One location or setting will NOT work for all
installations. The ideas above are only suggestions.
Each installation of these products can be different
and you must figure out what works best for your
specific room and system.
Input Connections of the Subwoofer
This subwoofer offers several different “input”
connections allowing it to be compatible with almost all
A/V equipment. The "line level" or "low level" input
connection is usually the best choice when connecting
the subwoofer to a preamp or receiver that has a
subwoofer output connection. The “speaker level" or
"high level" inputs are typically used when connecting
the subwoofer to a preamp or receiver that does not
have subwoofer outputs.
Low Level Input Connections:
Connect an RCA subwoofer cable from the subwoofer
output on the preamp or receiver to the left or right low
level input connection on the rear panel of this
subwoofer. If you need more subwoofer volume, first
make sure the volume knob is turned up. Then, if you
still need more volume, attach a "Y" adapter cable to
the subwoofer cable and then to the right and left low
level input connections on this subwoofer. This will
give another 3 to 6 dB of subwoofer output. Using the
low level input connections requires frequency
adjustments (40 to 200 Hz) to be made with the
frequency knob on the back of this subwoofer.
LFE Input Connection:
Before attempting to utilize the LFE input, consult the
installation manual of your preamp or receiver to
determine if it is set to LFE output. This may not be an
option. It is usually featured on newer surround sound
receivers and preamps. If you proceed, connect an
RCA subwoofer cable from the subwoofer output on
the preamp or receiver to the LFE input connection on
the rear panel of this subwoofer. Using the LFE input
connection requires frequency adjustments to be made
in the menu of the preamp or receiver. The frequency
knob on the back of this subwoofer is disabled under
this setup.
Both low level and LFE input connections should be
made using a good quality RCA subwoofer cable. Try
to keep this cable as short as possible and also try to
avoid running it close to other electrical equipment that
could cause unwanted noise or hum. If the cable is
being installed inside the wall cavity, make sure the
subwoofer cable is kept away from electrical wire.
High Level Input Connections:
To connect your subwoofer with your main right and left
speakers, you will use the high level input connections
on the back of this subwoofer's panel. Locate the right
and left primary speaker connections on the back of
your receiver or amplifier. Connect four good quality
speaker cables from these connections to the high
level inputs on the back of this subwoofer (the black
and red binding posts). Then also connect four
speaker cables from the same connectors on the back
of your receiver or amplifier to the main right and left
speakers. If your receiver has "B” speaker
connections, you can connect your subwoofer to these
connections instead. Using the high level input
connections requires frequency adjustments (40 to 200
Hz) to be made using the frequency knob on the back
of this subwoofer.
Adjusting Subwoofer Settings In Your
Receiver/Preamp
Read the instruction manual for your preamp or
receiver to understand all settings available for
subwoofer adjustments. Go to the “Setup Menu” in the
preamp or receiver. Find the section for subwoofer
adjustments and make sure all the proper settings for
subwoofer outputs are on and set to the correct level
for your application. Different receivers and preamps
will offer different types of features and settings for
subwoofer output.
Digital home theater equipment dedicates one channel
to reproduce the special low-frequency information
contained in digitally encoded soundtracks. Go to the
menu of your receiver or preamp and verify that the
subwoofer output is activated. Having it set this way
will relieve the amplifier of having to reproduce the
difficult low bass signals that can drive the receiver into
audio distortion.
Subwoofer Amplifier Controls
After the subwoofer is connected to the
receiver/preamp and all the settings are complete, it is
time to adjust the subwoofer amplifier controls.
This series of subwoofers provides a wide range of
adjustments to optimize its performance in any
listening area and with any combination of speaker
systems. These adjustments are located on the back of
the subwoofer on the amplifier panel.
Volume Knob:
Adjusts the sound level of the
subwoofer. This is used to give more or less volume to
the overall sound of the subwoofer. Also use this
adjustment to match the volume of the subwoofer to
other speakers in the system. When turning this up or
down, it only affects the signal of the subwoofer inputs.
It will not adjust the volume of your main speakers. A
good starting point is to set the knob 1/3 of the way up
(10 o’clock).
Frequency Knob:
This is a variable filter that controls
the upper frequencies of the subwoofer. Lava
Subwoofers use a filter that is continuously variable
from 40 Hz to 200 Hz. If this is adjusted properly, it will
help smooth the listening frequencies between the
subwoofer and the main two speakers. NOTE: This
must be set properly; please take the time to try
different settings. Setting the filter too high will cause
the bass from the main speakers to overlap the bass
from the subwoofer and will cause a distorted bass
sound. If the filter is set too low, there will seem to be
missing frequencies between the bass from the sub
and the main speakers.
Phase Switch:
This is used to select the polarity for
the subwoofer and should be relative to your front
speakers. It allows for cancellation of bass energy
caused by the particular listening room or area. To set
this: while sitting in the main listening seat, listen to a
recording that has low frequency percussion
instruments or music with a continuous bass line. Try it
first in the “0” setting and then listening to the same
music in the “180” setting. Then set the switch to the
setting that reproduced the most bass. Furniture, wall
coverings, and subwoofer location all can affect this
setting. If any of these elements are changed or added
to, you will need to go through this process again.
Auto Power On/Off Switch:
Set the switch to "ON"
and the subwoofer will automatically turn on when it
senses any kind of signal from the receiver/preamp. To
override this feature, set the switch to "OFF" and the
subwoofer will turn on and off manually with the power
switch.
Power Indicator Light:
When the Auto Power On/Off
switch is turned to "ON", the power indicator light will
always be red or green.
Red: standby mode
Green: active and receiving audio signal
Power Switch:
This turns the AC power to the
subwoofer either on or off.
Cleaning the Subwoofer
All Lava Subwoofers feature lightly textured, durable
paint finish. When needed, we suggest cleaning with
a damp cloth with water only. Do not use any kind of
abrasive cleaners or detergents.
Important Safety Instructions
1.
Follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.
2.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
3.
Clean only with a damp cloth.
4.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
5.
Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
6.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade of the third prong is provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
7.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
8.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
9.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
10.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
11.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
12.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or
splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
WARNING:
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Where the main plug of an appliance coupler is used
as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall
remain readily operable.
WARNING:
The Class I apparatus shall be connected
to a main socket outlet with a protective grounded
connection.
WARNING:
The 110-120V~/220-240V~ voltage
selector must be set to the correct local voltage with
the proper fuse installed.
Powered Subwoofers LPS08 • LPS10 • LPS12
Instruction Guide and Owner’s Manual
Description
Lava Subwoofers were designed and built to provide
the incredibly powerful low frequency reproduction
demanded by today's audio/video. These models
feature a high-powered amplifier, a coated cellulose
composite driver, and a sleekly designed cabinet that
will fit into any room's decor.
Lava amplifiers use a special design; with a
heavy-duty transformer to minimize unwanted heat
build up, the amps can drive harder and longer. This
also means very low distortion and powerful
reproduction of music and theater sound. With this
kind of efficiency from an amplifier, you’re guaranteed
to get strong and clean bass at any listening level.
The coated cellulose composite drivers incorporate
large magnets and voice coils which allow for high
volumes and deep, rolling bass. Every subwoofer
driver is tested to make sure that it holds up to Lava
Subwoofer's strict specifications.
The cabinet features two large, front-loaded ports
located below the woofer. Ports this size allow for
more air to escape the cabinet when the subwoofer is
playing at high volumes, which provides deeper bass
and longer life to the subwoofer and amplifier. Since
the ports are located on the front of the cabinet, the
subwoofer can be mounted into cabinetry without
sacrificing any performance. The cabinet also features
a black vinyl, lightly textured finish, and smoothly
rounded corners.
INSPECT Your Subwoofer!
Now is the time to inspect your subwoofer for any
damage. When it left our factory, it was inspected to
make sure it was in perfect condition. If for some
reason it was damaged in transit to you, please let us
know right away so corrective action can be taken.
CAUTION: For NO reason should you
open this subwoofer. This will void the
warranty!
To reduce the risk of electrical shock and fire, do not
remove the amplifier panel from the back of the
cabinet or remove the driver from the front of the
cabinet. All service to this product MUST be done by
Lava Subwoofers.
Before installing the subwoofer, please read the
following instructions:
• Always turn off the power of your receiver/preamp
and the powered subwoofer.
• When turning your amplifier/receiver back on, make
sure your volume is turned all the way down.
• Never expose this subwoofer to excessive cold,
heat, humidity or direct sunlight.
• This device should never be used in, on or near
water due to risk of fatal shock.
• DO NOT attempt to open or dismantle this
subwoofer.
• These models should always have plenty of air flow
to reduce the chance of over heating.
Subwoofer Placement
This subwoofer is engineered, designed and built to
reproduce low frequencies at and below 150Hz.
Frequencies at this level are basically
omni-directional. This makes it easy to find a good
place for the sub; however, there are also several
location options that can either give more or less
bass. When placed near a wall, you will get louder,
deeper bass. Placing the subwoofer in a corner will
produce a high volume of bass output, while near only
one wall will provide less bass. Placement away from
any wall may not produce enough bass. Because
even a slight change of how the unit sits will alter the
bass output, we suggest trying your subwoofer in
different locations. This will allow you to hear the
difference of bass output and decide what is best for
that particular room and the listener’s preference.
Our suggestion is to place the subwoofer close to the
pair of speakers it will be matched with. For example,
if the subwoofer is to reproduce bass from the front
two channels, then it should be located near the front
two speakers. If it’s to reproduce bass from the rear
effect channels, then the sub should be located near
the rear speakers.built into a
Because Lava Subwoofers are ported from the front,
they can be built into a wall, into cabinetry etc.
NOTE:
Even though they are ported from the front, the amp
panel is still located on the back of the subwoofer
cabinet. Proper ventilation is needed for the amp to
"breathe". If the subwoofer will be “built-in”, make sure
there is enough space in the area behind it for proper
air flow. Otherwise, you could overheat and damage
the sub amplifier.
One more NOTE:
Because of the acoustics of the
sub installed into an enclosed area, we also suggest
using some kind of sound dampening material in the
space. This will prevent a hollow “boomy” sound
coming from the area behind the subwoofer.