JBL Ms8 User Guide

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CONNeCTiON sEnglish
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Configurations
 
You can configure the MS-8’s eight outputs in a variety of ways, depending on the speakers that are 
installed in your vehicle. You can configure 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 amplifiers (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 amplifier containing an additional crossover) that will provide the separate channels required 
to drive the front midbass, midrange and/or tweeters separately. 
Use the Configuration 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
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CONNeCT iON s
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 amplifiers 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.
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EnglishCONNeCT iON s
NOTE: You can power some of the system's speakers by the MS-8's amplifiers and some by outboard 
amplifiers, 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 amplifier, 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
Subwooferamplifier
Line output
#6
Not
used Right rear
(coaxial)
Subwoofer Right front
(midrange) Right front
(Tweeter)
Vehicle
Speaker  System
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+ –
++
– –
+
+
+
–
–
–
+
–
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
CONN eCT iON s
Line Outputs
If you’ll be using additional outboard power amplifiers 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 amplifiers 
and some by outboard amplifiers, but you should use only one connection type per output. For example, 
Output Channel 1 may use the MS-8’s amplifier OR an outboard amplifier, 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.
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English
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 final 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
SOFT WARE
UPDA TE
Plug angled connector
into display Plug straight connector
into main unit
Connect to mic input
CONN eCT iON s
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CONNeCT iON s
After downloading a firmware 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 
firmware to upload the new firmware from your PC to the MS-8.
REMOVE
FOR
SOFT WARE
UPD ATE
UPDATE
Use the Update port only for firmware upgrades. We have covered it with a sticker that you should leave in 
place until you are ready to install a firmware upgrade that you will download from www.JBL.com.
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iN sTALLAT iON
Installation warning and tips
• Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Before beginning the installation, disconnect the negative (–) lead from the vehicle’s battery.
• Check clearances on both sides of a potential mounting surface before you drill any holes or install any  
   screws. Remember that the screws can extend behind the surface.
• At the installation sites, locate and make a note of any fuel lines, hydraulic brake lines, vacuum lines and 
   electrical wiring. Use extreme caution when cutting or drilling in and around these areas.
• Before drilling or cutting holes, use a utility knife to remove unwanted fabric or vinyl to keep the material from 
   snagging in a drill bit.
• When routing cables, keep input-signal cables away from power cables and speaker wires.
• When making connections, make certain that they are secure and properly insulated.
CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR THE MAIN UNIT
Cables and wiring
• Before mounting the main unit, plan your system’s wiring to ensure that all the necessary 
   cables and wires will reach the mounting location. 
• Leave enough room around the unit to accommodate all of the connecting cables 
   and wiring harnesses.
• If you’re planning on permanently mounting the display unit in the vehicle, be sure to mount 
   the main unit close enough to the display unit’s intended mounting location so the supplied 
   6m (19.7 ft) cable will reach between them.
Cooling requirements
• Make sure that the mounting location will supply enough air for the unit to cool itself.
• Do NOT mount the main unit in the engine compartment.
Suitable mounting locations 
• Under a seat (provided that the unit and connecting cables don’t interfere with the seat- 
   adjustment mechanism).
• In the trunk.
• In any other location that provides enough cooling air.
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iN sTALLAT iON
MOUNTING THE MAIN UNIT
Using the main unit as a template, mark the locations of the mounting holes on the mounting 
surface; drill pilot holes; and attach the unit to the mounting surface with the supplied screws. 
• Mount the unit securely.
• Mount the unit so that it remains dry. 
• Mount the unit so that neither it nor any of its connections are damaged by the feet of  
   backseat passengers or by cargo shifting in the trunk.
NOTE: You may find it easier to attach the MS-8’s main unit to the mounting surface after you’ve 
made all connections to it (but before you reconnect the vehicle’s battery ground cable).
CHOOSING A LOCATION FOR THE DISPLAY UNIT
IMPORTANT: Install the MS-8’s display unit according to these instructions and any 
relevant regulations. No part of this system should obstruct the driver’s view of the 
road, 	the 	vehicle 	controls 	or 	the 	information 	displays 	necessary 	for 	safely 	operating	
the 	vehicle. 	Position 	the 	display 	unit 	to 	eliminate 	glare 	and 	reflections 	and 	to 	be	
as close as possible to the driver’s normal line of sight.
Mounting 	the 	MS-8’s 	display 	unit 	on 	the 	windshield, 	or 	top 	of 	the 	dashboard	
between 	the 	driver 	and 	the 	windshield, 	may 	violate 	the 	law 	in 	your 	municipality. 	Be	
sure to consult local laws before mounting the display unit.
You can mount the display unit in any of a variety of locations, as long as the location offers 
a direct view of the display unit’s screen. For easiest viewing, mount the unit near other 
instrument-panel gauges or on top of the dashboard.
NOTE: The display unit is required to set up and calibrate the MS-8. However, once 
you have set up the MS-8, you can remove the display unit from the vehicle. (All of 
the MS-8’s equalization and digital signal processing functions will operate without 
your intervention.) If you do disconnect the display unit after setup, though, you will 
not be able to make any MS-8 adjustments, and the MS-8’s remote control will not 
function.
If you plan on removing the display unit once your system’s setup and calibration is 
complete, you do not have to choose a permanent mounting location.

Possible
mounting
locations
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iN sTALLAT iON
INSTALLING THE DISPLAY UNIT
1. Select a safe site for the display unit, and temporarily place it there. Check the viewing angle from the 
    driver’s seat while adjusting the display unit’s pivot arm. If the viewing angle meets your needs, then 
    skip to Step 2. Otherwise, change the viewing angle as follows:
 
a) Using the supplied 3mm hex wrench, loosen the recessed hex screw (inside the display  base) until 
    the pivot arm is free from the display assembly. The hex screw will remain captive.
 
 
b) Select one of the other two viewing-angle positions. Reassemble the parts in reverse 
     order and tighten the recessed hex screw.
2. At the base, using the supplied 1.5mm hex wrench, loosen (but do not remove) the hex 
    set screw.
3. You can install the display unit using one of the supplied adhesive pads or the supplied 
    mounting screws. 
Recessed
hex screw
Attach the base
to one of the
three positions
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iN sTALLAT iON
To install the display unit with mounting screws
1. Place the mounting plate at the installation site and rotate it so that its arrow will point toward 
    the hex set screw at the back of the base after it’s installed.
2. Holding the mounting plate in position, fasten it to the surface with three enclosed mounting 
    screws.
3. Place the display unit on the mounting plate (180° from its final position). Rotate it a half-turn to 
    the final position. Tighten the hex set screw at the back of the base.
4. Connect the supplied cable to the display unit. If you haven’t already done so, route the cable 
    to the main unit and plug it into the main unit’s display connector.
Mounting with screws
Mounting with adhesive
Set
screw Set
screw
a) Insert the mounting plate, rotate it 180°, and tighten the hex set screw as shown below.
b) Wipe the installation-site surface and the exposed mounting plate with one of the enclosed 
     alcohol pads. Allow both to dry. 
c) Remove the protective tape from one side of one of the enclosed adhesive pads, and 
    press the pad against the mounting plate.
d) Remove the remaining protective tape, and press and hold the display unit to its site 
    for five seconds.
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