BOSS AUDIO SYSTEMS R1100M USER MANUAL

Table of Contents

• Troubleshooting
• Power & Speaker Wiring
• Features
• Low Level Input Wiring
• High Level Input Wiring

Introduction

The BOSS RIOT MOSFET amplifier series introduces thirteen new amplifiers, all designed in the USA. This series includes three monoblock amps, six 2-channel, and four 4-channel amplifiers. All RIOT models feature variable low pass and high pass crossovers and variable input gain controls. They also incorporate an input voltage sensitivity selector for added system flexibility. For further flexibility in the use of a subwoofer, a 0-+18dB Bass Boost control is included on all amplifiers. You can control the subwoofer level with the remote level control module. BOSS understands that amplifiers are placed in many different kinds of installations, so a flexible system of controls is incorporated to help integrate the amp into your system regardless of the nature of your input source.

What is included?

When unpacking your new amplifier, check that the package contains all the items below. If something is missing, contact the store where you purchased the amplifier.

• RIOT Amplifier
• Remote subwoofer level control
• High input cable with connector
• Four (4) mounting screws

Troubleshooting

If you experience operation or performance problems, compare your installation with the electrical wiring diagram. If problems persist, read the following troubleshooting tips:

Features

Your new RIOT amplifier features:

• Class A-B operation
• Bridgeable outputs (except R1100M, 1600M and R2000M)
• Tri-Mode capable (except R1100M, 1600M and R2000M)
• MOSFET PWM (Pulse Width Modulated) Power Supply
• 2 Ohm stable stereo operation with output power increase
• Thermal and speaker short protection
• Soft turn-on circuit
• Remote turn-on/turn-off circuit
• Variable input gain control
• Variable low pass crossover(s)
• Fixed high pass crossover(s)
• Variable 0 to +18dB Bass Boost
• Nickel-plated RCA low level and high level inputs
• LED power and protection indicators
• Black anodized heatsink
• Remote subwoofer level control

About 2 Ohm operation

Your RIOT amplifier is designed to operate efficiently at loads down to 2 Ohms. This means you can install four 8 Ohm speakers per channel, when using parallel wiring. Doubling the number of woofers produces an acoustic coupling effect, increasing output by about 3dB for each doubling of the number of woofers. When operating at 2 Ohms, the amplifiers will increase their output power by approximately 50%. The current draw will also increase by about the same amount, so ensure you have enough current to run the amplifiers into a 2 Ohm load. If you lack adequate current, your music reproduction will be distorted.

Installation precautions

Before drilling or cutting holes, investigate your car's layout carefully. Take special care when working near the gas tank, fuel lines, hydraulic lines, and electrical wiring. Never operate the amplifier when it is unmounted. Attach all audio system components securely to prevent damage, especially in an accident.

Before making or breaking power connections, disconnect the vehicle battery. Confirm that your head unit or other equipment is turned off while connecting input jacks and speaker terminals.

If you need to replace the power fuse, use only a fuse identical to the one supplied with the amplifier. Using a fuse of a different type or rating may result in damage not covered by warranty.

Mounting the amplifier

1. Find a suitable location in the vehicle to mount the amplifier.
2. Ensure sufficient air circulation around the intended mounting location.
3. Mark the location for mounting hole screws by positioning the amplifier where you wish to install it. Use a scribe or mounting screw through each mounting hole to mark the mounting surface. If the surface is carpeted, measure the hole centers and mark with a felt tip pen.
4. Drill pilot holes for the mounting screws. Place the amplifier in position and attach securely using screws.

SHOCK HAZARD! Do not open the case of this product. There are dangerous voltages present within the unit. There are no user-serviceable parts within the unit.

Power and Speaker Wiring - 2-Channel Amplifiers

Two Channel Mode: Connect speakers to the Left and Right speaker outputs. Ensure the speaker impedance is between 2-8 OHMS.

Bridged Mode: Connect the subwoofer to the bridged output terminals. Ensure the speaker impedance is between 4-8 OHMS.

Wiring Diagram Description: The diagram shows the rear panel of a 2-channel BOSS amplifier. Connections include POWER CONNECTIONS (BATT+, REMOTE, GROUND), SPEAKER CONNECTIONS (LEFT SPEAKER, RIGHT SPEAKER), and a REMOTE SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL port. A FUSE is visible. The diagram indicates speaker impedance of 2-8 OHMS for standard stereo and 4-8 OHMS for bridged mode.

Power and Speaker Wiring - 4-Channel Amplifiers

Four Channel Mode: Connect speakers to CH1, CH2, CH3, and CH4 speaker outputs. Ensure speaker impedance is between 2-8 OHMS.

Bridged Mode: Connect subwoofers to the bridged output terminals (CH1/CH2 BRIDGED, CH3/CH4 BRIDGED). Ensure speaker impedance is between 4-8 OHMS.

Tri-Mode: Allows connection of main speakers and a subwoofer. Main speakers operate in STEREO, subwoofer in MONO. Requires specific inductor and capacitor values for crossover frequencies (e.g., 7.5mH inductor and 470uF capacitor for 80 Hz crossover).

Wiring Diagram Description: The diagram shows the rear panel of a 4-channel BOSS amplifier. Connections include POWER CONNECTIONS (BATT+, REMOTE, GROUND), SPEAKER CONNECTIONS (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4), and ports for BRIDGED connections. FUSES are visible. The diagram indicates speaker impedance of 2-8 OHMS for standard stereo and 4-8 OHMS for bridged mode. It also illustrates the Tri-Mode setup with a subwoofer connected to CH1/CH2 and speakers to CH3/CH4, or vice-versa, with crossover components.

Power and Speaker Wiring - MonoBlock Amplifiers

MonoBlock Mode: Connect the subwoofer to the speaker output terminals. Ensure the speaker impedance is between 2-8 OHMS.

Wiring Diagram Description: The diagram shows the rear panel of a BOSS Monoblock amplifier (R1100M, R1600M, R2000M). Connections include POWER CONNECTIONS (BATT+, REMOTE, GROUND), SPEAKER CONNECTIONS, and a REMOTE SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL port. FUSES are visible. The diagram indicates speaker impedance of 2-8 OHMS.

Low Level Input Wiring

Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for best audio performance. Always use a high-quality RCA cable. Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your receiver to your amplifier at the same time.

2-Channel Amplifiers: Connect the RCA outputs from the head unit or signal processor to the LOW LEVEL INPUTS on the amplifier.

4-Channel Amplifiers: Connect the RCA outputs from the head unit or signal processor to the CH1/CH2 and CH3/CH4 LOW LEVEL INPUTS on the amplifier.

MonoBlock Amplifiers: Connect the RCA outputs from the head unit or signal processor to the LOW LEVEL INPUTS on the amplifier.

Wiring Diagram Description: Diagrams show RCA cables connecting from the head unit/signal processor to the LOW LEVEL INPUTS on the respective amplifier types (2-Channel, 4-Channel, MonoBlock).

High Level Input Wiring

High level inputs should only be used when your head unit lacks RCA outputs. Connect the speaker outputs from the receiver to the high level input connector of the amplifier. Observe polarity to avoid audio phase problems. Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your receiver to your amplifier at the same time.

2-Channel Amplifiers: Connect the speaker outputs from the head unit to the speaker terminals on the amplifier.

4-Channel Amplifiers: Connect the speaker outputs from the head unit to the speaker terminals on the amplifier.

MonoBlock Amplifiers: Connect the speaker outputs from the head unit to the speaker terminals on the amplifier.

Wiring Diagram Description: Diagrams show speaker wires connecting from the head unit's speaker terminals to the amplifier's input terminals (labeled HIGH LEVEL INPUTS or similar) on the respective amplifier types.

Connecting the amplifier

Before wiring, review the diagrams for power, input, and speaker connections. Ensure all connections are understood before proceeding.

1. Connect the power ground terminal to the closest chassis ground point using 8-gauge wire (less than 39" length).
2. Connect the remote terminal to the head unit's remote output using 16-gauge wire.
3. Install an empty fuse holder within 18" of the car battery. Run 8-gauge cable from the fuse holder to the amplifier location.
4. Ensure the fuse holder is empty. Connect the fuse holder to the "BATT+" connection on the amplifier.
5. If using multiple amplifiers: run separate cables from the battery and ground point to each amplifier, each with its own inline fuse. Alternatively, run a #4 cable from the battery fuse holder to a distribution block, then run separate cables from the block to each amplifier and its ground point.
6. Connect all line inputs and outputs using high-quality cables. Connect all speakers, observing proper polarity to avoid audio phase problems.
7. Insert fuse(s) into the battery fuse holder(s).
8. Recheck all connections before powering up the amplifier.
9. Set all level controls to minimum, and set all crossover controls/switches to desired frequencies.
10. Power up the head unit and amplifier. Set the head unit volume to about 3/4, and adjust the amplifier's input level control(s) to just below distortion.
11. Fine-tune controls as necessary for best results.

Don't misuse the level control!

The input level control is not a volume control. It matches the audio source output level to the amplifier's input level. Do not adjust to maximum unless required. Misuse can cause input overload, distortion, and engage the protection circuit.