JBL MS-8 User manual

MS-8
8 Channel
System integration digital processor
SERVICE MANUAL
JBL Consumer Products
8500 Balboa Blvd.
Northridge, CA. 91329 Rev0 5/2010
Released 2010
Discontinued XXXX

- CONTENTS -
SPECIFICATIONS ………………………………………..1
PACKAGING……………..…………………………..…....2
NOTICE REGARDING TESTING THE UNIT…….….…3
CONNECTIONS ……………………………..……………4
RESETTING THE MICROPROCESSOR………..…….15
REMOTE CONTROL …………….….…………..………16
TROUBLESHOOTING……………..…..…………………17
EXPLODED VIEW/PARTS LIST……...….….………….22
AMPLIFIER BLOCK DIAGRAM…….……………..….…23
ELECTRICAL PARTS LIST ..….…….……….…………26
P.C.B. DRAWINGS….……………………………….……30
IC/TRANSISTOR PINOUTS..…………….……….….…..37
SCHEMATICS……………...……………….………..…...93
MS-8 Specifications
Power Output: 20W x 8 channels @ 4 ohms
Maximum Output Power: 30W x 8 channels @ 2 ohms
Frequency Response: 20Hz–20kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Line Input to Line Output): >90dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Line Input to Spkr Output): >85dB
Maximum Input Voltage (Speaker-Level Input): 15V
Maximum Input Voltage (Line Input): 2.8V
Maximum Output Voltage (Line Output): 2.8V
Maximum Current Draw: 16A
Standby Current Draw: <0.01A
Display LCD Screen: 128 x 64 pixels
Power Requirement: 12V DC, negative ground
Main Unit Dimensions (L x W x H): 11-1/2" x 7-3/8" x 2-1/8" (293mm x 187mm x 55mm)
Display Unit Dimensions (H x W x D, w/ stand): 3-1/8" x 3-3/8" x 2-7/16" (79mm x 86mm x 62mm)
Weight: Main unit – 6.4 lb (2.9kg)
Display unit – 2.8 oz (80g)
Remote control – 1.4 oz (40g)
Fuse 25A
JBL continually strives to update and improve existing products, as well as create new ones. The specifications and details in
this and related JBL publications are therefore subject to change without notice.
MS-8
1

MS-8 PACKAGING
LITHIUM COIN BATTERY 3VDC CR2032
MS-8
2

NOTE: Although some typical connections and
controls are shown, the JBL®MS-8 digital
processor includes many features and digital
controls not found on conventional car audio
amplifiers. Also, the calibration, setup and
usage for the MS-8 is unique.
Details can be found in the MS-8 owner’s
manual, which can be downloaded here:
http://www.jbl.com/EN-US/Products/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?PID=MS-8&accT=1&tsT=0&ovT=0
(click on link) then on Grey tab SUPPORT
MS-8
3

www.jbl.com
POWER
IMPORTANT: Perform the power connections in the following order.
1. Gnd: Connect this terminal to a paint-free location on the vehicle chassis.
IMPORTANT: Use at least 12-gauge wire for this connection.
English
CONNeCTiONs
REMOVE
FOR
SOFTWARE
UPDATE
25A
fuse
Mic
connection
Line input
connections
Hi Level inputRemote out
connection
Speaker output
connections
Line output
connections
Aux input
connections
Display
connection
Power
LED
Reset
button
Update
connection
+12V
connection
Remote in
connection
GND
connection



Chassis
ground
(unpainted)
5
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
4

CONNeCTiONs


To turn-on
terminals of
all system
amplifiers
+
-1 x 25A
25A fuse within
18" of battery
terminal
Cable from MS-8
+12V terminal
Use a grommet
through the
firewall
3. Rem Out: Connect this terminal to the remote turn-on terminals of all ampliers in the system. The
output is +12V DC, 1A.
IMPORTANT:TheMS-8MUSTcontroltheturn-onsignalofalltheotherampliers
that follow the MS-8 in the signal path.
Ifyoursystemincludesafactory-installedoutboardamplier,theturn-onsignal
maybeavailableattheamplier.Ifyourfactoryamplierhasaturn-onwire,cutit
and connect the head-unit side of the wire to the MS-8’s Rem In terminal and the
ampliersideofthewiretotheMS-8’sRemOutterminal.
This arrangement will allow the factory stereo to turn the MS-8 on whenever the
stereoisturnedonandwillallowtheMS-8toturnthefactoryamplieronandoff.
It will also help to eliminate audible clicks and pops when the system turns on and
off.
2. +12V: Connect this terminal to the vehicle battery’s positive (+) terminal. Insert a 25A fuse in series on
the +12V wire no further than 18 inches (46cm) from the battery terminal.
IMPORTANT: Use at least 12-gauge wire for this connection.
6
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
5

eCTiONs
English
Rem In: Connect this terminal to the remote turn-on output of the system’s source unit, if the
source unit has a remote turn-on output. Alternately, you can connect this terminal to the vehicle’s
accessory (ACC) power circuit. Any voltage over +4V DC at this terminal will trigger the MS-8 to
turn on.
NOTE: See Step 3 for more details about connecting the Rem In terminal to a factory-installed
stereo system.
AUDIO INPUTS
Many factory-installed systems include on-board equalization and crossovers that make simple
connection of aftermarket products difcult. The MS-8 includes the signal-summing circuitry, signal-
conditioning EQ and time-correction processing that are necessary to reconstruct a at, full-range,
two-channel signal when you use the MS-8 with factory-installed equipment.
Aftermarket head units with line outputs provide a at, full-range, two-channel signal on their front line
outputs, so you need to connect only those channels to the MS-8.
To head unit
remote turn-on
or vehicle
ACC terminal
7
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
6

CONNeCTiONs
Aftermarket head unit
MS-8 main unit
Rear
line out
Front
line out
RCA
audio cables
Subwoofer
line out
DO NOT USE
Line inputs
1 and 2
Connecting an aftermarket head unit
If you’re using the MS-8 with an aftermarket head unit that has RCA-type outputs, connect the head unit’s
front left and front right outputs to the MS-8’s line inputs 1 and 2 only. Do NOT connect any other head-unit
output signals to the MS-8’s line inputs 3 – 8. During the calibration/setup process, the MS-8 will “normalize”
the input signals and derive as many output signals as your speaker system requires.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect the head unit directly to any ampliers, including a subwoofer amplier. The
MS-8’s signal processing takes nearly 8ms, so any signals connected directly to a head-unit will be ahead
of the signals leaving the MS-8 by about 8ms. This difference will cause them to be out of sync with the
signals that pass through the MS-8. The MS-8 must generate all the signals that are sent to all of the
system’s speakers!
8
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
7

ONNeCTiONs
English
Connecting a factory radio/head unit
If you will be connecting the MS-8 to a factory-installed stereo or a factory-installed amplier (often located in
the vehicle’s trunk), connect each of your factory front-speaker and subwoofer outputs to one of the MS-8’s Hi
Level inputs. Be sure to connect the outputs for all speakers that are part of the vehicle’s front left and front right
speakers.
You can connect the factory front speaker outputs to any MS-8 Hi Level inputs, but factory stereo or amplier
subwoofer outputs MUST be connected ONLY to the MS-8’s channel 7 and/or 8 inputs. During the calibration/
setup process, the MS-8 will “normalize” the input signals and derive as many output signals as your speaker
system requires.
NOTE: The above illustration shows only a general connection example and does not represent any particular
vehicle audio system.
Insert the included Hi Level input wiring harness into the MS-8’s Hi-Level-input connector until it locks into place.
IMPORTANT: The MS-8’s Hi Level input wiring harness has gray and white wires. Each channel has a white
(positive or “+”) wire and a gray (negative or “–”) wire. Each wire is labeled with its channel number and polarity,
and is pre-stripped for easy connection to your factory radio’s speaker outputs. Make sure that the ( + ) and
( – ) wires do not touch each other. Touching wires can cause a short circuit that can damage the
MS-8 or your head unit.
To ensure proper polarity, connect each factory-radio positive (+) terminal to the respective
“+” terminal on the MS-8. Connect the negative (–) terminals in a similar way.
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
+ –
Factory stereo
wiring harness
MS-8 main unit
Front right
Front left
Center
Side left Rear left
Side right Rear right
Connect
Ch 4
Ch 3
Ch 2 Ch 7
Ch 1 Ch 8
Ch 6
Ch 5
*NOTE: Subwoofers
MUST be connected
to MS-8 input 7
and/or input 8
Connect
Subwoofer*
DO NOT USE
9
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
8

CONNeCTiONs
Aux
input
To
headphone
output
Aux input: If you will be using a portable music player or CD player as an auxiliary audio-source unit,
connect its line or headphone output to the MS-8's Aux input using a cable that terminates in stereo
RCA audio connections. You can switch between the MS-8's Head Unit inputs and Aux input in the
MS-8's Input Selection menu. See Main Menu, on page 35.
10
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
9

CTiONs
English
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Congurations
You can congure the MS-8’s eight outputs in a variety of ways, depending on the speakers that are
installed in your vehicle. You can congure the MS-8 for a system with one-way (full-range), two-way or
three-way front speakers, a one-way or two-way center speaker, side speakers, rear speakers and one
or two subwoofers. Remember, however, that the total number of available channels is eight, so any
combination of front, center, side, rear and subwoofer channels cannot total more than eight. For example,
if you are allocating six channels for a pair of tri-amped, three-way front speakers, there will be only two
remaining channels, which will not accommodate a pair of rear speakers and a subwoofer.
If your system will include more than eight channels, use additional separate ampliers (connected to the
MS-8’s line outputs) for the additional channels. For example, if you want to build a 7.1-channel system
that includes bi-amped or tri-amped front speakers, use the MS-8 to generate the 7.1-channel outputs
(seven full-range and one subwoofer). Connect the MS-8’s front line outputs to the inputs of an additional
crossover (or amplier containing an additional crossover) that will provide the separate channels required
to drive the front midbass, midrange and/or tweeters separately.
Use the Conguration Chart below to record which of your system’s speakers you have connected
to which of the MS-8’s outputs. Keeping this record will simplify channel assignment during the setup
procedure. See Main Menu, on page 35.
Output # Channel / Speaker Connected Output Connector Used
1 RCA SPEAKER
2 RCA SPEAKER
3 RCA SPEAKER
4 RCA SPEAKER
5 RCA SPEAKER
6 RCA SPEAKER
7 RCA SPEAKER
8 RCA SPEAKER
11
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
10

CONNeCTiONs
To ensure proper polarity, connect each MS-8 positive (+) terminal to the respective
“+” terminal on the speaker. Connect the negative (–) terminals in a similar way.
+–+
+
+
–
–
–
+
+
+
–
–
– + –
Left front
(tweeter)
Right front
(tweeter)
Left front
(midrange)
Right front
(midrange)
Left side
(coaxial)
Right side
(coaxial)
Left rear
(coaxial)
Right rear
(coaxial)
MS-8
main unit Speaker-output
wiring harness
Vehicle
Speaker System
Speaker Outputs
If you’ll use the MS-8’s built-in power ampliers to drive your system’s speakers, connect the speakers to the
MS-8’s speaker outputs. Insert the included speaker-output wiring harness into the MS-8’s speaker output
until it locks into place. See Main Menu, on page 35.
IMPORTANT: The MS-8’s speaker-output wiring harness’s wires have clear insulation. Each channel has a
copper (positive or “+”) conductor and a silver (negative or “–”) conductor. We have labeled each conductor
with its channel number and polarity, and pre-stripped it for easy connection to your system’s speakers.
Make sure that the ( + ) and ( – ) wires do not touch each other. Touching wires can cause a short
circuit that can damage the MS-8.
12
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
11

eCTiONs
NOTE: You can power some of the system's speakers by the MS-8's ampliers and some by outboard
ampliers, but you should use only one connection type per output. For example, output channel 1 may use the
MS-8's amplifer OR an outboard amplier, but not both. Be sure to use the chart above to note which speakers
are connected to which MS-8 channels.
+ –
+
+
–
–
+
+
+
–
–
– + –
Left front
(Tweeter)
Left front
(midrange)
Left rear
(coaxial)
Not
used
Speaker output
wiring harness
Subwoofer
amplifier
Line output
#6
Not
used
Right rear
(coaxial)
Subwoofer
Right front
(midrange)
Right front
(Tweeter)
Vehicle
Speaker
System
13
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
12

+ –
+
+
–
–
+
+
+
–
–
–+–
Left front
(tweeter)
Left front
(midrange)
Left rear
(coaxial)
Front
speaker
amplifier
Rear
speaker
amplifier
Subwoofer
amplifier
RCA
audio cables
MS-8 main unit Ch. 8 is unused
in this example
Right rear
(coaxial)
Subwoofer
Right front
(midrange)
Right front
(tweeter)
Vehicle
Speaker
System
CONNeCTiONs
Line Outputs
If you’ll be using additional outboard power ampliers to drive your system’s speakers, connect their inputs to
the MS-8’s line-output connectors. You can power some of the system’s speakers by the MS-8’s ampliers
and some by outboard ampliers, but you should use only one connection type per output. For example,
Output Channel 1 may use the MS-8’s amplier OR an outboard amplier, but not both. Be sure to use the
chart above to note which speakers you have connected to which of the MS-8’s channels.
14
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
13

DISPLAY
Use the included 6m (19.7 ft) cable to connect the display unit to the MS-8’s main unit’s display connection.
Insert the cable’s straight connector into the main unit and the right-angle connector into the display.
NOTE: The display unit must be connected during setup but may be disconnected after setup and after
you’ve made any additional adjustments in the Audio Controls menu (see Audio Controls Menu, on page 36).
If the display unit is disconnected after setup and nal adjustment, you will not be able to make any additional
MS-8 adjustments, and the remote control will not function. See Main Menu, on page 35.
MICROPHONE
The included binaural microphone headset must be connected to the MS-8’s Mic connection during the
calibration/setup process. Once setup is complete, unplug the microphone headset and store it in a safe
place.
IMPORTANT: Do not use any other microphone with the MS-8.
REMOVE
FOR
SOFTWARE
UPDATE
Plug angled connector
into display
Plug straight connector
into main unit
Connect to mic input
C
ONNeCTiON s
15
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
14

CONNeCTiONs
After downloading a rmware upgrade into your PC, remove the sticker and connect the
Update port to a USB port on your PC. Follow the directions that accompany the upgraded
rmware to upload the new rmware from your PC to the MS-8.
REMOVE
FOR
SOFTWARE
UPDATE
UPDATE
Use the Update port only for rmware upgrades. We have covered it with a sticker that you should leave in
place until you are ready to install a rmware upgrade that you will download from www.JBL.com.
16
CONNECTIONS
MS-8
RESETTING THE MICROPROCESSOR
If the MS-8 stops responding to the remote control (even after you’ve replaced the
remote’s battery) or fails to operate in the way this manual describes, use a pen or
similar pointed object to press the Reset button on the main unit
NOTE: Pressing this Reset button will NOT erase the calibration settings.
To erase all settings and set the unit back to factory defaults, this should be done in
the system menu; see page 39 of the owner’s manual for details
15

UsiNG The reMOTe CONTr
OL
Volume Up and Down buttons: Pressing either of these buttons at any time (except during the
setup/calibration process) will display the MS-8’s System Volume screen, allowing you to change
the audio volume. The volume range is between –80dB and 0dB.
Navigation and select buttons: Use the four navigation buttons (Up, Down, Left and Right) to navigate
through the MS-8’s various setup and operation screens. The Select button selects or otherwise
changes the state of a highlighted item.
Back/menu button: Momentarily pressing this button causes the display to revert to the next-higher
menu. Holding the button reverts to your default screen (either the Main Menu or Audio Controls screen)
from whatever screen is active at the time. See Default Screen, on page 40.
Mute button: Press to mute the sound; press again to restore the sound. (Pressing either the Volume
Up or Volume Down button also restores the sound.)
Volume Down
button
Volume Up
button
Select
button
Left/Right
navigation
buttons
Mute
button
Up/Down
navigation
buttons
Back
button
23
USING THE REMOTE CONTROL
MS-8
16

TrOUBLeshOOTiNG
If your MS-8 doesn’t seem to be working the way it should, read this section to
see if the problem and possible solution are listed here. If, after you try all of the
solutions listed here, the problem persists, contact JBL Customer Service at
516.255.4JBL (4525).
POWer
sOUNd
The power LED does not
illuminate.
Symptom
Symptom
Possible Cause
Possible Cause
Solution
Solution
The power LED illuminates,
but the display does not
illuminate.
There is no sound in all
channels.
Improper input connections.
Calibration/setup procedure
has not been performed.
Incorrect input is selected
on the MS-8
The MS-8’s System Volume
is turned all the way down.
Set the MS-8 System
Volume at –20dB. See
Acoustic Calibration, on
page 32, and Volume Up
and Volume Down Buttons,
on page 35.
Select the correct input
using the MS-8’s Input
Selection menu. See Input
Selection Menu, on page 35.
Perform the calibration/
setup procedure. (The
procedure must be
performed before the MS-8
will pass an audio signal
through to its outputs.) See
Calibration/Setup, on page
24.
Conrm that all the required
channels of the source unit
are properly connected. See
Audio Inputs, on page 7.
The +12V, Gnd or Rem In
terminals are not properly
connected.
The fuse is blown.
The display is not properly
connected.
The MS-8’s microprocessor
needs to be reset.
Replace the fuse with an
identical 25A fuse.
Check the connections at
display and at main unit.
See Connections: Display,
on page 14.
Press Reset button with a
pen or similar object. See
Resetting the
Microprocessor, on page 41.
Conrm that all power
connections are correctly
made according to this
manual. See Connections:
Power, on page 5.
The head-unit or source-unit
volume control is turned all the
way down.
Turn the head-unit or
source unit volume up to a
normal level.
42
TROUBLESHOOTING
MS-8
NOTE PAGE NUMBER REFERENCES IN THIS SECTION REFER TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL
17

TrOUBLeshOOTiNG
sOUNd
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
There is no sound in one or
more channels.
The sound comes from the
incorrect speaker.
Sound comes from only the
left or right side speakers; or
sound comes from only the
front or rear speakers.
The Balance and/or Fader
controls are set all one way
or another.
Use the MS-8’s System
Levels screen to set the
controls to their center
positions. See Audio
Controls Menu, on page 35.
Incorrect output connection.
Incorrect channel assignment. Perform the Input
Setup (page 25) and
Output Setup (page 26)
procedures again. (See
the If you make a mistake
sidebar, on page 27.)
Before beginning the
procedures, make sure
to conrm and document
which speakers are
connected to which MS-8
Conrm that the speaker is
connected to the correct
MS-8 speaker output or
to the correct outboard-
amplier channel.
Improper input connection.
Improper output connection.
Improper speaker connection to
outboard amplier.
Outboard amplier channel is
not functioning.
Troubleshoot the outboard
amplier and replace it, if
necessary.
Conrm that the speaker is
properly connected to the
outboard amplier.
Conrm that the speaker
in question is properly
connected to the MS-8’s
speaker output. See Audio
Outputs, on page 10.
If the speaker is connected
to an outboard amplier,
conrm that the outboard-
amplier channel is properly
connected to the MS-8. See
Audio Outputs, on page 10.
Conrm that all required
channels of the source unit
are properly connected. See
Audio Inputs, on page 7.
43
TROUBLESHOOTING
MS-8
18

sOUNd
The Aux input level is not
properly set.
The source player’s volume
control is set too low.
Set the source player’s
volume control to a higher
level.
The source connected to the
Aux input is too quiet or too
loud.
The sound in all speakers is
distorted.
The MS-8’s System Volume
control and the head unit’s
volume control are not properly
adjusted.
The MS-8’s Bass Control and/
or Graphic EQ bass bands
are set with too much boost,
combined with a high System
Volume setting.
Reduce the Bass Control
and/or Graphic EQ boost
levels. We recommend
never combining high levels
of Graphic EQ bass-band
boost with high Bass
Control boost.
If you have connected the
front speakers to be driven
directly by the MS-8’s
internal amplier, set the
MS-8’s System Volume at
–20dB.
If you have connected
the front speakers to an
external, higher-powered
amplier that is connected
to the MS-8’s line outputs,
set the MS-8’s System
Volume to a level lower than
–20dB.
In either case, you should
use the head unit’s volume
control to control the
system’s volume. You may
need to make a minor
adjustment to the MS-8’s
System Volume setting to
allow you to use more of
the range in the head unit's
volume control.
If you hear distortion when
the head unit’s volume
control is at higher settings,
increase the MS-8’s System
Volume to compensate.
This change will let you
keep the head unit’s volume
control within a lower (more
distortion-free) portion of its
range.
Use the MS-8’s System
Levels screen to set the
Aux level so that the Aux
source’s level matches
the level of the head unit
source. See Audio Controls
Menu, on page 35.
TrOUBLeshOOTiNG
Symptom Possible Cause Solution
44
TROUBLESHOOTING
MS-8
19