O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L
9
AB-800 SUBWOOFER
The AB-800 subwoofer has thee controls for tailoring its output to the room and to the primary speakers
(also known as satellites). These controls are Level, Cut-off Frequency, and Phase. The control with the most
audible effect is the Level control, followed by the Cut-off Frequency, and then the Phase control, which has
the least audible effect.
The following legend shows graphically how each control affects the audio signal.
Frequency (Hz)
SPL
(dB)
Frequency (Hz)
SPL
(dB)
Phase (Degrees)
SPL
(dB)
Level
Cut-Off
Phase
We recommend the following method as a starting point for fine tuning the AB-800 subwoofer.
Level, Cut-off Frequency & Phase
▪
As part of a home theater system:
Set the Cut-off Frequency control fully clockwise to the Bypass position when the subwoofer is
connected to the LFE or subwoofer output of a home theater system. Set the Level control at
approximately mid-position. This will be a good starting point for the system. It may be necessary
to readjust the level control if required by the home theater receiver.
Set the phase switch to 0 degrees when the subwoofer is used in a home theater system that utilizes
automatic room correction. Otherwise set it as described within the ‘Phase’ section on the following page.
▪
As part of a two channel audio system:
Begin with the subwoofer’s Level control all the way down and the Frequency adjustment set to 150Hz.
With the Frequency control in this position the woofer will output higher frequencies that will likely be
duplicated by the satellite speakers. “Satellite speakers” is a term used to describe the primary listening
speakers that cover the frequency range above that of the subwoofer.
Use familiar music with strong bass content and increase the Level control until the bass passages sound
robust or slightly exaggerated. Then reduce the Frequency control to blend the subwoofer with your
main system speakers. We have found that most speakers with 6” to 8” woofers blend well with the
crossover set somewhere between 50Hz and 80Hz.
Readjust the Level and the Frequency controls (up or down) as necessary until the bass sounds full,
extended, and natural. Use multiple musical pieces to test the system while fine tuning the controls.
If it sounds like your subwoofer is always producing the same bass note with different recordings it is
possible that the bass level is adjusted too high. Alternatively, room modes may be causing errors in the
response, suggesting that the subwoofer might benefit from a different position.
Note:
SPL
is “Sound Pressure Level” (Volume)
AB-800 Controls
S E T U P (continued)
Fine Tuning the Controls
