Rockville RW68CA Owner's Manual

6 x 8" 500W Slim Under-Seat Powered Car/Truck Subwoofer

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Rockville RW68CA underseat active subwoofer. This unit is designed to provide powerful bass in your vehicle without consuming significant space. Its ultra-slim 2.8-inch enclosure allows it to fit easily under most seats. The integrated amplifier simplifies installation and wiring, making it a complete, all-in-one subwoofer solution.

The RW68CA features high-level inputs, enabling installation into vehicles with or without factory preamp outputs, making it compatible with both aftermarket and factory systems. This manual provides detailed instructions for proper use and installation.

ATTENTION: WATCH THIS VIDEO BEFORE FIRST USE!

For additional resources, including how-to videos and the complete owner's manual, you can scan the QR code or visit rockvillesupport.com/rw68ca.

If you ordered a bundle and are missing items, your order may have shipped from multiple warehouses. Remaining items will arrive soon. For concerns or inquiries, contact Rockville customer support at 1-646-758-0144, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Important Safety Instructions

[CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN]

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the unit. There are no user-serviceable parts. Refer all servicing to the Rockville service center.
Do not expose this unit to moisture.
Ensure the unit is situated in a properly ventilated area.

Features

500 Watts Peak / 100 Watts RMS Power
Heavy Duty Mounting Feet
PWM MOSFET Power Supply
Low Level RCA Input
High Level Inputs with Auto Turn-On Technology
Adjustable Input Sensitivity
Soft Delayed Remote Turn-On
Short Circuit and Thermal Protection Circuits
Overload Protection Circuit
Green Power LED / Red Protect LED
Phase Switch: 0° or 180°
Low Pass Filter: 50Hz - 180Hz
Bass Boost: 0 - 12dB @ 45Hz
Built-in Subsonic Filter @ 20Hz
THD < 0.5%
Subwoofer Level Remote Control
Fuse Rating: Single 20A

Control Panel Overview

The rear panel of the RW68CA features various controls and connection terminals:

1. Power/Protect LEDs: Two LEDs indicating amplifier status. The Power LED (Green) lights when power, ground, and remote voltages are correct. The Protect LED (Red) lights when the amplifier enters protection mode.
2. Phase Shift: A switch (0° or 180°) to help compensate for time alignment issues, improving bass response.
3. Auto Power-On: A switch for high-level (speaker level) connections. When ON, the subwoofer turns on with an audio signal and off when no signal is present. Leave OFF to use the remote turn-on function.
4. Low Pass Filter: Adjusts the crossover frequency (50Hz - 180Hz) to control which frequencies the subwoofer reproduces.
5. Bass Boost: Increases the level of bass frequencies, adjustable from 0 to +12dB at 45Hz.
6. Input Gain Control: Sets the subwoofer's input sensitivity to match the head unit's output level. Adjust to the point just before distortion, then back off slightly.
7. Remote Level Control Port: Connects the included remote control for independent subwoofer volume adjustment.
8. Low Level RCA Inputs: Recommended for audio signal input when RCA outputs are available on the head unit or sound processor.
9. High Level Inputs: Connects directly to the vehicle's speaker wires, converting high voltage signals for the amplifier. Ideal when RCA outputs are unavailable.
10. Power Input Terminal: Connects the main power, ground, and remote turn-on wires.
11. Fuse: Houses the main power fuse. Use only the specified fuse rating (20A).

Wiring

Low Level Input:

Low-level RCA input wiring is preferred for optimal audio performance. A 6-12 foot high-quality RCA cable is typically required for trunk or under-seat installations.

ATTENTION: Do not connect the high level and low level inputs to the amplifier at the same time!

Diagram Explanation (Low Level Input): Shows RCA cables connecting from the Head Unit RCA output or subwoofer output to the LOW LEVEL INPUTS (8) on the amplifier. The REMOTE terminal (7) on the amplifier is connected to the head unit's remote output (often blue wire).

High Level Input:

High-level inputs should be used when the receiver lacks RCA outputs. Splice the high-level input leads from the provided harness directly to the head unit's speaker-level outputs. Ensure correct polarity to avoid audio phase issues.

ATTENTION: Do not connect the high level and low level inputs to the amplifier at the same time!

Diagram Explanation (High Level Input): Shows the included harness being spliced into the vehicle's speaker-level outputs. The harness's high-level input leads connect to the HIGH LEVEL INPUTS (9) on the amplifier. The REMOTE terminal (7) on the amplifier is connected to the head unit's remote output.

Power Connections

Configuration A: Auto Power-On Enabled (for High Level Inputs)

Set the Auto Power-On switch (3) to the "ON" position.

Connect the black ground cable (8 gauge or heavier) from the harness to the vehicle's chassis at the closest point.
Connect the +12V cable (8 gauge or heavier) from the harness to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle's battery.

PLEASE NOTE: The Auto Power-On feature is available only when using High Level inputs.

Diagram Explanation (Auto Power-On ON): Illustrates the +12V cable connected to the battery positive terminal, the ground cable to the chassis, and the Auto-On switch set to ON.

Configuration B: Remote Turn-On Enabled (for Low Level Inputs)

Set the Auto Power-On switch (3) to the "OFF" position.

Connect the black ground cable (8 gauge or heavier) from the harness to the vehicle's chassis at the closest point.
Connect the blue remote cable (16 gauge or heavier) from the harness to the remote output of the head unit.
Connect the +12V cable (8 gauge or heavier) from the harness to the positive (+) terminal of the vehicle's battery.

PLEASE NOTE: For this configuration, use low level RCA inputs only.

Diagram Explanation (Auto Power-On OFF): Illustrates the +12V cable connected to the battery positive terminal, the ground cable to the chassis, the remote cable connected to the head unit's remote output, and the Auto-On switch set to OFF.

Bass Remote

The included RJ45 cable allows for secure installation of the bass remote control under the dash or in a convenient location that does not distract the driver.

Diagram Explanation (Bass Remote): Shows the RJ45 cable connecting the Bass Remote control to the REMOTE port on the amplifier.

Specifications

Impedance: 4 Ohm
Dimensions: 10.2" (L) x 7.7" (W) x 2.8" (H)
Frequency Response: 20Hz - 180Hz
Signal to Noise Ratio: >90dB
Sensitivity: 90dB @ 1w / 1m
Input Sensitivity, Low Level: 200mV
Input Sensitivity, High Level: 0.5V

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM	SOLUTION
Unit will not power up	Check your ground connection. Check that the Remote Input Turn-On has at least 5V DC. Check that there is battery power going to the +12V terminal. Check all fuses; replace if necessary. Make sure the protection LED is not on. If it is, shut off the amplifier briefly and then turn it back on.
Protection LED comes on when amplifier is powered up	Turn down the volume control on the head unit to prevent overdriving. Check all connections and ensure they are connected to the correct terminals. Make sure there is good airflow around the amplifier.
No Output	Check that all fuses are OK. Check that the unit is properly grounded. Check that the Remote Input Turn-On has at least 5V DC. Check that the RCA audio cables are plugged into the proper inputs. Check Gain and Crossover settings.
Low Output	Reset the level control. Check the crossover control settings.
High Hiss in the sound	Check that all connections are properly connected. It is best to set the amplifier's input level control as low as possible. The best subjective signal-to-noise ratio is achieved in this manner. Try to set the head unit's volume level as high as possible without distortion.
Squealing noise is present	Check for improperly grounded RCA interconnects.
Distorted sound	Check that the Input Gain control is set to match the signal level of the head unit. Lower the Gain level setting.
Engine noise: Static type	Route your RCA cables away from the vehicle's wiring. Route the Power cable on the side opposite to the RCA cables. Use high-quality RCA cables.
Alternator whine	Check that the RCA grounds are not shorted to the vehicle chassis. Check that the head unit is properly grounded.

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