempt to repair it yourself; contact an authorized AXTON dealer.
4. Use only original accessories designed for the unit. Improper installation or use can cause damage. Heavy objects can pose a risk to occupants in an accident.
5. Protect the unit from water and other liquids to prevent short circuits or fire.
6. Before replacing a fuse, identify the cause of the short circuit. If it's not a power supply or wiring fault, replace the fuse with one of identical value. If the short circuit persists, contact an AXTON dealer.
7. Be careful not to drain the car battery when the engine is off. The unit consumes significant energy, and the battery only charges when the engine is running.
8. If the car is parked in direct sunlight, allow the unit to cool down before operation due to high interior temperatures.
9. The amplifier module has a protection circuit that activates in case of short-circuit, overload, DC offset, or overheating. The PROTECT LED will illuminate (Red). Once the cause is removed, the amplifier will resume normal operation (Green LED ON, Red LED OFF).
10. Do not use the unit with a weak or old battery, as optimal performance requires a stable voltage supply.
11. Pay attention to the music playback volume. You must be able to hear exterior sounds like police sirens. Failure to do so may result in penalties or loss of insurance cover.
12. Operate the unit only as described in this manual. Failure to follow instructions may void your warranty.

Installation and Connections

Mounting Considerations

• Install a main fuse holder with an appropriate fuse within 30 cm of the positive battery terminal.
• Mount the unit in a protected, well-ventilated location, as the amplifier module generates heat.
• Keep wire connections as short as possible to minimize power loss and ensure optimal audio output.
• Route cables through existing channels and avoid sharp metal edges. Use rubber grommets if necessary to prevent cable damage.
• Keep all cables, especially power and signal cables, away from ignition cables and other electronic modules to prevent interference.
• Keep the power cable as short as possible. It should have a minimum cross-section of 10mm² (8 Gauge AWG). Smaller cross-sections can reduce output power, cause distortion, and trigger the overheat protection.

Wiring and Interference

All advice in this section assumes familiarity with car audio systems. Interference can be caused by power cables, RCA cables, and remote cables. Common sources include the alternator (buzzing) and ignition (crackling). Correct wire routing is crucial.

• Use only double or triple-shielded RCA interconnects between the head unit's line-outs and the amplifier's RCA inputs.
• Lay signal and power cables separately, with ample distance between them and other vehicle wiring harnesses. The remote cable can be run with signal cables.
• Avoid ground loops by connecting all component grounds to a single central point in a star-like configuration.
• To find the best central ground point: Measure the voltage directly at the battery. Compare this to the voltage at a potential ground point relative to the amplifier's (+) terminal. A difference of less than 0.1 V indicates a suitable ground point. Ensure the ground point is clean and free of rust. Perform measurements with the ignition on and other electronics active (e.g., rear window heating).
• If noise is picked up from external electrical sources, try routing the RCA interconnects on a different path.

Ground Connection

A proper ground connection is critical for amplifier operation. Use a wire of the same gauge as the power cable. Connect it from the amplifier's GND terminal to a suitable metal part of the vehicle chassis near the mounting location. Ensure this wire is as short as possible and that the connection point is clean and free of paint or rust.

Connection Types

RCA with Remote Turn-On Connection

When using RCA input, the amplifier turns on by applying +12V to the 'REM IN' terminal. Connect this to the 'Amp Remote' output of your car stereo, which provides +12V only when the stereo is turned on.

High-Level Input with Auto-Turn-On

For High-Level Input mode, connect the provided RCA adapter to the RCA connector. Connect the blue/white cables (3 and 4) to activate the Auto-Turn-On function (via DC-Offset signal from the radio).

Connection Diagram

Visual representation of the main connector pins and their corresponding RCA adapter color codes (White L/8/7, Red R/6/5).

Wiring Diagram

A wiring diagram illustrates the typical installation of the AXTON ATB120QBA active subwoofer within a vehicle's audio system. It shows connections from the Head Unit (with REM ON/OFF signal), Car Battery (12 VDC) via a Main Fuse, to the subwoofer unit. The diagram details the placement of the fuse, ground connection, and the routing of remote, power, and signal cables.

Adjustments and Settings

Power-On Check

Turn on your head unit with the volume low. The POWER status LED on the ATB120QBA should illuminate. If not, turn off the head unit and re-check all wiring for missing or faulty connections.

Protection Indicator

This active subwoofer features an overload protection circuit that activates during internal short circuits or overheating. The PROTECT LED (Red) will illuminate. Allow the unit to cool down before attempting to restart it after thermal protection has been activated. Ensure the cause of any protection activation is resolved.

Lowpass Crossover Frequency Adjustment

The 'LOW PASS' setting determines the cut-off frequency. Ideal settings typically range from 70 to 90 Hz, depending on the vehicle and mounting location. Start with the LPF knob set to approximately 80 Hz for initial gain and phase-shift adjustments, then fine-tune for optimal sound quality. Setting the frequency too low can result in weak, muddy bass, while setting it too high can cause booming bass and reduced low-end extension.

Input Gain Adjustment

The GAIN control matches the subwoofer's input sensitivity to your car's audio system. Turn on the head unit and set the volume to a moderate level. Slowly increase the GAIN potentiometer clockwise on the ATB120QBA until a balanced bass response is achieved.

Bass Boost Adjustment

The 'Bass Boost' control should be adjusted by ear. At '0 dB', bass boost is deactivated. At '12 dB', frequencies around 45 Hz are boosted, enhancing low-end extension in smaller cars. Note that engaging Bass Boost can reduce maximum headroom, as it amplifies very low frequencies, potentially reaching the limits of the woofer and amplifier sooner.

Warranty Information

Warranty Conditions and Limitations

This limited warranty applies to AXTON products purchased from authorized dealers within the European Economic Area or Switzerland by end customers for personal use. The warranty is valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and covers defects in material and workmanship. It does not cover normal wear and tear, superficial damage, misuse, unauthorized repairs, modifications, damage from liquids, accidents, or use outside specifications. AXTON is not liable for indirect losses or damages. To exercise warranty rights, contact the authorized dealer where the product was purchased with the original receipt. AXTON or its authorized service partner will repair or replace defective products. Warranty service costs (material and labor) are covered by AXTON, but shipping costs and risks are borne by the warranty holder. A flat-rate investigation fee may apply if no warranty entitlement exists. This warranty does not affect your statutory or contractual rights.

Warranty Card

Please fill out the following details for your records:

• 20 cm / 8" Active Subwoofer
• Model number: ATB120QBA
• Date of purchase: _________________________
• Your name: _________________________
• Your address: _________________________
• City: _________________________
• State: _________________________
• ZIP or Postal Code: _________________________
• Country: _________________________
• Your Dealer: _________________________

Notices

Made in China

EU Legal Representative: ACR S & V GmbH, Industriestr. 35, D-79787 Lauchringen, Germany

Manufacturer: ACR, Braendli + Voegeli AG, Bohrturmweg 1, CH-5330 Bad Zurzach, Switzerland