Cogent Audio Labs test the Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty.2 Signal Processor.
DescriptionRockford Fosgate's new interactive processor is more than an OEM interface. With six channels, a 31-band EQ for each channel, very flexible crossover control with adjustable levels for each channel, remote subwoofer level control, auxiliary inputs with their own 31-band EQ, signal delay and complete control by a wireless Bluetooth interface, it would also be right at home in a full-on aftermarket system as a powerful signal processor. Tweaks and audio nuts will love the control and flexibility the unit offers.
The 3Sixty.2 itself is a relatively diminutive piece of gear, measuring about 7.25" by 4.25" by about 1.75" tall. It comes with a wired remote control knob and setup CD. The heavy-gauge sheet metal case has plastic end panels and a small plastic window that changes color depending on what you are doing. It looks solidly constructed and is finished in a gloss gray color powder-coat. There are gain pots and blue/red LEDs on the input panel to serve as signal and clip indicators, making adjustments easy while eliminating the need for voltmeters.
PerformanceA quick read through the owner's manual told me that to use the product I would have to install the included software onto my Bluetooth-capable Palm Pilot. This was a surprise, but with Palm devices becoming very affordable, and common, I soon understood the logic behind the design. Having a large touchscreen LCD to use as a control interface is like a dream come true after doing lip stands on floor mats to adjust things for the last 20 years. The manual also lists about nine different compatible Palm devices. If you do not have a Palm, fear not. Several are available at very reasonable prices, or you can simply have the unit set up by an authorized dealer. Once the unit has been set up and tuned, there's no need for the Palm, unless you're a tweaker. All the settings and adjustments are stored in non-volatile memory inside the unit.
I installed the software to my trusty old Tungsten T2 with no problem and proceeded to hook the hardware up on my test bench. The wiring is very straightforward; the 3Sixty.2 will accept either high-level BTL outputs (Bridged Tied Load, i.e., standard speaker-level outputs) from an OEM radio or amplifier, or RCA inputs from an aftermarket-style source unit. In both cases, there are six inputs: for left and right, front and rear, as well as center and subwoofer channels. There is also a pair of AUX input RCAs for the connection of an additional audio source. The outputs of the 3Sixty.2 use the same 6-channel configuration and are RCA-style connections.
The wired remote plugs into a "Comm Port" and uses a common RJ45-style connector. The remote serves two functions: In one mode it acts as a remote subwoofer level control and in the second mode, it becomes a volume control for the device that is connected to the AUX input. Clever, and cool.
Powering up the 3Sixty.2 causes the window in the top right hand corner of the unit to blink red; after a few seconds the blinking stops and the light is a steady red. This is an indication that the unit is ready to communicate with a Palm Pilot via Bluetooth. I tapped on the "Rockford Fosgate" icon now on my Palm and after a few seconds, the serial number of our test subject was listed as an available device. By clicking on the device name I was prompted to enter the passkey number. The serial number is found on the box, bottom of the unit and inside front cover of the manual. Because I took the time to read the manual earlier, I knew the default passkey code was 0000. After entering the code, I was presented with a new screen on the Palm that prompted me to begin the installation and setup. I checked the range of operation and found I could reliably control the 3Sixty.2 from about 15' away (standard range is said to be 30').