Frequently Asked Questions
Below is an example of some of our more frequently asked questions.
Where can I see more VIBE products?
VIBE Audio selects the best car audio retailers to become VIBE Superstores. These stores are guaranteed to stock the entire VIBE range, they are the perfect place to trail products, get expert advice and have your new VIBE gear professionally installed.
Amplifier / Active Enclosure Checks / Reset Procedure
If you are having difficulties with your amplifier/ active enclosure double check all the wiring connections to the amplifier listed, and then attempt the reset procedure below. Carefully going through this process will solve 99% of all amplifier based problems.
Amplifier Connections
1. Power cable from the battery. Fuse 30cms from the battery terminal. Leave the fuse out until installation is complete.
2. Ground to the chassis of the car, as close as possible to the amplifier. Ideally not to a welding part or bolted on section. The ground cable should be the same size as the power cable.
3. Remote from an ignition live so the amp turns on and off with the headunit.
4. RCA or High Level input to send sound to your amplifier.
Follow our guide to wiring amplifier here
An amplifier requires the following before it will power up:
At least 10 volts between the power and ground terminal
AND
At least 10 volts between the remote and ground terminal
To reset an amplifier
1. Remove the fuse from the front of the car. Or turn off the circuit breaker if you have one fitted.
2. Ensure that the face plate of the headunit is removed. This is to stop voltage appearing on the remote cable on the amplifier.
3. Remove the power, ground and remote cable from the amplifier.
4. Leave the amplifier for 30 minutes.
5. Reconnect the amplifier. NB: Connect the ground cable first.
6. If the fault continues after this please return to your retailer to go through the warranty procedure. You will need a copy of the receipt under the warranty conditions.
I think my product is broken.
If the item is still within its twelve month warranty period then please return it to the store of purchase, along with your proof of purchase. They will be able to help you further. Your warranty is with that store and not with VIBE themselves.
How do I set the gain on my amplifier?
Turn the gain control to minimum on the amplifier.
Ensure the bass boost is set to 0 dB
On the headunit set all the crossovers (if applicable) to flat and both bass and treble to zero.
Turn up the headunit to approximately 3/4 volume.
Very slowly turn up the gain on the amplifier until distortion can be heard in any of the speakers.
Turn the gain down slightly.
The gain is now set.
Do I need to run in a new subwoofer?
When your subwoofer is used for the first time, it is very stiff and rigid. It will take time for the moving parts to loosen up before it’s ready to deliver its full potential.
For the first thirty hours it is recommended you play the subwoofer initially at a low to medium volume and gradually increase this as time progresses.
As a rough guide if you listen to your subwoofer for an hour a day each day it will take a month to run in.
Should I have a sealed or ported box?
Ported enclosures offer a significant increase in output compared to sealed enclosures, this is because the port in the enclosure interacts with the air in the enclosure and the woofer to increase output and reduce cone movement around the tuning frequency.
Ported enclosures are typically two or three louder than sealed enclosures and have a dump in the frequency response making them the ideal choice for dance, R & B, electronically produced music and high SPL applications.
All Vibe enclosures are supplied with PortPlugs, these give the user the option to use the enclosure as a sealed enclosure.
Sealed enclosures are also known as acoustic suspension enclosures because the air in the box acts like a brake to control the movement of the woofer cone.
Sealed enclosures offer high power handling, excellent transient response and smooth low end roll off making them the ideal choice for live music, rock and jazz.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with porting as there are many different combinations and each one will offer a different sound.
