The Kicker 48KMBLC is a wired remote that moves a mono amp's bass level adjustment from the chassis, often mounted somewhere awkward to reach once an install is finished, to a dash or helm-mounted knob. At $39.99, it's one of the cheapest accessories in this entire catalog, and it solves a genuinely common annoyance for anyone who's had to climb back to an amp mid-cruise to adjust the sub.
It's not a universal fit, though: it's built specifically for KXMA and KMA amps with mono channels, not the full-range multi-channel amps in the same product families.
Key Takeaways
- Wired remote (not wireless) for reliable, no-dropout signal in a marine environment.
- Compatible specifically with KXMA and KMA amplifiers that have a mono channel, not full-range multi-channel amps in the same families.
- At $39.99, it's a low-cost add-on relative to the amps it pairs with, which mostly run $270-$900+.
- RoHS compliant.
- Adjusts bass level only, it doesn't control overall system volume or other amp settings.
Which Amps Actually Qualify
Kicker specifies this remote for KXMA and KMA amplifiers "with mono channels," which means it's the right accessory for a true mono sub amp like the already-covered KXMA1500.1, KMA800.1, or KPX500.1, or an amp with one dedicated mono sub channel built into a larger unit, like the KXMA900.5. It's not built for a purely full-range multi-channel amp with no mono sub channel at all. Confirm your specific amp has a mono channel before ordering this remote.
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Feature Walkthrough
Wired Connection
A hardwired connection to the amp rather than a wireless remote, prioritizing reliable signal over installation convenience, a sensible tradeoff for a boat's electrically noisy, vibration-heavy environment.
Bass-Only Adjustment
Controls the subwoofer channel's bass level specifically, not overall system volume, gain, or crossover settings, all of which stay set at the amp itself.
Marine-Rated Design
Built and marketed specifically for marine environments, consistent with the rest of the KXMA/KMA amplifier line.
Who It's For
Choose the 48KMBLC if you're running one of the compatible mono-channel amps and want to adjust bass level without physically accessing the amp. Skip it if your amp is a full-range multi-channel unit without a mono sub channel, since it isn't built for that configuration regardless of how convenient it might sound.
Honest Cons
Limited amp compatibility. The mono-channel requirement rules out a meaningful share of Kicker's own marine amp lineup, check compatibility carefully before buying.
Wired only, which means running an additional cable to wherever you want the remote mounted, not a drop-in wireless add.
Adjusts bass level only, not a full remote for overall system control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this work with a full-range 4-channel amp?
Only if that amp has a dedicated mono subwoofer channel, like the KXMA900.5. A purely full-range multi-channel amp with no mono channel isn't a compatible match.
Is it wireless?
No — it's a wired remote, chosen specifically for reliable signal in a marine environment over wireless convenience.
Can it control the volume of my whole system?
No — it adjusts bass level on the amp's mono channel only. It isn't a substitute for a zone volume controller or a source unit's main volume control.
Does it need a separate power source?
It connects directly to the compatible amplifier; no separate power source is specified beyond that connection.
Bottom Line
The 48KMBLC is a $39.99 fix for a genuinely common annoyance, an amp-mounted bass knob that's hard to reach after installation. Confirm your amp actually has a mono channel first; that's the one requirement that decides whether this remote is even an option.