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JL Audio MLC-RW

Marine lighting controller

Item # 13699816

It's a compact, rugged controller for your JL Audio LED speakers.

It's a compact, rugged controller for your JL Audio LED speakers.

California customers:
Please click here for your Proposition 65 warning.

16 questions - 21 answers

Item # 13699816

In stock
$279.99 each

60-day returns

If you don't love it, send it back.

Hands-on research

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Since 1974

Years of experience making people happy.

About the JL Audio MLC-RW

Jon Paul

A compact LED light controller

JL Audio's MLC-RW lighting controller works with your JL Audio LED speakers to give you total control over the light show on your boat. This compact, two-piece unit fits almost anywhere and lets you choose from fixed lighting colors or control the color and intensity of the lighting.

A compact LED light controller

JL Audio's MLC-RW lighting controller works with your JL Audio LED speakers to give you total control over the light show on your boat. This compact, two-piece unit fits almost anywhere and lets you choose from fixed lighting colors or control the color and intensity of the lighting.

Use your phone

You can control the LEDs using the rotary encoder or you can control the lighting with your phone, using the built-in Wi-Fi connection and the LiteWave app you download to your compatible smartphone.

The MLC-RW produces up to 30 amps, which is more than enough to power an ambitious light system. It's equipped with plenty of onboard safety features, too, including automatic over-current and short-circuit protection, plus voltage and temperature monitoring.

READ LESS

Product highlights:

  • works with your JL Audio LED speakers
  • control fixed lighting colors or control the color and intensity of your lighting
  • compact two-piece system installs almost anywhere
  • produces up to 30 amps (400 watts) of continuous output
  • built-in over-current and short-circuit protection
  • built-in voltage and temperature monitoring
  • made for marine and off-road use
  • warranty: 2 years
  • MFR # 99816

What's in the box:

  • Controller module (attached 8" bare-ended wires and 21" rotary encoder cable)
  • Rotary encoder with integrated mount and attached 12" cable
  • Two 1-1/2" screws
  • Two 1/2" screws
  • Owner's manual

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More details on the JL Audio MLC-RW

Stacey B.

Product Research

Features

Overview: The JL Audio MLC-RW is an advanced controller for operating RGB LED lighting circuits. Incorporating PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) technology and high-capacity circuitry, the MLC-RW can produce up to 30 amps (400 watts) of continuous output power for powering most any multi-LED network (sold separately).

Rotary Encoder: The MLC-RW features a dash-mountable rotary encoder for operating and adjusting the LED lighting (sold separately). The encoder features a continuous rotary control with push-button functionality. A multi-colored LED indicator inside the rotary control is provided for easy reference to the Mode or function currently being accessed.

  • Mounting: The rotary encoder includes its own mounting bracket for attaching it underneath a dash or console; it can also be panel-mounted by removing the mounting bracket and using the threaded locking collar to secure it in place (a 1" diameter hole will need to be drilled for this type of mount).
  • Functions: Powering On/Off, changing the Color Spectrum, adjusting the Brightness and Color Cycle rate. It can also be used to reset the built-in WiFi function.

WiFi: Control of the MLC-RW can also be done from your compatible smartphone using the LiteWave ITI app, available from the Apple App and Google Play Stores. After downloading the app, the smartphone can then connect to the MLC-RW's network ("LiteWave_xxxx", default password is: password). When the app is launched, the lighting control can then be configured and operated via the app.

Safety Features: The MLC-RW includes built-in safety features, including over-current and short-circuit protection, as well as voltage and temperature monitoring.

Connections: Two wiring bundles, permanently attached to the MLC-RW, provide all the connection points:

  • Power Wiring:
    • Yellow: +12VDC input. A fuse (not included) should be installed on this line, near the power source, that's appropriate for the total current draw of the attached LEDs (up to 30A).
    • Black: Chassis ground
  • Illumination Wiring:
    • White: Main RGB LED +12VDC output (+)
    • Red: Red RGB LED negative (-)
    • Blue: Blue RGB LED negative (-)
    • Green: Green RGB LED negative (-)

Specifications:

  • Output Capacity: 30A Continuous (400W)
  • WiFi Band Compatibility: B, G, N
  • Auto Protection Modes: Over-current, Short-circuit
  • Monitoring Modes: Voltage, Temperature
  • Operating Voltage: 10 - 17.6VDC
  • Operating Temperature: -4˚F - 167˚F

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Customer Q&A

16 questions already asked

Q
What colors does this have programmed?
jamie  May 01, 2023
1 answer
A
Pretty much any combination you would like, Jamie. There is no pre-programming as you are in control of the light show with the JL Audio MLC-RW's rotary encoder (knob). The rotary encoder operates and adjusts your LED lighting (sold separately) with a continuous rotary control that also has push-button functionality. A multi-colored LED indicator inside the rotary control is provided for easy reference to the Mode or function currently being accessed. You can change the Color Spectrum, adjust the Brightness and Color Cycle rate. You can also control this with the JL Audio LiteWave ITI app, available from the Apple App and Google Play Stores!
bo  May 01, 2023 (Staff)
Q
I have this wired into the acc switch for power that controls the radio in my boat. I'm getting feedback through the speakers, I have 8 jl 7.7s and 2 m7 12s and also running led strip lights on the sides of the boat. What should I do to eliminate the feedback noise. The ground is going to the ground distribution block for the amps. Should I run a separate power supply?
david  Feb 24, 2023
1 answer
A
Greetings David. Sorry you are having technical issues. If you purchased the JL Audio equipment from Crutchfield, call our technical support team. You will have their direct phone number on your shipping confirmation email. If you purchased the gear elsewhere, you can always get support from JL Audio as well, at 954-624-0113.
thomas  Feb 24, 2023 (Staff)
Q
I have this wired into the acc switch for power that controls the radio in my boat. I'm getting feedback through the speakers, I have 8 jl 7.7s and 2 m7 12s and also running led strip lights on the sides of the boat. What should I do to eliminate the feedback noise. The ground is going to the ground distribution block for the amps. Should I run a separate power supply?
david  Feb 24, 2023
1 answer
A
You could try running a separate power supply but if your lights aren't flickering as well it may not necessarily be the controller that is giving you issues. We have an article on our website that can help pinpoint where the source of the noise may be coming from. It's for cars so, of course no exactly marine directly, but there are a lot of overlaps with the order of operations. I will link it down below. https://www.crutchfield.com/learn/car-stereo-diagnose-noise.html
arielle h  Feb 24, 2023 (Staff)
Q
I am wanting to wire this to turn on and off with the amp remote on wire. Would I use a relay to energize this using the amp remote as the trigger? Would that work?
derek  Jul 06, 2022
1 answer
A
Though it's tempting Derek, I would not advise using the 12v remote lead for anything else than turning on/off equipment, with no relays. Doing so can often damage the radio, or other connected equipment. This JL Audio MLC-RW needs a 30A power kit with a fused link near the battery, just because it is capable of powering so many lights off this one unit. I hope this helps!
bo  Jul 06, 2022 (Staff)
Q
I am only able to see blue LED lights and the rotary knob only controls brightness. How do you get the full spectrum of colors?
bradley  May 02, 2022
1 answer
A
My knob changes the speaker LED colors as rotation of knob occurs. May need to unplug the unit and reboot it?
erik j.  May 03, 2022
Q
Is it possible to set the default to be off upon startup?
paul  Jul 30, 2021
4 answers
A
Nope, it's annoying. You could add a switch but what a pain. Wish it had an off for a default.
matthew  Aug 01, 2021
A
Yes, that is the default setting
parker  Aug 01, 2021
A
It is set that way already
alex  Aug 01, 2021
A
It is in the off position. You have to push it in to engage it in the "on" position and turn the knob to change the colors.
stephane  Aug 01, 2021
Q
The power wire from the LED speakers would be connected to the white main 12v+ wire on this unit? Then the unit alone would just go to the battery with the yellow wire (with fuse)?
thanh  Jul 02, 2020
1 answer
A
The yellow wire is 12v positive I added a fuse to mine and the black is ground . The rest of the wires are RGB to the speakers I used the white wire for yellow on the speakers. I actually added led RGB light strips as well to it
scott  Jul 15, 2020
Q
I have POCO controller for my underwater lights. Can these speaker lights be controlled off my POCO controller wired to my simrad system?
taylors  Jun 16, 2020
1 answer
A
We have not received any answers from other customers on your question. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.
thomas  Jul 02, 2020 (Staff)
Q
Is there rotary control cable extension available?
will  May 14, 2020
2 answers
A
I've checked all the information we have on this and cannot find any mention of an extension cable being available for it.
jason  Jun 02, 2020 (Staff)
A
Not that I know of I to wish it was longer
scott  Jun 02, 2020
Q
Do the red, blue, green and white wires have to be run to every speaker?
michael  Apr 15, 2020
2 answers
A
Yes they do that's how the back lighting works. Crutchfield sells an all in one cable. 6 wires in one. To help with this
alec  Apr 16, 2020
A
Yes The Jl audio led speakers have the same wires
brandan  Apr 16, 2020
Q
Can it be used without a jl audio product such as under glow lighting?
darrin  Jan 05, 2020
1 answer
A
I believe so. The Crutchfield Tech that helped me with my boat system, recommended this LED controller for my Sound Stream 8" tower speaker LED lights.
james  Jan 05, 2020
Q
I have 12 speakers. Does the RGB wiring from all 12 speakers wire and connect to the RGB controller wires?
pat  Jun 11, 2019
1 answer
A
Yes, you can splice all the same colored wires together and then connect to controller.
kevin  Jun 12, 2019
Q
Do I have to run wire to the speakers to use this?
kamran  Jun 02, 2019
1 answer
A
Wire will need to be ran from this controller to the LEDs that you want it to control. If those LED's are built into the speakers, then you will need to run RGB wire to those speakers in addition to the speaker wire. My Bio: https://www.crutchfield.com/bio/Paul
jason  Jun 09, 2019 (Staff)
Q
How many speakers can this control?
cory  May 18, 2019
1 answer
A
It is designed to power most any multi-LED networks - how many speakers did you have in mind? Unless you have more than 10 I don't anticipate it being an issue. If you have specific questions or concerns you can connect with one of our product advisors here: https://bit.ly/2QNxGQB
casey  May 25, 2019 (Staff)
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