Cerwin Vega VCU84 4-Channel Class D Car Amplifier

The Cerwin Vega VCU84 is a compact four-channel full-range Class D amplifier for upgrading factory or aftermarket vehicle audio systems. It supplies dedicated amplification for front and rear speakers while using a chassis designed for installations where available space is limited. Its selectable input and turn-on options support a variety of source-unit configurations.

Rated for 80 watts RMS per channel at 4 ohms or 150 watts RMS per channel at 2 ohms, the VCU84 is intended for speaker systems that need more output than a head unit can provide. It can also be bridged to operate as two 300-watt RMS channels at 4 ohms. This makes it suitable for a conventional four-speaker setup or a two-channel bridged configuration when system design calls for it.

The amplifier uses a full-range Class D topology with a full PWM power supply and an enhanced Power IR digital chipset. Its specified 10 Hz to 35 kHz bandwidth, adjustable high-pass and low-pass filters, and 12 dB-per-octave crossover slopes provide useful control when matching speakers to the system. The crossover can be set from 40 to 400 Hz for either high-pass or low-pass operation.

For integration flexibility, the VCU84 accepts both high-level and low-level input signals and offers a selectable 2-channel or 4-channel input configuration. Its Remote Turn-On Configurator supports conventional REM triggering, DC offset sensing, or VOX signal sensing. These options can simplify installation with many factory radios as well as aftermarket head units.

Cerwin Vega builds the VCU84 around a four-layer PCB with SMD construction and a water-resistant conformal coating. A DirectFET power MOSFET output stage, boosted RFI rejection, and protective operating design support dependable use in a vehicle environment. At 8.8 inches long, it can be placed in compact amplifier locations while still providing four amplified channels.

Key Features

• Four-Channel Class D Design: Powers front and rear speakers from one compact amplifier.
• 600-Watt RMS Rating: Delivers 150 watts RMS to each channel at 2 ohms.
• Bridgeable Output: Provides 300 watts RMS x 2 at 4 ohms.
• Adjustable Crossovers: High-pass and low-pass filters adjust from 40 to 400 Hz.
• Flexible Signal Integration: Supports high-level and low-level inputs with 2CH/4CH selection.
• Selectable Turn-On Modes: REM, DC offset, and VOX activation options aid installation.

Design & Installation

The VCU84 uses a compact matching-heatsink platform with a full-range Class D IR chipset, DirectFET power MOSFET output stage, and SMD circuitry on a four-layer PCB. Its conformal-coated circuit board is specified as water resistant, adding protection against moisture and environmental exposure. Status LEDs indicate normal operation or a protection fault.

Mount the amplifier on a solid surface with ventilation around the chassis and keep its controls accessible for setup. Use a negative-ground 12-volt electrical system, at least 8-gauge power and ground wiring, and a properly placed battery-side fuse. The amplifier supports loads down to 2 ohms per channel in stereo operation or 4 ohms per bridged channel pair; do not chassis-ground speaker leads.