A new client reached out to us a while back about installing a Polaris RZR audio system in his new side-by-side. He didn’t want anything too complicated but wanted to hear it while he was riding and make sure others enjoyed his music too. Many of our clients have similar goals for their UTV, so we had the perfect plan for him.
Rockford Fosgate Amplifier and JL Audio Bluetooth
Once the client had dropped off his buggy, we began work on the installation. We started at the front of the RZR with the amplifier. We would use a Rockford Fosgate 4-channel marine amplifier to power the new speakers. To provide maximum power to the tower speakers, we bridged the amplifier to provide 150 watts per speaker. To mount the amplifier safely in the front, we fabricated a mounting plate for it. We first made a 1/4″ MDF template for the plate footprint and cut it out on our CNC laser cutter. Then we used that template to cut out a piece of 1/2″ black HDPE (starboard) that we would be mounting the amplifier to. The new plate was secured to the RZR frame using stainless steel hardware, and the amplifier was mounted and wired.
To provide an audio signal to the amplifier, we enlisted the help of the JL Audio MBT-CRXv2. This little JL Audio Bluetooth controller is a great waterproof solution for wireless music streaming. Our clients love the ability to keep their phones out of the water and dirt while still being able to control them by using the MBT’s buttons.
Rockford Fosgate Tower Speakers
When it comes to 8″ tower speakers, there are none louder and cleaner than the Rockford Fosgate M2 8″ tower speakers. After listening to the client’s audio goals, we knew these speakers would check all of his boxes. The speakers feature waterproof molded plastic housings, an 8″ woofer, and a coaxially mounted 1″ horn-loaded tweeter. If you want loud, clear, dynamic music, it is hard to beat a good-sounding horn-loaded tweeter!
We mounted the two tower speakers to the trailing bars of the roll cage using the supplied clamps. Unlike other brands, the Rockford clamps are universal and fit most any bar size. Once the speakers were mounted, we neatly routed the wiring for the speakers and lighting through the RZR to the amplifier and lighting switch.
Polaris RZR Lighting
The final piece of this audio puzzle was the lighting. The Rockford Fosgate tower speakers include RGB lighting on both the front and the rear of the speaker housing. We use the Rockford Fosgate wireless RGB lighting controller to control this lighting. This device allows the client to use a smart-phone based app to select lighting colors and patterns. To allow the client to turn the lights off quickly, we installed a switch in his dash. To help identify the switch for easy use, we once again called on our CNC laser cutter, using it to etch the “RGB LIGHTS” and lightbulb icon on the switch cover.
Tuning, Cleanup, and Delivery
With all the pieces installed, it was time to set everything up. We connected to the lighting controller and ensured all the colors were functioning properly. Then we moved on to the audio. We connected our phone to the JL Audio Bluetooth controller and adjusted the gain settings on the amplifier and the crossover controls. We were blown away by how loud and clear the speakers were.
The last step was to clean up the buggy and deliver it to the client. He was as blown away by the sound as we were! If you need to add a bit of audio to your side-by-side, give us a call or contact us here.
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