KICKER PowerBar KPB1 Amplified Weatherproof Bar Mount Speaker System with Bluetooth Owner’s Manual
- June 3, 2024
- KICKER
Table of Contents
PowerBar KPB1 Amplified Weatherproof Bar Mount Speaker System
with Bluetooth
Owner’s Manual
PowerBar KPB1 Amplified Weatherproof Bar Mount Speaker System with
Bluetooth
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 |
Woofer [in, mm] | 3, 76 | |
Tweeter [in, mm] | 1, 25 | |
Wiring Harness Length [ft, m] | 12, 3.66 | |
Frequency Response [Hz] | 65-20,000 | |
Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >75, A-weighted re: rated power | |
Tweeter Magnet Material | Neodymium | |
Tweeter Dome Material | Titanium | |
Tweeter Design | Dome | |
Woofer Cone Material | Polypropolene | |
Woofer Surround Material | Santoprene | |
Aux Input | Stereo 3.5mm Female 0–1.0 V Sensitivity | |
Line Output | Stereo 3.5mm Female Buffered, 2.5V |
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.
to chassis ground or battery WARNING: Do not connect to +24V
battery systems.
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 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 cylinders with the included
1.5”, 1.75”, and 2” diameter Bar Clamps. Use the KPB Square Clamps (LINK GOES
HERE) – 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:
Bluetooth (Blue)
Off | Power is off |
---|---|
Solid | Bluetooth Mode |
Rapid Blinking | Bluetooth Pairing Mode |
Alternate Red/Blue | Waiting for Broadcast Mode to connect |
Long Blue + Short Red | Broadcast Mode Bluetooth Transmitter Active |
AUX IN (Red)
Off | Power is off |
---|---|
Solid | AUX Mode |
Alternate Red/Blue | Waiting for Broadcast Mode to connect |
Long Red + Short Blue | Broadcast Mode AUX Transmitter Active |
Other
Purple | Broadcast Mode Receiver Active |
---|---|
Red Rapid Blinking | AMP FAULT Warning (Overload, Undervoltage, Overvoltage) |
Control Panel
| short press
---|---
| long press
| very long press
**** | Long Press – Power On/Off |
---|---|
Short Press – Change Input Source Long Press – Enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode
| Change EQ Presets – KICKER, LOUD, SOUND QUALITY, & VOICE
| Increase Volume
| Decrease Volume
| Short Press – Previous Track Long Press – Rewind
| Short Press – Play/Pause or Mute Very Long Press (10s) – Software Reset
| Short Press – Next Track Long Press – Fast Forward
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.
Remove back cover to remote charge port Connect 5V USB charging
source to micro USB port
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
| Short Press – Previous Track Long Press – Rewind
---|---
| Double-Press – Sync to KPB Short Press – Change Input Source Long Press –
Enter Bluetooth Pairing Mode
| Short Press – Next Track Long Press – Fast Forward
| Decrease Volume
| Short Press – Play/Pause or Mute
| Increase Volume
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: 1+12 volt
power terminal (should read +12V to +16V) 2 Check for reversed power and
ground connections 3 Ground terminal, for proper conductivity. 4 Check fuses.
Power on, no signal? Check the following: 1 AUX In/Out connections and
cables 2 Test audio source signal, either with a “known good” output device or
other means. 3 Audio source volume & KPB output volume are increased.
Bluetooth device will not connect? On your mobile device: 1 Turn
Bluetooth off, then on again. 2 Remove ‘KPB1/2 KICKER’ from the Bluetooth
menu. Then pair again (see page 10). 3 Move your mobile device closer to the
speaker. Avoid obstacles that may block the wireless signal. 4 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? 1 Check the settings on the audio source. 2 Check the
speaker wiring, including AUX input and Line-level connections.
KPB frozen or stuck in operating procedure? 1 Perform a factory reset on
the KPB 2 Cycle the power
Broadcast Mode will not engage? 1 Follow the instructions to enter
Broadcast Mode on page 11. 2 Perform a factory reset on all Broadcasting and
Receiving KPBs.
No Remote Function? 1 Charge for at least 3 hours with a known-good 5V
USB cable 2 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
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. Nondefective 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-ofpurchase will
be determined from the type of sale and manufacturing date code. Freight must
be prepaid; items sent freight-collect, or Cash-On-Demand, 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 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.) 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 specific procedures for
your country’s warranty policies.
KPB1 PowerBar™
Info Card
Thank you and congratulat,ons on your purchase of the KICKER KP81 PoNerBar!
The PoNerBar-senes are a bar mount outdoor audio solutron, featunng an IP66
rating for weatherproof resiliency. Bluetooth wireless connectMty, and an
uncompromising amount of povver at 150W. \Nhether )’OU’re off-road. at the
beach, on the links or arr;where )’OU’re mssing the fWS!C, the KP81 ,s ready
to brave the elements wrth you.
Sincerely Steve Irby President/CEO
Scan here for owner’s manual
https://www.kicker.com/app/manuals/48KPB.pdf
ABELADO
IP66 Weatherproof I 1P66 Installation tools not provided. 5mm
and 6mm Allen wrenches required. Make sure to turn off your Powerbar when not
in use. If storing the vehicle, we recommend removing the Powerbar’s fuse to
safeguard the vehicle’s battery. Device draws power even when off. See user
manual for povver hookup recommendations.
Make certain the power source is + 12V DC. See user manual for using Broadcast
Mode to connect and share music with another PowerBar. See user manual for
installation and operation of the included RF remote control. See user manual
for power hookup recommendations. See user manual for steps when storing the
vehicle. Use short and long presses of the button panel and remote control to
operate the KPB1. Some input sources do not support all functions.
MOUNTING
With three different sizes of clamp rings provided, it’s easy to choose the Clamp Ring best suitec for your bar or application. Screw the Mounting Bases to the PowerBar using the Mounting Screws. Place the Clamp Rings around your mounting bar and secure the Clamp Rings to the Mounting Bases using the Clamp Screws. The KPB1 may be mountec above or below the bars, while the Mounting Base may be rotatec ± 30° to accommodate some curvec bars.
PAIRING
Power on the PowerBar by performing a long press (1 second) of the POWER
Button. Enter Pairing mode by performing a long press of the Bluetooth
(SOURCE) button while the PowerBar is powered on. The STATUS LED will flash
blue while in pairing mode. When in Bluetooth Pairing mode, thc, rovi,c;f2,e;
kt3p,:ay as -l<P2.1 KICKER” cn your Bluatooth delieo. ‘Voir may also exit
pairing mode by pressing the SOURCE button. Once a Bluetooth device is
connected, the light will be solid blue. Press the SOURCE button to switch
between Bluetcoth and AUX input sources. The STATUS LED will be solid red when
in AUX mode.
When the PowerBar powers on in, or enters, Bluetooth mode, it will
automatical~ begin to search for anc connect with the last connectec device.
If that device is not founc, it will continue to search for the other savec
connections until a connection is establishec. Use the EQ button to toggle
between 4 EQ modes: KICKER, LOUD, SOUND QUALITY, and VOICE. To
sync the remote control, press the SOURCE button twlce.
If you have a problem,
Please do not return product to the store.
KICKER Tech Support can assist you.
Call us at 800-256-KICK (5425), or contact us at
support@kicker.com with any questions or
problems.
Thank you for your KICKER purchase!
U.S. Customers Only
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>