JL AUDIO 1000/1

monoblock subwoofer amplifier

o w n e r s m a n u a l

Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for your automotive sound system. Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment in your vehicle. For maximum performance and extended warranty coverage, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier installed by an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your authorized dealer has the training, expertise and installation equipment to ensure optimum performance from this product. Should you decide to install the amplifier yourself, please take the time to read this manual thoroughly so as to familiarize yourself with its installation requirements and setup procedures. If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this manual or any aspect of your amplifiers operation, please contact your authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance, please call the JL Audio Technical Support Department at (954) 443-1100 during business hours (Eastern Time Zone).
PROTECT YOUR HEARING! We value you as a long-term customer. For that reason, we urge you to practice restraint in the operation of this product so as not to damage your hearing and that of others in your vehicle. Studies have shown that continuous exposure to high sound pressure levels can lead to permanent (irreparable) hearing loss.This and all other highpower amplifiers are capable of producing such high sound pressure levels when connected to a speaker system. Please limit your continuous exposure to high volume levels. While driving, operate your audio system in a manner that still allows you to hear necessary noises to operate your vehicle safely (horns, sirens, etc.). SERIAL NUMBER In the event that your amplifier requires service or is ever stolen, you will need to have a record of the products serial number. Please take the time to enter that number in the space provided below. The serial number can be found on the bottom panel of the amplifier and on the amplifier packaging. Serial Number: _______________________________
INSTALLATION APPLICATIONS This amplifier is designed for operation in vehicles with 12V, negative-ground electrical systems. Use of this product in vehicles with positive ground and/or voltages other than 12V may result in damage to the product and will void the warranty. This product is not certified or approved for use in aircraft. Do not attempt to bridge the outputs of this amplifier with the outputs of a second amplifier, including an identical one.
PLANNING YOUR INSTALLATION It is important that you take the time to read this manual and that you plan out your installation carefully.The following are some considerations that you must take into account when planning your installation. Cooling Efficiency Considerations: Your JL Audio amplifier employs an advanced type of heat management, called RealSink.This feature takes advantage of convection and radiation effects to remove heat from the amplifier circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, the vertical heat sinks located at the back of the amplifier should be exposed to as large a volume of air as possible. Enclosing the amplifier in a small, poorly ventilated chamber can lead to excessive heat build-up and degraded performance. If an installation calls for an enclosure around the amplifier, we recommend that this enclosure be ventilated with the aid of a fan. In normal applications, fan-cooling is not necessary, but you still need to follow some basic guidelines: Amplifier mounted vertically with heat sink fins pointing up: Optimum Amplifier mounted horizontally, right side up: Good Amplifier mounted horizontally, but upside down: Fair (not recommended if there is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) clearance above the amplifier heat sinks) Amplifier mounted vertically with heat sink fins pointing laterally: Fair Amplifier mounted vertically with heat sink fins pointing down: Poor (not recommended)
Selects Low-Pass or High-Pass Mode for Output Filter (pg. 8) Preamp Output Mode Selector (pg. 8) Preamp Output Filter Slope Selector (pg. 8) Parametric EQ "Q" (Bandwidth Selection Control (pg. 9)
If mounting the amplifier under a seat, make sure there is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier heat sink fins to permit proper cooling. Safety Considerations: Your amplifier needs to be installed in a dry, well-ventilated environment and in a manner which does not interfere with your vehicles safety equipment (air bags, seat belt systems, ABS brake systems, etc.).You should also take the time to securely mount the amplifier using the supplied screws so that it does not come loose in the event of a collision or a sudden jolt to the vehicle (20 lbs. of aluminum traveling at 60 MPH will hurt you). Stupid Mistakes to Avoid: Check before drilling any holes in your vehicle to make sure that you will not be drilling through a gas tank, brake line, wiring harness or other vital vehicle system. Do not run system wiring outside or underneath the vehicle.This is an extremely dangerous practice which can result in severe damage to your vehicle and person. Protect all system wires from sharp metal edges and wear by carefully routing them, tying them down and using grommets and loom where appropriate. Do not mount the amplifier in the engine compartment, under the vehicle, on the roof or in any other area that will expose the amplifier circuitry to the elements.

Chassis Ground Connector (pg. 5) +12 V Power Connector (pg. 5) Remote Turn-On Connector (pg. 6)
Parametric EQ Boost Control (pg. 9)
Input Voltage Range Selector (pg. 6)
Reverses Polarity of Amp Output (pg. 10) Positive Subwoofer Outputs (pg. 10) Negative Subwoofer Outputs (pg. 10)
Infrasonic Filter Defeat Switch (pg. 9)
Parametric EQ Center Frequency Selection Control (pg. 9)
Amplifier Low-Pass Filter Slope Selection / Defeat (pg. 7)
Input Sensitivity Control (pg. 7)

+12VDC

Ground

Remote

Low/High
Left and Right Selects Output Filter Preamp Output Jacks Cutoff Frequency (pg. 8) (pg. 8)
Selects Infrasonic Filter Cutoff Frequency (pg. 9)
Bass EQ Defeat Switch (pg. 9)
Jack for Remote Bass Control Knob (pg. 9)
Selects Low-Pass Filter Frequency for Amplifier Channel (pg. 8)
Left and Right Input Jacks (pg. 6)
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The JL Audio 1000/1 is a monoblock subwoofer amplifier utilizing proprietary and patented Class D technology. Its frequency response is limited to the range below 250 Hz. It is not designed for driving midrange speakers or tweeters. Every aspect of its operation has been optimized for low-frequency amplification. For detailed specifications, please refer to Appendix E (page 21). TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE The following represents the sequence for a typical amplifier installation, using an aftermarket source unit. Additional steps and different procedures may be required in some applications. If you have any questions, please contact your authorized JL Audio dealer for assistance. 1) Disconnect the negative battery post connection and secure the disconnected cable to prevent accidental re-connection during installation. This step is not optional! 2) Run power wire (minimum 4 AWG) from the battery location to the amplifier mounting location, taking care to route it in such a way that it will not be damaged and will not interfere with vehicle operation. Use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG power wire if additional amplifiers are being installed with the 1000/1. 3) Connect power wire to the positive battery post. Fuse the wire with an appropriate fuse block (and connectors) within 18 inches (45 cm) wire length of the positive battery post. This fuse is essential to protect the vehicle. Do not install the fuse until the power wire has been connected to the amplifier. 4) Run signal cables (RCA cables) and remote turn-on wire from the source unit to the amplifier mounting location. 5) Run speaker wire from the speaker system to the amplifier mounting location. 6) Find a good, solid metal grounding point close to the amplifier and connect the negative power wire to it using appropriate hardware. Use the same size power wire as the wire connected to the +12V connection (min. 4 AWG), no longer than 36 inches (90 cm) from the amplifier to the ground connection point. In some vehicles, it may be necessary to upgrade the battery ground wire. (See page 5 for important notice).

7) Securely mount the amplifier using the supplied screws. 8) Connect the positive and negative power wires to the amplifier. A fuse near the amplifier is not necessary. 9) Connect the remote turn-on wire to the amplifier. 10) Connect the RCA input cables to the amplifier. 11) Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier. 12) Carefully review the amplifiers control settings to make sure that they are set according to the needs of the system. 13) Install power wire fuse (100A for a single 1000/1) and reconnect the negative battery post terminal. 14) Turn on the source unit at a low level to double-check that the amplifier is configured correctly. Resist the temptation to crank it up until you have verified the control settings. 15) Make necessary adjustments to the input sensitivity control to obtain the right overall output and the desired balance between the subwoofer output and the satellite (mid and high-frequency) output. See Appendix B (page 14) for the recommended input sensitivity setting method. 16) Enjoy the fruits of your labor with your favorite music.
POWER CONNECTIONS Before installing the amplifier, disconnect the negative (ground) wire from the vehicle's battery. This will prevent accidental damage to the system, the vehicle and your person during installation.

+12VDC Ground Remote

Any wires run through metal barriers (such as firewalls), must be protected with a high quality rubber grommet to prevent damage to the insulation of the wire. Failure to do so may result in a dangerous short circuit.

! I M P O RTA N T

Many vehicles employ small (10 AWG 6 AWG) wire to ground the battery to the vehicle chassis and to connect the alternator's positive connection to the battery.To prevent voltage drops, these wires should be upgraded to 4 AWG (or larger) when installing amplifier systems with total fuse ratings exceeding 60A. FUSE REQUIREMENTS It is absolutely vital that the main power lead to the amplifier(s) in the system be fused within 18 inches (45 cm) of the positive battery post connection.The fuse value at each power wire should be high enough for all of the equipment being run from that power wire. If only the 1000/1 is being run from that power wire, we recommend a 100A ANL (large bladetype fuse pictured below) be used.
The 1000/1's +12 VDC and Ground connections are designed to accept 4 AWG power wire. 4 AWG is the only recommended power wire size for this amplifier. If you are installing the 1000/1 with other amplifiers and wish to use a single main power wire, use 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG main power wire (depending on the overall current demands of all the amplifiers in the system).This 2 AWG or 1/0 AWG power wire should terminate into a distribution block mounted as close to the amplifiers as possible and should connect to the 1000/1 with 4 AWG power wire. Please note that smaller AWG numbers mean bigger wire and vice-versa (1/0 AWG is biggest, 2 AWG is smaller, then 4 AWG, then 8 AWG, etc.). To connect the power wires to the amplifier, first back out the set screw on the top of the amplifier, using the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation from the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle on the front panel of the amplifier, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. While holding the wire in place, tighten the set screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head of the screw. The ground connection should be made using the same gauge wire as the power connection and should be kept as short as possible, while accessing a solid piece of sheet metal in the vehicle. The surface of the sheet metal should be sanded at the contact point to create a clean, metal-to-metal connection between the chassis and the termination of the ground wire.The use of a star washer to lock down the connection is advisable.

The output of the amplifier will decrease for a given input voltage when the Input Range switch is placed in the High position. Conversely, the output will be higher with the switch in the Low position.While this may sound counter-intuitive, it is consistent with the descriptions above. 3) Input Sensitivity Adjustment: Located next to the Input Voltage switch, in the Amplifier Input Section, is a rotary control labeled Input Sens. Once the appropriate Input Voltage range has been selected, this rotary control can be used to match the source unit's output voltage to the input stage of the amplifier for maximum clean output. Rotating the control clockwise will result in higher sensitivity (louder for a given input voltage). Rotating the control counter-clockwise will result in lower sensitivity (quieter for a given input voltage). To properly set the amplifier for maximum clean output, please refer to Appendix B (page 14) in this manual. After using this procedure, you can then adjust the level of the amplifier by adjusting the input sensitivity downward, if the amplifier requires attenuation to achieve the desired system balance. Do not increase the Input Sens. setting for any amplifier in the system beyond the maximum level established during the procedure outlined in Appendix B (page 14). Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
1) Input Connections: A standard left/right pair of RCA type jacks is used for input on the 1000/1.You may run a stereo or a mono signal into the inputs of the amplifier.The amplifier's input section automatically sums stereo signals to mono for the internal amplifier section and for the LP Filter Mode of the Preamp Output section.
If you plan to use the Preamp Output of the 1000/1 to feed a stereo amplifier, you must connect a stereo signal to the input of the amplifier. A mono signal into the amplifier will result in a mono signal out of the preamp output. (It's a great amplifier, but it doesn't do magic). The amplifier will operate with only one input connection (left or right), but will require an increase in input sensitivity to overcome the loss of signal. If a mono input signal is to be run, we recommend that you use a Y-adaptor to split the mono signal into both inputs of the amplifier. 2) Input Voltage Range: A wide range of signal input voltages can be accommodated by the 1000/1's input section (200mV 8V).This wide range is split up into two sub-ranges, accessible via switches located in the Amplifier Input Section of the amplifier. The Low position on the Input Voltage switch selects an input sensitivity range between 200mV and 2V. This means that the Input Sens. rotary control will operate within that voltage

1) Filter Operation: The low-pass filter in the 1000/1 is fully variable between 40 Hz and 200 Hz via the Filter Freq. control knob and features the ability to select between a moderate 12dB per octave or a steep 24dB per octave slope via the Mode/Slope switch. Depending on the subwoofer system and the vehicle, different slopes may be required to produce a smooth transition to the mid-bass speakers in the system. Experiment to find the slope which best matches the acoustic requirements of your system. Hint: A trunk mounted sub whose output has to "fight" through a rear deck or a back seat often benefits from the 12 dB/octave slope which lets more upper bass content pass through. A sub that fires directly into the listening environment is more likely to benefit from a 24 dB/octave slope.
The above hint is not set-in-stone You should always listen to the system carefully to determine the best choice as vehicle acoustics and other factors play a big role in choosing the most appropriate filter slope. 2) Precise Frequency Selection: The filter frequency markings on the front panel of the amplifier are for reference purposes and are generally accurate to within 1/3 octave or better. If you would like to select the filter frequency with a higher level of precision, consult Appendix A: Chart A-1 (page 12) of this manual.This chart gives you a more accurate frequency for each of the forty detented positions of the frequency selection control.This method can be very useful if the amplifier is mounted in a location where you cant see the front panel markings easily. 3) Defeating the Amplifier Filter: The LowPass filter can also be defeated completely, by switching the Mode/Slope switch to the Off position.This is useful if you are using an external active crossover in the system. Keep in mind that turning the internal crossover off also defeats the Advanced Bass Control section processing (see page 9 for details). With the internal crossover turned off, the 1000/1s upper frequency response limit is 250 Hz, due to its bass-specific Class D design.
PREAMP OUTPUT SECTION The 1000/1 incorporates a flexible preamp output section, designed to make multiple amplifier systems easy to set up. The Preamp output can be configured in three different Output Modes:
This is completely independent of the amplifiers internal filter and allows the user to match, stagger or overlap the subwoofer low-pass filter frequency of the amplifier crossover with the output filters frequency for precise control and optimized midbass performance. If you would like to select the filter frequency with a higher level of precision, consult Appendix A: Chart A-2 (page 12) of this manual.

!! CAUTION

The signal level of the Preamp Output is affected by the setting of the Input Voltage Range switch (of the input section chosen by the Signal From switch). See Appendix B (page 14) for details on Input Voltage settings. All slave amplifiers should get this switch set to Low. See Appendix C (page 16) for details. ADVANCED BASS CONTROL SECTION The 1000/1 includes a versitile bass processing section consisting of two primary components: a fully variable, 24 dB per octave infrasonic filter and a parametric, single-band equalizer.

1) Full-Range: This is a pass-through mode for the preamp output, delivering the same signal that is being fed to the Amplifier Input Section (If the input signal is full-range, the preamp output will be full-range).This signal is not affected by the Advanced Bass Control processing selected for the amplifier. 2) Amp Filter: The preamp output delivers the same signal that is feeding the 1000/1s amplifier section, including all the processing induced by the Amp LP Filter and Advanced Bass Control sections. This is primarily used for running additional 1000/1s in a Slave configuration from the Master amplifier. For detailed information on Master/Slave configurations, see Appendix C (page 16). If the Output Mode switch is in the Amp Filter position and the Amp LP Filter switch is in the Off position, there will be no output from the preamp output jacks.The independent output filter controls (Filter Slope, Filter Freq and Filter Mode) are inactive in Amp Filter mode. 3) Out Filter: The preamp output is filtered by a fully variable, active filter incorporated into the output section and is not affected by the bass control processing selected for the amplifier. In Out Filter mode, the user can select: a) High-pass (HP) or low-pass (LP) filtering by way of the Filter Mode switch. b) 12 dB/octave or 24 dB/ octave filter slope by way of the Filter Slope switch. c) A filter cutoff frequency between 40 - 200 Hz for the preamp output signal by way of the Filter Control switch.
If you would like to select the infrasonic filter frequency with a higher level of precision, consult Appendix A: Chart A-3 (page 13) of this manual. The infrasonic filter can be completely defeated by selecting the Off position on the Mode switch.This bypasses all signal from flowing through the circuit. 2) Parametric Bass Equalizer: The parametric equalizer allows the used to select the center frequency of the boost band as well as the bandwidth (Q) of the boost band. The Q" control selects the bandwidth of the boost around the center frequency. Lower numbers pertain to wider bandwidths while higher number pertain to narrower bandwidths. The Center Freq. control selects the center frequency of the boost bandwidth within a range of 20 - 80 Hz. If you would like to select the filter frequency with a higher level of precision, consult Appendix A: Chart A-4 (page 13) of this manual. The Boost control determines how much boost (in dB) you are adding to the bass signal. A range of 0 - 15dB of boost is available. The Remote Bass Port allows the connection of an optional remote boost knob (the RBC-1) that can be mounted in the front of the vehicle. This optional control takes the place of the Boost knob on the amplifier when connected and bypasses the Boost control on the amplifier.

The Advanced Bass Control section will only operate when the amplifier's filter is activated with the Amp LP Filter switch in the 12dB or 24dB position. It will not work with this switch in the Off position.This is to prevent cascading the processing of multiple amplifiers when configured in a master/slave arrangement as shown in Appendix C (page 16). If you are using an external active crossover and would like to use the Advanced Bass Control features, set the Amp LP Filter switch on 12dB and rotate the frequency selection knob fully clockwise to the 200 Hz position.This will activate the LF Boost and Infrasonic Filter controls without significantly affecting the crossover point selected by the external active crossover.
1) Infrasonic Filter: The infrasonic filter is a 24 dB/octave high-pass filter, with a fully variable cutoff frequency between 15 - 60 Hz.When set at frequencies lower than 30 Hz, it conserves amplifier power without audibly affecting the quality of the sub-bass output. If set at frequencies higher that 30 Hz, there will be an audible effect, but one which may be desirable for SPL competition purposes or curve shaping of a bottom-heavy system. With ported enclosures, the use of the infrasonic filter is highly recommended to protect the speaker(s) from excessive excursion below box tuning. With sealed enclosures, the use of the filter is less necessary, but can still help protect the speaker system.
SUBWOOFER OUTPUT The 1000/1 employs JL Audio's exclusive Regulated, Intelligent Power Supply (R.I.P.S.) design. This sophisticated power supply allows the amplifier to produce its optimum power (1000 watts x 1) over a wide range of speaker impedances. Unlike conventional amplifiers that require a specific impedance to produce optimum power, the R.I.P.S.-equipped 1000/1 gives you the freedom to use a variety of subwoofer configurations that achieve final nominal impedances between 1.(without sacrificing power output or sound quality). The operation of the R.I.P.S. circuitry is entirely automatic and adjusts itself every time the amplifier is turned on according to the lowest impedance present at the speaker load.There are no user controls to configure.The system operates through multiple stages of impedance optimization, choosing the stage most appropriate to the actual impedance of the speaker(s) you connect to it.
connections.This is to facilitate multiple speaker wiring.The two positive and two negative connections are connected in parallel inside the amplifier. Connecting two speakers, each to one set of positive and negative terminals, will result in a parallel speaker connection. If only connecting one pair of speaker wires, it is not necessary to use both sets of connections. Do not chassis ground any speakers connected to this or any other JL Audio amplifier. Doing so will cause the amplifier to go into protection and mute the output. The 1000/1's speaker connectors are designed to accept 12 AWG 8 AWG wire. To connect the speaker wires to the amplifier, first back out the set screws on the top of the amplifier, using the supplied 2.5 mm hex wrench. Strip 1/2 inch (12 mm) of insulation from each wire and insert the bare wire end into the receptacles on the front panel of the amplifier, seating them firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. While holding each wire in place, tighten each set screw firmly, taking care not to strip the head of the screw and making sure that the wire is firmly gripped by the set screw.

Do NOT attempt to bridge two 1000/1s or combine their output to a single load in any manner. Doing so will damage the amplifier(s).
If you connect a load higher than 4 nominal to the 1000/1, power will drop by half with every doubling of impedance above 4. If you connect a load lower than 1.5 nominal to the 1000/1, the amplifier protection circuitry activates a safe mode which reduces amplifier power to protect the circuitry from failure (the yellow LED on the top of the amplifier will light to indicate that this has happened). See page 11 for details.
Before reconnecting the battery ground and turning the system on, verify that all control settings on the amplifier are set according to the needs of the system. OUTPUT POLARITY SWITCH Depending on the distance relationship of the mid-bass speakers and the subwoofers in a system, it can be desirable to reverse the polarity of the subwoofer system in order to produce a better transition between subwoofer and midbass speaker output.The Output Polarity switch allows you to peform this polarity inversion without removing any wires. Simply flip the switch from the Normal to the Reversed position. Experiment with this switch to determine which polarity produces the best overall bass
Speaker loads below 1.5 nominal are not recommended and may cause the amplifier output to distort excessively. Speaker connections to the 1000/1 are straightforward and take place at the far right of the front panel.You will notice that there are two + positive connections and two negative
APPENDIX A: Precise Frequency Selection CHART A-1 AMPLIFIER LOW-PASS FILTER Detent Panel Actual Number Marking Freq. Full counter-clockwise: 42 01.42 02.42 03.42 04.40.42 05.43 06.44 07.46 08.45.47 09.49 10.50 11.52 12.53 13.55 14.55.57 15.58 16.60 17.63 18.65 19.65.67 20.70 21.73 22.76 23.79 24.80.83 25.87 26.92 27.96 28.102 29.100.108 30.114 31.122 32.131 33.143 34.157 35.184 36.200.193 37.198 38.198 39.198 Full-clockwise : 198 CHART A-2 PREAMP AMP FILTER Detent Panel Actual Number Marking Freq. Full counter-clockwise: 41 01.41 02.41 03.41 04.40.42 05.42 06.43 07.44 08.45.45 09.47 10.48 11.49 12.51 13.53 14.55.54 15.56 16.58 17.60 18.62 19.65.64 20.67 21.69 22.72 23.75 24.80.78 25.82 26.86 27.90 28.95 29.100.100 30.107 31.113 32.122 33.131 34.143 35.156 36.200.169 37.186 38.192 39.197 Full-clockwise : 197 CHART A-3 INFRASONIC FILTER Detent Panel Actual Number Marking Freq. Full counter-clockwise: 14 01.14 02.14 03.14 04.15.14 05.15 06.15 07.16 08.18.17 09.17 10.18 11.19 12.20 13.20 14.25.21 15.22 16.24 17.25 18.27 19.28 20.30.30 21.33 22.35 23.39 24.42 25.40.47 26.50 27.51 28.54 29.56 30.56 31.50.57 32.58 33.58 34.58 35.59 36.60.60 37.61 38.61 39.61 Full-clockwise : 61 CHART A-4 EQ CENTER FREQUENCY Detent Panel Actual Number Marking Freq. Full counter-clockwise: 22 01.22 02.22 03.22 04.20.22 05.22 06.24 07.24 08.25.25 09.26 10.27 11.28 12.30 13.31 14.30.32 15.34 16.35 17.38 18.40 19.40.42 20.45 21.48 22.51 23.56 24.60.61 25.67 26.69 27.72 28.75 29.75.76 30.77 31.77 32.78 33.79 34.80 35.81 36.80.81 37.81 38.81 39.81 Full-clockwise : 81

Do not increase any Input Sens. setting in the system beyond the maximum level established during this procedure. Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage.
APPENDIX C: Master/Slave Configurations With the flexible on-board crossovers and processing incorporated into the 1000/1, it is possible to connect multiple 1000/1s in a Master/Slave configuration, with each amplifier driving its own speaker system but controlled by the processing and filtering of only one amplifier. This is very useful when driving multiple subwoofers with multiple amplifiers. To create a Master/Slave configuration, first determine which amplifier will be the Master amplifier and connect the main input signal to that amplifier (from the source unit or from an outboard processor).This amplifiers Amp LP Filter section and Advanced Bass Control features will process the signal for the Slave amplifier or amplifiers. Here is the procedure for implementing a Master/Slave configuration: 1) Set the Master amplifiers Output Mode switch to the center Amp Filter position.This will send a parallel, mono-summed signal from the Master amplifiers Amp LP Filter section to its preamp outputs.
2) Connect an RCA cable from the Master amplifiers preamp outputs to the main input of the first Slave amplifier. Set the Slave amplifiers Amp LP Filter to the Off position.This will defeat the LP filter and the bass processing of this Slave Amplifier. 3) The input sensitivity of the two amplifiers needs to be adjusted independently.To properly calibrate the amplifiers for maximum, identical, clean output, please refer to Appendix B (page 14). After using this procedure, you can then adjust the level of the amplifiers by adjusting the input sensitivities downward, if the amplifiers require attenuation to achieve the desired system balance. If the input sensitivities are adjusted, the amplifiers must be recalibrated to ensure identical power output levels. Please note that the Input Range switch on all slave amplifiers needs to be set to Low, even if the master amplifier is high voltage and its switch is set to High. All signals passed
out of the preamp outputs of the amplifier are compatible with the Low setting on the Input Range control. The Signal Sensing turn-on feature will not work on slave amplifiers, but slave amplifiers can be turned on and off by a master amplifier operating in signal sensing turn-on mode. Simply connect the master amplifiers Remote connection, to the slave amplifier(s) Remote connection(s). Do not increase the Input Sens. setting for any amplifier in the system beyond the maximum level established during the procedure outlined in Appendix B (page 14). Doing so will result in audible distortion and possible speaker damage. 4) If you would like to run a third amplifier in Slave configuration, select the Full-Range position on the Output Mode switch of the first Slave amplifier.Then, connect an RCA cable from the first Slave amplifiers preamp outputs to the second Slave amplifier. As you did with the

first Slave amplifier, set the second Slave amplifiers Amp LP Filter to the Off position. Then, calibrate the third amplifiers Input Range and Input Sens. controls in the same manner as you did for the second amplifier. Additional amplifiers may be added to this Master/Slave configuration following the same procedure as in step 4. Once you match the input sensitivities of all the amplifiers, you can use the Master amplifiers Amp LP Filter and Advanced Bass Control features to control the Slave amplifier(s). If the remote bass control (RBC-1) is used, it need only be connected to the Master amplifier to control all the amplifiers in the Master/Slave chain. Below is a diagram showing a Master/Slave configuration with one Master (top amplifier) and two Slave amplifiers. Switches and controls that are defeated in the Slave amplifiers are printed in gray.

MASTER:

IMPORTANT
The Master amplifiers Advanced Bass Control section is active and affects all three amplifiers equally.
Make sure that the "Output Polarity" switches are in the same position for all the amplifiers in a master/slave chain.
Set all amps in chain to "Normal" OR Set all amps in chain to "Reversed"
Connect Master 1000/1 Preamp Output to Slave A 1000/1 Input
Connect Master 1000/1 Input to Signal Source
SLAVE (A): This Slave amplifiers Advanced Bass Control section and AMP LP Filter are inactive, but the Full-Range (pass-through) feature of its Preamp Output feeds the input of the next Slave amplifier.
Connect Slave A 1000/1 Preamp Output to Slave B 1000/1 Input

SLAVE (B):

The last Slave amplifiers Advanced Bass Control section,AMP LP Filter and Preamp Output are inactive.
APPENDIX D: TROUBLE SHOOTING
MY AMPLIFIER DOESNT TURN ON Check to make sure there is +12V at the Remote connection of the amplifier. In some cases, the turn-on lead from the source unit is insufficient to turn on multiple devices and the use of a relay is required. To test for this problem, jump the +12V wire to the Remote terminal to see if the amplifier turns on. If this does not work, proceed to the next step. Check the fuse, not just visually but with a continuity meter. It is possible for a fuse to have poor internal connections that cannot be found by visual inspection. It is best to take the fuse out of the holder for testing. If no problem is found with the fuse, inspect the fuse-holder. Check the Signal Sensing switch to make sure it is in the desired position. If you are using a remote wire, this switch should be in the Off position. If you are using the signal sensing feature, make sure there is a full-range signal being sent to the RCA inputs of the amplifier. If you continue to have trouble with the signal sensing feature, test the amplifiers ability to turn on by throwing the Signal Sensing switch to the Off position and jumping the +12V wire to the Remote terminal. If this turns the amplifier on, check your input signal and connections.

MY AMPLIFIER SHUTS OFF ONCE IN A WHILE, USUALLY AT HIGHER VOLUMES Check your voltage source and grounding point.The R.I.P.S. power supply is rated to operate with source voltages between 11 - 14.5V. Shutdown problems at higher levels can occur when the charging system voltage drops below 10-volts.These dips can be of very short duration making them extremely difficult to detect with a common DC voltmeter.To ensure proper voltage, inspect all wiring and termination points. It is also a good idea to improve the vehicles factory ground wire and termination point. Grounding problems are the leading cause of mis-diagnosed amplifier failures.
I GET A DISTORTED / ATTENUATED SOUND COMING OUT OF THE SPEAKER(S) Check the speaker wires for a possible short, either between the positive and negative or between a speaker lead and the vehicles chassis ground. If a short is present you will experience distorted and/or attenuated output.The Low light may also illuminate in this situation. It may be helpful to disconnect the speaker wires from the amplifier and use a different set of wires connected to a test speaker. Check the nominal load impedance to verify that the amplifier is driving a load between 1.5 - 4. JL Audio monoblock amplifiers have two + positive connections and two negative connections.This is to facilitate multiple speaker wiring. The two positive and two negative connections are connected in parallel inside the amplifier. Connecting two speakers, each to one set of positive and negative terminals, will result in a parallel speaker connection. In this case, each of the two loads should have a nominal impedance between 3 - 8. Check the input signal and input signal cables to make sure signal is present at the Amplifier Input Section and the cables are not pinched or loose. It may be helpful to try a different set of cables and/or a different signal source to be sure.
MY AMPLIFIER TURNS ON, BUT THERE IS NO OUTPUT Check the input signal using an AC voltmeter to measure the voltage from the source unit while an appropriate test tone is played through the source unit (disconnect the RCA cables from the amplifier prior to this test).The frequency used should be in the range that is to amplified by the channels being tested (example: 50 Hz for a sub bass amplifier channel and 1 kHz for a full-range amplifier channel). A steady voltage should be present at the output of the RCA cables. If you are receiving a sufficient voltage (between 0.2 and 8.0-volts), check to ensure that the speaker wires are making a good connection with the metal inside the amplifier.The connectors are designed to accept up to an 8 AWG wire. If you are using significantly smaller wire (14 AWG or smaller), you may have difficulty making an adequate connection. In this case, you may find it necessary to fold the wire over once (or twice!) so as to make a solid connection. Make sure to strip the wire to allow for a sufficient connection with the input or output of the amplifier. Check the output of the amplifier. Using the procedure explained in the previous check item (after plugging the RCA cables back into the amplifier) test for output at the speaker outputs of the amplifier. Unless you enjoy test tones at high levels, it is a good idea to remove the speaker wires from the amplifier while doing this. Turn the volume up approximately half way. 5-volts or more should be measured at the speaker outputs. This output level can vary greatly between amplifiers but it should not be in the millivolt range with the source unit at half volume. If you are reading sufficient voltage, check your speaker connections as explained above.

For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call: JL Audio customer service: (954) 443-1100 during normal business hours (9:00 AM 5:30 PM Eastern Time) JL Audio, Inc 10369 North Commerce Pkwy. Miramar, FL 33025 (do not send product for repair to this address) International Warranties: Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only by that countrys distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.
Patented Class D Amplifier Circuit (U.S. Patent #6,441,685) is Patent-Pending in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Russian Federation, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and all other PCT countries. JL10001MAN-CH-09-2002

What the heck is a parametric equalizer?
The JL Audio 500/1 (and the upcoming 1000/1) employ a sophisticated parametric Bass EQ circuit. A parametric equalizer is distinguished from a conventional equalizer circuit in that it allows the user to not only control the level of the boost, but also the center frequency of the boost and the bandwidth of the boost (the range of frequencies affected). What does this mean to you when you set up a system? First, it allows you to tailor the properties of the EQ circuit to do what you need for each system. In some cars, you will need some help in the upper bass. In others, you will need it at lower frequencies. By adjusting the bandwidth with the Q knob, you can control the width of the range of frequencies affected by the boost. So, whether you need a sharp/focused boost or a broad one, at 30, 40, 60 or 80 Hz (or any frequency in between), the parametric EQ gives you the power to make it happen.
Some basic tips to get you started in the exploration of the Bass EQ.
1) Set your amp gains with the Bass EQ defeated (off position). You want to set the bass level properly BEFORE applying any equalization. 2) As a general rule of thumb, start tuning with a Q setting below 2. Higher Q values are rarely needed unless there is some truly bizarre acoustic problem in the system. Lower Q values give you a broader (and usually more natural-sounding) effect. A Q of 1.6 (12 OClock setting) is a good starting point. 3) For most systems, the best Center Frequency adjustment will be between 40-50 Hz. Use 45 Hz (12 OClock setting) as a starting point and adjust up or down gradually. 4) Dont go crazy with the boost knob. there is 15dB of boost available (which is a lot). Begin with a low boost setting (around 3 dB) and try to stay below 6 dB whenever possible. Remember that for every 3 dB of additional boost you dial in, you are asking the amplifier to double its power output for a given signal in the boost region.
The following diagrams illustrate what each of the three controls of the parametric Bass EQ do in isolation. It is important to understand these behaviors, because they must all be considered when setting up the Bass EQ.

Center Frequency (50 Hz)

"Q"

Center Freq.

45 2.25 4.3 20

Boost (dB)

1.1 0.7 0.5

+15 dB

1.1 0.7

+10 +13

55 +85 0

Center Frequency =

40Hz 50Hz

+12 dB

400 500

Frequency (Hz)

Figure 1: This diagram shows the effect of different Center Frequency settings with the Bass EQ set up as follows:Q = 2.0,Boost = 12 dB
Figure 2: This diagram shows the effect of different Boost level settings with the Bass EQ set up as follows:Q = 2.0,Center Frequency = 50 Hz
W H AT T H E H E C K I S A PA R A M E T R I C E Q U A L I Z E R ?

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Boost 15 dB

0.7 0.5

-3 dB Point
"Q" = 4 "Q" = 2 "Q" = 1 "Q" = 0.5

"Q" = 4

(High "Q")

Bandwidth is 1/3 Octave

(44 Hz - 57 Hz in this example)

"Q" = 2

(Medium "Q")

Bandwidth is 2/3 Octave

(39 Hz - 64 Hz in this example)

"Q" = 1

(Low "Q")
Bandwidth is 11/2 Octaves
(31 Hz - 81 Hz in this example)

"Q" = 0.5

(Very Low "Q")
Bandwidth is 21/2 Octaves
(21 Hz - 120 Hz in this example)
Figure 3: This diagram shows the effect of different Q (bandwidth) settings with the Bass EQ set up as follows: Boost = +15 dB, Center Frequency = 50 Hz
What is Bandwidth? This term is borrowed from filter theory and is defined as the range of frequencies passed by the filter (or in this case, boosted by the filter). Bandwidth is always specified in terms of -3 dB points. Basically, we note the highest level of the boosted signal and determine at which frequencies the level of boost drops 3 dB below that highest level. For an EQ filter of this type, there are two -3 dB points, one at a higher frequency and one at a lower frequency than the peak. These -3 dB points define the bandwidth.

The bandwidth for each Q setting will always be consistent in relation to octaves for a given boost level. Above, we show you the octave bandwidths for the Q and boost settings illustrated in the chart. Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrate that at higher levels of boost, you are not just boosting frequencies within the defined bandwidth.There will still be considerable boost outside the defined bandwidth, especially with lower Q settings. Please note that the Q setting marked on the amplifier is referenced to maximum boost.Q will drop in value at boost levels lower than maximum (see Figure 2).

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