Rockford Fosgate PA2 User manual

® ®
car audio
fanatics
for
1/2 DIn preamplifier
pa2

Dear Customer,
Congratulations on your purchase of the world's finest brand of car audio signal
processors. At Rockford Fosgate we are committed to musical reproduction at its best,
andwearepleasedyouchoseourproduct.Throughyearsofengineeringexpertise,hand
craftsmanshipandcriticaltestingprocedures,wehavecreatedawiderangeofproducts
that reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.
For maximum performance we recommend you have your new Rockford Fosgate
productinstalled byan AuthorizedRockford FosgateDealer, aswe providespecialized
training through Rockford Technical Training Institute (RTTI). Please read your
warranty and retain your receipt and original carton for possible future use.
To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order your Rockford
accessories,whichincludeeverythingfromT-shirtsandjacketstohatsandsunglasses.
To get a free brochure on Rockford Fosgate products and Rockford accessories, in the
U.S.call602-967-3565orFAX602-967-8132.Forallothercountries,call+001-602-
967-3565 or FAX [phone].
The serial number can be found on the outside of the box. Please record it in
the space provided below as your permanent record. This will serve as
verificationofyourfactorywarrantyandmaybecomeusefulinrecoveringyour
equipment if it is ever stolen.
Serial Number: ____________________
Model Number:____________________
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.
PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™
CONTINUOUSEXPOSURETOSOUNDPRESSURELEVELSOVER100dBMAY
CAUSE PERMANENT HEARING LOSS. HIGH POWERED AUTO SOUND
SYSTEMSMAYPRODUCESOUNDPRESSURELEVELSWELLOVER130dB.
USE COMMON SENSE AND PRACTICE SAFE SOUND.

T ABLE OF C ONTENTS
Introduction...............................................................................................1
Accessory Pack .........................................................................................1
Design Features .........................................................................................2
Installation Considerations ..........................................................................5
Mounting Location .....................................................................................6
Wiring the System......................................................................................7
PA2 Installation .........................................................................................8
PA2 Operation.........................................................................................11
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................14
Specifications ..........................................................................................16
Warranty Information ...............................................................................17
International Information...........................................................................18
Sections marked
TROUBLESHOOTING
include recommendations for
curing installation problems
Sections marked
INSTALLATION
include “slam dunk”
wiring connections
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Sections marked
ADVANCED OPERATION
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Welcometo RockfordFosgate! Thismanual is designedto provideinformation
for the owner, salesperson and installer. For those of you who want quick
information on how to install this product, please turn to the Installation
Section of this manual or refer to the icons listed below. Other information can
be located by using the Table of Contents. We, at Rockford Fosgate, have
workedveryhardtomakesurealltheinformationinthismanualiscurrent.But,
asweareconstantlyfindingnewwaystoimproveourproduct,thisinformation
is subject to change without notice.
GETTING STARTED

– 1 –
I NTRODUCTION
The PA2 is a stereo 4-band equalizer and preamplifier used to compensate
for differences in music format and to correct for response problems
associated with mobile audio installations.
Two different sources can be fed into the PA2 and independently selected
using the front panel A/B input switch. All input and output connections are
madeviagold-platedRCAjacks.Inputsaremonitoredutilizingsignalpresent
and signal clipping LEDs and can be level matched using the input gain
controls.Threepairsofoutputs(Front,RearandSubwoofer)canbeadjusted
using the front/rear fader and subwoofer volume controls. A master volume
control adjusts the overall output level.
Each EQ band can accommodate up to 10dB boost or cut to compensate
for insufficient bass response, excessive mid-bass, and high frequency roll
off.ThelowfrequencyEQcenterisvariablefrom40Hzto80Hz,themidrange
controls are centered at 250Hz and 1kHz, and a special high frequency
hinge filter spans from 1kHz-20kHz.
The PA2 packs powerful features into its small but stylish 1/2 DIN size, and
its red/green backlighting allows for easy integration into any automobile,
making it a great addition for center consoles or in-dash use.
A CCESSORY P ACK
Installation and Operation Manual
(2) Adjustable Mounting Brackets
(4) Phillips Bracket Screws (m5 x 0.88mm x 4mm)
(1) Removable Power Connector

D ESIGN F EATURES
– 2 –
RL
Subwoofer
Output
RLRLRL RL
Rear
Output
REM B+ GND Front
Output B
Input A
Input
A
Input
Gain
Clipping LED Trim Pot Illumination Red
Green
21
20
22 19
12
17 16 15 14 13
18
2 3 4 5
1678910 11
1k-20kHz
0dB +10dB-10dB +10dB
1kHz
-10dB +10dB
250Hz
-10dB +10dB
Frequency
40Hz 80Hz
Subwoofer
Sub Volume
R Fader F
Volume
Input
A/B
®®

– 3 –
1. A/B Input Switch – Selects between two different sources fed into the
preamp. Sources can be designated as CD/TAPE, CD/VCR AUDIO, CD/
VIDEO GAME AUDIO, etc.
2. Signal Strength/Clipping LED – Illuminates red when a predetermined
thresholdisreached.Referto“clippingLEDtrimpotentiometer”forsetup
options.
3. Signal Present LED – Illuminates green when signalis detectedon any
of the inputs.
4. Master Volume Control – Controls the overall output amplitude of the
front/rear/subwoofer outputs. The control can be set to its full counter-
clockwise position for zero output or its full clockwise position for
maximum output.
5. Front/Rear Fader – Attenuates the front or rear outputs for the desired
“front stage/rear fill” effect. When set to the rear position, the rear output
level is maintained and the front output level is attenuated. When set to
thefrontposition,thefrontoutputlevelismaintainedandtherearoutput
level is attenuated.
6. Subwoofer Volume Control – Controls the signal amplitude of the
subwoofer outputs.
7. Subwoofer Frequency – Selects the center frequency for the subwoofer
boost/cut control.
8. Subwoofer Boost/Cut – Increases or decreases the amplitude of the
subwoofer center frequency. The control is set to flat (0dB) when
adjusted to its center detent position.
9. 250Hz Boost/Cut – Increases or decreases the amplitude of the 250Hz
center frequency. The control is set to flat (0dB) when adjusted to its
center detent position.
10. 1kHz Boost/Cut – Increases or decreases the amplitude of the 1kHz
center frequency. The control is set to flat (0dB) when adjusted to its
center detent position.
11. 1kHz-20kHz Hinge Filter – Increases the amplitude of the high
frequency hinge filter. The control is set to flat (0dB) when adjusted to
its full counterclockwise position. Maximum boost at 20kHz occurs
when adjusted to its full clockwise position.

12. RCA Input/Output Jacks – The industry standard RCA jacks provide
easy connection for low level preamp signals. They are gold-plated to
resist the signal degradation caused by corrosion.
13. Input“A”–TheseL&Rinputsfeedthepreamplifierwhenthefrontpanel
A/B input switch is set to input “A.”
14. Input“B”–TheseL&Rinputsfeedthepreamplifierwhenthefrontpanel
A/B input switch is set to input “B.”
15. FrontOutput–Thesefullrange(20Hzto20kHz)fadablestereooutputs
connect to the amplifier driving the “front stage” speaker system.
16. RearOutput–Thesefullrange(20Hzto20kHz)fadablestereooutputs
connect to the amplifier driving the “rear stage” speaker system.
17. Subwoofer Output – These full range (20Hz to 20kHz) fadable stereo
outputsconnecttotheamplifierdrivingthe“subwoofer”speakersystem.
TechnicalNote:Creativeinstallationscanusethesubwooferoutputsas
a full range center channel with dedicated volume control. Just
remember to keep the subwoofer boost/cut control to its flat (center)
position and always think “center channel.”
18. Power Connector – The power connector provides a convenient
connection for ground, power and remote. The connector uses “screw
lock” terminals to secure the power wires and is removable for quick
disconnects.
19. Input “A” Gain Control – The input gain control is factory preset to
match the output of most source units. It can be adjusted to match the
source unit to tape/VCR audio/video game audio inputs.
20. ClippingLEDTrimPot–Thispotentiometercontrolsthethresholdofthe
signal strength/clipping LED. It can be set to illuminate the LED when
clippingoccurs(0dBgainoverlap)orwhenthedesiredamountofgain
overlap (+5dB, +10dB, +15dB) is reached.
21. Red/Green Illumination Switch – Selects the backlighting color to red
or green.
22. B+ Fuse – The internal B+ fuse protects the power supply and battery
from short circuits and power failures.
– 4 –

– 5 –
I NSTALLATION C ONSIDERATIONS
Thissectionfocusesonsomeofthevehicleconsiderationsforinstallingyournew
PA2. Pre-planning your system layout and best wiring routes will save
installation time. When deciding how to lay out your new system, be sure that
each component will be easily accessible for making adjustments.
Before beginning any installation, be sure to follow these simple rules:
1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting
to install the PA2.
2. For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to beginning
the installation.
3. Foreasierassembly,wesuggestyourunallwirespriortomountingyourPA2
in place.
4. Route all of the RCA cables close together and away from any high current
wires.
5. Usehighqualityconnectorsforareliableinstallationandtominimizesignal
or power loss.
6. Thinkbeforeyoudrill! Becarefulnottocutordrillintogastanks,fuellines,
brakeor hydrauliclines,vacuum linesor electrical wiringwhen working on
any vehicle.
7. Neverrunwiresunderneaththevehicle. Runningthewiresinsidethevehicle
provides the best protection.
8. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber or plastic
grommetsto protect anywires routed throughmetal, especially thefirewall.
9. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage with proper
fusing. Install the appropriate fuseholder and fuse on the +12V power wire
within 18” (45.7 cm) of the battery terminal.
10. Whengroundingtothechassisofthevehicle,scrapeallpaintfromthemetal
toensureagood,cleangroundconnection.Groundingconnectionsshould
be as short as possible and always be connected to metal that is welded to
the main body, or chassis, of the vehicle.
The following is a list of tools you will need for installing the PA2.
Red power wire Wire strippers
Blue remote turn-on wire Wire cutters
Black grounding wire Voltmeter
Electric hand drill w/assorted bits Jeweler's slotted screwdriver
Battery post wrench #2 screwdriver

M OUNTING L OCATION
The mounting location for the PA2 should allow easy access to the controls for
making necessary adjustments. The PA2 will most likely be adjusted only at the
time of installation and will not need further adjustment unless changes to the
audio system are performed. To ensure optimum performance, care should be
taken when mounting the preamplifier in the following locations:
Engine Compartment
Mountingthe PA2 intheengine compartmentwillvoid your warranty. The only
thing that should be mounted in the engine compartment is that big metal thing
that makes the vehicle go fast.
Instrument Panel
Mounting the PA2 in the instrument panel provides optimum access.Theunit
should be securely mounted to ensure optimum safety.
Center Console
Mounting the unit inthe center console provides optimum access.Besurethe
installationdoesnotinterferewiththeoperationofthegearshiftorparkingbrake.
Glove Box
Mounting the unit in the glove box is adequate, but does not provide easy
access.Gloveboxmountingshouldonlybedoneif“InstrumentPanel”or“Center
Console”mountingisnotacceptable(i.e.,maintainingintegrityofoldervehicles
with metal dashboards).
Under Dash
Mountingtheunitunderthedashisadequate,butdoesnotprovideeasyaccess.
Under dash mounting should only be done if “Instrument Panel” or “Center
Console”mountingisnotacceptable.Mounttheunitofftothesideofthedriver's
areatoreduceinterferencewiththeparkingbrake,gearshiftoroperatingpedals.
– 6 –