JL Audio M6-10IB - User Manual

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Summary

Physical Specifications

Subwoofer Physical Specifications

Detailed physical dimensions and measurements for the subwoofer drivers.

Subwoofer Parameters

Technical specifications like Fs, Qes, Qms, Vas, Xmax, impedance, and power handling.

LED Equipped Models

Information on the integrated TransflectiveTM RGB LED lighting system.

Safety Information

Cautionary Notes

Important warnings regarding water exposure, cleaning, hearing protection, and secure mounting.

Warranty Warnings

Crucial warnings about proper connection, LED removal, and warranty voidance.

Enclosure Specifications

Recommended Sealed Design

Enclosure volume and external dimension recommendations for sealed designs.

Recommended Ported Design

Enclosure volume and port dimension recommendations for ported designs.

RGB LED Lighting

RGB LED Connection Guide

Details on connecting RGB LED wires for specific colors and functionality.

LED Wiring Considerations

Recommendations and warnings for connecting LED lighting circuits safely and effectively.

Installation Guidelines

Pre-installation Checks

Essential steps before installation, including regulatory checks and safety precautions.

Installation Steps

Step-by-step instructions for mounting the subwoofer and connecting wires.

Pilot Hole Recommendations

Recommended drill sizes for pilot holes based on fiberglass thickness.

Limited Warranty

Warranty Coverage

Details on the 2-year limited warranty for materials and workmanship.

Service Information

Instructions for obtaining warranty service and contact details.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Physical Specifications
Subwoofer Parameters (M6-10IB)
Subwoofer Parameters (M6-10W)
Recommended Continuous (RMS) Power Range
RGB LED Specifications (M6-10)
Enclosure Specifications (Recommended Sealed Design)
Enclosure Specifications (Recommended Ported Design)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The JL Audio M6-10IB/M6-10W is a marine subwoofer designed to deliver high-quality audio performance in marine environments. This owner's manual provides comprehensive information for installation, operation, and maintenance of the device.

Function Description:

The M6-10IB/M6-10W is a marine subwoofer with an optional Transflective™ RGB LED lighting system. Its primary function is to reproduce low-frequency audio (bass) to complement a bi-amplified system with high-quality satellite speakers and amplifiers. The integrated Transflective™ RGB LED lighting system, which is patent-pending, delivers smooth and even accent illumination without hot spots, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the speaker. The LED rings are positioned behind the woofer cones to produce vibrant lighting. The subwoofer is designed for durability and performance in harsh marine conditions, being water and spray resistant, though not intended for submersion or high-pressure water spray.

Important Technical Specifications:

Physical Specifications:

Nominal Diameter: 10 in / 250 mm
Outer Diameter (A): 10.75 in / 273 mm
Bolt Hole Circle (B): 9.70 in / 247 mm
Frontal Grille Protrusion-Classic (C):* 1.66 in / 42 mm
Frontal Grille Protrusion-Sport (C):* 1.66 in / 42 mm
Mounting Hole Diameter (D): 8.875 in / 225 mm
Mounting Depth (E): 5.90 in / 150 mm
Net Weight: 12.60 lbs / 5.70 kg
Driver Displacement: 0.052 ft³ / 1.47 litres
- (Frontal grille protrusion measured from mounting surface (Sport Grille Pictured))

Subwoofer Parameters (M6-10IB):

Free Air Resonance (Fs): 43.76 Hz
Electrical "Q" (Qes): 0.907
Mechanical "Q" (Qms): 11.315
Total Speaker "Q" (Qts): 0.840
Equivalent Compliance (Vas): 0.98 ft³ / 27.75 litres
One-way, Linear Excursion (Xmax)*: 0.52 in / 13.2 mm
Efficiency (1W/1m):** 86.1 dB SPL
Effective Piston Area (Sd): 50.11 in² / 0.0323 m²
DC Resistance (Re): 4.543 ohm
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohm
Infinite Baffle Use: Yes
Enclosure Use: Yes (Sealed & Ported)
Power Handling (continuous): 250W
- (Xmax specifications are derived via one-way voice coil overhang method with no correction factors applied.)
- (Efficiency (1W/1m) is not an accurate indicator of a subwoofer's output capability and should not be used as a comparison to other subwoofers to determine which one is "louder"!)

Subwoofer Parameters (M6-10W):

Free Air Resonance (Fs): 34.58 Hz
Electrical "Q" (Qes): 0.522
Mechanical "Q" (Qms): 9.780
Total Speaker "Q" (Qts): 0.496
Equivalent Compliance (Vas): 1.22 ft³ / 34.49 litres
One-way, Linear Excursion (Xmax)*: 0.52 in / 13.2 mm
Efficiency (1W/1m):** 86.4 dB SPL
Effective Piston Area (Sd): 50.11 in² / 0.0323 m²
DC Resistance (Re): 3.619 ohm
Nominal Impedance: 4 ohm
Infinite Baffle Use: No
Enclosure Use: Yes (Sealed & Ported)
Power Handling (continuous): 250W

Recommended Continuous (RMS) Power Range:

Minimum (Medium Gray): 30W - 60W (comfortable operating range, no stress, but not full performance potential)
Optimum (Light Gray): 60W - 125W (best compromise for reliability, high-output, low-distortion)
Maximum (Dark Gray): 125W - 250W (slight SPL gain, safe operation up to this range, operate with caution)
Warranty Void (Black): Above 250W (high probability of failure due to excessive heat/mechanical stress, not covered under warranty)

RGB LED Specifications (M6-10):

LED Current Draw at 12V DC: 594 mA
Recommended Fuse Value: 750 mA
LED Voltage Range: 10-14.4V DC

Enclosure Specifications (Recommended Sealed Design):

M6-10IB:
- Volume (net int.): 2.00 ft³ / 56.6 litres
- External Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 17 in x 17 in x 16.25 in (432 mm x 432 mm x 413 mm)
- F3 (Hz): 41.54
- Fc (Hz): 53.41
- Qtc: 1.0253
M6-10W:
- Volume (net int.): 0.75 ft³ / 21.2 litres
- External Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 17 in x 17 in x 7.25 in (432 mm x 432 mm x 184 mm)
- F3 (Hz): 50.08
- Fc (Hz): 56.01
- Qtc: 0.8035

Enclosure Specifications (Recommended Ported Design):

M6-10IB:
- Volume (net int.): 2.50 ft³ / 70.8 litres
- External Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 17 in x 17 in x 20.50 in (432 mm x 432 mm x 676 mm)
- Round Port Specs (Inner Diameter x Length): 4 in x 12 in (102 mm x 305 mm)
- Tune to: (Hz): 30
- F3 (Hz): 25.09
M6-10W:
- Volume (net int.): 1.50 ft³ / 42.5 litres
- External Dimensions (Width x Height x Depth): 17 in x 17 in x 13.125 in (432 mm x 432 mm x 333 mm)
- Round Port Specs (Inner Diameter x Length): 3 in x 11.125 in (76 mm x 283 mm)
- Tune to: (Hz): 31
- F3 (Hz): 29.81

Usage Features:

Installation: The subwoofer comes with a polymer subwoofer grille, a polymer subwoofer grille trim ring, six #10 x 1 5/8-inch Phillips pan-head stainless-steel screws, and six #10 stainless-steel washers. Installation involves choosing a flat mounting surface with sufficient depth and air space, cutting an 8.875-inch (225 mm) diameter hole, routing speaker cables, marking screw locations, drilling pilot holes (using recommended sizes based on fiberglass thickness), connecting speaker wires to the amplifier, and securing the woofer with its grille in a criss-cross pattern. For LED-equipped models, separate wiring for LED activation is required.
LED Lighting Control: The Transflective™ RGB LED lighting system offers adjustable control of RGB lighting through an RGB lighting controller (sold separately), such as the JL Audio marine lighting controller (MLC-RW). Alternatively, individual leads or combinations of leads can be hard-wired to achieve up to seven different LED color assortments (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Pink, Aqua, White). The YELLOW (+12V) leads from all speakers should be combined in parallel and connected to a switched +12V supply.
LED Wiring Considerations:
- Do not connect to 24V electrical systems.
- Do not connect to the vessel's navigational lighting circuits.
- Install a fuse (not included) at EACH speaker's YELLOW (+12V) LED power connection lead for short-circuit protection, with a recommended fuse rating of 750 mA.
- Use a minimum of 16AWG wire size for each speaker's LED connection circuits.
- Activate the speakers' LEDs through a cabin/interior lighting circuit that supplies +12V via an existing switch. If no existing switched circuit is available, a dedicated toggle/rocker style switch can be installed. Fuse this main +12V connection according to the total amperage demands of all LED circuits.
Sound Performance: The manual recommends using this speaker in a bi-amplified system with high-quality satellite speakers and amplifiers. It advises against using a passive crossover (coil) with this subwoofer, as it may adversely affect performance. Prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels exceeding 100dB can cause permanent hearing loss, so restraint in operation is advised.

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning: The speaker is designed to be water and spray resistant, but care should be exercised when washing the boat to avoid damage. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals or cleaning agents, as this can damage the speaker's finish and will not be covered under warranty. Wash with mild soap and rinse with freshwater only.
Installation Hardware: Always use marine-grade, stainless-steel fasteners for secure and reliable installation.
Warranty: JL Audio provides a two (2) year limited warranty from the original date of purchase, covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty is non-transferable and applies only to the original purchaser from an authorized JL Audio dealer. The warranty is voided if the factory-applied serial number is removed or defaced. Damage from accident, misuse, abuse, modification, neglect, improper installation, unauthorized repair, or misrepresentations by the seller is not covered. Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear is also excluded. For service, products must be returned freight prepaid to an authorized JL Audio dealer with proof of purchase.