How do I bridge my Class A/B stereo amplifier?
How do I bridge a Class D mono amplifier?
How do I set the gain on my amplifier correctly?
How do I calculate air space for an enclosure?
What size wire do I need for my amplifier?
What is the EBC port for, and how does it work?
What is the difference between single and dual voice coil subs?
How do I match the correct subwoofers and amps?
How do I check my subwoofer impedance with a Multi-Meter?
Where can I find prices?
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| How do I bridge my Class A/B stereo amplifier? |
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| When bridging an amplifier, there are a few things you would want to check before you connect the amp to the subwoofers. First, check the minimum load the amplifier is stable to when bridged, and make sure you do not exceed the minimum load. Most MTX amplifiers bridge the same way, using the Left Positive (+) and Right Negative (–) terminals. However, some older models, like the Thunder 942, may use the Right Positive (+) and Left Negative (–) terminals when bridging. Check your specific model’s manual or call 1 800 556-2888.
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| How do I bridge a Class D mono amplifier? |
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Since we have come out with the Class D line of amplifiers, we have had an abundance of technical calls inquiring about how to bridge them. It isn't possible to bridge any mono-block Class D amplifiers. All of these models are Mono amplifiers, meaning they only have one channel.
Then why does a single channel amp have two terminals (L and R)? We put both terminals there for your convenience. If you have two speakers, it is hard to attach two speaker leads under one terminal screw. Thus, it makes for a cleaner, easier install. Example: If you had two of the single voice coil 4Ω MTX Thunder7500 12" subs (model T7512-04) and wanted to power it with a TA7801, you could use either terminal. Since it is a Mono amp, as long as the speakers are wired in parallel, it will see a 2Ω load. If you wanted to wire each speaker to a terminal, the amplifier would also see a parallel configuration. |
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How do I set the gain on my amplifier correctly?
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Follow these steps to correctly set the gain on your amplifier:
- Selecting the Input Sensitivity Range - Before you turn on your system, you must select the proper input sensitivity range on your amp using the button labeled INPUT SENS located in the GAIN CONTROL section of the control panel.
- Setting for Aftermarket Source Units: Refer to your aftermarket owner's manual for line level output specification. If the specification is not available, please follow the instructions listed below. X1 POSITION: 100mV-1V (Typically for RCA Input)
- Setting for Factory (OEM) Source Units: To check the amount of voltage that is present from the source unit, take a multi-meter, or a volt/ohm meter, on the AC setting, (range from 100mV up to 1V) attach the positive and negative leads directly to any exposed speaker. It does not matter if the polarity is correct, it will read the same amount of voltage. X10 POSITION: 1V-10V (Typically for Speaker Level Input) Note: It is important not to have the amp set up to receive a low voltage signal and give it a high voltage signal. Doing this can cause damage to the amp.
- Adjusting the Gain Control - Before you start setting your amp gains, be sure to defeat all EQs ("off" position). You want to set the gain levels properly BEFORE applying any equalization. Start with the source unit's volume around ¾ of the way up, and the gain on the amp all the way down (counter-clockwise). Slowly increase the gain clockwise until the speaker starts to distort. Immediately decrease gain until the distortion goes away. This will be a good reference point on the volume control to where the signal starts to distort. Remember every CD will be different; use common sense and constantly listen for distortion and adjust volume accordingly. The gain on the amp has nothing to do with how much power the amp can produce, just how fast the amp puts out max power. Just like in an automobile, full throttle is very rarely needed.
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How do I calculate air space for an enclosure?
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| It is fairly easy to calculate air space when designing and building enclosures. The formula is internal cabinet length multiplied by(X) width X height, divided by 1728 (ex: 12 x 12 x 12 / 1728 = 1.0Cu. ft.) If you have a complicated enclosure to calculate, you can fill it with liquid; one cubic foot is equal to 7.48 gallons. For more information about calculating air space you can see the education section of the website, under enclosure construction. mtx.com/caraudio/education/ enclosureConstruction.cfm |
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| What size wire do I need for my amplifier? |
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| Here is a link to a wire gauge calculator to determine what size wire is required for your amplifier setup. http://www.streetwires.com/products/wireGaugeCalculator.aspx |
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What is the EBC port for, and how does it work?
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| An EBC (External Bass Control) is a Remote Subwoofer Level Control (Remote Gain) - Let's say the amplifier's gain is set at halfway, when the remote subwoofer level control is plugged in, you now have external control of the gain from zero to halfway. The installation of this level control is NOT necessary to get full power from the amplifier. Note: One EBC (External Bass Control) can control two or more amplifiers using a mini plug Y adapter. |
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| What is the difference between single and dual voice coil subs? |
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| It is easy to confuse a dual voice coil sub as a better subwoofer, but that’s not the case. You will get the same output from either sub when used in the right application. Both sets of terminals must be wired up when using a dual voice coil subwoofer. Your amp and the number of subs will determine which subwoofer you would want. For example, if you had a TA5601 amplifier and wanted to run a pair of 12s, you would want single voice coil 4Ω woofers. Wiring the two woofers would give the amplifier the correct 2Ω impedance when wired in parallel. Please see Subwoofer Wiring Configuration under the Education section of our website for specific wiring diagrams. |
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| How do I match the correct subwoofers and amps? |
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| Matching an amplifier with the correct subs can be a little confusing. The rule of thumb is to match the amplifier RMS power output, (also known as continuous power) to the subwoofer with comparable RMS power handling capability. When using multiple subwoofers, you must total the power handling for all the subs. That number should closely match the amplifier dynamic power. For an easy explanation see http://www.mtx.com/Flash2/amps_subs8.html. Keep in mind that many subs are rated in peak power handling, and you always want to find out the true RMS to determine the correct power handling. In many cases you will find, the RMS is half of the peak power rating. For example, if the peak power is 500, the RMS is 250, but that is not always the case. Please contact the MTX technical support department at 1 800 556-2888 to determine the correct RMS rating for your subs or visit the link posted above for our suggestions. Your local MTX retailer will also be a great help in choosing the correct subs and amplifier combinations. |
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| How do I check my subwoofer impedance with a Multi-Meter? |
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| Set the Multi-Meter to resistance, which is measured in Ohms (Ω) See Image. With the meter set to resistance, place the + and – leads to the speaker terminals See Image. Depending on the resistance of the voice coil, the actual resistance will vary. A normal 4Ω voice coil will usually range from 3.4-4.4 Ohms, depending on the speaker. When a speaker is damaged it will be obvious, it won't be anywhere near the correct impedance. Most blown subwoofers will show an open circuit or short, and, in that case, the meter would read zeros. Keep in mind, if there is any type of inductor attached (including amplifier) to the speaker a correct reading will not be received. See Image. |
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| Where can I find prices? |
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| Please check our dealer locator at http://www.mtx.com/caraudio/dealer.cfm, if there is no dealer close, Please call 1-800-225-5689 for pricing. |
