Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing your VIBE BlackBox amplifier. Please read this manual to fully understand how to get the best results from your amplifier. Ensure that all advice on how to look after your amplifier is followed. Thank you for buying VIBE; we hope you enjoy listening to your product as much as we enjoyed creating it. - VIBE R&D Division

Mounting Guidelines

Your VIBE amplifier is designed for swift installation. Please mount the amplifier in a dry location on a solid surface. NEVER mount the amplifier upside down, as this will cause it to overheat and eventually damage the amplifier. Before fixing the amplifier in place, ensure there is sufficient airflow around the exterior of the casing; at least two inches is sufficient.

Connections

Ground Cable

The ground cable must carry the same current as the power cable. At least an 8-gauge cable should be used. The amplifier ground should be connected directly to the vehicle's chassis, to bare metal. The cable length should be kept to an absolute minimum. It is not recommended to connect the ground cable to the vehicle's seatbelt anchor point.

Remote Turn On

A minimum of 18-gauge cable should be used for this connection. The cable should be run with the same care as the power cable and connected to the source (headunit) remote cable. If the source (headunit) does not have a remote turn-on cable, a 12V supply should be used. This requires a switch to be fitted inline to enable the amplifier to be turned on and off. Leaving this switch on will drain the car battery.

RCA Cables

Depending on your amplifier model and the number of speakers you wish to power, you will need to run either one or two RCA cables from the source to the amplifier. Exercise care when running these cables, ensuring they are placed away from items that can generate interference. It is recommended that RCA cables be run on opposite sides of the car from power cables to avoid interference.

Power Cable

At least an 8-gauge cable should be used for both power and ground connections. The power cable should be taken directly from the battery. Use rubber grommets when passing through bulkheads to prevent the cable from becoming chaffed or cut. A fuse or circuit breaker (of at least equal value to the one fitted on the amplifier) must be placed inline with the power cable, no further than eighteen inches from the battery. Ensure the fuse is not fitted until the entire installation procedure is complete.

Cable Selection Guide (Length vs. Current Demand)

AWG to Metric Conversion Chart

VIBE BlackBox Stereo 2 - Connections and Controls

The front panel of the BlackBox Stereo 2 features controls and inputs labeled 1 through 12.

• 1. HI Input: For use when no RCA connections are available. Connect to speakers using the provided loom.
• 2. Low Level Input / Output: RCA connection for low-level output from the source unit. Can be used for daisy-chaining to another amplifier.
• 3. Gain Control: Adjusts input signal level to match the source.
• 4. Bass Boost Switch: Provides up to +24 dB bass boost at 45 Hz.
• 5. Low Pass Crossover Control: Selects low-pass filter frequency from 30 Hz to 300 Hz.
• 6. Crossover Control Switch: Selects High Pass, Low Pass, or Full (no crossover) operation.
• 7. High Pass Crossover Control: Selects high-pass filter frequency from 50 Hz to 1 KHz.
• 8. Gain Remote Input Jack: For connecting the remote bass controller (BBR09 optional).
• 9. Indicator LEDs: Green LED indicates normal operation; Red LED indicates protection mode.
• 10. Power Connections: Refer to the 'Connections' section for details.
• 11. Fuses: Requires 2 x 15A fuses.
• 12. Speaker Terminal Output: For connecting speakers.

The rear panel includes connection terminals for Power, GND, REM, +12V, and Speaker Outputs (RO, LO, Bridged). The unit is a Class AB 2/1 channel amplifier rated at 100 Watts RMS.

Applications: BlackBox Stereo 2 Wiring Examples

Bridged mode (4 Ohm minimum impedance): Shows a diagram connecting the amplifier's bridged output terminals to a single speaker.

Stereo mode (2 Ohm minimum impedance): Shows diagrams connecting the amplifier's stereo output terminals (Left and Right) to pairs of speakers.

VIBE BlackBox Stereo 4 - Connections and Controls

The front panel of the BlackBox Stereo 4 features controls and inputs labeled 1 through 10.

• 1. Low Level Input: RCA connection for low-level output from the source unit. A switch allows for 4-channel output from a 2-channel input by connecting RCA's to channels 3 and 4.
• 2. High Level Input: For use when no RCA connections are available. Connect to speakers using the provided loom. Wire color coding for front and rear speakers is provided (e.g., Front Left Positive: Brown, Front Left Negative: Blue).
• 3. Front Gain Control: Adjusts input signal level for front channels.
• 4. Front Crossover Control: Selects filter type (Low Pass, High Pass, or Flat) and frequency for front channels (LPF: 30 Hz - 300 Hz, HPF: 50 Hz - 1 KHz).
• 5. Front Bass Boost Switch: Provides up to +24 dB bass boost at 45 Hz for front channels.
• 6. Rear Gain Control: Adjusts input signal level for rear channels.
• 7. Rear Bass Boost Switch: Provides up to +24 dB bass boost at 45 Hz for rear channels.
• 8. Rear Crossover Control: Selects filter type (Low Pass, High Pass, or Flat) and frequency for rear channels (LPF: 30 Hz - 300 Hz, HPF: 50 Hz - 1 KHz).
• 9. Rear Gain Remote Input Jack: For connecting the remote bass controller (BBR09 optional).
• 10. Indicator LEDs: Green LED indicates normal operation; Red LED indicates protection mode.

The rear panel includes terminals for Speaker Outputs (CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, Bridged), Power (+12V, REM, GND), and Fuses (2 x 30A). The unit is a Class AB 4/3/2 channel amplifier rated at 100 Watts RMS.

Applications: BlackBox Stereo 4 Wiring Examples

Bridged mode (4 Ohm minimum impedance): Shows diagrams for 2-channel bridged mode connecting to speakers.

4 channel mode: Shows diagrams connecting to four speakers.

3 channel mode: Shows diagrams connecting to three speakers.

2 channel mode: Shows diagrams connecting to two speakers.

VIBE BlackBox Bass 1 - Connections and Controls

The front panel of the BlackBox Bass 1 features controls and inputs labeled 1 through 11.

• 1. Low Level Input / Output: RCA connection for low-level output from the source unit. Can be used for daisy-chaining to another amplifier.
• 2. Gain Control: Adjusts input signal level to match the source.
• 3. Low Pass Filter Control: Selects low-pass filter frequency from 40 Hz to 250 Hz.
• 4. Phase Control: Adjusts subwoofer phase from 0° to 180°.
• 5. Subsonic Filter Control: Filters frequencies up to a set point (15 Hz - 50 Hz) to protect the subwoofer and reduce distortion.
• 6. Subsonic Filter Switch: Turns the subsonic filter on or off.
• 7. Bass Boost Switch: Provides up to +18 dB bass boost at 45 Hz.
• 8. Bass Remote Input Jack: For connecting the remote bass controller.
• 9. Indicator LEDs: Blue LED indicates normal operation; Red LED indicates protection mode.
• 10. Fuses: Requires 4 x 35A fuses.
• 11. Speaker Terminal Output: For connecting the subwoofer.

The rear panel includes terminals for Power (GND, REM, +12V), FUSE, and SPEAKER outputs (SPO, SPO). The unit is a Class D monoblock amplifier rated at 1250 Watts RMS.

Applications: BlackBox Bass 1 Wiring Examples

1 Ohm minimum impedance: Shows diagrams connecting the amplifier's speaker outputs to subwoofers configured for 1-ohm impedance.

Setup Section

To correctly set the gain control of the amplifier to match the source (headunit), follow this routine:

1. Turn the gain control to minimum on the amplifier.
2. Ensure the bass boost is set to 0 dB.
3. On the headunit, set all crossovers (if applicable) to flat and both bass and treble to zero.
4. Turn up the source (headunit) to approximately 3/4 volume.
5. Very slowly turn up the gain on the amplifier until distortion can be heard in any of the speakers or until the volume reaches an uncomfortable listening level. When this occurs, turn the gain control down slightly. The gain control is now set.

Crossover Settings:

• For Subwoofers: Set crossover to Low Pass and frequency to match speaker specifications or preferred setting (usually 60 Hz - 120 Hz).
• For Full Range Speakers: Set crossover to Flat. This allows the amplifier's output to be a full-range signal. Using high-pass crossovers can provide more control by removing bass frequencies, allowing speakers to perform at higher volumes with less distortion.
• For Speakers with Passive Crossover: Set crossover to High Pass and frequency to match speaker specifications (usually 40 Hz - 120 Hz).

Note: Smaller speakers handle less bass. Adjust the crossover to optimize sound. Limiting the amount of bass fed to speakers can improve performance and longevity.

Correctly using crossovers can lengthen speaker life and improve performance. For optimal setup, consult a professional installation engineer or a local VIBE audio dealer.

Troubleshooting

Before removing the amplifier, refer to the following procedures:

Amplifier Will Not Power Up

• Check ground connections: Ensure the ground cable is connected directly to bare metal, not painted surface.
• Use a multimeter to check for at least 7V DC on the remote terminal.
• Use a multimeter to check for at least 10.5V DC on the positive terminal.
• Check all fuses.
• Check the protection light: If illuminated, shut off the amplifier for thirty seconds, then turn it back on.

Protection LED Illuminates When Amplifier Is Powered Up

• Check for shorts on speaker wires (no joined wires, no wires touching the chassis).
• The amplifier may shut down if its temperature exceeds 80 degrees Celsius. If the amplifier feels very hot, this could be the cause.
• Remove speaker wires and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED remains on, the amplifier may be faulty due to improper installation or abuse.

Amplifier Gets Very Hot

• Check minimum speaker impedance is correct for the amplifier.
• Check for shorts on speaker wires.
• Ensure good airflow around the amplifier; an external fan may be required in some applications.

Blown Fuse(s)

• Check positive supply and ground for shorts.
• Ensure the positive wire is connected to the amplifier's positive terminal.
• Ensure the negative wire is connected to the amplifier's ground terminal.
• Verify the correct fuse rating is fitted: VIBE BlackBox Stereo 2 - 15 amp x 2, VIBE BlackBox Stereo 4 - 30 amp x 2, VIBE BlackBox Bass 1 - 35 amp x 4.

Distorted Sound

• Check gain control: If speakers sound distorted, turn down the gain until the sound is clear.
• Check crossover frequencies are correct (refer to Setup section).
• Check for shorts on all speaker wires.
• Ensure all speakers are wired correctly with proper polarity.

Specifications

BlackBox Stereo Amplifiers

BlackBox Bass Amplifier

VIBE Sound Deadening Material

LESS RATTLE, MORE BASS

VIBE Sound Deadening Material offers:

• Better sound
• Lower road noise
• Reduced panel rattle
• Reduced heat
• Higher sound pressure level (SPL)

Available at all VIBE DEALERS or visit www.vibeaudio.co.uk.

VIBE Accessories and Wiring Kits

All VIBE accessories are available direct. For more product info, visit www.vibeaudio.co.uk.

Wiring Kits

• Bass System Kit: Designed for high-power bass systems. Includes FLATLINESTM 4AWG PWR cable, FLATBASSTM RCA, FLATBASSTM 13 SPK cable, FLATLINES TM remote 18, and VIBE 140 amp circuit breaker.
• Stereo System Kit: Designed for high-power full-range systems. Includes FLATLINESTM 8AWG PWR cable, VIBE FLATSTEREOTM RCA, FLATLINES TM remote 18, FLATSTEREOTM speaker cable, and AGU Fuse Holder.
• Active System Kit: Designed for high-power Active Bass systems. Includes FLATLINESTM 8AWG PWR cable, FLATBASSTM RCA, FLATLINES TM remote 18, AGU Fuse Holder, and FastPlug™.

Cabling

• FLATBASS™ 13 SPK Bass speaker cable: 13 gauge SolidCore™™ flat BASS speaker cable.
• FLAT Y 2M/FLAT Y 2F RCA Y leads: Professional quality OFC Y-interconnects with ferrite loaded gold plated plugs.
• FLATLINESTM Power and Ground Cable: Available in 8, 4, and 0 gauge, red (power) and black (ground).
• FLATSTEREO™™ High Definition full range Interconnect: OFC high definition full range RCA interconnects.
• FLATBASSTM - SolidCore™™ Bass interconnect: Specifically developed for BASS SYSTEMS with oversized SolidCore™™ OFC signal wires.
• FLATFLEX™™ High Definition speaker cable: High definition flat flexible speaker cable available in 16 and 12 gauge.

Other Accessories

• VIBE 140 amp circuit breaker: Protects systems from over-power or short circuits.
• VIBE BC10 level controller: RCA gain level controller for subwoofer systems.
• Slick level remote: Remote gain control for Slick amplifiers.
• VIBE PortPlug™™: For tuning VIBE CBR bass enclosures.
• VIBE official Merchandise: Polo shirts, T-shirts, CDs, CD cases, fleeces, tax disc holders.
• VIBE SD4/5 subwoofer defender grill: Protects subwoofers and adds style.
• VIBE GB41 banana plug: Gold plated 4mm banana plugs for quick release speaker connections.
• VIBE DB6 non fused distribution block: For power or ground distribution for up to 5 amplifiers.
• VIBE FD4 fused distribution block: Professional AGU fused distribution block for up to 4 amplifiers.
• VIBE CT0/CT4 compression fit ring terminal: Gold plated ring terminals for connecting power cable to vehicle battery.
• VIBE RT4/RT8 crimp on ring terminal: Gold plated ring terminals with rubber over boots for connecting power cable to vehicle battery.
• VIBE AGU30, AGU60, AGU80 fuses: AGU fuse series for distribution blocks and wiring kits.
• VIBE PC15: 1.5 farad power capacitor with digital voltage display and power distribution block.
• Deltabox: Line driver for installing multiple amplifiers from a single RCA pre-out, boosts and isolates signal.
• FASTPLUG™: Heavy-duty connector for safe, fast removal of active bass enclosures or amplifiers.

Limited Warranty

All VIBE products carry a full twelve months warranty, valid from the date of the original receipt/proof of purchase. To validate, return the warranty card to VIBE within seven days of purchase. Retain the original receipt and packaging for the warranty period. If a problem occurs, return the product to the point of purchase with proof of purchase and original packaging. If the store cannot fix it, it may be returned to VIBE (approx. 7 working days). For full details, visit www.vibeaudio.co.uk/warranty.

Technical Enquiries: Call 09067031420 (calls cost 50p per minute, as of 02/02/08). Hours: 9:00 am - 5:30 pm. Calls are recorded.

Copyright: Content is the property of VIBE Technologies Limited and its affiliates, protected by UK and International copyright laws. Trademarks and trade dress belong to VIBE. Use of VIBE trademarks requires permission. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Disclaimer: VIBE provides this manual and content "as is" without warranties. VIBE does not warrant completeness or currentness of information. Specifications are subject to change without notice. VIBE recommends caution when listening to music at high volumes, as VIBE equipment can produce sound levels that can permanently damage hearing. Use of VIBE equipment constitutes agreement to take responsibility for safety and to this disclaimer.

VIBE is not liable for damages arising from the use of this manual or its contents, including compensatory, direct, indirect, or consequential damages, loss of data, income, or profit, or loss of property. VIBE does not limit liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence.