Peavey Dark Matter DM 115 Sub, Operating Manual, Page: 9 / 20

NO OUTPUT AT ALL
First, make sure the unit has AC power and is turned ON. Make sure the LED on the power amp module is
illuminated.
If not, make certain the ON/OFF switch (3) is in the ON position and check the IEC power cord connection (2) by
ensuring it is fully engaged and seated. Make certain the AC line cord is plugged into a working AC outlet.
Finally, check the breaker (1). (See the Rear Panel: Breaker section, for safety instructions.)
Once assured your unit is getting AC power, check that the DM ™ Sub is getting a signal. Temporarily disconnect
the cable running to its inputs and connect it to some other device capable of reproducing the signal (i.e., a
power amp and speaker). If this produces a signal, make sure that all Level controls being used have been
turned up to a satisfactory level (one-third to halfway).
If the DM Sub has been subjected to direct sunlight or excessive heat, the built-in thermal protection may have
been triggered. If so, turn off the DM Sub and let it cool for a sufficient amount of time.
If there is still no output, contact your authorized Peavey dealer or the Peavey International Service Center.
HUM OR BUZZ
If the DM Sub is producing a hum or buzz, this can be AC outlet related. Try plugging the DM Sub into a different AC
outlet. Sometimes, if a different circuit (breaker) is used for the mixer and for the DM Sub, it can cause hum problems.
Unless it is not practical, it is best to use the same wall outlet (breaker) to supply power to both the mixer and the
powered speaker.
Ensure that shielded cables have been used to route the signal to the DM Sub’s input. If speaker cables with 1/4" plugs
are used as input cables instead of shielded cables, they will be prone to hum or buzz.
Hum may be ground loop related. It may be helpful to lift the shield ground (Pin #1) on a balanced cable at the DM Sub
end. This is done quite easily by activating the Ground Lift switch (10) built-in to the DM Sub. Check any input changes
carefully by first turning down the Level control, before plugging and unplugging cables, or lifting the shield ground at
the Sub.
Check to make sure light dimmers are not on the same circuit as the DM Sub, the mixer or any source devices. If light
dimmers are used, then it may be necessary to turn them full ON or full OFF to eliminate or reduce hum. This is a typical
AC wiring/light dimmer interference problem, not a design flaw of the DM Sub.
The third wire (ground plug) on the AC plug should NEVER be removed or broken off, as this is a potential safety hazard.
DISTORTED OR FUZZY SOUND
First, ensure the mixer (signal source) is not clipping or being overdriven. Make sure the Level (6) control on the
DM Sub has not been set too low. Check that the input plug is fully seated in the input jack on the rear panel of
the DM Sub. Ensure that a power amp has not been plugged into the input jack of the DM Sub. If an extension
cord is being used to provide the AC power to the unit, ensure that it is of sufficient current capacity and that it
is not also being used to supply power to any other device.
The DM Sub has a built-in bass boost to extend and smooth the natural response of the speakers in the system,
so it should require little, if any, additional EQ. If excessive additional bass boost has been added externally to
the DM Sub, it could cause premature overload at high SPL. Reduce the amount of any external (mixer, rack) EQ
and see if that clears up the distortion.
Finally, realize that even though the DM Sub is a powerful and high output unit, it does ultimately have limits,
and it may need additional powered Subwoofer units to provide enough sound output or coverage. In this case,
try turning the mixer levels down a little to see if that clears things up. If, after checking all the things listed to
check and anything else you can think of to check safely, the system still exhibits problems, carefully note all
conditions and check with your Peavey dealer for advice.
T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G