AXTON AT101 4-Channel 24V Power Amplifiers User Manual
- June 4, 2024
- AXTON
Table of Contents
AXTON AT101 4-Channel 24V Power Amplifiers
Thank you for purchasing this AXTON amplifier! To maximize the performance of this amplifier and your complete truck audio system installation, we recommend you acquaint yourself thoroughly with all technical features and controlling options of this AXTON amplifier. Please read this manual carefully, before attempting the installation. If, after reading this manual, you still have questions regarding functions or the installation of the amplifier, we recommend that you consult your dealer.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
- Do not turn on any function which may distract you while driving your truck. Functions requiring sustained attention must only be used when the truck is at a complete standstill. Make sure to always stop your truck in a safe place before operating these functions. There are risks of causing an accident.
- Keep the volume at a low level to be able to hear exterior noises while driving the truck. There are risks of causing an accident.
- Do not open the amplifier or undertake any modification of the product. There is a risk of accident, fire or electric shock.
- Only use this amplifier with 24V mobile applications. Any use other than for this product intended are may lead to fire, electric shock or injury.
- Use correct amperage fuses. There are risks of fire or electrocution.
- Do not obstruct radiators and/or vents. Internal overheating may occur and cause a fire.
- Ensure all connections are properly made. Check the section of cable and the type of cable if it does not correspond with the use. There is a risk of fire, injury and/or damage to the product.
- Do not use screw nuts or fasteners part of the steering or braking systems for ground connection. The fasteners and nuts used for the brake and steering systems (or any other security system) as well as various tanks must never be used for grounding. Use of these parts as ground may deactivate the truck’s control system and cause a fire or other technical problem.
- Keep all small objects which could be swallowed, such as the fasteners and screws, out of the reach of children. Swallowing such objects may cause serious injuries. In the event of swallowing any of these objects, immediately seek medical advice.
- Before starting the installation, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid any risk of injury, fire or damage to the equipment.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
MONO AMPLIFIER AT101
- 230 W x 1 @ 4 Ohm (< 1 % THD / 28.8 V)
- 400 W x 1 @ 2 Ohm (< 1 % THD / 28.8 V)
- Frequency response: 15 Hz – 250 Hz
- Variable input sensitivity: 0.4 – 10 V
- Signal to noise ratio: > 86 dB
- Low pass filter: 50 – 250 Hz
- Subsonic filter: 10 – 55 Hz
- Dimensions LxWxH: 185 x 40 x 105 mm
4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER AT401
- 100 W x 4 @ 4 Ohm (< 1 % THD / 28.8 V)
- 170 W x 4 @ 2 Ohm (< 1 % THD / 28.8 V)
- 350 W x 2 @ 4 Ohm (< 1 % THD / 28.8 V)
- Frequency response: 10 Hz – 35 kHz
- Variable input sensitivity: 0.4 – 10 V
- Signal to noise ratio: > 85 dB
- High pass filter: 40 – 400 Hz
- Low pass filter: 40 – 400 Hz
- Dimensions LxWxH: 230 x 40 x 105 mm
AT101 CONNECTIONS + CONTROLS
-
SIGNAL INPUTS R / L
Low-level stereo RCA signal or high-level speaker signal input terminal for connection to head-unit. -
INPUT MODE SELECTION
Switch to select the proper input sensitivity range: RCA signal input = Low. Speaker signal input = Hi. -
AUTO-TURN-ON MODE
Slide switch to select the auto-turn-on function: REM by remote wire, VOX to switch on by music signal or DC by DC offset signal of the head units integrated amplifier. -
INPUT SENSITIVITY CONTROL
Input gain potentiometer “SENS” to match the output voltage of the head unit to the amplifier’s input. -
SUBSONIC HIGHPASS FREQUENCY CONTROL
Control potentiometer to adjust the subsonic highpass filtering frequency point of the subwoofer output channel. -
BASS BOOST 0dB to + 18dB
Turn clockwise to get up to + 18dB bass boost or counterclockwise for no boost with a 45 Hz center frequency of the amplified output signal. -
LOWPASS FREQUENCY CONTROL
Control potentiometer to adjust the lowpass filtering frequency point of the subwoofer output channel. -
BASS LEVEL REMOTE CONTROL INPUT
Input terminal to connect the external bass level remote to the amplifier. -
INPUT MODE SELECTION
Switch to select the proper input sensitivity range: RCA signal input = Low. Speaker signal input = Hi. -
POWER LED
LED to show the operating status of the amplifier by blue/red illumination. Blue is normal working state, red is protect mode of amplifier. -
SPEAKER OUTPUT TERMINAL
Output terminal to connect the speakers to the amplifier. -
“+24 V” POWER INPUT TERMINAL
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the positive +24 V pole of the truck battery. -
“REM” INPUT TERMINAL
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the automatic (remote) turn-on / turn-off lead of the head unit. By using the REM terminal, you need to switch the Auto- turn-On mode 3 to the “REM” position. -
“GND” POWER INPUT TERMINAL
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the chassis ground or negative pole of the truck battery.
AT401 CONNECTIONS + CONTROLS
-
SIGNAL INPUTS FRONT CH1 / CH2
Front channel Low-level stereo RCA signal or high-level speaker signal input terminals for connection to head-unit. -
INPUT SENSITIVITY CONTROL FRONT CHANNELS
Input gain potentiometer for channel CH1 / CH2, to match the output voltage of the head unit to the amplifier’s input. -
OPERATION MODE SWITCH FRONT CHANNELS
Slide switch to select the operation mode of the X-over for section CH1 / CH2 of the amplifier: Highpass [HPF], Lowpass [LPF] or full signal [FULL]. -
X-OVER FREQUENCY CONTROL FRONT CHANNELS
Control potentiometer to adjust the highpass or lowpass filtering frequency for section CH1 / CH2 of the amplifier. -
INPUT SENSITIVITY CONTROL REAR CHANNELS
Input gain potentiometer for channel CH3 / CH4, to match the output voltage of the head unit to the amplifier’s input. -
OPERATION MODE SWITCH REAR CHANNELS
Slide switch to select the operation mode of the X-over for section CH3 / CH4 of the amplifier: Highpass [HPF], Lowpass [LPF] or full signal [FULL]. -
X-OVER FREQUENCY CONTROL REAR CHANNELS
Control potentiometer to adjust the highpass or lowpass filtering frequency for section CH3 / CH4 of the amplifier. -
POWER LED
LED to show the operating status of the amplifier by blue/red illumination. Blue is normal working state, red is protect mode of amplifier. -
AUTO-TURN-ON MODE
Slide switch to select the auto-turn-on function: REM by remote wire, VOX to switch on by music signal or DC by DC offset signal of the head units integrated amplifier. -
INPUT SIGNAL SELECTION
Slide switch to select the input signal for all channels. “2-CH” to use only front input terminal for all output channels. “4-CH” to give each output channel its corresponding input channel. -
INPUT MODE SELECTION
Switch to select the proper input sensitivity range: RCA signal input = Low. Speaker signal input = Hi. -
SIGNAL INPUTS REAR CH3 / CH4
Rear channel Low-level stereo RCA signal or high-level speaker signal input terminals for connection to head-unit. -
SPEAKER OUTPUT TERMINAL
Output terminal to connect the speakers to the amplifier in either stereo or bridged mode. -
“+24 V” POWER INPUT TERMINAL
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the positive +24 V pole of the truck battery. -
“REM” INPUT TERMINAL
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the automatic (remote) turn-on / turn-off lead of the head unit. You must switch 9 to “REM” when using the remote wire input terminal. -
“GND” POWER INPUT TERMINAL
Terminal to connect the amplifier to the chassis ground or negative pole of the truck battery.
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE & POWER WIRE INFO
It is recommended that you follow the optimum speaker / subwoofer impedance
suggestions below.
- AT401 ➞ 4/2 ohms stereo / 4 ohms 2 CH bridged
- AT101 ➞ 4/2 ohms mono
AMPLIFIER MOUNTING
Attention! For your own safety, disconnect the negative battery terminal
(GND) before you
start any wiring work!
Before you proceed to install this AXTON amplifier, it is recommended to map
out the complete system and the respective wiring required. Consider all
additional electrical requirements and accessories, such as power cables,
interconnect cables etc., to complete the install. The mounting location
should be carefully selected and in the interest of passive driver and
passenger safety, the amplifier must be securely mounted. Make sure that there
is no wiring harness, fuel tank etc. behind or below the mounting surface that
may be damaged by the drilling of the holes for the amplifier mounting screws.
After installation, there should be a clearance of at least 5cm to all sides
including the top of the amplifier heatsink. Make sure the unit is not exposed
to direct sunlight, humidity, water, oil or spill of other fl uids that may
enter the amplifier.
Once the location where the amplifier will be mounted is determined, use the
unit as a template for the marking of the mounting holes with pencil or felt-
tip marker. The mounting holes should be pilot-drilled, using a 2,5 mm or 3 mm
drill bit. Bolt the amp down.
CAUTION! There must not be a direct contact of the amplifier heatsink, bottom panel or any other metal part of the amplifier to the truck metal panel! Electrical ground loops will cause an audible hum!
WIRE ROUTING
MAIN POWER WIRES
We recommend a minimum main power cable cross-section (5m total length) of 16
to 20 mm², for both the positive and the ground wires. Following these
recommendations guarantees a trouble-free operation of your amplifier, as well
as full power output. Run the positive main power cable („+24 V“) directly
from the positive terminal of the truck battery to the amplifier. For
protection of your truck audio system against electrical fire hazards,
resulting from a short-circuit of the main power cable to chassis ground a
main fuse holder must be inserted within the fi rst 30 cm of the positive main
power cable. The applicable fuse value must be matched to the limitations of
your main power cable and the current draw of the amplifier – therefore choose
an appropriate fuse value. Attach the ground cable to the amplifier. In most
cases, it will be best to keep the ground cable (GND) as short as possible,
i.e. to find a chassis contact very close to the amplifier. The ground power
wire must have the same cross-section as the positive power cable. The contact
point where the ground wire is attached to, must be solid and clean, i.e. free
from rust or paint! Tighten both power input terminals of the amplifier, and
double check for perfect fit of both main cable leads!
RCA & REMOTE WIRES
For best interference free transmission of the music signal, use double or
triple shielded RCA interconnects only. Twisted pair Interconnects offer
excellent noise rejection as well. Route the RCA interconnects away from
potential sources of Interference, such as engine computers, gas pumps, etc.
Carefully run the audio signal interconnects, the remote wire and – if
applicable – the cable of the bass level remote control (AT101 only) from the
head unit or dashboard to the amplifier. As mentioned before, the audio signal
cables should always be routed completely separate from the power cables.
Connect the remote (turn on/turn off) lead to the respective input terminal of
the amplifier and to the remote output of your head-unit. Now you can connect
the RCA interconnects to the respective outputs of your head-unit and to the
inputs of the amplifier by using the provided RCA input adapter. Pay attention
to connect the stereo interconnects correspondingly, left is CH1, right is
always CH2 a.s.o.
HIGH-LEVEL INPUT
For longer distances from the head unit to the input section, it is best to
use 1.0 mm2 or 1.5 mm2 speaker cables to avoid a loss of power or risk of
degradation of the signal quality. Once the speaker cables have been routed,
connect them to the speaker cable input adapter. Maintain correct polarity
(“+” to “+” and “-“ to “-“). When using the high-level input, you can chose
the Auto-Turn-On function “VOX” or “DC” instead of running a separate remote
wire to turn on the amplifier. “VOX” turns on the amplifier when it recognizes
an audio signal. “DC” is using the DC voltage of the head unit’s internal
speaker amplifier.The Axton amp will then turn on/off according to the head
unit’s state automatically. We recommend using the “DC” mode. Cut the supplied
RCA adapter to use it as a high-level input adapter.
LOUDSPEAKER WIRES
For longer distances to the speakers, it is best to use 1.5 mm2 or 2.5 mm2
speaker cables to avoid a loss of power or risk degradation of the signal
quality. Once the speaker cables have been routed, turn loose the screws of
the speaker terminal binding posts and – after inserting the stripped and bare
speaker cable ends – re-tighten the screws. Maintain correct polarity (“+” to
“+” and “-“ to “-“). Close the electrical circuit by attaching the ground wire
to the battery and switch on your head unit. If the status LED does not
illuminate, your installation is wrong! Immediately turn off your head-unit
and carefully recheck all installation and wiring steps!
CROSSOVER ADJUSTMENTS
For the amplifier to perform best with your speakers, the electronic crossover controls must be set and adjusted accordingly
SELECTING THE OPERATION MODE
You must select and set the appropriate operation mode before you can proceed
to adjust crossover frequency points. This operation mode depends on the
speaker system connected to the respective amplifier channels.
- Select HIGHPASS, if the speaker system is a component-, coaxial- or triaxial- type.
- Select LOWPASS for a woofer or subwoofer system.
- Select FULL, if your speaker system will handle a full range signal without electrical or mechanical overload.
HIGH PASS CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
For satellite speaker systems, select the “HPF” mode, to cut off the bass
content in the music signal. Highpass filtering will take away unnecessary
mechanical and electrical ‘strain’ from the connected coaxial or component
speaker systems. Depending on cone surface, voice-coil diameter and the power
handling of the speakers, the following recommendations can be issued:
FRONT DOOR SATELLITE SPEAKER SYSTEM („HPF” MODE) HP CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
- 10 cm 2-way Component System 160 – 200Hz
- 13 cm 2-way Component System 80 – 110Hz
- 16 cm 2- or 3-way Component System 50 – 80Hz
REAR SATELLITE SPEAKER SYSTEM („HPF” MODE) HP CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
- 10 cm 2-way Coaxial or Component System 160 – 200Hz
- 13 cm 2-way Coaxial or Component System 100 – 120Hz*
- 16 cm 2-way Coaxial or Component System 100 – 120Hz*
- 6×9” or 7×10” Triaxial Speaker System 100 – 120Hz*
LOW PASS CROSSOVER FREQUENCY
Select “LPF”, to activate the lowpass filter of the integrated electronic
crossover. The LOWPASS cut-off frequency setting depends on the woofer system
and each truck is different! As a rule of thumb, settings in between 60 to 90
Hz will usually give solid results. The woofer lowpass frequency point is
mostly a matter of taste, and must therefore be ‘played by ear’.
SUBSONIC CROSSOVER FREQUENCY (AT101)
Now proceed to adjust the subsonic highpass frequency. This subsonic crossover
frequency point depends on the size and the power handling of the installed
subwoofer system. The higher the subsonic crossover frequency is set, the
better or higher mechanical power handling will result. The trade-off is
reduced low end extension! The subsonic highpass cannot be bypassed. But you
can set the potentiometer to a value of 10Hz to make subsonic filtering
completely inaudible.
BASS BOOST (AT101)
Depending on the size and output capacity of the subwoofer system driven by
the AT101 amplifier, it may be sonically beneficial to turn the bass boost
clockwise to the 18 dB position, which will emphasize the 45 Hz frequency
range output for more „bass punch“. The emphasis at 45 Hz causes a „fatter“
bass response, which often creates that extra bit of fun, depending on the
music preferences. By emphasizing the 45 Hz range, the AT101 will also limit a
bit earlier, e.g. the distortion-free output is slightly reduced.
INPUT SENSITIVITY
To reach a maximum in dynamic response from each individual head-
unit/amplifier/speaker combination, it is important to set the respective
input sensitivity controls („SENS“) of all channel pairs correctly. Before you
start, you MUST set all tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Loudness etc.) and
the fader on the head unit to their neutral or center positions. Now turn all
input gain controls of the installed amplifiers counter clockwise to their
minimum positions and start with the channel pair, that drives the subwoofer
system.
SUBWOOFER CHANNEL(S)
Set the volume control of your head-unit to approximately ¾ of full volume,
while playing a dynamic piece of music. Slowly increase the input gain control
of the channel pair driving the subwoofer(s), by turning the SENS control
clockwise. Increase clockwise until the bass starts to distort. Reduce the
main volume level of your head-unit to a medium listening level. Proceed with
further channels, if applicable.
SATELLITE CHANNELS
Slowly increase the input gain control of the channel pair driving the
satellite system, by turning the SENS control clockwise. Increase clockwise
until you reach a good tonal balance with a slight emphasis of the bass range.
Repeat for all further channels.
FINE TUNING OF ALL CROSSOVER FREQUENCY POINT SETTINGS
Finally you can attempt to fine-tune the HP, and LP crossover frequencies on
your amplifier setup, to reach the maximum tonal balance and channel
integration of all loudspeakers connected to your truck audio system