Directed D1200 Amp Manual

The Directed D1200 is a high-performance 1200-watt monoblock car amplifier designed for powerful bass reproduction. Featuring Class D technology, variable low-pass filter, bass boost control, remote bass level control, speaker-level inputs, and comprehensive protection circuitry. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Operation 8. Protection Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Monoblock Class D design, Remote Bass Control, Speaker-level inputs, Variable low-pass filter, Bass boost, Protection circuitry.

Feature	Description
Power Output	1200 watts RMS at 1 ohm
Class D Technology	High efficiency with minimal heat generation
Low-pass Filter	Variable 50Hz-250Hz
Bass Boost	0-18dB at 45Hz
Remote Bass Control	Included for adjustable bass level
Speaker-level Inputs	For systems without RCA outputs
Protection Circuits	Thermal, short-circuit, overload protection
Input Sensitivity	200mV-6V adjustable
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	>100dB
Frequency Response	10Hz-250Hz

Installation

Choose proper mounting location and prepare wiring.

Select mounting location: Choose well-ventilated area away from moisture.
Power connections: Connect +12V to battery, ground to chassis, remote turn-on to head unit.
Speaker connections: Connect subwoofer(s) to speaker outputs observing proper impedance.
Input connections: Use RCA inputs or speaker-level inputs as needed.
Remote bass control: Connect and mount for easy access.

WARNING! Disconnect battery before installation. Ensure proper fuse rating. Use adequate gauge wiring.

First-Time Setup

Configure amplifier settings for optimal performance.

Gain setting: Adjust input sensitivity to match head unit output.
Low-pass filter: Set according to subwoofer application (typically 80Hz).
Bass boost: Start at minimum, adjust to preference.
Phase: Set to 0° for standard operation.
Remote bass: Test functionality and mounting position.

CAUTION! Avoid setting gain too high to prevent distortion and speaker damage.

Specifications

RMS Power: 1200W @ 1 ohm, 800W @ 2 ohms, 400W @ 4 ohms
Peak Power: 2400 watts
THD: <0.05%
Efficiency: >85%
Input Sensitivity: 200mV-6V adjustable
Low-pass Filter: 50Hz-250Hz, 24dB/octave
Bass Boost: 0-18dB @ 45Hz
Power Supply: 10.5-16V DC
Fuse Rating: 120A external
Dimensions: 12.5" x 9.5" x 2.25"

Controls and Settings

Access controls on amplifier end panel and remote bass control.

Amplifier Controls: Input Sensitivity, Low-pass Frequency, Bass Boost, Phase Switch, Power/Protection LED.

Input Sensitivity: Match to head unit output level. Low-pass Filter: Adjust crossover frequency (50-250Hz). Bass Boost: Increase low-frequency output (0-18dB). Phase: Normal (0°) or Reverse (180°). Remote Bass: Variable level control from listening position.

Connecting Devices

Power: Battery +12V, chassis ground, remote turn-on. Audio: RCA inputs or speaker-level inputs. Output: Speaker terminals for subwoofer(s).

Disconnect vehicle battery before connections.
Use proper gauge power/ground wires (4 AWG recommended).
Route power and signal cables separately to avoid noise.
Ensure secure connections at all terminals.

Tip: Use crimp connectors and heat shrink for reliable connections.

Operation

Designed for subwoofer amplification in car audio systems.

Power on: Amplifier will illuminate power LED when properly connected.
Adjust volume: Start with head unit volume at 75%, adjust amplifier gain.
Fine-tune settings: Use low-pass filter to blend with main speakers.
Remote control: Adjust bass level from driver position as needed.
Monitor performance: Listen for distortion indicating excessive gain.

WARNING! Do not operate with impedance below specified minimum. Avoid continuous operation at maximum volume.

Protection Features

Thermal Protection: Automatically reduces output if overheating detected. Short-Circuit Protection: Shuts down if output shorted. Overload Protection: Protects against excessive current draw. DC Offset Protection: Prevents DC voltage at outputs.

Care & Maintenance

Keep amplifier clean and free of debris. Ensure adequate ventilation. Check connections periodically for corrosion or looseness.

CAUTION! Do not cover amplifier or block cooling fins. Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device compliant. CE certified for European markets. Copyright © Directed Electronics. All rights reserved. For technical support, visit www.directed.com or contact 1-800-876-0800.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Wiring/fuse	Check power, ground, remote connections; verify fuse integrity.
Protection mode	Short circuit/overheat	Check speaker wiring; allow cooling; verify impedance.
No sound	Input/connections	Verify input source; check RCA/speaker-level connections.
Distortion	Gain setting	Reduce gain setting; check head unit volume level.
Overheating	Ventilation/impedance	Improve ventilation; verify speaker impedance not too low.

Reset: Disconnect power for 30 seconds to reset protection circuits.

Service: 1-800-876-0800; www.directed.com