Introduction
The Rockville BASS Blaster 12 is a powerful 800W peak (400W RMS) powered subwoofer designed to enhance your home theater, music, and gaming experiences with deep, impactful bass. Featuring a 12-inch high-grade woofer with a Y30 magnet and foam surround, it delivers clear, low-frequency audio. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your subwoofer.
Features
- Deep, Powerful Bass: 800W peak / 400W RMS power and a 12-inch high-grade woofer with Y30 magnet and foam surround deliver rich low frequencies for movies, music, and gaming.
- Customizable Sound: Adjustable crossover control and phase switch (0°/180°) let you fine-tune bass to match your system.
- Sound-Activated LED: Built-in LED lighting pulsates to music, movie effects, or games, with an on/off switch for control.
- Durable Construction: MDF enclosure with vinyl leather finish, detachable foam grill, and fire-resistant poly cotton filling reduce distortion and enhance longevity.
- Easy Integration: RCA and speaker-level inputs/outputs for flexible setup; compact design (17.2" x 16" x 16.4"); compatible with 110-240V power.
Package Contents
- Rockville BASS Blaster 12 Powered Subwoofer
- Standard IEC Power Cable
- Product Warranty Card
Product Overview
Front View
Rear Panel Controls and Connections
- Power Switch: Turns the subwoofer on or off.
- Volume Control: Adjusts the overall output level of the subwoofer.
- Frequency Control (LPF): A low-pass filter adjustable from 50Hz to 150Hz. This allows you to set the upper frequency limit for the subwoofer, ensuring it only plays the desired low-end frequencies.
- Phase Switch (0°/180°): Adjusts the phase of the subwoofer to ensure it is in sync with other speakers in your audio system, preventing cancellation or muddy bass.
- Auto On/Off Switch: When set to 'Auto', the subwoofer will go into standby mode when no audio signal is detected and power on automatically when a signal is present. When set to 'On', the subwoofer remains powered on.
- RCA Line In/Out: RCA inputs for connecting to a receiver, studio interface, or gaming console. RCA outputs allow you to pass the audio signal to other components in your setup.
- High Level Input/Output: Speaker-level inputs for connecting directly from speaker wire, useful if your receiver lacks RCA outputs. High-level outputs allow you to daisy-chain to other passive speakers.
- LED On/Off Switch: Controls the sound-activated LED lighting feature on the front of the subwoofer.
Setup and Installation
Before connecting, ensure all audio equipment is powered off. Refer to the following video for a detailed setup guide:
RCA Line Level Connection
- Connect an RCA cable from the subwoofer output (often labeled 'Sub Out' or 'LFE Out') of your receiver or audio source to the RCA Line In (L/R) on the BASS Blaster 12.
- If your source has separate Left and Right RCA outputs for the subwoofer, connect both. If it has a single LFE output, connect it to the 'L' input on the subwoofer.
- If you wish to pass the signal to another device, connect RCA cables from the Line Out (L/R) on the subwoofer to the inputs of the next device.
Speaker Level Connection
- Connect speaker wires from the speaker outputs of your amplifier/receiver to the High Level Input (L+/L-, R+/R-) terminals on the BASS Blaster 12. Ensure correct polarity (+ to + and - to -).
- Connect your main passive speakers from the High Level Output (L+/L-, R+/R-) terminals on the BASS Blaster 12. This allows the subwoofer to receive the full range signal and then pass the filtered signal to your main speakers.
Operating Instructions
Once connected, you can power on your BASS Blaster 12 and adjust its settings for optimal performance.
Powering On/Off
- Flip the Power Switch to the 'On' position. The power indicator LED will illuminate.
- Alternatively, set the Auto On/Off Switch to 'Auto'. The subwoofer will enter standby mode when no signal is present and automatically power on when an audio signal is detected.
Adjusting Sound Settings
- Volume: Rotate the Volume Control knob to increase or decrease the subwoofer's output level. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it to match your main speakers.
- Frequency (LPF): Adjust the Frequency Control knob to set the upper limit of frequencies the subwoofer will reproduce. This should be set to blend seamlessly with your main speakers. A common starting point is around 80-100Hz.
- Phase: Use the Phase Switch (0°/180°) to ensure the subwoofer's output is in phase with your main speakers. Experiment with both settings to find the one that produces the most impactful and coherent bass.
LED Lighting
The BASS Blaster 12 features sound-activated LED lighting. Use the LED On/Off Switch on the rear panel to enable or disable this feature.
For a comprehensive overview of the subwoofer's features and operation, please watch this video:
Placement Considerations
The placement of your subwoofer can significantly impact its performance. Consider the following:
- Corner Placement: Placing the subwoofer in a corner can maximize its output and impact, but may sometimes lead to boomy or exaggerated bass.
- Near Main Speakers: Placing the subwoofer close to your main speakers can help create a more seamless blend between the subwoofer and the main speakers, improving overall sound coherence.
- Experimentation: The ideal placement often depends on your room's acoustics. Experiment with different locations to find the best balance of bass response and integration with your system.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Speaker Maximum Output Power | 800 Watts (Peak) / 400 Watts (RMS) |
| Woofer Diameter | 12 Inches |
| Impedance | 4 Ohms |
| Frequency Response | Adjustable via LPF (50Hz - 150Hz) |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 85 dB |
| Input Voltage | 110-240 Volts |
| Product Dimensions (D x W x H) | 15.9" x 16.7" x 20.9" |
| Item Weight | 44.7 Pounds |
| Material | Wood (MDF enclosure) |
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your Rockville BASS Blaster 12, refer to the following common solutions:
- No Sound:
- Ensure the subwoofer is powered on and the power LED is illuminated.
- Check all audio connections (RCA or speaker level) are secure and correctly connected.
- Verify the volume control on the subwoofer is not set to minimum.
- If using 'Auto On/Off', ensure an audio signal is being sent to the subwoofer.
- Distorted Sound:
- Reduce the volume level on the subwoofer and/or your audio source.
- Adjust the Frequency (LPF) control to ensure the subwoofer is not attempting to reproduce frequencies too high for its design.
- Check for loose connections or damaged cables.
- Overheating:
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the subwoofer. Do not block any vents.
- Reduce prolonged high-volume usage.
Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your BASS Blaster 12 subwoofer, follow these maintenance guidelines:
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the subwoofer. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
- Ventilation: Ensure that the subwoofer's vents are not obstructed to allow for proper airflow and prevent overheating.
- Storage: If storing the subwoofer for an extended period, keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical assistance, please refer to your product warranty card included in the package. You can also visit the official Rockville support website or contact customer service:
- Online Support: rockvillesupport.com/bass-blaster-12
- Customer Service: 1-646-758-0144 (Open 24/7)
- Email Support: sales@rockvilleaudio.com
