POLARIS RIDE COMMAND & MB QUART AUDIO AMPLIFIERS:
Let’s clear up some urban legends. Specially, some issues around MB Quart Audio upgrades and compatibility with RIDE COMMAND. There has been some unclear communications since RIDE COMMAND launched a few years ago. While we’re at it, we’ll clear up a few other open ended rumors that seem to plague bonfires and campsites when we are out living the RZRLife.
THE FACTS:
Anyone that has lived or traveled the Southwest United States knows, the Jackalope is real! That’s an unusual mating of a Jackrabbit and an Antelope. True.
The first urban legend is really funny. Many people make the assumption that MB Quart designed, engineered or manufactures the RIDE COMMAND unit. 100% false.
Next, for those riders with LE RIDE COMMAND that have been told, “MB Quart audio does not work with RIDE COMMAND.” Not True.
For those that have heard that “Dynamix does not offer an audio upgrade option with MB Quart.” Also, not true.
MB Quart Audio gear is 100% compatible with RIDE COMMAND, you just have to do it correctly.
As you read the following, we will walk you through adding an MB Quart audio amplifier and or the Extreme Audio Pods to an LE RIDE COMMAND source unit. If you have a Dynamix RZR that came with audio, jump to our other
MB Quart Audio gear is 100% compatible with RIDE COMMAND, you just have to do it correctly.
As you read the following, we will walk you through adding an MB Quart audio amplifier and or the Extreme Audio Pods to an LE RIDE COMMAND source unit. If you have a Dynamix RZR that came without audio, jump to our BLOG ARTICLE that is solely about upgrading a Dynamix machine with MB Quart Audio.
HISTORY
MB Quart amplifiers, which includes the amplifier that is built-into the Extreme Audio Pods are 100% compatible with RIDE COMMAND.
When these products were launched, they were not. Simply, RIDE COMMAND was a highly top secret project until it launched. Nearly an urban legend on its own. There are some rumors that it was developed at Plum Island where literally no one could get a glimpse.
Once RIDE COMMAND was announced it took Polaris and MB Quart Audio Engineers some time to compare notes and bring the two product families together. All of that work has been completed and validated over the last 12 months.
MORE FACTS
The early amplifiers and Extreme Audio Pods are NOT compatible with any version of RIDE COMMAND. They look the same as their newer versions but they were never designed to integrate. No matter what anyone tells you or what adapters you try these part numbers 2882112 (Dash Amplifier) and 2881227 (Extreme Audio Pods) are not compatible with RIDE COMMAND.
RIDE COMMAND AUDIO – DO IT RIGHT
Now we are on the same page. “MB Quart Audio is 100% RIDE COMMAND compatible.” This means that RIDE COMMAND will not pop, hiss or grumble in any way! MB Quart and Polaris engineers went through months of validation in all seasons and all driving conditions to assure that your audio feed coming from RIDE COMMAND is pure, crisp audio signal.
First critical step for those with RIDE COMMAND, you must use the new and upgraded components. These are the new part numbers for the upgraded components. They are Dash Amplifier 2883738 and Extreme Audio Pods 2883739.
ADAPTING THE CONNECTORS ON RIDE COMMAND
Once you have confirmed with your Polaris dealer that you are purchasing and installing the correct part number for the amplifier or Extreme Audio Pods, you must adapt the connector coming out of RIDE COMMAND, you can buy that adapter cable HERE.
The pictured adapter converts the RIDE COMMAND output to the small JST input on the amplifier. You can also find the adapter in the MB Quart adapter section or click HERE.
Once you have your amplifier converted, you can now run front or rear door speakers or both together. The rear RZR door kit includes a harness splitter to allow the amplifier to operate all four door speakers. No additional harnesses are required.
FRONT DOOR MB QUART SPEAKERS FOR RZR & RIDE COMMAND
See all the specification and features for the front RZR door speakers HERE.
REAR DOOR MB QUART SPEAKERS FOR RZR & RIDE COMMAND
See all the specification and features for the front RZR door speakers HERE.
A FEW MORE FACTS:
The Loch Ness Monster – True. Her name is Nessie. She lives in a Lake in the Scottish Highlands.
Next urban legend, RIDE COMMAND is NOT compatible with MB QUART source units like Sound Bars, Roof Audio Systems, In-Dash Radios or Bluetooth Controllers.
This is because RIDE COMMAND is a “source unit”. You cannot have more than 1 source unit in your vehicle. Imagine having two radios in your car – makes no sense. RIDE COMMAND is the source unit. Once we have made that decision we can add amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers, after RIDE COMMAND outputs.
EXTREME AUDIO PODS:
As mentioned, the new part number for RIDE COMMAND compliant Extreme Audio Pods is 2883739.
This new and upgraded version of the EXAP now includes the rear audio harness (below) to run your Power, Turn-On and Signal to the RZR. That was a $70.00 harness previous.
FINAL FACTS:
Sasquatch is real and he loves Jack Links Beef Jerky.
If you find your install with RIDE COMMAND must utilize an aftermarket amplifier that does not use the JST connector, we can help with that too. All you need to do is to modify the output connector of RIDE COMMAND to the RCA input of the amplifier. You do that with a connector like this, assuming the amplifier is using RCA jacks. You can buy this adapter from our page HERE.
Now, for those with the LE Ride Command units that do NOT have Dynamix but have MB Quart door speakers and either the Radio Sound (2 seater) or Rockford Fosgate (4 seater) amplifiers. The 2883738 MB Quart RZR Dash Amplifier will install as normal and would replace the current amplifiers mentioned in this article. The RIDE COMMAND to JST adapter will still be required.
The Extreme Audio Pods can also be added to the Dynamix machines. Check out the install specifically done on the Polaris RZR Dynamix machine HERE.
Just remember, when you use an amplifier that uses traditional RCA connections, you are no longer using a products that has been validated and proven to be OFF-ROAD GRADE AUDIO quality by Polaris engineers. You are taking your chances with product that for all practical purposes has not be signed off for use with RZR or RIDE COMMAND team. Believe it, urban legends are dead. RZR and RIDE COMMAND are easy installation solutions using MB Quart Audio.
