ButtKicker The ButtKicker BKA1000-4A Leaflet
Front Panel Controls
Power Switch
The Power Switch connects the AC line to the amplifier circuits. Check the amplifier connections and verify
the AC line power source before engaging the Power Switch.
The Power Switch connects the AC line to the amplifier circuits. Check the amplifier connections and verify
the AC line power source before engaging the Power Switch.
High Cutoff Frequency Control
Controls the frequency at which the High Cutoff circuit begins its filter action. The Variable High Cutoff
Frequency control allows you to set the high cutoff frequency from 40 Hz to 160 Hz.
Controls the frequency at which the High Cutoff circuit begins its filter action. The Variable High Cutoff
Frequency control allows you to set the high cutoff frequency from 40 Hz to 160 Hz.
Volume Control
Controls the output level. Set this to balance the ButtKickers with the sound system when using
the amplifier to power ButtKickers.
Controls the output level. Set this to balance the ButtKickers with the sound system when using
the amplifier to power ButtKickers.
Low Cutoff Switch
Switches the Low Cutoff Filter in and out of the circuit. The filter’s slope is set at 12dB per octave.
Switches the Low Cutoff Filter in and out of the circuit. The filter’s slope is set at 12dB per octave.
With the Low Cutoff in the ON position, frequencies lower than 25 Hz are filtered out. This is ideal for
musicians who do not need nor want the ButtKicker to respond to any frequencies below 25 Hz.
musicians who do not need nor want the ButtKicker to respond to any frequencies below 25 Hz.
When the Low Cutoff is in the OFF position frequencies below 25 Hz are passed on to the ButtKicker. This
is ideal for home theater use and the low frequency response the ButtKicker has become known for.
is ideal for home theater use and the low frequency response the ButtKicker has become known for.
High Cutoff Switch
Switches the High Cutoff Filter in and out of the circuit. The filter’s slope is set at 12dB per octave.
Switches the High Cutoff Filter in and out of the circuit. The filter’s slope is set at 12dB per octave.
With the High Cutoff in the ON position, frequencies above 40 Hz to 160 Hz are filtered out - only
frequencies below 40 Hz to 160 Hz are passed to the ButtKicker based on the position of the High Cutoff
Frequency control.
frequencies below 40 Hz to 160 Hz are passed to the ButtKicker based on the position of the High Cutoff
Frequency control.
This is ideal for home theater use when only low frequencies are wanted. Conversely, when used by
musicians, leaving the high cutoff switch in the OFF position enables the ButtKicker to respond to all
frequencies in its natural working range of 5 - 200 Hz.
musicians, leaving the high cutoff switch in the OFF position enables the ButtKicker to respond to all
frequencies in its natural working range of 5 - 200 Hz.
Filters:
Power Light
Red indicates presence of AC power, but no signal. Green indicates presence of both AC power and signal;
power is applied to all the amplifier circuits and the amplifier is ready to operate. After 20 minutes of no
input signal the amplifier will revert to a low power Standby condition.
Red indicates presence of AC power, but no signal. Green indicates presence of both AC power and signal;
power is applied to all the amplifier circuits and the amplifier is ready to operate. After 20 minutes of no
input signal the amplifier will revert to a low power Standby condition.
Limited Warranty
Your Buttkicker Amplifier is warranted against failure for 1 YEAR unless otherwise stated. Guitammer will
service and supply all parts at no charge to the customer providing the unit is under warranty. Shipping costs are the
responsibility of the customer. GUITAMMER DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICING OTHER THAN
OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY.
Guitammer assumes no responsibilities for Buttkicker Shakers or speakers damaged by this unit. This warranty does
not cover, and no liability is assumed, for damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of
reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow instructions. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied. No representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for Guitammer any liability in
connection with the sale of servicing of Guitammer products. GUITAMMER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
service and supply all parts at no charge to the customer providing the unit is under warranty. Shipping costs are the
responsibility of the customer. GUITAMMER DOES NOT PAY FOR PARTS OR SERVICING OTHER THAN
OUR OWN. A COPY OF THE ORIGINAL INVOICE IS REQUIRED TO VERIFY YOUR WARRANTY.
Guitammer assumes no responsibilities for Buttkicker Shakers or speakers damaged by this unit. This warranty does
not cover, and no liability is assumed, for damage due to: natural disasters, accidents, abuse, loss of parts, lack of
reasonable care, incorrect use, or failure to follow instructions. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties,
expressed or implied. No representative or person is authorized to represent or assume for Guitammer any liability in
connection with the sale of servicing of Guitammer products. GUITAMMER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
When RETURNING merchandise to Guitammer, you may call or email for a return authorization number. Describe
in writing each problem. If you unit is out of warranty, you will be charged the current FLAT RATE for parts and
labor to bring your unit up to factory specifications.
in writing each problem. If you unit is out of warranty, you will be charged the current FLAT RATE for parts and
labor to bring your unit up to factory specifications.
Avoid spilling liquids or allowing any other foreign matter inside the unit. Provide proper ventilation for the unit to
avoid damage.
avoid damage.
Maintenance and Care of the Equipment
Line level Input
RCA / phono jack. This input should be used for the preamp output of a consumer home theater surround
processor or stereo preamp with nominal signal levels of 160mVolt.
RCA / phono jack. This input should be used for the preamp output of a consumer home theater surround
processor or stereo preamp with nominal signal levels of 160mVolt.
Fuse Holder (integrated into Power Connector)
High Level Input
1/4 / phone jack. This balanced, TRS input should be used for professional level outputs; i.e. mixing consoles
and other equipment with nominal signal levels of 1.25Volt (+4dBu).
1/4 / phone jack. This balanced, TRS input should be used for professional level outputs; i.e. mixing consoles
and other equipment with nominal signal levels of 1.25Volt (+4dBu).
Speaker Output Binding Posts
Power amplifier bridged output. Used for attaching speaker wire to the ButtKicker or other speakers.
Turn the amplifier off before connecting to the Speaker Output. Wire sizes of 14 gauge and larger are
recommended. Binding posts will accept banana type connectors.
Turn the amplifier off before connecting to the Speaker Output. Wire sizes of 14 gauge and larger are
recommended. Binding posts will accept banana type connectors.
There is a hum in the sound system when the amplifier is connected
This can be caused in certain circumstances when a sound system has two separate contacts with earth ground. This
is usually caused when a cable TV feed is connected to the TV which is then connected to the sound system. This
condition can be verified by disconnecting the cable from the TV (eliminating one of the grounds) and playing a DVD
or CD to verify the proper operation of the ButtKicker. If disconnecting the cable TV solves the problem, then using an
inline ground isolator is recommended. Visit www.thebuttkicker.com for more information or contact
an electronics retailer. PLEASE NOTE that if you are using the ButtKicker Wireless Link, a hum will never be the effect
of a ground loop. If you experience a hum while you are using the Link, disconnect the Receive unit from the wall and
the amplifier for 10 seconds; then reconnect. This will reset the Link and may eliminate the hum.
This can be caused in certain circumstances when a sound system has two separate contacts with earth ground. This
is usually caused when a cable TV feed is connected to the TV which is then connected to the sound system. This
condition can be verified by disconnecting the cable from the TV (eliminating one of the grounds) and playing a DVD
or CD to verify the proper operation of the ButtKicker. If disconnecting the cable TV solves the problem, then using an
inline ground isolator is recommended. Visit www.thebuttkicker.com for more information or contact
an electronics retailer. PLEASE NOTE that if you are using the ButtKicker Wireless Link, a hum will never be the effect
of a ground loop. If you experience a hum while you are using the Link, disconnect the Receive unit from the wall and
the amplifier for 10 seconds; then reconnect. This will reset the Link and may eliminate the hum.
Rear Panel Controls
Power Connector
Fuse: T15AL 250V for 120V 50/60Hz AC input. A spare fuse is also contained in fuse holder for your
convenience and is located immediately below the power cord outlet on the rear panel (see Photo).
convenience and is located immediately below the power cord outlet on the rear panel (see Photo).
Helpful Hints / Troubleshooting :
The amplifier has no output
The amplifier has both thermal and output protection circuits. The amplifier is designed to disconnect power from its
output terminals when an unsafe condition exists to protect the amplifier and whatever is connected to the amplifier’s
output. To reset the amplifier; turn the amplifier to the off position (power switch down; no red or green light will be
visible), unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet, verify proper output wiring and adequate ventilation for the
amplifier, re-plug the power cable to the electrical outlet, then turn the amplifier to the on position.
The amplifier has both thermal and output protection circuits. The amplifier is designed to disconnect power from its
output terminals when an unsafe condition exists to protect the amplifier and whatever is connected to the amplifier’s
output. To reset the amplifier; turn the amplifier to the off position (power switch down; no red or green light will be
visible), unplug the power cable from the electrical outlet, verify proper output wiring and adequate ventilation for the
amplifier, re-plug the power cable to the electrical outlet, then turn the amplifier to the on position.
The BKA1000-4A will power two 4-ohm ButtKicker LFEs when wired in parallel. However, there is more heat generated
by the amplifier in this situation, so please allow extra ventilation space for the amplifier. Three or four ButtKicker LFEs
may also be powered by using the BK-QCP or by following the wiring instructions in the FAQ section of our website.
by the amplifier in this situation, so please allow extra ventilation space for the amplifier. Three or four ButtKicker LFEs
may also be powered by using the BK-QCP or by following the wiring instructions in the FAQ section of our website.
Used to connect the supplied power cable to the amplifier. CAUTION - you must use the supplied cable to
avoid potential safety hazards. Also, for added protection, the amplifier may be plugged into a surge protector, rather
than directly into the 120v outlet. Use of a non-grounded power cable or defeating the supplied grounded
(3 prong) cable will void the warranty and may cause electrocution.
avoid potential safety hazards. Also, for added protection, the amplifier may be plugged into a surge protector, rather
than directly into the 120v outlet. Use of a non-grounded power cable or defeating the supplied grounded
(3 prong) cable will void the warranty and may cause electrocution.
PLEASE allow two inches (5 cm.) of clearance around the amplifier on all sides for proper ventilation.