Hookup with Active Speakers
If you are using active (powered) speakers, simply use an XLR 1/4” Phono or RCA
to connect the output of the subwoofer directly to the input of the speaker. The out-
put marked "Left" should go to your left speaker, and the output marked "Right"
should go to your right speaker
Hookup with Passive Speakers
If, on the other hand, you are using passive (non-powered) monitor speakers that
require an external amplifier, hook the two outputs of the subwoofer up to the inputs
of the stereo monitor amplifier. Typically this would also be an XLR connector, but if
need be, you could use the other connections providing the amplifier will accept
them at the amp. input. Connect the power amplifier to the speakers as you nor-
mally would.
Do not attempt to hook the speaker output of the monitor ampli-
fier to the input of the subwoofer, you run the risk of damaging the equip-
ment.
Rotate the subwoofer's gain control counterclockwise and set the low-pass filter
control to the 80Hz position. Power up the subwoofer prior to the other speakers
(shut down in reverse order); note that the power light is illuminated. Play back
some music and turn the console output up to a moderate listening volume. At this
point, the bass should sound quiet. Then, slowly rotate the gain control until the
bass seems appropriate for the mix. If you are used to using near-field monitors
with limited bass response, the difference will be quite startling. Once you have the
system up and running, go to the section on subwoofer placement and adjustment
(Section 7 —Subwoofer Placement and Setup and Section 8 — Bass Management
Theory) and learn some of the finer points of subwoofer application.
Hooking Up Your Subwoofer for 5.1 Surround
This is a bit more complicated than a stereo hookup since there are now six speak-
ers involved — as well as something called Bass Management (see Section 8 —
9
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