5
Turning the subwoofer ON for the first time
On the subwoofer, check that the phase switch is at 0 degrees, the volume level knob is at the minimum, and the crossover is at 90 Hz if using
the subwoofer’s crossover. Run the power cord from the wall to the subwoofer and flip the power switch to the AUTO-ON or ON position.
Step 4: Volume Level
Set the volume knob to the 9 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
subwoofer’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 lev-
els, 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 tiny front speakers that don’t have much bass, the 90 Hz
setting 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.
Variable Tuning
By adding or removing a foam port plug(s) and flipping a switch on the sub amplifier, the user can operate this subwoofer in one of five
different hybrid operating modes, providing the user with ultimate performance and flexibility for virtually all types of music and movie
program material.
1) Ported Max Output Mode: 2 ports open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ2”. This mode is ideal for those with medium-to-large
room sizes who listen at high playback levels and want the strongest mid-bass possible. NOTE: Never operate the subwoofer with 2
ports open and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ1’, as this may damage the driver and void the warranty.
2) Ported Max Extension Mode: 1 port open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ1’. This mode is ideal for those with medium-to-large
room sizes, or small to medium rooms but who listen at low-to-moderate playback levels where the rising low bass from room gain
will help compensate for the ear’s insensitivity to bass at lower levels.
3) Ported Max Headroom Mode: 1 port open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ2’. This mode is ideal for those with medium-to-
large room sizes who listen at high playback levels and want the deepest bass extension.
4) Sealed Max Extension Mode: 0 ports open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ1’. This mode is ideal for those who prefer a sealed
box sound and deepest bass extension. Not recommended for high SPL operation in this mode as woofer excursion can get excessively
high and can damage the woofer.
5) Sealed Max Headroom Mode: 0 ports open, and operating mode switch set to ‘EQ2’. This mode is ideal for those who want the sealed
box sound and listen at high playback levels.