KEY AUTO SETUP
The KEY Activation Button is a multi-function button attached to the
included microphone that will begin the Auto Setup process, toggle
between Auto Setup optimized audio and the original audio once
the Auto Setup process has been completed, or clear previous Auto
Setup settings.
The Auto Setup consists of several tune-up steps including individual speaker equalization, KICKER EQ,
time delay and speaker sensitivity matching. If a setting is defeated with the DIP switches on the KEY
panel, the settings will be registered in memory and can be applied or cleared. Changing the DIP switch
positions does not require a new Auto Setup to be run.
Make sure active noise cancellation and active noise enhanced are disabled beforehand. You will
need to load a source for pink noise from your head unit, whether CD, MP3, AUX, Bluetooth, USB etc.
Uncompressed audio is recommended for best results, as this will ensure full amplitude across the
frequency spectrum (20Hz–20kHz). Visit www.kicker.com/tech to download the pink noise profi le best
suited for your listening habits!
1. Set the KEY amplifi er gains (AMP-1 and AMP-2) to the minimum (fully
counter-clockwise). Place all settings in the signal chain, such as the EQ on
your head unit, to disabled or fl at. Disconnect any speakers or subwoofers
not connected to the KEY amplifi er, factory or aftermarket.
2. Close the car windows, turn off the engine, turn off the HVAC. Install
the microphone to the top of the driver's side headrest. Make sure the
microphone faces up, pointing as straight as possible to the roof.
3. In most cases, the Bi-Amp switch should be OFF. Check if you need to
turn the Bi-Amp switch ON. Refer to page 6 for more information
4. Start the Pink Noise. Set the Pink Noise volume to a level above
conversational (slightly loud) using your audio source volume control (usually
head-unit).
5. Begin the Auto Setup by quick-pressing the KEY Activation Button. Once initialized, you will hear
repeating tones (beeps), which indicate that you must exit the vehicle and close the door. You will have 10
seconds until the process begins. Beeps and noises during the KEY Auto Setup process can be loud. For
your safety, please do not remain inside the vehicle!
6. Once the Auto Setup has completed, you will hear happy music for a successful setup. You may
quick-press the KEY Activation Button to toggle between the original, non-optimized audio or re-apply the
KEY optimized audio. Dial in the GAIN settings and you're done!
Upon successful completion, if you wish to clear the Auto Setup settings and revert the KEY amp to
"clean", press and hold the KEY Activation Button for 10 seconds. You will hear a single long beep. You
can then repeat the Auto Setup process if desired.
If the Auto Setup process did not complete successfully, you will hear sad music, followed by beeps
that represent an error code. Count the number of beeps, ranging from 1 to 6, and refer to the
Troubleshooting section. Once you've addressed the cause, you can quick-press the KEY Activation
Button to run the Auto Setup process again.
AUTO SETUP FAQ:
Q: How silent must the ambient noise be in order for the Auto Setup work properly?
A: As silent as possible, both inside and outside the vehicle. The HVAC should be off and the windows rolled up,
with as few obstructions in the vehicle as possible. Lower frequency noises interfere more than higher frequency
noises. In case the ambient noise is too much, the Auto Setup program will quit with sad music and error code
#6.
8
KEY Activation Button
run mic wire
mic facing up
headrest