The Kicker Hideaway HS8 is a compact subwoofer system designed for car audio enhancement. It aims to provide deep bass response in a small form factor, suitable for various vehicle locations. This article details installation procedures and troubleshooting steps based on official documentation, focusing on securing the enclosure, addressing power issues, and optimizing bass performance. The system is designed for compatibility with both factory-installed and aftermarket head units.
Installation Procedures
Proper installation is crucial for maximizing the performance of the Kicker Hideaway HS8. The documentation emphasizes secure mounting and appropriate wiring practices.
Initial installation steps involve determining a suitable mounting location. Test fitting the enclosure in potential locations, such as under a front seat or behind the seat of a regular cab pickup, is recommended. It is important to verify that the chosen location does not interfere with seat travel. The enclosure can be secured using the included mounting tabs or tie-down straps. Secure mounting is stated to maximize sub-bass response.
Before making any electrical connections, the negative terminal of the vehicle’s battery should be disconnected. Wiring should be routed safely, avoiding any areas where it could be pinched or cut. The red power wire must be connected to the positive post of the vehicle battery, and a fuse holder should be installed as close to the battery as possible. However, the fuse should not be inserted at this stage.
Connecting to a factory-installed or aftermarket head unit requires attention to signal input. The Hideaway subwoofers are designed to accept either speaker-level or line-level inputs. When using speaker-level inputs with an aftermarket head unit, the same procedure applies as connecting to a factory-installed unit.
Addressing Installation Difficulties
The documentation acknowledges potential difficulties in securing the enclosure to the vehicle. If challenges arise during installation, several steps can be taken. First, the areas where the mounting straps will be placed should be checked to ensure they will not interfere with any mechanical parts or wiring. The documentation recommends mounting the enclosure in the climate-controlled passenger compartment whenever possible.
If the amplifier does not appear to be functioning after installation, a systematic check of several components is advised. This includes inspecting for blown fuses, verifying proper wiring connections, and confirming correct crossover and gain control settings. A Volt Ohm Meter can be used to check the power terminal, remote turn-on terminal, and ground connections.
Specific troubleshooting steps are provided for scenarios where the subwoofer does not turn on automatically using either the DC Offset or +12V turn-on mode. These steps involve verifying fuse integrity, checking wiring connections, and ensuring correct settings for crossover and gain controls. The dual-stage PWR/PRT LED on the side panel should be checked to confirm a blue indication of proper power state. If the LED is off, a Volt Ohm Meter should be used to test the +12V power terminal, remote turn-on terminal, power and ground connections, and fuses. In DC Offset mode, the presence of a DC offset between a speaker lead and ground should be verified.
Troubleshooting Power and Output Issues
Several troubleshooting steps are outlined for addressing issues related to power and audio output. If the PWR/PRT LED is red, the documentation indicates a potential issue with the vehicle’s charging or electrical system, including low battery voltage.
If there is no audio output with a blue PWR/PRT LED, the audio input connections and the signal in the audio cable should be checked. Conversely, if there is no output with a red PWR/PRT LED, the vehicle’s charging and electrical system should be inspected for voltage problems.
Addressing ground noise is also covered. Proper grounding of the head unit is essential, and RCA cable connections should be checked. Additional grounding may be necessary in some cases.
Optimizing Bass Response
The Kicker Hideaway HS8 includes a phase switch designed to optimize bass response. If the initial phase switch setting does not provide the desired results, the documentation recommends toggling the switch to invert the phase of the signal. Experimentation with different switch positions is encouraged to find the setting that delivers the best bass response. It is also important to ensure that the speakers in the system are not out of phase with the subwoofer.
If increasing the bass boost control leads to clipping, despite readjusting the input gain control, the input gain control should be readjusted to prevent overloading the amplifier. The recommended procedure is to set the source unit to approximately three-quarters volume and slowly increase the gain on the powered enclosure until audible distortion is heard, then slightly reduce the gain.
Amplifier Clipping and Gain Adjustment
The documentation provides specific guidance on adjusting the input gain control to prevent amplifier clipping. Clipping occurs when the amplifier is overloaded, resulting in distorted audio. To avoid this, the source unit volume should be set to approximately three-quarters, and the gain control on the powered enclosure should be slowly increased until audible distortion is detected. The gain should then be slightly reduced to operate within the amplifier’s optimal range.
System Specifications and Features
The Kicker Hideaway HS8 is described as a subwoofer designed for car audio systems. Its compact size allows for flexible installation options without occupying significant space within the vehicle. The system is engineered to deliver deep and powerful bass, enhancing the overall audio experience. The subwoofer is constructed with high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability. It also features adjustable controls for customizing the sound output and a remote control for convenient adjustment of settings. The system is designed to operate efficiently, minimizing power consumption.
General Operation and Considerations
The Kicker Hideaway HS8 is designed for efficient operation and minimal power consumption. The compact design does not compromise its ability to produce deep and powerful bass. The system offers a reliable and convenient solution for car audio enthusiasts seeking to improve their audio systems.
Conclusion
The Kicker Hideaway HS8 offers a compact and powerful bass solution for vehicle audio systems. Successful installation relies on secure mounting, proper wiring, and careful attention to potential issues with power and grounding. Troubleshooting steps are provided for addressing common problems, including power-related issues, output deficiencies, and suboptimal bass response. By following the guidance outlined in the documentation, users can maximize the performance and enjoyment of their Kicker Hideaway HS8 subwoofer.