User's Manual

ManualsBrandsHarman Consumer ManualsElectronicsRF Remote

www.jbl.com

QUICK START GUIDE

MS8 CONNECTIONS

Chassis ground input: Connect it to a paint-free spot on the vehicle chassis.

+12V : Connect it to the vehicle battery with a 25A fuse within 18 inches (45.7cm) of the

positive battery terminal. Use 12 AWG wire minimum!

Remote turn-on output: Connect it to the remote turn-on input of all ampliﬁers in the

system. The MS-8 MUST control the turn-on signal of the other devices that come after it

in the signal path. The output is +12 volts DC, 1A.

Remote turn-on input: Connect it to the remote turn-on output of the source unit if the

source has such an output. If not, this terminal can connect to the vehicle’s accessory (ACC)

power circuit. In either case, a connection with over +4 volts DC will trigger the unit,

accommodating a range of factory source units or ampliﬁers.

Input signal connections: Many factory-installed systems include on-board

equalization (EQ) and crossovers that make simple connection of aftermarket products

diﬃcult. The MS-8 includes signal-summing circuitry, signal-conditioning EQ and time-

correction processing necessary to reconstruct a two-channel, ﬂat, full-range signal

when you use the MS-8 with factory-installed equipment. Aftermarket head units with

RCA-type outputs provide a ﬂat, full-range, two-channel signal on their front RCA-type

outputs. Connect only those outputs to the MS-8.

RCA-type audio inputs: If you use the MS-8 with an aftermarket head unit that includes

RCA-type outputs, connect the front outputs to the MS-8’s RCA-type inputs 1 and 2 only.

Do not connect any other output signals to RCA inputs 3–8.

Hi-Level inputs: If you use the MS-8 with a factory-installed head unit, or any head unit

that does not include RCA-type outputs, connect the front left and front right

speaker-level outputs from the head unit to “Hi Level Input” 1 and 2 on the MS-8. If the

factory-installed system includes a separate ampliﬁer, connect the output of the ampliﬁer

to the “Hi Level Input” of the MS-8. Note: Many factory-installed separate ampliﬁers

include separate channels for front tweeters and midranges and subwoofers. Connect ALL

of the front and subwoofer outputs to the speaker-level inputs of the MS-8.

Note: The subwoofer outputs of the factory ampliﬁer MUST be connected only to the MS-

8’s input channels 7 and/or 8.

Aux input: Connect it to any auxiliary source with RCA audio outputs. Switching between

the standard inputs and the Aux input is done in the MS-8 menu.

Speaker outputs: Connect them directly to the speakers if the MS-8’s on-board

ampliﬁers will be used. Fill out the chart below to simplify channel assignment during

setup.

Preamp outputs: If the MS-8’s onboard ampliﬁers won’t be used, connect the RCA-type

inputs of additional ampliﬁers to the MS-8’s RCA-type output connectors. Some speakers

may be powered by the MS-8’s ampliﬁers and some by additional ampliﬁers, but only use

one connection type per output. For example, Output Channel 1 may use the MS-8’s

ampliﬁer OR an additional ampliﬁer, but not both. Do not connect a speaker to Speaker

Output 1 AND an ampliﬁer to RCA-type Output 1. Fill out the chart below to simplify

channel assignment during setup.

MS-8 Display: Connect it to the MS-8 using the supplied cable. You MUST connect the

display during setup, but you may disconnect it after setup. If you do not install the

display, you cannot adjust the MS-8, and the MS-8’s remote control will not function.

Microphone input: You must connect it to the MS-8 during setup. Once setup is

complete, unplug the microphone and store it in a safe place. Do not use any other

microphone with the MS-8.

DISPLAY INSTALLATION

Choose a location for the display that is within easy sight while you are operating the vehicle but

that does not obstruct your view or normal vehicle operations. Windshield mounting or mounting

on the top of the dashboard between the driver and the windshield may be against the law in

your municipality. Be sure to consult local laws before mounting the display.

Possible

Mounting

Locations

Attach the Base

Use the three (3) supplied screws to secure the base plate,

and then twist the display base into position. Tighten the set

screw to secure the base to the mounting plate.

Mounting with screws

Set

screw

If you use the supplied adhesive pad, be sure to clean the

base and the mounting surface with the supplied alcohol

pad to ensure proper adhesion. Once you have secured the

base to the mounting surface, twist the display base into

position. Tighten the set screw to secure the base to the

mounting plate.

Mounting with adhesive

Set

screw

Plug in the Cable

Plug the angled end of the display cable into the

MS-8 display. Ensure that the other end of the

display cable is connected to the MS-8.

Output # Channel / Speaker Connected Output Connector Used

RCA SPEAKER

0200CSK - JBL MS-8 Quick Start Guide Inlay.indb 4 08/03/10 15:22:40