Kicker CX Series, CX300.1, CX600.1, CX1200.1 Manual

Pro Tip: To get the best performance from your new KICKER amplifier and extend the warranty by 1 year, use genuine KICKER accessories and wiring.

INSTALLATION

Mounting: Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifier. Make sure there are no items behind the area where the screws will be driven. Choose a location that allows at least 4" (10cm) of open ventilation for the amplifier. If possible, mount the amplifier in the climate-controlled passenger compartment. Drill four holes using a 7/64" (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier.
The KICKER CX Amplifiers are capable of space-saving vertical mounting. Use a 2.5mm hex key (Allen wrench) to loosen the endpanel, remove the existing brackets, then insert and tighten the double-slotted brackets to the amplifier as illustrated on the next page.

VERTICAL MOUNTING

Wiring: Disconnect the vehicle's battery to avoid an electrical short. Then, connect the ground wire to the amplifier. Make the ground wire short, 24" (60cm) or less, and connect it to a paint-and-corrosion-free, solid, metal area of the vehicle's chassis. Adding an additional ground wire of this same gauge (or larger) between the battery's negative post and the vehicle chassis is recommended.
The CX amplifier has dual input sensitivity differential RCA inputs which will receive either high or low level signals from your car stereo's source unit. A high-level signal can be run from the source unit's speaker outputs to the stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifier using the KICKER ZISL as shown (make sure you set the CX amplifier's input level switch to "HI"). Alternatively, the signal can be delivered to the amplifier using the low-level RCA outputs on the source unit. Set the input level switch on the end panel of the amplifier to "LO". Either input method will provide a low-level output signal at the RCA output, which effectively passes the audio signal to another amplifier or component. Keep the audio signal cable away from factory wiring harnesses and other power wiring. If you need to cross this wiring, cross it at a 90 degree angle.

Install a fuse within 18" (45cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifier. If you ever need to remove the amplifier from the vehicle after it has been installed, the ground wire should be the last wire disconnected from the amplifier--just the opposite as when you installed it.

MONO OPERATION

minimum impedance of 2 ohms

OPERATION

Automatic Turn-On Selection: The CX series offers two different automatic turn-on modes; +12V and DC Offset.

• Remote Turn-On: Run 18 gauge wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled REM between the amplifier's positive and negative power terminals. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method.
• DC Offset Turn-On: The DC Offset mode detects a 6V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.

Input Level: The RCA inputs on KICKER CX amplifiers are capable of receiving either Hi or Low-level signals from your source unit. If the only output available from your source unit is a Hi-Level signal, simply press in the Input Level switch on the amplifier. Refer to the wiring section of this manual for additional instructions.

Crossover Control: The variable crossover on the side of the amplifier allows you to adjust the lo-pass crossover frequency from 50–200Hz. The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.

Input Gain Control: The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output of the source unit to the input level of the amplifier. Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it to 25). Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier up until you can hear audible distortion, then turn it down a little.

Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the side of the amplifier is designed to give you increased output, 0–12dB, at 40Hz. The setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must readjust the input gain control to avoid clipping the amplifier.

Remote Bass-CXRC (sold separately): With the optional CXRC remote bass level control, you have the ability to control the output level of the amplifier remotely. To surface-mount the CXRC remote bass level control, simply screw the remote to the chosen location, then run the cable from the controller to the "Remote Bass" jack on the amplifier panel. Do NOT connect/disconnect while the amplifier is on. Connecting the 3.5mm cable without the remote will cause the amplifier to output at full gain, possibly damaging your speakers.

CXRC REMOTE BASS INSTALLATION

Remote cable passes audio; do not run cable parallel to power wires.

Connect the supplied 1/8th inch [3.5mm] patch cable to the CXRC remote and the Remote Bass jack on the amplifier.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your amplifier does not appear to be working, check the obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of crossover switch and gain controls, etc. There are Power (PWR) & Protection (PRT) LEDs on the side panel of your Kicker CX series amplifier. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle's charging system, the LEDs will glow either green or red. When the green LED is lit, this indicates the amplifier is turned on and no trouble exists.

Green LED off, no output?

With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following:

1. +12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to +16V)
2. Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V)
3. Check for reversed power and ground connections
4. Ground terminal, for proper conductivity.

Green LED on, no output?

Check the following:

1. RCA connections
2. Test speaker outputs with a "known" good speaker.
3. Substitute source unit with a "known" good source unit.
4. Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the VOM meter set to measure "AC" voltage.

Red LED flickering with loud music?

The red LED indicates low battery voltage. Check all the connections in your vehicle's charging system. It may be necessary to replace or charge your vehicle's battery or replace your vehicle's alternator.

Red LED on, no output?

1. Amplifier is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airflow around the amplifier.
2. Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 10–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle's charging and electrical system inspected.
3. Amplifier will only play at low volume levels = short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.

No or low output?

1. Check the balance control on source unit
2. Check the RCA (or speaker input) and speaker output connections.

Alternator noise-whining sound with engine's RPM?

1. Check for damaged RCA (or speaker input) cable
2. Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable
3. Check the source unit for proper grounding
4. Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.

Ground Noise?
KICKER amplifiers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers' head units. Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. If you are experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA outputs on the head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.

When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as the failure of other critical systems in the vehicle.
If you have more questions about the installation or operation of your new KICKER product, see the Authorized KICKER Dealer where you made your purchase. For more advice on installation, click on the SUPPORT tab on the KICKER homepage, www.kicker.com. Choose the TECHNICAL SUPPORT tab, choose the subject you are interested in, and then download or view the corresponding information. Please E-mail support@kicker.com or call Technical Services (405) 624-8583 for unanswered or specific questions.