Directed Audio Car Amplifier A404 User Manual

OWNER’S  
MANUAL  
A502  
A404  
models  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
LIMITED TWO-YEAR CONSUMER WARRANTY  
Directed Electronics, Inc. promises to the  
original purchaser, to replace this product  
should it prove to be defective in workman-  
ship or material under normal use, for a  
period of two years from the date of  
purchase by the dealer as indicated by the  
date code marking of the product  
PROVIDED the product was installed by an  
authorized Directed dealer. During this two-  
year period, there will be no charge for this  
replacement PROVIDED the unit is returned  
to Directed, shipping pre-paid. If the unit is  
installed by anyone other than an autho-  
rized Directed dealer, the warranty period  
will be 1 year from the date of purchase by  
the dealer as indicated by the date code  
marking of the product. During this 1-year  
period there will be no charge for this  
replacement PROVIDED the unit is returned  
to Directed, shipping pre-paid. This warranty  
is non-transferable and does not apply to  
any unit that has been modified or used in a  
manner contrary to its intended purpose,  
and does not cover damage to the unit  
caused by installation or removal of the unit.  
This warranty is void if the product has been  
damaged by accident or unreasonable use,  
neglect, improper service or other causes  
not arising out of defects in materials or  
construction. ALL WARRANTIES INCLUDING  
BUT NOT LIMITED TO EXPRESS  
WARRANTY, IMPLIED WARRANTY,  
WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY,  
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND  
WARRANTY OF NON-INFRINGEMENT OF  
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ARE EXPRESSLY  
EXCLUDED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT  
ALLOWED BY LAW, AND DIRECTED  
NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES  
ANY PERSON TO ASSUME FOR IT ANY  
LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH THE  
SALE OF THE PRODUCT. DIRECTED HAS  
ABSOLUTELY NO LIABILITY FOR ANY AND  
ALL ACTS OF THIRD PARTIES INCLUDING  
ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS OR  
INSTALLERS. Unit must be returned to  
Directed, postage pre-paid, with: consumer’s  
name, telephone number, and address,  
authorized dealer’s name and address, and  
product description. IN ORDER FOR THIS  
WARRANTY TO BE VALID, YOUR UNIT  
MUST BE SHIPPED WITH PROOF OF  
INSTALLATION BY AN AUTHORIZED  
DIRECTED DEALER. ALL UNITS RECEIVED  
BY DIRECTED FOR WARRANTY REPAIR  
WITHOUT PROOF OF DIRECTED DEALER  
INSTALLATION WILL BE COVERED BY THE  
LIMITED 1-YEAR PARTS AND LABOR  
WARRANTY. Note: This warranty does not  
cover labor costs for the removal and rein-  
stallation of the unit. BY PURCHASING THIS  
PRODUCT, THE CONSUMER AGREES AND  
CONSENTS THAT ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN  
THE CONSUMER AND Directed SHALL BE  
RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALI-  
FORNIA LAWS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY,  
CALIFORNIA.  
3
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
FEATURES  
High-speed MOSFET switching  
power supply and complimentary  
bipolar outputs.  
Variable input sensitivity optimizes  
match with different signal sources.  
Chrome-plated wire terminals and  
RCA connectors ensure maximum  
signal transfer.  
Stereo, mono, or simultaneous  
stereo/mono operation.  
Thermal, DC offset, reverse polarity.  
Rugged two-piece extruded heat  
sink and cover.  
Selectable 12dB/octave two-way  
crossover.  
Unity gain pass-through RCA jacks.  
Switchable 8 dB bass EQ function.  
WARNING  
High-powered car audio systems may  
produce sound pressure levels that  
exceed the threshold at which hearing  
loss may result.  
They may also impair a driver’s ability to  
hear traffic sounds or emergency vehi-  
cles. Use common sense and practice  
safe listening habits when listening to or  
adjusting your audio system.  
4
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES  
1. Please read this owner’s manual  
carefully before installing this ampli-  
fier.  
terminal. Use a fuse or circuit  
breaker rated slightly more than the  
on-board fuse(s) of the  
amplifier(s). The gauge of power  
wire used should take into account  
the total current draw of the  
system, and the length of wire  
used. IASCA and other auto sound  
competition organizations have  
charts available for this; you can  
also find a chart in the MECP study  
guide. Minimum wire gauge recom-  
mendations for the individual ampli-  
fiers are listed on the specification  
page. Always use the same gauge  
wire for the amplifier ground that  
you use for the power wire. Be sure  
to examine the battery ground  
cable of the vehicle, and if neces-  
sary, upgrade it by adding an addi-  
tional ground wire that is the same  
gauge as the amplifier power wire.  
Remember, the amplifier can only  
deliver its rated output when it is  
not current limited by the power  
and ground supply wires.  
2. Disconnect the battery ground  
terminal prior to making any elec-  
trical connections.  
3. Check for any hazards or obstruc-  
tions such as gas tanks, fuel or  
brake lines, and wiring harnesses  
before mounting the amplifier.  
4. Pick a mounting location that will  
provide adequate access and venti-  
lation and protect the amplifier  
from heat, moisture, and dirt.  
5. Avoid sharp metal areas when  
routing cables to the amplifier, and  
run RCA cables away from the  
power cables and other potentially  
noisy car harnesses.  
6. The amplifier should be grounded  
with a short, heavy gauge wire  
connected directly to the car at a  
bare metal surface, preferably  
scraped body sheet metal. Do not  
use factory ground locations, seat  
bolts, or brackets that are spot  
welded.  
8. This amplifier is designed to drive a  
speaker load that measures from 2  
to 8 ohms. Keep in mind that heat  
is the long-term enemy of automo-  
tive electronics and the lower your  
7. Always fuse your power connection  
within 8 to 10 inches of the battery  
5
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
speaker load, the more heat is  
generated. For low impedance  
speaker applications or restricted  
ventilation installations, an external  
cooling fan may be advisable.  
10. Due to the high-frequency MOSFET  
switching power supply, filtering the  
power cable is not generally  
required (remember that the amp  
can’t deliver full output if the power  
supply is restricted). Proper  
grounding of the signal source is  
mandatory for the amplifier to  
reach its performance peak. If the  
RCA inputs are not grounded  
adequately via the signal source,  
electrical noise from the vehicle  
may be picked up in the system.  
9. Battery and ground connections to  
the vehicle should be made with  
crimped ring terminals of the appro-  
priate size (surface area is what  
counts); soldering the terminals  
after crimping is also recom-  
mended.  
6
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
FRONT PANEL CONNECTIONS/CONTROLS A502-A404  
RCA Input Jacks -  
1.  
2.  
3.  
4.  
Accepts line level  
frequencies and is used for  
subwoofers speakers.  
outputs from head units or signal  
processors at voltages between  
150mV and 7.5 volts.  
Bass EQ Switch  
5.  
6.  
- Adds an additional  
8 db of boost to the speaker output  
when on.  
RCA Output Jacks -  
These pass  
through RCA jacks can be used to  
send the input signal to a second  
amplifier.  
Light Bar/Fan  
- Allows connection  
LED light bar or  
optional  
of an  
optional  
additional cooling fan for  
the amplifier.  
Gain Control -  
Controls amplifier  
sensitivity and is used to match the  
input level of the amplifier to the  
output level of the signal source.  
Status LED  
7.  
8.  
- Will illuminate GREEN  
to indicate the amplifier is on and  
operating normally, and will be illu-  
minated RED if the amplifier shuts  
down due to short circuit, DC offset,  
or overheating detected by on-  
board protection circuitry.  
Crossover Selection Switch  
-
Controls the type of filter for the on-  
board active crossover. FLAT does  
not attenuate any frequencies and  
is for full-range speaker systems.  
HPF attenuates low frequencies and  
is used for mid-range speakers and  
tweeters. LPF attenuates high  
Input Mode Switch  
- Selects 2 or 4  
channel operation (model A404  
only).  
FIGURE 1—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS A502 FRONT  
2
4
5
1
6
3
7
7
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
FIGURE 2—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS A404 FRONT  
2
4
5
1
6
8
3
7
FIGURE 5—LED/FAN HARNESS  
BLACK  
BLUE  
-
TO LEDs  
TO FAN  
+
-
BLACK  
RED  
+
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS  
Power Fuse -  
Remote Turn On  
- This terminal  
1.  
This fuse protects the  
3.  
4.  
amplifier against internal electrical  
damage and is meant to protect the  
amplifier only. All other power  
connections should be fused at the  
source. The A502 uses 1-30A fuse,  
and the A404 uses 1-30A fuse.  
turns on the amplifier when (+) 12  
volt is applied to it. Connect it to  
the remote turn on lead of the head  
unit or signal source.  
Ground -  
Connect this terminal  
directly to the sheet metal chassis  
of the vehicle using the shortest  
wire necessary to make this  
connection. Always use wire of the  
same gauge or larger than the (+)  
12 volt power wire. The chassis  
connection point should be scraped  
free of paint and dirt. Use only  
quality crimped and/or soldered  
connectors at both ends of this  
(+) 12 Volt Power  
2.  
- Connect this  
terminal through a FUSE or CIRCUIT  
BREAKER to the positive terminal of  
the vehicle battery or the positive  
terminal of an isolated audio  
system battery.  
WARNING: Always protect this power wire by installing a fuse  
or circuit breaker of the appropriate size within  
12 inches of the battery terminal connection.  
8
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Speaker Terminals  
- Connect the  
wire. DO NOT connect this terminal  
directly to the vehicle battery  
ground terminal or any other  
factory ground points.  
5.  
speakers to these terminals. (Refer  
to the Wiring Diagram section of  
this guide.)  
FIGURE 3—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS A502 REAR  
2
4
5
1
3
FIGURE 4—AMPLIFIER CONNECTIONS A404 REAR  
2
4
5
1
3
9
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS A502  
Stereo operation (top view)  
L CH  
R CH  
Mono operation (top view)  
B
R
I
D
G
E
L CH  
R CH  
D
Simultaneous stereo/mono operation (top view)  
INDUCTOR  
CAP  
B
R
I
D
G
E
D
L CH  
R CH  
SUB  
CAP  
10  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
SPEAKER WIRING DIAGRAMS A404  
Stereo Operation - 2 Channel (top view)  
B
R
I
D
G
E
L CH  
FRONT  
(RIGHT)  
R CH  
D
B
R
I
D
G
E
L CH  
REAR  
(LEFT)  
R CH  
D
NOTE:  
For bridged two channel operation as shown in this diagram, connect right channel RCA cables to the front inputs of the  
amplifier, and left channel RCA cables to the rear inputs of the amplifier. For summed subwoofer applications, connect  
RCA cables per the input jack marking.  
11  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
Stereo Operation - 4 Channel (top view)  
FRONT  
(LEFT)  
B
R
I
L CH  
D
G
E
FRONT  
(RIGHT)  
R CH  
D
REAR  
L CH  
B
R
I
(LEFT)  
D
G
E
REAR  
(RIGHT)  
R CH  
D
Simultaneous Stereo (top view)  
INDUCTOR  
CAP  
B
R
I
D
G
E
L CH  
R CH  
L CH  
R CH  
SUB  
FRONT  
CAP  
CAP  
D
INDUCTOR  
B
R
I
D
G
E
SUB  
REAR  
CAP  
D
12  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
2 Channel Stereo with Mono Sub (top view)  
B
R
I
D
G
E
SUB  
L CH  
R CH  
L CH  
R CH  
D
REAR  
(LEFT)  
B
R
I
D
G
E
REAR  
(RIGHT)  
D
13  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
CROSSOVER SETTINGS AND GAIN ADJUSTMENT  
Your Directed Audio power amplifier needs to be adjusted carefully to achieve  
maximum performance. These are some guidelines to follow when fine-tuning the  
amplifier.  
For full-range and simultaneous stereo/mono bass applications, the crossover  
selection switch should be set to FLAT. If the amplifier is driving your subwoofers,  
set the switch to LPF, and for mid-bass/midrange output, set to HPF.  
The gain adjustment allows you to set proper signal match for clean, quiet ampli-  
fier operation. For full-range and simultaneous stereo/mono bass applications,  
start by playing some music you are familiar with. With the gain adjustment on  
the amplifier in the middle of its rotation, bring up the volume on your head unit  
to the 3/4 volume setting or until you start to hear distortion or clipping. If you  
hear distortion before you reach the 3/4 volume setting of your head unit, reduce  
the gain setting on the amplifier and start to raise the head unit volume again.  
When you can listen to the music at or slightly above 3/4 on your head unit  
without audible distortion, slowly raise the gain of the amplifier until distortion is  
heard, then back off the gain until the distortion is not audible. This setting will  
allow you to reach full output with all but the quietest of source material, while  
avoiding excessive noise in the system.  
The same procedure should be used for adjusting the amplifier when the on-board  
crossover is set to LPF or HPF, but you will also have to take into consideration the  
effect that gain adjustment has on system frequency response and imaging.  
Again, plan on spending some time with music that you know, getting the gain  
and crossover settings the way you like. Test discs and analyzers may help with this  
process, but in the end it's your ears that count - listen to the music!  
14  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
LED TUBE INSTALLATION (OPTIONAL)  
This Directed Audio amplifier has been designed with a custom heat sink that can  
accommodate two (optional—not supplied) VARAD LED tubes.  
1. Before installing the LED tubes, remove and discard the mounting feet from the  
VARAD LED tubes.  
2. Slide each LED tube assembly into your Directed Audio amplifier heat sink. Ensure  
that the LEDs are facing out for optimal visibility. The wires from the LED tube  
assembly should be on the signal input end of the amplifier. The Black wire from  
the LED tube is ground and the Black/White wire from the LED tube is power.  
4. Run the two wires from the tube assembly and connect them to the 4-pin  
LED/FAN input connector. Refer to the LED/FAN harness diagram given earlier in  
this manual.  
NOTE:  
If the optional fan IS NOT being used, it is recommended that the second LED tube be wired to this circuit. If the optional  
fan is being used, it is recommended that the second LED tube be wired in parallel with the first LED tube.  
Use the following cross reference chart to select the proper length VARAD LED tube for  
use with your Directed Audio amplifier.  
Directed Amplifier—VARAD Cross Reference Chart  
Directed Part Number  
Directed Model  
VARAD Model  
HLX6, HL6, HLW9  
HLX6, HL6, HLW9  
HLX6, HL6, HLW9  
HLX12, HL12, HLW15  
HLX6, HL6, HLW9  
HLX6, HL6, HLW9  
HLX6, HL6  
QTY Required  
45120  
45125  
45150  
45155  
45095  
45100  
45105  
45110  
A502  
A802  
A404  
A1004  
D600  
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
D800  
D1200  
D2400  
D2205  
HLX12, HL12  
2
45165  
(2) HLX12, (2) HL12  
2 or 4  
15  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
CEA SPECIFICATIONS  
A502  
Power Output: 90 Watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms and < 1% THD+N  
Signal to Noise Ratio: -70 dBA (reference 1 Watt into 4 ohms)  
Additional Power: 125 Watts RMS x 2 at 2 ohm and < 1% THD+N  
A404  
Power Output: 45 Watts RMS x 4 at 4 ohms and < 1% THD+N  
Signal to Noise Ratio: -80 dBA (reference 1 Watt into 4 ohms)  
Additional Power: 50 Watts RMS x 4 at 2 ohm and < 1% THD+N  
16  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
SPECIFICATIONS  
A502  
A404  
RMS continuous  
75W x 2  
35W x 4  
Power 4 Ohm 1  
RMS continuous  
125W x 2  
250W x 1  
50W x 4  
Power 2 Ohm 2  
RMS continuous Power  
100W x 2  
Bridged 4 Ohm 3  
Dynamic Power Rating  
(IHF-202 Standard) 4 Ohms  
Signal-to-Noise Ratio  
200W  
300W  
Greater than 90 dB  
Greater than 90 dB  
Frequency Response  
Damping Factor  
20-20,000 Hz 0.25 dB 20-20,000 Hz 0.25 dB  
Greater than 100 Greater than 100  
Switchable high or low pass Switchable high or low pass  
12 dB/octave,100Hz 12 dB/octave,100Hz  
+8 dB, centered at 40Hz +8 dB, centered at 40Hz  
20K ohms 20K ohms  
Variable from 250 mV to Variable from 250 mV to  
Crossover  
Bass Equalization  
Input Impedance  
Input Sensitivity  
7.5 volts  
7.5 volts  
2 to 8 ohms, stereo  
4 to 8 ohms, bridged  
10 to 16 VDC  
2 to 8 ohms, stereo  
4 to 8 ohms, bridged  
10 to 16 VDC  
Output Impedance  
Supply Voltage  
Fusing and Power  
30A  
30A  
Minimum Cable Requirements  
(AWG) (Per amp, trunk  
mounted)  
#10  
#10  
1. RMS continuous power driven into 4 ohms from 20 to 20,000 Hz @ 14.4VDC with less  
than 0.08% THD+N.  
2. RMS continuous power driven into 2 ohms from 20 to 20,000 Hz @ 14.4VDC with less  
than 0.15% THD+N.  
3. RMS continuous power bridged into 4 ohms from 20 to 20,000 Hz @ 14.4VDC with  
less than 0.15% THD+N.  
17  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  
The company behind this system is Directed Electronics, Inc. Since  
its inception, Directed has had one purpose, to provide customers with the finest  
vehicle security, car stereo products, rear seat entertainment, and accessories avail-  
able. The recipient of more than 20 patents in the field of advanced electronic tech-  
nology, Directed is ISO 9001 registered.  
Directed Electronics, Inc.  
Vista, California 92081  
Directed® is committed to delivering world-class quality  
products and services that excite and delight our customers.  
Quality Directed products are sold and serviced throughout North America and around the world  
Call 800 274 0200 for more information about our products and services  
© 2004 Directed Electronics, Inc.  
-
All rights reserved  
-
G45120.150 12/04  
Download from Www.Somanuals.com. All Manuals Search And Download.  

Cobra Electronics Automobile CJS 50 User Manual
Control4 Indoor Furnishings Wireless Outlet Dimmer User Manual
Craftsman Saw 13721194 User Manual
Cranium Games Game User Manual
Crate Amplifiers Stereo Amplifier KXB25 User Manual
Curtis Stereo System RCD847 User Manual
Directed Electronics Automobile 4603 User Manual
Dukane Projector 8928 User Manual
Fisher Price Tablet Accessory 74243 User Manual
Global Machinery Company Saw COS355 User Manual