Alpine PDX-M12, PDX-M6 - Mono Power Amplifier Manual

INTRODUCTION

Please read this manual to maximize your enjoyment of the outstanding performance and feature capabilities of the equipment, then retain the manual for future reference.
Please read this OWNER'S MANUAL thoroughly to familiarize yourself with each control and function. We at ALPINE hope that your new PDX-M12/M6 will give you many years of listening enjoyment.
In case of problems when installing your PDX-M12/M6, please contact your authorized ALPINE dealer.

These controls are for tuning your system. Please consult your authorized Dealer for adjustment.

This symbol means important instructions. Failure to heed them can result in serious injury or death.

This symbol means important instructions. Failure to heed them can result in injury or property damages.

WARNING

• DO NOT OPERATE ANY FUNCTION THAT TAKES YOUR ATTENTION AWAY FROM SAFELY DRIVING
  YOUR VEHICLE. Any function that requires your prolonged attention should only be performed after coming to a complete stop. Always stop the vehicle in a safe location before performing these functions. Failure to do so may result in an accident.
• KEEP THE VOLUME AT A LEVEL WHERE YOU CAN STILL HEAR OUTSIDE NOISES WHILE DRIVING.
  Excessive volume levels that obscure sounds such as emergency vehicle sirens or road warning signals (train crossings, etc.) can be dangerous and may result in an accident. LISTENING AT LOUD VOLUME LEVELS IN A CAR MAY ALSO CAUSE HEARING DAMAGE.
• DO NOT DISASSEMBLE OR ALTER. Doing so may result in an accident, fire or electric shock.
• USE THIS PRODUCT FOR MOBILE 12V APPLICATIONS. Use for other than its designed application may result in fire, electric shock or other injury.
• USE THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN REPLACING FUSES. Failure to do so may result in fire or electric shock.
• DO NOT BLOCK VENTS OR RADIATOR PANELS. Doing so may cause heat to build up inside and may result in fire.
• MAKE THE CORRECT CONNECTIONS. Failure to make the proper connections may result in fire or product damage.
• USE ONLY IN CARS WITH A 12 VOLT NEGATIVE GROUND. (Check with your dealer if you are not sure.) Failure to do so may result in fire, etc.
• BEFORE WIRING, DISCONNECT THE CABLE FROM THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL. Failure to do so may result in electric shock or injury due to electrical shorts.
• DO NOT ALLOW CABLES TO BECOME ENTANGLED IN SURROUNDING OBJECTS. Arrange wiring and cables in compliance with the manual to prevent obstructions when driving. Cables or wiring that obstruct or hang up on places such as the steering wheel, gear lever, brake pedals, etc. can be extremely hazardous.
• DO NOT SPLICE INTO ELECTRICAL CABLES. Never cut away cable insulation to supply power to other equipment. Doing so will exceed the current carrying capacity of the wire and result in fire or electric shock.
• DO NOT DAMAGE PIPE OR WIRING WHEN DRILLING HOLES. When drilling holes in the chassis for installation, take precautions so as not to contact, damage or obstruct pipes, fuel lines, tanks or electrical wiring. Failure to take such precautions may result in fire.
• DO NOT USE BOLTS OR NUTS IN THE BRAKE OR STEERING SYSTEMS TO MAKE GROUND CONNECTIONS. Bolts or nuts used for the brake or steering systems (or any other safety-related system), or tanks should NEVER be used for installations or ground connections. Using such parts could disable control of the vehicle and cause fire etc.
• KEEP SMALL OBJECTS SUCH AS BOLTS OR SCREWS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Swallowing them may result in serious injury. If swallowed, consult a physician immediately.

CAUTION

• HALT USE IMMEDIATELY IF A PROBLEM APPEARS. Failure to do so may cause personal injury or damage to the product. Return it to your authorized Alpine dealer or the nearest Alpine Service Center for repairing.
• HAVE THE WIRING AND INSTALLATION DONE BY EXPERTS. The wiring and installation of this unit requires special technical skill and experience. To ensure safety, always contact the dealer where you purchased this product to have the work done.
• USE SPECIFIED ACCESSORY PARTS AND INSTALL THEM SECURELY. Be sure to use only the specified accessory parts. Use of other than designated parts may damage this unit internally or may not securely install the unit in place. This may cause parts to become loose resulting in hazards or product failure.
• ARRANGE THE WIRING SO IT IS NOT CRIMPED OR PINCHED BY A SHARP METAL EDGE. Route the cables and wiring away from moving parts (like the seat rails) or sharp or pointed edges. This will prevent crimping and damage to the wiring. If wiring passes through a hole in metal, use a rubber grommet to prevent the wire's insulation from being cut by the metal edge of the hole.
• DO NOT INSTALL IN LOCATIONS WITH HIGH MOISTURE OR DUST. Avoid installing the unit in locations with high incidence of moisture or dust. Moisture or dust that penetrates into this unit may result in product failure.

SERVICE CARE

• 
  This Amplifier has been type tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC Rules. This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy, and it must be installed and used properly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
  
• For European Customers
  Should you have any questions about warranty, please consult your store of purchase.
  
• For Customers in other Countries
  
  Customers who purchase the product with which this notice is packaged, and who make this purchase in countries other than the United States of America and Canada, please contact your dealer for information regarding warranty coverage.

  SERIAL NUMBER: ... INSTALLATION DATE: ... INSTALLATION TECHNICIAN: ... PLACE OF PURCHASE: ...

  
  
• 
  Please record the serial number of your unit in the space provided here and keep it as a permanent record. The serial number plate is located on the rear of the unit.

SPECIFICATIONS

NOTE:
For product improvement, specifications and design are subject to change without notice.

ACCESSORIES

INSTALLATION

With this series of amplifiers, up to three units can be stacked together in a typical installation. Depending on the number of units you wish to install, refer to instructions A to C below.

Caution on connection terminals/parts

• Keep electrically conductive objects away from the unit's terminals/parts (power terminals, fuses, speaker output terminals, RCA connectors, etc.). Doing so prevents a possible short circuit and damage to the unit.

Note:
Stack installation should always be parallel to the vehicle floor – do not install at an incline, such as leaning against a vertical surface, as this will invalidate your warranty.

Preparation for installation

1. Using the amplifier as a template, mark the four screw locations.
2. Make sure there are no objects behind the surface that may become damaged during drilling.
3. Drill the screw holes.
4. Position the PDX-M12/M6 over the screw holes, and secure with four self-tapping screws.

NOTE:
To securely connect the ground lead, use an already installed screw on the metal part of the vehicle (marked ★). Be sure this is a good ground by checking continuity to the battery (–) terminal. As much as possible connect all equipment to the same ground point. These procedures will help eliminate noise.

Single unit installation

1. Position the unit over the screw holes you prepared earlier.
2. Remove the Top Cover by inserting a flat-tipped instrument (such as a panel removal tool or slotted screwdriver) into the 2 notches of the unit (marked A). If removal is still not possible, bend the Top Cover and remove the tabs on both sides. Refer to Fig. 1.
   
   Fig. 1
   1. Top Cover
      
3. Fasten the unit down with the four self-tapping screws (M4 x 36, supplied).Refer to Fig. 2.
   
   Fig. 2
   1. Self-Tapping Screw (M4 x 36)
   2. Ground Lead/
   3. Hole
      
4. Attach the Top Cover.

Stack installation of two units

1. Firstly, securely install one unit, as described in steps 1-3 of A above.
2. Attach the Stacking Plates (Supplied) on the first unit with Machine Screws M3 x 7 (Supplied). Refer to Fig. 3.
   
   Fig. 3
   1. Machine Screw (M3 x 7)/
   2. Stacking Plate
      
3. Stack the second unit on top of the installed unit.
4. Attach the second unit with four Machine Screws M4 x 24 (Supplied). Refer to Fig. 4.
   
   Fig. 4
   1. Machine Screw (M4 x 24)
      
5. Attach the Top Cover to the second unit.

Stack installation of three units

1. Firstly, securely install the first two units firmly as described in steps 1 to 4 of B above.
2. Next, install the third unit as described for the second unit in B above. With this, stack installation of the 3 units is completed.

CONNECTIONS

Before making connections, be sure to turn the power off to all audio components. Connect the yellow battery lead from the amp directly to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle's battery. Do not connect this lead to the fuse block.

Fig. 5

Caution on connection terminals/parts

• Keep electrically conductive objects away from the unit's terminals/parts (power terminals, fuses, speaker output terminals, RCA connectors, etc.). Doing so prevents a possible short circuit and damage to the unit.

To prevent external noise from entering the audio system.

• Locate the unit and route the leads at least 10 cm (3-15/16") away from the car harness.
• Keep the battery power leads as far away from other leads as possible.
• Connect the ground lead securely to a bare metal spot (remove any paint or grease if necessary) of the car chassis.
• If you add an optional noise suppressor, connect it as far away from the unit as possible. Your Alpine dealer carries various noise suppressors, contact them for further information.
• Your Alpine dealer knows best about noise prevention measures so consult your dealer for further information.

1. Power Supply Terminal
   
   Fig. 6
   
2. Fuse
   PDX-M12: 25A x 4
   PDX-M6: 20A x 4
   • USE ONLY THE CORRECT AMPERE RATING WHEN REPLACING FUSES.
     Failure to do so may result in fire or electric shock.
     
3. Speaker Output Terminals
   Referring to "Cautions on speaker wire connections", insert the speaker wire into the speaker connector, which is then inserted in the speaker output terminal.
   Notes:
   • Fully insert the speaker connector to avoid poor connection, or the wire coming loose due to vehicle vibration, etc.
   • The speaker connector can be connected either way, regardless of polarity indication.
   • Do not connect speaker leads together or to chassis ground.
     
4. Remote Bass Control (Option)
   Connect the Remote Bass Control Unit (sold separately) to adjust the output level of the head unit and the input gain level of the unit. For more details, refer to " Input Gain Adjustment Control" of "SWITCH SETTINGS" in the Owner's Manual.
   
5. RCA Input Jacks
   Connect these jacks to the line out leads on your head unit using RCA extension cables (sold separately).
   
   Fig. 7
   1. Battery Connector
   2. Hexagon screw (Large)
   3. Hexagon screw (Small
   4. Ground lead
   5. Remote turn-on lead
   6. Battery lead
      
6. Pre-Out Jacks
   These jacks provide a line level output. This is an ideal output for driving a second subwoofer amp. This output is full-range, and is not affected by the crossover.
   
7. Battery Connector
   Make the Battery, Remote Turn-on and Ground lead connections (as shown) to the Battery Connector. Insert Plug to Terminal 1.
   
8. Battery Lead (Yellow, sold separately)
   Be sure to add a a fuse as close as possible to the battery's positive (+) terminal. This fuse will protect your vehicle's electrical system in case of a short circuit. Refer to "Cautions on Power Wire connections."
   
9. Remote Turn-On Lead (Blue/White, sold separately)
   Connect this lead to the remote turn-on or power antenna (positive trigger, (+) 12V only) lead of your head unit.
   
10. Ground Lead (Black, sold separately)
    Connect this lead securely to a clean, bare metal spot on the vehicle's chassis. Verify this point to be a true ground by checking for continuity between that point and the negative (–) terminal of the vehicle's battery. Ground all your audio components to the same point on the chassis to prevent ground loops. Refer to "Cautions on Power Wire connections."

Cautions on Power Wire connections

The power wire cannot be connected until its end has been stripped. Below explains how to connect the stripped end of the power wire.

Notes:

• Use the supplied hexagon screws for this connection. It is highly recommended that this be carried out by the dealer.
• If you make this connection yourself, ensure the connection is correct by following the instructions below carefully.
• Be sure to use the supplied hexagon screws for this connection.
• For safety reasons, connect the battery wire last.
• To prevent disconnection of the leads or dropping of the unit, do not carry the unit by the wire.
• Be sure to add a fuse as close as possible to the battery. Make sure to use a fuse of the correct rating for the power wire.

1. Check the wire gauge.
   Notes:
   • 4AWG/21 mm² is the minimum power and ground cable size that should be used to connect this amplifier. The length of these cables should not exceed 1 m to assure safe operation.
   • If the length of the power and ground cables exceed 1 m, or if you connect more than one amplifier, a power distribution block should be used with 2AWG or 1/0AWG/33 mm² or 53 mm² power and ground cables depending on the length necessary.
   • If in doubt, consult your dealer or Customer Support regarding correct wire gauge to use.
     
2. Strip back between 7-10 mm (9/32"-3/8") of the power wire's insulation to expose the conductor.
   Notes:
   • If the length of the exposed conductor is too short, a poor connection may occur causing operation failure or sound interruption.
   • Conversely, if the exposed conductor is too long, an electrical short-circuit may occur.
     
3. Loosen the unit's wire terminal hexagon screws, and insert the exposed conductor into the terminal and finally tighten to secure the connection.
4. Verify that the power wire is connected securely.

Cautions on speaker wire connections

When you connect the speaker wire to the unit, you need to insert the speaker wire into the speaker connector. Below explains how to insert the speaker wire into the speaker connector.

1. Check the wire gauge.
   Notes:
   • The available speaker wire gauge for this unit is 8AWG-16AWG/8 mm2 - 13 mm2.
   • If in doubt, consult your dealer regarding correct wire gauge to use.
     
2. Strip back between 7-10 mm (9/32"-3/8") of the wire's insulation to expose the conductor.
   Notes:
   • If the length of the exposed conductor is too short, a poor connection may occur causing operation failure or sound interruption.
   • Conversely, if the exposed conductor is too long, an electrical short-circuit may occur.
3. Loosen fully the speaker plug's 2 hexagon screws using the hexagon wrench (small, supplied).
4. Insert fully the exposed conductor of the speaker wire into the wire terminal hole. Refer to Fig. 8.
   
   
   Fig. 8
   1. Speaker connector
   2. Hex screw hole
   3. Negative lead terminal hole
   4. Speaker wire (negative)
   5. Positive lead terminal hole
   6. Speaker wire (positive)
      Note:
      • Insert the speaker wire observing the +/– indications on the speaker connector. Insert the positive speaker wire into the positive speaker terminal, and the negative speaker wire into the negative speaker terminal.
        
5. Tighten the 2 hexagon screws using the hexagon wrench (small, supplied).

SWITCH SETTINGS

Fig. 9

When making adjustments 12-15 below, remove the hexagon screw (indicated by ★ in the illustration) using the hexagon wrench (small, supplied), and then open the control cover.

11. Power Indicator
    Lights up when power is on. Is off when power is off.
12. Input Gain Selector Switch
    Set this switch according to the head unit's output level.
    Set to the "0.1 -1.0 (V)" position when the output level of the head unit is 0.1 -1.0 (V). Set to the "1.0 -8.0 (V)" position when the output level of the head unit is 1.0 -8.0 (V).
13. Input Gain Adjustment Control
    Set the PDX-M12/M6 input gain to the minimum position. Using a dynamic CD as a source, increase the head unit volume until the output distorts.
    Then, reduce the volume 1 step (or until the output is no longer distorted).Now, increase the amplifier gain until the sound from the speakers becomes distorted. Reduce the gain slightly so the sound is no longer distorted to achieve the optimum gain setting.
    Input gain adjustment range varies depending on the setting of the input gain selector switch (see " Input Gain Selector Switch")

14. Subsonic Filter Mode Selector Switch
    1. Set this switch to "OFF" in order to hear (or feel) the lowest frequencies available.
       
       
    2. Set to "15" to reduce the content below 15 Hz. This could help smaller subwoofers (<10", 25 cm) reproduce the sound with less distortion.
       
       
    3. Set to "30" when connected small (non-subwoofer) speakers not meant to reproduce low bass below 30 Hz. This prevents smaller speakers from being overdriven by frequencies it cannot audibly reproduce.
       
       
15. Crossover Frequency Adjustment Knob (LP FILTER)
    Permits adjustment of the crossover frequency, by rotating the knob to select any frequency between 50 to 400 (Hz) as the crossover point.
16. Status Indicator

CONNECTION CHECKLIST

Please check your head unit for the conditions listed below (Fig. 10):

Fig. 10

1. Blue/White
2. Power Antenna
3. Remote Turn-On Lead
4. To other Alpine components' Remote Turn-On Leads
5. SPST Switch (optional)
6. Fuse (3A)
7. As close as possible to the vehicle's ignition tap
8. Ignition Source

1. The head unit does not have a remote turn-on or power antenna lead.
2. The head unit's power antenna lead is activated only when the radio is on (turns off in the tape or CD Mode).
3. The head unit's power antenna lead is logic level output (+) 5V, negative trigger (grounding type), or cannot sustain (+) 12V when connected to other equipment in addition to the vehicle's power antenna. If any of the above conditions exist, the remote turn-on lead of your PDX-M12/M6 must be connected to a switched power source (ignition) in the vehicle. Be sure to use a 3A fuse as close as possible to this ignition tap. Using this connection method, the PDX-M12/M6 will turn on and stay on as long as the ignition switch is on.
   
   If this is objectionable, a SPST (Single Pole, Single Throw) switch, in addition to the 3A fuse mentioned above, may be installed in-line on the PDX-M12/M6 turn-on lead. This switch will then be used to turn on (and off) the PDX-M12/M6. Therefore, the switch should be mounted so that is accessible by the driver. Make sure the switch is turned off when the vehicle is not running. Otherwise, the amplifier will remain on and drain the battery.

TYPICAL SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

5 Speaker System

Fig. 11

17. Center Speaker (sold separately)
18. Front Left Speaker (sold separately)
19. Front Right Speaker (sold separately)
20. Rear Left Speaker (sold separately)
21. Rear Right Speaker (sold separately)
22. Subwoofer (sold separately)
23. RCA Extension Cable (sold separately)
24. Speaker Connector
25. Head Unit, etc.
26. Y-Adaptor (sold separately)
27. Fiber Optic Cable (sold separately)

NOTES:
Please observe the following when using Fiber Optic Cable.

• Do not coil the Fiber Optic Cable smaller than a 30 mm (1-3/16') radius.
• Do not place anything on top of the Fiber Optic Cable.

2 Subwoofer System

Fig. 12 a

Important Tips on Bridging an Amplifier/Conseils importants lors de la mise en pont d'un amplificateur

NOTE:
The following troubles may occur when it is not properly connected.

1. One side input results in low output.
2. One side input will cause failure.
3. One side input may cause more heating and thus result in the earlier operation of overheating protection.
   
   Fig. 12 b

5.1 channel Speaker System

Fig. 13

Documents / Resources

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