RV8.2A: How To Set Up

Introduction

The Rockville RV8.2A is a passive subwoofer enclosure paired with a monoblock amplifier, designed to provide powerful bass while being easy to install. This guide will walk you through connecting the amplifier to the subwoofer, wiring setup, and amplifier controls.

Step 1: What’s Included

• Dual 8” Passive Subwoofer Enclosure
• Monoblock Amplifier
• Bass Remote Knob (for controlling the amplifier from the front seat)
• Speaker Wire
• High-Level Input Wire Harness
• Mounting Hardware
• All necessary wiring for installation

Step 2: Connecting the Subwoofer to the Amplifier

1. Identify the speaker wire polarity:
   • Red-striped wire = Positive (+)
   • Clear wire = Negative (-)
2. Strip the wire ends using a wire stripper.
3. Connect the speaker wire to the subwoofer:
   • Insert the red-striped wire into the positive terminal.
   • Insert the clear wire into the negative terminal.
   • Use the push terminals on the back of the subwoofer to secure the connection.
4. Connect the speaker wire to the amplifier:
   • Unscrew the speaker terminals on the amplifier.
   • Insert the red-striped wire into the positive (+) terminal.
   • Insert the clear wire into the negative (-) terminal.
   • Tighten the terminals to secure the wires.

Step 3: Powering the Amplifier

1. 12V Power Terminal: Connect to the positive terminal of your vehicle’s battery.
2. Remote Terminal: Connect to either:
   • The ignition/accessory wire of your vehicle.
   • The remote output of your head unit.
3. Ground Terminal: Connect to a metal chassis ground in your vehicle.

Tip: Check the Power LED to confirm power is properly connected. If there’s an issue, the Diagnostic LED will turn on.

Step 4: Connecting the Audio Source

1. RCA Inputs & Outputs

• RCA Inputs: Connect your head unit or music source to the amplifier.
• RCA Outputs: Allows you to expand your system by connecting additional amplifiers or speakers.

2. High-Level Input (For Head Units Without RCA Outputs)

• Use the included high-level input wire harness:
  1. Plug one end into the high-level input on the amplifier.
  2. Connect the wires to the high-level speaker output wires on the back of your head unit.

Step 5: Adjusting Sound Settings

1. Gain Knob

• Adjusts the subwoofer volume level within your setup.
• Gain Setting Tip:
  1. Raise your head unit’s volume close to distortion.
  2. Slowly increase the gain knob on the amplifier until just before distortion.

2. Bass EQ Knob

• Boosts bass output up to 12dB.

3. Low-Pass Filter

• Controls the highest frequency the subwoofer will play.
• Example:
  • 100Hz setting → Only sounds 100Hz and below will be heard.

4. Subsonic Filter (High-Pass Filter)

• Blocks ultra-low frequencies that may cause distortion.
• Example:
  • 35Hz setting → Subwoofer plays everything above 35Hz.

Tip:The Low-Pass Filter and Subsonic Filter can be used together to set an exact frequency range.

5. Crossover Mode

• Low-Pass Mode: The amplifier plays only low frequencies.
• Full-Range Mode: The amplifier sends full-range frequencies to the subwoofer.

Step 6: Installing the Bass Remote Knob

1. Connect the included bass remote knob to the Bass Remote Input on the amplifier.
2. Install the knob within reach of the driver for easy volume control.
3. Allows quick subwoofer adjustments without accessing the amplifier.

Step 7: Using the Logic Turn-On Feature

The logic turn-on feature powers the amplifier automatically when it detects a signal.There are two settings:

1. DC Sense Mode: Detects high-level signal from a high-powered head unit.
2. Radio Remote Mode: Detects signal from an RCA-connected head unit.

Setting Tip:

• Use Radio Remote for head units with RCA outputs.
• Use DC Sense for high-powered head units.

Step 8: Final Setup

1. Double-check all connections for security.
2. Power on the head unit and test the bass output.
3. Fine-tune sound settings using the gain, filters, and EQ knobs.
4. Adjust the bass remote knob as needed.

Conclusion

The Rockville RV8.2A is easy to install and customize, offering deep, controlled bass for your vehicle.