DS18 NXL-M4 Marine Amplifier Owner Manual

DS18 NXL-M4 Marine Amplifier

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on the purchase of the DS18 NXL-M amp. It has been designed and manufactured for use on boats, yachts, party boats, or any watercraft that requires a high-quality, powerful amplifier with a small footprint for easy installation.

DS18 presents the best digital class amplifier that will provide the best performance and a very low operating temperature compared to other regular amplifiers, this makes it perfect for marine environments like inside cabins or confined spaces on boats. In addition to resisting corrosion, it is also capable of resisting splashed water if necessary.

FEATURES

• Hardware resistant to corrosion and

UV protection

• Coated 4 Layers PCB to prevent corrosion
• IPX5 Water resistant grade
• Front cover to keep the controls safe from the elements
• LED Clip Indicator for easier adjustment
• Stable and Reliable Class D Circuit Design
• High-Quality Potentiometers with a metal shaft
• Sound Quality verification using

AP instruments

• Direct Insert Power and Speaker Terminals
• Short Circuit, Thermal, and Voltage Protection
• Small Footprint for Easy Installation

ELEMENTS DESCRIPTION

NXL-M2

NXL-M4

1. Gain Control – The gain control matches the input sensitivity of the amplifier to the source unit being used. The operating range varies from 200mv to 6V. Adjusting the gain:
   Step 1
   Turn the gain control on the amplifier down (counterclockwise).
   Step 2
   Turn up the volume control on the source unit to approximately 3/4 of the maximum.
   Step 3
   Adjust the gain control on the amplifier until you see the LED Clip indicator start to blink.
   Step 4
   Adjust the gain control down until you don’t see the LED Clip indicator blinking anymore.
   Step 5
   The amplifier is now calibrated to the output of the source unit.
2. FILTER – Mode and FREQ Control – These controls allow control over the frequencies played for the channels. There is an option for Low Pass, Full Range, or High Pass. In LPF or HPF mode, the crossover frequency can be tuned from 40Hz to 2KHz.
3. INPUT MODE – In the 2-channel position the amplifier can use one input signal on the 1&2 channels to drive both 1&2 and 3&4 outputs simultaneously. In the 4-channel position, the 1&2 and 3&4 inputs are separated and only output to their respective channels.
4. BASS BOOST – The variable bass boost control on the amplifier is designed to give you increased output, 0–12dB, at 45Hz. The setting for this control is subjective.
5. POWER / PROTECT/CLIP LED – The POWER LED illuminates green when the amp is switched on. When the amp is in short circuit or thermal protection, the PROTECT LED is on. You need to check the amplifier or wait for the amplifier temperature to cool down before restarting. When the amplifier encounters clipping, the CLIP LED will light. Clipping occurs when an amplifier is not able to generate enough voltage to reproduce the input signal. Continuous or long-term clipping can cause serious damage to your amp and Speakers. If you are experiencing clipping, it is recommended that you adjust your gain settings and your head unit’s volume levels. Refer to “1. Gain Control” on this page for detailed instructions on how to properly set your amplifier’s gain levels.
6. HIGH INPUT – Referred to as speaker level inputs, allow you to connect to the factory speaker wires. they are called High inputs because they convert the high voltage running through factory speaker wires to one the amplifier can handle. These inputs will provide the end user with a clean, well-defined sound for optimal musical enjoyment.
7. RCA Inputs – These RCA inputs are used with source units that have RCA or Line level outputs. (Source units need a minimum level of 100mV output for proper operation of the amplifier). We recommend only high-quality twisted marine cables (Tinned OFC) to decrease the possibility of corrosion which is a common failure on marine installations.
8. Power Terminal(+12V) – This is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive terminal of the watercraft’s battery for proper operation. Use caution when installing(+12) power cables in the Boat. Avoid running this cable parallel with RCA cables, antennas, or other sensitive equipment due to massive currents that can induce noise into the audio system It is also very important to have a tight, secure connection for maximum performance. We recommend using 4AWG Tinned OFC wire with the 4-ch amplifier.
9. Remote Terminal – The Amplifier can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal Typically this voltage is supplied by a wire from the source unit marked “remote” or “power antenna”.
10. Ground Terminal – This is the main negative (-) input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the negative terminal of the watercraft’s battery for proper operation. Avoid running this cable parallel with RCA cables, antennas, or other sensitive equipment due to massive currents that can induce noise into the audio system It is also very important to have a tight, secure connection for maximum performance. We recommend using 4AWG Tinned OFC wire with the 4-ch amplifier.
11. Speaker Terminals(+/-) – Connect speakers to these terminals, Observe speaker polarity throughout the system. Improper phase can result in loss of bass response and/or poor overall sound quality.

AMPLIFIER INSTALLATION

Amplifiers are generally mounted in closed compartments of the vehicle or watercraft. Select a location that will provide adequate ventilation for the amplifier. Avoid mounting the amplifier in exposed areas. Secure the amplifier with the screws provided. Before securing the amplifier, inspect the mounting location carefully to ensure that you do not drill into or damage any electrical, hydraulic, fluid, or fuel lines.

1. Before you start, disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and tape up the end so it is isolated from the battery.
2. Run an appropriate gauge wire from the battery to the amplifier. Plan this part of the installation carefully. this cable will carry a very high current. If it is short to the body and it is not properly fused, it could catch fire.
3. Connect the power (+) wire to the positive post of the battery using a marine-grade fuse holder capable of the total current load of all amplifiers connected and locate it as close as possible to the battery.
4. Connect the Ground (-) wire to the negative post of the battery.
5. Run the speaker wire to the speakers. It is advised that you leave some extra wire at this point. You can fix it later. This amplifier is a multi-channel amplifier design, meaning it has more than one channel of speaker outputs. Connect this carefully and neatly; strip your wire back and twist the exposed leads. If the wires ever contact each other the amplifier will go into protection mode.
6. Connect the speaker wires to the amplifier and speakers (make sure the amp is off first). Make sure the polarity (+) and (-) are correct.
7. Connect the remote wire and the RCA audio signal from the Head Unit to the amplifier.
8. If you haven’t done so already, mount the amplifier now. Only after this step – you should connect back the negative cable to the battery.
9. Now is a good time to turn on the amp for the first time. This NXL-M Series amplifier has all the necessary controls to adjust your speaker system such as crossover and gain adjustment, it is time to adjust them accordingly so that you have a good result in sound quality.

WARNING
Professional installation by an authorized DS18 amps dealer is highly recommended! Otherwise, the performance of your new gear may not be satisfactory. If you decide to do your installation, please read and follow this manual very carefully. Failure to do so may compromise the integrity of this product, and your vehicle, and possibly void the product warranty.

WIRING

STEREO LOW LEVEL (RCA)

STEREO HIGH-LEVEL INPUT (SPEAKER OUTPUT FROM HEAD UNIT)

BRIDGE LOW-LEVEL INPUT (RCA)

BRIDGE HIGH-LEVEL INPUT (SPEAKER OUTPUT FROM HEAD UNIT)

SPECIFICATIONS

NXL-M2

POWER

• Total Watts (Peak)………………………………………………………………………………………..1500W
• RMS Power @ 4 ohm……………………………………………………………………… 2 x 250W
• RMS Power @ 2 ohm ………………………………………………………………………. 2 x 400W
• RMS Power @ 4 ohm Bridge ……………………………………………….. 1 x 880W

AUDIO 

• Frequency Response………………………………………………………………….. 20Hz-20KHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio ………………………………………………………………………………….. >90dB
• Efficiency @ 4 ohm  …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 90%
• Channel Separation …………………………………………………………………………………….. >55dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)………………………………………………. <0.15%
• Low-Level Input Range…………………………………………………………….. 0.2V-6V
• High-Level Input ……………………………………………………………………………………….Yes: ≥5V
• Selectable X-Over …………………………………………………………………………………HPF/LPF/Full
• X-Over Filter Range …………………………………………………………………………. 40Hz-2KHz
• Bass Boost Range………………………………………………………………………….0-12dB
• Bass Boost Frequency ………………………………………………………. 45Hz ±5Hz

FEATURES

• Amplifier Class………………………………………………………………………………….Digital (D)
• Amplifier Type………………………………….. Stereo Full Range
• Number of Channels……………………………………………………………….2 Channels
• Minimum Impedance ………………………………………………..2 ohm (Stereo)
• Led Indicator……………………….. Clipping | Protect | Power
• Power Input Terminal Size…………………………………………………….. 4 Ga
• Fuse Size……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 80A (2x40A)
• Thermal Protection ………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
• Over-Load Protection ………………………………………………………………….Yes
• DC Output Protection ………………………………………………………………………….Yes
• Short Circuit Output Protection…………………………………………Yes
• Voltage Input Protection…………………………………………………………..Yes
• Clipping Protection ……………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
• Body Color | Finish ………Gray+White | Aluminum+ABS

EXTRA FEATURES

• Water Resistant Rated ………………………………. Yes, IPX5 (Water Splashing)
• PCB Layout Design …………….. 4 Layers | Coated
• RCA Output ………………………………………………Yes, 2 CH (Left / Right)
• UV Compliant …………………………………… Yes, UV Protected and PCB Coated
• Tiffany Style RCA……………………………………………………………………………………………….Yes
• High-Level Input ……………………….. Yes, 2ch Speaker level
• Stainless Steel Hardware……………………………….. Yes, (Screws)
• Potentiometer………………………….High-Quality Metal Knob

MEASUREMENT 

• Overall Length …………………………………………………………………………………………….9.6″ / 245mm
• Overall Wide……………………………………………………………………………………………………..4.5″ / 116mm
• Overall Height……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.7″ / 43mm
• Heatsink Length ………………………………………………………………… 8.6″ / 220mm
• Gross Single Unit Weight………………………………………………………………………………….1.45kg

NXL-M4

POWER 

• Total Watts (Peak) ……………………………………………………………………………………….1800W
• RMS Power @ 4 ohm ……………………………………………………………………….. 4 x 150W
• RMS Power @ 2 ohm ………………………………………………………………………. 4 x 230W
• RMS Power @ 4 ohm Bridge  ………………………………………………… 2 x 440W

AUDIO

• Frequency Response…………………………………………………………………….. 20Hz-20KHz
• Signal to Noise Ratio……………………………………………………………………………….. > 90dB
• Efficiency @ 4 ohm ……………………………………………………………………………………. 97%
• Channel Separation………………………………………………………………………………….. >55dB
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)………………………………………………< 0.15%
• Low-Level Input Range ………………………………………………………………. 0.2V-6V
• High-Level Input………………………………………………………………………………………Yes: ≥5V
• Selectable X-Over……………………………………………………………………………….HPF/LPF/Full
• X-Over Filter Range ……………………………………………………………….. 40Hz-2KHz
• Bass Boost Range………………………………………………………………………….0-12dB
• Bass Boost Frequency ……………………………………………………. 45Hz ±5Hz

FEATURES

• Amplifier Class …………………………………………………………………………………Digital (D)
• Amplifier Type…………………………….. Stereo Full Range
• Number of Channels………………………………………………………………4 Channels
• Minimum Impedance…………………………………………….2 ohm (Stereo)
• Led Indicator ………………………… Clipping | Protect | Power
• Power Input Terminal Size ………………………………………………………. 4 Ga
• Fuse Size ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 70A (2x35A)
• Thermal Protection …………………………………………………………………………………………Yes
• Over-Load Protection…………………………………………………………………Yes
• DC Output Protection ………………………………………………………………………..Yes
• Short Circuit Output Protection ………………………………………..Yes
• Voltage Input Protection…………………………………………………………..Yes
• Clipping Protection ……………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
• Body Color | Finish………Gray+White | Aluminum+ABS

EXTRA FEATURES

• Water Resistant Rated……………………………… Yes, IPX5 (Water Splashing)
• PCB Layout Design…………….. 4 Layers | Coated
• RCA Output………………………………………………Yes, 2 CH (Left / Right)
• UV Compliant …………………………………… Yes, UV Protected and PCB Coated
• Input Sum Selector ………………………………………… Yes, 2Ch or 4Ch Input Mode
• Tiffany Style RCA…………………………………………………………………………………………..Yes
• High-Level Input……………………….. Yes, 4ch Speaker level
• Stainless Steel Hardware …………………………………. Yes, (Screws)
• Potentiometer…………………………..High-Quality Metal Knob

MEASUREMENT

• Overall Length ………………………………………………………………………………………………9.6″ / 245mm
• Overall Wide…………………………………………………………………………………………………….4.5″ / 116mm
• Overall Height …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 1.7″ / 43mm
• Heatsink Length…………………………………………………………………. 8.6″ / 220mm
• Gross Single Unit Weight………………………………………………………………………………..1.45kg

DIMENSION

TROUBLESHOOTING

Before removing your amplifier refer to the list below and follow the suggested procedures. Always test the speakers and their wires first.

AMPLIFIER WON’T POWER UP

• Check for a good ground connection.
• Check that the remote DC terminal has at least 10V DC.
• Check that there is battery power on the + terminal.
• Check all FUSES.
• Check that the Protection LED is not lit. If it is lit, shut off the amplifier briefly and then re-power it.

HIGH HISS OR ENGINE NOISE (ALTERNATOR WHINE) IN SPEAKERS
Disconnect all RCA inputs to the amplifier, if the noise disappears, then plug in the component driving the amplifier and unplug LTS inputs. If his noise disappears, go on until the faulty/noisy component is found. It is best to set the amplifier input level as insensitive as possible. “The best subjective S/N ratio is obtainable this way. Try to drive as high a signal level from the head unit as possible.

PROTECTION LED COMES ON WHEN THE AMPLIFIER IS POWERED UP
Check for shorts on speaker leads. Check that the volume control on the head unit is turned down low. Remove speaker leads, and reset the amplifier If the Protection LED still comes on, then the amplifier is faulty. The amplifier will shut down automatically when the unit: temperature goes up to 85*C This will protect the units from damage.

THE AMPLIFIER GETS VERY HOT
Check that the minimum speaker impedance for that model is correct. Check for speaker shorts. Check that there is good airflow around the amplifier. In some applications, an external cooling fan may be required.

DISTORTED SOUND
Check that the Level controls are set to match the signal. level of the head unit. Check that all crossover frequencies have been properly set. Check for shorts on the speaker leads.

HIGH SQUEAL NOISE FROM SPEAKERS
This is always caused by a poorly grounded RCA wire.

WARRANTY

Please visit our website DS18.com for more information on our warranty policy.

For more Manuals by DS18, visit ManualsDock

FAQS About DS18 NXL-M4 Marine Amplifier