TA4501 Owner’s Manual
Introduction
Thank you for choosing MTX to help reach the ultimate goal with your vehicle. Adding MTX amplifiers and
matching MTX speakers and subwoofers with StreetWires connections will put you in a better position to
hear, feel, and experience all of the music the artist intended.
Specifications
Primary Ratings:
Power Output: 250 watts RMS x 1-channel at 4 ohm and ≤ 1% THD+N
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (1 watt): 71dB
Secondary Ratings
Power Output: 500 watts RMS x 1-channel at 2 ohm and ≤ 1% THD+N
THD+Noise (Distortion) (1 watt): ≤ .5%
Frequency Response (-3dB): 20Hz-200Hz
Maximum Input Signal: 10V
Maximum Sensitivity: 100mV
Dimensions: 9-5/8” x 16-11/16” x 2-1/2” (245mm x 425mm x 65mm)
Smart Engage™ Auto-Turn-On (Patent No: US06556683)
Patented Adaptive Class D Technology (Patent No: US06753729)
Patented Power Supply (US05598325)
Input Sensitivity Switch: 100mV-1V/1V-10V
Crossover: Low @ 40Hz-200Hz, 24dB
ThunderEQ Boost: 0-18dB, Freq. 40Hz
Remote Subwoofer Level Control
Features
1. Prizm EFX – All MTX amplifiers include backlit adjustment controls on the top surface of the product.
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Color – The backlit controls offer unlimited colors on the display -- from RED, GREEN, and BLUE to any
color in between.
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EFX – You can switch Prizm EFX lighting to “pulsate” with the beat of the music.
2. Xtant Technology Cooling (XTC) – A thermal-regulated turbo-charged intercooler supplies fan forced cool air
evenly and constantly through tightly packed bonded fins. Fan speed is continuously varying and controlled
by the amplifier’s output, temperature of heatsink, and transformers. Exhaust from the internal heatsink is
strategically positioned to cool the transformers to maintain maximum performance at all volumes.
3. Bi-Level Inputs with Smart Engage™ – All MTX amplifiers feature RCA type input connections.
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Low Level Input – Source units with an output signal level of 100mV–10V may be used. See “Input
Sensitivity” for proper voltage level setting.
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High Level Inputs with Smart Engage™ – All MTX amplifiers allow high level inputs through RCA type
input connections using provided high level adapters. Source units with an output signal level of 100mV–10V
may be used. See “Input Sensitivity” for proper voltage level setting.
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Smart-Engage™ Auto-Turn-On – An auto-turn-on circuit is included within the amplifier. A remote turn-
on wire is not necessary when connecting the amplifier’s high-level input to a high-powered source unit (car
stereo). The amplifier will automatically turn on when music is received through this type of connection.
4. Input Sensitivity – The Input Sensitivity switch is used to set the proper input voltage range:
X1 POSITION: 100mV–1V (Typically for RCA Input)
X10 POSITION: 1V–10V (Typically for Speaker Level Input)
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Connections
1. Bi-Level Inputs (Low/High Level Input) with Smart Engage™ –
Both a low and high level signal can be used. Be sure to lay the signal wire away from all power cables and
vehicle computers. Use high quality twisted pair interconnect cables to decrease the possibility of radiated
noise entering the system.
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Using RCA Connections: If the source unit has RCA outputs, simply attach a signal cable from the source
unit to the amp’s RCA input. This will provide signal to the amp.
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Using Speaker Level Connections: If the source unit does not have RCA outputs, a high level signal can be
used instead by taking the supplied high level RCA adaptor cables and connecting the bare wire ends to the
vehicle’s rear speaker wiring. Connect the left negative speaker wire to the green with black stripe wire on the
supplied high level RCA adaptor. Connect the left positive speaker wire to the solid green wire. Do the same
for the right speaker connection using the purple wire. Now plug the RCA connectors into the amp’s INPUTS.
2. Speaker Wire Connections –
When installing the speaker wires, please take proper measures to protect them. For example, when
connecting the door speakers, the speaker wire should run from the amplifier’s output terminals, under the
carpet, and through the factory rubber boot (loom) that protects the wires in the inner door jam. If the factory
boot cannot be used, take other measures to protect these wires. Sometimes the door has to be completely
removed to use the factory boot. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask a
professional to help you.
When connecting the speaker wires to the amplifier, please observe the printed polarity markings on the
amplifier’s StreetWires connector. Failing to wire the speakers in proper phase could result in a loss of bass
response or poor overall sound quality.
These amps will have two PARALLEL speaker terminals: a positive and negative for a single woofer and an
OPTIONAL second set of positive and negative terminals for a two woofer configuration. These amps can
drive a minimum of a 2 ohm load.
Note: Please pay attention and make sure the speakers or woofers are the correct IMPEDANCE (OHMS) BEFORE
attaching to the amplifier.
3. Power Terminals – Please take proper measures during installation to protect the power wires as best you
can. For example, when running the power cable from the vehicle’s battery through the firewall, use a firewall
bushing for protection. Run the power wire through the interior of the vehicle under the carpet and to the
amplifier. If this is something that you do not feel comfortable doing, please ask a professional to help you. Be
sure to lay the power wire away from all signal cables.
When connecting the power wires to the amplifier please observe the printed markings on the amplifier’s
StreetWires power connector. Failing to wire the power cables properly could result in amplifier damage.
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+12V: This is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive
terminal of the car battery for the amplifier to operate properly. It is important that a main fuse is installed a
maximum of 18” from the battery.
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GND: This is the ground connection for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the metal chassis
of the vehicle for the amplifier to operate properly. A properly grounded amplifier can be run harder and
longer than a poorly grounded amplifier. The ground on the amplifier should be as short as possible and
be connected directly to the vehicle’s metal chassis. Do not connect to Factory bolts of ANY kind. When
attaching the ground to the chassis, sand all the paint away from the contact point. A grounding block like the
StreetWires GT4 should be used whenever possible as this piece of equipment has 5 times the surface area of
a normal screw.
The gauge of the power and ground wire is often an overlooked aspect of amplifier installation. The more
power the amplifier receives, the more power it will produce. Power cables have a natural resistance, and
will lose voltage by the time the power makes its way to the amplifier. The larger gauge (diameter) wire will
hold more voltage over longer runs. Also, by having a larger diameter ground wire, the amplifier can run
more efficiently. MTX recommends using a minimum of 4 gauge power and ground cables to get the best
performance.
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REM: This connection turns the amplifier on and off and needs to be connected to a remote turn-on wire
from your source unit if you are using a low level input connection.
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Note: When numerous amplifiers are used in the same system, look into using a relay with a separate power
wire connected to an alternative power source to take the strain off the source unit. Normal source units can
only keep a constant 12 volts to 2 or possibly 3 amps. This wire should also be run on the away from the RCA
cables.
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CAP+: This 8 gauge terminal is internally wired in parallel with the +12V on the StreetWires Power
connector. It is the ideal connection point for the positive side of a capacitor to increase the amplifier’s
performance.
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CAP-: This 8 gauge terminal is internally wired in parallel with the GND on the StreetWires Power
connector. It is the ideal connection point for the negative side of the capacitor to increase the amplifier’s
performance.
Double check all the previous connection installation steps, in particular the speaker and power wiring.
Securely mount the amplifier. If everything is in order, reconnect the vehicle’s negative battery connection and
begin following the feature setup and adjustment steps.
Feature Setup and Adjustments
1. 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.
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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)
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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 10 volts) attach the
positive and negative leads directly to any exposed speaker. It will 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.
2. 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 obvious 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.
3. Adjusting the Low, 24dB @ 40Hz - 200Hz Variable Low Pass X-over Frequency Controls–
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Setting for Subwoofers: Using “L-PASS CROSSOVER” you have control over what frequency you want
your amp to start crossing over your signal. By turning this control all the way counter-clockwise you are
crossing the signal over at 40Hz (the range is counter-clockwise 40Hz to clockwise 200Hz). This means that
the amp will send the woofers frequencies from 20Hz to 40Hz and then start to taper down as the frequencies
go over 40Hz (24dB/octave roll off). The industry standard for low pass crossover point is right around 90Hz.
However by experimenting with the crossover point (higher or lower) you will find what sounds best in this
install. The decibel per octave roll off (dB/oct) means how fast the amplifier tapers down as the frequencies
get higher. This amp uses a 24-decibel per octave roll off, which is pretty steep, or tapers off fairly quickly from
the crossover point. This design complements both the subwoofer and the mid to provide greater musical
detail.
4. Adjusting The Variable ThunderEQ – Adjust the dial clockwise to add the desired amount of bass boost. Keep
in mind that there is a lot of boost available, 18dB of 40Hz, but begin with a low boost setting (around 3dB)
and try to stay below 6dB whenever possible. Remember that for every 3dB of additional boost you dial in,
you are asking the amplifier to double its power output for this boost region.
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5. 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 adaptor.
6. Prizm EFX – Now that you have completed adjusting all your amplifier settings, you can set the lighting effects
to your personal taste.
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Selecting Colors: You can change the backlit colors simply by turning the dial labeled PRIZM COLOR,
located in the MTX PRIZM EFX section of the control panel, left or right. Starting at the left most clockwise
position, the colors range from RED to GREEN, BLUE, and then RED again. You can choose any color in
between making the combinations unlimited.
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Selecting the EFX Feature: You can switch Prizm EFX lighting to “pulsate” with the beat of the music.
Simply depress the button labeled PRIZM EFX located in the in the MTX PRIZM EFX section of the control
panel to turn this feature on or off.
Trouble Shooting
Read this if you want to be a do-it-yourselfer or give us a call at 800-CALLMTX.
PROBLEM
CAUSE
SOLUTION
No LED indication
No +12V at remote connection
No +12V at Power connection
Insufficient ground connection
Blown power fuse
Supply +12V to terminal
Supply +12V to terminal
Verify ground connection
Replace fuse
LED on, no output
Volume on head unit off
Speaker connections not made
Gain control on amplifier off
Signal processing units off
All speakers blown
Increase volume on head unit
Make speaker connections
Turn up gain
Apply power to signal processor
Replace speakers
Output distorted
Balance reversed
Bass is weak
Head unit volume set too high
Amplifier gain set too high
Lower head unit volume
Lower amplifier gain
Speakers wired L + R reversed
RCA inputs reversed
Wire speakers with correct orientation
Reverse RCA input
Speakers wired out
phase
Not using MTX woofers
Wire with correct of phase
Buy MTX woofers
Blowing fuses
Excessive output levels
Amplifier defective
Lower volume
Return for service
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