CLS-10 / 12 Subwoofer Controls and Connections
Level Control
- This knob matches the subwoofer’s output to that of the main speakers. Clockwise
rotation increases the subwoofer output, counter-clockwise decreases it. You should only need to set
this control once, after you’ve installed the CLS-10 / 12 in its final position (re-check the level after
break-in). Afterwards, the master volume control on your preamp, integrated amp, surround sound
processor, or receiver will adjust the volume of your main speakers and subwoofer in tandem. The
CLS-10 / 12s level control merely sets the relative balance between the sub and satellite speakers. Think
of it as a one-time balance adjustment between them. If you have access to a simple SPL meter, it can
help you set the levels more accurately, particularly in a surround sound system. It’s difficult to set these
levels precisely “by ear,” particularly the subwoofer level. See links to some test equipment below. Due
to our driver design and the “settling-in” characteristics of the S2 material, Gallo Acoustics subwoofers
tend to play significantly louder after they’ve played for a while. Please be sure to reset the sub level
after approximately 50 to 100 hours of use.
Crossover Frequency:
This control is variable from 50Hz to 200Hz. In technical parlance, it’s really a
low-pass filter. A low-pass filter does exactly what its name implies. It determines the frequency below
which signal is passed. Set to 50Hz, the CLS-10 / 12 will reproduce bass below 50Hz. Set to 200Hz, it
will reproduce bass and lower midrange below 200Hz. Set this control based upon the frequency range
capabilities of the other speakers in your system as outlined below.
As a general guideline, compact speakers usually require a crossover in the range of 80 to 120 Hz.
Larger and/or more bass capable speakers can be crossed over lower, but in most systems the best
room location for producing good bass response throughout the listening area is generally not the
best location for the mid- and high-frequency-producing speakers.
One of the biggest benefits of adding a subwoofer to your system is that you can place the sub in an
optimum location for good bass reproduction without worrying about the rest of the frequency
spectrum that’s delivered by the other speakers. Therefore, there will likely be benefit from crossing over
even larger, bass-capable satellite speakers at 80 to 100Hz and spending the time to carefully locate the
subwoofer for optimum performance in your room. However, should you have very compact satellites
with 2-inch or smaller drivers running “full range,” you may need to set the crossover frequency higher.
Please check with the satellite manufactures’ literature to see if they offer any recommendations in this
regard. Please see “Subwoofer Placement” below and our website for further information.
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