Rockford Fosgate M2-500x1 Marine 500-watt Mono Amplifier User Guide

Rockford Fosgate M2-500X1 Marine 500-Watt Mono Amplifier

Introduction

Safety
This symbol with “WARNING” is intended to alert the user to the presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the instructions could result in severe injury or death.
This symbol with “CAUTION” is intended to alert the user to the presence of important instructions.
Failure to heed the instructions could result in injury or unit damage.
To prevent injury and damage to the unit, please read and follow the instructions in this manual.
If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed by a qualified Rockford Fosgate technician.
Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.

Dimensions

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

• C.L.E.A.N. – Calibrated Level Eliminated Audible Noise – Allows for accurate setup of an amplifier’s input and output WITHOUT the need of additional measurement devices.
• C.L.E.A.N. IN – Indicates when the input into the amplifier starts to distort by lighting up RED. How does it work – Turn the volume level on the source unit up until the light turns RED, then reduce the volume level until the light turns OFF. This is the maximum level that the source unit should be turned up to in order to provide a distortion free signal into the amplifier.
• C.L.E.A.N. OUT – Indicates when the output from the amplifier starts to distort by lighting up RED. How does it work – Setup should be performed at the maximum level of the source unit determined by the C.L.E.A.N. IN indicator. Turn the GAIN up until the light turns RED, then turn down the GAIN until the light turns OFF. This is the maximum level that the GAIN should be set to in order to provide a distortion free output from the amplifier.
• Auto Remote Turn ON Switch – Utilizes the DC offset of the source units front LEFT speaker to turn the amplifier ON and OFF. Turning the switch to the OFF position requires the connection to the REM input to be connected to a 12 Volt switched accessory circuit using a 1 Amp fuse or the REM output from an aftermarket head unit.
  Note: This only applies to high level inputs.
• How does it work – DC offset is the 3-6 Volts coming from the source unit’s positive speaker lead. This can be tested using a DMM (Digital Multi-Meter) set to DC voltage by connecting the meters Positive lead to the front LEFT positive speaker lead and connecting the negative lead to chassis ground and turning the source unit ON.

Design Features

Installation

Contents

• M2 Element Ready™ Amplifier
• Mounting Hardware
• Allen Wrench
• Remote Level Control (only available on amplifiers with mono channels)
• 4-pin Molex pig tail connectors
• Test tones available for download at https://rftech.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1126/ Scroll to the bottom of the page and download your preferred format.

Installation Considerations

• Fuse-holder and fuse. (See specifications for fuse rating)
• Volt/Ohm Meter
• Wire strippers
• Wire crimpers
• Wire cutters
• #2 Phillips screwdriver
• Battery post wrench
• Hand held drill w/ assorted bits
• Assorted connectors
• Adequate Length & gauge—Red Power Wire
• Adequate Length— Remote Turn-on Wire (not needed if using Auto Turn ON feature)
• Adequate Length & gauge—Black Grounding Wire

This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for installing your new amplifier. Pre-planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save installation time. When deciding on the layout of your new system, be sure that each component will be easily accessible for making adjustments.
If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed by a qualified technician.
caution
Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.
Before beginning any installation, follow these simple rules:

1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install the unit.
2. for easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to mounting your unit in place.
3. Route all of the RCA cables close together and away from any high current wires.
4. Use high quality Rockford Fosgate connectors for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.
5. Think before you drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake, hydraulic lines, vacuum lines or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.
6. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside the vehicle provides the best protection.
7. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal, especially the fire wall.
8. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage with proper fusing. Install the appropriate fuse holder and fuse on the +12V power wire within 18” (45.7 cm) of the battery terminal.
9. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape all paint from the metal to ensure a good, clean ground connection. Grounding connections should be as short as possible and always be connected to metal that is welded to the main body, or chassis of the vehicle. Seat belt bolts should never be used for connecting to ground.

Mounting Locations
To ensure optimal performance, mount the amplifier with at least 1” (25.4mm) of air gap around the amplifier’s heat sink to provide proper cooling.
Trunk Mounting
Mounting the amplifier vertically or inverted will provide adequate cooling of the amplifier. Mounting the amplifier on the floor of the trunk will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.
Passenger Compartment Mounting
Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as long as you provide a sufficient amount of air for the amplifier to cool itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier under the seat of the vehicle, you must have at least 1” (25.4mm) of air gap around the amplifier’s heat sink.
Never mount this unit in the engine compartment. Mounting the unit in the engine compartment will void your warranty.
Battery and Charging
Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle’s battery and charging system. We recommend checking your alternator and battery condition to ensure that the electrical system has enough capacity to handle the increased load of your stereo system. Stock electrical systems which are in good condition should be able to handle the extra load of any Prime Series amplifier without problems, although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To maximize the performance of your amplifier, we suggest the use of a heavy duty battery and an energy storage capacitor.

RLC Mounting Options – Utilize the included screws to secure the RLC to the vehicle.

Wiring the System

caution

• If you do not feel comfortable with wiring your new unit, please see your local Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer for installation.
• Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.
• Avoid running power wires near the low level input cables, antenna, power leads, sensitive equipment or harnesses. The power wires carry substantial current and could induce noise into the audio system.

1. the wire routing. Keep RCA cables close together but isolated from the amplifier’s power cables and any high power auto accessories, especially electric motors. This is done to prevent noise from radiated electrical fields into the audio signal. When feeding the wires through the fire wall or any metal barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber grommets to prevent  short circuits. Leave the wires long at this point to adjust for aprecise fit at a later time.
2. Prepare the RED wire (power cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2” of insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal and tighten the set screw to secure the cable in place.
   NOTE: The B+ cable MUST be fused 18” or less from the vehicle’s battery. Install the fuse holder under the hood and ensure connections are water tight.
3. Trim the RED wire (power cable) within 18” of the battery and splice in a in-line fuse holder (not supplied). See Specifications for the rating of the fuse to be used. DO NOT install the fuse at this time.
4. Strip 1/2” from the battery end of the power cable and crimp an appropriate size ring terminal to the cable. Use the ring terminal to connect to the battery positive terminal.
5. Prepare the BLACK wire (Ground cable) for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2” of insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bare wire into the GROUND terminal and tighten the set screw to secure the cable in place. Prepare the chassis ground by scraping any paint from the metal surface and thoroughly clean the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the other end of the wire and attach a ring connector. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a non-anodized screw and a star washer.
   NOTE: Keep the length of the BLACK wire (Ground) as short as possible. Always less than 30”.
   NOTE: Skip step 6 if you are using Auto Turn ON feature.
6. Prepare the Remote turn-on wire for attachment to the amplifier by stripping 1/2” of insulation from the end of the wire. Insert the bared wire into the REMOTE terminal and tighten the setscrew to secure the wire in place. Connect the other end of the Remote wire to a switched 12 volt positive source. The switched voltage is usually taken from the source unit’s remote amp on lead. If the source unit does not have this output available, the recommended solution is to wire a mechanical switch in linewith a 12 volt source to activate the amplifier.
7. Securely mount the amplifier to the vehicle or amp rack. Be careful not to mount the amplifier on cardboard or plastic panels. Doing so may enable the screws to pull out from the panel due to road vibration or sudden vehicle stops.
   Note: Skip step 8 if using High Level inputs.
8. Connect from source signal by plugging the RCA cables into the input jacks at the amplifier.
   NOTE: All “ACTIVE” inputs must have RCA jacks connected. Switch in 2CH. Position, “ACTIVE
   • Front channel inputs only. Switch in 4CH. Position, “ACTIVE”
   • All Front and Rear channel inputs.
     Switch in 5CH position,“ACTIVE”
   • Sub inputs for sub output. When connecting to the 5-Channel inputs, be sure to route front, rear and sub RCA cables tightly together.
     Always ensure power is off or disconnected at the amplifier before connecting RCA cables. Failure to do so may cause damage to the amplifier and/or connected components.
9. If using High Level inputs, connect the OEM speaker wires matching the positive and negative. If only using 1 input, be sure to plug it into the front and make sure the input selection switch is set to 2 ch.
10. Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 1/2” and insert into the speaker terminal and tighten the set screw to secure into place. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity. DO NOT chassis ground any of the speaker leads as unstable operation may result. For mono amps, the two Positive (+) and Negative (–) terminals are provided for installation flexibility. Both terminals are wired in parallel internally. Only one Positive (+) and one Negative (–) terminal is required for a speaker connection.
11. Perform a final check of the completed system wiring to ensure that all connections are accurate. Check all power and ground connections for frayed wires and loose connections which could cause problems. Install in-line fuse near battery connection. This amplifier is not recommended for impedance loads below 2-Ohm stereo/4-Ohm bridged for the front/rear channels and 2-Ohm for the sub channel.

High Level Inputs

Setup

Setting the Crossover
Complete the following steps for each channel.
Place the X-OVER switch in the correct position for the speaker type.

• AP – All Pass – This allows all frequencies to pass thru no matter where the FREQ. Hz dial is set.
  NOTE: This should only be used if using source unit or DSP with HP/ LP filter being used.
• HP – High Pass – This allows only frequencies above where the FREQ. Hz dial is set to pass thru (used for mid-range speakers).
• LP – Low Pass – This allows only frequencies below where the FREQ. Hz dial is set to pass thru (used for Sub-woofers).

Recommended settings for speakers

• Sub-woofers – 50 – 80 Hz
• Mid-range (6X9 – 5.25”) 80 – 120 Hz

INFRA-SONIC
The INFRA-SONIC filter eliminates frequencies below the set point of the dial from going to your subwoofer’s. This will help control the woofer, especially in ported/tuned enclosures from overextending its mechanical limits. We recommend setting this between 25 and 30 Hz.
Input Switch
This is used to determine how many inputs are being used (High level or Low level). This allows you to run 1, 2 or 3 sets of inputs to send signal to all the amplifier’s outputs.

• 2 CH – This will utilize the FRONT inputs.
• 4 CH – This utilizes the FRONT and REAR/SUB inputs
• 5 CH – This utilizes the FRONT, REAR and SUB inputs.

C.L.E.A.N. IN
NOTE: You can use Music or Test Tones to setup C.L.E.A.N. IN. Before setup, disconnect the speakers from the amplifier outputs. Test tones can be downloaded at https://rftech.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1126/. Scroll to the bottom of the page and download your preferred format.

1. Turn the source unit all the way down and make sure the gains on the amplifier are set to 1.
   Note: If equipped, make sure the LOUD feature is turned OFF on your source unit.
2. In the source unit, make sure Bass, Treble and Mid are flat.
3. Choose your source to play music (CD, Bluetooth, etc.)
4.  Increase the volume on the source unit until the C.L.E.A.N. IN RED LED illuminates.
5. Now reduce the volume level until the RED LED turns off. This will be the max undistorted level of the source unit.

C.L.E.A.N. OUT
Before you adjust the gain:
Make sure that the speakers are not connected to the amplifier outputs.
Make sure the Bass, Treble and Midrange are all set flat and the RLC (if equipped) is turned all the way up/ maximum output position. Setup should be performed at the maximum level of the source unit that was determined using the C.L.E.A.N. IN.
Using Music to set C.L.E.A.N. OUT – Increase the amplifiers gain until the indicator turns RED, then turn the gain down until the light turns OFF.
Using Test Tones to set C.L.E.A.N. OUT – Increase the amplifiers gain until the indicator turns RED, then turn the gain down until the light turns OFF. Your gain is now set. Use 1KHz/-5dB for midrange drivers and 40Hz/-10dB for subwoofer’s. Avoid setting the Gain to high as this could increase noise and distortion which can damage your speakers.
Punch EQ
Punch EQ will add a Bass Boost that can be adjusted by the dial from Min (0dB) to Max (18dB). This should be adjusted after all other adjustments are made. If you have already adjusted C.L.E.A.N. OUT you will need to readjust after adjusting Punch EQ.
Over excursion and subsequent damage could occur using high levels of boost.
Remote Level Control (RLC) – When connected, the RLC allows control of the output up and down from the front of the vehicle. (Sub channels only)

Troubleshooting

NOTE: If you are having problems after installation follow the Troubleshooting procedures below.
Check Amplifier for proper connections. Verify that POWER light is on. If POWER light is on skip to Step 3, if not continue.

1. Check in-line fuse on battery positive cable. Replace if necessary.
2. Check fuse(s) on amplifier. Replace if necessary.
3. Verify that Ground connection is connected to clean metal on the vehicle’s chassis. Repair/replace if necessary.
4. Verify there is 9 to 16 Volts present at the positive battery and remote turn-on cable. Verify quality connections for both cable sat amplifier, stereo, and battery/fuse holder. Repair/replace if
   necessary
5. Make sure the Auto Turn ON Switch is in the correct position. If in the OFF position, make sure your have the REM wire connected.
   See Step 4 for additional testing.

Protect light is on.
If the Protect light is on, this is a sign of a possible short in the speaker connections. Check for proper speaker connections and use a volt/ohm meter to check for possible shorts in the speaker wiring. Too low of a speaker impedance may also cause Protect to light.
Check Amplifier for audio output.

1. Verify good RCA input connections at stereo and amplifier. Check entire length of cables for kinks, splices, etc. Test RCA inputs for AC volts with stereo on. Repair/replace if necessary.
2. Disconnect RCA input from amplifier. Connect RCA input from test stereo directly to amplifier input.
   Check Amplifier if you experience Turn-on Pop.
3. Disconnect input signal to amplifier and turn amplifier on and off.
4. If the noise is eliminated, connect the REMOTE lead of amplifier to source unit with a delay turn-on module.

OR

Use a different 12 Volt source for REMOTE lead of amplifier.

Check Amplifier if you experience excess Engine Noise.

Route all signal carrying wires (RCA, Speaker cables) away from power and ground wires.
OR

Bypass any and all electrical components between the stereo and the amplifier(s). Connect stereo directly to input of amplifier.
If noise goes away the unit being bypassed is the cause of the noise.
OR
Remove existing ground wires for all electrical components. Reground wires to different locations. Verify that grounding location is clean, shiny metal free of paint, rust etc.
OR
Add secondary ground cable from negative battery terminal to the chassis metal or engine block of vehicle.
OR
Have alternator and battery load tested by your mechanic. Verify good working order of vehicle electrical system including distributor, spark plugs, spark plug wires, voltage regulator etc.

WARRANTY

Rockford Corporation offers a limited warranty on Rockford Fosgate products on the following terms:
Length of Warranty

• POWER Amplifiers – 2 Years
• BMW® Direct Fit Speakers – 2 Years
• PUNCH® & PRIME® Amplifiers – 1 Year
• Speakers, Signal Processors, Accessories and Capacitors – 1 Year
• All marine, motorcycle, motorsport products – 2 Years
• Any Factory Refurbished Product – 90 Days (receipt required)

What is Covered
This warranty applies only to Rockford Fosgate products sold to consumers by authorized Rockford Fosgate dealers in the United States of America. Products purchased by consumers from an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer in another country are covered only by that country’s Distributor and not by Rockford Corporation.
Who is Covered
This warranty covers only the original purchaser of Rockford product purchased from an authorized Rockford Fosgate dealer in the United States. In order to receive service, the purchaser must provide Rockford with a copy of the receipt stating the customer name, dealer name, product purchased and date of purchase. Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a product deemed to be equivalent) at Rockford’s discretion.
What is Not Covered

1. Damage caused by accident, abuse, improper installation, operations, theft, water (on non-Element Ready products).
2. Any cost or expense related to the removal or reinstallation of product.
3. Service performed by anyone other than Rockford or an authorized Rockford Fosgate service center.
4. Any product which has had the serial number defaced, altered, or removed.
5. Subsequent damage to other components.
6. Any product purchased outside the U.S.
7. Any product not purchased from an authorized Rockford Fosgate dealer. Refer to rockfordfosgate.com dealer locator for more detail.

Limit on Implied Warranties
Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are limited in duration to the period of the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty, so this limitation may not apply. No person is authorized to assume for Rockford Fosgate any other liability in connection with the sale of the product.
How to Obtain Service
Please call 1-800-669-9899 for Rockford Customer Service. You must obtain an RA# (Return Authorization number) to return any product to Rockford Fosgate. You are responsible for shipment of product to Rockford.
EU Warranty
This product meets the current EU warranty requirements, see your Authorized dealer for details.

FAQS

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