JL Audio MBT-RX

Will it pair with multiple phones? If I add this to my car stereo, can my entire family each run their playlists in turn or will we have to choose one phone to rule them all?

Greetings Mack, and thank you for your question. Im going to need more information before answering. What stereo are you using, or none. What amplifier are you using, 2 channel, or 4? I need the model of the receiver, or amplifier. If its just the stereo it should have 4 channel speaker outputs, then you need nothing but 2 more speakers.

[ Thomas J. Jul 10, 2022 ] Staff

[ S Apr 25, 2022 ]

I want to pair a bose speaker is this doable?

The three answers conflict. Who is correct?

[ S Apr 26, 2022 ]

The unit can only pair with one device at a time.

[ THOMAS Apr 25, 2022 ]

No it does not pair with multiple phones. Only one phone can be paired at a time.

[ FRANK Apr 25, 2022 ]

It will run multiple phones. It will hook up to the first one it sees though so someone will have to turn off Bluetooth.

[ Steve Apr 25, 2022 ]

[ Black Tiger Mar 14, 2022 ]

I currently have this hooked to a JL 4 channel amp and it's great. I'm wanting to add a mono amp for a sub. Is this possible?

I'm not sure I understand the question. I'm assuming your Bose speaker is a Bluetooth unit? The MTS unit is a Bluetooth receiver not a transmitter.

[ Perry Mar 15, 2022 ]

you will need to connect this an amp then to your speakers

[ KEVIN Mar 14, 2022 ]

[ ZackL Dec 18, 2021 ]

Jl met rx Bluetooth adapter Is thier a reset ?

I would imagine you could buy a RCA splitter to split off the signal between your four channel amp and your mono subwoofer amp.

[ Perry Dec 23, 2021 ]

[ She ply Nov 02, 2021 ]

Does this increase the amperage of the signal somehow? I noticed on my friends that his music is dramatically louder when this receiver is his signal source compared to say a direct plug in head phone jack. And, he keeps blowing his speakers. 350 watt 2 channel 2ohm amp powering 2 175 watt RMS 2ohm 5x7 speakers with 91db sensitivity. They are ALWAYS hot to touch. I have almost same set up, but don't want to buy this if the "signal boost" or whatever is what's blowing the speakers. Any info?

[ Floyd Nov 04, 2021 ]

[ DAVID Jun 09, 2021 ]

Can the power and negative be wired to a USB powered plug? I am wanting to install this in my 2011 Tundra and power it through a hidden USB port in the dash.

I hooked one of these in my rv and one on my motorcycle and never did i think these boost the power . I would say the 350 amp powering 175 watt speakers is probably the problem , or cranking them up to loud , bass adjust to high ? Maybe some bass blockers may help. Is the 175 watts peak or continous rating on the speaker ? All things to consider .

[ Mark Jan 04, 2022 ]

[ Jason Mar 01, 2021 ]

I have a 57 Chevy truck that doesn't have a radio. Can I just hook this to an amp with speakers and use my phone or will I need something else entirely?

Nope. USB is 5VDC. Auto voltage is 12VDC. This device runs on auto voltage.

[ Clayton Mar 01, 2021 ]

It "should" be hard wired to the battery but its only a 2 amp fuse they use so in theory it should work fine as long as it has a power and ground

[ Cody Mar 01, 2021 ]

No, because you need 12V DC. USB has only 5-6V DC

[ Peter Mar 01, 2021 ]

[ Trent Oct 16, 2020 ]

Will this unit power on and off by itself or do I need to install a switch?

This is all you need. Plug it into the amp, hook to a switched power source. Connect with Bluetooth and you are ready to go.

[ David Oct 16, 2020 ]

yes you can. You might need some rca splitters depending on your setup. Probably want to to put the controller on switched power tho. Hope this helps

[ RICHARD Oct 16, 2020 ]

I believe that the instructions stated you can I have had no problems with this product

[ Robert Oct 16, 2020 ]

[ Eric Jul 22, 2020 ]

Will this work on a 2002 Lincoln LS factory stereo deck thank u?

Depends on your installation, I have MBT-RX installed on my motorcycle so that it initiates when the power switch goes on. It will make a sound through your system letting you know is active. I always wait until I hear the notification the turn on Pandora through my cellphone. I hope this was helpful, I have had it installed for over 2 years without issue. Great product!

[ Barstow Jul 22, 2020 ]

If you wire the power wire to a remote switch or a ignition switch it will. If you just run it on a constant power it will not. Hope this helps

[ Norman Jul 22, 2020 ]

Yes.. It powers on by itself as long as you attach a wire to an accessory port in the fuse box.

[ MIKE Jul 22, 2020 ]

No switch needed, but you need to provide it with switched power. All vehicles have some wires that are always powered and some that are switched. The simplest way is a tap, I believe it comes with a crimp on there and I'm not a fan of those. I bought a fuse tap instead and used it. That way when you power on the vehicle, this will power on. If you don't use switched power it can drain your battery.

[ Bud Jul 22, 2020 ]

[ Michael Jul 16, 2020 ]

Does it come with the required fuse?

It will if you have RCA inputs behind your deck. So you'll have to find that out.

[ Richard Jul 17, 2020 ]

[ Richard Jun 08, 2020 ]

I currently have this installed in my car. Is there a way to connect my car DVD player to it? Will it receive transmitters? I use my phone but if I connect the phone to the DVD player I don't get sound through the Bluetooth. Any advice?

Yes it does! I'm using this in my ski boat, put in a great Alpine stereo back in 2010 and it didn't have bluetooth. I hooked it up through an aux connection and it has worked great!

[ BK Jun 08, 2020 ]

No it does not. It takes a standard automotive mini fuse available at any auto parts, or hardware store. I put a 5 amp in mine.

[ Christopher Jun 08, 2020 ]

[ Brian May 23, 2020 ]

What is the bluetooth connection name for this device? Can it be changed (i.e. boat name, etc.)?

You're Bluetooth is only able to connect to one signal at a time, you would need to run them in series in order to make them work in unison. This would mean that in order to use the Bluetooth the DVD player would need to be on. Good luck.

[ Jamie May 23, 2020 ]

Is it a stand alone DVD player?

[ William May 23, 2020 ]

[ Tom Apr 23, 2020 ]

I'm installing using AUX input on an old marine stereo head unit but I'm not sure how to connect to the power so it will turn on and off. How do I find the right wire on back of stereo and then do I just splice it? Thanks!

If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.

[ Krissy May 05, 2020 ] Staff

[ Seve99 Apr 08, 2020 ]

Can I hook this up to an amp then run the amp to the speakers and play music from my phone without a radio?

[ Krissy Apr 21, 2020 ] Staff

[ Randy Jan 06, 2020 ]

What is the amp / wattage requirement for the 12-Volt DC Adapter if connecting to a home stereo?

Yes. Mine was connected that way on my atv. Be aware however that any equalization must be provided by your phone.

[ Edifier1 Feb 16, 2020 ]

I think you probably can. I hooked my up to the auxiliary input on my stereo and another one of my stereos is hooked to my tape input. Both work fine. You just have to set your stereo to the correct input to play. They say to NEVER hook it up to the phono input because you can damage your equipment.

[ hector Feb 12, 2020 ]

Trevor is correct this can work as long as this part and the amp are installed correctly (or the amp has the correct technology). I recommend contacting an advisor on 1-800-324-9695 to get a personal recommendation on a setup that will work

[ Paul Feb 11, 2020 ] Staff

Yes, your phone becomes the volume and controller.

[ TREVOR Feb 11, 2020 ]

[ Alan Jan 01, 2020 ]

6 answers

Go to JL Audio's website, find their page for this product, and choose Specifications > General Specifications. It runs on 8-28 volts DC and uses 32 ma at full output. I think you'd have a hard time finding a 12-volt wall wart that couldn't power it.

[ Thedoc Mar 08, 2021 ]

The fuse is rated for 2 Amps, so the amperage would not exceed that.

[ Ed Jan 31, 2020 ]

Use an one amp 12 adapter and you'll be fine.

[ Joaquin Jan 30, 2020 ]

I used this in my RV.worked great.for your home I would try something different.audio engine works great

[ john Jan 30, 2020 ]

Not sure if this will help you. I hooked it up to the 12 V supply line on my boat. Works great. Neat device!

[ Darren Jan 30, 2020 ]

Not sure but I believe these are designed for car audio. I used it for my car stereo and it works great.

[ Fernando Jan 30, 2020 ]

I have a head unit that does not have Bluetooth, could I use this to effectively add Bluetooth to my head unit?

[ Jake F Aug 23, 2019 ]

What is the operating range?

Yes, as long as your head unit has an aux rca input. This has been a very reliable Bluetooth source for me. It sounds great, music is loud and clear.

[ Brian Aug 23, 2019 ]

Yes, I hook this unit to any old stereo receiver I had , in Garage, backyard, home theater system and have blue tooth to connect to my smartphone

[ Paul Aug 23, 2019 ]

Absolutely!! I used it for home use, but you can use it for you aftermarket radio as long as it has RCA input. If it doesn't have RCA audio input but it does have an AUX you could use an RCA to AUX cable and use the AUX input to make it work. It works really well and for a far range. It auto connects to your phone after it's been hooked up. Just make sure you fuse it to the proper fuse size and don't connect it to direct battery. Daisy chain the power off your ignition on wire so it doesn't draw power all the time and kill your battery slowly. Reply with any questions!

[ Garrett Aug 23, 2019 ]

[ Steve Dec 18, 2018 ]

I connected my mtbrx to a digital full range DS18 candy amp 4 channel and only one channel( speaker) played. Do you have any suggestions how to get all fir channels playing without spending a lot money?

If I had to guess I would say the standard 30 ft. By the time I get in the car it has already connected. I use on the cars headunit. Works great except it doesn't have the capability to use it for hands free talk it only has media capabilities.

[ jenna Dec 18, 2018 ]

I use in my boat and it works from a device on the dock. I can confirm at least fifteen foot range with it mounted in the dash.

[ Michael Dec 18, 2018 ]

50 ft., more or less

[ hector Dec 18, 2018 ]

I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BLUETOOTH ADAPTER AS IT DOESN'T WORK WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMP IS BELOW 32 DEGREES

[ Keith Dec 18, 2018 ]

[ Rowan May 05, 2018 ]

What is the output voltage?

If you purchased the product from Crutchfield, feel free to contact our Tech Support team. They can walk you through the settings on the product and see if there may be a fix. Our toll-free Tech Support number is printed on your invoice, and is also available under the "My Orders" tab in the "My Account" section of our website. If you did not purchase the unit from Crutchfield, then you may want to contact the manufacturer.

[ Krissy May 16, 2018 ] Staff

[ Taylor Mar 10, 2018 ]

Would i be downgrading much if at all using this instead of the HRT istreamer i'm currently using?

2v rms

[ Aaron Oct 31, 2019 ]

[ Markous Jan 19, 2018 ]

Can you use this devise by wiring straight to speakers bypassing any head component or amplifier?

It may be a downgrade in audio quality. I use mine to send the music signal from an iPad to the cars central located Equalizer. From there to the amplifiers. The Bluetooth 4.0 and aptx coding on the jl work nicely with devices of similar Bluetooth bandwidths (4.0, aptX) it important to note the main objective of this receiver is to be discreet and seamless while working with a decent Bluetooth bandwidth 4.0 as opposed to a lesser bandwidth of 3.0 or 2 version of Bluetooth.. for that task, this product works great

[ Jeff Jan 19, 2018 ]

[ Andrew Dec 01, 2017 ]

Will this work for my Sony home stereo system? Have problems with rca aux cords with them shorting out...would I have to open the stereo to hook it up?

There is no power from this unit you will have to hook it to an amplifier or auxiliary input

[ Randy Dec 01, 2017 ]

No. The speakers need their own power supply (head unit or amp) to drive them. This will only send a signal to those processors from your Bluetooth source (phone or tablet)

[ Jeff Dec 01, 2017 ]

No. If the speaker you are trying to connect to is a passive speaker this wont work. Your idea will only work on a active speaker(amplifier built into the speaker cabinet) if the said speaker has an audio input. You will also need a 8-28 volt power supply to power this device.

[ JOHN Dec 01, 2017 ]

No you cannot. There is no power(volume) to the speakers from the bluetooth

[ Kevin Dec 01, 2017 ]

[ Cody Nov 01, 2017 ]

Does this work to add a Bluetooth speaker to a Home stereo system? I have a Soundwall Bluetooth speaker mounted behind my couch, and want to add it to my current (wired) speakers to receive output from my home theater system. Will this allow me to connect a Bluetooth speaker and feed it into the mix?

You could use the RCA cords on this to connect to your stereo. However, it's going to require some additional work & cost. The MBT-RX needs a 12V power source. So, you could buy a 12V Lithium Ion Battery pack with a built in switch and connect the red positive & black negative wires of the MBT-RX to the red positive and black negative wire of the battery pack. This would require some splicing and soldering (or just splice using black electrical tape vs soldering) but fairly simple to do. Once that's done, just connect the RCA's to your stereo & flip on the switch from the battery pack. The MBT-RX will then enter into pairing mode for whatever Bluetooth device you are using. The MBT-RX is a great Bluetooth receiver, I've used 5 of them in various suitcase boombox projects.

[ Rick Nov 01, 2017 ]

It would work if you have a 12 volt power supply. It requires 12 volts and will not work on 120v residential elelctric.!

[ derek Nov 01, 2017 ]

[ Richwoo Sep 04, 2017 ]

Does it have a connection sound, and if so how loud is it? I tend to leave my stereo turned up and the current bluetooth receiver has a beep at nearly 100% volume upon connection. Can be very jarring.

This is a Bluetooth receiver. Your Bluetooth speaker already has one built into it. What you need is a Bluetooth transmitter to send the signal from your home theater system to your Bluetooth speaker. If your home theater system already can transmit Bluetooth, then you already have everything you need.

[ Thedoc Mar 08, 2021 ]

Quick answer is no. However, I'm not sure I totally understand your question so I'll give it a shot at explaining. If you're considering this for a home audio source, keep in mind it was designed for 12 volt systems. In other words, you would need a 12 volt power source such as a lithium ion battery pack with a switch on it. These battery packs normally come with a cable, but one end of that cable would need cut and hard wired to the red and black wires of the JL Audio Receiver as this is how you power the device. Even if you did go this route, and plugged the RCA cables to the back of your stereo, the JL Audio Receiver would just play through your existing "wired" speakers hooked up to your stereo. The Sound Wall appears to be a standalone Bluetooth Speaker with no way (outputs that is) to connect it as an "additional speaker" to your stereo. I'm not a Bluetooth expert but I don't think you can pair your phone to two separate Bluetooth receivers (JL Audio & Soundwall) at the same time either.

[ Rick Sep 05, 2017 ]

This is not a Bluetooth speaker. It provides a Bluetooth input signal via the RCA cables. Theoretically, you can add this to a home stereo, but you would need a 12V power source. Depending on your existing stereo, you might need to add a switch to the power (red) wire. Your stereo would also need RCA input.

[ Doug Sep 05, 2017 ]

[ Joseph Aug 25, 2017 ]

does this work device with the Sony CDX-M60UI's BUS AUDIO IN RCA Inputs?

It does have a sound and is relatively loud. I do not see it as a problem though.

[ Doug Sep 05, 2017 ]

It has no connection sound that I'm aware of

[ derek Aug 27, 2017 ]

Yes it does have a beep, most if the time it's fairly soft but if you leave your volume cranked up it's gonna be annoying

[ Eric Aug 25, 2017 ]

[ aspain Jul 04, 2017 ]

i want to use this without a head unit and wire directly to 4 channel amp. Will I get proper 4 speaker output from the single pair of rca outputs from this unit?

Curious if you've actually tried this. I have the exact same head unit on my boat and would like to add Bluetooth.

[ Doug Sep 05, 2017 ]

Yes

[ darrel Jul 06, 2017 ]

It should, assuming it's an audio in plug on the Sony. If not, you can buy an adapter that converts into a 3.5mm plug and use it that way.

[ John Jul 04, 2017 ]

[ Chuck Apr 04, 2017 ]

are the RCA jacks simple 2 wire connections (red/black vs shielded coax)? Want to hook up to the harness that my CD changer hooks into (2004 Jeep Grand cherokee)

Well that all depends on if your 4)channel amp can be switched into using one pair of RCA's for both front and rear channels. If not you will have to use 2)male - 1)female y adaptors.

[ Ryan Apr 05, 2017 ]

mbt-rx will give you 1 pair of rca outputs. So, it depends on your amp. If it can except 1 rca in , and output 4 speakers, then yes.

[ Robert Apr 04, 2017 ]

[ John Mar 20, 2017 ]

WHAT IS THE DISTANCE RANGE FOR THIS? WANT TO USE IT FOR MY RV RADIO

Yes there is power, ground, and left and right rca female adapters

[ Randy Mar 20, 2017 ]

[ Harvey Mar 06, 2017 ]

does it works for my marine clarion CMV1 stereo?

65 feet max

[ JOHN Dec 06, 2019 ]

I have no idea of the ultimate range, I use mine in a 40 foot Trawler and have been as far as 50' from the boat and still connected (of course over water) the unit is mounted inside a cabinet near the head unit. Works great in a cruising boat so should work fine in an RV

[ SCOTT Mar 06, 2017 ]

I have mine on a 29 ft center console boat Works great on the boat and when out of the boat I have a range of about 25/30 ft.

[ Stephen Mar 06, 2017 ]

[ MARCO Feb 23, 2017 ]

Can I use the power and inputs on my CD changer (2005 Yukon)?

The JL Audio MBT-RX works with any radio that has a Aux-in. If your stereo has any kind of auxiliary input then it will work.

[ Joey Feb 25, 2017 ]

Worked for my Jensen marine radio, if you have the inputs on the back of your radio it should work!

[ FRED Feb 25, 2017 ]

Will work with any radio as long as you have RCA aux input

[ Michael Feb 25, 2017 ]

[ Paul Dec 05, 2016 ]

I am looking for a device to connect to an older stereo with only RCA jacks on it. I want it to broadcast Bluetooth so I can use Bluetooth speakers at a distance from the stereo. This device receives Bluetooth. I'm looking for a broadcast system. Any ideas?

You will want to contact an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat to discuss compatibility with your factory system. They will be able to pull up your vehicle and see if this will integrate. If it does not, then they will also be able to discuss other options with you.

[ Kenny Dec 06, 2016 ] Staff

[ Bruce Aug 26, 2016 ]

Can I wire this to plug into a 3.5mm headphone jack? I want to be able to unplug it and use the aux input for a wired 3.5mm to 3.5mm connection for my old iPod. Thanks!

If using a home stereo unit try Logictech Blue Tooth Adapter. Best Buy for around $35. Works with my Kenwood Receiver via RCA Inputs.

[ JOHN Dec 06, 2019 ]

This is intended to go into rca inputs, not outputs

[ Kevin Aug 26, 2016 ]

[ Matthew Aug 05, 2016 ]

How do I access it on a 2005 Range Rover and get it to show up so I can play my music via Bluetooth?

Yes should not be a problem as long as it's done correctly

[ Car Audio Of Aug 06, 2016 ]

Sure can. I did exactly that in my Jetta. You will need an RCA to 3.5mm adapter which shouldn't be hard to find. Mine sits above the glove box with a cable running to the AUX input in the glove box. Enjoy, works very well for me.

[ Bill Aug 06, 2016 ]

Sure, just get an adapter for stereo RCA to 3.5 MM headphone jack.

[ SCOTT Aug 05, 2016 ]

[ Mikal Jul 23, 2016 ]

Can i power this by wiring directly to the JL amplifier on a marine application? Also I have multiple JL amps powering 8 JL speakers and two subs. what RCA input is best for the audio to connect to so it plays the bluetooth on all speakers? does it matter? (I use a Clarion CMD8 headunit and lack additional RCA inputs.)

I installed mine on a boat, but it should be similar. Not familiar with your vehicle but you just need 12 volts for power and an audio input or aux input. I also installed a button under my dash to turn mine on and off.

[ Jason Jul 24, 2016 ]

[ Dominik Jun 19, 2016 ]

Does this device enter some kind of low power mode once a device is not connected? I am worried about this device draining the car's battery.

I connected mine to an aux port in my alpine stereo that pre-dated bluetooth. I direct wired mine to the fuse block protecting all the amps and it has a disconnect button that breaks that pops the fuse arm (if that makes sense) up and breaks any electrical connection so that I never worry about drain on my batteries from the stereo system when I pop the breaker so to speak. This little buietooth device works great!

[ BK Jun 08, 2020 ]

I would only use a switched power source, either the red power wore to the main radio harness or the blue remote turn on lead for the amplifiers. As for what I know that radio only has one aux in resource so you might have to get a set of marine grade y-adapters. To allow bout aux resources to be connected just not used at the same time. These are what I used for one of my customers they are JL Marine XMD-WHTAICY-1M2F

[ Ryan Jun 20, 2016 ]

[ New User May 08, 2016 ]

5 answers

Wire it to ignition or radio on power and there won't be any current draw when your vehicle is off. Don't wire directly to the battery...

[ Hugo May 09, 2016 ]

Yes it will drain your battery, it should be wired to the switch, your phone will remember everything you need, great product, hope this helps!

[ HotRod May 09, 2016 ]

I am not sure. I installed a switch in line to power the device on and off. I just ran it to a discreet location. So I turn mine off when not in use. I love this device, I have it installed on my boat and it works great!

[ Jason May 09, 2016 ]

You should be wiring it to a power supply that turns off with the car.

[ Jack May 09, 2016 ]

This should be connected to switched power source, from the after market radio or the typical red wire in a after market harness.

[ Ryan May 09, 2016 ]

Has anyone tried making phone calls using this? I know this doesnt have a mic, Im just wondering if it turns into a nightmarish echo chamber or if it just doesnt work at all. I want to get rid of my head unit and right now it seems I may need to get an parrot product just to make hands free phone calls.

[ Bryan Apr 25, 2016 ]

anyone else have connectivity issues with IOS 9.3 iPhone?

The phone call audio will broadcast over the sound system unless you switch to the phone on your audio settings.

[ Kevin Jun 28, 2016 ]

It can't be used for the phone calls. It just mutes your music and you still talk on your phone as you normally would. It doesn't make it a hands free call.. It only works for music

[ Michael Apr 25, 2016 ]

[ Tom Apr 02, 2016 ]