DS18 G4000 5D GEN-X Full-Range 5-Channel Amplifier
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the DS18 GEN-X series amp! Your choice indicates a desire for
high-quality music reproduction in the automobile. DS18 amps bring you decades
of car audio expertise. So whether you are a daily driving music lover or a serious car audio competitor. DS18 has the product for you! To take full advantage of the new gear you have just purchased, please read and follow the instructions in this manual. As with all of our products, professional installation by an authorized DS18 dealer is highly recommended. Otherwise, the performance of your new gear may not be satisfactory. If you decide to do your own installation, please read and follow this manual very carefully. Failure to do so compromises the integrity of this product, your automobile, and possibly voids the product warranty.
FEATURES
- Compact size for easy installation.
- Variable Full Crossover Filters: LPF / FULL /HPF (G1000.4D, G1800.4D, G3600.4D, G8400.4D, G4000.5D).
- Remote level knob control with Clip /Power / Protection LED Indicator
G1800.1D, G3600.1D, G4000.5D). - Hi-level input compatibility (G1000.4D, G1800.1D, G3600.1D).
- Surface mount component technology.
- Audio precision quality control verification.
- Stable & reliable Digital circuit design.
- Power, protection, and clipping LED Lights status indicator.
- Short circuit thermal, DC offset, and High and Low voltage protection
CONTROLS AND ADJUSTMENTS
- Remote Level Control Connection: Connect the remote level control to this terminal. The remote level control allows adjustment of the subwoofer level from a
remote location in the vehicle. - LPF/HPF Crossover: Adjust the frequency setting of the low or high pass crossover. For LPF, Frequencies higher than the setting will be filtered out of the audio signal; for HPF, Frequencies lower than the setting will be filtered out of the audio signal.
- Subsonic Crossover: Adjust the frequency setting of the subsonic crossover. The frequency range is 10Hz-50Hz. Frequencies lower than the setting will be
filtered out of the audio signal. - Power Protection indicator LED: When the amplifier is on and in proper working condition, the green LED will illuminate. Refer to the Troubleshooting Guide for possible solutions if the amplifier will not power on. If the amplifier activates its protection mode, the red LED will illuminate. Refer to the troubleshooting
guide for possible solutions if the amplifier activates its protection mode. - Level Sensitivity: Adjust the amplifier’s pre-amp sensitivity level. The minimum sensitivity level is 250mv, while the maximum level is 6V.
- RCA Audio Input Connection: Using high-quality shielded stereo RCA cables, connect the source signal to the amplifier’s RCA inputs.
- High-Level Input: Connect the speaker outputs from the head unit to the high-level input if RCA outputs are not available. NEVER use high-level and RCA inputs
at the same time. - Bass Boost: Adjust the amplifier’s 45Hz Bass Boost level up to 12dB.
- Crossover Selection Switch: Choose high-pass crossover, low-pass crossover, or full-range operation.
- Clipping: Clipping usually happens because the gain is set too high in an attempt to maximize the amp’s output potential. When the gain is set too high for the application, the amp will produce a squared or clipped sound wave, and the amp and the speakers connected to it will generate a large amount of heat trying to reproduce the clipped signal. This can result in catastrophic damage to your equipment.
- Input mode Selection when the switch is on “5CH”, there will be only the output in the channel that has input. When the switch is on ”2CH”, CH1, CH3, and CH5 can take output from the CH1 input. CH2, CH4, and CH5 can take output from the CH2 input, so if there are inputs in CH1 and CH2, there will be output in all 5 channels. When the switch is on ”4CH”, the CH5 will take output from CH1,
CH2, CH3, and CH4, these channels will have input separately.
Follow these simple steps to avoid problems with your system: Once your amp is set up, watch the CLIP indicator light. If you see the light blinking, turn the gain down when the CLIP indicator goes off; you’re no longer clipping. Our clipping indicator is as accurate as an oscilloscope, but it also gives you the ability to monitor the dynamic source material we call music in real-time.
REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL
- CLIP: LED indicator for output clipping monitor on the remote Level knob. If you see the light blinking, turn down the Gain.
- GAIN: adjust the output level.
- PRO/PWR: Green light Power ON, Red light=Protection mode.
SETTING THE GAINS
- It is a fact that very few people, including professional installers, know how to set gains
correctly. Failure to do so yields higher distortion, a higher noise floor, which decreases
dynamic headroom, and less-than-optimum operating conditions for electronic equipment, and a higher failure rate for both the electronic equipment and transducers alike. - While most people set this control by ear to how loud they want their music, this is not the intent of this control. The range is from 0.25 volts to 6 volts. The control is meant for matching the output of the source unit’s signal voltage. For example, if you have a source unit with low output voltage, you would probably have the control set fairly high, towards the O. 25V range. A lot of head units have 4 volts of output signal voltage, which means that your control would be set midway through the range.
- If you happen to have a line driver (signal booster) that yields 6 volts or more, you will set the gain at the minimum position, towards the 6V range. In all these examples, when properly level-matched, the amplifier will put out the full volume. Setting the control above the improper point may cause damage to the amplifier and speakers, and can result in poor sound quality and an overall undesirable result.s
BASS BOOST CONTROL
The monoblock amplifiers feature a variable bass boost control centered at 45Hz. You can adjust the amount of boost from OdB to 12 dB.
MOUNTING YOUR AMPLIFIER
Choosing the best mounting location for your amplifier is crucial. The amplifier should not be mounted to any wood, metal, or carpeted surface. The heatsink can be mounted directly to the chassis of the car or isolated for best performance. It needs proper ventilation, so avoid mounting the amp under seats, in the engine bay, or in any other area where moisture might accumulate. Be sure the mounting screws do not penetrate the fuel tank, brake lines, or any other crucial fluid lines. Never mount the amplifier to a subwoofer enclosure, as excessive vibrations can cause damage.
- Avoid placing wires near hot or moving objects.
- Always use wire grommets when routing wire through the firewall or any other metal surfaces.
- Avoid the potential for damaged wires by routing all wires away from moving hinges, seats, brake & gas pedals, hood and trunk hinges, etc.
POWER CONNECTIONS
It is important to have good-quality power and ground connections. Remember, to complete an electrical circuit, the ground connection is just as important as the positive power connection. Before any power connections are made, disconnect the ground cable of the battery. Use 4-gauge or larger automotive-grade wire if the distance from the battery to the amp is excessive. Avoid sharp or rough edges as a safeguard against short-circuiting and potential fire hazards.
GND = Connect the proper gauge ground wire to the amplifier GND terminal. Locate the position on the chassis of the car where the amplifier will be grounded. Use solder or a crimped ring terminal to connect the ground wire. Pre-drill the prepped chassis to bolt the ground ring terminal with a nut, bolt, and lock washer to insulate the metal and the
connector with paint or silicone to prevent rust and oxidation. Silicone also works great to prevent nuts and bolts from working loose in the harsh environments of an automobile. Upon completion of the ground connection, grab the wire end connector to confirm the connection is solid. To prevent engine noise, it is recommended to ground the head unit and other electronic audio devices in the same location.
REM = Connect the remote wire (power antenna output) from the head unit to the
REM terminal. If the head unit is not equipped with a remote/antenna output, locate a wire that is controlled by the accessory position of the key. It is important to have the amplifier turn off with the radio or key. If the amplifier remains on, the battery will drain.
12V = Connect the proper gauge power wire to the B+ terminal. Trace the power wire through the car to the in-line fuse or circuit breaker that is no more than 18″ from the battery. Remember, the line fuse or circuit breaker protects the car in the event of a short circuit. Connect the in-line fuse or circuit breaker to the battery, but do not install the fuse or activate the circuit breaker yet.
POWER CONNECTION
HIGH LEVEL INPUT CONNECTIONS
The high-level inputs are for use with speaker-level wiring. Most factory source units do not have RCA outputs. Use this connection if your source unit does not have RCA outputs. CAUTION: Never use the high and low-level inputs at the same time!
SPEAKER OUT CONNECTIONS
SPECIFICATIONS
CLASS D MONOBLOCK SUBWOOFER AMPLIFIER
TROUBLESHOOTING
DIMENSIONS
FOR MORE MANUALS BY DS18, VISIT MANUALSLIBRARYY
DS18 G4000 5D GEN-X Full-Range 5-Channel Amplifier-FAQs
How do I connect the Class D amplifier?
Turn off the amp. Connect the speaker wires to the correct terminals, attach the ground wire to a good ground, and connect your speakers to the amp outputs.
Who makes DS18 amplifiers?
DS18 amplifiers are made by Spirit LLC, headquartered in Miami, FL, with manufacturing in Korea, Brazil, China, and some assembly in the USA.
What is a DS18 amplifier used for?
They deliver powerful, clear sound for car audio systems, from small setups to competition-level builds.
What does RMS mean for speakers?
RMS is the continuous power in watts a speaker can handle without damage. It ensures safe, clear sound output.
What is a Class D amplifier?
A Class D amp is a highly efficient switching amplifier that uses pulse-width modulation to amplify sound with less heat loss.
How do I install the DS18 amplifier?
Mount it in a ventilated area, connect power with a fuse to the battery, attach the ground wire securely, and connect remote turn-on and audio inputs/outputs.
How do I fix the DS18 amp if it goes into protect mode?
Check and tighten all connections. If it still protects, disconnect speaker wires and restart the ignition. Protect mode usually means a wiring or overheating issue.
What are the benefits of DS18 amplifiers?
They offer clear, powerful sound and durable construction for long-lasting use.
What is LPF on the amp and how do I set it?
LPF (Low Pass Filter) controls bass by letting low frequencies pass to the subwoofer. Adjust it in the amp settings or by dial.
How do I test amplifier gain?
Start with gain low, play a test tone, increase gain slowly until the sound is clean without distortion.