FOCAL AP-4.380 AB Class Amplifier User Manual

: June 1, 2024
: FOCAL

Table of Contents

Specifications
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!
Package Contents
Important Recommendations
Installation
Control & Connection Panels
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Correct Disposal Of This Product.
Customer Support
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

FOCAL AP-4.380 AB Class Amplifier

FOCAL AP-4.380 AB Class Amplifier

Specifications

AP 4.380

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS!

Warning symbol. This symbol is designed to warn the user of the presence of important instructions mentioned and relating to the handling, operation and maintenance of the device.

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions
Heed all warnings.
Follow all the instructions.
Do not use this device near water
After removing the product from its packaging, keep the packaging out of the reach of children. It could present a suffocation risk.
Never use chemical products or abrasive detergents to clean the device. Only clean with a dry cloth.
Do not obstruct ventilation openings. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the device.
Do not install or store the amplifier in the engine compartment or near a heat source.
The device should not be exposed to temperatures above 55°C.
Ensure you leave a 2cm space around the device to allow heat exchange.
If the product emits smoke or an unusual smell, immediately turn off the power supply (turn off the ignition and remove the key) and stop using it. Contact your retailer as soon as possible.
Do turn on any function likely to distract you when driving. Any actions or adjustments that require more in-depth attention must only be made when the vehicle is at a complete stop. There is a risk of accident.
Do not listen to the loudspeakers at a high volume, so that you can hear external noise when driving.
Only use accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
If cords or connectors are supplied, use them properly as described in the user manual without substituting them or modifying them.
If the kit or connector includes a fuse, it must only be replaced by a fuse of the same rating.
Do not attempt to repair this device yourself. Opening the device may expose you to dangerous voltages or other risks.
All maintenance tasks should be performed by a qualified professional. Maintenance is required in case of any kind of damage to the device (damaged cable or plug, spillages or objects inserted into the device, exposure to rain or humidity, if the device malfunctions or overturns, etc.).
When replacement components are needed, make sure that the maintenance technician uses the components recommended by the manufacturer or components with exactly the same technical features as the original product. Using non-compliant components could cause fires, electric shocks or other risks.
After any maintenance or repair work on the device, ask the maintenance technician to test it to check that it is working safely.
If a subwoofer is installed in the vehicle, it is essential to secure it by attaching it solidly. We recommend to attach the enclosure to the floor or chassis of the vehicle for safety. If it is not properly secured, it could become a projectile in the event of an accident. This is even more important if the subwoofer is installed in a hatchback, a station wagon, a utility vehicle or a van.
Some users who are not self sufficient enough to use the product on their own without danger. In particular, children under 14 or people with some types of disabilities must be supervised and/or accompanied when using the device.
To avoid damaging your hearing, do not listen to loudspeakers at high volumes for long periods of time. Listening to loudspeakers at high volumes can cause damage to the user’s ears and may lead to hearing problems (temporary or permanent deafness, buzzing in the ears, tinnitus, hyperacusis).
**** Exposure to excessive volumes (over 85 dB) for more than one hour can cause irreparable damage to your hearing.

**** The methods of installing and mounting loudspeakers to any surface (vehicle floor or chassis) depend on the conditions and standards of installation, refurbishment, safety and cabling in force and applicable to the surfaces and/or brackets involved. In addition, the products may vibrate and damage the brackets onto which they are mounted. For this reason, the installation operations must be performed by a qualified professional who is familiar with installation and safety standards. Focal does not provide any end-of-use warranty for a given bracket or installation, as installing the loudspeakers is the customer’s sole responsibility. Focal is therefore not liable in any capacity whatsoever in the event of incident, accident and/or any other result or damage of any kind related to the installation of loudspeakers.

Please validate your Focal-JMlab warranty, it is now possible to register your product online: www.focal.com/warranty

Thank you for purchasing a Focal product. Welcome to our High-Fidelity world. Innovation, tradition, excellence and pleasure are our values; our one and only aim is to bring you a sound that is rich, pure and true. To get the most out of your product, we recommend that you read the instructions in this booklet, then store it in a safe place to refer to in the future.

Package Contents

1 x AP 4.380 Amplifier
1 x Quick Start
1 x Set of accessories

Important Recommendations

First of all, check that there is enough space to install the amplifier.

Keep the amplifier clear of any metal shavings and dust particles.
Clean thoroughly before fitting the amplifier.
Carefully read the section below on installing the amplifier. Plan the layout of the system and wiring. During this preparatory stage, make sure that all settings will remain accessible once installation is complete.

Before starting the installation, please follow the rules below carefully:

After reading the user manual in full, make sure you have understood all the instructions before installing the amplifier.
Disconnect the negative lead from the battery before starting the installation (fig. 1).
Use good quality connectors/links to connect the amplifier to increase the system’s reliability and minimise signal or power losses.
Before performing any procedure, be careful not to cut or puncture the fuel tank, fuel pipe, brake-, hydraulic or vacuum lines, electrical wiring or any other of the vehicle’s safety-related parts.
Never run wires underneath the vehicle, they must be installed inside it. When routing the cabling, check that it will not get in the way when driving the vehicle. Cables that obstruct or protrude in places such as areas around the steering wheel and pedals (brake, accelerator, clutch, etc.), can be extremely dangerous.
Avoid running wires over or across sharp edges. Any wire routed through metal must be protected by cable grommets.
Ensure that cabling is routed away from moving parts (seat rails, etc.) and sharp or pointed edges. This will prevent the cabling from getting caught or damaged and causing an electrical short circuit.
Always protect the battery and electrical circuit from potential damage by using fuses.

Pre-installation wiring

You will only be able to begin fitting the AP 4.380 amplifier once you have connected it using the dedicated spaces on the product (fig. 2 and 3).

Pre-installation Wiring

Installation

Position the amplifier in the desired location. Be sure to use suitable screws when drilling holes to fix it to the vehicle floor so as not to damage the amplifier, vehicle trim or other components (fig. 4).

Installation

Control & Connection Panels

X-OVER: This switch allows you to activate a high-pass crossover (HPF), a low- pass crossover (LPF) or unfiltered mode (FULL) for the 3/4 or rear channels.
GAIN: The GAIN rotating dial is used to adjust the level of the signal entering the amplifier. WARNING: increasing the input gain does not mean more power, but more noise. Optimising the audio chain performance consists of applying maximum gains as early as possible upstream in the audio chain, and minimum gains downstream. This dial should be adjusted according to the source level (line output level). Start by setting the amplifier gain to its lowest level. Gradually increase the level (volume) of the source to 3/4. Increase the amplifier’s gain level to the desired maximum volume. Lower the level in the event of distortion.
INPUT: This connector is dedicated to the high and low level signal input.
LPF: A low-pass crossover is used to remove unwanted frequencies from a signal above a set cut-off frequency.
BASS BOOST : The BASS BOOST rotary dial allows you to raise the bass level to +6 or +12dB. The central frequency is 50Hz.

Amplifier run time

Avoid running the amplifier for a long period of time without starting the vehicle. It could drain the battery.

Ventilation

Never cover the top of the amplifier to ensure it does not overheat. Avoid enclosing or covering the amplifier in its immediate area of installation.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Maintenance

To look after the AP 4.380 amplifier, simply dust using a dry cloth. If the amplifier is marked, use a damp cloth. Never use solvents, detergents, alcohol or corrosive products, scrapers or scouring utensils to clean the surface of the speaker drivers.

Conditions of warranty

All Focal loudspeakers are covered by warranty drawn up by the official Focal distributor in your country. Your distributor can provide all details concerning the conditions of warranty. Warranty cover extends at least to that granted by the legal warranty in force in the country where the original purchase invoice was issued.

Correct Disposal Of This Product.

This marking indicates that within the EU this product should not be disposed of with other household waste.
To prevent any risk to the environment or human health, please recycle them responsibly to encourage the reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems available, or contact the retailer where you purchased the product. They can recycle this product safely.