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SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
By purchasing the 4-channel 320/480QE amplifier, you are already one step closer to experienc-
ing the purest and most natural sound quality in the automobile environment. To take full
advantage of the potential of this amplifier, before installation, we strongly recommend that you
acquaint yourself with all its available features and then spend some time in designing a system
most suitable for you. Take into consideration the components you have now and those that you
plan on adding or upgrading in the future.
BUILT-IN ASYMMETRICAL ELECTRONIC CROSSOVERS
An electronic crossover has many advantages over passive crossovers - lower cost, simplified,
yet more flexible system design, lower distortion and higher gain structure. The 320/480QE
power amplifiers are equipped with built-in 18 dB per octave continuously adjustable electronic
crossovers. The front and rear channels can be configured separately for full-range, high-pass
or low-pass applications.
The line output is designed to provide additional expansion capability to your sound system.
BI-AMPLIFICATION
A bi-amplified system normally consists of an active crossover and two amplifiers. The active
crossover divides the audio frequency spectrum into two ranges: frequencies below the
crossover point are directed to the amplifier driving the subwoofer(s), while all frequencies above
the crossover point are directed to the amplifier driving the mid-range/tweeters.
Because of the versatility of the Coustic 4-channel amplifier - the capability of being a 4-, 3- or
2-channel amplifier - you are quite free to build whatever mobile audio system you want or to
plan a long term expansion scheme for your car’s audio system.
For example, with the low impedance input, you can use the 320/480QE as a 4-channel amplifier
to upgrade your existing factory sound system to drive the stock front and rear speakers.
Or you can bi-amp your system using the front amplifier to drive a pair of high-passed
mid/tweeter speakers while using the rear amplifier to drive a pair of woofers/subwoofers
You can also configure the 320/480QE as front and rear high-passed mid/tweeter amplifiers and
use the output for connection to another subwoofer amplifier.
If you need more power, you can use the amplifier as a 2-channel subwoofer amplifier to drive
a pair of subwoofers. The full-range line output can be used to drive an additional amplifier
driving the rear full-range speaker.
3 CHANNEL CONFIGURATION
When the mode switches are set at the OFF position, the amplifier can be configured as two
separate amplifiers. Each amplifier can be configured as either a 1-channel, bridged, mono
amplifier driving a single speaker, a 2-channel, stereo amplifier driving a pair of speakers, or with
the addition of passive crossovers, a quasi 3-channel amplifier driving a pair of left- and
right-channel, full-range mid-tweeters and a mono woofer simultaneously. Care must be taken to
choose capacitors and inductors of correct value; otherwise damage could be done to the
speakers and/or the amplifier.
For the approximate passive crossover components’ value, please refer to Coustic’s website,
http//:www.coustic.com.
MULTI-FUNCTION PROTECTION INDICATOR
When the red protect indicator lights up it signifies a high operating temperature is detected and
the amplifier is temporarily shut down to allow for a cooling period. As soon as the temperature
returns to a safe level, the amplifier will restart and resume normal operation.
This indicator also lights up when the amplifier detects either an over-current situation, shorted
speaker outputs or a DC offset at the outputs. Turn off the amplifier, double-check all inputs and
speaker connections to make sure there is no short or inappropriate inputs. If all connections are
in order, turn on the amplifier to resume operation.
SPEAKER IMPEDANCE
Although extremely low impedance speaker loads will not damage the amplifier, for stereo mode,
we recommend speaker loads of 2, 4 or 8 ohms; for bridged mono mode, 4 or 8 ohms.
(Note: In bridged mono mode, the amplifier sees only half of the speaker impedance).
NOTE: Remember that we are not defying the laws of Physics! IF you decide to connect ANY
Coustic amplifier into a bridged mono load BELOW 4 ohms, Physics dictates that current draw
doubles! This is not too big a problem with the 320QE. But with the 480QE this is
DANGEROUS. The current draw could be as great as 150 amps (peak). Make sure you wire
your system properly.
POWER CABLES
Power cables are as important as battery capacity. Use only high quality power cables of gauge
size AWG 8 (AWG 4 for the 480QE) or bigger for installation.
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO BIG OF A POWER/GROUND WIRE!
CIRCUIT BREAKER/FUSES
It is also advisable to install a circuit breaker/fuse close to the battery. This would effectively
lower the risk of the power cable catching fire should a short circuit occur in the audio system.
A circuit breaker or fuse with 50% the rating of the main batteries amp hour rating is recommend-
ed. Going larger in circuit breaker or fuse value means that you have NO protection. DO NOT
over fuse! Fuses on the amplifier DO NOT protect the amplifier, they protect the car.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS & ACCESSORIES
Quality equipment, and proper system design and installation are the ingredients for the ultimate
car audio system. With your wise decision to purchase this Coustic amplifier, you are already
one big step closer to realizing your dream. The next step is simple - have an experienced
professional Coustic dealer install your audio system. However, if you prefer to install the system
yourself, we have the following recommendations for your reference:
Caution: Improper installation will void the product warranty and Coustic is not responsible for
any consequential damage to the amplifier and/or other audio components and/or electrical
components of the vehicle.
TERMINALS, LUGS AND CONNECTORS
High current terminals, lugs and/or connectors are also required to ensure a safe and sure
electrical connection and conduction.
NEGATIVE GROUNDING SYSTEM
The 320/480QE power amplifiers are designed for use with a 12-Volt negative ground system.
Installing this amplifier in a vehicle with a POSITIVE ground system will result in severe
damage to the amplifier, other audio components and/or the vehicle’s electrical components.
If your vehicle happens to run on a positive ground system, please consult your Coustic dealer.
WARNING: The 320/480QE power amplifiers are very powerful. We strongly recommend
installation in the following manner:
(1) by professional mobile audio installers; and
(2) incorporating all of the above special precautions and accessories.
Failure to comply with either one or both of the above conditions will render the warranty void
and Coustic is not responsible for any consequential damage to the amplifier, other audio
components and/or electrical components of the vehicle.
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www.coustic.com