Operation
Your Kicker MX.5 series amplifier has seven rotary controls and two switches on the top panel. Before turning on the system for the first time, remove the sealed top panel (protects the controls from water damage) by removing the two phillips screws. See Figure 1. Then turn the seven rotary controls on the top of the amplifier to the full counter- clockwise position.
1.CrossoverSwitch The crossover switches on the top panel are for setting the internal crossovers for the
“full-range” audio channels (12dB slope per octave). In the OFF position the amplifier passes a full-range signal to the speakers. The HI position should be selected when connected to speakers, which you do not want to receive any sub-bass information. Never change the crossover "OFF/HI" switch setting with the audio system on!
| 2. | InputGainControl The input gain control is not a volume control. It matches the output of the source unit to the |
| input level of the amplifier. Turn the source unit up to about 3/4 volume (if the source unit goes to 30, turn it to 25). |
| Next, slowly turn (clockwise) the gain on the amplifier up until you can hear audible distortion, then turn it down a little. |
| Adjust AMP 1, then proceed to AMP 2 and finally the Subwoofer Channel input gain control. |
| 3. | BassBoostControl The bass boost control is designed to give you increased output 0 - 18dB at 40 Hz. The |
OPERATION | setting for this control is subjective. If you turn it up, you must go back and adjust the input gain control to avoid |
5. | RemoteBass(Level Control) When using the remote bass level control you have the ability to control the level of |
| clipping the amplifier. |
4. CrossoverControl The setting for this control is subjective; 80Hz is a good place to start.
the Subwoofer Channel’s output remotely. To mount the remote bass level control, simply screw the metal bracket to
the chosen location. Then slide the housing onto the bracket until it snaps into place. Run the cable from the controller to the “Remote Bass” jack on the amplifier chassis.
Two Kicker Coax Speakers wired
in series to a single channel.
LED Red, no output? 1) Amplifier is very hot. Thermal protection is engaged. Test for proper impedance at the speaker terminals with a VOM meter (see the diagrams in this manual for minimum recommended impedance and multiple speaker wiring suggestions). Also check for adequate airflow around the amplifier. 2) Amplifier shuts down only while vehicle is running. Voltage protection circuitry is engaged. Voltage to the amplifier is not within the 9-16 volt operating range. Have the vehicle's charging and electrical system inspected. 3) Amplifier will only play at low volume levels. Short circuit protection is engaged. Check for speaker wires shorted to each other or to the vehicle chassis. Check for damaged speakers, or speaker(s) operating below the minimum recommended impedance.
No output from one channel? 1) Check the balance control on source unit 2) Check the RCA and speaker output connections for the channel 3) Swap the RCA cable from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad RCA cable or source unit problem. 4) Swap the speaker output wire from left to right. If the problem changes sides then you have a bad speaker cable, passive crossover network and/or speaker.
Alternator noise-whining sound with engine’s RPM? 1) Check for damaged RCA (or speaker input) cable
2) Check the routing of RCA (or speaker input) cable 3) Check the source unit for proper grounding 4) Check the gain settings and turn them down if they are set too high.
Poor stereo image or reduced bass response? Check system phasing by turning the balance control from left to right. If there is more bass output when turned to either side, then check your speaker wiring, passive crossover networks and speaker terminals for proper positive and negative connections. Reverse a speaker connection from positive to negative on the stereo/subwoofer channel(s); if the bass improves, the speaker was out of phase.
Ground-Loop Noise? If you are using only one pair of RCA inputs, connect the RCA cable to the AMP 1 inputs.
No Fader? You must use both sets of RCA Inputs for AMP 1 and 2, in order for the source’s fader to work.
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.
CAUTION: When jump starting the vehicle, be sure that connections made with jumper cables are correct. Improper connections can result in blown amplifier fuses as well as the failure of other critical systems in the vehicle.