Two Fuse Blocks, Multiple Amps and DSP? How to Wire COMPLEX Amplifier Rack!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for all the positive vibes guys! I mentioned a relay video and you guys said you wanted it, so here it is! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHavfpR-p9-Bq80

[@JoseHernandez-tc1kl]

Thanks for the info

[@josephgomez5689]

Hey i know this video has been out a while but i had a question about over heating i had wanted to do the same for my build but was told that the amps would over heat with them being mounted like this is this actually a issue or is that like a issue with older amps?

[@jimodell99]

You're killing my Visa!!! I've ordered two new tools just this evening! Love the videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@joselojaramillo3049]

OMG ,, good

[@bospurgeon1039]

U, Williston, EXO, and JacoViral make me feel ok with trying to catch up with all the new shit that’s popped up over the last 25 years. When I go to the local sound shops, it’s a blank stare followed by “it’s $95/ hr bro. Unless u want us to build it, then quit talking and hand over the card”. Shout out to Creative Car Audio in Joplin MO. U guys are the “shit”.

[@vibez_kru01]

2:52 the plastic hand!! 😂 Awesome looking install work. Love the attention to detail 👌🏾

[@randyng-a-fook1695]

This has to be the neatest and best amp rack build that I have ever seen. Mark I have seen a descent amount of tidy installs but I found them to lack the completeness of your build of the safety issues where the wire size and runs were concerned. Keep up the superbly first class work.

[@jimmyv1753]

That title pic is a thing of beauty. I use to work in a factory that built huge helical machines for transmission factories and we would have to run dozens of hydraulic and cooling lines, stainless steel tubes all bent to line up and look really uniform like the wires you’ve run.

[@ryan404]

Yes please on a relay video. Specifically when it begins to become a necessity and how to integrate it in. You do a fantastic job with this channel Mark. Your videos are the reason I felt confident enough in my new knowledge to build my own system and it's been a complete success. I can't thank you enough.

[@martinsnibbor7691]

Warning all upcoming installers this type of work cases severe OCD. During my youth I was fortunate to install and build systems like this as a living and professional. I’m now work for a C10 contractor and specialize in life safety systems for industrial and healthcare facilities all my panel wiring is meticulously arranged and all the skills I acquired in my youth I still have the pleasure of using. This has to be the best Car Audio Channel. I have trust issues on people working on my car but I would let this guy wire up my stuff.

[@northwiebesick7136]

I'd be interested in a switched power source video myself, not even for audio, but for things like footwell lights, and door lights and general ambiance lighting... Of course, I know that door lighting like puddle lights is slightly different in setup because you only want it active when the door is open, but still, would be nice to know... But I know that you are audio focused, so you probably won't deal with lights that aren't included in the audio setup, but it would be cool if you knew about that, to include some information about the other areas of lighting, particularly with LEDs

[@S_M_360]

Mark is compelling me to build something out for my Ram 2500. I wish I had this knowledge when I was in my 20s in the 90s and my Honda!

[@berniemackattack86]

Never too old to be Rollin down the block bumpin Back to the Hotel by N2Deep brah.. the world is your oyster ! 😆

[@ralphhubbard3433]

33 and still going strong on my builds don't age be a factor bro

[@scottgraham9797]

Lol… nevermind my last comment. I stopped the video, wrote my comment, and then when I hit play again, you explained exactly what I thought you should do. That’s a great accessory fuse distribution setup. I’ll do the same thing and use a relay to turn on all my equipment.

[@romanmedina7977]

I saw the small hand and I was like dang, that's a big distribution block😂😂. I love these amo rack videos, my audio work has definitely improved from watching you making my job so easy. And as a 19 year old in an audio shop, I could use all the help I can get

[@anthonymyers-35]

Such an incredible build Mark, you've certainly come a long way. It's impressive to watch how your skills have continued to improve over the years... kudos man.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

From working on the floor with a single router to this. (And that was after cutting most stuff with an old corded jig saw 😅) Happy to be learning and sharing the journey with you guys!

[@anthonymyers-35]

@@CarAudioFabrication well Mark it's nice of you to share your time and skills, even an old fabricator like me has picked up a few things 😉 I'm sure I'll run into you at mobile solutions event....until then keep putting out that fantastic work.

[@bsams3827]

Looks like someone has been watching Dean's wiring videos!lol. Great job Mark! Looking clean!

[@Fall2Caine]

Matt really has made me step up my car audio game over the last few years, even started building my own woofer boxes and mounting amps/DSPs in areas where they arent in your face..

[@andrewturner1714]

Who is Matt?

[@Fall2Caine]

@@andrewturner1714 mark, i was half paying attention when I put up this. didnt realize my phone put Matt instead.

[@caseytbss]

@@andrewturner1714 oh you know…… floormatt……. Made him step up because he tired of always getting stepped on! I’m curious what a woofer box is?!!? Kennel for hunting dogs?

[@jayellis3738]

This is absolutely beautiful Mark. ..as always! I just received my third subwoofer enclosure design from CAF. I keep coming back because he's definitely the best in the business and crushes it every time.

[@erikkarling2176]

Very impressive! I love the vision and the thoughtfulness. You're a real artist.

[@johnholden9542]

I am thoroughly impressed with the cleanness and pride of your installs!

[@TwinTurboLsx]

I may have missed it, but what is the material you’re building it all on? Some sort of polymer board?

[@B-Myls]

WoW!!! I Love Listening To Good Music In My Vehicle Loud. I Have Not Paid More Than 500$ On An Install But To See Quality Work Being Done Has My Eye's Opened Wide In Awe! Good Stuff.

[@marklinton4567]

I'm not a truck guy, but I've been enjoying the build regardless. I'm always getting ideas from your vids regardless of the vehicle.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

That's the whole point! I always get a chuckle when someone wants me to do something like a early 90s random vehicle and give explicit instructions for exactly what to do... Hard to justify when almost no one has the same vehicle. The whole point of the videos is learning the overall process and applying it 👍

[@ryanmaya8685]

Yes on the Relay video, and can you make a video on how you hook up the Power and Ground wire por fav please!

[@anicetomaldonado]

I'll save you some time. Those distribution blocks have a dual input. That's why the "fuse block" is wired to the non fused side of the distribution blocks. There is still a unused input for the wires coming from the battery and out to the ground.

[@laurantsmccloskey5927]

What a great idea on the couplers that raised the ground block above the positive feeds! Awesome looking amp rack!

[@DaveVoyles]

Gorgeous wiring. You can tell this guy absolutely --- loves --- what he does, and it is contagious.

[@Joeboost8805]

You actually could make a beauty panel over that easily...nice matching carpet,cutouts for the amps and fuses maybe 😉 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@CarAudioFabrication]

🤔 😉

[@SC457A]

I really enjoy seeing a wiring job laid out nicely, and well thought out. I have seen enough birds nests of wires.

[@DemonSeedXP]

Having been in the car audio world for many years I can say with confidence Mark has an amazing set of standards he hold himself to, that yields an absolute premium build quality. The one thing he never ever mentions though, is how long does it take to build out these crazy high quality installs? I've wired a bunch of high end systems through the years so I have a good idea how long a build can take, and I would genuinely be very interested to know what sort of turn out rate this shop has. Because I've seen good builders times go as long as a month or more and their quality standards were very high, but are still completely eclipsed by what I see in these videos, so I can't even imagen what the real world cost is to produce work like this.. So that's the biggest question I'd love to have answered. What is the time cost of having such an unwavering commitment focused on absolute quality for each build?

[@inco-gneito7543]

Never forget. Everyone has a "scrap bin" with EXACTLY what you need.

[@TheRoadhammer379]

Don't be an a**hole, he does this for a living, so yeah he has a scrap bin, dimwit. No different than a wood or metal worker having a scrap pile.

[@SkylarMelo]

Literally just found enough spare wire for a big 3 upgrade in my scrap bin 😂

[@chrisgoings1889]

I have a 2012 Chevy Silverado and installed a very similar amp rack with the addition of 3k watt inverter and auxiliary battery, got very complicated for me, quickly! I also added components and 6x9's to the inside of the roof above the rear window. It hasn't fallen yet, 2 years old. 😆 Great video, love the attention to detail.

[@yulj]

Your skill and workmanship, which were impressive to begin with, have certainly kept on improving. Such a professional clean build!

[@CanadianOffroad4x4]

Exact products I bought for my car audio. Glad i watch your videos like a hawk! Youre the best!

[@ryanpzak5426]

Sooo clean! Looks awesome Mark! That mini hand cracked me up!

[@ltitus8900]

Geese!!! Whistle whistle!! That is love right there.

[@mattf0509]

That is some impressive work. Props man!

[@jameslopp3228]

I love watching u man

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for tuning in James!

[@stevej6824]

That’s going to be super clean when it’s all done. A little trick I learned years ago to get tighter bends out of heavy gauge wire is to warm up the cable housing slightly with a heat gun. Just as long as you’re using a high strand count OFC wire it won’t be an issue.

[@JoseHernandez-tc1kl]

Cam you explain the relay process again and when will you and won’t need a relay?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

If I hear enough of you guys say you want a video I will for sure!

[@nobodysfavourite6953]

@@CarAudioFabrication and a detailed one at that!

[@seanmichael2777]

@@CarAudioFabrication yes please

[@likemegapolis]

@@CarAudioFabrication yes, yes and yes!)))

[@MrMan-ol4ic]

@@CarAudioFabrication definitely would like to see a video explaining when and when not to use relay's in a system! Great install also!!!

[@Nobe_Oddy]

I and REALLY EXCITED to see how this all turns out! You do everything SO CLEAN AND PROFESSIONAL!!! AMZING WORK BRO!!!!

[@mrupholsteryman]

The stacked amps are one solution...when it comes to saving space...but I like the way this is laid out so much better. Still gotta put something together in my car...but like to watch your vids for inspiration. I'm on a shoestring budget...and got some old school stuff I wanna put in... One day....

[@TheGreatBrownBoy]

So stoked for a new video!

[@jackdoerksen1737]

Keep the shameless plugs coming, often find useful info from them. Thanks Mark

[@Petroudias]

OK, i am close air tickets right now to work with you. I love your passion with car audio.

[@orvilleblack3774]

SUPER CLEAN INSTALLATION 👌

[@markarnold5898]

Gotta say, that’s a pretty good looking amp rack install.

[@djordan718]

What is that material called you used to mount the amps on ?

[@matthewbriggs388]

@@djordan718 PVC foam sheet. Tradename: “Foamex”.

[@Joeboost8805]

Pretty cool!!! I honestly Prefer to Hide all my wires ,and this is ALOT OF WORK for the rate these days...but heck yeah that looks Great

[@Kasper210]

I love all your attention to detail. wouldnt hate to have you fix my factor charger system😥

[@jimmyv1753]

Wow spectacular work. Really is a work of art

[@chuckblair5]

Dude that was effin sharp looking! I would bring all my stuff for you to do ! Completely seamless A++++++++++

[@kylethomas104]

Love your videos. I honestly think most people here knows more or less everything about car audio. We are more likely to see the effort and all the detail you put in like the wiring I don't want to see the first wire and then suddenly everything is complete. Other than that great work 👍🏻

[@FabianOrtiz-ls7td]

Awesome Install! What's the name of the rack black plastic panel? Thanks!

[@eblkheart]

I had to do the EXACT thing since my space was limited in my Challenger. Yours is a bit cleaner than mine but same concept. :) Great job!

[@Byrd819]

This work was done so nicely I feel like even I (who doesn’t know anything about car audio) could do this exact same amp rack. 🔥🔥🔥

[@danielhardiman4707]

Very clean and well prepped! Looks awesone!

[@ghostridergale]

Man, you don’t get a system set up anymore professional than that! That’s how all wiring systems should be wired. Including all the wiring on my surround sound theater system where no matter how hard you try not to get your wiring all tangled up it still magically finds a way to tangle up in knots practically! I certainly like to get those accessories you used for attaching the devices and wires too! But I’m sure that stuff not cheap either and that’s where I fall short on finances being disabled on a low fixed income that sucks! Regardless, I do what I can with what I got and hope for the best? Still I envy having all that cool accessories to make the job look all that more professional!

[@DarronSanderson]

Mark, happy holidays and 2023. Can you make a video on building and amp rack cooling system, please?

[@rt_life8478]

I LOVE DOING INSTALLS THIS IS SOOO ADDICTIVE LIKE WHEN I TAKE OFF MY SUBS OFF THE CAR I HAVE TO PUT THEM BACK ON ITS NOT THE SAME WITH OUT BASS

[@haydenkerr6306]

Extremely neat build

[@SeorgeGoros]

Mark you beautiful genius holy crap you have given me so many ideas

[@sshukri75]

Hi there I like watching your videos learn new things but I would love to see how you add the proper leer relay to power up Other accessories

[@andreimerisanu9995]

Another great video Mark, thank you. I noticed you didn't use any heat shrink on the power and ground wire ferrules. Do you feel it's not needed?

[@CarAudioFabrication]

It just holds the ferrule until crimped, or terminates TechFlex if using that. Not needed for every application IMO

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Dude, I need you to do this in my regular cab Silverado. Not sure where the sub will fit, maybe a low-profile 10" JL sub under the passenger seat, or I could go with smaller amps like two Alpine Type R amps (a 4 channel and a mono) and a DSP, then mount the sub next to the amp board behind the passenger seat. I want 3-way components up front, then a single sub for a nice clean SQ build.

[@garyribeira8021]

You definitely know what your doing and trying to explain, my only suggestion h is that you slow down a little bit. Thank you

[@Cetrifuga1945]

Solo e due da parte mia bell ipianto troppo bello speriamo che lo finimo presto nn vedo l ora di sentire come suona

[@vpowerelectrix998]

I love OCD in car audio... Mark You at the top of this list bro

[@scottgraham9797]

At what point would you refrain from wiring a bunch of items to your trigger, and add a relay? I would have thought 3 items might be a bit much for your DSP turn on circuit? Maybe run a relay off the turn on lead from the DM810 and have the relay supply power from your accessory fuse block? I’m planning on doing 2 amps and an epicentre off a deck turn in lead, but was planning on using a relay. What do you think?

[@cregonesi]

Awesome Mark. I noted you mentioned a possible relay video. I’m IN! Thanks my friend

[@MrD-J]

Beautiful wiring setup

[@kevinbelanger4134]

How to connect a amplifier to a factory head unit would be a good video

[@DrGeta666]

Wow that is so tidy. Well done.

[@jeffleishman1553]

you sir have mad skills your work show your proud of it as if you was installing it in your car or truck your customizes is on a level of awesome clean and i bet it rocks loud too

[@rogerhollinger1381]

HELP!!! First off... Digging you videos!! I can't find ANYTHING on 3rd Gem Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab stuff. Particularly mounting amps. Am I better off mounting them under front seats? Although I'd rather mount then behind the rear seat... there just doesn't seem to be enough room behind the rear seat to me. Do you have any pictures of a past build that you'd be willing to share? Or another video keying in on what needs to be done to the wall behind the rear seats to come out with a successful install?

[@markphilpot8734]

There ya go, there’s that aircraft wire layout. It’s easy to follow. No question as to what’s going to where. Prior planning prevents poor performance. Would rivet threaded inserts work in this material of the component board? Enjoyed seeing the wire ferrules being used on the connections reducing short circuit issues from stray wire hairs. This system should really thump and wail. Looking any video on this build. What about the surface treatment and it’s distribution? This is a real statement build. Just saying. Stay safe my mates!😊👍🏻😷

[@beekaye1496]

Very nice video and explaining the process. Really need some of that build quality for my Maxima

[@aposematica_art]

The standoffs are 🌟🌟🌟

[@richardlawrence1835]

Your work is neat and clean

[@FaceYourFear.]

Quick Question…. I just bought a Prius and wanna do a sound system nothing crazy but something good! Any idea? Or have you done any type of hybrid car?

[@stateofemergency4966]

Just add a second battery and do it

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Definitely going to want some efficient class D amps. An active two way (or 3) up front plus sub can sound great! 👍

[@FaceYourFear.]

@@CarAudioFabrication Thanks!!

[@jeremysentance6908]

Clean and beautiful build and install Mark!

[@ianclark6354]

Dude This was an amazing video with great detail on how to get your self started

[@psycheeight082]

That small hand!!! 😂 🔥

[@Nobe_Oddy]

i5t honestly freaked me out for a second and just had to see if anyone else noticed it lol

[@Craneop817]

Excellent video. What size relay should I use on a set up like this?

[@koenwilliams2597]

what material is the rack, and where did u get it from?

[@lavoring1987]

How many amps can the head unit remote wire power up before needing that relay?

[@MrMan-ol4ic]

That's a really good question. I've wondered that my self. I've only ever done 2 amps. But, yes that a question that is good to know.

[@lavoring1987]

@@MrMan-ol4ic yea man, when I seen him add it and talk about it, it really made me think. Cause I have my remote wire connected to two amps. I believe it’s a 14G wire tho. Not sure if that would help being it’s a bigger size. I haven’t had any issues where my amps randomly turn off but it would be a information to know and be aware. Hope he replies to it haha.

[@Andrewhawkes-w2g]

In my car I have 4 car amplifier’s from the head unit and been all ok

[@marquesgraham7887]

Love your work Mark, I’ve learned a lot from you. My question is are you going to run all of that without electrical upgrades?

[@carlosbenitez5434]

Excellent explanation, i learned a lot

[@petejimenez425]

Wow, great content! I am learning so much. I do have a question with the knuconcepts distribution blocks will they take an 8 Guage wire out or only 4 guauge I will be running 3 amps 2 mono sub amps (for 2 alpine halo 10" loaded enclosers) both with 4 Guage then I need to run 8 Guage to my 4 channel amp so I was wondering if these blocks can be used with my set up thanks again Mark.

[@danielhardiman4707]

Back on that remote turn on using a relay is that something i should do running an aftermarket CD player 80 prs Pioneer right now i am using a heavier 12 or 14 gauge wire for remote lead and im running 2 jl slash 1000s but adding a 4 channel as well and for some reason there wasnt a fuse on that remote circuit for the wiring harness either i did run an extra ground to the cab tho anyway I like the relay idea myself used to wire in for chicken light switches on Peterbilt trucks

[@treychildree6805]

Dude you do amazing work

[@donadams5185]

Hello, really enjoy ur video!! Has definitely helped me out a lot. What material did you use for ur amp rack and how thick? Thanks

[@jeremyschottey6713]

Looks to be 1/2 inch Starboard (HDPE)

[@mumbols]

Absolutely a work of art!

[@benjiminus04]

Beautiful build

[@Jcnell9]

Great video that set up is bad ass l was wondering where I can get the piece you put on the wire before you put it in the Distribution Block

[@arthurorieny3742]

Very interesting channel.. I'm setting up my audio installation centre and the info here is insightful

[@BobAwesomeschannel]

So clean! Amazing work as usual.

[@Pepe_Chuckles]

I see your hands shrunk at 2:51 and regained their normal size at 2:58. Nice.

[@91cblove]

Super clean install.

[@joshford6619]

Ever consider something like a 1/2" spacer between any component you would want the fans to cool for added airflow..? Seems like a trivial thing to do with obvious added cooling performance. And after so much effort into everything else.. just a thought!!

[@osielmunoz8534]

So you connect the DSP to the head unit, and then the amps to the DSP, then the speakers to the amps??

[@titaniumman_22]

This is art I can really enjoy!

[@jayborjas]

Hey great job! What did you use for the amp rack?

[@208flatbedOO]

Very clean man! You do great work! At what point in a system build would you install capacitors?

[@zalleywaalley8227]

Just a question, I have built a couple sound systems and I am also a ham radio operator. Generally when I set up a new power system including cables, second battery, main fuses, solid copper lugs and terminal ends; I usually run 2/0 welding cable for the main positive regardless of length. Is this a bad idea. I seem to be the only one that uses that big of a cable for anything automotive. My radio transmitters and the sound systems run quite well and I’ve never had any issues with hot or , even warm cables.

[@UltimatumDemon]

5:00 What is that thing you put on the end of the wire? And does it give tighter and more secure hold?

[@DevSly]

did you find out what it was called?

[@UltimatumDemon]

@@DevSly Nope