KICKER KPB1/KPB2 Amplified Weatherproof Bar-Mount Speaker System with Bluetooth Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: KICKER

Table of Contents

KICKER KPB1/KPB2 Amplified Weatherproof Bar-Mount Speaker System with
Overview
Specifications
Installation
Operation
Control Panel
Setting Input Source
Remote Control Install
Troubleshooting
Warranty
Documents / Resources
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)

KICKER KPB1/KPB2 Amplified Weatherproof Bar-Mount Speaker System with

Bluetooth

Overview

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. 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.

The KICKER PowerBar-series of powered, bar-mounted Bluetooth speakers provide you with the power and clarity required for enjoying audio in any outdoor and recreational setting. Featuring an IP66 rating for weatherproof applications, the PowerBars come with an easy-to-use control panel and mountable remote control, so changing the tunes is only a touch away. KICKER’s new Broadcast Mode technology allows you to sync up two or more KPB’s via Bluetooth, while AUX Input and Line Output connections allow for any combination of use with other devices. Use the KPB1 or the larger KPB2 on the beach, the links, the patio, off-road, or anywhere you’re missing the music. Use the following instructions to install and operate your KPB and KPB Remote.

Specifications

Model:	KPB1	KPB2

Power Output

@ 14.4V, <10% THD+N

| 150W| 300W
Total Speakers| 6| 10
Height [in, mm]| 4-9/16, 115| 4-9/16, 115
Width [in, mm]| 21, 530| 34-1/2, 880
Weight [lbs, kg]| 16.3| 7.39

Installation

Wiring

Disconnect the vehicle’s battery to avoid an electrical short. Connect the KPB’s black ground wire to a paint-and-corrosion-free, solid, metal area of the vehicle’s chassis, or to the negative battery terminal. Connect the KPB’s red power wire to the positive battery terminal. The wire harness includes an inline 15A ATC fuse (KPB1) or 30A ATC fuse (KPB2), and 5/16” ring terminals. The ring terminals can be cut off if they’re not needed, but the fuse should always be kept within 18” of the battery.
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.

IMPORTANT: The KPB draws a small amount of power over time, even when off. If storing the vehicle for two weeks or more, take precautions to ensure the life of your vehicle’s battery, such as disconnecting the fuse.

Relay Install & Battery Management
To increase battery longevity, it is good practice to use a Battery Management System (BMS) for your electric vehicles, as well as an accessory or relay switch for your KPB. Relays and BMS are optional and not included. Required current rating: 30A

SPDT Bosch Relay

Relay Pinouts
30 – Power Input
85 – Relay Ground
86 – Relay Trigger Input
87 – Power Output – Open Contact (ON) 87a – Disconnected

Mounting

The KPB-series mounts out-of-the-box to round bars with the included 1.5”, 1.75”, and 2” diameter Bar Clamps. Use the KPB Square Clamps – sold separately – to mount your KPB to square bars. Choose a structurally sound location to mount the KPB. The KPB may be mounted below or above bars, and the Mounting Base may be rotated ±30° to accommodate some curved bars. Make sure there are no items interfering with the route of the wiring.

Installation tools are not provided. 5mm and 6mm Allen Wrenches are required.

Screw the Mounting Bases to the PowerBar using the Mounting Screws.
Place the included rubber inserts in the Clamp Rings for improved vibration dampening, then install the Clamp Rings around your bar, securing them to the Mounting Bases using the Clamp Screws.
The KPB2 may be mounted with the bases and clamps in an inward, or outward configuration. KICKER does not recommend a combined inward/outward configuration.

Operation

Status LED
The LED color displays audio source, pairing status, and warnings:

Control Panel

Setting Input Source

Short Press the SOURCE button to switch between Bluetooth (blue) and AUX IN (red) input sources. To enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode, Long Press the SOURCE button while in Bluetooth mode. The STATUS LED will begin to flash blue. You may exit pairing mode at this stage by short pressing the SOURCE button.

To finish pairing, from your audio device select either ‘KPB1 KICKER’ or ‘KPB2 KICKER’. When successfully connected, the STATUS LED will be solid blue. When the PowerBar powers on in, or enters, Bluetooth mode, it will automatically begin to search for and connect with the last connected device.

Line Output & AUX IN
To use an external audio device as your input source, connect it to the AUX IN jack using a 1/8” (3.5mm) AUX cable, then set your input source to AUX IN.

To send a line-level signal, connect a 1/8” (3.5mm) AUX cable from the Line Output of the KPB to your external audio device’s line-level input.

Broadcast Mode
Broadcast Mode allows you to play your audio through multiple KPBs. One KPB, the Broadcaster, will broadcast the audio to the Receiver(s). Broadcast Mode is compatible with both AUX and Bluetooth input sources. You may enter Broadcast Mode with the following button sequence.

Set audio input source with the Broadcaster KPB.
Press & Hold the PLAY/PAUSE button and the Increase Volume button on the KPB which is transmitting. The Status LED will begin alternately flashing blue and red.
Press & Hold the PLAY/PAUSE button and the Decrease Volume button on the KPB which is receiving.
Repeat Step 3 for all additional KPBs!

Remote Control Install

The remote control must be charged via USB micro 5V power input. Fully charge the remote for at least 3 hours before first use to maximize battery life. The LED will be red while charging, and off when complete. The KPB Remote is only water-resistant when the rear cap is in place.

Install the included remote control to your steering wheel as follows:

Slightly pull out the mount tab on the back of the KPB remote and slide the remote onto the strap as shown below, firmly pushing until you feel a click. The Remote may be removed from the mounting clip and strap using a slight twisting motion.
Place the KPB onto the wheel facing the user in the position in which it will be most used. The remote may be latched to the mounting strap in 4 different configurations.
With the latch facing the front of the remote, place the two arms of the remote control around the steering wheel.
Pull the latch down over the open slot on the adjacent arm.

Remote Control Operation

Troubleshooting

If the KPB becomes frozen or stuck during algorithmic calculation, does not appear to be working, or gives an error code, check the obvious things first such as blown fuses, poor or incorrect wiring connections, incorrect setting of gain controls, etc.

No power?
With a Volt Ohm Meter (VOM) check the following:

+12 volt power terminal (should read +12V to +16V)
Check for reversed power and ground connections
Ground terminal, for proper conductivity.
Check fuses.

Bluetooth device will not connect? On your mobile device:

Turn Bluetooth off, then on again.
Remove ‘KPB1/2 KICKER’ from the Bluetooth menu. Then pair again (see page 10).
Move your mobile device closer to the speaker. Avoid obstacles that may block the wireless signal.
Perform a factory reset by pressing and holding the PLAY/PAUSE button for 10 seconds (Bluetooth devices must be re-paired after factory reset).

No or low output?

Check the settings on the audio source.
Check the speaker wiring, including AUX input and Line-level connections.

KPB frozen or stuck in operating procedure?

Perform a factory reset on the KPB
Cycle the power

Broadcast Mode will not engage?

Follow the instructions to enter Broadcast Mode
Perform a factory reset on all Broadcasting and Receiving KPBs.

No Remote Function?

Charge for at least 3 hours with a known-good 5V USB cable
Double press the SOURCE button to link.

CAUTION:
When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown 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 date of original purchase with 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 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 confirm 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