SpeakerCraft Sub8 Rox User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
Sub8 Rox
Powered Subwoofer Rock System
SpeakerCraft®

Please carefully read and follow the instructions below. If you have any questions, please contact SpeakerCraft Customer Service
at [phone] or e-mail us at [email protected].
CAUTION
Although it is designed to withstand the elements, there are precautions you should take to optimize the long-term performance
of your Sub8 Rox subwoofer:
• Keep soil and wood chips from covering the speaker grille. If soil accumulates on the grille, it can be rinsed away with low
water pressure.
• Chemicals commonly used in the yard can potentially damage the rubber parts of the speaker. Avoid spraying such chemicals
onto or near the speaker.
• Avoid placing the speakers where the grille area will come in direct contact with sprinklers.
• The Sub8 Rox subwoofer is designed to work with the BBXW10 amplifier or any standard stereo amp. To ensure maximum
sound quality and performance, we recommend using the included BBXW10 amp.
SPEAKER PLACEMENT
• The Sub8 Rox subwoofer is intended to provide bass in outdoor listening environments. In large outdoor areas, it may be
necessary to utilize additional Sub8 Rox subwoofers to get the optimal effect.
• If you desire music over a wide area, it is best to have a larger number of speakers playing at low volumes, rather than a few
speakers playing at high volumes. Keep this in mind when designing your outdoor system.
• Ideally, you should place the speakers as close to the primary listening area as possible. The volume of the speaker decreases
rapidly as it is moved further from the listener.
• Keep in mind that wire must be run to the location of the speakers. Patios, walls and other features in your yard may be
difficult to get around when wiring.
SPEAKER INSTALLATION
• Each speaker has two two-conductor cables exiting the bottom of the speaker. This cable should be connected to a similar
cable run to the speaker location from your audio system. SpeakerCraft sells certified direct burial cable that is ideal for this
purpose. The cable can be run either directly beneath the speaker into the ground, or you can use the notch on the bot-
tom of the speaker to exit the cable out the side. CAUTION: Use only one speaker lead when connecting to the included
BBXW10 amplifier. Using both leads with the BBXW10 may result in system damage. If using any stereo amplifier in place
of the BBXW10, use one speaker lead for the left channel and the other for the right channel.
• When attaching the cable to the speaker, it is critical that a high quality connection is achieved. A poor connection may lead
to corrosion and a decline in performance. For best results, crimp or solder the wires together using heat shrink to seal each
individual conductor. After the individual conductors are sealed, seal over the pair with another layer of heat shrink.
NOTE: Remember to slide the heat shrink tubing onto the cable before the connections are made. Another option is to
use a watertight direct burial box.
Page 2 Sub8 Rox Owner’s Manual

Sub8 Rox Owner’s Manual Page 3
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE BBXW10 AMPLIFIER
1. Placement
DO:
• Place the amplifier with the feet resting on a solid flat level surface.
• Place the amplifier in a well-vented area to provide proper cooling. In areas that lack proper ventilation, such as tight
cabinets or racks, it may be necessary to install small fans to create air movement.
DON’T:
• Don’t block the ventilation holes on the top or bottom of the amplifier. Never place it on carpeting or similar material.
• Don’t place the amplifier in any other position other than horizontal with the feet down. Never place on its side or
resting on the back where the terminals are located.
• Don’t place the amplifier near heat sources, or in an area that it would be exposed to moisture.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
• The power supply may cause a hum to be heard in some components if they are placed very close to the amplifier.
2. Installation of BBXW10
Please use Diagram 1 to familiarize yourself with the rear panel of the BBXW10.
AC Plug Cord
Line Inputs Volume Limit
Control
Fuse
Low Pass
Crossover
Control
Serial Number
Speaker Inputs
Speaker Outputs
LFE Input
Line
Outputs
Bass
Boost
Control
Phase Switch
Subwoofer
Outputs
Power Switch
DIAGRAM 1
BBXW10 Rear Panel

a. Auto Sense Power On
• The amplifier is turned on and off by sensing audio signals coming from the receiver or pre-amp through the input
connections.
• NOTE: The amplifier’s front power switch must be turned on for the Audio Sense mode to operate. Once the power
is switched on, the auto sense mode automatically is activated. The “Active” LED on the front of the amplifier will
not light up until an audio signal is sensed. The amplifier will then be operating. At the moment that either the
Left, Right line level input jacks, the speaker input connectors or the LFE input jack receive a signal, the amplifier will
then turn on. Once the signal stops, the amplifier will turn off in a few minutes. If you will be away for a long period
of time, you may wish to turn off the main power switch or unplug the unit from the outlet.
b. Connecting the Subwoofer to the Amplifier
• CAUTION: Only make connections when the amplifier is turned off.
• You MUST use a minimum of 14-gauge speaker wire. There are 2 outputs on the amplifier, one positive and one
negative outputs. The 3-way binding post outputs on the back of the amplifier allow for a variety of ways to connect
your subwoofer to the amplifier, including stripped wire, spade connectors, etc.
c. Connecting the Audio Inputs
• CAUTION: Only make connections when the amplifier is turned off.
• Line Level Inputs (Left & Right) - The line outputs from a preamplifier or receiver can be connected to the line
level inputs of the BBXW10 with RCA cables. If your system has only one subwoofer output, you can plug it into
either the left or right line inputs. Using these inputs will crossover the audio signals that are sent to the Line outputs
at a fixed high pass of 75Hz.
• LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Input - If your preamplifier or receiver has an LFE output, you can use the LFE input.
Be aware that using the LFE input bypasses the amplifier’s low frequency adjustable (low pass) crossover.
• Speaker Level Inputs (Left & Right) - These inputs can be used if your preamplifier or receiver does not have a
subwoofer or set of line output jacks. Connect the left and right pair of main speaker output wires from you amplifier
or receiver to the speaker level input connectors of the BBXW10 amplifier. Then connect a left and right pair of speaker
wires from the BBXW10 speaker output connectors to your main speakers.
d. Connecting the Audio Outputs
• Line Level Outputs (Left & Right) - Sources connected to the line level inputs can be forwarded to other receivers or
amplifiers line level inputs. By doing this you can pass-on the audio signal for use by another component. Connect RCA
cables to the line level output sections of the BBXW10 and the Line level inputs of a receiver or amplifier. Please note
that the BBXW10's high pass crossover will be in effect removing the audio below 75Hz to the connected component.
• Speaker Level Outputs (Left & Right) - Connect a left and right pair of speaker wires from the BBXW10 speaker
output connectors to your main speakers. This method will filter out the low frequencies below 75Hz and send them
to the subwoofer. The high frequencies above 75Hz will be sent to your main speakers. The main speakers will still be
powered by your system's amplifier or receiver.
e. Connecting the AC Power
• Plug the 3-prong plug directly into a 120V AC 60Hz wall outlet. If you wish to plug the amplifier into a preamplifier
or receiver’s switched outlet, make sure it is rated at least 600 watts. However, it is always safer to plug the BBXW10
directly into an AC outlet.
Page 4 Sub8 Rox Owner’s Manual

Sub8 Rox Owner’s Manual Page 5
3. Amplifier Operation
Please use Diagrams 1 & 2 to familiarize yourself with the front and rear panels of the BBXW10.
DIAGRAM 2
BBXW10 Front Panel
Active LED Volume Control
CAUTION: Please read all the following instructions, otherwise damage may be caused to your system.
a. Protection Circuitry
• If the “Protection” circuit in the amplifier is activated, it indicates one of the following situations has occurred:
i. The amplifier detects that the subwoofer is in danger of overheating and has temporarily shut down to protect
the woofer. The amplifier will return to “Active” without any intervention necessary.
ii. A fault in the wiring, the speaker, or the amplifier. If the amplifier remains off, turn the power button off and then
on. If the amplifier returns to the protection mode, turn the amplifier off and refer to the troubleshooting section
of this manual.
b. Front Panel Controls
i. Volume Control
Use this to match the output of the subwoofer to that of the main speakers in the system. We recommend that
you play a variety of material before selecting a setting. Start with the control in the “Off” position (completely
counterclockwise) and slowly turn it up. NOTE: Turning the volume up slowly will prevent possible damage to
the woofer from the system being run too “hot”. Very little movement of the knob is needed. CAUTION: If a
popping sound (clipping) is audible through the subwoofer, it is being over driven, reduce the volume of the
amplifier, or speaker damage may occur!
c. Rear Panel Controls
• The following controls allow you to blend the sound wave output of the Sub8 Rox to the output of the main speakers
in your system.
i. Power Switch
The switch marked “Power” on the rear panel of the amplifier will turn off all amplifier circuitry and override the
auto sense mode in the off position. NOTE: See paragraph v., below, before turning on the amplifier.
ii. Low Frequency (Low Pass) Crossover
Use this control to adjust the upper frequency limit of the Sub8 Rox. The purpose is to control the overlap of
the Sub8 Rox’s upper frequencies and the main speaker’s lower frequencies. If the you are using the built-in high
frequency (High Pass) crossover by connecting speakers to the speaker output connectors this control will not
affect the fixed 75Hz setting.

iii. Bass Boost Control
This control allows you to increase bass response between 50 and 100Hz for certain types of audio that lacks in
bass, such as old recordings etc.
vi. Polarity Control
This control allows you to match the arrival times of the sound waves of the Sub8 Rox and the main speakers to
your listening area. While the system is playing, flip the switch to the 180º and back to 0º until the bass sounds
louder or less boomy. Depending on placement and room acoustics, this control may or may not have any affect.
v. Volume Limit Control
Use this control to adjust the maximum volume setting for your Sub8 Rox subwoofer. With the Volume Limit
control and front mounted volume control turned all the way down (counterclockwise), turn on the subwoofer
and start playing audio through your system. Turn the system up to the highest comfortable level – WITHOUT
DISTORTION. Now turn up the sub woofer volume on the front panel of the BBXW10 subwoofer amplifier all
the way. No bass should play. Next SLOWLY turn up the volume limit control until the subwoofer is playing at its
loudest level WITHOUT DISTORTION. Return levels to normal. Now anyone can safely turn up the subwoofer all
the way without damaging the system.
TROUBLESHOOTING
The Sub8 Rox Powered Subwoofer Rock System is designed to function trouble-free. Most problems occur because of operating
errors. If you have a problem, please check the troubleshooting list first. If the problem persists, contact Tech Support at 1-800-
448-0976 or e-mail us at [e-mail].
A hum or buzzing sound is heard. The sound may be caused by a ground loop in the system.
Try to eliminate this by reversing the AC plugs of other compo-
nents in the system.
Try plugging the amplifier into another outlet.
Other causes may include faulty cables.
The amplifier will not turn on. The amplifier must be plugged into a live outlet. The power
switch on the rear panel must be on. A signal must be playing
into the input jacks, or speaker inputs.
The Protection Circuit cuts in momentarily and then
turns off.
The circuitry in the amplifier has detected that the amplifier or
subwoofer is in danger of overheating. Normally, this would
happen infrequently and momentarily. If it persists, the amplifier
may not be ventilated appropriately.
Move the amplifier to a better ventilated and/or cooler loca-
tion. NOTE: The amplifier may feel cool at the top, but still be
overheating. Do not use the temperature at the top of the
cabinet as a gauge for amplifier temperature.
The Protection Circuit cuts in and does not turn off. There may be a fault in the wiring, the speaker, or the ampli-
fier. Turn the power switch off and then on again. If the ampli-
fier immediately returns to the Protection mode, turn it off and
check all of the wiring, including all connections at the amplifier,
at the subwoofer, and any connections made to the wall.
No sound is heard. Audio cable to the amplifier is not connected properly or the
cable is bad. Use another cable that you know is good.
Check all speaker wire connections and plugs.
Rear Volume Limit Control is set to 1⁄2 way or 12 o'clock
The Problem Possible Causes and Solutions
Page 6 Sub8 Rox Owner’s Manual

SPECIFICATIONS – Sub8 Rox Subwoofer
Speaker Type: Powered Subwoofer Landscape Rock
Woofer: 8" polypropylene cone woofer with rubber surround,
and silicone encased leads
Impedance: 6 ohms
Efficiency: 89dB 1W/1m
Frequency Response: 32Hz - 150Hz ± 6dB
Power Recommendations: 5 - 150 Watts
Dimensions: (H) 151⁄2" x (W) 181⁄4" x (D) 161⁄4"
In our attempt to constantly improve our products, features and specifications are subject to change without notice.
Sub8 Rox Owner’s Manual Page 7
SPECIFICATIONS – BBXW10 Amplifier
Type: Mono Class A-B dedicated subwoofer amplifier
Power Output: 250 watts per channel
Crossovers: Variable Low Pass Crossover 35Hz to 150 Hz, Fixed High Pass Crossover at 75Hz
THD @ 10 Watts: 0.1%
Input Sensitivity: 8.6 mv
Input Impedance: 33 kOhms
Auto Off Time: > 15 minutes
Auto On Sensitivity: 2.5 mv
Signal to noise ratio: > 70dB
Dimensions: H 33⁄8" x W 17" x D 111⁄2" (add 3⁄4" for feet & 4" for rear panel connectors)
Weight: 16 lbs.

LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY – BBXW10 Amplifier
SpeakerCraft Inc. warrants to the original retail purchaser only that the SpeakerCraft BBXW10 Amplifier will
be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of two years, provided the product was
purchased from a SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer.
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY – Sub8 Rox Subwoofer
SpeakerCraft Inc. warrants to the original retail purchaser only that the BassX-W10 Subwoofer will be free from defects in materi-
als and workmanship, provided the speaker was purchased from a SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer.
Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer
from whom they were purchased, or to the SpeakerCraft factory at the address listed on this installation instruction manual.
Freight collect shipments will be refused. It is preferable to ship this product in the original shipping container to lessen the
chance of transit damage. In any case, the risk or loss or damage in transit is to be borne by the purchaser. If, upon examina-
tion at the Factory or SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer, it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at
any time during this warranty period, SpeakerCraft or the SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this
product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. If this model is no longer available and can not be repaired effective-
ly, SpeakerCraft, at its sole option, may replace the unit with a current model of equal or greater value. In some cases where a
new model is substituted, a modification to the mounting surface may be required. If mounting surface modification is required,
SpeakerCraft assumes no responsibility or liability for such modification. All replaced parts and product become the property of
SpeakerCraft Inc. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to the original retail purchaser, within a rea-
sonable time, freight prepaid.
This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inad-
equate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, or service,
repair or modification of the product which has not been authorized or approved by SpeakerCraft. This warranty also excludes
normal cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental conditions. This warranty will be void if the serial number on the prod-
uct has been removed, tampered with or defaced.
This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If the product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above,
the purchaser’s sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will SpeakerCraft be liable for any inci-
dental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product, even if SpeakerCraft Inc. or a SpeakerCraft
Inc. Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply.
All implied warranties on the product are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty. Some states do
not allow limitation on the length of an implied Warranty. If the original retail purchaser resides in such a
state, this limitation does not apply.
Page 8 Sub8 Rox Owner’s Manual
940 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507
[phone] Fax [phone]
www.speakercraft.com
SpeakerCraft
LIT31800(rev-1)
®
Should you have any questions regarding this, or any other SpeakerCraft product, please call our toll-free service hotline at 1-800-448-0976
or e-mail us at [e-mail]. We are available to assist you every weekday, except holidays, between the hours of 7:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. PST.
SpeakerCraft offers a variety of accessories to make your installation of these speakers and other SpeakerCraft products easy, economical,
and professional. Contact your authorized SpeakerCraft Dealer for more information.