JBL Ms8 User Guide

User GUide
M s-8
System integration digital processor
jbl
® 

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TABLe OF CONT eNT s
Introduction                 3     
Important! Read Before You Begin           4
  Box Contents                4
  Applications                 4
Connections                 5
  Power                 5
  Audio Inputs                 7
  Audio Outputs              11
  Display                15
  Microphone                15
  Update                16
Installation                17
  Choosing a Location for the Main Unit          17
  Mounting the Main Unit            18...

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Thank you for your purchase of  the JBL® 
MS-8 System Integration Digital Processor. 
We have designed the MS-8 to make 
successful installation and setup easy and to 
provide you with years of enjoyable and great 
sound. 
We have also designed the MS-8 and this 
owner’s manual to make do-it-yourself 
installation an option for those DIYers who 
have some experience in mechanical and 
electrical procedures and who have access 
to the simple tools required for minor 
disassembly of automotive...

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iMPO rTANT!  reAd  B eFO re  YOU B eG iN
Warning
Playing loud music in an automobile can 
hinder your ability to hear traffic and can 
permanently damage your hearing. We 
recommend listening at low or moderate 
levels while driving your car. JBL accepts 
no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury or 
property damage resulting from the use or 
misuse of this product.
Replacing the Fuse
If you must replace the MS-8’s fuse, use 
only the same type and rating as that of the 
original. Do not...

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POWER
IMPORTANT: Perform the power connections in the following order.
1.  Gnd:  Connect this terminal to a paint-free location on the vehicle chassis. 
IMPORTANT: Use at least 12-gauge wire for this connection.
EnglishCONN eCT iON s
REMOVE
FOR
SOFTWARE UPDA TE
25A 
fuse
Mic 
connection
Line input
connections Hi Level input
Remote out
connection
Speaker outputconnections Line output
connections Aux input
connections Display
connection Power
LED
Reset
button Update
connection
+12V
connection...

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CONNeCT iON s



To turn-on
terminals of
all system
amplifiers
+
-
1 x 25A
25A fuse within
18" of battery
terminal
Cable from MS-8
+12V terminal
Use a grommet
through the
firewall
3.  Rem Out:  Connect this terminal to the remote turn-on terminals of all amplifiers in the system. The 
    output is +12V DC, 1A.
IMPORTANT:	The	MS-8	MUST	control	the	turn-on	signal	of	all	the	other	amplifiers	
that follow the MS-8 in the signal path.
If	your	system	includes	a	factory-installed	outboard...

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CONNeCT iON sEnglish
Rem In:  Connect this terminal to the remote turn-on output of the system’s source unit, if the 
source unit has a remote turn-on output. Alternately, you can connect this terminal to the vehicle’s 
accessory (ACC) power circuit. Any voltage over +4V DC at this terminal will trigger the MS-8 to 
turn on. 
NOTE: See Step 3 for more details about connecting the Rem In terminal to a factory-installed 
stereo system. 
AUDIO INPUTS
Many factory-installed systems include...

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CON NeCT iON s
Aftermarket head unit
MS-8 main unit Rear
line out
Front
line out
RCA
audio cables Subwoofer
line out
DO NOT USE
Line inputs1 and 2
Connecting an aftermarket head unit
If you’re using the MS-8 with an aftermarket head unit that has RCA-type outputs, connect the head unit’s 
front left and front right outputs to the MS-8’s line inputs 1 and 2 only. Do NOT connect any other head-unit 
output signals to the MS-8’s line inputs 3 – 8. During the calibration/setup process, the MS-8...

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CON NeCT iON sEnglish
Connecting a factory radio/head unit
If you will be connecting the MS-8 to a factory-installed stereo or a factory-installed amplifier (often located in 
the vehicle’s trunk), connect each of your factory front-speaker and subwoofer outputs to one of the MS-8’s Hi 
Level inputs. Be sure to connect the outputs for all speakers that are part of the vehicle’s front left and front right 
speakers.
You can connect the factory front speaker outputs to any MS-8 Hi Level inputs...

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CON NeCT iON s
Aux 
input
To
headphone
output
Aux input:  If you will be using a portable music player or CD player as an auxiliary audio-source unit, 
connect its line or headphone output to the MS-8's Aux input using a cable that terminates in stereo 
RCA audio connections. You can switch between the MS-8's Head Unit inputs and Aux input in the 
MS-8's Input Selection menu. See  Main Menu, on page 35.
10