Introducing the Powerbass Subwoofer Bass System STA-10

System STA-10 is a powerful audio enhancement solution designed to deliver deep, rich bass for music and home theater systems. With its 10-inch subwoofer, this system provides an impressive low-frequency response, ensuring that every beat and note is felt as much as it is heard. Its sleek design allows for easy integration into any setup, while the adjustable crossover and phase controls enable personalized sound tuning. The estimated cost of the STA-10 is approximately $149.99.

You now own a speaker of uncompromising design and engineering from a factory that truly believes in the relentless pursuit of perfection. Incorporating the highest quality parts and state-of-the-art materials, these speakers display the ultimate balance between high fidelity, performance and long-lasting reliability.

SPECIFICATIONS 

(Due to Constant Improvements, Specifications and Parameters are subject to change without notice.)

FEATURES

• BUILT-IN HIGH-POWERED AMPLIFIER
  Contains a high power Class D monaural amplifier complete with chassis mounted adjustable Gain, Low Pass Filter and Bass Eq controls for sonic integration into most existing factory or aftermarket car stereo systems and engineered perfectly to power the subwoofer.
• SELECTABLE SENSITIVITY SETTING
  With this button pressed in, the preamp sensitivity will accept input voltages from 2V-10V. This will be used if High Level Inputs are connected to your amplified enclosure. With this button left out, the preamp sensitivity will now accept 250mV-6V. This will be used if Low Level / RCA Inputs are connected to your amplified enclosure.
• DIE-CAST ALUMINUM ENCLOSURE DESIGN
  This enclosure is constructed from aircraft grade aluminum that has been acoustically tuned with the integrated custom tooled passive radiator for optimum bass output.
• REMOTE SUBWOOFER LEVEL CONTROL
  This wired remote functions as the amplifier's secondary gain circuit and can be adjusted from the driver’s seat. The remote will not increase the output beyond the GAIN setting on the amplifier. Supplied with cable to reach your dash even when the bass enclosure is mounted under the seat.
• ALUMINUM-COATED POLYPROPYLENE CONE
  A thermoplastic polymer cone was selected to help resist moisture and other elements while the rubber surround offers more excursion as well as protection against deterioration than other materials.
• KSV HIGH TEMPERATURE VOICE COIL
  These specially designed resin coated high temperature Kapton voice coils measure 1 1/2 inches in diameter to ensure high power handling and precise linear excursion while maximizing thermal heat dissipation.
• AUTO TURN-ON CIRCUIT
  When using the high level inputs, the amplifier will turn on automatically when it senses a signal from your radio.

Kapton is a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company

UNPACKING THE ENCLOSURE

Every attempt has been made to transport your new PowerBass STA subwoofer system safely. Carefully unpack the enclosure and inspect it thoroughly for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Notify your local PowerBass dealer immediately should you notice any damage prior to installing the unit. Be sure to keep the carton and packing material until your system is operational. The original boxes will do the best job of protecting your speaker system if they need to be transported.

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of PowerBass Autosound Speakers requires experience with a variety of mechanical and electrical procedures. This manual only provides general installation and operating instructions. If you have any reserva-tions about your installation skills or lack the proper tools, please contact your local PowerBass Autosound dealer for assistance.

IMPORTANT: This amplified subwoofer system is designed for operation in vehicles with 12-volt Negative ground electrical systems only.

ENCLOSURE PLACEMENT TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS

Your Powerbass Amplified Bass system must be properly placed in the vehicle for optimum performance. Find a spot under your seats where the enclosure will not get in the way of any moving parts of the seat. Make sure that the seat moves freely if it is adjustable.
Ideally there should be enough room around the enclosure which is also a heatsink for the amplifier so it can remain cool.

WARNING: Make sure where ever you choose to place the enclosure it’s a dry location on a solid surface. Take care that none of the mounting screws will pierce any wiring harnesses, brake or fuel lines, the vehicles fuel tank, spare tire or any other parts of the vehicle. Some or all of these may be located behind or under the mounting surface.

Description

The Powerbass STA-10 is built with quality and performance in mind. The subwoofer features a robust design with a high-density MDF enclosure that minimizes resonance and maximizes sound quality. The dual 4-Ohm voice coils allow for greater flexibility in wiring configurations, making it easier to match with various amplifiers. The ported enclosure ensures that the bass is deep and resonant, providing an immersive listening experience. The sleek design also makes it easy to integrate into any car's interior.

ENCLOSURE DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

NOTE: The speaker system must be secured to protect the enclosure from moving. Before final mounting, be sure to check the sound one last time and make sure the enclosure is properly placed to produce the desired bass output. Use the four mounting 20mm screws provided and secure them to the enclosure. Mounting holes located on the top of the unit.

CONTROL PANEL LAYOUT

1. REMOTE LEVEL
   This is the connector port for the STA Remote Level control. Now the amplifiers secondary gain circuit can be adjusted from the driver’s seat.
2. HIGH INPUT
   Use the High Input 4-pin Molex style jack when connecting to the speaker leads directly from a factory radio without the use of a low level convertor. Be sure to observe the correct speaker polarity. (Do not use if you are using the LOW INPUT from the RCA jacks).
3. LOW INPUT (RCA) Jacks
   These RCA style input jacks are for use with source units that have RCA line level inputs. A source unit with a minimum output of 250mV is required for proper operation. However, this input can accept levels up to 6Vrms.
4. GAIN Control
   This control is used to match the sensitivity of the amplifier to the particular source unit (radio) that you are using up to 250mV - 10V. Please note the GAIN control is not a volume control, it is a level matching circuit.
5. BASS EQ Control
   This equalization circuit is used to enhance the low-frequency response of the vehicles interior. With up to 12dB of boost centered at 45Hz the Bass EQ can be adjusted to meet your personal taste. Please note that by boosting the Bass EQ to its full +12dB you are asking the amplifier to work 10 times harder!
6. LPF (Low Pass Filter) Control
   This filter allows the low pass of frequency and has an adjustable crossover point from 40Hz to 200Hz. A setting of 40Hz will produce only the low frequencies (deep bass). A max setting of 200Hz will allow the amplifier to produce a more punchy (higher) bass response.
7. SUB SONIC Control
   This control is continuously adjustable from 20Hz-50Hz at 12dB per octave to provide an extra level of speaker protection from bass robbing power at unheard frequencies
8. SENSITIVITY
   A wide range of signal input voltages can be accommodated by the STA-10 with the push of a button (250mV – 10V). This wide range is split up into two sub-ranges, accessible by pushing the sensitivity switch: IN 2V- 10V; OUT 0.2V - 6V
9. PHASE Switch
   This switch will reverse the phase of the speaker output without having to touch any wiring. 0 is normal. 180 reverses the output. Select whichever setting provides the most bass in your application.
10. POWER Indicator
    The top BLUE L.E.D. lights up when the power is on and the system is wired correctly. The bottom RED L.E.D. lights up when the unit is in protection.
11. FUSE
    For convenience most PowerBass AutoSound amplifiers utilize common automotive ATC type fuses. For continued protection in the event that a fuse blows, replace the fuse only with the same value. STA-10 uses a 30A fuse. 
    CAUTION: These power fuses on the amplifier chassis are for protecting the amp against over current situation. To protect the vehicles electrical system, an additional fuse should be used within 18-inches of the battery on the 12V+ cable.
12. BATT+ (12 Volt Positive)
    This terminal is the main power input for the amplifier and must be connected directly to the positive (+) terminal of the battery. A minimum of 8ga cable is required.
13. REM (Remote)
    The amplifier in your STA enclosure can be turned on by applying 12 volts to this terminal. This can be on the rear of the source unit (radio) in the form of an output or remote output. If this is not available you can wire up to the ACC position on the ignition key switch. An 18ga wire is sufficient to run the remote. 
    NOTE: If using the high input, the amplifier will turn on automatically when it senses a signal from your radio. You will not have to hook up the REM wire in this case
14. GND (Ground Input Connection)
    A good quality ground is required for the amplifier to operate a peak performance. A short length of cable the same gauge as your power cable (8ga is recommended) should be used to attach the ground terminal directly to the chassis of the vehicle. Make sure that all of the paint is sanded or scraped away to ensure a good quality ground connection.

POWER WIRING AND SIGNAL CONNECTIONS

POWER CONNECTION

BATT+ 

• The amplifier should be wired directly to the vehicle battery using a 8ga power cable. Start at the vehicle battery and run the power cable through the vehicle’s firewall using grommets to the amplifier’s BATT + screw terminal. If factory grommets are not available install grommets yourself to protect the cable from sharp metal edges.
• Avoid running the power cable over the engine components and near heater cores. The use of an in-line fuse or circuit breaker is a must, this will prevent the risk of potential fire caused by a short in the power cable. Connect the fuse holder or circuit breaker as close to the battery positive (+) terminal as possible (no farther than 18-inches from the battery).
• The fuse or breaker amperage should be no greater than the fuse rating found on the amplifier control panel located on the side of the STA enclosure. You can now connect the cable to the battery, but remember to leave the fuse out or the circuit breaker “off” until the other cable connections are made. It is highly recommended that the cable end connecting to the amplifier is terminated with a spade or ring terminal.

IMPORTANT
You MUST install a fuse holder with an appropriate fuse in line with the power cable no further than 18-inches from the battery.

REM 
Run 18ga wire (not included) to the radio lead or remote output. This wire is responsible for turning the amplifier on and off. If the source unit (radio) is not equipped with a Remote lead you can connect this wire to an accessory or ignition point at the vehicle fuse block. In this type of installation, the amplifier will be on whenever the ignition is on.

GND 
A cable of the same size (gauge) as the power cable should be used to ground the amplifier. Connect the ground wire from the screw terminal marked GND on the amplifier control panel to the nearest bare-metal surface on the vehicle. Keep the length of the ground cable to an absolute minimum using a spade terminal at the amplifier end and ring terminal as shown in below at the chassis end (Fig 3).

INPUT SIGNAL

(CHOOSING THE HIGH OR LOW INPUTS)
The STA amplifer control panel input signal connects to the head unit’s High Level (speaker wire) output OR Low Level (RCA) output—provided the radio is so equipped with Line Out. A dedicated subwoofer or low level signal will deliver the best performance. If unavailable use the high level inputs, as will be the case with most factory head units. (Note once you have chosen whether you will use the High Level or Low Level inputs follow the corresponding wiring diagrams on the following pages)

NOTE: Never use BOTH High and Low Level inputs at the same time. You must select one or the other!

High-Level Input Connections

(fig 4)
For radios with only speaker outputs (including most Factory source units). Using the 4-pin Molex style wiring harness provided, splice directly into the radio’s speaker outputs. Do not break the connection with the source (radio) and the speakers. Be sure to maintain proper speaker polarity.

Another option is to tap off the existing front or rear full range speakers. Once again be sure to follow the correct polarity.
NOTE: If using the high input, the amplifier will turn on automatically when it senses a signal from your radio. You will not have to hook up the REM wire in this case.

NOTE: Use 8ga power/ground wire for BATT+ and GND connections. Remote lead is not needed with a High Level connection but is strongly recommended.

Low Level Input and RCA Interconnect Wiring

(fig 5) 
For radios that have RCA line outputs. You will need to connect the low-level RCA style inputs from the STA to the line-outputs from the radio (source) via an RCA interconnect commonly called a “stereo patch cord”. Choose the correct length and style of RCA interconnects for your needs. Always use high quality RCA audio cables (not supplied) for signal connections—those with multiple layers of shielding or a twisted pair variety for better noise rejection.

Be extra careful when routing your RCA audio interconnect cables. Car environments are notorious for poorly insulated wires. This means that hiss, engine noise and fan noise can be easily picked up through RCA cables if run incorrectly. Take care to make sure the power and audio signal are not on the same side of the vehicle and they do not cross each other.

NOTE: Use 8ga power/ground wire for BATT+ and GND connections

SET UP ADJUSTMENTS

Your STA enclosure uses several controls to provide sonic integration with virtually any vehicles unique acoustic properties. Please read the following section carefully to familiarize yourself with the function of each control. The following adjustment sequence is recommended to properly tune your STA enclosure. By first adjusting the GAIN, the LPF, then the PHASE switch, followed by the BASS EQ (in this order) will give you the best results.

Input GAIN Control
This control allows you to match the input level of the amplifier to the output level of your head unit (Fig 6). Matching the input can be accomplished in four simple steps:

1. Make sure the remote gain control is not plugged in until after the master gain control is set.
2. Set the GAIN control on the amplifier to MIN (completely counter clock wise).
3. Turn on the head unit and adjust the volume to 2/3 maximum, and set the BASS and TREBLE on the radio (source) to zero or flat.
4. Turn the GAIN control clockwise until the sound just begins to distort, then back off slightly to cut distortion and operate at optimum gain.

Remember, the GAIN control is not a volume control. Ignoring these four steps above may leave you with a damaged woofer and/or damaged amplifier.

LPF (Low Pass Filter) Crossover Adjustment
Since musical tastes vary, adjust the crossover by ear while listening to the music of your choice. Turn the crossover LPF adjustment all the way down to 40Hz. Then slowly turn the knob up until desired sound is achieved. Normal listening level should be right around 100Hz to 150Hz. Use common sense when adjusting the crossover. When properly adjusted, the bass from the STA enclosure should blend in with the rest of your speakers and not overpower the music. Be sure to set the tone controls of your radio (source unit) to flat while dialing in the crossover. (Fig 7)

Setting the PHASE switch
Start with the PHASE switch set at 0˚ and play a favorite music track that contains some solid bass (make sure the BASS EQ control is set at the 12 o’clock position). Then flip the switch to 180˚ and listen to the same musical track again. Choose the setting that provides the best bass response according to your taste.

BASS EQ Adjustment
This special feature is designed to provide you with more powerful sound quality and it allows you to increase the Bass up to +12dB. Keep in mind that more is not always better. Adjusting the control to the MAX (12dB) position will stress the amplifier and the woofer which could result in damage. (Fig 9)

NOTE: Although this adjustment sequence will in most cases provide the best tuning results, the actual process may include several readjustments of each of the controls since their settings interact with each other. If necessary, consult your Authorized PowerBass dealer for help tuning your system.

Remote Level Controller
Your PowerBass STA enclosure includes a wired Remote Level Subwoofer control module. To connect the Remote Subwoofer Gain control to the amplified enclosure, simply insert a RJ45 ethernet jack into the REMOTE gain port. Mount the module within easy reach or under your dash. (Fig 10)

NOTE: DO NOT plug in or disconnect the remote bass level controller when the amplifier is on!

Break In Period
To get the most from your woofer we recommend a "break-in" period of at least 40 hours (typically 2 weeks) at no more than 1/3 of maximum volume. During this time the cone and spider assembly will gradually break in resulting in greater performance and more listening enjoyment.

Troubleshooting

LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY

PowerBass Autosound Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year. Products found to be defective during the warranty period will be repaired or replaced (with a product deemed to be equivalent) at PowerBass’s discretion and will not be liable for incidental or consequential damages

Powerbass STA-10 Pros & Cons

Pros

• High-Quality Sound: Delivers deep, rich bass that enhances any music experience. 
• Durable Construction: High-density MDF enclosure ensures longevity and sound quality. 
• Flexible Wiring Options: Dual 4-Ohm voice coils offer various wiring configurations. 
• Affordable Price Point: Offers significant value for its price range.

Cons

• Space Requirements: Requires adequate space for optimal performance. 
• Installation Complexity: May require professional assistance for optimal setup. 
• Power Demands: Needs a compatible amplifier to reach full potential.

Customer Reviews

Customers praise the Powerbass STA-10 for its impressive bass output and durable construction. Many reviewers note that it exceeds expectations in terms of sound quality and value for money. However, some users mention that installation can be challenging without professional help.