KICKER KXMA400.2 KXM Amplifiers Owner’s Manual
- June 5, 2024
- KICKER
Table of Contents
KICKER KXMA400.2 KXM Amplifiers Owner’s Manual
KXMA400.2 | KXMA1200.2
KXMA500.4 | KXMA800.4
IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING
PROLONGED CONTINUOUS OPERATION OF AN AMPLIFIER, SPEAKER, OR SUBWOOFER IN A
DISTORTED, CLIPPED OR OVER-POWERED MANNER CAN CAUSE YOUR AUDIO SYSTEM TO
OVERHEAT, POSSIBLY CATCHING FIRE AND RESULTING IN SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR
COMPONENTS AND/OR VEHICLE. AMPLIFIERS REQUIRE UP TO 4 INCHES (10CM) OPEN
VENTILATION. SUBWOOFERS SHOULD BE MOUNTED WITH AT LEAST 1 INCH (2.5CM)
CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE SPEAKER AND ANY SURFACE.
PERFORMANCE
INSTALLATION
Mounting: Choose a structurally sound location to mount your KICKER amplifi er. 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 amplifi er. If possible, mount the amplifi er 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.
Wiring: The KXMA amplifi er’s RCA inputs will receive either high or low level signals from your car stereo’s source unit. A high-level signal can be run from the source unit’s speaker outputs to the stereo RCA input on the end panel of the amplifier using the KICKER KISL as shown. Alternatively, the signal can be delivered to the amplifier using the low-level RCA outputs on the source unit. 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.
Install a fuse within 7” (18cm) of the battery and in-line with the power cable connected to your amplifier.
POWER WIRING
For multiple amplifier installations where distribution blocks are used, each amplifier should have its proper-rated fuse, or breaker, installed between the amplifier and the distribution block within seven 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 seven inches of the battery’s B+ terminal, with a fuse or breaker rated at least to the sum of the individual amplifier’s fuse values, but not to exceed 1.5-times the sum of the individual fuse values (not to exceed the ampacity of the thermal insulation of the wiring as shown in U.S.C.G. CFR33 183.425, Table 5). KICKER recommends our ignition-protected Marine Rated Battery Fuses (MRBF) for these applications. See the diagram below.
NOTE: Seven inches is the standard distance under U.S. Coast Guard CFR33 for placement of fuses or breakers as required by law for new boat manufacturing. We recommend trying to adhere to this standard in a consumer installation. Failure to do so does not mean you are breaking the law, but it does put the safety of your boat and passengers at risk in the event of a power wire short circuit.
FOUR CHANNEL OPERATION
minimum impedance of 2 ohm
BRIDGED OPERATION (MONO)
minimum impedance of 4 ohms
STEREO-AND-MONO-SIMULTANEOUSLY (SAMS) OPERATION
minimum impedance of 4 ohms bridged (mono) and 2 ohm per channel stereo
OPERATION
Mini-USB for internal use only; do NOT remove or tamper. KICKER is not responsible for any damage to equipment resulting from connections made to this port.
Automatic Turn-On Selection: The KXMA series offers three different automatic turn-on modes that can be selected on the end panel; +12V, DC Offset, and Audio. Using either the DC Offset or Audio mode causes the REM terminal to have +12V out for turning on additional amplifiers.
- Remote Turn-On: Set the switch to +12V to use the remote turn-on lead from your source unit. Run 18 gauge wire from the Remote Turn-On Lead on your source unit to the terminal labeled REM between the amplifi er’s positive and negative power terminals. This is the preferred automatic turn-on method.
- DC Offset Turn-On: If Remote Turn-On is not an option, the next best setting is DC Offset. The DC Offset mode detects a 3V DC offset from the HI-Level speaker outputs when the source unit has been turned on.
- Signal Sense Turn-On: The Audio setting is the fi nal alternative for Automatic turn-on. This is a Signal Sense turn-on method that detects the incoming audio signal from your source unit and automatically turns on the amp. This turn-on method will not work properly if the input gain control is not set appropriately.
Fader Switch (500.4/800.4 Only): Depress the fader switch if you are
running two sets of inputs (front and rear for example) to the amplifier.
Leave the fader switch OFF if you want to drive all channels from a single
stereo input.
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. For a
quick setup, turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit
goes to 30, turn it to 25). KICKER recommends using the test tones at
www.kicker.com/support/ to reach the most accurate and best performing
settings. Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier up until you
see the Gain LED light up or hear audible distortion, then turn it down a
little. If the GAIN knob’s backlight comes on, the input is still clipping.
For full instructions on Gain Matching, please see the next page.
Crossover Switches with Frequency Multiplier: Use the XOVER switches on the end panel of the amplifier to set the internal crossovers of AMPS 1 & 2 to OFF, HI-PASS, LO-PASS, or BAND-PASS (AMP 2 only). When the switch is set to OFF, a full bandwidth signal will be amplified. Set the switch to HP if you want the amplifier’s internal crossover to serve as a high-pass filter. Set the switch to LP if you want the amplifier’s internal crossover to serve as a low-pass filter. Set the switch to BP when a specific frequency range is required. Never change the crossover switches with the audio system on!
Set the 1X/10X frequency multiplier switch to the setting that is appropriate for your application. A setting of 10X will set the range of the AMP 1 crossover to 100–5,000Hz, and the low pass crossover of AMP 2 to 100–5,000Hz. For KXMA stereo amplifi ers, the frequency multiplier switch will only affect the low pass crossover.
KICK EQ Bass Boost Control: The variable bass boost control on the side of the amplifi er 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 amplifi er.
GAIN MATCHING
In any audio system, the goal is to reach maximum input and output levels without distortion or clipping. The engineers at KICKER have taken the guesswork, and hassle, out of matching the output voltage of your source unit to the amplifi er with the Gain Matching feature. To begin, you’ll need to download the KICKER test tones from www.kicker.com/test-tones. The following fi les are available in MP3 and WAV formats:
1kHz @ 0dBFS, 50Hz @ 0dBFS, 1kHz @ -10dBFS, 50Hz @ -10dBFS, 1kHz @ -5dBFS, 50Hz @ -5dBFS These test tones are sine waves meant to provide a consistent signal for the KXMA amplifier to reference. The different recording levels are designed to give you the perfect gain match for your application.
0dBFS: Designed for audiophile applications to give you distortion free
audio output with the most dynamic range.
-5dBFS: Designed for normal/daily applications, there will be less
dynamic range but higher potential audio output levels. With this set up you
can get some occasional clipping from the amplifier.
-10dBFS: Designed only for Subwoofer applications, there will be less
dynamic range but higher potential audio output levels. With this set up you
can get some clipping from the amplifi er.
Afterwards, use the following procedure to accurately Gain Match your amplifi er(s):
1. Disconnect the speakers from the KXMA amplifi er.
2. Set all EQ and crossover settings to fl at on your source unit.
3. Play the downloadable fi le from KICKER.com
4. Turn the source unit up to 3/4 volume.
5. Increase the gain of the amplifi er until the Gain LED turns on.
6. Decrease the gain of the amplifi er until the Gain LED turns off.
All level matching circuitry in the KXMA amplifi ers is at the beginning of the signal chain. If you are going to use features like bass boost, it may be necessary to readjust the gain to a lower setting to compensate for increased output at those frequencies.
Once the amp and source unit are gain matched, you will want to make certain you are not overdriving your speakers. Use the following procedure:
- Set the source until volume to 0.
- Reconnect the speakers to the KXMA amplifi er.
- Slowly increase the volume level of the source unit as you listen for audible distortion.
- If you can hear clipping, decrease the gain of the amplifi er until it is gone.
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 is a Protection (PRT) LED on the side panel of your Kicker KXMA series amplifier. Depending on the state of the amplifier and the vehicle’s charging system, the LED will either glow red or be off.
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.
Ground Noise? KICKER amplifi ers are engineered to be fully compatible with all manufacturers’ head units. Some head units may require additional grounding to prevent noise from entering the audio signal. If you are experiencing this problem with your head unit, in most cases running a ground wire from the RCA outputs on the head unit to the chassis will remedy this issue.
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifi er 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 [email protected] or call Technical Services 405-624-8583 for unanswered or specific questions.
KICKER will now provide a three-year warranty with all KXMA-Series
Amplifier purchases paired with a qualifying KICKER Installation Kit* .
This extends the standard warranty by an additional year. Amplifier and Kit must be purchased from an Authorized KICKER Dealer.
KICKER KXMA amplifier success is currently at an unheard-of rate, making the extended warranty program even more beneficial to you.
Using poor-quality, under-spec wiring kits will impede KXMA amplifier performance.
A superior-quality KICKER installation Kit is guaranteed to extend the life of KXMA 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
WARRANTY
ELECTRONICS LIMITED 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 date of original purchase with receipt. If this
product is identifi ed as “Refurbished” or “B Goods”, the warranty is limited
to a period of THREE (3) MONTHS from
the date of 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 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 confi rm that a dealer is authorized by asking to
see a current 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 freightcollect 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- ofpurchase will be determined from 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 product
- Speakers damaged due to amplifi er clipping or distortion
- Items previously repaired or modifi ed 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
(amplifi ers, crossovers, equalizers, etc.) returns. 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 specifi c procedures for your country’s warranty policies.
Note: All specifications and performance fi gures are subject to change. Please visit www.KICKER.com for the most current information.
P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • USA • (405) 624–8510
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
Contact your International KICKER dealer or distributor concerning specific
procedures for your country’s warranty policies.
WARNING: KICKER products are capable of producing sound levels that can permanently damage your hearing! Turning up a system to a level that has audible distortion is more damaging to your ears than listening to an undistorted system at the same volume level. The threshold of pain is always an indicator that the sound level is too loud and may permanently damage your hearing. Please use common sense when controlling volume.
KXMA STEREO AMPLIFIER
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of the KICKER KXMA Stereo Amplifier! The KXMA-series have been engineered to handle the punishing conditions of outdoor and marine audio applications, with UV-treated aluminum chassis, conformal coated PCBs, thick gasketing to seal and protect sensitive electronics, and terminals that meet rigorous ABYC/NMMA standards. Combined with KICKER’s audiophile-grade components, DSP features, and signature power, your party on the water or the patio will be as memorable as the music. Incorporate the whole family of KICKER Marine products to maximize your aquatic audio experience!
Sincerely
Steve Irby
President/CEO
Scan here for owner’s manual
IMPORTANT: KICKER recommends a professional installation performed by licensed providers. You are solely responsible for safely mounting and wiring your products. Remember to cap unused wires and avoid electrical shorts!
Mounting
Choose a dry, 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. Drill four holes using a 7/64” (3mm) bit and use the supplied #8 screws to mount the amplifier. Don’t drill through the bottom of the boat!
Wiring
(KXMA400.2 shown)
See owner’s manual for information on how to use amplifier features such as gain, crossover, bass boost and more!
POWER CHART
Read More About This Manual & Download PDF:
References
- Car Audio, Home & Personal Audio | KICKER®
- Car Audio, Home & Personal Audio | KICKER®
- KICKER | Test Tones