DS18 X1, X2, X4, X4XL Manual

INTRODUCTION

DS18's X Amplifier is designed for high quality audio reproduction for the audiophile and everyday listener alike.
This amplifier offers the ability to tailor your sound to best fit your speakers and listening preferences with its Fully Variable Crossover.
This amplifier may also be used in conjunction with outboard passive or active crossovers, depending on the complexity of the system. The 12dB per octave slope offers steep roll-off above or below the selected frequency.
The X Series amplifiers come equipped with protection circuitry against overload, short circuits, overheating, low voltage, high voltage, and reverse polarity. These are designed to protect the amplifier from misuse and failure.
Professional installation by an authorized DS18/X Series amps dealer is highly recommended!
Otherwise, the performance of your new gear may not be satisfactory. In the event that you decide to do your own installation, please read and follow this manual very carefully. Failure to do so may compromise the integrity of this product, your automobile, and possibly void the product warranty.
Amplifiers are generally mounted in the hatch/trunk area of a car or SUV, and under or behind the seat of most pickup trucks.
Select a location that will provide adequate ventilation for the amplifier. Avoid mounting the amplifier with the fins facing down.
The fins should be facing up, either vertically or horizontally. Secure the amplifier with the screws provided.

INPUT

INPUT SECTION
Because of the wide range of head unit output configurations all DS18/X Series amps have an adjustable input sensitivity of "Gain". The gain is not a volume or a power limiting control like a throttle. It makes the amp more sensitive to input from the stereo. With the gain up the amp will reach full output at a lower volume setting on the deck. At higher gain settings the amp also becomes more sensitive to noise from the car's electrical system. Try to run the gain at the lowest setting possible for your system.
There is no correct gain setting. Because speakers require different power demands to reach the same output, the gains most often need to be used to compensate for these differences. If you, tried to set all the gains at half way you would probably find the system didn't sound very good. Using good judgment and listening carefully to each speaker is still the best way to tune a system.

POWER/PROTECTION INDICATOR LED

When the amplifier is on and in proper working condition, the green LED will illuminate. If the amplifier activates its protection mode, the red LED will illuminate. If your amplifier enters Protection Mode refer to the troubleshooting guide for possible solutions.

CONFIGURATION SWITCH

The X4 and the X4XL can be used in a 2ch, or 4ch input configuration. The channel switch will make the amplifier functional on all channels using 2 or 4 RCA inputs.

CROSSOVER CONTROLS

Without proper filtration, a tweeter is susceptible to damage from bass notes, while a subwoofer's performance may sound unnatural when playing midrange notes. The role of a crossover is to precisely remove these unwanted sounds from the speakers system.
As you might guess, this process requires meticulous adjustments to guarantee that each speaker is producing the appropriate sounds without any discernible "holes" or low spots in the audio spectrum.

SPEAKER OUTPUTS

These amplifiers utilize multi-channel design, meaning it has multiple channels of speaker outputs for enhanced audio capabilities. The inclusion of quick-disconnect plugs for speaker connection streamlines the setup process.
It's urgent you approach this connection with precision. Begin by stripping the wire back, twisting the exposed leads, and inserting them into the block terminal. Exercise caution to avoid any loose or frayed strands of wire, and firmly tighten the flat-head screw down on the terminal to securely hold the wire in place.
Additionally, be mindful that if the wires ever encounter each other, the amplifier will automatically activate its protection mode. It is crucial to be well-versed in your total ohm load before initiating any connections.

INSTALLATION

X1

NOTE
If you only connect 1 subwoofer whether on speaker outputs #1 or #2, the maximum Impedance of the subwoofer should not exceed 1 ohm. If you connect 2 subwoofers whether on speaker outputs #1 and #2, the maximum impedance of each subwoofer required should not exceed 2 ohm.

X2

X4

X4XL
Use the "4CH" position when you have a 4 channel RCA input connected
Use the "2CH" position when you have a 2 channel RCA input connected

1. Before you start disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Tape up the end so it is isolated from the battery.
2. Run an appropriate gauge wire from the battery to the amplifier. Plan this part of the installation carefully. This cable will carry very high current. If it should short to the body and it is not properly fused it could catch fire.
3. Connect the power wire to the battery using a fuse capable of the total current load of all amplifiers connected. Don't install the fuse yet. Wait until the end. Locate the fuse as close as possible to the battery. If the fuse is further than 18 inches (wire length) from the battery you should reevaluate the wire and fuse placement.
4. Find the closest clear metal area to the amp for a ground. Sand, grind or scrape all paint and undercoating from the body and screw the ground securely in place. It is advisable to test the ground with an ohmmeter between the ground cable and the negative battery cable to ensure a good low resistance connection. Some alloys used in some modern cars do not offer the best ground. If you believe this is the case, consult with the vehicle manufacturer.
5. Run the speaker wire to the speakers. it is advised that you leave some extra wire at this point! You can clean it up later.
6. If you haven't already done so, mount the amp now.
7. Connect the power and ground to the amplifier (only after this step should you install the fuse at the battery).
8. Connect the remote wire from the head unit to the amplifier. Now is a good time to turn on the amplifier for the first time and make sure it turns on properly and does not go into protection.
9. Connect the speaker wires to the amp and speakers (make sure the amp is off first) make sure the polarity (+ and -) are correct.
10. Connect the RCA's to the amp.
11. Double check the amplifier's control at this time. Make sure everything is set correctly for your system.
12. Now you are ready to play it for the first time. It is best to leave the gain all the way down at first. Start with the head unit volume low and make your way up.
13. Now you can tune the amp. Take your time and make only one adjustment at a time. It may take some time to get the system fully adjusted. During this time the amp is drawing current from the battery. You should check the battery voltage from time to time and recharge it if it gets low. That's it. You are done, have fun!

BRIDGED MODE

X4

X4XL

SPECIFICATIONS

X1

X2

X4

X4XL

TROUBLESHOOTING

DIMENSIONS

REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL

Included in X1 amp only

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