FORMULA
Installation Manual
Lower power amplifiers will clip earlier than their more powerful cousins,
and cause loudspeaker failure when overdriven, due to the harmonics
generated by a clipped signal, thus overheating voice coils.
Amplifiers should be mounted with the fins running horizontally for best
convection cooling, to minimize overheating. Purchase the best quality
RCA cables you can afford, for reliability and less engine noise
interference in the audio system.
Congratulations!
By purchasing an amplifier from MB Quart, you have decided on a product
of the highest technical quality. MB Quart wishes you great enjoyment with
your amplifier. Should you have any questions about this system or other
MB Quart products, please email us at [email protected]
It is highly recommended that the amplifier be mounted to a board of MDF
or other solid structure using the 4 mounting screws provided. Avoid
mounting the amplifier to metal as this can introduce noise and other
unwanted issues. When mounting the amplifier, ensure that it is mounted
HORIZONTALLY, as shown in the diagram above, for optimal heat
dissipation. Mounting amplifiers to speaker enclosures is not
recommended as this can cause damage to the amplifier components.
When choosing a location for mounting the amplifier, ensure that you
check for clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical devices and brake
lines etc.
System Design
The success of any car stereo system relies on several factors, such as
the system design, execution of the installation, and system setup. Please
remember that any system is only as good as its weakest link.
Please remember that higher power systems are not necessarily useful
purely for high sound pressure levels, but also to establish a headroom
capability, to reproduce musical peaks cleanly without distortion.
WOOD
FX2.60 / FX4.50 / FX4.70 / FX4.100 / FX1.400 / FX1.600
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
General Instructions
General:
Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle
that can cause electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.
Power and ground connections:(See table below)
Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Formula series amplifiers
require at least 4 gauge power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system
amperage. Some applications may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to
mount a large enough fuse right at the battery, and run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then
a simple matter to connect the +12 volt terminal of each amplifier to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure that the main power fuse
is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse must be within 12” of the vehicles battery.
Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least 4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the
amplifiers’ power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution
block to the chassis as short as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important, and the best way to
achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to
scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis , slightly larger than the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same size
as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent
oxidization with time.
TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each
piece directly to the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and
soldered for reliability. Make sure that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the
chassis.
Safe connection sequence:
After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and
remote turn on leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt
cable to the battery, with the main fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system.
Power up the system:
The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work
properly immediately.
First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers
to 0 dB (no boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input
selector and crossover switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not
blow, you can insert the fuse in one of the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio
station, and increase the head unit volume control. If the system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining amplifiers, one by
one, till the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.
WIRE LENGTH
SYSTEM
AMPERAGE
7-10 ft.
10-13 ft.
13-16 ft.
16-19 ft.
19-22 ft.
22-28 ft.
35-50
8
6
4
4
4
2
6
4
4
2
2
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
4
2
2
0
0
4
2
0
0
0
0
50-65
68-85
85-105
105-125
125-150
2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Settings for Best Performance
FX2.60 / FX4.50 / FX4.70 / FX4.100
General:
At this point you are ready to get more specific on the settings for your amplifier.
High Pass:
-When in Hi Pass operation, this setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your system reproduction. The point that you set it at cuts off any frequencies from reproduction beyond this
point. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the High Pass to 100Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies below 100Hz but will play frequencies from
100Hz to the highest frequency the amplifier is capable of reproducing.
-When in Low Pass/Bandpass operation, this setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your system reproduction aka Subsonic Filter. The point that you set it at cuts off any frequencies
from reproduction beyond this point. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the High Pass to 60Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies below 60Hz
but will play frequencies from 60Hz to the chosen Low Pass frequency.
-When in Flat/Full operation, the Low Pass crossover is bypassed.
Bass EQ:
This setting is a fixed bass boost at 45Hz that is variable from 0-9dB. This feature provides impact to your bass, but if not adjusted correctly, it can be over used and cause damage to
your speakers and amplifiers. It is best to slowly turn this setting clockwise until the desired punch is felt. It is not recommended to exceed the 12 o’clock position unless listening at a low
volume or a low recording quality as this can result in high distortion and possibly clipping.
Low Pass:
The Low Pass control acts as a ceiling and doesn’t allow frequencies to the right of the desired setting to be reproduced. Turning the potentiometer all the way to the right is a great
starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Low Pass to 120Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies above 120Hz but will play frequencies from 120Hz to the chosen Hi Pass or
Subsonic frequency.
-When in Hi Pass operation, this setting is bypassed.
Level Control Setup:
Ensure that the Level is turned completely to the left prior to turning the system on. Next you should insert a CD or cassette that you are familiar with to use as a reference, and turn the
head unit volume control to about 80% of its full setting. The system sound level will of course be very low, and the following procedures will help you to match the amplifier input
sensitivities properly to the head unit output signal level.
It is important to match the amplifier LEVEL input sensitivity to the Radio/CD output sensitivity. This can be located in the Radio/CD manual.
If the Radio/CD output sensitivity is 2 volts, then adjust the amplifier LEVEL input to 2 volts.
If you are not sure what the Radio output sensitivity is, follow these general guide lines:
Turn the level control up slowly, till you hear distortion, then back off a few degrees on the control. If at any point your amplifier goes into protection, you will need to turn the Level to the
left a bit and then try again. If you reach a point where the output does not increase, stop turning the Level control to the right as the amplifier/speaker combo has reached its maxx
output in this application.
FX1.400 / FX1.600
General:
At this point you are ready to get more specific on the settings for your amplifier.
Subsonic:
This setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your system bass reproduction. The point that you set it at cuts off any frequencies from reproduction beyond this point. The 12 o’clock
position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Subsonic to 25Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies below 25Hz but will play frequencies from 25Hz to the chosen Low
Pass frequency.
Bass EQ:
This setting is a fixed bass boost at 45Hz that is variable from 0-12dB. This feature provides impact to your bass, but if not adjusted correctly, it can be over used and cause damage to
your subwoofers and amplifiers. It is best to slowly turn this setting clockwise until the desired punch is felt. It is not recommended to exceed the 12 o’clock position unless listening at a
low volume or a low recording quality as this can result in high distortion and possibly clipping.
Low Pass:
The Low Pass control acts as a ceiling and doesn’t allow frequencies to the right of the desired setting to be reproduced. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you
adjust the Low Pass to 80Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies above 80Hz but will play frequencies from 80Hz to the chosen Subsonic frequency.
Level Control Setup:
Ensure that the Level is turned completely to the left prior to turning the system on. Next you should insert a CD or cassette that you are familiar with to use as a reference, and turn the
head unit volume control to about 80% of its full setting. The system sound level will of course be very low, and the following procedures will help you to match the amplifier input
sensitivities properly to the head unit output signal level.
It is important to match the amplifier LEVEL input sensitivity to the Radio/CD output sensitivity. This can be located in the Radio/CD manual.
If the Radio/CD output sensitivity is 2 volts, then adjust the amplifier LEVEL input to 2 volts.
If you are not sure what the Radio output sensitivity is, follow these general guide lines:
Turn the level control up slowly, till you hear distortion, then back off a few degrees on the control. If at any point your amplifier goes into protection, you will need to turn the Level to the
left a bit and then try again. If you reach a point where the output does not increase, stop turning the Level control to the right as the amplifier/subwoofer combo has reached its maxx
output in this application.
3
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The key to finding the problem in a misbehaving sound system is to isolate parts of that system in a logical fashion to track down the fault.
Descriptionof the Diagnostic system built into all MB Quart amplifiers
The diagnostic system will shut down the amplifier, until reset by turning the head unit off, and back on. This state of affairs will be indicated by the front panel
PROTECTLEDlighting up under the following conditions:
1 -Ashort circuit on the loudspeaker leads.
2 -An internal amplifier fault that causes a DCoffset on the loudspeaker output.
Should the amplifier go into diagnostic mode, simply disconnect all RCAand speaker leads, while keeping +12 volt, power ground and remote leads connected.
1. Nowturn the amplifier back on, and if the diagnostic LEDlights, the amplifier has an internal fault.
2. If not, plug the RCAcables back, and reset the amplifier. If it goes into diagnostic now, the fault lies in the input, either with bad cables or source unit.
3. If the amplifier seems fine with RCAcables plugged in, connect the speakers, one at a time, and if one of the speakers or its wiring is faulty, it will activate the
diagnostic system.
Amplifierheatsink overheating
The amplifiers will shut down when the heatsink temperature reaches 80 degrees centigrade, and turn back on once the unit has cooled down below that point.
Causes of overheating:
1 - Inadequate cooling - relocate or remount to provide better natural airflow over the fins.
2 - Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the
recommended loudspeaker impedance.
Low output power
1 - Check that level controls have been set up properly.
2 - Make sure that the battery voltage, as measured at the amplifier’s +12 volt and ground terminals, is 11 volts or more.
3 - Check all +12 volt and ground connections.
Fuses blowing
1 -The use of loudspeaker impedances below the recommended minimums will draw more current - check.
2 -Ashort on the main +12 volt cable from the battery to the vehicle chassis will cause the main fuse to blow.
System does not turn on
1 - Check all fuses.
2 - Check all connections.
3 - Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders,
distribution blocks, the head unit’s +12 volt and remote leads to localize the problem.
Noise problems
System noise can be divided into two categories, hiss, and electrical interference.
Hiss, or white noise
1 - High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section ”Setting up
systems after installation for best performance”
2 -Another major problem that can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy head unit - unplug the amplifier input RCAcables, and if the hiss level reduces, the source unit
is at fault.
Electricalinterference
The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment. The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air
conditioners, to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first
unplug amplifier input RCA cables, if the noise is still present, check the speaker leads, if not, plug the RCA’s back, and investigate the source driving the
amplifier, one component at a time.
Aticking or whine that changes with engine RPM:
1 -This problem could be caused by radiation pickup of RCAcables too near to a fuel pump or a distributor, for instance, - relocate cables.
2 - Check that the head unit ground is connected straight to the vehicle chassis, and does not use factory wiring for ground.
3 -Try to supply the head unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly from the battery +, instead of using a supply from the in dash wiring/fusebox.
Aconstant whine:
This type of noise can be more difficult to pinpoint, but is usually caused by some kind of instability, causing oscillations in the system.
1 - Check all connections, especially for good grounds.
2 - Make sure that no speaker leads are shorting to exposed metal on the vehicle chassis.
3 -RCAcables are notorious for their problematic nature, so check that these are good, in particular the shield connections.
4
FX2.60
OUTPUT
INPUT
LEVEL
BASS EQ
HIGH PASS
LOW PASS
X-OVER
L
2-Channel Amplifiers
POWER
PROTECTION
6V
0.2V
0dB
9dB
30Hz
150Hz
10Hz
1.2kHz FULL HP
LP
R
FEATURES:
- 1 Set of RCA inputs
- POWER LED: Indicates the powered up and turned on condition
- LEVEL: Variable sensitivity from 0.2V to 6V
- BASS EQ: Adjustable 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 9dB
- X-OVER: Selects internal crossover functions
- FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency operation
- LPF: Selects the built in LOW PASS filter, variable from 30Hz to 150Hz
- HPF: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 10Hz to 1.2kHz
- PROTECTION LED: Indicates a high voltage, low voltage, short circuit,
hard clip, over heating or DC fault condition..
- LINE OUTPUT: Full range RCA pass through.
2 Channel Full Range Stereo:
Control checklist:
Interconnect cable checklist:
- Refer to the section “Settings for Best Performance”
- Connect the two inputs of the amplifier to a Radio/CD with quality RCA cables.
Switch setting checklist:
- 1/2CH X-OVER: FULL
Minimum final loudspeaker impedances:
- You can also feed the SAME signal to both left and right inputs via a Y-adapter RCA cable.
- Connect the mono speaker positive terminal to the RIGHT +, and its negative terminal to LEFT
- as shown.
Mono Operation:
Here we show how to use the 2 channel amplifiers as a 1 channel unit by taking
advantage of the mono bridging capability of all MB Quart amplifiers.
Interconnect cable checklist:
Switch setting checklist:
- X-OVER: LP/BP
- A MONO signal source is required to bridge channels 1/2, such as would be available
from the mono sub bass output of an active crossover, whether standalone, or built into
a head unit or equalizer. If you only have 1 set of RCA outputs from your headunit, you
can simply connect those to the inputs for ch 1/2 and switch the X-OVER to LP/BP. The
amplifier will auto sum the signal and provide mono output for bridged channels 1/2.
Important: Do not be tempted to connect the hot, or positive outputs, from any source
together to obtain a mono signal, as this could very well damage the output stage of
that source.
Control checklist:
- Refer to the section “Settings for Best Performance”
Minimum final loudspeaker impedances:
- 4 ohm mono bridged.
MONO LINE INPUT
5
FX4.50 / FX4.70 / FX4.100
4-Channel Amplifiers
Ch 3&4
OUTPUT
X-OVER
LOW PASS
BASS EQ
HIGH PASS
LEVEL
LEVEL
INPUT
Ch1 Ch3
LP/BP HP
FULL
30Hz
150Hz
0dB
X-OVER
9dB
10Hz
1.2kHz
6V
6V
0.2V
0.2V
INPUT MODE
HIGH PASS
PROTECTION
POWER
4CH
2CH
DUPE 3/4 HP FULL
10Hz
1.2kHz
Ch2
Ch4
Ch 1&2
FEATURES:
- 2 Sets of RCA inputs
- POWER LED: Indicates the powered up and turned on condition
- LEVEL: Variable sensitivity from 0.2V to 6V
- BASS EQ: Adjustable 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 9dB
- X-OVER: Selects internal crossover functions
- FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency operation
- LP: Selects the built in LOW PASS filter, variable from 30Hz to 150Hz
- HP: Selects the built in HIGH PASS filter, variable from 10Hz to 1.2kHz
- PROTECTION LED: Indicates a high voltage, low voltage, short circuit,
hard clip, over heating or DC fault condition.
- MODE: “2CH” indicates one set of RCA’s are being used. This will also pass signal to channels 3/4 through 1/2 inputs.
“4CH” indicates connecting 2 sets of RCA’s to 1/2 and
3/4 inputs.
- LINE OUTPUT: Full range RCA pass through.
4 Channel Full Range Stereo:
Control checklist:
Interconnect cable checklist:
- Refer to the section “Settings for Best Performance”
- Connect the four inputs of the amplifier to a Radio/CD with quality RCA cables.
Switch setting checklist:
- 1/2CH X-OVER: FULL
Minimum final loudspeaker impedances:
- 2 ohm per channel.
- 3/4CH X-OVER: FULL
MODE: “4CH” since 2 sets of RCA’s are connected.
Important: Do not be tempted to connect the hot, or positive outputs, from any source together
to obtain a mono signal, as this could very well damage the output stage of that source.
- It is necessary to feed the SAME signal to both left and right inputs via a Y-adapter RCA cable.
- Connect the mono speaker positive terminal to the Ch4 +, and its negative terminal to Ch3 - as
shown.
2 or 3 Channel System:
Here we show how to use the 4 channel amplifiers as a 3 channel unit by taking
advantage of the mono bridging capability of all MB Quart amplifiers. In order to create
a 2 channel system, simply follow the example to also mono bridge channel pair 1/2.
Interconnect cable checklist:
Switch setting checklist:
- 1/2CH X-OVER: FULL
- 3/4CH X-OVER: LP
Control checklist:
- Refer to the section “Settings for Best Performance”
Minimum final loudspeaker impedances:
- 2 ohm per channel in stereo mode.
- 4 ohm mono bridged.
- Connect the inputs of channel pair 1/2 to a suitable stereo source, e.g. a head unit
with good quality RCA cables.
- A MONO signal source is required to bridge channel pair 3/4, such as would be
available from the mono sub bass output of an active crossover, whether standalone, or
built into a head unit or equalizer. If you only have 1 set of RCA outputs from your
headunit, you can simply connect those to the inputs for ch 1/2 and switch the MODE to
2ch. The amplifier will auto sum the signal and provide mono output for bridged
channels 3/4.
STEREO LINE INPUT
MONO LINE INPUT
6
FX1.400 / FX1.600
Mono Amplifiers
OUTPUT
INPUT
REMOTE
L
BASS BOOST
SUBSONIC
LOW PASS
LEVEL
POWER
PROTECT
R
0dB
12dB
10Hz
40Hz
40Hz
300Hz
6V
0.2V
FEATURES:
- 1 Set of RCA inputs
- POWER LED: Indicates the powered up and turned on condition
- LEVEL: Variable sensitivity from 0.2V to 6V
- BASS EQ: Adjustable 45Hz bass boost from 0dB to 12dB
- SUBSONIC: Variable from 10Hz to 40Hz
- LOW PASS: Variable from 40Hz to 300Hz
- PROTECT LED: Indicates a high voltage, low voltage, short circuit,
hard clip, over heating or DC fault condition.
- LINE OUTPUT: Full range RCA pass through.
Interconnect cable checklist:
Connect the inputs to a suitable source, e.g. a head unit with good quality RCAcables.
Controlchecklist:
Refer to the section“Settings for Best Performance”
Use at least #14 gauge speaker wiring. The amps have dual speaker terminals,
simplifying the hookup of multiple speakers.These amps are mono, 1 channel, amplifiers
which have multiple positive and negative connections for ease of wiring. The 2 positives
are the same internally and the 2 negatives are the same internally.
Minimum final loudspeakerimpedance: 2-Ohm.
Warning: The mono amps are 4 & 2-Ohm stable only.
They are not 1-Ohm stable.
MONO
SUBWOOFER
MIN
MBQR-2
MAXX
TO BATTERY + 12 Volts
VIA FUSE
REMOTE TURN-ON
DESIGNATED
MONO OUTPUT
FROM HEAD UNIT
CHASSIS GROUND
2-Ohms each minimum
FUSE
7
OEM Integration
Accessories
MX-1 Premium High To Low Level Converter
MX-3 Bass Controller
* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA
Low Level Outputs
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs
including floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts.
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects
music signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-1. As
an option, the module also offers a remote turn-on wire.
* Parametric Bass EQ: Features Bass Boost, adjustable Band
Width (wide & narrow), Low Pass and Subsonic Filter.
* Clipping Indicators: Visually indicates audio signals Pre-Clip,
Soft Clip and Hard Clip
* Balanced Line Output: Ultra clean DIN variable high voltage
output for driving mono amps.
* Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when
module activates.
* Parametric Bass EQ: Provides a wide array of subwoofer output signal
shaping controls to enhance bass response and sound quality including
Bass Boost, adjustable Bandwidth (wide and narrow), Low Pass and
Subsonic Filter.
* Accepts a wide range of incoming music signal levels while
accommodating all types of head units and signal processors and
controlling the output level to the amp to maximize a signal strength up to
9 volts.
* Clipping Indicators: Visual clipping indicators provide indication of
damaging clipped signals to help protect the subwoofer(s) and amplifier.
Includes pre-clip, soft-clip and full-clip indications.
* Music Shaping: Shapes the music signal to achieve deep bass notes as
low as 15Hz.
* Bass Remote: Features for subwoofer Level control with built-
in clipping indicators.
* Input & Output Level Control: Allows for gain matching both
radio and amplifier audio signals.
* Bass Remote: Included bas Remote features built-in clipping indicators
allows direct bass control from in-dask or under-dash.
MX-2 Deluxe High To Low Level Converter
MX-4 Add A Sub High To Low Level Converter
* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA
Low Level Outputs
* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA Low Level
Outputs
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs
including floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts.
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects
music signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-2. As
an option, the module also offers a remote turn-on wire.
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs including
floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts.
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects music
signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-4. As an option, the
module also offers a remote turn-on wire.
* Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when module * Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when module activates.
activates.
9
Check out our videos of new products,
events and technical tutorials at
PART#S111
FX2.60 / FX4.50 / FX4.70 / FX4.100 / FX1.400 / FX1.600
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