BRZ1200.1D / BRZ1700.1D / BRZ2100.

1D
BRZ2400.1D / BRZ3000.1D PRO
 HIFONICS BRUTUS
HIGH PERFORMANCE AMPLIFIERS
The BRUTUS BRZ Series products have been designed to a very high level of performance, with features
unavailable in any other product. All of the amplifiers have variable crossovers built in, with added touches such as
subsonic filter, bass equalization and an HFR-3 remote control module that allows overall Level control from reach
of the drivers seat.

To insure years of listening pleasure, all amplifiers have a built in diagnostic mode that will detect shorted speaker
leads, low impedance, dangerous high temperatures, DC shorts and will shut down the amp to help prevent
damage.

INDEX PAGE
General Installation Procedure............................................................................................................................................1

AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS...............................................................................................................................2

BRZ1200.1D / BRZ1700.1D / BRZ2100.1D / BRZ2400.1D / BRZ3000.1D PRO

BRZ1200.1D Applications....................................................................................................................................................3

BRZ1700.1D Applications....................................................................................................................................................4

BRZ2100.1D / BRZ2400.1D / BRZ3000.1D PRO Applications...........................................................................................5

Setting up systems after installation for best performance.............................................................................................6

Trouble Shooting and Diagnostics.....................................................................................................................................7

Features and Specifications................................................................................................................................................8

Product Warranty..................................................................................................................................................................9

Check out our videos of new products,

events and technical tutorials at
www.youtube.com/maxxsonicsusainc

The contents of this manual may not be reproduced or copied with out the written consent of MAXXSONICS USA, Inc.
 GENERAL INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
System Design
The success of any car stereo system relies on several factors, such as the system design, execution of the installation, and system setup. Please
remember that any system is only as good as its weakest link.
Please remember that higher power systems are not necessarily useful purely for high sound pressure levels, but also to establish a headroom capability, to
reproduce musical peaks cleanly without distortion. Lower power amplifiers will clip earlier than their more powerful cousins, and cause loudspeaker failure when
overdriven, due to the harmonics generated by a clipped signal, thus overheating voice coils.

Amplifiers should be mounted with the fins running horizontally for best convection cooling, to minimize overheating. Purchase the best quality RCA cables you can
afford, for reliability and less engine noise interference in the audio system.

Installation

WOOD
It is highly recommended that the amplifier be mounted to a board of MDF or other solid
structure using the 4 mounting screws provided. Avoid mounting the
amplifier to metal as this can introduce noise and other unwanted issues. When mounting HF
the amplifier, ensure that it is mounted HORIZONTALLY, as shown in the diagram above, for
optimal heat dissipation. Mounting amplifiers to speaker enclosures is not recommended as
this can cause damage to the amplifier components. When choosing a location for
mounting the amplifier, ensure that you check for clearance from wires, gas tank, electrical
devices and brake lines etc.
General:
Run the wiring so that RCA cables are at least 18“ away from power and speaker cables. Keep RCA cables away from electrical devices in the vehicle that can cause
electrical noise, such as electric fuel pumps, emission control modules and other on-board electronic modules.

Power and ground connections(see the features matrix on page 8 for proper gauge cables per amplifier):
Use a sufficient gauge power cable and ground cable using the chart below as reference to what size wire you require. Brutus series amplifiers require at least 4
gauge power wire. In a multi amplifier system, add the total value of the manufacture recommended fusing to get your total system amperage. Some applications
may require multiple runs of power wire to meet the system requirements. In multi amplifier systems it is advisable to mount a large enough fuse right at the battery,
and run one or multiple +12 volt power cables to a fused distribution block near the amplifiers. It is then a simple matter to connect the +12 volt terminal of each
amplifier to the distribution block. During this process, please ensure that the main power fuse is removed to avoid shorting the electrical system. The main fuse must
be within 12” of the vehicles battery.

Ground each amplifier with as short a ground lead as possible directly to the vehicle chassis using at least 4 gauge wire or equivalent to the size of the amplifiers’
power wire. Use a ground distribution block, if you wish, but it is extremely important to keep the main ground lead from this distribution block to the chassis as short
as possible , not more than 12“. The ground connection integrity to the chassis is very important, and the best way to achieve a good, solid electrical and mechanical
contact is to use a large round crimp lug, crimped and soldered to the ground cable. The next step is to scrape the paint off the vehicle chassis , slightly larger than
the ground lug, at the connection point. Drill a clearance hole in the chassis, the same size as the lug hole, and use a bolt, spring washer and nut to securely fasten
the ground lug. Use petroleum jelly to coat the bolt/lug connection, to prevent oxidization with time.

TIP: Use the same approach when installing head units, equalizers or any audio equipment for that matter - run short individual grounds from each piece directly to
the vehicle chassis, to minimize ground loops and system noise. All power, ground and speaker connections should be crimped and soldered for reliability. Make sure
that none of the cable insulation can chafe against exposed metal in the vehicle, causing short circuits to the chassis.
WIRE LENGTH
SYSTEM
7-10 ft. 10-13 ft. 13-16 ft. 16-19 ft. 19-22 ft. 22-28 ft.
AMPERAGE
NOTE: This Matrix is a general rule
35-50 8 6 4 4 4 4
of thumb. Please refer to the
WIRE GAUGE

50-65 6 4 4 4 4 2
68-85 4 4 2 2 2 0
manufacturers specific
85-105 4 2 2 2 2 0 requirements. Brutus specifications
105-125 4 2 0 0 0 0 can be found on page 8.
125-150 2 0 0 0 0 0

Safe connection sequence:

After all cables are run, connect speaker wires to the speakers and amplifiers, then run and plug in RCA cables. Next, connect all power, ground, and remote turn on
leads. Now connect all +12 volt cables to the amplifier/s and distribution blocks and fuse holders. Finally, connect the main +12 volt cable to the battery, with the main
fuse removed, and we are almost ready to power up the system.

Power up the system:

The following procedure may seem like overkill, but there is nothing more frustrating when turning on a system for the first time, and it does not work properly
immediately.
First, make sure the head unit is off, and turn all level controls to minimum (counterclockwise), including the head unit volume control. Set all equalizers to 0 dB (no
boost), and all crossover frequency controls at approximate frequencies, as recommended by the loudspeaker manufacturer. Set all input selector and crossover
switches as required for the application. Remove all amplifier fuses, and insert the main fuse at the battery. If the fuse does not blow, you can insert the fuse in one of
the amplifiers, and we are ready to turn on the system. Turn the head unit on, insert a CD, or select a radio station, and increase the head unit volume control. If the
system sounds fine, turn off the head unit, and install fuses in the remaining amplifiers, one by one, till the complete system is powered up and functioning properly.
1
 AMPLIFIER FEATURE DESCRIPTIONS

BRZ1200.1D / BRZ1700.1D MONO AMPLIFIERS

BALANCED SUB
INPUT OUTPUT INPUT LEVEL PHASE REMOTE BASS EQ SONIC LOW PASS
POWER
L L
PROTECT
9V 0.2V 0 180 0dB 10dB 15Hz 35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

R R

BRZ2100.1D / BRZ2400.1D / BRZ3000.1D PRO MONO AMPLIFIERS

POWER
BALANCED SUB PROTECT
INPUT OUTPUT INPUT LEVEL PHASE REMOTE BASS EQ SONIC LOW PASS IN

L L

9V 0.2V 0 180 0dB 10dB 15Hz 35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

OUTPUT
R R MASTER
INPUT
SLAVE OUT

The line input signal is routed directly to the line output RCA’s jacks regardless of the crossover settings. BOOST

The REMOTE jack allows the addition of the HFR-3 module which controls the Level.
.- SUBSONIC allows control from 15Hz to 35Hz
- BASS EQ allows control from 0dB to 10dB
HFR -
3 MI N MAXX
- LOW PASS allows control from 35Hz to 250Hz
- PHASE shift allows 0 degrees to 180 degrees The 1 channel mono amplifiers are capable of 4, 2 & 1 ohm loads and can be used in any
LEVEL: allows you to match the amplifier input level (gain) to the Radio/CD player output level. of the “bi-amplifier” systems described in the 2 and 4 channel Zeus and HFi amp manuals.
- POWER: indicates that the amp has power, ground and remote turn-on input via a green L.E.D.
- PROTECT: indicates that the amplifier has detected a fault and will not operate. CAUTION: DO NOT OPERATE ANY AMPLIFIER BELOW THE INTENDED IMPEDANCE.
There are several possible problems that can cause the amplifier to go into the protect YOU WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE AMPLIFIER THAT WILL NOT BE COVERED
mode. See the trouble shooting guide in the back of the manual for details. UNDER THE WARRANTY PRINTED IN THE BACK OF THE MANUAL.
- BALANCED INPUT: Accepts line level balanced input from 0.4v to 18v. Mono amps: 4, 2 & 1 Ohms.

Amplifier Feature Descriptions:

BALANCED INPUT: Accepts balanced line inputs from 0.4 volts to 18 volts.
LINE INPUT: The Line Inputs are the RCA input jacks labeled “LINE INPUT”. This is where the Radio/CD player RCA outputs connect to. The Line Inputs accept
unbalanced RCA inputs from 0.2 volts to 9 volts.
LINE OUTPUT: The Line Outputs are a direct pass-through from the inputs. The RCA input signal from the radio/CD player is routed through the amplifier and out of
the Line Outputs. The outputs would connect to another amp Line Inputs in a multi-amp set-up.This allows you to daisy chain multiple amps from a single set of RCA
cables from the radio/CD player.
LEVEL: The input level control allows you to match the amplifier input sensitivity to the output level of the RADIO/CD player from 0.2 Volts to 9 volts when using
unbalanced RCA cables. The Level control needs to be adjusted to match the Line Level Sensitivity (this is the amount of voltage the radio/CD player RCA’s
provide. Example: If the radio/CD player Line Level Sensitivity is 4 volts, adjust the amp Level control to 4 volts.
SUBSONIC: The variable Subsonic filter is for subwoofer applications that require very low tuning frequencies typically around 15Hz - 35Hz.
BASS EQ: Variable Bass Boost from 0 to 10dB at a fixed 45Hz.
LOW PASS: Fully adjustable crossover from 35 to 250Hz.
PHASE SHIFT: The Phase Shift is fully adjustable from 0 to 180 degrees and this allows you to control the timing of the subwoofers. This is commonly used when
the subwoofers are installed in each front door.
POWER/PROTECT: The amplifier has built-in monitoring devices and protection circuits that monitor all vital functions of the amplifier. The Protection light
does not come on to indicate there is a failure, it comes on when it detects an improper operation. Common issues that cause
Protection status are:
- THERMAL: The amp has an internal temperature sensor that will automatically shut off the amp if it reaches dangerous temperature levels.
- OVER LOAD: If the amp is run at an improper impedance, the amp will shut down. If you are “CLIPPING” speakers / subwoofer(s), the light will blink to indicate a
hard clip.
- DC PROTECT: In the unlikely event the amp should internally fail, the amp will shut down to prevent a DC voltage output to the speakers or sub.
REMOTE: The HFR-3 Remote Module plugs into the Remote jack and allows you to adjust the Level.
MASTER/SLAVE: Allows for Linking/Strapping two amplifiers to a single subwoofer or multiple subwoofers that are wired together. (BRZ2100.1D, BRZ2400.1D and
BRZ3000.1D PRO models)
2
 BRZ1200.1D MONO AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS
Basic application
Interconnect cable checklist:
- Connect the line inputs to a Radio/CD RCA outputs or line output of the Minimum final loudspeaker impedance:
full range primary amplifier with good quality RCA cables. A “Y” adapter - 1 ohm.
may be needed as shown in the diagram.

- Use at least 16 gauge speaker wiring. These amplifiers have dual FULL RANGE
speaker terminals, simplifying the hookup of multiple speakers. The 2 STEREO LINE INPUT Y-ADAPTOR
positives are the same and the 2 negatives are the same.

Crossover frequency control checklist:

- LOW PASS: 35Hz to 250Hz NOT USED
- SUBSONIC:15 Hz to 35 Hz
- BASS EQ: 0 to 10dB
- PHASE: 0 to 180 degrees *orNote:a fullYourange
can use the Radio/CD designated mono line output
stereo line output. For full range stereo line output,
you will need an optional “Y-Adaptor” as shown
Level control checklist:
- Refer to the section “Setting up systems after installation for best
performance”

MONO
SUBWOOFER
R

INPUT

1-OHM MINIMUM
* DESIGNATED
OUTPUT

MONO LINE INPUT

+
R

SPEAKER OUTPUT
+
BALANCED
INPUT

-
9V

LEVEL

-
0.2V
0

PHASE
180

BOOST

FUSE
REMOTE
0dB

BASS EQ

HFR -
3 MI
N MAXX
10dB
15Hz

SONIC
SUB

TO BATTERY +12v
BATT+12V
35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

VIA FUSE
POWER INPUT
LOW PASS

REMOTE TURN-ON
REM

CHASSIS GROUND
GND
PROTECT

POWER

Dual Subwoofer Application PARALLEL MONO

SUBWOOFERS
2-OHMS SVC EACH MINIMUM,
or 4-OHMS DVC EACH MINIMUM
R

INPUT

* DESIGNATED
OUTPUT

MONO LINE INPUT

+
R

MONO
SPEAKER OUTPUT
+
BALANCED

SUBWOOFERS
INPUT

-
9V

LEVEL

-
0.2V
0

PHASE
180

BOOST
FUSE
REMOTE
0dB

BASS EQ

HFR -
3 MI
N MAXX
10dB
15Hz

SONIC

TO BATTERY +12v
SUB

BATT+12V
35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

VIA FUSE
POWER INPUT
LOW PASS

REMOTE TURN-ON
REM

CHASSIS GROUND
GND
PROTECT

POWER

3
BRZ1700.1D MONO AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS
Basic application
Interconnect cable checklist:
- Connect the line inputs to a Radio/CD RCA outputs or line output of the Minimum final loudspeaker impedance:
full range primary amplifier with good quality RCA cables. A “Y” adapter - 1 ohm.
may be needed as shown in the diagram.

- Use at least 16 gauge speaker wiring. These amplifiers have dual FULL RANGE
speaker terminals, simplifying the hookup of multiple speakers. The 2 STEREO LINE INPUT Y-ADAPTOR
positives are the same and the 2 negatives are the same.

Crossover frequency control checklist:

- LOW PASS: 35Hz to 250Hz NOT USED
- SUBSONIC:15 Hz to 35 Hz
- BASS EQ: 0 to 10dB
- PHASE: 0 to 180 degrees *orNote:a fullYourange
can use the Radio/CD designated mono line output
stereo line output. For full range stereo line output,
you will need an optional “Y-Adaptor” as shown
Level control checklist:
- Refer to the section “Setting up systems after installation for best
performance”
MONO
SUBWOOFER
1-OHM MINIMUM
R

INPUT

* DESIGNATED
OUTPUT

MONO LINE INPUT

R

+
SPEAKER OUTPUT
BALANCED

+
INPUT

-
9V

LEVEL

-
0.2V

REM
REMOTE TURN-ON
0

PHASE
180

BOOST
REMOTE
0dB

BASS EQ

HFR -
3 MI
N MAXX
10dB

CHASSIS GROUND
15Hz

GND
POWER INPUT
SONIC
SUB
35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

TO BATTERY +12v
BATT+12V
LOW PASS

VIA FUSE
PROTECT

POWER

Dual Subwoofer Application PARALLEL MONO

SUBWOOFERS
2-OHMS SVC EACH MINIMUM,
or 4-OHMS DVC EACH MINIMUM
R

INPUT
OUTPUT

* DESIGNATED
MONO LINE INPUT
R

MONO
SPEAKER OUTPUT
BALANCED

SUBWOOFERS
INPUT

-
9V

LEVEL

-
0.2V

REM
0

PHASE
180

BOOST REMOTE TURN-ON

REMOTE
0dB

BASS EQ

HFR -
3 MI
N MAXX
10dB
15Hz

CHASSIS GROUND
GND
POWER INPUT
SONIC
SUB
35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

TO BATTERY +12v
BATT+12V
LOW PASS

VIA FUSE
PROTECT

POWER

4
 BRZ2100.1D / BRZ2400.1D / BRZ3000.1D PRO MONO AMPLIFIER APPLICATIONS
Basic application
SINGLE AMP INSTALLATION PROCEDURE:
FULL RANGE
1. Connect the amp LINE INPUTS to the Radio/CD player full range or mono line out
STEREO LINE INPUT Y-ADAPTOR
puts with good quality RCA interconnect cables.
2. Plug in the HFR-3 remote module into the amp REMOTE INPUT jack.
3. Route a 0 gauge power cables directly to the vehicle battery with an in-line fuse.
4. Connect a 0 gauge ground cables directly to chassis ground with in 36” of the amp.
- Be sure to remove any paint or primer from the ground point. NOT USED
- Use a nut, bolt and lock washer to secure the ground cable to the chassis ground.
5. Connect the subwoofer(s) in accordance to the diagrams below. Note: You can use the Radio/CD designated mono line output
6. Make sure the MASTER/SLAVE switch is in the MASTER position. or a full range stereo line output. For full range stereo line
Note: The amplifier will not work if the MASTER/SLAVE switch is in the Slave position output, you will need an optional “Y-Adaptor” as shown.
MONO
R

INPUT

SUBWOOFER
OUTPUT

PARALLEL MONO
R

+
SUBWOOFERS
BALANCED
INPUT

DESIGNATED

SPEAKER OUTPUT
+
2 OHMS EACH MINIMUM
9V

LEVEL

MONO OUTPUT

-
0.2V

FROM HEAD UNIT

-
0

PHASE

REM
180

BOOST REMOTE TURN-ON

REMOTE BASS EQ
0dB

HFR -
3 MI
N MAXX
10dB

POWER SPEAKER
+12V GND - - + +
15Hz

REM
SONIC
SUB
35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

LOW PASS

GND
POWER INPUT
CHASSIS GROUND

BATT+12V
TO BATTERY + 12 Volts
VIA FUSE
MASTER
OUTPUT

PROTECT
POWER
SLAVE
INPUT
OUT

IN

DUAL AMP INSTALLATION PROCEDURE: 4. Route two 0 gauge power cables directly to the vehicle battery with an in-line fuse.
1. Connect the amp LINE INPUTS to the Radio/CD player full range or mono line out 5. Connect two 0 gauge ground cables directly to the chassis with in 36” of the amp.
puts with good quality RCA interconnect cables. - Be sure to remove any paint or primer from the ground point.
2. Plug in the HFR-3 bass remote module into the amp REMOTE INPUT jack on the - Use a nut, bolt and lock washer to secure the ground cable to the chassis ground.
Master amp. This will allow the Master amp to control both Master and Slave amps 6. Make sure the Master amp MASTER/SLAVE switch is in the MASTER position.
with just one Bass Remote. Make sure the Slave amp MASTER/SLAVE switch is in the SLAVE position.
3. Connect an RCA jumper cable from the Master amp MASTER OUTPUT to the 7. Connect the subwoofer(s) in accordance to the diagrams below.
Slave amp SLAVE INPUT. Note: This will “link” the amps so that the Master amp 8. Connect a 12 gauge jumper from Master amp speaker - to Slave amp speaker - as
crossover switches will control both the Master and Slave amps. The Slave amp shown below.
crossover switches will be bypassed.
Linking two amps for single or dual subwoofer application
Amplifiers are stable to 2-Ohms linked
R

INPUT

DESIGNATED
OUTPUT

MONO OUTPUT
FROM HEAD UNIT
R

+
BALANCED
INPUT

SPEAKER OUTPUT
+

(MASTER)
9V

LEVEL

-
0.2V

-
0

PHASE

REM
180

BOOST
REMOTE BASS EQ

12 GAUGE JUMPER WIRE

0dB

HFR -
3 MI
N MAXX

Master remote controls

10dB

both amplifiers when

15Hz

SONIC
SUB

LINKED
35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

IN
LOW PASS

GND
POWER INPUT

OUTPUT
BATT+12V

MASTER

INPUT OUT
MASTER
OUTPUT

SLAVE
PROTECT
POWER
SLAVE
INPUT
OUT

IN
MASTER OUTPUT TO SLAVE INPUT

INPUT
OUTPUT
RCA JUMPER CABLE

+
BALANCED
INPUT

SPEAKER OUTPUT
+
9V

(SLAVE)
LEVEL

-
0.2V

-
0

PHASE

REM
180

REMOTE BASS EQ
0dB
10dB
15Hz

SONIC
SUB
35Hz 35Hz 250Hz

IN
LOW PASS

GND
POWER INPUT

OUTPUT
BATT+12V

MASTER

INPUT OUT
MASTER
OUTPUT

SLAVE
PROTECT
POWER
SLAVE
INPUT
OUT

IN

5
SETTING UP SYSTEMS AFTER INSTALLATION FOR BEST PERFORMANCE
General:
At this point you are ready to get more specific on the settings for your amplifier.

Subsonic:
This setting acts as a low frequency cut off for your system bass reproduction. The point that you set it at cuts off any frequencies from reproduction
beyond this point. The 12 o’clock position is a great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Subsonic to 25Hz, the amplifier will not play
frequencies below 25Hz but will play frequencies from 25Hz to the chosen Low Pass frequency.

Bass EQ:
This setting is a fixed bass boost at 45Hz that is variable from 0-10dB. This feature provides impact to your bass, but if not adjusted correctly, it can
be over used and cause damage to your subwoofers and amplifiers. It is best to slowly turn this setting clockwise until the desired punch is felt. It is
not recommended to exceed the 12 o’clock position unless listening at a low volume or a low recording quality as this can result in high distortion and
possibly clipping.

Low Pass:
The Low Pass control acts as a ceiling and doesn’t allow frequencies to the right of the desired setting to be reproduced. The 12 o’clock position is a
great starting point. EXAMPLE: If you adjust the Low Pass to 80Hz, the amplifier will not play frequencies above 80Hz but will play frequencies from
80Hz to the chosen Subsonic frequency.

Phase:
The variable Phase adjustment allows you to change the relative time that the waveform meets your ear. With standard subwoofer installations
where the subwoofer is behind you, the Phase should generally be at 0. When subwoofers or woofers are in the kick panels or door panels, the
Phase adjustment is useful in delaying the timing of the wave meeting your ear by adjusting the potentiometer to 180 degrees.

Level (GAIN) Control Setup:

Ensure that the Level is turned completely to the left prior to turning the system on. Next you should insert a CD or cassette that you are familiar with
to use as a reference, and turn the head unit volume control to about 80% of its full setting. The system sound level will of course be very low, and
the following procedures will help you to match the amplifier input sensitivities properly to the head unit output signal level.
It is important to match the amplifier LEVEL input sensitivity to the Radio/CD output sensitivity. This can be located in the Radio/CD manual.
If the Radio/CD output sensitivity is 2 volts, then adjust the amplifier LEVEL input to 2 volts.

If you are not sure what the Radio output sensitivity is, follow these general guide lines:
Turn the level control up slowly, till you hear distortion, then back off a few degrees on the control. If at any point your amplifier goes into protection,
you will need to turn the Level to the left a bit and then try again. If you reach a point where the output does not increase, stop turning the Level
control to the right as the amplifier/subwoofer combo has reached its maxx output in this application.

6
 TROUBLESHOOTING A SYSTEM
The key to finding the problem in a misbehaving sound system is to isolate parts of that system in a logical fashion to track down the fault.

Description of the Diagnostic system built into all HIFONICS amplifiers

The diagnostic system will shut down the amplifier, until reset by turning the head unit off, and back on. This state of affairs will be indicated by the front panel
PROTECT LED lighting up under the following conditions:
1 - A sort circuit on the loudspeaker leads.
2 - An internal amplifier fault that causes a DC offset on the loudspeaker output.

Should the amplifier go into diagnostic mode, simply disconnect all RCA and speaker leads, while keeping +12 volt, power ground and remote leads connected.
1. Now turn the amplifier back on, and if the diagnostic LED lights, the amplifier has an internal fault.
2. If not, plug the RCA cables back, and reset the amplifier. If it goes into diagnostic now, the fault lies in the input, either with bad cables or source unit.
3. If the amplifier seems ok with RCA cables plugged in, connect the speakers, one at a time, and if one of speaker or its wiring is faulty, it will activate the diagnostic
system.
4. If the amplifier is still in Protection mode after the above steps, remove all RCA’s and wires from the amplifier. Take a 12” length of speaker wire, trim the plastic
off of each end exposing the wire. Now connect one end of the wire to the12V+ on the amplifier and connect the other to the Ground on the amplifier. You will have
a brief spark indicating that the Capacitors have been discharged and the drivercard has been reset. Remove the jumper wire and reconnect your Power, Ground
and Remote wires. Attempt to power the amplifier up like normal. In some cases this can Reset the amplifier if permanent damage has not previously been done.

Amplifier heatsink overheating

The amplifiers will shut down when the heatsink temperature reaches 80 degrees centigrade, and turn back on once the unit has cooled down below that point.
Causes of overheating:
1 - Inadequate cooling - relocate or remount to provide better natural airflow over the fins.
2 - Driving high power levels into low impedances - back off on the volume control, and/or make sure you are not loading the amplifier with less than the
recommended loudspeaker impedance.
3 - Excessive voltage drop can also cause overheating.

Low output power

1 - Check that level controls have been set up properly.
2 - Make sure that the battery voltage, as measured at the amplifier’s +12 volt and ground terminals, is 11 volts or more.
3 - Check all +12 volt and ground connections.

Fuses blowing
1 - The use of loudspeaker impedances below the recommended minimums will draw more current - check.
2 - A short on the main +12 volt cable from the battery to the vehicle chassis will cause the main fuse to blow.
3 - If an amplifier fuse blows continually, with only +12 volt, ground and remote leads connected, the amplifier may be faulty.

System does not turn on

1 - Check all fuses.
2 - Check all connections.
3 - Measure the +12 volt and remote turn on voltages at the amplifier terminals. If these are non existent or low, take voltage measurements at fuse holders,
distribution blocks, the head unit’s +12 volt and remote leads to localize the problem.
4 - If the HIFONICS lettering is illuminated but you do not have Power or Protection illuminated, simply remove your remote wire and use a jumper wire from 12V+
on the amplifier to the Remote connection on the amplifier. If the amplifier powers on like normal then you do not have adequate voltage/amperage from your Remote
source to turn your amplifier on. You will need to seek out a certified installer to install a relay for your amplifier. If the jumper does not power your amplifier on, you
may have internal damage and should contact Hifonics Customer Service to locate an Authorized Repair Center.
Noise problems
System noise can be divided into two categories, hiss, and electrical interference.

Hiss, or white noise:

1 - High levels of white noise usually occurs when amplifier level controls are turned up too high - readjust according to the procedures in section ”Setting up systems after
installation for best performance”
2 - Another major problem that can cause excessive hiss, is a noisy head unit - unplug the amplifier input RCA cables, and if the hiss level reduces, the source unit is at fault.

Electrical interference:
The inside of an automobile is a very hostile electrical environment. The multitude of electrical systems, such as the ignition system, alternator, fuel pumps, air conditioners,
to mention just a few, create radiated electrical fields, as well as noise on the +12 volt supply and ground. Remember to isolate the problem - first unplug amplifier input RCA
cables, if the noise is still present, check the speaker leads, if not, plug the RCA’s back, and investigate the source driving the amplifier, one component at a time.

A ticking or whine that changes with engine RPM:

1 - This problem could be caused by radiation pickup of RCA cables too near to a fuel pump or a distributor, for instance, - relocate cables.
2 - Check that the head unit ground is connected straight to the vehicle chassis, and does not use factory wiring for ground.
3 - Try to supply the head unit with a clean +12 volt supply directly from the battery +, instead of using a supply from the in dash wiring/fusebox.

A constant whine:
This type of noise can be more difficult to pinpoint, but is usually caused by some kind of instability, causing oscillations in the system.
1 - Check all connections, especially for good grounds.
2 - Make sure that no speaker leads are shorting to exposed metal on the vehicle chassis.
3 -RCA cables are notorious for their problematic nature, so check that these are good, in particular the shield connections.
7
8
 BRUTUS
SERIES
Maxxsonics Limited Warranty
As the manufacturer of Maxxsonics, MB Quart, Autotek, Crunch and Hifonics car audio
products, Maxxsonics USA Inc. Warrants to the original consumer purchaser the
amplifier to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) Year from date
of purchase.

All other parts and accessories of the system are warrantied to be free from defects in
material and workmanship for one (1) year from date of purchase. Maxxsonics will repair
or replace at it’s option and free of charge during the warranty period, any system
component that proves defective in materials and workmanship under normal installation,
use and service provided that the product is returned to the authorized Maxxsonics dealer
from where it was purchased. A photo copy of the original receipt must accompany the
product being returned.

Valid purchase receipts will contain the name and address of the authorized reseller.

Any damage to the product as a result of misuse, abuse, accident, incorrect wiring,
improper installation, alteration of date code or bar code labels, revolution, natural
disaster, or any sneaky stuff because someone messed up, repair or alteration out side
of our factory or authorized service centers and any thing else you have done that you
should not have done is not covered.

This warranty is limited to defective parts and specifically excludes any incidental or
consequential damages connected therewith. This warranty is not to be construed as an
insurance policy.

Warranty on installation labor, removal, re-installation and freight charges are not the
responsibility of Maxxsonics USA Inc.

Warranty products damaged as a result of insufficient or improper packing materials are

not covered by this limited warranty and such damaged product will be returned “as is”
at the expense of the owner.

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 Accessories

5V ON
SLAVE

3V 7V

MASTER OFF
35Hz 250Hz 1V 9V 15Hz 35Hz
MODE LOW PASS RED - CLIP OUTPUT TEST TONE SUBSONIC
FILTER GREEN - 9V LEVEL 65Hz FILTER
24 dB/OCT 24 dB/OCT

MAXX-LINK
MLX-100

9V 0.2V 0 180 0dB +10 dB 30Hz 100Hz

INPUT PHASE BOOST BANDWIDTH FREQUENCY
LEVEL
PARAMETRIC BASS EQ

-6dB

BYPASS

RED - CLIP
-20dB 0dB GREEN - 9V

NORMAL LEVEL

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 OEM Integration
Accessories
MX-1 Premium High To Low Level Converter MX-3 Bass Controller

* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA

Low Level Outputs
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs
including floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts. * Parametric Bass EQ: Provides a wide array of subwoofer output signal
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects shaping controls to enhance bass response and sound quality including
music signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-1. As Bass Boost, adjustable Bandwidth (wide and narrow), Low Pass and
an option, the module also offers a remote turn-on wire. Subsonic Filter.
* Parametric Bass EQ: Features Bass Boost, adjustable Band * Accepts a wide range of incoming music signal levels while
Width (wide & narrow), Low Pass and Subsonic Filter. accommodating all types of head units and signal processors and
* Clipping Indicators: Visually indicates audio signals Pre-Clip, controlling the output level to the amp to maximize a signal strength up to
Soft Clip and Hard Clip 9 volts.
* Balanced Line Output: Ultra clean DIN variable high voltage * Clipping Indicators: Visual clipping indicators provide indication of
output for driving mono amps. damaging clipped signals to help protect the subwoofer(s) and amplifier.
* Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when Includes pre-clip, soft-clip and full-clip indications.
module activates. * Music Shaping: Shapes the music signal to achieve deep bass notes as
* Bass Remote: Features for subwoofer Level control with built- low as 15Hz.
in clipping indicators. * Bass Remote: Included bas Remote features built-in clipping indicators
* Input & Output Level Control: Allows for gain matching both allows direct bass control from in-dask or under-dash.
radio and amplifier audio signals.

MX-2 Deluxe High To Low Level Converter MX-4 Add A Sub High To Low Level Converter

* Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA * Converts High Level OEM speaker wires to Ultra Clean RCA Low Level
Low Level Outputs Outputs
* High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs * High Level Inputs: Accepts all types of High level Inputs including
including floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts. floating ground and high voltages up to 30 volts.
* Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects * Audio Signal Sense / Hardwire Turn-On: Audio sense detects music
music signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-2. As signals from the OEM wires and activates the MX-4. As an option, the
an option, the module also offers a remote turn-on wire. module also offers a remote turn-on wire.
* Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when module * Remote Output: Driver circuit to turn on amplifier when module activates.
activates.

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PART#: A1209