VIBE BlackBox Amplifiers: Owner's Manual and Accessories
Welcome to the world of VIBE audio. This document serves as a comprehensive guide for the VIBE BlackBox series of car amplifiers, including the Stereo 2, Stereo 4, and Bass 1 models. It also details various VIBE audio accessories and system kits designed to enhance your car's sound system.
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VIBE BlackBox Amplifier Series
The VIBE BlackBox series offers high-performance car audio amplifiers designed for superior sound quality and power. The range includes:
- VIBE BlackBox Stereo 2: A versatile stereo amplifier.
- VIBE BlackBox Stereo 4: A powerful 4-channel amplifier for multi-speaker setups.
- VIBE BlackBox Bass 1: A dedicated monoblock amplifier optimized for subwoofers.
Additionally, VIBE offers Sound Deadening Material designed to reduce rattle and improve sound quality, offering better sound, lower road noise, reduced panel rattle, reduced heat, and a higher sound pressure level (SPL).
Installation and Connections
Mounting Guidelines
Mount the VIBE amplifier in a dry location on a solid surface. Ensure sufficient airflow around the casing (at least two inches) to prevent overheating. Never mount the amplifier upside down.
Connections
Proper connection is crucial for amplifier performance and safety.
- Ground Cable: Use at least an 8-gauge cable, connecting directly to bare metal on the vehicle's chassis. Keep the cable length to a minimum. Avoid using seatbelt anchor points.
- Remote Turn On: A minimum 18-gauge cable is recommended. Connect it to the source unit's remote turn-on lead. If the source lacks this, a 12V supply with a switch can be used, but remember to turn it off to prevent battery drain.
- RCA Cables (Low Level Input/Output): Run RCA cables from the source unit to the amplifier. Route them carefully, away from potential interference sources like wiring harnesses. It's advised to run RCA cables on the opposite side of the car from power cables to minimize interference.
- Power Cable: Use at least an 8-gauge cable for both power and ground connections. Connect the power cable directly to the battery. Use rubber grommets when passing through bulkheads to prevent chafing. A fuse or circuit breaker, rated at least equal to the amplifier's fuse, must be installed inline with the power cable, no more than eighteen inches from the battery. Ensure the fuse is not fitted until the installation is complete.
Cable Gauge Selection
The following tables help determine the correct cable size based on current demand and length, and convert between AWG and metric measurements.
Cable Size by Current Demand and Length
| Current demand | 0-4 Ft | 4-7 Ft | 7-10 Ft | 10-13 Ft | 13-16 Ft | 16-19 Ft | 19-22 Ft | 22-28 Ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-20 amps | 14 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| 20-35 amps | 12 | 10 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 4 |
| 35-50 amps | 10 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| 50-65 amps | 8 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| 65-85 amps | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 85-105 amps | 6 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 105-125 amps | 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 125-150 amps | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
AWG to Metric Conversion Chart
| AWG Number | Inch | mm | mm² |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0.325 | 8.25 | 53.5 |
| 1 | 0.289 | 7.35 | 42.4 |
| 2 | 0.258 | 6.54 | 33.6 |
| 3 | 0.229 | 5.83 | 26.7 |
| 4 | 0.204 | 5.19 | 21.1 |
| 5 | 0.182 | 4.62 | 16.8 |
| 6 | 0.162 | 4.11 | 13.3 |
| 7 | 0.144 | 3.66 | 10.5 |
| 8 | 0.128 | 3.26 | 8.36 |
| 9 | 0.114 | 2.91 | 6.63 |
| 10 | 0.102 | 2.59 | 5.2 |
Controls and Features
BlackBox Stereo 2 Controls
The front panel of the BlackBox Stereo 2 features controls for input, gain, crossover, and protection indicators.
- 1. High Level Input: For use when RCA connections are unavailable. Connects to speakers via a provided loom.
- 2. Low Level Input / Output: RCA connection for low-level audio sources (head unit). Also provides a low-level output 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 of bass boost at 45 Hz.
- 5. Low Pass Crossover Control: Selects the low-pass filter frequency, ranging from 30 Hz to 300 Hz.
- 6. Crossover Control Switch: Selects operation mode: High Pass, Low Pass, or Full (no crossover).
- 7. High Pass Crossover Control: Selects the high-pass filter frequency, ranging from 50 Hz to 1 KHz.
- 8. Gain Remote Input Jack: Connects to an optional remote bass controller (e.g., BBR09).
- 9. Indicator LEDs: Green LED indicates normal operation; Red LED indicates protection mode.
- 10. Power Connections: Terminals for power and ground connections.
- 11. Fuses: Houses fuses (typically 2 x 15A for Stereo 2).
- 12. Speaker Terminal Output: Connects to speakers.
BlackBox Stereo 4 Controls
The BlackBox Stereo 4 offers similar controls with dedicated front and rear channel adjustments.
- 1. Low Level Input: RCA input for source units. A switch allows for 4-channel output from a 2-channel source by routing to channels 3 & 4.
- 2. High Level Input: Connects to speakers when RCA is not available. Specific wire color codes are provided for front and rear speakers (e.g., Front Left Positive: Brown, Front Left Negative: Blue).
- 3. Front Gain Control: Matches input signal for front channels.
- 4. Front Crossover Control: Selects filter type (LPF, HPF, FLAT) and frequency for front channels (LPF: 30 Hz-300 Hz, HPF: 50 Hz-1 KHz).
- 5. Front Bass Boost Switch: Adds up to +24 dB bass boost at 45 Hz for front channels.
- 6. Rear Gain Control: Matches input signal for rear channels.
- 7. Rear Bass Boost Switch: Adds up to +24 dB bass boost at 45 Hz for rear channels.
- 8. Rear Crossover Control: Selects filter type (LPF, HPF, FLAT) and frequency for rear channels (LPF: 30 Hz-300 Hz, HPF: 50 Hz-1 KHz).
- 9. Rear Gain Remote Input Jack: Connects to an optional remote bass controller.
- 10. Indicator LEDs: Green for operation, Red for protection.
- 11. Power Connections: Power and ground terminals.
- 12. Fuses: Houses fuses (typically 2 x 30A for Stereo 4).
- 13. Speaker Terminal Output: Connects to speakers.
BlackBox Bass 1 Controls
The BlackBox Bass 1 is optimized for subwoofers, featuring specific bass-related controls.
- 1. Low Level Input / Output: RCA input/output for source units, allowing daisy-chaining.
- 2. Gain Control: Matches input signal level.
- 3. Low Pass Filter Control: Sets the low-pass filter frequency from 40 Hz to 250 Hz.
- 4. Phase Control: Adjusts subwoofer phase (0° or 180°) for optimal integration with other speakers.
- 5. Subsonic Filter Control: Filters out very low frequencies (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: Connects to a remote bass controller.
- 9. Indicator LEDs: Blue for operation, Red for protection.
- 10. Fuses: Houses fuses (typically 4 x 35A for Bass 1).
- 11. Speaker Terminal Output: Connects to the subwoofer.
Setup Guide
Setting Gain Control
To set the gain correctly:
- Turn the amplifier's gain control to minimum.
- Set bass boost to 0 dB.
- On the headunit, set all crossovers to 'flat' and bass/treble to zero.
- Turn the headunit volume to approximately 3/4.
- Slowly increase the amplifier's gain until distortion is heard or the listening level becomes uncomfortable. Then, slightly decrease the gain.
Crossover Settings
- For Subwoofers: Set the crossover to Low Pass and match the frequency to the subwoofer's specifications or your preference (typically 60 Hz - 120 Hz).
- For Full Range Speakers: Set the crossover to 'Flat'. This allows the amplifier to send a full-range signal. Using high-pass crossovers can improve speaker performance by filtering out bass frequencies, allowing for higher volumes with less distortion. Adjust crossover to manage bass delivery based on speaker size.
- For Speakers with Passive Crossover: Set the crossover to High Pass, matching the frequency to speaker specifications (typically 40 Hz - 120 Hz).
Properly using crossovers can extend speaker life and improve performance. Consult a professional installer or VIBE dealer for optimization.
Troubleshooting
Follow these steps if you encounter issues with your VIBE amplifier.
Amplifier Will Not Power Up
- Check ground connections are secure and to bare metal.
- Verify remote terminal has at least 7V DC using a multimeter.
- Check battery voltage is at least 10.5V DC on the positive terminal.
- Inspect all fuses.
- Ensure the protection light is OFF. If lit, disconnect power for thirty seconds and reconnect.
Protection LED Illuminates
- Check for speaker wire shorts (wires joined or touching chassis).
- The amplifier may shut down if it overheats (above 80°C). Ensure adequate airflow.
- Remove speaker wires and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED remains on, the amplifier may be faulty.
Amplifier Gets Very Hot
- Verify the speaker impedance meets the amplifier's minimum requirement.
- Check for speaker wire shorts.
- Ensure good airflow around the amplifier; an external fan might be needed in some cases.
Blown Fuse(s)
- Check for shorts on positive supply and ground wires.
- Ensure the positive wire is connected to the amplifier's positive terminal and the negative wire to the ground terminal.
- Confirm the correct fuse rating is installed:
- 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
- Reduce the gain control if distortion is present.
- Verify all crossover frequencies are set correctly.
- Check for speaker wire shorts.
- Ensure all speakers are wired correctly with proper polarity.
Specifications
BlackBox Stereo Amplifiers
| Specification | BlackBox Stereo 2 | BlackBox Stereo 4 |
|---|---|---|
| RMS Power @ 13.8v DC | 2 x 100 WRMS | 4 x 100 WRMS |
| Power @ 4 Ohms stereo | 2 x 125 WRMS | 4 x 125 WRMS |
| Power @ 2 Ohms stereo | 1 x 250 WRMS | 2 x 250 WRMS |
| Power @ 4 Ohms bridged | N/A | N/A |
| Minimum speaker impedance | 2 Ohm stereo / 4 Ohm bridged | 2 Ohm stereo / 4 Ohm bridged |
| THD Distortion | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| IMD Distortion | 0.1% | 0.1% |
| Frequency Response | 7Hz - 38 KHz | 5Hz - 43 KHz |
| Input Sensitivity | 250 mV - 5V | 250 mV - 5V |
| Input Impedance | 15K | 15K |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 96 dB | 88 dB |
| Channel Separation | -61 dB | -57 dB |
| Crossover Network: Low pass filter | 30 Hz - 300 Hz | 30 Hz - 300 Hz |
| Bass Boost | 0 dB - +24 Db | 0 dB - +24 Db |
| High pass filter | 50 Hz - 1KHz | 50 Hz - 1KHz |
| Fuse rating | 15A x 2 | 30A x 2 |
| Size (length x width x height) | 348mm x 224mm x 57 mm | 448mm x 224mm x 57 mm |
BlackBox Bass Amplifier
| Specification | BlackBox Bass 1 |
|---|---|
| RMS power @ 13.8 VDC | 1 x 650 WRMS |
| Power @ 4 ohms | 1 x 1000 WRMS |
| Power @ 2 Ohms | 1 x 1250 WRMS |
| Power @ 1 Ohm | N/A |
| Minimum speaker impedance | 1 ohm |
| THD Distortion | 0.8% |
| IMD Distortion | 0.8% |
| Input Sensitivity | 250 mv - 5V |
| Input Impedance | 15 K |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 95 dB |
| Crossover Network: Low Pass Filter | 40 Hz - 250 Hz |
| Bass Boost | 0 dB - +18 dB |
| Subsonic Filter | 15 Hz - 50 Hz |
| Fuse Rating | 35 amp x 4 |
| Size (length x width x height) | 478 mm x 224mm x 57mm |
VIBE Accessories and System Kits
Enhance your VIBE audio system with these specialized accessories and kits:
- FLATBASS™ 13 SPK Bass Speaker Cable: 13-gauge, SolidCore™ flat speaker cable designed for high-power bass applications.
- VIBE 140 Amp Circuit Breaker: Provides critical system protection, resettable via a switch.
- FLAT Y 2M/FLAT Y 2F RCA Y Leads: Professional OFC Y-interconnects for pure signal transfer, available in 1 male to 2 female (FLAT Y 2F) and 2 male to 1 female (FLAT Y 2M) configurations.
- VIBE BC10 Level Controller: RCA input/output gain level controller for subwoofer systems, allowing adjustment from the driver's seat.
- Slick Level Remote: Remote gain control for Slick amplifiers, plugs directly into the amplifier's remote level port.
- VIBE PortPlug™: Seals VIBE TurboPort™ in bass enclosures for tuning (available for 2.5" and 3" ports).
- VIBE Official Merchandise: Polo shirts, T-shirts, CD cases, fleece jackets, and tax disc holders.
- VIBE SD4/5 Subwoofer Defender Grill: Protects subwoofers and adds style (fits 10"/12" for SD4, 15" for SD5).
- VIBE GB41 Banana Plug: Professional gold-plated 4mm banana plugs for quick speaker enclosure disconnection.
- VIBE DB6 Non-Fused Distribution Block: Connects up to 5 amplifiers, providing power/ground distribution and a common grounding point.
- VIBE FD4 Fused Distribution Block: Connects up to 4 amplifiers, with AGU fuse holders (fuses sold separately).
- VIBE CT0/CT4 Compression Fit Ring Terminal: Gold-plated ring terminals for maximum conductivity when connecting power cables to vehicle batteries.
- VIBE RT4/RT8 Crimp-on Ring Terminal: Professional gold-plated ring terminals with rubber over-boots for easy crimping.
- VIBE AGU30, AGU60, AGU80 Fuses: AGU fuses compatible with distribution blocks and wiring kits.
- CriticalLink™ Cabling: A range of FLAT series cables (power, RCA, speaker) designed to maximize system performance.
- Bass System Kit: Includes 4AWG power/ground, RCA, speaker cable, remote wire, and a 140A circuit breaker for bass systems.
- Stereo System Kit: Includes 8AWG power/ground, RCA, speaker cable, and fuse holder for full-range stereo systems.
- Active System Kit: Includes 8AWG power/ground, RCA, remote wire, and fuse holder for active bass systems.
- PC15 Power Capacitor: 1.5 Farad power capacitor with digital voltage display and built-in distribution block for stable current flow.
- Deltabox Line Driver: Boosts and isolates signals for multiple amplifiers, improving sound quality and signal-to-noise ratio.
- FASTPLUG™: A heavy-duty connector for safe and fast removal of bass enclosures or amplifiers.
- FLATLINES™ Power and Ground Cable: Slim, flexible, heavy-duty power cable for optimal voltage transfer.
- FLATSTEREO™ High Definition Full Range Interconnect: OFC RCA interconnects for high-definition signal transfer.
- FLATBASS™ SolidCore™ Bass Interconnect: RCA interconnects with oversized SolidCore™ OFC wires for enhanced bass signal transfer.
- FLATFLEX™ High Definition Speaker Cable: Super fine OFC copper strands in a flat configuration for detailed sound and discreet installation.
All accessories are available direct. For next-day delivery call 0870 765 8423 or visit www.vibeaudio.co.uk/shop (UK ONLY). For more product information, visit www.vibeaudio.co.uk.
Limited Warranty
All VIBE products carry a full twelve-month warranty from the date of original purchase. To validate the warranty, return the warranty card to VIBE within seven days of purchase. Retain the original receipt and packaging. For warranty issues, return the product to the point of purchase with proof of purchase and original packaging. If the store cannot resolve the issue, it may be returned to VIBE, with processing taking approximately 7 working days.
A full description of VIBE's warranty information is available at www.vibeaudio.co.uk/warranty. A written version can be obtained from VIBE Warranty Dept, PO BOX 11000, B75 7WG.
For technical inquiries, call 09067031420 (call cost 50p per minute, correct as of 02/02/08; hours are 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM). Calls are recorded for training purposes.
Copyright: All 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. VIBE disclaims all warranties and is not liable for damages arising from the use of this manual or its content. VIBE advises caution when listening to music at high volumes, as it can cause permanent hearing damage. Use of VIBE equipment constitutes agreement to this disclaimer.
