WooferGuy is reader-supported. When you buy through an Amazon link on this page we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It never decides what we recommend. How this works.
A remote bass knob is a small dial you mount within reach of the driver’s seat. It lets you turn the subwoofer up or down without reaching into the trunk. It’s one of the cheapest and most useful add-ons for a sub system, because the right amount of bass changes from song to song. Used properly, it also protects your sub. Used as a “more bass” knob, it can do the opposite.
The short version
- Yes, most sub systems benefit from one: bass levels vary a lot between recordings.
- Most knobs only reduce level from where the amp’s gain is set. Rockford’s PLC2 works this way.
- Set the gain with the knob at maximum, then use the knob to turn bass down.
- Buy the knob made for your amp: they plug into a dedicated remote jack and aren’t interchangeable between brands.
- Factory radio? Some line output converters, like the AudioControl LC2i, include a dash knob.
What a bass knob controls
Most bass knobs are remote level controls. They plug into a jack on the amp and reduce the signal after the gain stage. The Rockford Fosgate PLC2, for example, can attenuate but not increase the level from the gain setting. That’s the safe design: as long as your gain is set correctly, turning the knob all the way up can’t push the amp into clipping.
Some amps and processors use their remote for other things, such as bass boost or bass restoration level. AudioControl sells its ACR-1 as a level or volume controller, and it doubles as the replacement remote for the EPICENTER bass restoration processor. Check the amp’s manual to see what the knob adjusts.
Knobs for popular amps
Rockford Fosgate PLC2 Punch Level Control
For select 2013 and newer Punch and Power amplifiers.
- Attenuates from the gain setting, never boosts
- Works when the amp’s crossover is set to low-pass
- Power and clip LED
- Cable and mounting hardware included
The clip LED is a useful extra: if it flashes, you’re driving the amp into distortion. Rockford publishes a compatibility chart for its amps.
- Safe attenuate-only design
- Clip indicator
- Rockford-made
- Only for compatible Rockford amps
Kicker CXARC remote bass control
For Kicker CX, DX and PX amps with a REMOTE BASS jack.
- Plugs into the amp’s remote bass jack
- Mounts within reach of the driver
- Kicker-made
If you’ve bought a Kicker CX amp like the CXA800.1 or CXA1200.1 from our monoblock guide, this is the matching knob.
- Matches Kicker CX, DX and PX amps
- Simple install
- Kicker amps only
AudioControl ACR-1 dash remote
For the EPICENTER and select AudioControl amps and converters.
- 20 ft cable
- Level or volume control, depending on the device
AudioControl lists compatibility with the EPICENTER Concert Series and a range of its amplifiers. The LC2i line output converter ships with an ACR-1.
- Long cable
- Works across several AudioControl products
- Check your device’s compatibility
How to set it up
- Mount the knob where you can reach it but won’t knock it, such as under the dash edge or in the center console.
- Route the cable away from power wires, and plug it into the amp’s remote jack.
- Turn the knob to maximum.
- Set the amp’s gain properly with the knob at maximum; our multimeter gain guide shows how.
- From then on, use the knob to turn bass down for bass-heavy songs.
Common mistakes
- Setting gain with the knob halfway. When you later turn the knob up, the amp clips.
- Using a bass boost knob as a volume knob. Boost adds gain at one frequency and is the fastest route to clipping.
- Mixing brands. Remote jacks aren’t standardized; use the knob made for your amp.
FAQs
Do I need a bass knob?
Not strictly, but most people find it useful, and it encourages turning bass down rather than up.
Can a bass knob damage my sub?
A level knob that only attenuates can’t push the amp beyond the gain setting. Bass boost controls can.
Will any bass knob work with my amp?
No. Use the model listed for your amp, or check its manual.
What if my amp has no remote jack?
Use a line output converter or processor with its own dash knob, or adjust levels from your radio.