• The standard high-level hook up procedure is: attach the red wire to the amplifier’s right positive speaker
output terminal; attach the yellow wire to the amplifier’s left positive speaker output terminal; attach the
black wire to whichever of the amplifier’s ground output terminals is convenient; plug the Speakon®
connector into the Sub-Bass System’s high-level input.
• For differential (i.e. fully balanced) amplifiers using one REL, simply use the standard connecting scheme
with the exception of NOT connecting the black wire to a negative speaker terminal. Instead, it should
first be allowed to “float” or hang down without connection to ANY terminal. Should hum occur using this
method, please try connecting to an unused RCA connector on the rear of a preamp or amplifier. Please
contact your dealer should there be any questions concerning this or any other hookup procedure.
NOTE: The 212/SE models are equipped with internal circuitry to allow seamless connection to Class-D (digital)
amplifiers. If connecting to a Class-D amplifier, follow the above connection procedure for differential amplifiers.
15
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REL products are not traditional subwoofers, but true Sub-Bass Systems. A REL is designed to augment the
performance of “full range” speaker systems in order to provide, in certain cases, linear response below
15 Hz. Therefore, for the moment, please set aside everything you’ve been taught about subwoofers and
how they are integrated into a stereo or home cinema system. REL Sub-Bass Systems set-up and positioning
differs from conventional subwoofers. A REL will take advantage of physics and room acoustics to provide
deep pressurization as no traditional subwoofer can. It is important that you bring to the set-up process a
willingness to do things a little differently in order to obtain these superior results. The end result of your
labours will be an utterly seamless integration of true deep bass to a sound system, regardless of the main
speakers’ low bass capability.
Basic set-up should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish once connected.
Two Things Before You Begin
1 It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL to the input on the rear panel labeled
“HIGH LEVEL INPUT.” This connection is made using the supplied 32’ 10” (10 meters) cable, the bare
leads of which connect to the speaker output terminals of the power amplifier. The easy and foolproof
connection at the REL is done with a Neutrik® Speakon® connector. The purpose of connecting to the
speaker output terminals is one of the unique secrets of REL’s success. By connecting to the High Level
input on the REL from the amplifier, you build forward the sonic signature of your main system, including
the tonal balance and timing cues of the entire electronics chain. In this way, the REL is fed the exact
signal that is fed to the main speakers.
2 When possible, the REL should be placed in one of the corners behind the speakers. Remember, we are dealing
with true LOW bass pressurization with RELs. Low bass pressurization below 40 Hz is best derived from
corner placement, where the most linear and efficient low bass can be produced because the subwoofer is
able to take advantage of the tangential (corner-to-corner) axis which is typically the longest axis in a room.
Connecting and Setting Up
High-level connection, using the enclosed cable with the Neutrik® Speakon® connector, is always the first
choice. This connection can be made without affecting the performance of the amplifier because the REL’s
amplifier input impedance is 150,000 ohms, in effect producing NO additional load on the rest of your system.
REL Set-Up Made Simple
Standard High-level
Differential (i.e. Fully Balanced)
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