Mid America Motorworks SUB-8100 Instruction Sheet

INSTRUCTION SHEET

Part Number

Application:

Any 12 Volt System

RetroSound®
SUB-8100 Active Bass Subwoofer

Tools Needed

To ensure proper operation of this Retrosound produce, please read these
instructions carefully before using and installing this powered subwoofer.

This Owner’s manual does not cover all possible installation scenarios. If you
feel you can’t install this product yourself, please take it to a local car audio
professional, or contact us via at [e-mail] or
call 909-364-1372 | 888-325-1555.

IMPORTANT! This device is a high-power audio amplifier intended for
installation in vehicles with a 12-Volt negative ground electrical system.
Connecting or operating the amplifier with another type of electrical system
may cause damage to the amplifier or electrical system.

119-202

Part Includes

1 - SUB-8100 subwoofer
4 - Mounting Brackets
1 - Wire & Wire Harness
1 - Remote Bass Control
18 - Installation Hardware
Adhesive tape
(for alternate installations where
mounting brackets can’t be used)

IMPORTANT! Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before beginning
installation. Verify the battery ground by checking that one wire is connected
to the starter mounting bolt or engine block and another to the vehicle
chassis using at least a #8 gauge wire. Also make sure the alternator
connections are secure and free from corrosion, rust or dirt.

WARNING! The amplifier must not be enclosed or covered, as it may overheat.
Do not cover with carpets or enclose it behind trim panels. Do not mount the
amplifier in an inverted or upside down position. Select a mounting
location where drilling of pilot holes will not damage any wires, control
cables, fuel lines, fuel tanks, hydraulic lines or other vehicle systems or
components.

2900 North Third Street, Effingham, IL 62401

800.500.1500 • Worldwide: 217.540.4200 • FAX: [phone]
www.mamotorworks.com • [e-mail]

©Mid America Motorworks, Inc. All rights reser ved.

INSTRUCTION SHEET

Page 2

RetroSound®
SUB-8100 Active Bass Subwoofer (cont.)

STEP 1. Affix the Mounting Brackets to the bottom of the amp using

the enclosed Mounting Bracket Bolts. (1A, 1B & 1C)

STEP 2. Use the enclosed Sheet Metal Screws to mount the powered sub to
the desired location.

STEP 3. Refer to “End Panel Controls/Connections” for connection instructions.

End Panel Controls/Connections

Part Number

119-202

1A

1. PHASE: Adjust subwoofer polarity between 0 (normal) and 180 degrees

(reverse). At 0, the subwoofer is “in-phase” with the other speakers,
meaning the subwoofer moves in/out along with the speakers. When
reversed, the subwoofer moves in when the speakers move out. Reversing
polarity may be useful depending on subwoofer placement and acoustics.

2. FREQ: The Low Pass Filter controls adjust the crossover point. The typical
crossover setting is between 60Hz and 80Hz. Since musical tastes vary, you
should play music that you would normally listen to in your vehicle, using
the above settings as a starting point. If necessary, we suggest setting the
crossover point by ear.

3. REMOTE LEVEL CONTROL INPUT: Plug included remote bass level control
into this port

4. GAIN: The input level control (GAIN) matches the output of your radio to
the input of the amplifier. To adjust the input gain after install, begin by
turning the control all the way to the left. Play your input source (CD player,
etc.), with the bass and treble settings flat, then slowly increase the volume
until you begin to hear distortion. Adjust the volume back down until the
distortion is no longer heard. Next, increase the amplifier GAIN slowly until
you begin to hear distortion. Adjust the GAIN back down until the distortion
is no longer heard. Your radio and amplifier levels are now matched.

1B

1C

Toll Free: 800.500.1500 • Worldwide: 217.540.4200 • www.mamotorworks.com • [e-mail]