Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B Multicolor LED Lighted Marine Speaker Instruction Guide
- June 3, 2024
- Rockford Fosgate
Table of Contents
Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B Multicolor LED Lighted Marine Speaker
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 Rockford 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
All measurements taken with voice coils wired in series
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.
ENCLOSURES
Carton Contents
- Element Ready™ Subwoofer with fixed Sport Grill
- COLOR OPTIX™ Harness
- 1/8” Drill Bit
- (6) Socket Head Stainless Screws
- Socket head driver bit
- Installation and Operation Manual
Recommended Enclosures
This manual outlines two specific types of enclosures that provide distinctly different performance. This section is to help you decide which type is best for your application.
Sealed Enclosures
Sealed enclosures are the simplest to build. The most important part of building a sealed enclosure is to make sure that the enclosure is airtight. Using glue and some type of sealant on all seams will ensure solid construction and prevent air leaks. The box volume will directly impact the performance of the speaker. Larger enclosures will provide flatter response and deeper bass where smaller boxes will provide a bump in the response curve and generally higher output for greater SPL.
Advantages of sealed enclosures:
- Small enclosures
- Linear (Flat) response
- No port noise
- High power handling at all frequencies
- Excellent for sound quality
- Extended low frequency output when compared to vented enclosures
Vented Enclosures
Vented enclosures vary only from the sealed enclosure in that a vent or port is added to “tune” the enclosure. The enclosures recommended are designed for great overall performance. Larger boxes tend to be easy to tune to lower frequencies while medium and small boxes are easier to tune to higher frequencies. The vented design is less linear in response than the sealed box but with noticeably more output at the tuning frequency.
Advantages of vented enclosures:
- Higher average output than sealed
- Tuning frequency can be easily adjusted by changing port length
- Deep bass response with lower power requirements
- Great for high output with limited power
Infinite Baffle Design
These designs typically called IB, are the easiest enclosure types to build. The reason is that you are not actually building an enclosure, but rather simulating one. This is done by closing off a cavity area (ie; car trunk, enclosed area of a boat hull) with a baffle board. This creates your IB sub- woofer system. Essentially, an IB design can just be considered a large sealed enclosure design. Given that an IB design does not rely on a volume of air for its suspension, the low frequency output is driven by the speakers inherent damping or Qtc.
Advantages of infinite baffle design:
- Easy to build
- Light-weight
- Deep bass response with lower power requirements
Vented vs Sealed vs Infinite Baffle
The graph shown here is a sample of how SPL and Excursion differs between the various enclosures.
Building an Enclosure
To work properly, the walls of the enclosure must be rigid and not flex when subjected to the high pressures generated by the speakers operation. For optimum performance, we recommend using 3/4 MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and internal bracing. The enclosure should be glued together and secured with nails or screws.
Calculating Volume
Calculating volume is merely a matter of measuring the dimensions in inches and using the formula: H x W x D divided by 1728 (cubic feet).
If two facing sides are of uneven length, add them together and divide by two to take the average. Using this number will give you the volume without the necessity of calculating the box in sections and adding the sections together. The thickness of the baffle material reduces the internal volume so this must be subtracted from the outside dimensions to determine the internal volume. The speaker itself also reduces the internal volume. The amount of air displaced by each model is listed on the specification sheet and should also be subtracted from the gross volume calculation.
Sealed Enclosure
NOTE: Vb is the internal volume, before any speaker and/or port
displacement is added. All external dimensions were based on the use of 3/4â€
(1.90cm) materials.
NOTE: When using enclosures other than recommended, call Technical
Support for correct application.
Optimum Sealed Enclosure Recommendation
Recommended Sealed Enclosure Volume Range
Vented Enclosures
NOTE: Vb is the internal volume, before any speaker and/or port displacement is added. All external dimensions were based on the use of 3/4” (1.90cm) materials.
NOTE: When using enclosures other than recommended, call Technical Support for correct application.
Optimum Vented (Ported) Enclosure Sizes
NOTE: The port shown can be placed on any face of the enclosure as long as the port ends are not obstructed.
NOTE: When using vented enclosures, for maximum reliability and power handling ensure, that a subsonic or infrasonic filter is used so that only usable low frequency signal is sent to the subwoofer.
Infinite Baffle
An Infinite Baffle enclosure design represents an application where the compliance of the air volume within the enclosure is greater than the compliance on the speakers suspension (Vas). An infrasonic filter is required for reliable performance.
IMPORTANT: A subsonic or “infrasonic” filter at or above the resonant
frequency (Fs) of the speaker is required.
NOTE: Infinite baffle installations will result in lower speaker power
handling when compared to fully enclosed applications such as sealed or vented
enclosures.
Wiring Configurations
By varying the wiring configuration of your speakers you can create an impedance load to match your system. Altering the wiring configurations gives a range of options for impedance loads. Series, Parallel, or Series-Parallel wiring configurations are different techniques for wiring speakers that provide different loads. Series configuration is a string method where speakers are wired end to end. Parallel configuration uses two or more speakers wired across common terminals. Series-Parallel configuration combines both techniques. Choose the wiring diagram that corresponds to the number of woofers and the impedance of your amplifier.
Subwoofer Crossovers
There are two operational types of crossovers, passive and active. Passive crossovers (coils or inductors) are placed on the speaker leads between the amplifier and speaker. An active crossover is an electronic filter that separates the audio signal fed to different amplifiers. For optimum subwoofer performance, we recommend using an active 80-100Hz low-pass crossover at 12dB/octave.
WIRING
Woofer Series Wiring Options
Woofer Parallel Wiring Options
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™/Amphenol style connector (not included)
input next to the COLOR OPTIX™ connector.
Speaker Pin Out (wire side)
- RED – Positive Speaker Input
- BLACK – Negative Speaker Input
NOT included with speakers
COLOR OPTIX™ Wiring
If not using the PMX-RGB, follow the diagrams below for proper pin out and hard wiring instructions.
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-COLOR OPTIX™. 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 specification to determine the size of fuse (not included) needed
COLOR OPTIX ™ Pin Out (wire side)
- RED (Ground Input)
- Yellow (12V + Input)
- Blue (Ground Input)
- Green (Ground Input)
Included with speakers
COLOR OPTIX™ Connector
FAQs
What characteristics of a Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B marine speaker should I be on the watch for?****
For marine applications, a speaker system that sounds excellent at high volumes is required. Consider making an investment in speakers for ships that provide the highest levels of sensitivity, durability, and power handling.
What are the M1D4-8B coaxial speakers from Rockford Fosgate used for?****
Two-way, or coaxial, speakers have a second tweeter housed inside the woofer to handle the high frequencies and accurately reproduce the sound spectrum of your music. For greater depth and realism, three-way, or triaxial, speakers combine a middle driver with a separate woofer and tweeter.
Do Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B marine speakers require an amplifier?****
Amplification is a common feature of marine stereos, some of which are quite powerful. It is unquestionably possible to produce good sound without an external amplifier. Since you can almost always test your audio afterwards, it is typically a good idea to do so before adding an amplifier.
What sets the Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B marine speaker apart from the competition?****
The best speakers to use when close to water are marine ones. Typically, they are water-resistant and stronger. Marine speakers are made to withstand a variety of exposures to moisture, the environment, and the elements.
Can marine speakers from Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B get wet?****
Items that are Marine Rated or Marine Grade can withstand marine settings. Marine-grade parts could be exposed to the elements (wind, rain, sun) (although not necessarily submersion). They won’t burn if water is splashed on them because they can resist high ambient temperatures.
What is the lifespan of Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B maritime speakers?****
Speakers designed exclusively for use on boats are called marine speakers. They are rigorously tested to make sure they can withstand the weather.
How are the M1D4-8B marine speakers by Rockford Fosgate made?****
Sea speakers are built with durable materials to ensure their durability in the more challenging marine environment. In order to survive the elements and rapid temperature changes, they are constructed from stainless steel and specific plastic components.
What is a Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B two-way maritime speaker?****
Two-way, or coaxial, speakers can handle the high frequencies and accurately reproduce the audio spectrum of your music by using a second tweeter that is housed inside the woofer. Three-way, or triaxial, speakers combine a midrange driver with a separate woofer and tweeter for more depth and realism.
The M1D4-8B maritime speakers from Rockford Fosgate are where?****
You should always put your full range speakers as high as possible for the best sound quality. Avoid mounting them close to your feet or under chairs. On larger vessels and other places where it is practical, you should consider installing speakers over your head. Subwoofers, on the other hand, are the complete opposite.
What applications are there for Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B maritime speakers?****
The marine audio system, which is used to play music on boats, is made up of a number of speakers, amplifiers, and other gadgets.
How much bass is in the Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B marine speakers?****
Between 80 Hz and 20 kHz, the marine speaker provides adequate bass performance in addition to producing a strong full-range sound.
Which M1D4-8B Rockford Fosgate Marine Speakers are the best?****
The majority of marine speakers are fairly durable. Buy only the best speakers that are well-built, resistant to rust and corrosion, and of the highest calibre. Look for speakers with plastic cones, such as those with polypropylene and neoprene rubber surrounds, for adequate weather protection.
How long should my Rockford Fosgate M1D4-8B boat speaker be charged?****
A battery can be fully charged from empty in about 4 hours.
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