Audiopipe APLX-1400.4 & APLX-2200.4 Series
Class AB MOSFET Amplifiers

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of an Audiopipe amplifier for your car audio system. You own an amplifier of uncompromising design and engineering, incorporating the latest advancements in audio technology. Audiopipe amplifiers offer advanced craftsmanship, quality control, and superior sound with high-quality, user-friendly performance.

Key features include:

• Full MOSFET circuit design.
• High quality sound reproduction.
• Adjustable Low Pass Filter (LPF).
• Adjustable Bass Boost.
• Adjustable High Pass Filter (HPF).
• Overload, short circuit thermal, low voltage protection.

Warranty

Audiopipe warrants this amplifier to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. This warranty is limited to the repair or replacement of the defective unit at Audiopipe's discretion. This warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse, abuse, improper installation, or unauthorized modifications. Proof of purchase is required for warranty service. Please contact Audiopipe for return authorization before shipping any unit back.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Warranty
• Installation
• Amplifier Functions
• Power Connection Leads
• System 1 Connection Subwoofer
• System 2 Bridged Connection Subwoofer
• Troubleshooting
• Product Specifications

Installation

It is recommended to have the installation performed by an Authorized Audiopipe Dealer.

Required Power, Ground Wire, and External Fuse

The following table outlines the recommended fuse and wire gauge for each model:

Fuse Installation: The fuse should be installed no more than 12 inches (approx. 30 cm) from the battery.

Ground Wire Connection: The ground wire must be connected directly to the vehicle's chassis, ensuring a metal-to-metal ground point connection. The chassis ground should be clean and free of paint or rust.

Amplifier Mounting: Mount the amplifier securely on a solid, dry, and low-vibration surface. For proper heat dissipation, mount the amplifier in an open-air location, such as the trunk or passenger area. Ensure the mounting location allows easy access to the amplifier's controls for setup.

Cable Routing: Install all amplifier cables as far as possible from the vehicle's electrical cables, such as ignition wires, to prevent interference.

Amplifier Functions

The front and rear panels of the APLX-1400.4 and APLX-2200.4 amplifiers feature various controls and terminals for operation and connection.

Front Panel Controls

Diagram Description (Front Panel): The front panel features input and control knobs. Numbered controls are:

• 1. RCA Audio Input (Front L/R)
• 2. GAIN Control: Adjusts input sensitivity.
• 3. Bass Equalizer (BASS EQ): Boosts bass frequencies (0dB to +12dB).
• 4. Low Pass Filter Control (LPF): Sets the cutoff frequency for low frequencies (50Hz - 200Hz).
• 5. X-Over Control: Selects crossover mode (HPF/LPF/FULL).
• 6. High Pass Filter Control (HPF): Sets the cutoff frequency for high frequencies (50Hz - 5KHz).
• 7. Power/Protection Indicator LED (PWR/PRT): Indicates power status (blue) or protection mode (red).

Rear Panel Terminals

Diagram Description (Rear Panel): The rear panel contains power input and speaker output connections.

• POWER INPUT:
• 1. GND [Ground Terminal]: Connect to vehicle chassis ground.
• 2. REM [Remote Terminal]: Connect to the head unit's remote turn-on lead.
• 3. +12V [Battery +12V Input]: Connect to the vehicle's battery positive terminal via a fuse.
• 4. FUSE [Fuse Holder]: Houses the external fuse.
• SPEAKER OUTPUT:
• 5. Speaker Connections: Terminals for connecting speakers. Includes Front Left (FL+, FL-), Front Right (FR+, FR-), Rear Left (RL+, RL-), Rear Right (RR+, RR-), and Bridged outputs.

Power Connection Leads

Proper power and ground connections are crucial for amplifier performance and longevity. Ensure correct polarity when connecting to the battery.

System 1 Connection Subwoofer

This section details connecting a subwoofer to the amplifier in a standard configuration.

System 2 Bridged Connection Subwoofer

This section details connecting a subwoofer in a bridged configuration for increased power output.

Troubleshooting

Refer to the following guide to diagnose and resolve common issues.

No Output

• Cause: Low or no remote turn-on input.
  Solution: Check remote turn-on voltage output at the amplifier and correct as needed.
• Cause: Fuse blown.
  Solution: Check power wire and ground connections and repair or replace as needed.
• Cause: Power wires not connected or reversed polarity.
  Solution: Check power wire integrity and reversed polarity, repair as needed and replace fuse.
• Cause: Audio input not connected or no output from source.
  Solution: Check input connections and signal integrity, repair or replace as needed.
• Cause: Speaker wires not connected.
  Solution: Check speaker wires and repair or replace as needed.

Audio Cycles On And Off

• Cause: Speakers are blown.
  Solution: Check system with a known working speaker and repair or replace speakers as needed.
• Cause: Loose or poor audio input.
  Solution: Check input connections and repair or replace as needed.
• Cause: Thermal protection engages when amplifier heatsink temperature exceeds 90°C.
  Solution: Ensure there is adequate ventilation for the amplifier and improve ventilation as needed.

Poor Bass Response

• Cause: Speakers wired with wrong polarity, causing cancellation at low frequencies.
  Solution: Check speaker polarity and repair as needed.
• Cause: Crossover set incorrectly.
  Solution: Reset crossovers referring to the multi-cross crossover configuration section of this manual for detailed instructions.

Distorted Output (cont'd)

• Cause: Speakers are blown.
  Solution: Check system with known working speakers and repair or replace as needed.

Battery Fuse Blowing

• Cause: Impedance load too low.
  Solution: Ensure speaker impedance meets specifications (4-8 Ohms).
• Cause: Short in power wire or incorrect power connections.
  Solution: Check power and ground connections and repair as needed.
• Cause: Fuse used is smaller than recommended.
  Solution: Replace fuse with the recommended amperage.
• Cause: Too much current being drawn.
  Solution: Check power and ground connections and repairs as needed.
• Cause: Short in power wire or incorrect connections.
  Solution: Check power and ground connections and resources needed.

Distorted Output

• Cause: Speaker impedance load too low.
  Solution: Ensure speaker impedance meets specifications (4-8 Ohms).
• Cause: Input sensitivity set too high, exceeding maximum output capability of amplifier.
  Solution: Lower the gain setting or the input sensitivity.
• Cause: Pre-amplified amplifier too low.
  Solution: Use a pre-amplifier or adjust the source unit's output level.
• Cause: Speaker impedance load too low.
  Solution: Ensure speaker impedance meets specifications (4-8 Ohms).
• Cause: Speaker wires not connected.
  Solution: Check speaker wires and repair or replace as needed.
• Cause: Speaker not connected to amplifier properly.
  Solution: Verify speaker connections are secure and correctly wired.

Product Specifications