Rockville RW8CA & RW10CA User's Manual

8-Inch & 10-Inch Low Profile Powered Subwoofers

Panel Controls and Features

The rear panel of the subwoofer features several controls and connection points:

POWER STATUS LED: A bi-color LED that glows green when power is on and no problems are present. It turns red if a protection circuit is activated.
PHASE SHIFT: A switch to help compensate for time alignment issues in the audio system, often caused by different speaker distances from the listener.
AUTO POWER ON: For high-level (speaker-level) connections. When set to "ON", the subwoofer automatically powers on with signal input and turns off when no signal is detected. Set to "OFF" to use a remote turn-on connection.
LOW PASS FILTER: Sets the frequency range the subwoofer amplifier receives. The subwoofer reproduces sound BELOW the set frequency. Adjust higher if the system's midrange is weak, or lower if the midrange is well-covered.
BASS BOOST: Increases the sound level in the bass frequencies.
INPUT GAIN CONTROL: Adjusts the input signal level. Start at minimum, turn the head unit to 2/3 volume, then slowly increase gain until slight distortion is heard, then reduce slightly until distortion is gone.
REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL PORT: Connects the included remote level control for independent subwoofer volume adjustment.
HIGH LEVEL (speaker level) INPUTS: Use these if your head unit lacks RCA outputs. Connect speaker outputs from the receiver to these inputs using the supplied cable and harness, observing polarity.
LOW LEVEL RCA INPUTS: The recommended input method if RCA outputs are available on your head unit or signal processor.
FUSE: RW8CA uses a 15 Amp fuse; RW10CA uses a 25 Amp fuse. Always replace with the specified amperage.
POWER TERMINALS: Connections for power, ground, and remote turn-on.

Input Wiring

Low Level Input Wiring

Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for optimal audio performance. Trunk or hatchback installations may require a 15-20 foot RCA cable, while under-seat installations may need a 6-12 foot cable. Always use a high-quality cable.

Note: Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your receiver to your amplifier simultaneously.

High Level Input Wiring

High-level inputs should only be used when the receiver lacks RCA outputs. Connect speaker outputs from the receiver to the high-level input connector of the amplifier, ensuring correct polarity to avoid phase issues.

Note: Do not connect BOTH the high level and low level inputs from your receiver to your amplifier simultaneously.

Wiring Diagram Description: The diagram shows RCA cables connecting from the head unit/signal processor to the Low Level RCA Inputs (labeled 9). For High Level Input Wiring, speaker wires (e.g., White L+, White/Black L-, Grey R+, Grey/Black R-) from the head unit's speaker terminals are connected to the High Level Inputs (labeled 8).

Power Connections

Proper power connections are crucial for operation.

Ground Connection

Connect the ground terminal to the closest point on the vehicle's chassis. Use 10-gauge (or heavier) wire, keeping the wire length under 39 inches (100 cm).

Remote Turn-On Connection

Connect the remote terminal to the head unit's remote output using 16-gauge (or heavier) wire.

Battery Connection (+12V)

Install an empty fuse holder within 18 inches (45 cm) of the car battery. Run a 10-gauge (or heavier) cable from this fuse holder to the amplifier location and connect it to the "BATT+" (+12V) terminal on the subwoofer's rear panel.

AUTO TURN ON Switch Function

When using high-level inputs, the AUTO TURN ON switch should be in the "ON" position for automatic power-on with signal input. If the subwoofer detects no speaker-level input, it will turn OFF. To use a remote turn-on connection, set the switch to the "OFF" position.

Note: When using the remote turn-on connection, the AUTO TURN ON switch is set to the OFF position.

Remote Level Control Connection

The included remote level control allows for independent adjustment of the subwoofer's volume. Install the remote control securely under the dash or in a similar location where it will not distract the driver.

Specifications

MODEL:	RW8CA	RW10CA
Max power	600W	800W
THD	<0.4%	<0.4%
Signal-to-noise ratio	>95dB	>95dB
Frequency response	20Hz - 150Hz	20Hz - 150Hz
Input sensitivity, high level	0.61V	0.61V
Input sensitivity, low level	200mV	200mV
Low Pass Filter	50Hz - 150Hz	50Hz - 150Hz
Bass Boost	0 to + 18dB	0 to + 18dB
Fuse rating	15A	25A
Subwoofer	8inch	10inch
Dimensions (L x W x H) in / mm	12.4 x 11 x 2.7 (314 x 280 x 68)	12.4 x 13.4 x 2.7 (314 x 340 x 68)

All specifications subject to change without notice.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter operation or performance problems, compare your installation with the wiring diagrams. The following tips may help resolve issues:

SYMPTOM	POSSIBLE REMEDY
Amplifier will not power up.	Check ground connection. Verify Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 5VDC. Check for battery power on the (+) terminal (at least 12V). Check all fuses; replace if necessary. Ensure the Protection LED is not illuminated. If lit, briefly shut off and repower the amplifier.
Protection LED comes on when amplifier is powered up	Check for short circuits on speaker leads. Turn down the head unit volume to prevent overdriving. Check remote speaker leads and reset the amplifier. If the Protection LED remains on, the amplifier may be faulty and require servicing.
No output.	Check that all fuses are OK. Verify the unit is properly grounded. Check that the Remote Input (Turn-On) has at least 5VDC. Ensure RCA audio cables are plugged into the correct inputs. Check all speaker wiring.
Low output.	Reset the Level Control. Check the Crossover Control settings.
High hiss in the sound.	Disconnect all RCA inputs. If hiss disappears, reconnect components one by one to find the noisy source. Set the amplifier's input level control as low as possible for the best signal-to-noise ratio. Set the head unit volume as high as possible without distortion, and the amp input level as low as possible.
Squealing noise is present.	Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects.
Distorted sound.	Set the Input Level Control to match the head unit's signal level, keeping it as low as possible. Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set. Check for short circuits on speaker leads.
Amplifier gets very hot.	Verify the minimum speaker impedance for the amp model is correct. Ensure good air circulation around the amp. Consider an external cooling fan if necessary.
Engine noise (static type)	This is usually caused by poor quality RCA cables picking up radiated noise. Use high-quality cables and route them away from power cables.
Engine noise (alternator whine)	Check that RCA grounds are not shorted to the vehicle chassis. Verify the head unit is properly grounded.

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