USS8: How To Set Up, Wire & Install

Introduction

The Rockville USS8 is a compact underseat powered subwoofer designed to deliver deep bass without taking up valuable space in your vehicle. This guide will walk you through the installation process, including wiring, control settings, and tuning for optimal sound performance.

What’s Included

• Rockville USS8 Underseat Powered Subwoofer
• Mounting hardware
• Extra fuse
• Wire harness for high-level input
• Bass remote knob

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Choosing the Installation Location

• The USS8 is designed to fit under any vehicle seat, including the driver’s or passenger’s seat.
• Ensure the selected location allows for proper ventilation and easy access to controls.

2. Powering the Subwoofer

• The USS8 requires a direct power connection to your vehicle’s battery.
• Use the provided terminals for power connections:
  • 12V Power Terminal → Connects to the vehicle’s battery positive terminal.
  • Remote Terminal → Connects to the vehicle's ignition, accessory wire, or head unit’s remote output.
  • Ground Terminal → Connects to a solid metal chassis ground in the vehicle.
• Once powered, the Power LED will light up.
• The Protect LED will indicate any faults in the system.

3. Connecting Audio Inputs

• RCA Line Inputs: If your head unit has RCA outputs, connect them directly to the USS8’s RCA line input.
• High-Level Inputs: If your head unit lacks RCA outputs, use the provided high-level input wire harness to connect the speaker wires from your head unit to the USS8.

4. Adjusting Subwoofer Settings

The USS8 offers multiple tuning controls to optimize bass output:

• Auto On Switch:
  • When activated, the subwoofer powers on automatically when the head unit turns on.
  • If set to off, the subwoofer must be powered manually.
• Phase Switch (0° or 180°):
  • Adjust to sync the subwoofer’s phase with the main speakers.
  • Try both settings and choose the one that provides the best bass response in your vehicle.
• Low-Pass Filter:
  • Controls the highest frequency the subwoofer will play.
  • Example: Setting it to 100Hz means the sub plays only frequencies 100Hz and below.
• Subsonic High-Pass Filter:
  • Blocks extremely low frequencies that the subwoofer cannot efficiently reproduce.
  • Example: Setting it to 30Hz allows only frequencies 30Hz and above.
• Gain Control:
  • Adjusts the subwoofer’s volume relative to the rest of the system.
• Bass Boost:
  • Provides an additional +12dB boost for extra bass impact.

5. Connecting the Bass Remote Knob

• Plug the bass remote knob into the remote input port on the USS8.
• Mount the knob within reach in the front of your vehicle.
• This allows quick bass level adjustments without accessing the subwoofer directly.

6. Tuning the Subwoofer for Best Performance

• Step 1: Raise the head unit’s volume just before distortion occurs, then lower it slightly.
• Step 2: Increase the subwoofer’s gain until the bass is strong but not distorted.
• Step 3: Fine-tune the low-pass filter and subsonic filter to blend with the main speakers.

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: The subwoofer is not turning on. What should I check?

• Verify that the 12V power, ground, and remote wires are correctly connected.
• Check the fuse and replace it if blown.
• Ensure the Auto On switch is correctly set.

Q: There is no bass output. What could be the issue?

• Confirm that the gain and low-pass filter are correctly adjusted.
• Ensure the head unit’s output settings are correctly configured.
• Check audio connections (RCA or high-level inputs).

Q: Can I use the USS8 with a factory head unit?

• Yes, use the high-level input wire harness to connect the subwoofer to speaker-level outputs.

Conclusion

The Rockville USS8 Underseat Powered Subwoofer is an excellent way to add deep bass to your vehicle without taking up excessive space. By following these installation and tuning steps, you’ll achieve a well-balanced, powerful bass response tailored to your setup.