Introduction

The Powerbass XL-POD6LR POD Speaker System is a high-quality, weather-resistant audio solution designed for use in boats, UTVs, and other outdoor applications. These 6.5-inch marine-grade speakers are capable of delivering clear, powerful sound even in harsh environments. With an estimated price range of $300 to $400 and a launch date in Q2 2023, the XL-POD6LR is a great investment for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor audio experience.

POWERBASS XTREME LONG RANGE POD FEATURES

• UV Stable Injection Molded Plastic Pod: Molded from marine grade polymer (poly-plastic composite) materials houses the speaker and protects it from the effects of the outdoor environment while providing great looks.
• Chrome Plated Die-Cast Swivel Clamp System: Solid marine-grade zinc alloy provides strength and corrosion resistance accepts bar sizes from 1.5” to 3.0”.
• Polypropylene Injected Cone: Chosen for its strong yet lightweight body this waterproof woofer cone has UV inhibitors to minimize cracking and fading.
• TPU Surround: A synthetic material known for its toughness and flexibility, the black TPU (Thermo-plastic Urethane) surround rejects water, sun and salt spray while at the same time offering superior cone-edge suspension.
• Compression Horn Tweeter: A special horn tweeter was chosen to deliver loud, crisp and clean highs that can be heard well beyond the boat.
• RGB Illumination: User selectable RGB lighting that can be linked to multiple speaker son a single remote control. Select up to 20 different colors and over 19 different lighting modes. 
• Safety Cable: A braided wire cable provides an extra level of security for the Pod when mounted around the tower bar.

UNPACKING THE ENCLOSURE
Every attempt has been made to transport your new PowerBass Marine Pod 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 Xtreme Marine Speakers requires experience with a variety of mechanical and electrical procedures. This manual only provides general installation and operating instructions. If you have any reservations about your installation skills or lack the proper tools, please contact your local PowerBass Xtreme dealer 
for assistance.

POD PLACEMENT TIPS AND WIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
When running the speaker wire through the tower bar make sure there is a clear run so the wire can enter and exit the tubing (some towers have obstructions in the tube). If you are not sure, check with the manufacturer of the tower bar.

MOUNTING, WIRING AND CONNECTIONS

PowerBass highly recommends that a professionally trained installer mount and wire the Pod. This application guide explains how to install PowerBass waketower Pods in a general sense, it may not show the exact installation method for your particular situation. If you feel unsure about personally installing this wakeboard tower Pod speaker system, don’t attempt the installation yourself.

CAUTION: Failure to properly mount the Pod could result in the following:  

1. The reliability and performance will suffer due to the movement of the Pod caused by vibration, 
2. A serious safety hazard can result if the Pod is not securely mounted and falls from the tower.

Read these instructions thoroughly before starting installation. For easier assembly, we suggest you run all wires prior to mounting your Pod speakers. 

1. Determine where the Pod will be placed on the tower bar and a what angle the speaker will be mounted. Mark the bar with a felt-tip pen. This will be where the speaker wire comes through the bar and to the Pod.  NOTE: This first step is VERY important. Make sure of the exact location and orientation you want BEFORE drilling any holes.
2. Drill a 0.25 to 0.5-inch hole for the speaker wire on the mark made on the tower bar. De-burr the hole to keep from damaging the wire’s insulation and causing a short. It is a good idea to treat the hole to inhibit corrosion.
3. Remove the Allen Screws securing the Aluminum Top Bracket to the Aluminum Base.
4. Using the Safety Cable hang the Pod on the tower bar near its eventual mounting location.
5. Run minimum of 16-gauge speaker wire (included) through the tower bar and leave 8” to 12” of the wire hanging out of the hole you previously drilled. Then run the speaker wire through the hole in the insert.
6. Connect the speaker wire coming out of the tower bar to the speaker wire coming out of the Pod. Note the polarity (the black stripe wire from the Pod is negative – )
7. When using the RGB Illumination, see page 10 for detailed instructions.
8. Hold the Pod and place the Aluminum Base flush with the tower bar. Be sure to push any excess speaker wire back into the tower bar. Make sure the speaker hole from the Aluminum Base of the Pod (or insert) is aligned with the hole in the tower bar—use caution not to pinch the wires.
9. Affix the Aluminum Top Bracket over the tower bar and screw in the two Allen Head bolts at first by hand. Next using the supplied Allen wrench tighten the bolts evenly. When fully tightened the Pod should not move. 
10. Connect the other end of the speaker wire to the amplifier following the instructions supplied with the amplifier. Be sure to observe proper polarity of the speaker wire when connecting to the amplifier.
11. To use the Safety Cable, detach it from the pod. Wrap it around your tower bar and back through the large eyelet. Then pull tight and secure back onto the pod. See Fig. 3

RECOMMENDED POWER

• The XL-POD6LR is designed to handle up to 75 watts RMS (continuous) and 150 watts maximum (peak) of input power. 
• The XL-POD8LR is designed to handle up to 125 watts RMS (continuous) and 250 watts maximum (peak) of input power. 
• The XL-POD10LR is designed to handle up to 150 watts RMS (continuous) and 300 watts maximum (peak) of input power. 

Therefore an outboard amplifier optimized at 4-ohms will be necessary to drive this system. You will want to use an amplifier powerful enough to provide listening comfort.  Generally speaking, an amplifier with the same or slightly higher power rating than the RMS power handling should be selected.

CROSSOVER SETTINGS
The POD system is designed for full range listening enjoyment. If your amplifier includes an electric (active) crossover, experiment using the settings in High Pass or the Full position. Optimum adjustment can be achieved after listening to your favorite music and varying the crossover frequency.

BREAK IN PERIOD
To get the most from your speaker we recommend a “break-in” period of at least 40 hours 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.
CAUTION: Damage to the woofers can occur when an amplifier, regardless of its wattage, is made to play at higher listening levels than its power can clearly produce (usually beyond the “1 to 2 o’clock” position on the amplifier gain). This results in very high levels of audible distortion. Contrary to popular belief, a speaker is more likey to be damaged by trying to get too much volume from a low-powered amp than from a high-powered amp.

ENCLOSURE DIMENSIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS

RGB LED CONTROLLER INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

INSTALLATION
Your PowerBass Xtreme Long Range Pods come equipped with RGB lighting that can be controlled via the supplied remote control allowing the user to pick between 20 different colors and over 19 different lighting effects.  You can link multiple speakers to a single RF receiver for easy control from a single remote. 
Once you have found your mounting location and made the proper fitment tests you will next need to route your RGB extension cable.  This supplied 18ft extension wire allows you to easily route to other RGB equipped speakers and up to your radio / control panel.   Connect the extension cable to the speakers RGB plug / connectors matching colors for example Green to Green, Blue to Blue.  Route your wire to the next speaker in the series (for a daisy chain type installation see pg 14 for details) or route the RGB cable up to the radio / control panel. 
After you have connected all desired Pods RGB wires and routed your extension wire it is now time to connect the RGB RF Receiver.  
If you used a daisy chain connection style you will have a single set of RGB wires to connect to your RGB RF Receiver, however if you simply ran them all to your radio/ control panel then you will now need to connect all corresponding colors to each other.  Once this is ready you can now connect the RGB wires to the RGB side of the RF Receiver.
Next you will need to connect the power side of the RGB RF Receiver to 12V power and Ground. To prevent battery drain install a switch on the RED +12V wire so you can turn off the RGB RF Receiver when not in use or when stored. 

• You can use the remote turn on lead from your radio to trigger a relay. However do not connect your RGB RF Receiver to the head unit Remote wire as this pulls more current than a typical turn on circuit provides. 
• You can also use a rocker style switch to turn the receiver on and off.  If your boat comes equipped with a radio power rocker switch you can use this as your power source as well. 
• Do not install the RGB RF receiver in enclosed metal, as this may interfere with connectivity between it and the remote controller.
• If you do not want to use a remote control and only want to display a single color this can easily be done by connecting the BLACK wire in the 4-wire RGB cable to +12V Power and then connecting the following wire to ground to illuminate the corresponding color.
• You will need to connect the BLACK +12V power to switched power either with a relay or switch to prevent battery discharge when using single color mode.

COLOR COMBINATIONS

• RED: RED
• GREEN: GREEN
• BLUE: BLUE
• RED/GREEN: BRIGHT GREEN
• RED/BLUE: MAGENTA
• BLUE/GREEN: AQUA
• RED/BLUE/GREEN: WHITE w/ Blue Tint

Connecting multiple Pods to a single receiver allows you to control the lighting and effects using a single remote control. You can connect up to 12 speakers or Pods (6 pair) to one receiver.

RGB LED RF REMOTE CONTROL

Your PowerBass Xtreme Marine Pods comes compelte with RGB illumation that is controlled with the supplied RF Remote Control.  Use this remote control to select up to 20 different colors and over 15 different lighting effects. 

1. Turn On/OFF: This button turns on or off the RGB RF Receiver. 
2. Dynamic Lighting Effect Mode Adjustment: Switch between static lighting or dynamic effect mode, or switch between effect when in Dynamic mode.
3. Dynamic Lighting Speed Adjustment: Adjust the speed up + or down – to the desired pattern.  If in Static mode the unit will switch to dynamic when the speed is adjusted.
4. Static Color Adjustment: Switch to Static Color mode.  Select between 20 different colors.
5. Brightness Adjustment: Static color mode brightness adjustment.  Press + to increase brightness or – to decrease brightness.  If in Dynamic mode the unit will switch to Static when the brightness is adjusted.

CARE AND CLEANING

The enclosure is constructed of high impact molded plastic and should be cleaned after use with soapy water and a damp cloth. The polished aluminum mounting hardware can be cleaned the same way.  Do not use any cleaners or solvents on the enclosure or grills, otherwise the UV inhibitors may be affected and/or the plastics may discolor.

LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY

PowerBass USA, Inc. offers limited warranty on PowerBass products under normal use on the following terms: PowerBass Xtreme Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year. The warranty is extended to three (3) years for parts and labor, if an Authorized PowerBass Xtreme Dealer completes the installation. This warranty applies only to PowerBass products sold to consumers by Authorized PowerBass Dealers in the United States of America. Products purchased by consumers from a PowerBass dealer in another country are covered only by that country’s Distributor and not by PowerBass USA.

Description

The Powerbass XL-POD6LR POD Speaker System features a 6.5-inch woofer and a 1-inch tweeter in each speaker, providing a frequency response of 50 Hz to 20 kHz and a power handling capacity of up to 200 watts peak power. The speakers are made with a durable, UV-resistant polypropylene cone and a Santoprene rubber surround, ensuring long-lasting performance in harsh outdoor conditions. The grilles are made from 316L stainless steel, providing excellent rust resistance. The speakers are designed to be easy to install, with a swivel mounting system that allows for adjustable positioning. The XL-POD6LR also features a built-in 2-way crossover network, ensuring accurate and precise sound reproduction.

Troubleshooting

Common problems with the Powerbass XL-POD6LR POD Speaker System may include distorted sound, low volume, or no sound at all. To troubleshoot these issues, first, check the connections to ensure that they are secure. Next, check the power supply to make sure that it is providing the correct voltage. If the problem persists, check the speaker wires for damage or shorts. If the speakers are still not functioning properly, consult the user manual or contact Powerbass customer support for further assistance.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Marine-grade construction for long-lasting performance in harsh outdoor conditions
• High power handling capacity for clear and powerful sound
• Adjustable swivel mounting system for easy installation and positioning
• Built-in 2-way crossover network for accurate and precise sound reproduction

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to some other outdoor speaker systems
• May require additional amplification for optimal performance

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Powerbass XL-POD6LR POD Speaker System for its clear and powerful sound, durable construction, and easy installation. However, some have noted that the speakers may require additional amplification for optimal performance. Overall, the XL-POD6LR is a great investment for anyone looking for a high-quality, weather-resistant audio solution for their outdoor activities.