Harman JBL BassPro - User Manual

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THANK YOU

for choosing the JBL BassPro. BassPro has been designed to

provide the kind of high-performance low-frequency reproduction

that used to require big, clumsy enclosures, large amplifiers, and

complex installation. To ensure maximum performance, we

strongly recommend that installation be entrusted to a qualified

professional.

WARNING

Playing loud music in an automobile can permanently damage

your hearing as well as hinder your ability to hear traffic. We

recommend using low volume levels while driving. Harman

International accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or

property damage resulting from the use or misuse of this product.

INSTALLATION

Choosing a mounting location

Choose a location that doesn’t interfere with the loading or

unloading of cargo, fold-down rear seats, or opening or closing of

the trunk lid. The best location is likely to be the front or rear

corner of the trunk or luggage compartment. These locations, in

addition to being out of the way, will provide the best sonic

reproduction in the 60Hz – 100Hz range because the output of

the woofer will be “corner loaded” against the walls of the vehicle.

In any case, the BassPro must not interfere with the safe

operation of the vehicle.

CAUTION: Make sure mounting screws will not puncture wiring

harnesses, brake or fuel lines, or the vehicle’s fuel tank. Some or

all of these may be located behind or under the mounting surface.

Mounting BassPro

IMPORTANT: Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (–) battery

terminal before beginning the installation.

NOTE: If you are using only the BassPro’s line-level (RCA) inputs,

you must connect the remote wire from the BassPro to the

system’s head unit so BassPro will turn on and off with the

system. If you will be using the speaker-level outputs from your

head unit, you do not need to connect the remote output. The

BassPro’s speaker-level inputs will sense voltage on the speaker

wires and the BassPro will turn itself on. (See Audio Sense

Switch, below.)

Input Connections

Connect the subwoofer output from the

source unit to either the left or right

line-level input. If your source unit does

not have a dedicated subwoofer output

you can connect the rear left/right

outputs to the BassPro’s left and right

inputs.

If your source unit doesn’t have

line-level outputs you can use the

included speaker-level input harness to

connect the BassPro to the source

unit’s speaker outputs. See the

illustration for the wiring configuration.

Power

Connectors

Audio System

Head Unit

BassPro

Chassis Ground

(bare metal)

18”

(46cm)

20A Fuse

Remote Turn-On (optional)

>#18AWG (0.82mm

) Wire

>#12AWG (2.05mm

) Wire

>#12AWG (2.05mm

) Wire

CONNECTIONS

Power Connections

L+ R+

L– R–

BassPro

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Harman JBL BassPro and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Installation Guide

Choosing a Mounting Location

Select a location that does not interfere with cargo or vehicle operation, likely a trunk corner.

Mounting the BassPro

Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before starting installation.

Tuning the BassPro

Phase Switch Function

Reverses the phase of BassPro's output to optimize upper bass reproduction.

Level Control Adjustment

Adjusts input sensitivity for relative volume balance with other speakers.

Crossover Control Adjustment

Sets the amount of upper bass and midbass, ensuring smooth transition.

Bass Boost Control Adjustment

Corrects peaks or dips in response, typically around 40Hz.

Audio Sense Switch Operation

Allows BassPro to turn on/off automatically with the audio system via speaker inputs.

Input Load Switch Setting

Optimizes noise reduction for high-level inputs, especially with factory faders.

Remote Connection

Compatible with the RBC remote volume control (sold separately).

Recommended Adjustment Sequence

Step-by-step guide for setting Level, Phase, Crossover, and Bass Boost controls.

Summary

Installation Guide

Choosing a Mounting Location

Select a location that does not interfere with cargo or vehicle operation, likely a trunk corner.

Mounting the BassPro

Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery terminal before starting installation.

Tuning the BassPro

Phase Switch Function

Reverses the phase of BassPro's output to optimize upper bass reproduction.

Level Control Adjustment

Adjusts input sensitivity for relative volume balance with other speakers.

Crossover Control Adjustment

Sets the amount of upper bass and midbass, ensuring smooth transition.

Bass Boost Control Adjustment

Corrects peaks or dips in response, typically around 40Hz.

Audio Sense Switch Operation

Allows BassPro to turn on/off automatically with the audio system via speaker inputs.

Input Load Switch Setting

Optimizes noise reduction for high-level inputs, especially with factory faders.

Remote Connection

Compatible with the RBC remote volume control (sold separately).

Recommended Adjustment Sequence

Step-by-step guide for setting Level, Phase, Crossover, and Bass Boost controls.

The JBL BassPro is a powered, 8" (200mm) car audio subwoofer system designed to provide powerful bass in a compact form factor, suitable for installation under a car seat. It aims to deliver high-performance low-frequency reproduction that traditionally required larger enclosures and amplifiers.

Function Description:

The BassPro is an all-in-one powered subwoofer system. It integrates an 8-inch woofer, a Class D amplifier, and various electronic controls within a compact enclosure. The system is designed to augment a car's existing audio system by adding deep bass frequencies. Its energy-efficient digital amplifier ensures powerful performance while maintaining a cool operating temperature.

Important Technical Specifications:

Woofer: 8" (200mm)
Amplifier Power: 125W RMS
Frequency Response: 35Hz – 120Hz
Fuse: 20A
Maximum Current Draw: 12A
Quiescent Current Draw: <800mA
Input Sensitivity:
- Line-Level Input: 0.2V – 2V
- High-Level Input: 2V – 20V
Crossover Frequency: 50Hz – 120Hz (variable adjustment)
Crossover Slope: 12dB/octave
Bass Boost: 0dB to +9dB @ 70Hz
Dimensions (L x W x H): 13-9/16" x 9-7/8" x 2-13/16" (344mm x 250mm x 71mm)

Usage Features:

The BassPro offers flexible installation and tuning options to integrate seamlessly with various car audio systems and acoustic environments.

Installation:

Mounting Location: It is recommended to choose a location that does not interfere with cargo, fold-down seats, or trunk lids, such as a front or rear corner of the trunk or luggage compartment. These locations can provide optimal sonic reproduction in the 60Hz - 100Hz range due to "corner loading."
Power Connections:
- Requires a +BAT (positive battery) connection, a REM (remote turn-on) connection (optional for speaker-level inputs), and a GND (chassis ground) connection.
- The +BAT and GND wires should be >#12AWG (2.05mm²) and include a 20A fuse on the +BAT line within 18" (46cm) of the battery.
- The REM wire should be >#18AWG (0.82mm²) and connect to the head unit's remote turn-on output. If using speaker-level inputs, the BassPro can sense voltage and turn on automatically, making the remote wire optional.
Input Connections:
- Line-Level (RCA) Inputs: Connect the subwoofer output or rear left/right outputs from the source unit to the BassPro's left or right RCA inputs.
- High-Level (Speaker-Level) Inputs: An included harness allows connection to the source unit's speaker outputs. The BassPro's speaker-level inputs sense voltage to turn the unit on automatically.
- Input Load Switch: When using high-level inputs, this switch allows selection between "Low" and "High" positions to optimize results, typically "High" for lowest noise.

Tuning Controls:

The BassPro features several controls for fine-tuning its performance:

Level Control: Adjusts the input sensitivity to balance the BassPro's volume with other speakers in the vehicle.
Crossover Control: Varies the crossover frequency from 50Hz to 120Hz, allowing a smooth transition between the BassPro and the main speakers, preventing a "hole" in the sound.
Phase Switch (0°/180°): Reverses the phase of the BassPro's output relative to its input. This helps correct for phase cancellations or additions due to speaker placement and distance, optimizing upper bass content.
Bass Boost Control: Provides 0dB to +9dB of boost at 70Hz to compensate for peaks or dips in the vehicle's acoustic response, typically around 40Hz.
Audio Sense Switch: When using high-level inputs, setting this to "On" enables the BassPro to sense voltage on the speaker inputs and turn on automatically with the audio system.
Remote Connection: Compatible with the JBL RBC remote volume control (sold separately) for convenient level adjustment.

Adjustment Sequence (Recommended):

Set Level control to minimum, Phase switch to "0", and Crossover and Bass Boost controls to the 3 o'clock position.
Play music with substantial bass content and set the head unit volume to three-quarters of its total output.
Adjust the Level control clockwise until the BassPro's volume is balanced with the rest of the system.
Switch the Phase switch to "180" and recheck for upper bass content. Choose the position that yields the most upper bass or suits personal taste.
Adjust the Crossover control until only low-frequency information is heard from the BassPro, with no vocals.
Adjust the Bass Boost control to suit personal taste. Note: This sequence provides a good starting point, but further readjustments may be necessary due to control interactions. Consulting a JBL car audio dealer is recommended for complex tuning.

Intelligent Electronic Design:

The BassPro employs custom circuitry to ensure protection and optimal performance across varying output levels without compromising clarity.

Maintenance Features:

Safety Precautions: Always disconnect the vehicle's negative (-) battery terminal before installation. Ensure mounting screws do not puncture wiring harnesses, brake/fuel lines, or the fuel tank.
Warning: Playing loud music can cause permanent hearing damage. Use low volume levels while driving. Harman International disclaims liability for hearing loss or injury from product misuse.
Proprietary ABS Enclosure: The durable enclosure is designed for a compact footprint and low distortion.