KICKER KEY500.1 Smart Mono Amplifier Owner’s Manual
- June 4, 2024
- KICKER
Table of Contents
KICKER KEY500.1 Smart Mono Amplifier
Overview
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
FIRE HAZARD: PROLONGED, CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER, SPEAKER, OR
SUBWOOFER IN AN OVERPOWERED, DISTORTED, OR CLIPPED MANNER MAY CAUSE YOUR AUDIO
SYSTEM TO OVERHEAT AND CATCH FIRE. TO PREVENT PROPERTY DAMAGE: TURN OFF AND
ALLOW COMPONENTS TO COOL AFTER EXTENDED PERIODS OF USE.
ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION IS
RECOMMENDED.
NEVER COVER AMPLIFIER OR SUBWOOFER – MINIMUM OF 1 IN. (2.5 CM) FROM FRONT OF
THE SPEAKER AND ANY SURFACE.
HEARING LOSS HAZARD: YOUR KICKER PRODUCT CAN PRODUCE SOUND LEVELS THAT CAN
PERMANENTLY DAMAGE YOUR HEARING! TO PREVENT POSSIBLE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS:
IMMEDIATELY REDUCE THE VOLUME IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY PAIN OR OTHER SYMPTOMS.
ALWAYS REDUCE THE VOLUME IF YOU HEAR AUDIBLE DISTORTION. DISTORTION MAY CAUSE
MORE DAMAGE TO YOUR EARS THAN LISTENING TO AN UNDISTORTED SOUND AT THE SAME
VOLUME.
ALWAYS USE COMMON SENSE WHEN CONTROLLING VOLUME.
The revolutionary KEY500.1 is not your standard subwoofer amplifier. In addition to providing you with over 500 watts of power in an industry-leading small footprint, the KEY500.1 revolutionizes subwoofer add-ons into factory audio systems. This small, powerful amplifier includes built-in DSP (digital signal processing) that gives you a built-in gain match, KickEQ™ Bass Boost, and a simple automatic calibration to give you a dramatically improved bass response in minutes. With the press of a button, the KEY500.1 will analyze the frequency response of the input signal and apply a correction to fix any factory EQ or crossovers to make sure you’re getting all the bass you paid for.
This DSP-powered smart amplifier will bring the bass back to your factory
audio system.
With this simple, step-by-step detection and calibration process, your
aftermarket installs are about to get a lot easier, with results you can hear!
The KEY-Series combines our time-proven amplifier designs with state-of-the-
art patented digital technology
to automatically tune your system to audiophile performance. It’s the best of
all worlds, packed into a tiny powerhouse amp that delivers our signature
KICKER Performance for your musical enjoyment.
Specifications
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.
KICKER will provide a three-year warranty with all
KEY-Series Amplifier purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER Installation
Kit*.
This extends the standard warranty by an additional year. The amplifier and
Kit must be purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer.
Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede KEY amplifier
performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of
KEY amplifiers.
The new extended warranty applies only to KICKER amplifiers and accessories
sold to consumers by Authorized KICKER Dealers in the United States of America
or its possessions. It also only applies to the original purchaser of KICKER
amplifiers and accessories. One warranty extension per amplifier is allowed
regardless of the number of amplifier installation kits purchased. This
program does not apply to “B”-stock product or factory-refurbished product.
This offer is for a limited time, so see your local Authorized KICKER Dealer
soon for details.
*U.S.A. Only | EE.UU. solamente | Nur USA | Les USA Seulement
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. 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.
The fuse should be installed within 18” (45cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable, which is 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. KICKER recommends 8 gauge wire.
If needed, cut off the RCA connections to use hi-level input, or use the KICKER KISL Speaker-RCA Converter.
For multiple amplifier installations where distribution blocks are used, each amplifier should have its proper-rated fuse installed between the amplifier and the distribution block within eighteen inches of the block, or on the distribution block if it provides for fusing. The primary power wire should also be fused between the battery and distribution block, within eighteen inches of the battery’s positive terminal, with a fuse or breaker rated at least to the sum of the individual amplifier’s fuse values, but doesn’t exceed the capacity of your wiring.
Operation
Features
DC OFFSET: The KEY500.1 automatic turn-on mode uses DC Offset detection,
which can be selected on the end panel. Using the DC Offset mode causes the
REM wire to have +12V out for turning on additional amplifiers. DC Offset
turn-on can only be used if speaker-level (hi-level) audio inputs are being
used. The DC offset mode detects a 3V DC offset on the speaker wires when the
source unit has been turned on.
INPUT LEVEL: The RCA inputs 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.
Input Gain Control with Gain Matching:
The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output of the
source unit to the input level of
the amplifier and features Gain Matching to prevent clipping the input. Use
the KEY500.1 Gain Match track from www.KICKER.com/test-tones with the KEY
Auto-Setup to reach the most accurate and best-performing settings.
HI-PASS (Subsonic filter):
Use the HI-PASS knob of the amplifier to set the internal high-pass crossover
from 10–40Hz. The amplifier will pass audio above the selected frequency
threshold. This is used to protect the subwoofer driver from over-excursion
due to ultra-low frequencies. Typically you want to set it one octave below
the enclosure’s tuning frequency (eg if the box is tuned for 40Hz, use a
setting of 20Hz).
LO-PASS:
Use the LO-PASS knob of the amplifier to set the internal low-pass crossover
from 40–160Hz. The amplifier will pass audio below the selected frequency
threshold. The subwoofer should only play deep sub-bass notes. If you hear
vocals from the subwoofer, try lowering the crossover point until only the
sub-bass is heard.
BASS BOOST:
The variable bass boost control
on the side of the amplifier is designed to give you increased output, 0–6dB,
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:
With the optional CXARC remote bass level control, you have the ability to
control the output level of the amplifier remotely. To surface-mount, the
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. Once the amplifier’s gain has been properly set, this bass
level control allows you to decrease or increase the subwoofer level up to the
point of maximum, unclipped (non-distorted) output.
KEY Auto Setup
The KEY Activation Button is a multi-function button that will begin the Auto
Setup process, enter Gain Match Mode, toggle between Auto Setup optimized
audio and the original audio once the Auto Setup process has been completed,
or clear previous Auto Setup settings.
Make sure the vehicle’s active noise cancellation and active noise enhancement
are disabled beforehand. You will need to load a source for the KEY500.1 test
tracks from your head unit, whether CD, MP3, AUX, Bluetooth, USB etc.
Uncompressed audio is recommended for best results, as this will ensure full
amplitude across the frequency spectrum. Visit https://www.kicker.com/test-
tones or the KEY500.1 product page and download both the “Key500.1 Gain
Match” and the “Key500.1 Sweep” tracks, then proceed with the following steps.
Gain Match: Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume or just before the
output starts to clip (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it to 23). Press
and hold the KEY button for 3 seconds until the gain match LED flashes quickly
3 times. Start the “Key500.1 Gain Match” track (The amplifier mutes its
outputs during the Setup process so there will be no sound from the amplifier
during setup).
(if the CXARC remote bass has been installed, make sure it is turned up to
maximum output)
- With the gain knob all the way down, slowly turn the input gain up (clockwise) until you see the Gain Match LED light up.
- Turn it down until the LED no longer flashes.
- Once the gain has been set, stop the Gain Match track and quickly press the KEY button to exit Gain Match Mode.
KEY Algorithm: You are now ready to start running the KEY algorithm. Press and hold the KEY button for 5 seconds until the Gain Match LED slowly flashes, then release the button. Start the “Key500.1 Sweep” track. While the KEY algorithm is running the Gain match LED will flash slowly. This process will take about 1.5 minutes and is very loud. After the sweeping track finishes, pause the audio. The Gain match LED will go dark while it is calculating the corrections. This takes about 30 seconds. If the algorithm runs through successfully the Gain Match LED will begin to flash rapidly for 1.5 seconds. If the algorithm fails, the Gain Match LED will go solid. In the event of a failure, you will need to short-press the KEY button to exit the KEY Setup. See the manual for a troubleshooting guide if the algorithm fails.
After the algorithm has been run successfully you can do a single button press
of the Key button to
A/B the Key audio output in original and corrected form. A single flash
indicates corrections are ON, and a double flash indicates corrections are
OFF. To reset the KEY algorithm, press and hold the programming button 10
seconds. The Gain Match LED will flash 5 times indicating the KEY Algorithm
has been reset.
CXARC Remote Bass Installation
Surface-mount the CXARC remote using the supplied screws.
The remote cable passes audio; do not run cable parallel to power wires.
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 KEY 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:
- +12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to +16V)
- Remote turn-on terminal (should read +12V to +16V)
- Check for reversed power and ground connections 4Ground terminal, for proper conductivity.
Green LED on, no output? Check the following:
- RCA connections
- Test speaker outputs with a “known” good speaker.
- Substitute the source unit with a “known” good source unit.
- Check for a signal in the RCA cable feeding the amplifier with the VOM meter set to measure “AC” voltage. Use a 50Hz test tone.
Red (PRT) LED flickering with loud music? The red (PRT) 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 (PRT) LED on, no output?
- The amplifier is very hot = thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter set to “DC Resistance” (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also, check for adequate airflow around the amplifier.
- The amplifier shuts down only while the vehicle is running = voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 6–16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle’s charging and electrical system inspected
- The 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.
GAIN MATCH LED on? Input signal overdrive or gain set too high: Reduce the gain or the strength of the input signal.
No or low output?
- Check the balance and fader controls on the source unit.
- Check the RCA (or speaker input) and speaker output connections.
- Check the volume level on your source unit, including the volume level of any connected phones or MP3 players.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM?
-
Check for damaged RCA
(or speaker input) cable -
Check the routing of the RCA (or speaker input) cable
-
Check the source unit for proper grounding
-
Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.
CAUTION: 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.
Warranty
When purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer, KICKER warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of TWO (2) YEARS from the date of the original purchase with the receipt. If this product is identified as “Refurbished” or “B Goods”, the warranty is limited to a period of THREE (3) MONTHS from the date of the original purchase. In all cases, you must have the original receipt. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period, KICKER will repair or replace (at its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise.
Warranty replacements may have cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced with more current equivalent products. This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not extended to owners of the product subsequent to the original purchaser. Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to a period of the express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase at retail, and no warranties, whether express or implied, shall apply to this product thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties; therefore, these exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights; however, you may have other rights that vary from state to state.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED A WARRANTY OR SERVICE:
Defective merchandise should be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater
Designs (KICKER) Dealer for warranty service. Assistance in locating an
Authorized Dealer can be found at www.KICKER.com or
by contacting Stillwater Designs directly. You can confirm that
a dealer is authorized by asking to see a currently authorized dealer window
decal.
If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise directly to
Stillwater Designs (KICKER), call the KICKER Customer Service Department at
405-624-8510 for a Return Merchandise
Authorization (RMA) number. Package only the defective items in a package that
will prevent shipping damage, and return to: Stillwater Designs, 3100 North
Husband St, Stillwater, OK 74075
The RMA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Please
return only defective components. The return
of functioning items increases your return freight charges. Non-defective
items will be returned freight-collect to you. For example,
if a subwoofer is defective, only return the defective subwoofer, not the
entire enclosure. Include a copy of the original receipt with the purchase
date clearly visible, and a “proof-of-purchase” statement listing the
Customer’s name, Dealer’s name and invoice number, and product purchased.
Warranty expiration on items without proof of purchase will be determined by
the type of sale and manufacturing date code. Freight must be prepaid; items
sent freight-collect, or COD, will be refused.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed. It does not cover:
- Damage due to improper installation
- Subsequent damage to other components
- Damage caused by exposure to moisture, excessive heat, chemical cleaners, and/or UV radiation
- Damage through negligence, misuse, accident or abuse. Repeated returns for the same damage may be considered abuse
- Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of the product
- Speakers damaged due to amplifier clipping or distortion
- Items previously repaired or modified by any unauthorized repair facility
- Return shipping on non-defective items
- Products with tampered or missing barcode labels
- Products with tampered or missing serial numbers
- Products returned without a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number
- Products purchased from an UNAUTHORIZED dealer
- Freight Damage
- The cost of shipping product to KICKER
- Service performed by anyone other than KICKER
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
KICKER strives to maintain a goal of one week turnaround for
all electronics (amplifiers, crossovers, equalizers, etc.) return. Delays may
be incurred if lack of replacement inventory or parts is encountered. Failure
to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to
the KICKER Customer Service Department at
405-624-8510. Contact your
International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specific procedures for
your country’s warranty policies.
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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