Rockford Fosgate M2-8B LED Lighted Marine Speakers Instruction Guide

Rockford Fosgate M2-8B LED Lighted Marine Speakers

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of the world’s finest brand of audio products. At Rockford Fosgate we are fanatics about musical reproduction at its best, and we are pleased you chose our product. Through years of engineering expertise, hand craftsmanship and critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products that reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.
For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Rock-ford Fosgate product installed by an Authorized Rockford Fosgate Dealer. Please read your warranty and retain your receipt and original carton for possible future use.
Great product and competent installations are only a piece of the puzzle when it comes to your system. Make sure that your installer is using 100% authentic installation accessories from Rockford Fosgate in your installation. Rockford Fosgate has everything from RCA cables and speaker wire to power wire and battery connectors. Insist on it! After all, your new system deserves nothing but the best.
To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image, order your Rockford accessories, which include everything from T-shirts to hats.
Visit our web site for the latest information on all Rockford products; www.rockfordfosgate.com or, in the U.S. call 1-800-669-9899 or FAX 1-800-398-3985. For all other countries, call +001-480-967-3565 or FAX +001-480-966-3983
If, after reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this product, we recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer. If you need further assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-669-9899. Be sure to have your serial number, model number and date of purchase available when you call.

SAFETY

This symbol with “WARNING” is intended to alert the user to the presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the instructions could result in severe injury or death.

PRACTICE SAFE SOUND

Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 100dB may cause permanent hearing loss. High powered auto sound systems may produce sound pressure levels well over 130dB. Use common sense and practice safe sound.

CAUTION

This symbol with “CAUTION” is intended to alert the user to the presence of important instructions. Failure to heed the instructions could result in injury or unit damage.

• To prevent injury and damage to the unit, please read and follow the instructions in this manual.
• If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed by a qualified Rockford Fosgate technician.
• Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.

SPECIFICATIONS

Rockford Fosgate determines its rated frequency response range at -6 dB below its nominal sensitivity at upper and lower extents of a speaker’s output.

DIAGRAMS

Sport Grill

Stainless Steel Grill

Sport Grill

Stainless Steel Grill

Flush Mount

Optional Horn Loading Mounting Flange

Crossover

WIRING

COLOR OPTIX™ Wiring Precautions

• Do not connect to 24 Volt electrical systems
• We recommend only using the COLOR OPTIX™ wiring chart or connecting to the PMX-RGB. Connecting any other way could cause damage to the speakers or the device you have connected to.
• We recommend installing a fuse (not included) on the Yellow 12 Volt wire whenever you are NOT using the PMX-RGB. See COLOR OPTIX™ wiring chart for wiring options.
• Rockford recommends a minimum of 20 gauge wire when hard wiring your COLOR OPTIX™ speakers.
• Never wire the COLOR OPTIX™ lights directly to 12 volts. Utilize either the PMX-RGB or a toggle switch (not included) connected to a fused 12 volt power supply. Refer to the specifications to determine the size of fuse (not included) needed If not using the PMX-RGB, follow the diagrams below for proper pin out and hardwiring instructions.

COLOR OPTIX™ Pin Out (wire side)

1. RED (Ground Input)
2. Yellow (12V + Input)
3. Blue (Ground Input)
4. Green (Ground Input)

Included with speakers

Connector is DEUTSCH™/Amphenol style DT06-4S

COLOR OPTIX™ Connector

SPEAKER WIRING

There are (2) different options for wiring your speakers.  Use the included spade connectors (included) as seen in illustration 3.1  You can also utilize the DEUTSCH™/Ampaenol connector (not included) input next to the COLOR OPTIX™ connector.

Speaker Pin Out (wire side)

1. RED – Positive Speaker Input
2. BLACK – Negative Speaker Input

NOT included with speakers

Contents

• (1) Pair Marine Grade Speakers
• (1) Pair Removable Marine Grade Sport Grills
• (1) Pair of Stainless Steel Grill Inserts
• (13) Socket head stainless screws
• (2) Socket head driver bit
• (2) RGB Harness
• (1) Pair of M2-TS Tweeters (M2-TS ONLY)
• (1) Pair External 18dB/Oct Crossover(M2-TS ONLY)
• (1) Pair Flush Mount Clamps(M2-TS ONLY)
• (1) Pair Horn Loading Mounting Flange w/ O-rings(M2-TS ONLY)

Installation Considerations

Before beginning any installation, follow these simple rules:

1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install these speakers.
2. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to mounting your speakers in place.
3. Use high quality connectors for a reliable installation and to minimize signal or power loss.
4. Think before you drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks, fuel lines, brake or hydraulic lines, vacuum lines or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle. If installation in a boat, take care not to cut or drill through the main hull.
5. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires inside the vehicle or hull area provides the best protection.
6. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal, especially the firewall.

Mounting

1. Determine where the speakers will be mounted. Ensure an area large enough for the speaker to mount evenly. Be sure that the mounting location is deep enough for the speaker to fit; if mounting in a door, operate all functions (windows, locks, etc.) through their entire operating range to ensure there is no obstruction.
2. Refer to the specification chart to determine the proper diameter hole to cut for your speaker model. Cutting and mounting templates can be found at www.rockfordfosgate. com.
3. Mark the locations for the mounting screws. Drill the holes with a 1/8” bit.
4. Feed the speaker wires through the cutout and connect to the speaker terminals. Be sure to observe proper polarity when connecting the wires. The speaker’s positive terminal is indicated with a “+”.
5. Fit the trim ring over the speaker and mount into place using the four (4) screws that are provided.
6. Tighten the screws until the speaker is snug in place to prevent rattling. Do not over tighten the screws.

Mounting Flush Mount Option

1. Determine where the tweeter will be mounted. Ensure an area large enough for the tweeter to mount evenly. Be sure that the mounting location is deep enough for the tweeter to fit; if mounting in a door, operate all functions (windows, locks, etc.) through their entire operating range to ensure there is no obstruction.
2. Mark the location for the mounting hole. Drill the hole with a standard 1.75 inch (45mm) hole saw.
3. With a single center screw secure the inner cup from the front of the door panel to the outer cup from back of the door panel. Tighten the screw until balanced pressure is applied to both faces of the mounting surface.
4. Feed the speaker wires through the cutout. Be sure to observe proper polarity when connecting the wires. The speaker’s lead wires are indicated with a WHITE wire “+” and a BLACK wire “-”.
5. Simply snap the tweeter into place and secure with a snap-on trim ring. Removal is easy if needed. The protective grille on the tweeter is non-removable and an integral part of the design.

Optional Horn Loading Mounting

1. Determine where the tweeter will be mounted. Ensure an area large enough for the speaker to mount evenly. Be sure that the mounting location is deep enough for the speaker to fit; if mounting in a door, operate all functions (windows, locks, etc.) through their entire operating range to ensure there is no obstruction.
2. Mark the location for the mounting hole.
3. Cut or use a hole saw to drill a 3-5/8” (91mm) hole for the flange to fit.
4. Once you have the hole cut, insert the flange and mark the locations for the mounting screws. Predrill your mounting screw holes.
5. Assemble the horn flange, o-ring, tweeter and retaining ring together. Pay close attention to the alignment tab on both the tweeter and flange. These need to be lined up for proper tweeter orientation in the flange.
6. Feed the speaker wires through the cutout. Be sure to observe proper polarity when connecting the wires. The speaker’s lead wires are indicated with a WHITE wire “+” and a BLACK wire “-”.
7. Secure the flange with the included stainless steel mounting hardware.

Add On M2T-S Tweeter with M2 Speaker

NOTE: Your amplifier needs to be 2Ω stable per channel  when wired in this configuration

INDIVIDUAL TWEETER

FAQs

What do coaxial marine Rockford Fosgate M2-8B speakers do?****

Two-way, or coaxial, speakers contain a separate tweeter located inside the woofer in order to handle the high frequencies and faithfully recreate the sound range of your music. Three-way, or triaxial, speakers combine a midrange driver with a separate woofer and tweeter for more depth and realism.

Do Rockford Fosgate M2-8B marine speakers require an amplifier?****

Amplification is a common feature of marine stereos, some of which are very potent. It is definitely possible to produce good sound without an external amplifier. The majority of the time, you can test your stereo without an amplifier first because you can almost always install one later.

What makes a Rockford Fosgate M2-8B maritime speaker unique?****

The speakers that are best suited for usage in water are known as marine speakers. They are frequently water-resistant in addition to being more robust. The different exposures to moisture, climate, and weather are what marine speakers are made to withstand.

Can marine speakers from Rockford Fosgate M2-8B get wet?****

Marine surroundings can withstand products that are Marine Rated or Marine Grade. Marine grade parts can be exposed to rain, wind, and the sun (although not necessarily submersion). When a little water is splashed on them, they won’t burn because they can survive high ambient temperatures.

What is the lifespan of Rockford Fosgate M2-8B maritime speakers?****

Speakers called “marine” are designed specifically for use aboard boats. They will survive the elements thanks to careful testing.

What material is used to make Rockford Fosgate M2-8B maritime speakers?****

Sea speakers are built with sturdy materials to ensure their durability in the more demanding marine environment. They are made of special plastic to endure the environment and have stainless steel parts to tolerate rapid temperature changes.

Are waterproof Rockford Fosgate M2-8B boat speakers required?****

First, they need to be durable and waterproof. Weather-resistant capabilities are required for boat speakers.

A Rockford Fosgate M2-8B two-way maritime speaker is what?****

Two-way, or coaxial, speakers have a second tweeter housed inside the woofer in order to handle the high frequencies and accurately reproduce the sound spectrum of your music. Three-way, or triaxial, speakers combine a midrange driver with a separate woofer and tweeter for more depth and realism.

What are the applications for Rockford Fosgate M2-8B maritime speakers?****

The marine audio system, which is used to play music on boats, consists of a number of speakers, amplifiers, and other gadgets.

How bass-heavy are Rockford Fosgate M2-8B marine speakers?****

The maritime speaker provides an excellent full-range sound response between 80 Hz and 20 kHz and produces respectable bass performance.

What does the Rockford Fosgate M2-8B maritime speaker mean?****

To be referred to as marine certified, a speaker must go through comprehensive maritime testing by the American Society for Testing and Materials. Here, salt fog and UV radiation are used to assess the durability of the speakers.

How many watts are Rockford Fosgate M2-8B boat speakers?****

Look for speakers with a top RMS rating of at least 50 watts RMS to match the amp. If you have a bigger boat or just like loud music, look for an amp that provides at least 75 watts RMS per channel.

How can I increase the volume of my Rockford Fosgate M2-8B boat speakers?****

The subwoofer allows the system to play deeper bass with greater detail and at higher volumes. The majority of consumers are unaware that by relieving some of the strain from your boat’s midrange speakers, you may increase both their loudness and sound quality.

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