E90Post
 


TNT Racewerks
 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + Electronics/Alarm/Software > JBL MS-8 Processor Integration Thread



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-22-2011, 11:42 PM   #309
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2277
Rep
12,996
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by cdgatti View Post
Technic, I would like to buy a harness to install a JL 600/6 in a hifi e90. Can we still get these from you? How do I go about it? Thank You!
Use PM, please...
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 06:47 AM   #310
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
What exactly is the message you are getting? Your inouts are configured correctly. As for the outputs...this is embarrassing to admit but when I first installed the MS-8 I hooked up the RCAs for the external amp for channels 3 and 4 to the inputs instead of the outputs. So make sure the RCAs are connected to the output RCAs!!!
Uh, you are not the first guy to have hooked up channel 3 and 4 RCA's to the inputs! I fixed that earlier in the process. I can't exactly remember the error message but will try again tonight. Something about inadequate signal or not enough inputs.

Ugh after all the work wiring, mounting components, replacing underseats etc. I was hoping for an easy setup and play! No such luck.
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 07:18 AM   #311
kaigoss69
Brigadier General
kaigoss69's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
3,969
Posts

Drives: '08 335i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: JAX

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by neusaab View Post
Uh, you are not the first guy to have hooked up channel 3 and 4 RCA's to the inputs! I fixed that earlier in the process. I can't exactly remember the error message but will try again tonight. Something about inadequate signal or not enough inputs.

Ugh after all the work wiring, mounting components, replacing underseats etc. I was hoping for an easy setup and play! No such luck.
If you have a volt meter, measure the output at RCAs 3 and 4 (VM in A/C mode) to make sure there is voltage coming out. If there is, you have to look further down the signal chain for any potential disconnects. If there is no output on the RCAs, try the speaker level outputs with the voltmeter or hook them up to the speaker wires going to the underseats. Also make sure that you have the output channels mapped correctly, i.e. CH 3 and 4 have been properly assigned to the underseats. One last thing, during set-up the first filter is the subsonic filter...I originally misinterpreted this as the x-over between the underseats and the the door speakers. Set the subsonic filter to about 35Hz.
__________________
Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 08:07 AM   #312
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
If you have a volt meter, measure the output at RCAs 3 and 4 (VM in A/C mode) to make sure there is voltage coming out. If there is, you have to look further down the signal chain for any potential disconnects. If there is no output on the RCAs, try the speaker level outputs with the voltmeter or hook them up to the speaker wires going to the underseats. Also make sure that you have the output channels mapped correctly, i.e. CH 3 and 4 have been properly assigned to the underseats. One last thing, during set-up the first filter is the subsonic filter...I originally misinterpreted this as the x-over between the underseats and the the door speakers. Set the subsonic filter to about 35Hz.
I am slowly learning how to use my voltmeter. Sorry for the newbie question; for testing RCA outputs where do I place the probes? One inside and one on the outer ring, right?

Testing the speaker level outputs should be on A/C mode, low voltage, right?

My channel 3/4 mapping is OK, and I believe I set up the first filter as subsonic/high pass at 35.

Thanks kaigoss.
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 09:04 AM   #313
kaigoss69
Brigadier General
kaigoss69's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
3,969
Posts

Drives: '08 335i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: JAX

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by neusaab View Post
I am slowly learning how to use my voltmeter. Sorry for the newbie question; for testing RCA outputs where do I place the probes? One inside and one on the outer ring, right?

Testing the speaker level outputs should be on A/C mode, low voltage, right?

My channel 3/4 mapping is OK, and I believe I set up the first filter as subsonic/high pass at 35.

Thanks kaigoss.
Yes and yes!
__________________
Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 08:26 PM   #314
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

No RCA output sginal

In my above-mentioned setup, the voltmeter (set at DC 20; AC mode doesn't give readings) shows 6ish at speaker outputs including 3 and 4, but no signal at any of the RCA outputs, including 3 and 4. What gives? Defective MS-8?
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 09:23 PM   #315
kaigoss69
Brigadier General
kaigoss69's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
3,969
Posts

Drives: '08 335i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: JAX

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by neusaab View Post
In my above-mentioned setup, the voltmeter (set at DC 20; AC mode doesn't give readings) shows 6ish at speaker outputs including 3 and 4, but no signal at any of the RCA outputs, including 3 and 4. What gives? Defective MS-8?
Hmmm, not sure why you would get a reading in DC mode and not AC. Check again in AC mode playing a 60Hz sine wave. Disconnect all speakers from MS-8. Make sure HU and MS-8 volumes are both turned up.
__________________
Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
Appreciate 0
      05-23-2011, 09:37 PM   #316
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
Check again in AC mode playing a 60Hz sine wave. Disconnect all speakers from MS-8. Make sure HU and MS-8 volumes are both turned up.
Sorry, don't understand how to do this, specifically playing a 60Hz sine wave.
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 06:08 AM   #317
kaigoss69
Brigadier General
kaigoss69's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
3,969
Posts

Drives: '08 335i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: JAX

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by neusaab View Post
Sorry, don't understand how to do this, specifically playing a 60Hz sine wave.
http://www.stompaudio.com/test-tones-c-6793.html

63Hz is close enough. You can actually use any tone that falls within the frequency range of the underseats. Again, make SURE you have ALL speakers disconnected when you run this test! I would put the HU at 45 clicks and the MS-8 at -6dB. If you don't get at least 1V then either your VM is defective, or the MS-8.
__________________
Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 07:21 AM   #318
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
http://www.stompaudio.com/test-tones-c-6793.html

63Hz is close enough. You can actually use any tone that falls within the frequency range of the underseats. Again, make SURE you have ALL speakers disconnected when you run this test! I would put the HU at 45 clicks and the MS-8 at -6dB. If you don't get at least 1V then either your VM is defective, or the MS-8.
Aha, suspected this was how it was done. I'll plug into my iPhone tonight and give it a shot.

My Radio Shack meter has its lowest AC setting at 200V. I assume this should pickup the signal, or do I need something more sensitive?
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 12:36 PM   #319
VP Electricity
Brigadier General
VP Electricity's Avatar
United_States
289
Rep
3,201
Posts

Drives: F34 xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: portland oregon

iTrader: (3)

It will work fine.

You could also use a set of computer speakers and a mini-to RCA adapter
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 01:12 PM   #320
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

external amp gain

I have a feeling my problem is with my external amp input sensitivity. I have a crappy old Jensen amp with a dial (no markings) for gain. I'm wondering if the Jensen is not "seeing" the MS-8. I will test the MS-8 RCA outs tonight.

Here's the manual:

http://www.voxxsupport.com/images/User%20Manuals%20-%20FAQ's/A222HLX_OM.pdf

Understanding the RCA out of the MS-8 is something less than 2V, any idea where I should set the gain on the Jensen? I've tried it from minimum to halfway up the dial in setting up the MS-8.
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 01:34 PM   #321
kaigoss69
Brigadier General
kaigoss69's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
3,969
Posts

Drives: '08 335i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: JAX

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by neusaab View Post
I have a feeling my problem is with my external amp input sensitivity. I have a crappy old Jensen amp with a dial (no markings) for gain. I'm wondering if the Jensen is not "seeing" the MS-8. I will test the MS-8 RCA outs tonight.

Here's the manual:

http://www.voxxsupport.com/images/User%20Manuals%20-%20FAQ's/A222HLX_OM.pdf

Understanding the RCA out of the MS-8 is something less than 2V, any idea where I should set the gain on the Jensen? I've tried it from minimum to halfway up the dial in setting up the MS-8.
Assuming that your problem is the amp gain, set it such that the underseats blend well with the other speakers. After calibration, you can set it up or down to your liking. The most important thing is to set the gain correctly for calibration!
__________________
Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
Appreciate 0
      05-24-2011, 01:38 PM   #322
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
The most important thing is to set the gain correctly for calibration!
I think this is the problem; using RCA's into the amp, given the low voltage compared to speaker-level signal, should I turn the gain closer to maximum for calibration? I noticed when pulling the amp out of the box, the gain was maxed, presumably during a prior install using RCA's in.
Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 08:16 AM   #323
emoon3
Private
emoon3's Avatar
United_States
3
Rep
81
Posts

Drives: 2013 328i
Join Date: May 2010
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Technic View Post
The MOST plug was not transferred from the OEM harness to the new harness as stated in bold in the link that shows the harness (not in this forum); once you do that it will solve both issues.

Use this as a guide to transfer the MOST plug to the harness: http://www.bmwretrofit.com/downloads...Manual_PNP.pdf (used without permission).
After telling myself several times over the last couple months to remember to do this, I don't have to tell you what I did....



Appreciate 0
      05-25-2011, 08:39 PM   #324
neusaab
Private
1
Rep
55
Posts

Drives: 2007 335xi
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

MS-8 RCA's dead.

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
http://www.stompaudio.com/test-tones-c-6793.html

63Hz is close enough. You can actually use any tone that falls within the frequency range of the underseats. Again, make SURE you have ALL speakers disconnected when you run this test! I would put the HU at 45 clicks and the MS-8 at -6dB. If you don't get at least 1V then either your VM is defective, or the MS-8.
Gotta make a return to eBay (eclectic mart). Bummer.
Appreciate 0
      05-26-2011, 12:53 PM   #325
import36
Burrito bowl connoisseur
import36's Avatar
United_States
124
Rep
3,501
Posts

Drives: 2015 Nissan GTR Black Edition
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Seven Cities

iTrader: (1)

anything comparable to the Kicker SSMB8, as they seem to be discontinued.(aside from the Morels already posted)
Appreciate 0
      05-26-2011, 01:33 PM   #326
kaigoss69
Brigadier General
kaigoss69's Avatar
United_States
300
Rep
3,969
Posts

Drives: '08 335i
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: JAX

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by import36 View Post
anything comparable to the Kicker SSMB8, as they seem to be discontinued.(aside from the Morels already posted)
http://cgi.ebay.com/KICKER-04SSMB8-C...item1e63adec4a

I think I have seen them go for less, but at least you can buy them!

Personally, I'd go for the Morels since I have personal experience with the predecessor to the MW265-4, and they sound awesome. I think they will set you back about $250'isch.
__________________
Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
Appreciate 0
      05-26-2011, 01:55 PM   #327
import36
Burrito bowl connoisseur
import36's Avatar
United_States
124
Rep
3,501
Posts

Drives: 2015 Nissan GTR Black Edition
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Seven Cities

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
http://cgi.ebay.com/KICKER-04SSMB8-C...item1e63adec4a

I think I have seen them go for less, but at least you can buy them!

Personally, I'd go for the Morels since I have personal experience with the predecessor to the MW265-4, and they sound awesome. I think they will set you back about $250'isch.
cool...thanks for the feedback sir!
Appreciate 0
      06-02-2011, 07:39 PM   #328
emoon3
Private
emoon3's Avatar
United_States
3
Rep
81
Posts

Drives: 2013 328i
Join Date: May 2010
Location: NYC

iTrader: (0)

Well, guess it's my turn.

Here's my setup:


2010 Base 6 speaker audio (FAIL)
PDX 4.150
Vibe Audio Litebox Stereo 4
Technic harness
MS-8
CH 1-2 - Morel MT-23 tweets
CH 3-4 - Morel Hybrid Ovation mids
CH 5-6 - Kicker SSMB8s
CH 7 - Morel Ultimo SC 10

The Litebox is a class G/H amp and I have it powering the tweets and mids. The PDX is powering the under seat woofers and two channels are bridged to power the Ultimo SC.

I'm running everything active so I wired a couple capacitors to protect the tweeters.

I'm really happy with how everything sounds so far and looking forward to dialing it in more.

I have to say that without the help and info on this forum, I wouldn't have been able to make informed decisions on what to purchase and there is so much info here that I was able to install all of this myself.

Big thanks to Technic, VP, and Kai for all of the help
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2011, 11:00 PM   #329
kdarcia007
New Member
0
Rep
15
Posts

Drives: 530i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Miami, FL

iTrader: (0)

Help please! :(

Quote:
Originally Posted by kaigoss69 View Post
Way ahead of you, buddy! Technic's harness is the bomb.
Hey guys, I'm from Costa Rica, I am no way shape or form an audio expert, I'm more of a novice, here in my country no one here knows anything about the MS-8, my audio guy installed the speakers etc... but since my set up has 11 speakers + 1 sub, he doesn't know how to connect them on the MS-8...

I have a 530i but the audio set up is the same or very similar to an E90 (I think), I bought the Jehnert Doorboards for my car and now I have these speakers:
Two tweeters
Two 4' mids
CENTER CHANNEL
Four 6' woofers (2 each front door)
Two 4' rear deck
One 12' JBL SUB
Total: 11 speakers, 1 sub

THE MS-8 has 8 channels, my installer is having problems figuring how to connect all these on the MS-8, I have been without a car for like 3 weeks now , I need URGENT help guys.

How should all my speakers be connected on the MS-8?, which channels for which speakers?
Where and how to wire the sub and center channel?

From the MS-8 they go into two 4-channel Tru amps + MONOBLOCK amp, I bought the two amps because I was told I should run an active crossover directly from the amps.


PLEASE HELP ME
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2011, 11:33 PM   #330
VP Electricity
Brigadier General
VP Electricity's Avatar
United_States
289
Rep
3,201
Posts

Drives: F34 xDrive
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: portland oregon

iTrader: (3)

Your installer can't read the manual or watch the tutorial on the JBL web site?

Front mid tweet (2)

Front midbass (2)

Center (1)

Sub (1 with a RCA Y splitter)

Rear effects/side (2)

8 channels.

Now use one 4-channel for front mid/tweet and rear mid/tweet, one for the front midbasses, and use the ms-8 internal power for the center and rear channels. I assume your 4/ tweeter have crossovers and that your center and rear can run off 16w.

Alternately, you can run one 4 ch to front mid/tweeter Nd front midbass, the other to rear and center, leaving one unused.

I would need to know more about your gear. But the first plan is how it often gets done.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:55 PM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST