JBL Ms8 User Guide

www.jbl.com
CONNeCTiON sEnglish
AUDIO OUTPUTS
Configurations
 
You can configure the MS-8’s eight outputs in a variety of ways, depending on the speakers that are 
installed in your vehicle. You can configure the MS-8 for a system with one-way (full-range), two-way or 
three-way front speakers, a one-way or two-way center speaker, side speakers, rear speakers and one 
or two subwoofers. Remember, however, that the total number of available channels is eight, so any 
combination of front, center, side,...

www.jbl.com
CONNeCT iON s
To ensure proper polarity, connect each MS-8 positive (+) terminal to the respective 
“+” terminal on the speaker. Connect the negative (–) terminals in a similar way.
+
–+ +
+
– –
–
+ +
+
– –
–
+–
Left front
(tweeter) Right front
(tweeter)
Left front
(midrange) Right front
(midrange)
Left side (coaxial) Right side
(coaxial)
Left rear (coaxial) Right rear
(coaxial)
MS-8
main unit Speaker-output
wiring harness
Vehicle
Speaker System
Speaker Outputs
If you’ll use the MS-8’s...

www.jbl.com
EnglishCONNeCT iON s
NOTE: You can power some of the system's speakers by the MS-8's amplifiers and some by outboard 
amplifiers, but you should use only one connection type per output. For example, output channel 1 may use the 
MS-8's amplifer OR an outboard amplifier, but not both. Be sure to use the chart above to note which speakers 
are connected to which MS-8 channels.
+ –
+ +
– –
+
+
+
–
–
–
+–
Left front
(Tweeter)
Left front
(midrange)
Left rear(coaxial)
Not
used
Speaker...

www.jbl.com
+ –
++
– –
+
+
+
–
–
–
+
–
Left front
(tweeter)
Left front
(midrange) Left rear
(coaxial)
Front
speaker
amplifier Rear
speaker
amplifier Subwoofer
amplifier
RCA
audio cables
MS-8 main unit
Ch. 8 is unused
in this example
Right rear(coaxial)
Subwoofer Right front
(midrange)
Right front
(tweeter)
Vehicle
Speaker  System
CONN eCT iON s
Line Outputs
If you’ll be using additional outboard power amplifiers to drive your system’s speakers, connect their inputs to 
the MS-8’s line-output connectors....

www.jbl.com
English
DISPLAY
Use the included 6m (19.7 ft) cable to connect the display unit to the MS-8’s main unit’s display connection. 
Insert the cable’s straight connector into the main unit and the right-angle connector into the display. 
NOTE: The display unit must be connected during setup but may be disconnected after setup and after 
you’ve made any additional adjustments in the Audio Controls menu (see Audio Controls Menu, on page 36). 
If the display unit is disconnected after setup and final...

www.jbl.com
CONNeCT iON s
After downloading a firmware upgrade into your PC, remove the sticker and connect the 
Update port to a USB port on your PC. Follow the directions that accompany the upgraded 
firmware to upload the new firmware from your PC to the MS-8.
REMOVE
FOR
SOFT WARE
UPD ATE
UPDATE
Use the Update port only for firmware upgrades. We have covered it with a sticker that you should leave in 
place until you are ready to install a firmware upgrade that you will download from www.JBL.com.
16    

www.jbl.com
iN sTALLAT iON
Installation warning and tips
• Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Before beginning the installation, disconnect the negative (–) lead from the vehicle’s battery.
• Check clearances on both sides of a potential mounting surface before you drill any holes or install any  
   screws. Remember that the screws can extend behind the surface.
• At the installation sites, locate and make a note of any fuel lines, hydraulic brake lines, vacuum lines and 
   electrical...

www.jbl.com
iN sTALLAT iON
MOUNTING THE MAIN UNIT
Using the main unit as a template, mark the locations of the mounting holes on the mounting 
surface; drill pilot holes; and attach the unit to the mounting surface with the supplied screws. 
• Mount the unit securely.
• Mount the unit so that it remains dry. 
• Mount the unit so that neither it nor any of its connections are damaged by the feet of  
   backseat passengers or by cargo shifting in the trunk.
NOTE: You may find it easier to attach the...

www.jbl.com
iN sTALLAT iON
INSTALLING THE DISPLAY UNIT
1. Select a safe site for the display unit, and temporarily place it there. Check the viewing angle from the 
    driver’s seat while adjusting the display unit’s pivot arm. If the viewing angle meets your needs, then 
    skip to Step 2. Otherwise, change the viewing angle as follows:
 
a) Using the supplied 3mm hex wrench, loosen the recessed hex screw (inside the display  base) until 
    the pivot arm is free from the display assembly. The hex...

www.jbl.com
iN sTALLAT iON
To install the display unit with mounting screws
1. Place the mounting plate at the installation site and rotate it so that its arrow will point toward 
    the hex set screw at the back of the base after it’s installed.
2. Holding the mounting plate in position, fasten it to the surface with three enclosed mounting 
    screws.
3. Place the display unit on the mounting plate (180° from its final position). Rotate it a half-turn to 
    the final position. Tighten the hex set...