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6.62 in

168 mm

11.32 in

287 mm

5.53 in

141 mm

2.12 in

54 mm

10.22 in

260 mm

CONNEC TION GUIDE

1000W 5-Channel Class D System Amplifier

with Integrated DSP

with

Thank you for purchasing a JL Audio amplifier for your sound system.

Your amplifier has been designed and manufactured to exacting  
standards in order to ensure years of musical enjoyment. For maximum 
performance, we highly recommend that you have your new amplifier 
installed by an authorized JL Audio dealer. Your authorized dealer has 
the training, expertise and installation equipment to ensure optimum 
performance from this product. Should you decide to install the amplifier 
yourself, please take the time to read this manual thoroughly to familiarize 
yourself with its installation requirements and setup procedures.

If you have any questions regarding the instructions in this manual or any 
aspect of your amplifier’s operation, please contact your authorized JL 
Audio dealer for assistance. If you need further assistance, please contact 
the JL Audio Technical Support Department at [email protected] or 
call (954) 443–1100 during business hours.

Installation Applications 

This amplifier is designed for operation with 12 volt, negative- 
ground electrical systems. Using this product in systems with positive 
ground and/or voltages other than 12V may result in damage to the 
product and will void the warranty. This product is not certified or 
approved for use in aircraft. 

Product Description

This is a five-channel, Class D system amplifier equipped with the second 
generation of JL Audio’s NexD™ high-speed switching technology. 
It is engineered to deliver reference-grade audio amplification with 
outstanding efficiency and unprecedented, built-in processing power. 
Instead of traditional analog processing controlled by knobs and switches, 
VXi amplifiers feature an integrated DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The 
amplifier and its integrated DSP are configured using an external device 
(PC, Tablet or Phone), with the appropriate JL Audio TüN™ application 
installed. (See 

What is TüN?

 section for more info.)

Planning Your Installation

It is important that you take the time to read this manual thoroughly 
and that you plan your installation carefully. It is very easy to damage 
expensive vehicle systems in modern automobiles. Never assume that you 
have found appropriate wires without consulting a reliable wiring diagram 
or without analyzing with proper test equipment. If you are uncomfortable 
or unfamiliar with reading diagrams or testing methods, please enlist the 
services of your authorized JL Audio dealer to perform the installation. 
Your authorized dealer has the training, expertise and installation 
equipment to ensure optimum performance from this product. The 
following are some considerations that you must take into account when 
planning your installation. 

Safety Considerations

•  Install your amplifier in a dry, well-ventilated location that 

does not interfere with your vehicle’s safety equipment 
(air bags, seat belt systems, ABS brake systems, etc.).

•  Do not mount the amplifier in the engine 

compartment or in any areas of extreme heat.

•  Securely mount the amplifier so that it does not come 

loose in the event of a collision/sudden jolt or as a result 
of repeated vibrations during normal operation.

•  Check before drilling to make sure that you will not be drilling into 

a fuel tank, gas/brake line, wiring harness, or other vital system.

•  Do not run system wiring outside or underneath the 

vehicle/vessel. This is an extremely dangerous practice, 
which can result in severe damage/injury.

•  Take the necessary precautions when making 

connections to the vehicle’s battery.

•  Protect all system wires from sharp edges by carefully routing them, 

tying them down and using grommets and loom where appropriate.

•  Secure all wiring as needed, using cable ties or wire clamps 

to protect them from moving parts and sharp edges.

Cooling Efficiency Considerations

The outer shell of your JL Audio amplifier is designed to remove heat 
from the amplifier circuitry. For optimum cooling performance, this outer 
shell should be exposed to as large a volume of air as possible. Enclosing 
the amplifier in a small, poorly ventilated chamber can lead to excessive 
heat build-up and degraded performance. If an installation calls for an 
enclosure around the amplifier, we recommend that this enclosure be 
ventilated with the aid of a fan. In normal applications, fan-cooling is not 
necessary. If mounting the amplifier under a seat, make sure there is at 
least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space above the amplifier’s outer shell to permit 
proper cooling.

What is Included 

(1) Amplifier

(1) Power Connector

(1) Analog Input Harness

(1) Speaker Output Harness

(1) JL Audio Badge

(1) Subwoofer Output Connector

(1) USB A/B Cable (6 ft./1.8 m)

(4) Corner Caps

(2) Black Hex Cap Machine Screws

(1) Corner Cap Tool

(2) Silver Thumbscrews

(1) 2.5 mm Hex Wrench

(1) Connection Guide

(1) 3 mm Hex Wrench

JL Audio Badge

To complement the amplifier’s mounting orientation, the logo badge 
includes a recessed key feature allowing it to be affixed at 90 degree 
increments on the amplifier’s top. To install, remove the adhesive backing 
and press the badge at the desired orientation. 

Corner Cap Installation and Removal

The corner caps are designed to conceal the amplifier’s mounting holes 
and hardware. To install, simply press a corner cap into each mounting 
hole. To avoid scratching the amplifier’s chassis during removal, use the 
included, plastic corner cap tool and lift below each cap.
 

Making Connections

VXi amplifiers utilize removable plugs and harnesses to make the 
following connections: 

•   Power Connector and Subwoofer Output Connector 

To connect the power, ground, remote turn-on and subwoofer output 
wires to the amplifier, back out the set screws on each connector using 
the supplied hex wrenches. Strip back 3/8 inch (10 mm) of insulation from 
the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle on the 
power connector plug, seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed. 
While holding each wire in place, tighten each set screw firmly, taking 
care not to strip the head of the screw. Install each connector by plugging 
it into the amplifier’s corresponding receptacle, pushing firmly.

•  

Analog Input Harness 

This harness includes connections for Signal Input (RCA plugs), Preamp 
Outputs (RCA plugs), Remote Turn-On Output (wire lead) and Valet Input 
(wire lead). Select either the included black hex cap machine screws or 
the silver thumbscrews to secure the Analog Input Harness connector to 
the amplifier.

•  Speaker Output Harnesses 

This harness has output wire leads to connect with speaker cables.

Turn-On Mode

VXi amplifiers can be switched on and off using one of three methods, 
configured by the “Turn On Mode” setting in the TüN™ Software Interface. 
Refer to the table below for detailed info and decide which option is best 
suited for your specific system.

Setting

Mode

Function

Connection

Remote

Conventional 

(Preferred)

Turn-on/off controlled by your 
source unit.

Connect your source unit

’s

 +12V 

remote turn-on output to the 
Power Connector

s Remote Turn-

On Input connection.

DC 

Offset

DC Offset 

Sensing 

(Auto)

Automatically turns on/off by 
detecting the presence of small 
DC signal in OEM audio outputs.

This circuit senses the Analog 
Input 1 only. Note: The sensitivity 
of this circuit is designed for high-
level (speaker level) signals, not for 
low-level (preamp level) signals. 
Make sure the OEM audio outputs 
contain midrange signals.

Signal

Signal 

Sensing 

(Auto)

Automatically turns on by 
detecting full-range OEM audio 
signals and turns off after 
the signal is removed (varies, 
depending on input signal levels).

3

 

 Speaker Output Harness

Connect the speaker output leads to the corresponding speaker wires.

4

 

 Subwoofer Output Connector

Connect the subwoofer wires to the corresponding terminals.

5

 

 JLid-COMM

 

Connect optional accessories (VXi-BTC, VXi-HUB, etc.) to this port.

6

 

 JLid-CTRL

Connect optional DRC (Digital Remote Controller) wired controllers  
to this port.

7

 

 SD + Reset

Lift the dust cover to access the following utility functions:

Reset Buttons: 

Use a small pin to perform the following:

Reboot Amp

 - Press and release the right button.

 

Factory Reset (wipe memory, reboot amp)

 - Press and hold the left 

button for 7 seconds.

 DFU (Device Firmware Update) Mode: 

Press and release both 

buttons simultaneously.

Micro SD Slot: 

For service/future expansion.

8

 

 USB

 

This USB A/B port permits connection to a computer for configuration 
and tuning, using the TüN™ Software.

9

 

 DIGITAL-In

 

Toslink port accepts 2-channel digital audio signal from any optical  
(S/PDIF) digital output, with a sample rate up to 192 kHz.

10

 

 DIGITAL-Out

Provides a digital audio output (24 bit/96 kHz) that is not susceptible to 
RF interference or noise-generating electrical conditions. By default, this 
is a pass-through audio output, with no signal processing applied, and 
intended for use with other equipment that have an optical (Toslink) 
digital audio input (S/PDIF) port. Using the TüN™ Software Interface, you 
may configure this output’s routing, equalization, output level and DRC 
control functionality.

1

 

 Power Connector

A. 

Run 2 AWG power wire from the positive (+12V) battery post to 
the amplifier mounting location. If additional amplifiers are being 
installed, run the appropriate gauge power wire for the combined, 
maximum current draw, and install a fused distribution block near 
the amplifiers.

B. 

An appropriate fuse (sold separately) at the main power wire(s) is 
vital for vehicle safety. This fuse must be installed within 18 inches 
(45 cm) of the battery post connection. If this is the only device con-
nected to this main wire, use a 80 A fuse. Do not install the fuse until 
the power wire has been securely connected to the amplifier. 

C. 

The ground

 

connection should be made to a clean, solid metal 

grounding point using 2 AWG wire, and kept as short as possible. 
The metal surface of the grounding point should be sanded to create 
a clean, metal-to-metal connection. For optimal grounding, we 
recommend using a JL Audio ECS master ground lug (XB-MGLU). 

All 

ground connections (source unit and amplifiers) should be made 

at the same location.

D. 

The remote connection should be made to the source unit’s positive 
(+12V) remote turn-on output. If your source unit does not have a 
dedicated remote turn-on output, consider one of the alternative 
turn-on options. (See 

Turn-On Mode

 section for more info.)

2

  

Analog Input Harness

  

The Analog Input Harness accepts the following connections: 

Line-Level Analog Inputs:

 Six female RCA jacks feed a differential-

balanced input section, providing a high degree of input flexibility, and 
retaining superior noise rejection. This type of input architecture also 
allows the VX1000/5i to cleanly accept any analog audio signals up to 16 
VRMS, without using a line-output converter.

Preamp Outputs:

 Two female, RCA jacks deliver line-level, analog audio 

outputs (Max 4 V RMS) that are compatible with most types of aftermarket 
equipment. These are configured with the TüN

 Software Interface. 

Remote:

 This connection provides a positive (+12V) turn-on voltage 

(475 mA limit) to activate other aftermarket equipment (similar to an 
aftermarket head unit’s remote turn-on lead). 

Valet:

 When connected to negative ground, this connection activates the 

Valet Mode Preset and will remain active until the ground connection is 
removed. This preset is configured 

using the TüN

 Software Interface and 

will override any DRC controlled preset.

1

2

3

5

6

7

9

8

10

4

Summary of Contents for VX1000/5i

Page 1: ... and Subwoofer Output Connector To connect the power ground remote turn on and subwoofer output wires to the amplifier back out the set screws on each connector using the supplied hex wrenches Strip back 3 8 inch 10 mm of insulation from the end of each wire and insert the bare wire into the receptacle on the power connector plug seating it firmly so that no bare wire is exposed While holding each...

Page 2: ...Negative Subwoofer Output Data Connections Label Type Description Use JLid COMM RJ45 Jack Optional accessory connections VXi BTC VXi HUB etc JLid CTRL RJ45 Jack Optional DRC Digital Remote Controller connection USB USB A B Port Computer connection to configure TüN Software Interface DIGITAL In S PDIF Port 2 channel optical Toslink digital input DIGITAL Out S PDIF Port 2 channel optical Toslink dig...

Page 3: ......

Page 4: ...Software Overview for use with TwK Processors ver 2 0 ...

Page 5: ...PERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE OR VESSEL TwK TüN SOFTWARE OVERVIEW TüN is JL Audio s DSP tuning software for the PC platform It has been developed to control and manage JL Audio DSP products TüN is designed to automatically recognize which product s it is connected to allowing you to select one at a time configuring its interface appropriately for that product While the TüN software is designed to work ...

Page 6: ...which allows a PRESET to be enabled disabled renamed duplicated or deleted The Duplicate function allows you to create an exact copy of an existing PRESET which you can then modify without disturbing your previous PRESET You will also assign a color to each Enabled PRESET This color will be displayed on the DRC s LED when you activate that PRESET This permits the user to easily identify the PRESET...

Page 7: ...ration 7 SETUP TAB CONFIGURATION Project Management 7 8 INPUTS Panel 8 9 INPUT MIXER Panel 9 EQUALIZERS Panel 9 ROUTER Panel 9 DRC SETUP Panel 10 OUTPUTS Panel 10 TUNE TAB CONFIGURATION EQUALIZERS Panel 11 12 CROSSOVERS Panel 12 13 DELAY POLARITY Panel 14 OUTPUTS Panel 14 15 Workspace Legend Page NEW PROJECT CONFIGURATION ...

Page 8: ...Page 5 SETUP TAB CONFIGURATION TUNE TAB CONFIGURATION ...

Page 9: ...Output Polarity 10 band Graphic Equalizers High Pass and Low Pass Filters 12 24 or 48 dB octave Linkwitz Riley and Level Trim controls Advanced offers a full feature set with restrained safeguards to prevent accidental damage to the audio system This is ideal for experienced DSP users looking to get full advantage of the TwK s power while avoiding certain pitfalls that can result in poor performan...

Page 10: ...can be selected in the Preferences menu if preferred The TüN software will automatically convert these distance numbers to delay parameters If you do not wish to apply speaker distance compensation in your starting configuration simply skip this step PLEASE NOTE ALL PARAMETERS SET WITH THE SETUP TOOL CAN BE EDITED LATER IN THE SETUP AND TUNE TABS OF THE TÜN SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT Settings and...

Page 11: ...connect the PC the TwK will immediately revert to being controlled by the DRC connected to it Below the sliders is the MASTER MUTE button to mute unmute all TwK outputs Below the Master Mute you will find individual CHANNEL MUTE buttons The mute buttons display red when muted These are useful for isolating channels while tuning or for troubleshooting purposes SIGNAL LEVEL METERS for each output ch...

Page 12: ...e EQ Banks and has the ability to combine input channels It uses an intuitive clickable interface that provides visual feedback of input signal routing In Advanced and Expert modes additional mixing flexibility is enabled by permitting input polarity and relative level to be adjusted to create spatial effects Pre EQ Level Trim Allows the output levels of the mixer to be reduced as much as 12 dB pr...

Page 13: ... outputs of the EQ Banks and the Output Channels Like the Input Mixer the Router uses an intuitive clickable interface that provides visual feedback of output signal routing DRC SETUP Panel This panel allows you to configure the behavior of the DRC 200 that is included with the TwK Check boxes allow you to determine which channels will be controlled by the inner and outer knobs of the DRC 200 By c...

Page 14: ...EQ mode Q The shape of the EQ filter response Lower Q values result in wider bandwidth EQ filter response Higher Q values result in narrower bandwidth EQ filter response This value is fixed in Graphic EQ mode and variable in Parametric EQ mode from 0 26 to 10 Default value is 1 41 Gain The amount of amplitude boost or cut applied through the selected filter expressed in decibels and adjustable fro...

Page 15: ...aphic and Parametric EQ modes when in the Advanced or Expert Project Levels IMPORTANT YOU MAY SWITCH FROM GRAPHIC TO PARAMETRIC MODE WITHOUTLOSINGANYSETTINGS BUTSWITCHINGFROMPARAMETRICTO GRAPHIC MODE RESETS THE PRESET S EQ BANKS TO DEFAULT SETTINGS CROSSOVERS Panel The following controls are available for each Output Channel A few definitions of crossover terms High Pass Filter uniformly allows si...

Page 16: ...e above plus 6 dB per octave and 12 18 24 36 48 dB per octave Butterworth alignment BW Some basic guidelines for setting filter frequencies and good starting frequencies for tuning a system use 24 dB octave L R slope 2 way System Coaxial Component System with passive crossover between woofer and tweeter 80 Hz High Pass Subwoofer 80 Hz Low Pass 3 way System Tweeter 5000 Hz High Pass Component woofe...

Page 17: ...itions in the vehicle by creating a PRESET for each one and entering the appropriate values Additional Delay Here you can add delay to the baseline delay correction Clicking the arrows moves the value approximately 0 2 ms Holding the Shift key while clicking the arrows results in a step value of 0 02 ms which is the minimum delay step value Any entered values will be rounded up to the nearest avai...

Page 18: ...TE AND IS NOT SAVED IN THE PROJECT FILE Appendix A Twk Input Sensitivity Level Setting Selecting the appropriate Input Sensitivity setting is critical to achieving maximum low distortion output To properly set the TwK s Input Sensitivity settings perform the steps below prior to making any amplifier adjustments Necessary Equipment CD or file with a pink noise test track 1 After all wiring is compl...

Page 19: ... Ahead of the Curve and the JL Audio logo are registered trademarks of JL Audio Inc 2017 JL Audio Inc For more detailed information please visit us online at www jlaudio com Due to our policy of continuous product development all specifications are subject to change without notice 03 13 17 ...

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