Rockford Fosgate M2-200X2, M2-300X4, M2-500X1, M2-750X5 Owner's Manual

Installation assistance available at:

ELEMENT READY™ AMPLIFIERS

M2-200X2

M2-300X4

M2-500X1

M2-750X5

Installation & Operation

rockfordfosgate.com

Direct: [phone] • Toll Free: [phone]

600 South Rockford Drive • Tempe, Arizona 85281 United States

060420 1230-72210-M1-B Printed In China

Introduction

Dear Customer,

Congratulations on your purchase of the world’s finest brand of
audio products. At Rockford Fosgate we are fanatics about musical
reproduction at its best, and we are pleased you chose our product.
Through years of engineering expertise, hand crasmanship and
critical testing procedures, we have created a wide range of products
that reproduce music with all the clarity and richness you deserve.

For maximum performance we recommend you have your new
Rockford Fosgate product installed by an Authorized Rockford Fosgate
Dealer. Please read your warranty and retain your receipt and original
carton for possible future use.

Great product and competent installations are only a piece of the
puzzle when it comes to your system. Make sure that your installer is
using 100% authentic installation accessories from Rockford Fosgate in
your installation. Rockford Fosgate has everything from RCA cables and
speaker wire to power wire and battery connectors. Insist on it! Aer
all, your new system deserves nothing but the best.

To add the finishing touch to your new Rockford Fosgate image order
your Rockford accessories, which include everything from T-shirts to
hats.

Visit our web site for the latest information on all Rockford products;
www.rockfordfosgate.com or, in the U.S. call 1-800-669-9899 or FAX
1-800-398-3985. For all other countries, call +001-480-967-3565 or FAX

+001-480-966-3983.

2 Introduction
3-4 Specifications
5-7 Design Features

8-10 Installation

Installation Considerations
Mounting Locations
Battery and Charging
Wiring the System

11 Operation

Adjusting Crossover Frequency
Input Switch
C.L.E.A.N.
Punch EQ
Remote Punch Level Control

12 Troubleshooting

13-44 Additional Languages

French
Spanish
German
Italian

48 Limited Warranty Information

Table of Contents

If, aer reading your manual, you still have questions regarding this
product, we recommend that you see your Rockford Fosgate dealer.
If you need further assistance, you can call us direct at 1-800-669-

9899. Be sure to have your serial number, model number and date of
purchase available when you call.

PRACTICE SAFE SOUND

Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 100dB may

cause permanent hearing loss. High powered auto sound systems

may produce sound pressure levels well over 130dB. Use common

sense and practice safe sound.

PRATIQUEZ UNE ÉCOUTE SANS RISQUES

Une exposition continue à des niveaux de pression acoustique

upérieurs à 100 dB peut causer une perte d’acuité auditive

permanente. Les systèmes audio de forte puissance pour auto peuvent

produire des niveaux de pression acoustique bien au-delà de 130 dB.

Faites preuve de bon sens et pratiquez une écoute sans risques

PRACTIQUE EL SONIDO SEGURO

El contacto continuo con niveles de presión de sonido superiores
a 100 dB puede causar la pérdida permanente de la audición. Los

sistemas de sonido de alta potencia para automóviles pueden

producir niveles de presión de sonido superiores a los 130 dB. Aplique

el sentido común y practique el sonido seguro.

PRAKTIZIEREN SIE SICHEREN SOUND

Fortgesetzte Geräuschdruckpegel von über 100 dB können beim

Menschen zu permanentem Hörverlust führen. Leistungsstarke

Autosoundsysteme können Geräuschdruckpegel erzeugen, die weit

über 130 dB liegen. Bitte wenden Sie gesunden Menschenverstand an

und praktizieren Sie sicheren Sound.

OSSERVATE LE REGOLE DEL SUONO SENZA PERICOLI

La costante esposizione a livelli di pressione acustica al di sopra dei

100dB possono causare la perdita permanente dell’udito. I sistemi

audio ad alta potenza possono produrre livelli di pressione acustica

ben superiori ai 130dB. Si consiglia il buon senso e l’osservanza delle

regole del suono senza pericoli

Safety

This symbol with “WARNING” is
intended to alert the user to the
presence of important instructions.
Failure to heed the instructions could
result in severe injury or death.

This symbol with “CAUTION” is
intended to alert the user to the
presence of important instructions.
Failure to heed the instructions could
result in injury or unit damage.

To prevent injury and damage to the unit, please read and follow the
instructions in this manual.

If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it installed
by a qualified Rockford Fosgate technician.

Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-) terminal to
prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or possible injury.

©2020 Rockford Corporation. All Rights Reserved. ROCKFORD FOSGATE and associated logos where applicable are registered trademarks
of Rockford Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Specifications subject to change without notice.

2

A

m

Mode M2-200X2 M2-300X4 M2-750X5 M2-500X1

Rated Power -

Continuous

Power Rating

50x2 @ 4 ohms
100x2 @ 2 ohms
200x1 @ 4 ohms*

(RMS) Measured

@ 14.4V

Crossover

12 dB/Oct 12 dB/Oct 12 dB/Oct 12 dB/Oct

Slope

Crossover

Frequency

Punch EQ

Operating

Variable 50Hz-250Hz
LP/AP/HP

N/A N/A Mono Channel Only

9-16VDC 9-16VDC 9-16VDC 9-16VDC

Voltage

Frequency

20Hz-20kHz 20Hz-20kHz F/R: 20Hz-20kHz

Response

Battery Fuse

30A 60A 120A 80A

Rating (not

supplied)

150mV-4V Low Level

Input

Sensitivity

S/N Ratio CTA

450mV-12V High
Level

>80dB >70dB F/R: > 80dB

2006

Overall

Length(See Pg 4)

7.3”
186mm

Length (See Pg 4) 6.8”

173mm

Width (See Pg 4) 8.0”

205mm

Height (See Pg 4) 1.9”

49mm

50x4 @ 4 ohms
75x4 @ 2 ohms
150x2 @ 4 ohms*

Variable 50Hz-250Hz
LP/AP/HP

150mV-4V Low Level
450mV-12V High
Level

7.3”
186mm

6.8”
173mm

10.0”
255mm

1.9”
49mm

50x4 @ 4 ohms
100x4 @ 2 ohms
200x2 @ 4 ohms*
Sub: 200x1 @ 4 ohms
Sub: 350x1 @ 2 ohms

Variable 50Hz-250Hz
LP/AP/HP
IF: 15Hz-40Hz

Variable 0 -+18dB
@ 45Hz

Sub: 20Hz-250Hz

150mV-4V Low Level
450mV-12V High
Level

Sub: >75dB

7.3”
186mm

6.8”
173mm

11.2”
285mm

1.9”
49mm

300x1 @ 4 ohms
500x1 @ 2 ohms

Variable LP 50Hz­250Hz
IF: 15Hz-40Hz

Variable 0 -+18dB
@ 45Hz

20Hz-250Hz

150mV-4V Low
Level
450mV-12V High
Level

>75dB

7.3”
186mm

6.8”
173mm

8.4”
215mm

1.9”
49mm

Specifications

* Rated power when amplifier is wired in a bridged configuration.

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P

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fi

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CTA 2006

t

Power ratings on Rockford Fosgate amplifiers conform to CTA-2006 industry

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a

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p

standards. These guidelines mean your amplifier’s output power ratings are

m

o

C

6

0

0

A

2

-

REAL POWER numbers, not inflated marketing ratings.

3

Length

(Longueur,
Longitud,
Länge,
Lunghezza)

Overall
Length

(Longueur totale,
Longitude total,
Gesamtlänge,
Lunghezza totale)

Length

(Longueur,
Longitud,
Länge,
Lunghezza)

Length

(Longueur,
Longitud,
Länge,
Lunghezza)

Overall
Length

(Longueur totale,
Longitude total,
Gesamtlänge,
Lunghezza totale)

Dimensions

Width

(Largeur,
Anchura,
Breite,
Larghezza)

illus.-1.1

illus.-1.2

Height

(La Taille, Altura,
Höhe, Altezza)

illus.-1.3

4

.12”

3mm

Dimensions

1.49”

38mm

1.97”

50mm

.91”

23mm

1.14”

29mm

NEW TECHNOLOGIES

C.L.E.A.N. – Calibrated Level Eliminated Audible Noise –
Allows for accurate setup of an amplifier’s input and output
WITHOUT the need of additional measurement devices.

C.L.E.A.N. IN – Indicates when the input into the amplifier
starts to distort by lighting up RED.

How does it work – Turn the volume level on the source unit
up until the light turns RED, then reduce the volume level
until the light turns OFF. This is the maximum level that the
source unit should be turned up to in order to provide a
distortion free signal into the amplifier.

C.L.E.A.N. OUT – Indicates when the output from the
amplifier starts to distort by lighting up RED.

.59”

15mm

Auto Remote Turn ON Switch – Utilizes the DC oset of
the source units front LEFT speaker to turn the amplifier ON
and OFF. Turning the switch to the OFF position requires the
connection to the REM input to be connected to a 12 Volt
switched accessory circuit using a 1 Amp fuse or the REM
output from an aermarket head unit.
Note: This only applies to high level inputs.

How does it work – DC oset is the 3-6 Volts coming from
the source unit’s positive speaker lead. This can be tested
using a DMM (Digital Multi-Meter) set to DC voltage by
connecting the meters Positive lead to the front LEFT positive
speaker lead and connecting the negative lead to chassis
ground and turning the source unit ON.

1.57”

40mm

How does it work – Setup should be performed at the
maximum level of the source unit determined by the
C.L.E.A.N. IN indicator.
Turn the GAIN up until the light turns RED, then turn down
the GAIN until the light turns OFF. This is the maximum level
that the GAIN should be set to in order to provide a distortion
free output from the amplifier.

5

Design Features

Variable Crossover

A built-in 12dB/octave Butterworth filter with a
crossover point variable from 50Hz to 250Hz. All Mono
amps (M2-500X1) utilize a 24dB/octave.
See Pg. 11

Punch EQ - Variable

Equalizer with up to +18dB @ 45Hz.
(Only available on mono channels)
See Pg. 11

Power/Protect LED

Power LED illuminates BLUE
when the unit is turned
on. Protect/Thermal LED
illuminates RED when
amplifier overheats or short
circuits. The amplifier will
automatically mute if this
occurs.

Infra-Sonic

A 12dB filter to prevent frequencies
below the audio range from being
applied to the sub woofer from
the amplifier giving you better
performance, particularly in vented
(ported) enclosures.
See Pg. 11

Auto Remote Turn ON

When in the ON position, the
amp will use signal sense (DC
Oset) to turn the amp ON.
When in the OFF position, you
will need to wire the Remote
Turn ON input.
Note: Signal sense only works
with/when using high level
inputs.

6

Power/REM Terminals*

The Power and Ground Terminals are
nickel-plated set-screw wire connectors
that will accommodate up to 4 AWG. The
REM Terminal will accommodate up to 8
AWG.

illus.-2.1

Speaker Terminals*

The heavy duty, nickel-plated set
screw wire connectors (+ and -)
that will accommodate up to 8
AWG.

*All terminals use a 3mm
Allen wrench that is included
with each amp.

Design Features

Crossover Switch

Selectable switch for
Low-Pass (LP) or All Pass
(AP) or High-Pass (HP)
Note: All mono amps are
fixed at LP.
See Pg. 11

Input Switch

Setting the switch to 5,
4 or 2 lets the amp know
how many inputs are being
used. Match this to the
amount of inputs in either
hi-level or low- level.
See Pg. 11

C.L.E.A.N. Output

When the RED LED turns ON,
the output of the amplifier is
distorted. The brighter the LED the
more the signal is clipped.
See Pg. 11

C.L.E.A.N. Input

When the RED LED turns ON, a
distorted signal is being applied
to the input of the amplifier. The
brighter the LED the more the
signal is clipped.
See Pg. 11

Gain Control

The gain control is used to
match the signal level of the
audio source to the input of the
amplifier.
See Pg. 11

Remote Level Control

Remotely control the sub woofer
output level of the amplifier.
(Only available for mono
channels)

High Level Inputs - Optional Inputs**

This allows you to connect your amplifier
directly to an OEM head unit without the
addition of an LOC (Line Output Convertor).
See Pg. 10

illus.-2.2

Low Level/ RCA Input/ Pass­Thru Jacks**

The balanced dierential
RCA Inputs/Pass-Thru Jacks
are nickel-plated to resist the
signal degradation caused by
corrosion. The Pass-Thru(not
shown) provides a convenient
source for daisy-chaining an
additional amplifier without
running an extra set of RCA
cables from the front of the
vehicle to the rear amplifier
location.
Note: Pass-Thru not available
on M2-750X5.

** Use either High or Low
Level input, never both.

7

Installation

Contents

• M2 Element Ready™

Amplifier

• Mounting Hardware

• Allen Wrench

• Remote Level Control
(only available on
amplifiers with mono
channels)

Installation Considerations

• Fuse-holder and fuse.
(See specifications for
fuse rating)

• Volt/Ohm Meter

• Wire strippers

• Wire crimpers

• Wire cutters

• #2 Phillips screwdriver

• Battery post wrench

• 4-pin Molex pig tail
connectors

• Test tones available for download
at https://rftech.custhelp.com/
app/answers/detail/a_id/1126/
Scroll to the bottom of the page
and download your preferred
format.

• Hand held drill w/
assorted bits

• Assorted connectors

• Adequate Length &
gauge—Red Power Wire

• Adequate Length—
Remote Turn-on Wire (not
needed if using Auto Turn
ON feature)

• Adequate Length &
gauge—Black Grounding
Wire

when working on any vehicle.

6. Never run wires underneath the vehicle. Running the wires
inside the vehicle provides the best protection.

7. Avoid running wires over or through sharp edges. Use rubber
or plastic grommets to protect any wires routed through metal,
especially the fire wall.

8. ALWAYS protect the battery and electrical system from damage
with proper fusing. Install the appropriate fuse holder and fuse
on the +12V power wire within 18” (45.7 cm) of the battery
terminal.

9. When grounding to the chassis of the vehicle, scrape
all paint from the metal to ensure a good, clean ground
connection. Grounding connections should be as short
as possible and always be connected to metal that is
welded to the main body, or chassis of the vehicle. Seat
belt bolts should never be used for connecting to ground.

Mounting Locations

To ensure optimal performance, mount the amplifier with at least
1” (25.4mm) of air gap around the amplifier’s heat sink to provide
proper cooling.

Trunk Mounting

Mounting the amplifier vertically or inverted will provide adequate
cooling of the amplifier. Mounting the amplifier on the floor of the
trunk will provide the best cooling of the amplifier.

This section focuses on some of the vehicle considerations for
installing your new amplifier. Pre-planning your system layout and
best wiring routes will save installation time. When deciding on the
layout of your new system, be sure that each component will be
easily accessible for making adjustments.

If you feel unsure about installing this system yourself, have it
installed by a qualified technician.

Before installation, disconnect the
battery negative (-) terminal to prevent
damage to the unit, fire and/or possible
injury.

Before beginning any installation, follow
these simple rules:

1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before
attempting to install the unit.

2. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to
mounting your unit in place.

3. Route all of the RCA cables close together and away from any
high current wires.

4. Use high quality Rockford Fosgate connectors for a reliable
installation and to minimize signal or power loss.

Passenger Compartment Mounting

Mounting the amplifier in the passenger compartment will work as
long as you provide a suicient amount of air for the amplifier to cool
itself. If you are going to mount the amplifier under the seat of the
vehicle, you must have at least 1” (25.4mm) of air gap around the
amplifier’s heat sink.

Never mount this unit in the engine
compartment. Mounting the unit in
the engine compartment will void your
warranty.

Battery and Charging

Amplifiers will put an increased load on the vehicle’s battery and
charging system. We recommend checking your alternator and
battery condition to ensure that the electrical system has enough
capacity to handle the increased load of your stereo system. Stock
electrical systems which are in good condition should be able to
handle the extra load of any Prime Series amplifier without problems,
although battery and alternator life can be reduced slightly. To
maximize the performance of your amplifier, we suggest the use of a
heavy duty battery and an energy storage capacitor.

5. Think before you drill! Be careful not to cut or drill into gas tanks,
fuel lines, brake, hydraulic lines, vacuum lines or electrical wiring

8

Installation

RLC Mounting Options – Utilize the included screws to secure the RLC
to the vehicle.

Wiring the System

If you do not feel comfortable with
wiring your new unit, please see your
local Authorized Rockford Fosgate
Dealer for installation.

Before installation, disconnect the
battery negative (-) terminal to prevent
damage to the unit, fire and/or possible
injury.

Avoid running power wires near the low
level input cables, antenna, power leads,
sensitive equipment or harnesses. The
power wires carry substantial current
and could induce noise into the audio
system.

1. Plan the wire routing. Keep RCA cables close together but
isolated from the amplifier’s power cables and any high power
auto accessories, especially electric motors. This is done to
prevent noise from radiated electrical fields into the audio
signal. When feeding the wires through the fire wall or any metal
barrier, protect them with plastic or rubber grommets to prevent
short circuits. Leave the wires long at this point to adjust for a
precise fit at a later time.

2. Prepare the RED wire (power cable) for attachment to the
amplifier by stripping 1/2” of insulation from the end of the wire.
Insert the bared wire into the B+ terminal and tighten the set
screw to secure the cable in place.

NOTE: The B+ cable MUST be fused 18” or less from the vehicle’s
battery. Install the fuse holder under the hood and ensure
connections are water tight.

NOTE: Keep the length of the BLACK wire (Ground) as short as
possible. Always less than 30”.

NOTE: Skip step 6 if you are using Auto Turn ON feature.

6. Prepare the Remote turn-on wire for attachment to the amplifier
by stripping 1/2” of insulation from the end of the wire. Insert
the bared wire into the REMOTE terminal and tighten the set
screw to secure the wire in place. Connect the other end of the
Remote wire to a switched 12 volt positive source. The switched
voltage is usually taken from the source unit’s remote amp on
lead. If the source unit does not have this output available, the
recommended solution is to wire a mechanical switch in line
with a 12 volt source to activate the amplifier.

7. Securely mount the amplifier to the vehicle or amp rack. Be
careful not to mount the amplifier on cardboard or plastic
panels. Doing so may enable the screws to pull out from the
panel due to road vibration or sudden vehicle stops.

Note: Skip step 8 if using High Level inputs.

8. Connect from source signal by plugging the RCA cables into the
input jacks at the amplifier.

NOTE: All “ACTIVE” inputs must have
RCA jacks connected. Switch in 2CH.
Position,“ACTIVE” - Front channel inputs
only. Switch in 4CH. Position,“ACTIVE”

- All Front and Rear channel inputs.
Switch in 5CH position,“ACTIVE” - Sub
inputs for sub output. When connecting
to the 5-Channel inputs, be sure to route
front, rear and sub RCA cables tightly
together.

Always ensure power is o or disconnected at the amplifier before
connecting RCA cables. Failure to do so may cause damage to the
amplifier and/or connected components.

3. Trim the RED wire (power cable) within 18” of the battery and
splice in a in-line fuse holder (not supplied). See Specifications
for the rating of the fuse to be used. DO NOT install the fuse at
this time.

4. Strip 1/2” from the battery end of the power cable and crimp an
appropriate size ring terminal to the cable. Use the ring terminal
to connect to the battery positive terminal.

5. Prepare the BLACK wire (Ground cable) for attachment to the
amplifier by stripping 1/2” of insulation from the end of the wire.
Insert the bare wire into the GROUND terminal and tighten the set
screw to secure the cable in place. Prepare the chassis ground by
scraping any paint from the metal surface and thoroughly clean
the area of all dirt and grease. Strip the other end of the wire and
attach a ring connector. Fasten the cable to the chassis using a
non-anodized screw and a star washer.

9. If using High Level inputs, connect the OEM speaker wires
matching the positive and negative. If only using 1 input, be sure
to plug it into the front and make sure the input selection switch
is set to 2 ch.

10. Connect the speakers. Strip the speaker wires 1/2” and insert
into the speaker terminal and tighten the set screw to secure
into place. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity. DO NOT
chassis ground any of the speaker leads as unstable operation
may result. For mono amps, the two Positive (+) and Negative (–)
terminals are provided for installation flexibility. Both terminals
are wired in parallel internally. Only one Positive (+) and one
Negative (–) terminal is required for a speaker connection.

11. Perform a final check of the
completed system wiring to ensure
that all connections are accurate.
Check all power and ground
connections for frayed wires and
loose connections which could

cause problems. Install in-line fuse near battery connection.

This amplifier is not recommended for impedance loads below
2-Ohm stereo/4-Ohm bridged for the front/rear channels and 2-Ohm
for the sub channel.

9

PIN 4

PIN 1

PIN 3

PIN 2

Installation

High Level Inputs

7”

180mm

FRONT REAR SUB

PIN 1 - White
PIN 2 - White/Grey
PIN 3 - Grey
PIN 4 - Grey/Black

LEFT (+) WHITE
LEFT (–) WHITE/BLACK
RIGHT (+) GRAY
RIGHT (–) GRAY/BLACK

PIN 2

Connector side

PIN 1

PIN 1 - Green
PIN 2 - Green/Black
PIN 3 - Violet
PIN 4 - Violet/Black

PIN 4

PIN 3

PIN 1 - Blue
PIN 2 - Blue/Black
PIN 3 - Brown
PIN 4 - Brown/Black

FRONT

10

LEFT (+) GREEN
LEFT (–) GREEN/BLACK
RIGHT (+) PURPLE
RIGHT (–) PURPLE/BLACK

LEFT (+) BLUE
LEFT (–) BLUE/BLACK
RIGHT (+) BROWN
RIGHT (–) BROWN/BLACK

REAR

SUB