This document serves as the Manual and User Guide for the ARC Audio 4000 SE Signature Edition amplifier, a high-performance audio amplifier designed by Robert Zeff. The amplifier is built to the highest standards using only the finest components, with no compromises made in its design or manufacture.
Function Description:
The ARC Audio 4000 SE is a mono amplifier designed to convert electrical power from a car's system into high-power musical energy. It is specifically engineered to operate effectively in the challenging automotive environment, which includes fluctuating battery voltage, noise, extreme temperatures, and signal degradation from the head unit. The amplifier is equipped with advanced audiophile crossover controls, including a fully adjustable Low Pass crossover with either 12dB or 24dB slope, a fully adjustable bass boost (both frequency and level), and a subsonic filter. It also features a MASTER/SLAVE circuit, allowing control of multiple amplifiers from a single "master" unit, simplifying gain and crossover matching. The amplifier can be bridged to combine the power of two identical units into a single channel for increased output.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Power Output (at .05% THD):
- 4 Ohms: 1 x 1200 Watts
- 2 Ohms: 1 x 2300 Watts
- 1 Ohm: 1 x 4000 Watts
- Power Output (at 3% THD, Typical):
- S/N Ratio (at 1 Watt): >80dB
- Frequency Response: 4Hz-220Hz
- Transient Distortion (at 4 Ohms): <.005%
- Input Sensitivity RCA: 0.2V-4.0V
- Input Sensitivity Balanced: 0.4V-8.0V
- Damping Factor (25W @ 4Ω): >1000
- Current Draw (at 1% THD): 450A
- Input Impedance: 10K Ohms
- Bass Boost: +15dB @ 20Hz-80Hz
- Crossover: LP 30Hz-230Hz
- Dimensions: Approximately 31.300" (length) x 10.119" (width) x 3.317" (height).
- Minimum Load: Do not attempt to run loads below 1 ohm. When bridging, the minimum load is 2 ohms.
Usage Features:
- Input Sensitivity ("Gain"): Adjustable to match the head unit's output. It is recommended to run the gain at the lowest possible setting for the system to minimize sensitivity to electrical system noise.
- Crossover Controls: Located under the top plate, requiring removal of four screws for access. These controls allow for precise tuning of frequencies sent to speakers, preventing damage to tweeters from bass notes and ensuring subwoofers play natural-sounding bass.
- Crossover Slope: A 12dB/24dB switch adjusts the speed at which unwanted frequencies are removed.
- Bass Boost: Fully adjustable in both frequency and level to enhance bass sound. Caution is advised due to the tremendous demands on power output.
- Subsonic Filter: Limits cone movement at very low frequencies, particularly useful for ported subwoofer enclosures at high power.
- Speaker Outputs: Mono design with a single large block terminal for speaker connection. Users must know their total ohm load before making connections.
- MASTER/SLAVE Circuit: Allows control of multiple 4000se amplifiers from a single "master" unit, simplifying gain, crossover, bass boost, subsonic filter, and remote level matching.
- Bridging Capability: Two identical 4000se amplifiers can be bridged to create a single, more powerful channel. When bridging, the slave amplifier must be set to "Out of PHASE." Each channel sees half the ohm load.
- Installation: Designed for easy installation. Recommendations include securing the amplifier to a solid, dry surface away from excessive vibration, ensuring sufficient airflow, and using appropriate gauge power and ground wires (two 1/0 gauge or larger wires recommended for power and ground, with a fuse within 18 inches of the battery).
- Grounding: Crucial for performance. The ground wire should connect directly to the vehicle's chassis, free of paint and sound deadener, using a #10 or larger screw. Avoid seat belt bolts for grounding. Test ground resistance between the battery and grounding point with an ohm meter; if it exceeds 1 ohm, seek an alternative grounding point. The ground connection must handle 500+ amps of current.
- Cable Management: Run signal cables away from vehicle and power supply wiring to reduce noise. Use rubber grommets to prevent power wire shorting and fire risk.
- Tuning: Start with low head unit volume and gain all the way down, gradually increasing volume and making one adjustment at a time. Monitor battery voltage during tuning.
Maintenance Features:
- Advanced Diagnostic System: Equipped with a microprocessor-controlled diagnostic system. In case of protection, the status light on the control end of the amplifier will flash specific sequences ("Codes") for faster troubleshooting.
- Code 11 (1 flash pause 1 flash): Speaker Cover Off – The 4000se will not play without the speaker safety cover in place. This amplifier is equipped with a speaker terminal cover interrupter; if removed, the unit shuts down and displays code 11, not restarting until the cover is replaced.
- Code 12 (1 flash pause 2 flashes): Short Protection – Amplifier detected a short circuit and shut down.
- Code 13 (1 flash pause 3 flashes): Repeated Short – Amplifier detecting a constant short circuit, will not turn back on until resolved.
- Code 14 (1 flash pause 4 flashes): Over Volt Protection – Battery voltage is too high, potentially damaging the amplifier.
- Code 15 (1 flash pause 5 flashes): High Voltage Supply Failure – Return amplifier to local ARC Audio Dealer for service.
- Thermal (2 red flashes 2 green flashes): Thermal Over Heat Protection – Indicates overheating.
- Warning Lights: The circuit board is equipped with high voltage warning lights. If these or any other lights on the amplifier are lit, extreme caution is advised.
- Safety: The amplifier should only be opened or have its cabinet removed by a qualified technician due to dangerous voltage present inside. The voltage at the speaker terminal can be high enough to be dangerous; use caution with any speaker connection.
- Warranty: ARC AUDIO provides a ONE (1) YEAR warranty against defects in material and workmanship for over-the-counter purchases not installed by an authorized retailer. This extends to THREE (3) YEARS if installed by an authorized ARC AUDIO RETAILER and accompanied by a valid installation receipt. The warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original retail purchaser. It does not cover damage from accident, misuse, abuse, improper wiring, operation outside specifications, or if the unit has been opened, tampered with, modified, or if serial numbers have been removed. All warranty returns require proof of purchase and a valid return authorization number. Products damaged in shipment are not covered under warranty.
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