Pyle PLBX8A User Manual

Introduction

The Pyle PLBX8A is a low-profile amplified subwoofer designed to easily fit under the seat of your car, offering a quick and simple way to enhance your car's audio system with a high-powered subwoofer. It features an integrated amplifier with low-pass crossovers and adjustable input sensitivity from 0.12V to 3.5V. Universal compatibility is ensured with both high-level (speaker) and low-level (RCA) inputs. A variable bass boost control and a remote level control module provide further flexibility in tuning the subwoofer's output.

Mounting the Subwoofer

1. Find a suitable location in the vehicle for mounting the amplifier. A typical location is shown below, often under a vehicle seat.

Diagram shows a vehicle seat with a subwoofer unit positioned beneath it.

2. Ensure sufficient air circulation around the intended mounting location. 3. Mark the positions for mounting screws by placing the unit. Remove the unit, clean the area thoroughly with a vacuum cleaner, and then securely press the subwoofer into place.

Control Panel and Features

Diagram of the Pyle PLBX8A control panel, showing numbered ports and controls.

Control Panel Layout

• 1. POWER ON LED INDICATOR: Indicates when the unit is powered on.
• 2. PROTECT LED INDICATOR: Illuminates when the unit is in protection mode (e.g., due to short circuit or overheating).
• 3. PHASE SHIFT: A switch (0° or 180°) to help compensate for time alignment issues, particularly when the subwoofer is at a different distance from the listener than other speakers.
• 4. AUTO POWER ON: Enables automatic power-on when using high-level inputs (no remote cable needed). For RCA inputs, this mode requires a remote cable connection to turn the unit on.
• 5. LOW PASS FILTER: Allows setting the frequency range for the subwoofer. The subwoofer will reproduce sounds below the set frequency. Adjust based on the performance of your main system's mid-range frequencies.
• 6. BASS BOOST: Increases the sound level of bass frequencies.
• 7. INPUT GAIN CONTROL: Adjusts the input sensitivity. Start with minimum, turn on the head unit, then slowly increase gain until slight distortion is heard, then reduce until distortion is gone.
• 8. REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL PORT: Connects the included remote control to adjust subwoofer volume independently.
• 9. HIGH LEVEL (speaker level) INPUTS: For use when the head unit lacks RCA outputs. Connect speaker outputs from the receiver, observing polarity.
• 10. LOW LEVEL RCA INPUTS: Recommended for audio signal input when the head unit has RCA outputs or a sound processor is used.
• 11. FUSE: Contains a 25A fuse. Do not replace with a different value or use wire/coin.
• 12. POWER TERMINALS: For connecting power, ground, and remote turn-on wires.

Wiring and Connections

Low Level Input Wiring

Low-level (RCA) input wiring is preferred for optimal audio performance. For trunk or hatchback installations, a 15-20 foot RCA cable is typically required, while pickup trucks and 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 the amplifier simultaneously.

Diagram shows RCA cables connecting from the 'Audio outputs of head unit or signal processor' to the 'LOW LEVEL L' and 'LOW LEVEL R' inputs on the subwoofer.

High Level Input Wiring

High-level inputs should be used only when your receiver lacks RCA outputs. Connect the speaker outputs from the receiver to the high-level input connector of the amplifier, ensuring correct polarity to avoid audio phase issues. Note: Do not connect BOTH the high-level and low-level inputs from your receiver to the amplifier simultaneously.

Diagram shows speaker wires (White L+, Grey R+, Black L-, Black R-) connecting from the 'To Speaker Terminals of head unit' to the 'HIGH LEVEL' inputs on the subwoofer.

Power Connections

Connect the ground terminal to the closest point on the vehicle's chassis using a wire less than 39" (100 cm) in length, preferably 8 gauge or heavier. For AUTO POWER ON (when not using high-level inputs), connect the remote terminal to the head unit's remote output using 16 gauge or heavier wire. Install an empty fuse holder within 18" (45 cm) of the car battery, running an 8 gauge or heavier cable from the battery to the fuse holder, and then to the 'BATT+' connection on the subwoofer. A chassis ground point is also indicated.

Diagram shows connections for Ground (to Chassis ground point), Remote Turn-On (TO REMOTE TURN-ON terminal of head unit), and Battery (BATTERY, connected via FUSE to +12V terminal).

Remote Level Control Connection

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

Diagram shows the 'REMOTE CONTROL' port on the subwoofer and indicates the connection of the 'Remote Level Control' module.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter operational or performance issues, compare your installation with the wiring diagrams. If problems persist, consult the following troubleshooting tips:

Product Information

Features

• 8" Slim Woofer
• Low-Level RCA Input
• High-Level Speaker Line Input
• Blue LED Power Status Indicator
• Red LED Protection Status Indicator
• Remote Bass Boost Level Control
• Delay Remote Turn-On Thermal
• Short and Overload Protection Circuits

What's in the Box

• Amplified Subwoofer
• Remote Subwoofer Level Control
• Remote Subwoofer Control Cable
• Hi-level Input Wire
• Mounting Hardware

Technical Specs

Important Safety Information

⚠️ This product can expose you to a chemical or group of chemicals, which may include "Di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)" which is known in the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. For more information, go to https://www.p65warnings.ca.gov/.