NB OEM Audio FAQ
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- Note: This Wiki version is still under construction. See the original at http://stephen.fosketts.net/miata
NB OEM Audio System FAQ
News! - The Sylfex AuxMod is here - now you can have an auxiliary input for double-DIN/FMS Mazda head units! And I made a cubby to hold the iPod.
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Introduction to NB OEM Audio Systems
The second-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata (commonly called the "NB" Miata) was introduced in 1998 as an evolution of the original Miata (the "NA"). One of the many changes was the audio options: Every aspect of the sound system is different from the earlier cars, with the most notable differences being the loss of headrest speakers and the addition of an optional Bose "upgraded" system for the car.
There are a number of different sound systems to be found in NB cars, each available in "Bose" and "Non-Bose" variants. The earlier cars (from 1998 through 2000) came with a single-DIN (slim) in-dash receiver. This was replaced for 2001 (for base cars) or 2002 (for LS and SE) with a Ford/Mazda modular double-DIN (tall) head unit.
The 2004 and 2005 Miata comes with an updated version of the double-DIN unit with a silver bezel, slightly different buttons and display, and the new windblocker with speakers. It also has an optional MP3-capable CD player, which is nice. This is the same unit found in the Mazda6 and RX-8, and will probably be used in other Mazda products, too.
All NB Miatas (except the 2003 Club Sport) came with an AM/FM/CD head unit and at least two speakers. Door-mounted tweeters are optional on base cars and standard on LS and Special Edition cars. An integrated cassette deck is optional on all head units. The double-DIN also has an optional integrated in-dash 6-CD changer, MiniDisc player, and, for 2004, MP3-capable CD player.
All 2000-2005 and most 1999 Miatas come with a factory power antenna. This can be replaced with the 1999 base model's fixed antenna fairly easily.
Tell me about the Bose option
All NB sound systems have a Bose variant which adds a slightly different head unit, an external amplifier, and special low-resistance (.5-Ohm) speakers. But apart from this, the Bose and non-Bose head units are very similar. The early 1M31 and 1M37 Bose head units lack internal amplification entirely, while the later 4H60 and 4H64 Bose head units have internal amplifiers and speed-sensitive volume control.
Note that all of the speakers in Bose cars are special Bose speakers, including (for 2004 and 2005) the windblocker speakers. The tweeters are standard 4-Ohm units on all cars. This means that removing the Bose system (say, to replace the speakers) requires replacing all of the speakers and wiring past (or removing) the Bose amplifier. This "Bose-ectomy" is discussed elsewhere.
Common complaints about the Bose systems include:
- Strange equalization ("No highs, no lows, must be Bose" and "All highs, all lows, must be Bose" are both frequently heard!)
- Poor sound quality in general
- Deteriorating and buzzing speakers (the "Bose Buzz")
Who makes these head units?
All NB head units (including Bose) are made by Panasonic, Clarion, or FMS Audio Sdn. Bhd. I've actually never seen a Clarion head unit in a Miata, but it's listed in the Workshop manual. For your information, FMS was a joint-venture between Ford, Mazda, and Sanyo, but is now wholly owned by Sanyo.
The actual design of the head unit is apparently farmed out to traditional audio companies like Pioneer and Alpine, but the manufacturing is done by FMS, Clarion, or Panasonic/Matsushita. Units with a faceplate number beginning with "1" were made by Panasonic, "2" means Clarion, and "4" indicates FMS.
European cars apparently use Sony head units which are entirely unrelated and not covered by these FAQs at this time.
Do these head units have any security features?
No NB head units have the "security disable" feature (or annoyance) found on NA OEM head units. So you can pull the power without fear of disabling the unit. I don't consider blinking lights to be security features...
Should I use Dynamat or similar sound dampening material?
Some people love it, and some people hate it, but I have seen great results from using sound-dampening material like Dynamat and Brown Bread in Miatas. This material sticks (with black "gorilla snot") to parts that vibrate and turns that mechanical energy into heat. In other words, it keeps the buzzing down. It is not a sound deadener like foam. If you decide to try it, buy a 1x4-foot sheet and place a good amount on the inside of the outer door panels. Also put some on the inner panels and trim. I also used Brown Bread to line the underside/inside of the center console and the inside of the dash. I've also heard great results from lining the trunk bottom and the ledge behind the seats. The secret is to dampen vibrating parts, not to completely cover or surround them. Here's a good thread about the door job.
I used Brown Bread inside my doors. I cannot actually tell the difference in audio quality, but the doors have a nicer "thunk" to them when they close, and my buzzing is gone (for now). I put a 10-inch square behind each door speaker on the outer "skin" of the door, and about 2 square feet more in various squares in other areas on the door skin. I also put some on the back of the inside door panel. Finally, I used electrical tape to secure the wires inside the doors to keep them from rattling. More information is in my door disassembly page.
There are a few different OEM sound systems, each with a Bose variant. Despite the various model numbers, there are basically four types. We'll call these the single-DIN, single-DIN Bose, double-DIN, and double-DIN Bose. The double-DIN silver-face units in the 2004 cars are also a bit different, so we've added a special spot for them, too.
Overview of NB audio systems
Single-DIN NB Audio System (1M32, 4M32)
- See also: Single-DIN audio system details
This system includes a single-DIN head unit with an integrated AM/FM tuner and single-disc slot-loading CD player. The head unit includes 4x25 (peak) Watt amplification for two speakers, one in each door. In-door tweeters could be added with the optional 1999 Popular Equipment Package or 2000 Convenience Package. An in-dash casette deck was a popular option.
Markings
This head unit has the number 1M32 or 4M32 on the face.
History
These were introduced in 1998 and used through 2000. The 1M32 (P/N NC20-66-9R0) was made by Panasonic and was produced until September 1, 1998, and was replaced after that date by the almost-identical 4M32 (P/N BG1R-66-9R0), made by FMS.
Availability
1998/9 and 2000 NB base cars came with this unit standard. An add-on in-dash cassette player was an option.
Single-DIN NB Bose Audio System (1M31, 1M37)
- See also: Single-DIN audio system details
This system is similar to the non-Bose, and includes a single-DIN head unit with an integrated AM/FM tuner and single-disc slot-loading CD player. The head unit sends a balanced line-level signal to a pair of separate single-channel 100-Watt amplifiers for the special Bose door speakers and (non-special 4-Ohm) tweeters.
Markings
This head unit has the number 1M31 or 1M37 on the face. The head unit says "Bose" on it, as do the door speaker covers.
History
These were introduced in 1998 and used through 2001 on cars with the Bose system. The 1M31 (P/N NC10-66-9R0) is found in '98/'99 cars, and was replaced on June 23, 1999 with the 1M37 (P/N NC10-66-9R0A) for the '00 and '01. Both are made by Panasonic.
Availability
1998/9 cars with the Leather Package and 2000 and 2001 LS and Special Edition cars came with this unit standard. It was also available as a standalone option in 1999 on non-Leather Package cars. An add-on in-dash cassette player was a popular option.
Double-DIN NB Audio System (4162)
- See also: Double-DIN black audio system details
This system includes a double-DIN head unit with an integrated AM/FM tuner and single-disc slot-loading CD player. The head unit includes a 4x25 (peak) Watt amplifier driving two speakers, one in each door. In-door tweeters could be added with the optional Convenience Package. The double-DIN units are "modular", meaning that an integrated casette deck or MiniDisc player can be added to the bottom and the single-disc CD player can be swapped out for a 6-CD changer on top.
Markings
The head unit has the number 4162 in the upper right hand corner of the display.
History
The 4162 was introduced in 2001, and a replacement with a silver face was introduced in 2004.
Availability
All 2001, 2002, and 2003 base model cars came with this unit standard including the 2003 Shinsen Version. Door tweeters are added with the Convenience Package (and on the Shinsen), and an in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, Cassette Player, or MiniDisc player are dealer-installed options. Note that the 2003 Club Sport package does not include a sound system at all.
Double-DIN NB Bose Audio System (4H60)
- See also: Double-DIN black audio system details
This system includes a double-DIN head unit with an integrated AM/FM tuner and single-disc slot-loading CD player or in-dash 6-disc changer. The head unit has speed-sensitive volume control with three settings for top up and three more for top down. The head unit includes 4x25 (peak) Watt amplifiers, two of which send speaker-level audio to a pair of single-channel 100-Watt amplifiers behind the unit for the special Bose door speakers and (non-special 4-Ohm) tweeters. The double-DIN units are "modular", meaning that an integrated casette deck or MiniDisc player can be added to the bottom and the single-disc CD player can be swapped out for a 6-CD changer on top.
Markings
There is a small marking saying "4H60" in the upper right corner of the head unit face. The head unit says "Bose" on it, as do the door speaker covers.
History
The 4H60 was introduced in 2002, and a replacement with a silver face was introduced in 2004.
Availability
All 2002 and 2003 LS and Special Edition cars came with this unit standard. An in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, MiniDisc player, and Cassette deck are dealer-installed options for LS cars. The two 2002 Special Edition Miatas came with the 6-CD Changer standard, as did the 2003 Special Edition.
Double-DIN NB Silver Audio System (4163)
- See also: Double-DIN silver audio system details
This system includes a double-DIN head unit with an integrated AM/FM tuner and single-disc slot-loading CD player. The head unit includes a 4x25 (peak) Watt amplifier driving two speakers, one in each door, and two windblocker speakers. In-door tweeters are added with the optional Convenience Package. The double-DIN units are "modular", meaning that an integrated casette deck or MiniDisc player can be added to the bottom and the single-disc CD player can be swapped out for a 6-CD changer or MP3-CD player on top. Mazda also offers integrated SIRIUS satellite radio for these head units.
Markings
This unit looks like the previous 4162, but has a silver/aluminum face, and replaces the "AM" button with one marked "SAT".
History
The silver systems were introduced in 2004.
Availability
All 2004 base cars came with this unit standard. Door tweeters are added with the Convenience Package, and an in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, MP3 CD player, Cassette Player, or MiniDisc player are dealer-installed options.
Double-DIN NB Bose Silver Audio System (4H64)
- See also: Double-DIN silver audio system details
This system includes a double-DIN head unit with an integrated AM/FM tuner and single-disc slot-loading CD player or in-dash 6-disc changer. The head unit has speed-sensitive volume control with three settings for top up and three more for top down. The head unit includes 4x25 (peak) Watt amplifiers, two of which are used for the windblocker speakers. Two other channels send speaker-level audio to a pair of single-channel 100-Watt amplifiers behind the unit for the special Bose door speakers and (non-special 4-Ohm) tweeters. Mazda rates it as a "225-Watt" system. The double-DIN units are "modular", meaning that an integrated casette deck or MiniDisc player can be added to the bottom and the single-disc CD player can be swapped out for a 6-CD changer or MP3-CD player on top. Mazda also offers integrated SIRIUS satellite radio for these head units.
Markings
This unit looks like the previous 4H60, but has a silver/aluminum face and says "4H64" instead. It replaces the "AM" button with one marked "SAT". The head unit says "Bose" on it, as do the door speaker covers.
History
The silver systems were introduced in 2004.
Availability
All 2004 LS cars and the Mazdaspeed MX-5 came with this unit standard. An in-dash 6-disc CD Changer, MP3 CD player, MiniDisc player and Cassette Player are dealer-installed options. The Mazdaspeed MX-5 includes the CD changer standard.
So which cars have which audio components?
Here’s a complete list:
- '98/99 base
- Single-DIN AM/FM/CD (1M32)
- Door speaker (x2)
- '98/99 base with Popular Equipment Package
- Single-DIN AM/FM/CD (1M32)
- Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '98/99 base with Bose option, Leather Package and 10th Anniversary
- Single-DIN Bose AM/FM/CD (1M31)
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '00 base
- Single-DIN AM/FM/CD (4M32)
- Door speaker (x2)
- '00 base with Convenience Package
- Single-DIN AM/FM/CD (4M32)
- Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '00 LS and Special Edition
- Single-DIN Bose AM/FM/CD (1M31)
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '01 base
- Double-DIN (4162)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- '01 base with Convenience Package
- Double-DIN (4162)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '01 LS and Special Edition
- Single-DIN Bose AM/FM/CD (1M37)
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '02 base
- Double-DIN (4162)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- '02 base with Convenience Package
- Double-DIN (4162)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '02 LS
- Double-DIN (4H60) with Speed-Sensing Volume Control
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '02 Special Edition
- Double-DIN (4H60) with Speed-Sensing Volume Control
- In-dash 6-disc CD changer
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '03 base
- Double-DIN (4162)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- '03 base with Convenience Package and Shinsen Version
- Double-DIN (4162)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '03 LS
- Double-DIN (4H60) with Speed-Sensing Volume Control
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '03 Special Edition
- Double-DIN (4H60) with Speed-Sensing Volume Control
- In-dash 6-disc CD changer
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '04 base
- Double-DIN Silver (4163)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- Windblocker speaker (x2)
- '04 base with Convenience Package or Azure Blue Cloth Package
- Double-DIN Silver (4163)
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Door speaker (x2)
- Windblocker speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- '04 LS
- Double-DIN Silver (4H64) with Speed-Sensing Volume Control
- In-dash single-disc CD player
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- Bose Windblocker speaker (x2)
- '04 Mazdaspeed MX-5
- Double-DIN Silver (4H64) with Speed-Sensing Volume Control
- In-dash 6-disc CD changer
- Bose 100 Watt Single-Channel Amplifier (x2)
- Bose Door speaker (x2)
- Door tweeter (x2)
- Bose Windblocker speaker (x2)
See also
- Single-DIN audio system details
- Double-DIN black audio system details
- Double-DIN silver audio system details
- Miata Audio Pinouts
What's with the product placements/buying links?
My Miata pages were starting to generate significant traffic and load on the server I was hosting them on, so I moved them to a paid server at Dreamhost.Com, a hosting provider I have used for years. I was already including links to items at various vendors' sites, so I felt it would be acceptable to join their affiliates programs to help defray the cost of providing this content.
I am an affiliate of the following organizations, and will recieve some money for all purchases made when you click through from this site.
- Dreamhost.Com - Web site hosting
- Amazon.Com - Books, music, and more
- CarToys.com - Car electronics
- Parts Express - Car electronics
| NB OEM Audio FAQ | ||||
| Overview | Single-DIN | Double-DIN black | Double-DIN silver | Pinouts |
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