MTX THUNDER Series, TH750.1, TH1500.1 Manual

FEATURES

• Reliable and Efficient Class-D Circuit Design
• Small Size Footprint for Easy Installation
• Surface Mount Component Technology
• Direct Insert Power and Speaker Terminals
• Protection and Clip LED Light Status Indicators
• Short, Thermal, and Under / Over Voltage Protection
• DC Offset Auto Turn On

PACKAGE CONTENTS

• (1) THUNDER Series Amplifier
• (1) EBC Remote Knob (Not Included with TH400.4, TH800.4, and TH900.6 Models)
• (1) Manual
• (4) Mounting Screws
• (2) Allen Wrenches, (3) for TH2500.1

CONTROL FUNCTIONS

1. Gain Control - The gain control matches the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the source unit being used. The operating range is 200mv to 10V.
2. RCA Inputs - The RCA inputs accept signal from either low-level (RCA) or high-level (speaker) inputs up to 10V. Source units need a minimum 200mV output for proper operation of the amplifier.
3. Power LED - The Power LED illuminates red when the amplifier is powered on and operating in the normal battery voltage range. The under / over voltage protection activates if the battery voltage drops below 9V, or exceeds 16.5V, and the Power LED turns off.
   When the short circuit or overload protection is activated, the Power LED will remain illuminated red, but the output of the amplifier channel with the fault condition is muted. The short / fault condition must be corrected for the amplifier to resume normal operation.
4. Protect LED - When the thermal protection is activated, the Power LED turns off, the Protect LED illuminates red and the output is muted. Once the amplifier has cooled to a safe operating temperature, the Protect LED turns off, the Power LED illuminates red, and the amplifier will resume normal operation.
   If the Protect LED remains illuminated red after the amplifier has cooled to a safe operating temperature, an internal fault has been detected and the amplifier requires warranty service.
5. Clip LED - The Clip LED is used to set the amplifier gain. The LED will illuminate blue as a visual indicator of when the mono channel or pair of channels have reached the maximum unclipped output level.
6. X-Over Mode and Frequency Control (TH400.4 / TH800.4 / TH1400.5 / TH900.6) These controls are used to adjust the frequencies played by the amplifier. Use the switch to select Low Pass, Full Range, or High Pass. In LP or HP mode, the crossover frequency is variable between 40Hz and 400Hz.
7. Input Mode Switch (TH400.4 / TH800.4 / TH1400.5 / TH900.6) - This switch is used to select 2-channel, 4-channel, or 6-channel modes based on the number of RCA outputs from the source unit. TH1400.5 Sub channel has a separate switch to enable the "Sub" inputs when using a source unit with a dedicated subwoofer output.
8. External Bass Control (EBC) Port (TH750.1 / TH1500.1 / TH2500.1 / TH1400.5) This port connects to the included MTX EBC to remotely control the output level of the amplifier (sub channel only on TH1400.5).
9. Bass Boost (TH750.1 / TH1500.1 / TH2500.1 / TH1400.5) - This control is used to adjust the Bass Boost level from 0 - 12dB. The Bass Boost frequency is centered at 45Hz (sub channel only on TH1400.5).
10. Subsonic Filter (TH750.1 / TH1500.1 / TH2500.1 / TH1400.5) - This control is used to filter out unwanted low frequencies from 10Hz (Off) to 55Hz. This is used more often with vented subwoofer enclosures, but some sealed enclosures can benefit from this as well (sub channel only on TH1400.5).
11. Low Pass X-Over Frequency Control (TH750.1 / TH1500.1 / TH2500.1 / TH1400.5) This control is used to adjust the Low Pass crossover frequency. The crossover frequency is variable between 50Hz and 250Hz for subwoofer channels.
12. Speaker Terminals (+ / –) - These terminals are connected directly to the speakers / subwoofers. TH400.4, TH800.4, TH1400.5, TH900.6, and TH750.1 will accept up to 10 AWG speaker cable. TH1500.1 and TH2500.1 will accept up to 4 AWG speaker cable.
13. Power Terminal (+12V) - This terminal is connected with a power cable and inline fuse or circuit breaker directly to the positive terminal of the vehicle's battery. TH400.4, TH800.4, TH900.6, and TH750.1 accept up to 4 AWG power cable. TH1500.1 accepts up to 2 AWG power cable. TH2500.1 and TH1400.5 accept up to 1/0 AWG power cable.
14. Remote Terminal - This terminal is connected to the "remote" wire from the source unit and is used to turn the amplifier on when +12V is applied. THUNDER amplifiers also feature automatic turn-on mode that detects DC offset voltage on the RCA inputs when using high level (speaker) inputs. A remote wire is not needed when using the automatic turn-on feature.
15. Ground Terminal - This terminal is connected with a short ground cable directly to the chassis of the vehicle. The ground cable must be the equivalent gauge as the power cable. TH400.4, TH800.4, TH900.6, and TH750.1 accept up to 4 AWG ground cable. TH1500.1 accepts up to 2 AWG ground cable. TH2500.1 and TH1400.5 accept up to 1/0 ground cable.
16. Phase Switch (TH750.1 / TH1500.1 / TH2500.1 / TH1400.5) - This switch allows you to invert the phase of the amplifier outputs. In phase (0°) is default, but out of phase (180°) can improve bass response in some applications.

INSTALLATION

MTX recommends your new THUNDER Series amplifier be installed by an Authorized MTX Dealer. Any deviation from specified installation instructions can cause serious damage to the amplifier, speakers and / or vehicle's electrical system. Damage caused from improper installation is NOT covered under warranty. Please verify all connections prior to system turn on!

1. Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable and secure it away from the battery terminals to prevent it from being reconnected accidentally when routing the amplifier power cables.
2. Remove the (2) control cover screws from amplifier using supplied Allen wrench and set aside. Carefully slide the control cover down approximately 1/4" to clear the lower edge of the heatsink, then lift up to remove. This allows access to amplifier controls and lower mounting holes, and provides the required clearance to connectors and terminals on the front of the amplifier for installation.
3. Determine the mounting place for your amplifier. Keep in mind there should be sufficient air flow for proper cooling. Mark the mounting holes using the amplifier as a template. Before drilling or installing mounting screws, make sure all vehicle wires, gas lines, brake lines, and gas tank are clear and will not interfere with the amplifier installation. Drill mounting holes (where applicable) and install the amplifier using supplied mounting screws.
4. Install a positive (+) power cable from the vehicle's battery through the firewall using a grommet or firewall bushing to avoid cable damage from sharp edges of the firewall. Run the cable through the interior of the vehicle and connect it to the amplifier's (+12V) terminal. Do not connect to the battery at this time.
5. Install a circuit breaker or fuse holder on the power cable within 18" of the battery. This effectively lowers the risk of severe damage to you or your vehicle in case of a short circuit or accident. Make sure the circuit breaker is switched off or the fuse is taken out of the fuse holder until all connections are made. Now connect the positive power cable to the positive battery terminal.
   Note: Use equivalent gauge wire for both power and ground connections.
6. Grounding - Locate a proper ground point on the vehicle's chassis and remove all paint, dirt or debris to reveal a bare metal surface. Attach the ground wire to that contact point. Connect the opposite end of the ground wire to the amplifier's (GND) terminal.
7. Connect a Remote Turn-on wire from the source unit to the amplifier's (REM) terminal. If using a factory source unit that does not have a remote turn-on output, the amplifier will turn on automatically when it detects DC Voltage on the Left (Upper) RCA inputs connected to high level (speaker) outputs.
8. Connect the signal cables from the source unit to the amplifier RCA inputs.
   • When using a source unit with low-level (RCA) outputs, use high quality RCA cable(s) to connect directly to the amplifier RCA inputs.
   • When using a source unit with high level (speaker) outputs, use an RCA to speaker level adapter, or splice speaker wires directly to RCA cable(s) and connect to the amplifier RCA inputs.
   • For source units with high level output greater than 10V, a separate high to low level converter is required.
9. Connect your speakers to your amplifier's speaker terminals using the appropriate gauge speaker wire. See Wiring Diagrams below for minimum speaker impedance requirements per model.
10. Double check all previous installation steps, in particular, wiring and component connections. Once verified, reconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable, turn the circuit breaker on or place the fuse in the fuse holder.
11. Crossover and Tone Control Adjustment THUNDER Mono Amplifiers (& TH1400.5 Sub Channel):
    1. Adjust the Low Pass Filter (LPF)
       • Turn the LPF control to the desired cutoff frequency for the subwoofer(s) being driven.
       • Frequencies above the selected cutoff frequency will be filtered out.
       • 60Hz-80Hz is a good starting point for subwoofers and can be adjusted to achieve the desired frequency response.
    2. Adjust the Subsonic Filter (SUBSONIC)
       • Turn the SUBSONIC control to the desired cutoff frequency for the subwoofer(s) being driven.
       • Frequencies below the selected cutoff frequency will be filtered out.
       • 20Hz-30Hz is a good starting point for most subwoofers and can be adjusted to achieve the desired frequency response.
    3. Adjust the Bass Boost (BOOST)
       Note: Bass Boost is subject to personal preference, and is not needed for all subwoofer applications.
       • It is recommended to perform initial system tuning with Bass Boost turned all the way down.
       • If additional Bass Boost is desired, adjust the Bass Boost control clockwise to the desired output level.

THUNDER Multi-Channel Amplifiers:

1. Select the desired crossover mode for each pair of channels based on the application and type of speakers being driven using the X-OVER switch.
   • HPF: High Pass Filter is used for Midrange Speakers, Coaxials, & Component Systems.
   • LPF: Low Pass Filter is used for Subwoofers.
   • FULL: Defeats internal crossovers for full bandwidth audio signal.

Note: Each pair of amplifier channels has a dedicated crossover that can be set to either HPF, LPF, or FULL mode. When HPF or LPF mode is selected, use only the corresponding HPF or LPF control to adjust the crossover frequency.

2. Adjust the High Pass Filter (HPF)
   • Turn the HPF control to the desired cutoff frequency for the speakers being driven.
   • Frequencies below the selected cutoff frequency will be filtered out.
   • 80Hz-100Hz is a good starting point for speakers and can be adjusted to achieve the desired frequency response.
3. Adjust the Low Pass Filter (LPF)
   • Turn the LPF control to the desired cutoff frequency for the subwoofers being driven.
   • Frequencies above the selected cutoff frequency will be filtered out.
   • 60-80Hz is a good starting point for subwoofers and can be adjusted to achieve the desired frequency response.

12. Gain Adjustment
    1. Turn the GAIN control(s) on the amplifier all the way down (counter clockwise).
    2. Set all Bass, Midrange, and Treble controls on the source unit to flat. If using the EBC on a sub channel, make sure it is plugged in and the level is turned to the maximum position.
    3. Select a familiar music track with high quality recording, then turn up the volume control on the source unit to approximately 3/4 of maximum.
    4. Slowly turn the GAIN control on the amplifier up (clockwise) and stop when the Clip LED illuminates solid blue.
    5. For amplifier channels driving subwoofers, the gain is set, and no additional adjustments are needed.
    6. For amplifier channels driving speakers, adjust the GAIN control down slightly and stop right when the Clip LED turns off.
    7. Repeat Steps A through F for each pair of amplifier channels and / or mono channel.
       Note: The amplifier is now calibrated to the output of the source unit, and the optimal gain level has been set. Any increase to the gain level(s) beyond this set point will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
13. Final Tuning - Once the optimal gain level has been set for all amplifier channels in Step 12, any further adjustments for system balance should be made by turning the gain level(s) down. Fine tuning of the crossover frequencies and tone controls may be needed to eliminate distortion and achieve the desired frequency response. It is highly recommended to sample different music selections and make incremental adjustments to achieve the desired system performance. If large adjustments are made to crossover settings, tone controls, or source unit EQ settings, it may be necessary to re-adjust the gain level following the process outlined in step 12 above.
14. To complete the THUNDER amplifier installation, replace the control cover in the reverse order that it was removed in step 2. Align the top cover between the end caps and slide up into place, making sure that it remains flat, and the bottom edge engages the heatsink. Replace the (2) control cover screws using supplied Allen wrench.

WIRING

DIMENSIONS

SPECIFICATIONS

SAFETY

• Please read and follow these instructions to prevent injury and damage to the unit.
• If you are unsure about installing the system by yourself, please have it installed by a qualified MTX technician.
• Whenever working on the vehicle, it is recommended to disconnect the battery prior to starting work. Failure to do so may lead to a risk of electric shock or equipment damage.
  When connecting power and ground wires ensure that the power wire is fused at the point where it is connected to the vehicle's battery. Failure to do so can result in damage to the vehicle if a short circuit develops between the vehicle connection point and the product.

This symbol with "WARNING" is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

This symbol with "CAUTION" is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

We're here to help with any installation or technical support. Visit www.mtx.com to chat, call 1-800-225-5689 to speak with an MTX Technical Support representative, or visit www.youtube.com/user/MTXAudioUSA to view product videos.

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Documents / Resources

References

• MTX - Serious About Sound®
• MTX Audio USA - YouTube
• Login | MTX - Serious About Sound®
• MTX - Serious About Sound®

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