INTRODUCTION The Clarion APX400.4M is a full-featured four-channel amplifier. It comes with the following features: • Full frequency response with low distortion and exceptional signal to noise performance • Advanced circuit design features bridgeable and mixed mode operation for use in a variety of 4, 3 or 2 channel systems • Independent front and rear, low-pass/high-pass electronic crossovers each with a 12dB per octave slope and full adjustment range (from 55Hz to 550Hz Front and 55Hz to 5.
DESCRIPTION The Clarion APX400.4M 4-channel marine amplifier is an excellent choice for creating a variety of multi-channel sound systems. It features built-in system design flexibility that allows you to create a 2, 3 or 4 channel amplifier with a flip of a switch. You can also configure the front or rear amplifier sections for a mixed mode operation to drive a set of satellite speakers and/or subwoofer.
RIGHT, FRONT LEFT, REAR RIGHT and REAR LEFT. The Gain Controls provide a wide adjustment range to accommodate output levels from any brand of source unit. • Gain Controls - Seperate Front and Rear Gain Controls allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier. The amplifier’s range, 250mV to 2.5V for RCA inputs or 500mV to 5V for speaker level inputs, can accommodate input levels from virtually any brand of source unit. • Bass Boost Control - The amplifier also features a “high-Q” (i.e.
• Rear Channel Input Select - This switch allows you to use a 2 channel input to drive all 4 channels of this amplifier. • Speaker Level Inputs - These provide connections for a high-level stereo source. In addition, these connections are provided for installations where the source unit’s RCAoutputs are unavailable. WARNING: When using the speaker (high-level) inputs, the Black wire must be grounded at the Radio. Failure to do this will result in noise and improper operation.
APPLICATIONS The Clarion APX400.4M 4-channel marine amplifier can be used in a variety of system applications. We’ve enclosed some example systems to help plan your own installation. 4-Channel Full-Range Stereo System Figure 3 - In this application, the APX400.4M is used as a 4-channel amplifier to drive four full-range speakers in stereo.
4-Channel Stereo System 2-Channels High-Pass, 2-Channels Low-Pass Figure 4 - In this 4-channel system, the APX400.4M drives a pair of stereo satellites for the front and a pair of stereo subwoofers for the rear. Note the filter settings.
2-Channel Stereo System with Low-Pass Bridged Mono Channel Figure 5 - The APX400.4M can also be used to drive a pair of stereo satellites for the front and a single mono subwoofer for the rear. Note the filter settings.
2-Channel High Power Systems (Satellite or Subwoofer) Figure 6 - The APX400.4M can be set up as a 2-channel high-power amplifier to drive a pair of satellites (or subwoofers).
Mixed-Mode System On Rear; Full-Range Speakers On Front FREQ (hz) L (mH) C (uF) 80 100 125 150 200 8.0 6.4 5.1 4.2 3.2 497 398 318 265 199 NOTE: Chart values based on 4 ohm speakers. Figure 7 - The amplifier can be configured for a mixed-mode operation on either channels 1/2 or 3/4 amplifier sections. The table provides component values to create a 6dB per octave crossover at specified frequencies. Use components that have a + 5% tolerance and capacitors rated at 100V.
INSTALLATION This section lists Mounting and Wiring Precautions for installing the Clarion APX400.4M. Combined with the experience of a professional installer, these safeguards provide enough detail to successfully complete an installation. If you do not have the necessary skills, do not install the amplifier yourself. Instead, see your authorized Clarion dealer for installation recommendations. MOUNTING PRECAUTIONS Although the Clarion APX400.
6. Refer to the Figure 8 when making electrical connections. Connect the amplifier’s positive (+) lead via a fuse directly to the positive (+) terminal on the battery. Do not connect this wire to the vessel’s fuse panel. Use redinsulated 10-gauge (or larger) wire for the amplifier’s positive (+) power lead and the same-gauge black insulated wire for the ground. 7. When replacing the amplifier ’s fuse, always use one having the same current rating.
SETTING THE GAIN After completing the installation, follow these steps to set the Gain Control and then perform the Final System Checks. 1. Turn the Gain Control all the way counter-clockwise. 2. Turn the vehicle’s Ignition Switch to the ON position. Then turn the ON/OFF Switch on the source units to the ON position. Set all Tone or Equalization Controls to “flat” positions and turn Loudness off. 3. Play a CD or Tape and set the Volume Control at 75% of full level.
FINAL SYSTEM CHECKS 1. Start the engine and turn on the source unit. After a two-second delay, slowly increase the Volume Control and listen to the audio. If you hear any noise, static, distortion or no sound at all, check the connections, and also refer to Troubleshooting. Depending on your system design, the levels may become quite loud even at low Volume Control settings. Until you get an “audio feel” of the system’s power, use care when adjusting controls. 2.
Problem Audio lacks punch. Solution Speakers wired incorrectly, which causes cancellation of bass frequencies. Check polarity of wires from amplifier to each speaker as defined by the system design. Problem Amplifier fuse keeps blowing. Solution Incorrect wiring or short circuit. Review Installation and check all wiring connections. Problem Whining or ticking noise in the audio with engine on. Solution Amplifier is picking up alternator noise or radiated noise.
661 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. Gardena, CA 90247 1-800-GO-CLARION www.clarion-usa.com APX400.4M-10 Rev.
