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Step 4: Volume Level
Set the volume knob to the 12 o’clock position to start. Many people use ordinary music recordings or
soundtracks for setting the subwoofer’s volume level. If you are using this method, try adjusting the sub-
woofer’s volume level so it matches the main speakers at the listening position. Since most people do not
listen to material at very loud reference levels and the ears are less sensitive to bass at lower levels, some
listeners prefer to set the bass level a little higher than the main speakers. A good approach is to set the
subwoofer level to the highest level where it sounds nice and where bass and kick drums still sound tight
and non-boomy. For home theater applications, most prefer to set the subwoofer level higher than the other
speakers. We suggest setting it about 3 dB higher. Some processors/receivers allow you to set different
bass levels for different sources.
Optional: subwoofer integration will be more accurate when using test tones and a SPL meter. See Step 6 (Fine Tuning).
Step 5: Crossover
If you are using the SUBWOOFER or LFE output on your controller, you may optionally set the CROSSOVER switch to OUT. This lets
the controller handle the crossover between the subwoofer and other speakers. However, if the bass sounds boomy, it may sound better
with the crossover switched IN and the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY set to 90 Hz. You may skip the rest of this step.
If you are using the HIGH LEVEL speaker connections, you will be using the subwoofer’s crossover. Look up the lowest frequency your
left and right speakers will output (the frequency they are“ -3 dB” at) and set the crossover approximately to this point. Play program mate-
rials with steady, consistent bass around this frequency such as filtered pink noise or music containing bass drums, double basses, bass
guitar, etc. Turn the crossover to the left until you hear the subwoofer and L/R speakers as separate sources. Slowly turn the control back
to the right until the sound of all three speakers is well integrated. When using small satellites that don’t have much bass, the 90 Hz set-
ting on the control will probably yield the best results.
Your subwoofer has a sharp 24 dB/octave low pass filter to remove upper bass and midrange from the subwoofer when CROSSOVER
is switched IN. This makes your subwoofer non-directional. Unlike many other subwoofers on the market, the 24 dB/octave slope stays
steep at all available frequencies, not just the high ones.
Step 6: Fine Tuning
Now that the basic setup is complete, it’s time for optimization. Mark down the current volume and crossover settings with a soft pencil
so you can go back to where you started.
Setting the Operating Mode Switch
Set the Operating Mode switch to EQ1 when you want to get the flattest deep bass response. Response will be flat to 20 Hz in
free field in this mode (much lower in room).
Set the Operating Mode switch to EQ2 when you plan to use it as a mid-bass module, or if you prefer to use the subwoofer with mini-
mal EQ.
Setting the phase
Depending on the absolute phase of your main speakers and amplifier, and the distances of the subwoofer and the main speakers from
the listening position, the bass in the crossover region may be smoother if you reverse the phase of the subwoofer. Switch the phase switch
to 180 degrees to see if the bass sounds louder in the seating position. Play program materials with steady, consistent bass in the crossover
region (30 - 90 Hz). Filtered pink noise is best, but you may use music containing bass drums, double basses, bass guitar, etc.. The more
bass-heavy setting is where the output of the subwoofer and the main speakers are most in phase. If the 180 degree position is louder, you
will need to go back and adjust the volume level (Step 4). Otherwise, just switch the phase switch back to the original position.
Turning the subwoofer ON for the first time
On the subwoofer, check that the phase switch is set to 0 degrees, the Q control set to .7, EQ switch set to 1, and with the volume level
knob set to minimum. If you are using a controller with bass management, set the crossover switch to out. If your controller does not
have bass management, set the crossover switch to in with crossover set to 90 Hz.
