Planet Audio P8UAW User Manual

1

Congratulations on your purchase of the Planet Audio P8UAW, amplified Under Seat

Subwoofer.

It has been designed, engineered and manufactured to bring you the highest level of

performance and quality, and will afford you years of listening pleasure.

Thank you for making a Planet Audio your choice for car audio entertainment!

P8UAW

8" Amplified Under Seat Subwoofer

High & Low Level Input

LED Status Indicator

Subwoofer Phase Control

Soft Remote Turn-0n

Subwoofer Remote Control

Variable Bass Boost

Low Pass Filter

Subsonic Filter

MAX Power: 800 W x 1

Thermal, Short, Overload and Fuse Protection

Dimension: 14.5” (L) x 9.5 (W)” x 3“(H)

Weight: 11.6 lbs.

2

Introduction

The P8UAW, introduces a low-profile active subwoofer, its low enough to easily fit
under the seat of your car.
This system offers you a quick and easy way to add a high-powered subwoofer to
your audio system.

Both high-level (speaker level) and low-level (RCA) inputs are present, making this a
universal solution for use with any head unit or other input sources.

3

What is included?

When first unpacking your new amplified system, please check that the package
contains all of the items below.
If something is missing, contact our Tech Dept.

Main Unit

P8UAW Amplified System

Accessories

Subwoofer Remote Control w/ Cable
High-Level Input Harness

Mounting Hardware

Mounting Feet
Mounting Feet Screws w/ Washers M3x10mm (x8)
Mounting Screws (x4)

4

Front Panel Controls and Features

① LED STATUS INDICATOR
Green – On
Red –Protection
② SUB PHASE
The Sub Phase can be used to adjust for bass response. Each vehicle will be different

and should be set for your particular installation. If the bass response “disappears”,

flipping the switch should fix and will properly align the phase with the rest of the
system.
③ LOW PASS FILTER
The LP filter is adjustable from 50 Hz to 150 Hz @ 12dB/Oct.
④ BASS BOOST
The bass boost is centered at 45 Hz. Adjusting this setting will boost 45 Hz up to 12
dB
⑤SUBW00FER SUBSONIC FILTER
The subsonic filter can be adjusted 20-50Hz.
⑥ SUBWOOFER GAIN CONTROL
The volume control on the head unit should be turned up to ¾ of max.
Slowly adjust the Gain to where distortion is barely audible and then back off a bit
of the adjustment.
⑦ SUBWOOFER REMOTE CONTROL PORT
Attach the included remote control to control the level of the subwoofer
independently. This should be installed in a convenient location where you can adjust
the level of subwoofer easily.

5

Rear Panel Controls and Features

① POWER TERMINALS
Planet Audio recommends the use of high quality 8 gauge wiring. The ground should be kept under

3ft (36”). Always scrape away any paint for the ground connection. Ground point should be clean with

the correct type of bolt to secure it.
The +12V wire should be fused (30 A) within 18” of the battery, keep away from any signal and/or
speaker lines to avoid noise in the system.
Remote turn-on wire should be coming from the source unit, so the amplifier turns on/off with the
source.

② FUSES
Fuse rating is a total of 30 A. The unit is equipped with two 15 A fuses.
Always replace the fuses with the same type and value.
③ HIGH-LEVEL (Speaker Level) INPUTS

If your source unit does not have Full-Range RCA Pre-Amp Outputs, you can use the speaker outputs
to the P8UAW.

Use the supplied harness and connect the outputs as shown in the connection diagram in this

manual.
④ RCA INPUTS (LOW LEVEL)
Please note the inputs MUST be Full-Range from the source unit. Otherwise, CH 1/2 outputs will not
output correctly.
If the pre-amp of the source unit is not Full-Range, the speaker level input should be used.
The +12V wire should be fused (30 A) within 18” of the battery, keep away from any signal and/or
speaker lines to avoid noise in the system.
Remote turn-on wire should be coming from the source unit, so the amplifier turns on/off with the
source.
Use the supplied harness and connect the outputs as shown in the connection diagram in this manual.
⑤ ILLUMINATION

The unit is equipped with an illumination feature that can be turned ON/OFF via the switch.

The illumination if ON will turn on when the Remote terminal receives power.

6

RCA Inputs (Low Level)

RCA cables are preferred for best audio performance.
Installation lengths will vary due to sizes.
Always connect with the high-quality cables to avoid any induced noise.

NOTE: DO NOT USE/CONNECT BOTH HIGH-LEVEL AND RCA INPUTS AT THE SAME TIME

Speaker Input (High-Level)

The high-level input(s) should only be used when your receiver lacks Full-Range RCA
Outputs.
If the RCA outputs are not present, connect the speaker outputs from the receiver to
the high-level input connector of the amplifier. Be sure to observe polarity to avoid
audio phase problems.

7

Power Input Connections

Connect the ground terminal to the closest point on the chassis of the vehicle.
Keep this ground wire to less than 3 ft. (36”) in length.
Use a high quality OFC 8 gauge wire.
Connect the remote terminal to the remote output of the head unit to “REM” using
16 gauge wire.
Connect an empty fuse holder within 18” of the car battery, and run
8 gauge cable from this fuse to the amplifier location.
Then connect the fuse holder to the “+12V”

Subwoofer Level Control

Subwoofer Remote Control allows you raise to lower the level of the subwoofer
independently from the other two outputs channels.

8

Mounting the subwoofer

1. Find a suitable location in the vehicle in which to mount the amplifier. An
optional location is shown below:

2. Make sure there is sufficient air circulation around the intended mounting
Location.

3. The mounting feet have multiple mounting locations.

4. Before drilling any holes or screws, double check you’re not about to drill into any
fuel lines, brake lines, cables, etc….

9

Troubleshooting

If you experience operation or performance problems with this product, compare
your installation with the electrical wiring diagrams on the previous pages. If
problems persist, read the following troubleshooting guide which may help.
If you have any further questions, please give our Tech Department a call.

Amplifier will not

power up

Check to make sure you have a good ground connection
Check that the remote input (turn-on) has at least 9VDC
Check that there is battery power on the (+)terminal
Check that there is at least 12v
Check all fuses, replace if necessary
Make sure that the protection led is not illuminated.
If it is lit,
Shut off the amplifier briefly, and then power it ON again

Protection LED

comes on when

Amplifier is

powered up

Turn down the volume control on the head until to prevent overdriving.
If it remains on, please contact our Tech Dept.

No output

Check that all fuses are ok
Check that unit is properly grounded.
Check that the remote input (turn-on)has at least 9VDC
Check that the RCA audio cables are plugged into the proper
Inputs.
Check all speaker wiring.

Low output

Reset the level control
Check the crossover control settings.

High hiss in the

sound

Disconnect all RCA inputs to the power sub’s control panel. If the hiss disappears,
then plug in the component driving the amplifier and unplug its inputs. If the hiss
disappears at this point ,go on

Until the faulty/noisy component is found.

It is best to set the amplifier’s input level control as low as

Possible

Squealing noise
is present

Check all cables

Distorted sound

Check that the input level control is set to match the signal level of the source unit.

Always try to set the input level as low as possible.

Check that all crossover frequencies are properly set.
Check for broken or damaged cable insulation on the speaker leads.

Amplifier gets

very hot

Check that there is good air circulation around the amp.
Adjust the input gain to properly match the source unit

Engine noise

This is usually caused by poor quality RCA cables, which can pick up radiated noise.

Use only the best quality cables, and route them away from any power cables.

Engine noise

(alternator
whine)

Check that the RCA grounds are not shorted to the vehicle chassis.
Check that the source unit is properly grounded.
Check the ground connection is clean and any paint is scraped away.

10

Specifications

Maximum Power 800 W

THD < 0.1%

S/N Ratio >90db

Frequency Response 20 Hz - 150 Hz

Input Sensitivity 100 mV - 6 V

Low Pass Filter 50 Hz – 150 Hz @ 12dB/Oct

Subsonic Filter 20 Hz – 50 Hz @ 6dB/Oct

Bass Boost @ 45 Hz 0 to +12 dB

Fuse Rating 15 A

Dimensions 9-7/8” x 13-7/8” x 3” (251x352x76mm)