KICKER Impulse x3i Three-Way Active Electronic Crossover
This document provides information on the KICKER Impulse x3i Three-Way Active Electronic Crossover, including its features, installation, adjustments, and troubleshooting.
International Warranty
Contact your international Stillwater Designs dealer or distributor for specific procedures regarding your country's warranty policies.
WARNING
KICKER components are capable of producing sound levels that can permanently damage your hearing. Turning up a system to a level that has audible distortion is more damaging to your ears than listening to an undistorted system at the same volume level. The threshold of pain is always an indicator that the sound level is too loud and may permanently damage your hearing. Please use common sense when controlling volume!
Product Overview
When used to build a bi-amp system with front/rear fader capability or a full three-way tri-amp system, the KICKER Impulse x3i three-way active electronic crossover allows you to choose from a wide range of crossover points between the high frequency and subwoofer. Please read through this manual completely before beginning the installation. If you are not comfortable with the instructions, allow your authorized KICKER dealer to perform the installation.
Features and Controls
- Accepts one or two sets of RCA cables as input.
- Front and rear high frequency jacks are high-passed at 18dB/octave with infinitely variable frequencies from 35 to 8000 Hz.
- Low frequency output jacks are low-passed at 18 dB/octave in a range of 45 to 250 Hz for use with low frequency amplifiers.
- A selectable subsonic filter is available at 25 Hz with a slope of 24dB/octave to increase power handling and help control subwoofer excursion.
- Dash-mounted subwoofer level control for convenient bass adjustment.
Wiring Instructions
The preferred method for input signal is using one or two sets of RCA cables from a quality tape or CD player.
- If only one pair of RCA cables is used, the 'Parallel' switch must be turned ON.
- If two RCA cables are used, the 'Parallel' switch must be turned OFF.
Power for the Impulse x3i should always come from a fused source. For aftermarket head units, tap into the radio's constant power lead for main power and connect to the remote output for turn-on. If the head unit lacks a remote turn-on lead, the Impulse x3i can be turned on with a switched accessory lead found in the factory harness.
To reduce the chance of noise, run RCA cables separately from any power wires.
Mounting the IMPULSE x3i Electronic Crossover
The Impulse x3i can be mounted in any convenient location that allows access to controls and protection from moisture. The chassis flanges have mounting holes that can serve as a template for screw holes.
System Diagrams
Four Channel Bi-Amp System
x3i Crossover Settings:
- FRONT High Pass Crossover: 80-300Hz
- Frequency Multiplier: x1
- REAR High Pass Crossover: 80-300Hz
- Subwoofer Crossover Frequency: 45-250Hz
- Parallel Switch: Off
Note: Use of the Remote Subwoofer Level Control overrides the Sublevel Control on the x3i Chassis.
Two Channel Tri-Amp System
x3i Crossover Settings:
- FRONT High Pass Crossover: 175-225Hz
- Frequency Multiplier: x20 (175x20=3500Hz, 225x20=4500Hz)
- REAR High Pass Crossover: 80-300Hz
- Parallel Switch: On
Adjustments and Controls
Bi-Amp System
- After wiring, turn High and Low pass Output Level controls to the 9 o'clock position. Unplug the Remote Level Control cable. Turn amplifier gain controls down.
- Set Hi-pass frequency controls correctly. Midranges typically operate down to 80-100 Hz (6.5"), 100-150 Hz (5.25"/4"), or 300 Hz (3.5"). Kicker tweeters are designed for 3500 or 4500 Hz crossover points.
- Turn on the head unit and raise volume until distortion, then slightly reduce volume. This is the head unit's maximum undistorted output.
- If needed, raise the x3i Output Level controls to the 12 o'clock position and repeat step 3.
- With amplifier gains at minimum, raise the Front High Pass Output Level control until distortion is heard, then immediately turn it down slightly. This is the maximum setting. Repeat for the Rear High Pass Output Level control.
- Set amplifier gains based on amplifier size and speaker power handling. Higher High Pass frequencies allow more power handling for mid/high speakers. If speakers pop or sound bad, too much power or too low a High Pass frequency may be the cause.
- Set the Low Pass frequency control and low frequency amplifier gain. Normally, Low Pass frequency matches High Pass frequency. Adjust if midrange size limits low-frequency response or if subwoofer sounds bad.
- With the Low Pass frequency set, turn the Low Pass Output Level control fully up.
- If applicable, turn up the Subwoofer Boost Control cautiously, as high boost at low frequencies can decrease subwoofer power handling.
- Turn up the subwoofer amplifier gain until maximum clear level is reached or bass matches mid/high speakers. This is subjective.
- Plug the Remote Level Control cable back into the x3i.
Tri-Amp System
- After wiring, turn High and Low pass Output Level controls to the 9 o'clock position. Unplug the Remote Level Control cable. Turn amplifier gain controls down.
- Set Hi-pass frequency controls correctly. Midranges typically operate down to 80-100 Hz (6.5"), 100-150 Hz (5.25"/4"), or 300 Hz (3.5"). Kicker tweeters are designed for 3500 or 4500 Hz crossover points.
- Turn on the head unit and raise volume until distortion, then slightly reduce volume. This is the head unit's maximum undistorted output.
- If needed, raise the x3i Output Level controls to the 12 o'clock position and repeat step 3.
- With amplifier gains at minimum, raise the Front High Pass Output Level control until distortion is heard, then immediately turn it down slightly. This is the maximum setting. Repeat for the Rear High Pass Output Level control.
- Set amplifier gains based on amplifier size and speaker power handling. Higher High Pass frequencies allow more power handling for mid/high speakers. If speakers pop or sound bad, too much power or too low a High Pass frequency may be the cause.
- Set the Low Pass frequency control and low frequency amplifier gain. Normally, Low Pass frequency matches High Pass frequency. Adjust if midrange size limits low-frequency response or if subwoofer sounds bad.
- With the Low Pass frequency set, turn the Low Pass Output Level control fully up.
- If applicable, turn up the Subwoofer Boost Control cautiously, as high boost at low frequencies can decrease subwoofer power handling.
- Turn up the subwoofer amplifier gain until maximum clear level is reached or bass matches mid/high speakers. This is subjective.
- Plug the Remote Level Control cable back into the x3i.
Troubleshooting
Music is not loud enough with head unit turned up:
- Output Level controls set incorrectly.
- Gain controls on amplifiers set incorrectly.
- Refer to the Adjustments and Controls section.
Music gets loud and distorted with head unit turned up part way:
- Output Level controls set incorrectly.
- Gain controls on amplifiers set incorrectly.
- Refer to the Adjustments and Controls section.
Midrange speakers pop with loud passages:
- High Pass frequency control set too low.
- Too much power available at high frequency amplifier. Reduce gain setting on high frequency amplifier.
- Refer to the Adjustments and Controls section.
One channel doesn't operate:
- Swap left and right connections at head unit: If problem trades sides, head unit is defective. If problem stays on the same side, proceed.
- Swap left and right connections at the x3i input: If problem trades sides, wiring between head unit and x3i is defective. If problem stays on the same side, proceed.
- Swap left and right High Pass RCAs at x3i output: If problem trades sides, x3i is defective. If problem stays on the same side, proceed.
- Swap left and right High Pass RCAs at amplifier input: If problem trades sides, RCA cable is defective. If problem stays on the same side, proceed.
- Swap left and right speaker connections at high pass amplifier output: If problem trades sides, amplifier is defective. If problem stays on the same side, speaker or speaker wiring is defective.
Green power indicator LED not on, no sound:
- Check CONSTANT and REMOTE (Switched) wiring connections.
- Check GROUND wiring for good connections.
Electronic Crossover Limited Warranty
Stillwater Designs warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of three (3) years from the original purchase date when installed by an Authorized KICKER Dealer, or one (1) year from the original purchase date if not installed by an Authorized KICKER Dealer. Products labeled "B Stock" are warranted for one (1) year from the date of purchase, regardless of installation location.
Should service be necessary due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period, Stillwater Designs will replace or repair the defective merchandise at no charge, at their discretion.
This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not transferable. Some states may have different warranty rights.
What To Do If You Need Warranty or Service:
Defective merchandise must be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater Designs (Kicker/Impulse) Dealer for warranty service. Assistance in locating a dealer can be obtained by writing or calling Stillwater Designs directly. To confirm a dealer's authorization, ask to see their current authorized dealer window decal.
If you must send defective merchandise, package all defective items in the original container or a package that will prevent shipping damage and return to: Stillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74075. Return only defective components; non-defective items received will be returned freight collect.
Include a dated proof-of-purchase from an Authorized Dealer. Warranty expiration without proof-of-purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated if this date is more than one (1) year prior to the item's submission date.
Freight must be prepaid; items received freight collect will be refused. Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. For questions, contact the Warranty Department at (405)624-8510.
What Is Not Covered?
- Products purchased from an unauthorized dealer.
- Damage due to improper installation.
- Damage caused by exposure to water, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation.
- Damage through negligence, misuse, accident, or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be considered abuse.
- Freight damage.
- The cost of shipping product to Stillwater Designs Service.
- Items previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility.
- Items returned from unauthorized individuals or dealers.
- Return shipping on non-defective items.
- Products with tampered or missing barcode labels.
How Long Will It Take?
Stillwater Designs aims for 24-hour service for all returns. Delays may occur if replacement inventory or parts are unavailable.
