Description
Punch Marine Hide-Away Digital Media Receiver 4-Zone DSP, 4×50W Internal Amp, IPX5, Global AM/FM/WB, SiriusXM Ready, Bluetooth, NMEA2K/CANbus Ready. Black Box for PMX-8DH Controller.
Product Overview
The Rockford Fosgate PMX-8BB is a hide-away digital media receiver — a self-contained "black box" source unit designed to be mounted out of sight and controlled via the separate PMX-8DH wired display controller. The PMX-8BB delivers a global AM/FM/Weatherband tuner, four independently configurable audio zones with dedicated DSP and 7-band EQ per zone, a 4×50W internal amplifier, six RCA preout channels at 4V for Zone 1 and 2, and two RCA preout channels at 4V for Zone 3 and 4. IPX5 water intrusion rating confirmed. Optional PMX-CAN accessory enables NMEA2K MFD integration with Raymarine and select compatible MFD systems.
Specifications
| Specification |
Detail |
| Part Number |
PMX-8BB |
| Type |
Hide-Away Marine Digital Media Receiver |
| Display |
Requires PMX-8DH controller (sold separately) |
| Water Rating |
IPX5 ✓ |
| Internal Amplifier |
4×50W, 2-Ohm stable ✓ |
| Zones |
4 zones ✓ |
| Zone 1&2 Preouts |
6 channels (F/R/S), 4V ✓ |
| Zone 3&4 Preouts |
2 channels, 4V ✓ |
| EQ |
7-band graphic + Punch EQ, per zone ✓ |
| Crossover |
HPF + LPF selectable per zone, 12dB or 24dB slope ✓ |
| Tuner |
Global AM/FM/Weatherband, RDS ✓ |
| SiriusXM |
Ready (tuner sold separately) ✓ |
| Bluetooth |
A2DP + AVRCP (see version conflict note) ✓ |
| iOS |
Made for iPhone certified, album art, folder browsing ✓ |
| Pandora |
Licensed control (Apple USB or BT / Android via BT) ✓ |
| USB |
Dual input, video playback, rear USB 1A charging ✓ |
| Aux Input |
Rear L/R ✓ |
| A/V Input |
Yes ✓ |
| Video Output |
Yes ✓ |
| Steering Wheel Control |
External interface ready ✓ |
| Reverse Camera |
External trigger input ✓ |
| Illumination |
Wired control ✓ |
| Wired Remotes |
Up to 3 (PMX-1R and/or PMX-0R, 100ft total) ✓ |
| EEPROM |
Non-volatile memory ✓ |
| Voltage Gauge |
Integrated with low voltage alert ✓ |
| Firmware |
Upgradeable via USB ✓ |
| Bluetooth SW |
Upgradeable via USB ✓ |
| Circuit Board |
Epoxy coated ✓ |
| CANbus |
Ready with optional PMX-CAN accessory ✓ |
| NMEA2K |
Compatible (requires PMX-CAN) ✓ |
| Antenna |
Not included |
| Dimensions |
Not specified — confirm with Rockford Fosgate |
| Warranty |
Not specified — confirm with Rockford Fosgate |
4-Zone Audio System Explained
The PMX-8BB manages four independent audio zones — each with its own source selection, volume, 7-band EQ, Punch EQ, and selectable HPF/LPF crossover points with 12dB or 24dB slopes.
-
Zone 1 & 2 — 6-channel RCA preout (Front/Rear/Sub), 4V — for full-range amplified speaker systems with subwoofer
-
Zone 3 & 4 — 2-channel RCA preout, 4V — for additional zones (swim platform, cabin, tower)
-
Zone renaming — Custom zone labels visible on the MFD interface via PMX-CAN
Remote and Display System
| Component |
Detail |
| PMX-8DH |
Wired display controller (sold separately) — max 25ft cable, 10ft cable included in PMX-8DH box |
| Extension cables |
PMX16C (16ft) or PMC25C (25ft) available |
| PMX-1R / PMX-0R |
Optional wired zone remotes — up to 3 per system, 100ft total wired distance |
CANbus / NMEA2K Integration
The PMX-8BB is CANbus ready via the optional PMX-CAN accessory — enabling control from Raymarine and other select NMEA2K-compatible MFD systems. Confirm the full MFD compatibility list from the official Rockford Fosgate PMX-CAN product page.
IPX5 Water Rating
IPX5 is a standardised water intrusion rating — water projected by a nozzle from any direction at any angle will have no harmful effect on the unit. Appropriate for open-air marine installations exposed to spray, rain, and deck wash.
FAQs
Does the PMX-8BB include a display? No — the PMX-8BB is a hide-away "black box" that requires the PMX-8DH display controller (sold separately) for operation.
What is the maximum cable length for the PMX-8DH display? The PMX-8DH is supplied with a 10-foot cable. An extension cable can be used up to a maximum of 25 feet total length. Longer extension cables available: PMX16C (16ft) and PMC25C (25ft).
What is the 4V preout output for? The 4V RCA preouts connect to external marine amplifiers. Zone 1&2 offer 6 channels (front/rear/sub); Zone 3&4 offer 2 channels. All at 4V — a higher output voltage than typical 2V preouts, providing greater headroom and signal-to-noise performance over longer cable runs to the amplifiers.
Is SiriusXM included? The PMX-8BB is SiriusXM ready — a SiriusXM tuner (sold separately) is required for satellite radio reception.
Does the internal 4×50W amplifier replace external amplifiers? The 4×50W internal amplifier provides power for basic speaker connection without external amplification. For high-output installations using marine tower speakers and subwoofers, external amplifiers connected via the 4V RCA preouts are recommended.
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