RW10CA: How To Set Up

Introduction

The Rockville RW10CA 10-inch active subwoofer is designed for compact and powerful bass performance. Its built-in amplifier allows for a simple installation, making it an ideal choice for vehicles where space is limited. This guide will walk you through setting up and connecting your RW10CA subwoofer step by step.

What’s Included

• Rockville RW10CA 10-inch Subwoofer
• Bass Remote Knob
• Remote Cable
• High-Level Input Wire Harness
• Mounting Hardware (for optional mounting)

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Choosing the Right Placement

• The compact design allows it to fit under the driver’s or passenger’s seat.
• If preferred, it can be mounted elsewhere in the vehicle using the included hardware.

2. Wiring the Power Terminals

To power the subwoofer, connect the following:

• Power Terminal (+12V): Connect this to the positive terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
• Remote Terminal: Connect this to your vehicle’s ignition or accessory switch so the subwoofer turns on with the car.
• Ground Terminal (GND): Securely connect this to a metal chassis ground point.

3. Understanding the Indicator Lights

• Power Light (Green): Indicates the subwoofer is receiving power and functioning correctly.
• Protect Light (Red): Lights up if there’s an issue, such as overheating or incorrect wiring.

4. Enabling Auto Turn-On

• Auto Turn-On Button: When enabled, the subwoofer automatically powers on when it detects a signal from the battery.

5. Adjusting the Phase Switch

• Phase Switch (0°/180°): Adjusting this setting ensures the subwoofer is in sync with your car’s sound system. Toggle between 0° and 180° to determine which setting provides the best sound.

6. Setting the Low Pass Filter

• Low Pass Filter (LPF): Controls the highest frequency that the subwoofer will play.
  • Example: Setting it to 100Hz means the sub will only produce frequencies 100Hz and below.

7. Boosting the Bass

• Bass Boost: Enhances frequencies around 45Hz for deeper low-end impact.
• Adjustable up to 18dB to fine-tune bass response.

8. Adjusting the Gain

• Gain Knob: Controls the overall volume level of the subwoofer.
• Adjust according to your head unit’s output level for a balanced and distortion-free sound.

9. Connecting the Bass Remote Knob (Optional)

For convenient bass level control from the front seat:

1. Plug one end of the remote wire into the remote input on the subwoofer.
2. Plug the other end into the bass remote knob.
3. Mount the knob in a reachable location.

10. Connecting Your Head Unit

You can connect your head unit (stereo) in two ways:

Option 1: RCA Low-Level Input (Preferred)

• If your head unit has RCA outputs, connect them to the RCA low input on the subwoofer.

Option 2: High-Level Input (For Factory Head Units)

• If your head unit does not have RCA outputs:
  1. Plug the included high-level wire harness into the high-level input on the subwoofer.
  2. Connect the harness wires to your head unit’s speaker output wires.

11. Checking the Fuse

• The replaceable fuse is located on the side of the subwoofer.
• If the subwoofer is not powering on, check the fuse and replace it if necessary.

Final Setup & Placement

• Double-check all connections for proper installation.
• Place the subwoofer under the seat or mount it using the included hardware.
• Test the system by turning on your car and playing music.
• Fine-tune settings (gain, bass boost, phase, and LPF) to get the best sound quality.

Conclusion

The Rockville RW10CA offers powerful bass in a compact size, making it an excellent choice for vehicles with limited space. This setup guide ensures that your subwoofer is properly installed and optimized for the best performance.