OPERATI N/ N INSTAl~ MANUAL
Clarion APX480M Power System Amplifier INTRODUCTION The Clarion APX480M is a full-featured four-channel amplifier incorporating the following features: • Specially coated circuit boards, that resist mold, mildew and moisture damage. • Pulse-Width Modulated (PWM) MOSFET power supply for maximum performance with minimal distortion. • Remote turn-on with "soft start" muting to prevent turn-on HthumpH.
Owner's Manual DESCRIPTION The APX480M uses an unregulated MOSFET power supply for superior sound and output wattage. In addition, a toroid-coil is used to transfer power with minimal performance loss due to heat. To avoid unwanted noise, a double-sided conformal printed circuit board with strategically placed components keeps AM RFI subdued. All of the connections and controls for the APX480M are conveniently located at the ends of the amplifier and labeled appropriately.
Clarion APX480M Power System Amplifier The RCA connections are gold plated for optimum performance and low signal loss. The RCA connectors are labeled CH 1 (front left), CH 2 (front right), CH 3 (rear left), and CH 4 (rear right). In applications where RCA signals are not present, the speaker level output from the head unit can be used. (Use one or the other input, not both.) • Gain Controls - Separate CH 1/2 and CH 3/4 gain controls allow you to set the nominal operating level of the amplifier.
clarion Operation/Installation Manual • CH 3/4 Frequency Range Multiplier - When engaged, this switch increases the crossover frequency of CH 3/4 by a factor of 10. Example: If the frequency hertz dial is set to 240Hz, pushing in the Frequency Range Multiplier changes the setting to 2400Hz. CONNEcnONS FOR POWER AND SPEAKERS The rear panel of the APX480M contains power and speaker connections as shown below. Figure 2 7 1. 2. 3. 4.
clarion APX480M Power System Amplifier INSTALLATION This section suggests Mounting and Wiring Precautions for installing the Clarion APX480M amplifier. If you do not posses the necessary tools and installation experience, do not attempt to install this amplifier. Instead, contact your local Clarion dealer to perform the installation. MOUNTING PRECAUTIONS Prior to mounting the amplifier, make sure it is safe to mount the amplifier in that location.
clarion Operation/Installation Manual 6. When replacing the amplifier's fuse, always use one having the same amperage rating. Substituting a higher rated fuse or a slow-blow type can result in serious damage to the amplifier. 7. When creating passage holes for power cables, RCA's cords, and speaker wires, use grommets to eliminate any sharp edges created during drilling. This will protect the wire from being nicked and causing a short circuit. 8.
· clarion APX480M Power System Amplifier 4-Channel Stereo System 2-Channel High-Pass, 2-Channel Low-Pass BASS EXTENDER CH1/2 r- GAIN - , CH1/2 CH3/4 SOURCE SELECT CHl12 2CH 61~6~~ OV~O~dl~ i;~s CH1/2 FREQ CH1/2 FILTER S~'10 H 0240 ~ 4CH 16QWX4-CHANNELAMPLIFIER HZ~0240 550~O CHl MONO MONO tLJ [[:j CH3/4FREQ - LPHPOFFsSoll0 550·.330 clarien STEREO lCL=J M~':JO STEREO ~~~6 RANGE - CH3/4 FILTER O_Xl LPHPOFF ItIDl .-.
clarion Operation/Installation Manual 2-Channel Stereo System with Low-Pass Bridged Mono Channel I BASS EXTENDER GAIN - , CH1/2 CH3/4 SOURCE SELECT CH1/2-MODE-CH3/4 CH1/2 CHll2 STEREO ~ 2CH BASS CH1/2 FREQ CH1/2 FILTER :0. 5 240 H 550 Clarien ib H,P °ll F ·330 4CH CHl MONO cii2ci MONO ~ STEREO MONO ::"0. 240 CH3I4 MONO CH3/4FREQ - RANGE - 550 160WX4-CHANNEL AMPLIFIER If CH3/4 FILTER r =~~O ~ or ·330 APX48aM R Satellite L Satellite -_ . _w,~~ .. .
clarion APX480M Power System Amplifier 2-Channel High Power System (Satellite or Subwoofer) I CH1/2 BASS GAIN - , CH3/4 SOURCE SELECT EXTENDER CH1/2 CH1/2 -MODE-CH3/4 CH1/2 MONO cjj] 2CH BASS CH1 MONO ad otJJ 4CH cii2 STEREO MONO r~ or "0 CH1/2 FREQ CH1/2 FILTER CH3/4FREQ - z5 :z500240 550 clarien 0240 : 550' 0330 O_X1 '330 160WX4-CHANNELAMPLIFIER CH3/4 MONO RANGE- CH3/4 FILTER _X10 ~F ~ or APX480M OR Bridge d L Sate IIite Bridged R Satellite I . . _ ;. -. = I .....
clarion Operation/Installation Ma~ual Mixed-Mode System On Rear; Full-Range Speakers On Front ,GAIN-, CH1/2 CH3/4 ~~~~gf BASS EXTENDER CH1/2 -MODE-CH3/4 CH1/2 2CH CH112 MONO STEREO lO 0 2CH BASS 4CH CH1/2 FREQ CH1/2 FILTER H5z5~0240 0 550 cl.
Clarion APX480M Power System Amplifier 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. Playa CD or Tape and set the Volume Control at 75% of full level.
clarion Operation/Installation Manual FINAL SYSTEM CHECK 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 system1s power, use care when adjusting controls. 2.
Clarion APX480M Power System Amplifier 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. Turn down input gain; move audio cables away from power wires.
clarion Operation/Installation Manual CLARION LIMITED WARRANTY For USA and Canada only If purchased from an authorized Clarion dealer, this product is warranted against all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. Clarion ProAudio products, except for speakers, are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty when purchased from and installed by an authorized Clarion dealer.
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281-0624-00 2003/8 clarion® CLARION LIMITED WARRANTY For USA and Canada only If purchased from an authorized Clarion dealer, this product is warranted against all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of original purchase. Clarion ProAudio products, except for speakers, are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty when purchased from and installed by an authorized Clarion dealer.
