Hifionics GLX1800 1D User Manual

GLX60.4 / GLX100.4  
GLX1000.1D / GLX1400.1D  
GLX1800.1D / GLX2200.1D  
GENERAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE  
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. 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.  
Installation  
WOOD  
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.  
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 the features matrix on page 10 for proper gauge cables per amplifier):  
Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Gladiator 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.  
WIRE LENGTH  
SYSTEM  
AMPERAGE  
7-10 ft.  
10-13 ft.  
13-16 ft.  
16-19 ft.  
19-22 ft.  
22-28 ft.  
NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule  
of thumb. Please refer to the  
manufacturers specific  
requirements. Gladiator  
specifications can be found on  
page 10.  
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  
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.  
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AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS  
GLADIATOR AMPLIFIERS:  
Each model is capable of 4 & 2-Ohms stereo per channel, or 4-Ohms mono bridged operation except  
the mono amps which are capable of 4, 2 and 1-Ohm loads.  
Tri-Mode operation with any stereo pair of amplifier channels is possible, as with all bridgeable  
amplifiers.  
The input sensitivities for rated output powers are variable from 0.2V to 6V for the multi channel  
amplifiers and 0.2V to 9V for the mono models.  
A POWER LED indicates the powered up and turned on condition.  
All Hifonics amplifiers feature a comprehensive diagnostic system, with speaker lead short circuit,  
and amplifier DC faults indicated by the red “PROTECT” LED.  
CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE ANY AMPLIFIER BELOW THE INTENDED IMPEDANCE. YOU  
WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER THAT WILL NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE  
WARRANTY PRINTED IN THE BACK OF THE MANUAL. 2 & 4 Channel amps are capable of 4  
and 2-Ohms wired stereo and 4-Ohms wired mono bridged. The mono amps are capable of 4, 2  
and 1-Ohm.  
All crossovers are fully variable in their respective ranges.  
Crossover filters are 12dB/Octave.  
GLX60.4 / GLX100.4 4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIERS  
The 4 channel amps have the same features as the 2 channel models accept that there are 2 sets of  
controls.  
1 set for channels 1 & 2 and 1 set for channels 3 & 4.  
CH1/2 CH3/4  
REMOTE HI PASS CH1/2 X-OVER LOW PASS BASS EQ  
LEVEL  
POWER LINE OUTPUT  
In addition, the 4 channel models have a Mode switch which allows you to select 2 or 4 channel  
operation. Switch to 2 channel if you only have 1 set of RCA’sin CH1/2 and the unit will automatically  
supply signal to channels 3/4. Select 4 channel if you are providing RCA’sto channels 1/2 and 3/4.  
TheX-OVERslide switch selects the internal crossover functions:  
-The input signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, regardless of the X-OVER setting  
simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.  
R
L
R
HI FULL LP/BP  
10Hz 15kHz  
10Hz 15kHz  
HI PASS CH3/4 X-OVER LOW PASS BASS EQ  
30Hz 150Hz 0dB 10dB 6.0V 0.2V  
30Hz 150Hz 0dB 10dB 6.0V 0.2V  
PROTECT  
L
2CH  
4CH  
HI FULL LP/BP  
LINE INPUT  
MODE  
LEVEL  
-HI: Selects the built inHI PASSfilter.  
-FULL: Bypasses all crossovers for full frequency range operation.  
-LP/BP:Selects the built inLOW PASSfilter.  
HI PASS:Variable low frequency cut offfrom 10Hz to 15kHz.  
LOW PASS:Variable high frequency cut offfrom 30Hz to 150Hz.  
BASSEQ: 45Hz bass boost variable from 0dB to 10dB.  
LEVEL:Variable LEVEL (GAIN) control from 6.0V to 0.2V.  
LINEINPUT:The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA)inputs from 0.2V to 6V.  
LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy  
chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.  
Note that the LOW PASSsignal is MONO.  
-In the LP/BP position, the HI PASS filter acts as a subsonic  
filter.  
-When the LP/BP mode is selected, a 0 to +10dB, at 45Hz,  
BASSEQ is also switched in.  
GLX1000.1D / GLX1400.1D / GLX1800.1D MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIERS  
SUBSONIC:Crossover filter from 15Hz to 35Hz.  
LOW PASS:Crossover filter from 30Hz to 250Hz.  
LEVEL: Adjusts the input sensitivity from 0.2 volts to 9 volts.  
BASSEQ: Adjustable bass boost from 0db to 10dB.  
BALANCED  
INPUT  
SUB  
SONIC  
INPUT OUTPUT  
LEVEL  
PHASE  
REMOTE  
BASS EQ  
LOW PASS  
POWER  
PHASE: The Phase Shift is fully adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees and this allows you to control time  
alignment.  
L
L
PROTECT  
9V  
0.2V  
0
180  
0dB 10dB 15Hz 35Hz 35Hz 250Hz  
R
R
REMOTE:This is the input jack for the remote Level control.  
BALANCEDINPUT:Accepts line level balanced input from 0.4v to 18v.  
LINEINPUT:The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA)inputs from 0.2V to 9V.  
LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy  
chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.  
The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 & 1-Ohm loads.  
Operating the amp below 1-Ohm can cause damage to the  
amp not covered in the warranty.  
-The LINE INPUT signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, and not affected by the  
settings on the amplifier simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.  
GLX2200.1D MONO BLOCK AMPLIFIERS  
SUBSONIC:Crossover filter from 15Hz to 35Hz.  
LOW PASS:Crossover filter from 30Hz to 250Hz.  
LEVEL: Adjusts the input sensitivity from 0.2 volts to 9 volts.  
BASSEQ: Adjustable bass boost from 0db to 10dB.  
POWER  
PROTECT  
BALANCED  
INPUT  
SUB  
SONIC  
IN  
INPUT OUTPUT  
LEVEL  
PHASE REMOTE BASS EQ  
LOW PASS  
L
L
PHASE: The Phase Shift is fully adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees and this allows you to control time  
alignment.  
9V  
0.2V  
0
180  
0dB 10dB 15Hz 35Hz 35Hz 250Hz  
OUTPUT  
MASTER  
R
R
INPUT  
SLAVE  
REMOTE:This is the input jack for the remote Level control.  
BALANCEDINPUT:Accepts line level balanced input from 0.4v to 18v.  
LINEINPUT:The line input accepts unbalanced (RCA)inputs from 0.2V to 9V.  
LINE OUTPUT: The line output passes through signal from the line inputs which allows you to daisy  
chain multiple amplifiers from one signal.  
OUT  
The mono amps are capable of 4, 2 & 1-Ohm loads.  
Operating the amp below 1-Ohm can cause damage to the  
amp not covered in the warranty.  
-The LINE INPUT signal is routed directly to the LINE OUT RCA jacks, and not affected by the  
settings on the amplifier simplifying daisy chaining of amplifiers.  
The BRE2500.1D is a linkable amplifier and features a MASTER / SLAVE selection switch and IN /  
OUTRCAconnection.  
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