Ultra-X13 Owner’s Manual
Outlaw Audio
Ultra-X13 THX Ultra Powered Subwoofer
9
The Ultra-X13’s performance is THX Ultra
Certified when in configuration 6. This certification
requires that the subwoofer provide low distortion
in conjunction with high enough output to fill a
3,000 cu.ft. room with robust, accurate bass.
Variable Low-Pass Crossover
By adjusting the variable low-pass crossover (G)
on the Ultra-X13, you can perfectly match the
subwoofer to your main speakers. If your receiver
or processor already has a built-in crossover,
disable the crossover on the Ultra-X13 by flipping
the Low-Pass Filter switch (D) to the “BYPASS
(OFF)” position. Refer to the owner’s manual for
your receiver or processor to see how to disable
any internal crossover capability it may have. If
your receiver or processor does not have internal
crossover control, set the switch to “Low-Pass
Filter On” and follow these steps to set Ultra-X13’s
variable crossover (G):
Determine the +/- 3dB point of your main
speakers. This frequency is usually found on the
speaker’s specifications sheet or may often be
available on the speaker manufacturer’s web site.
Start with the crossover set approximately to the
point closest to this without being lower (such as
50Hz for a -3dB point of 43Hz). By experimenting
with the crossover frequency and level control,
you can fine-tune the Ultra-X13 so that there is a
seamless link between the Ultra-X13 and the main
speakers.
If the /- 3dB point cannot be obtained from
the speakers’ specifications or the manufacturer’s
web site, you can use the following chart as a
guideline:
40Hz
50Hz
Large tower speaker with one 12 or 15-in.
woofer or two 10-in. woofers
Small tower speaker with one 10-inch woofer
or two 8-inch woofers
60Hz
70Hz
Small tower or large bookshelf speaker with
one 8-in. or two 6-in. woofers
80Hz
Bookshelf speaker with one 6-in. or two 5-in.
woofers
90Hz
Bookshelf speaker with one 5-in. woofer or
two 4-in. woofers
140Hz
160Hz
Satellite speaker with one 4-in. woofer or one
or two 3.5-in. woofer(s)
Phase Knob
Depending on the absolute phase of your main
speakers and amplifier, as well as the relative
distance from the Ultra-X13 and main speakers to
the listening position, the bass in the crossover
region may be smoother if you reverse the phase
of the Ultra-X13. Try the 0°, 90°, and 180°
positions on the Variable Phase knob (F) to
determine which way sounds more bass-heavy.
The bass-heavier position is the setting where the
output of the Ultra-X13 and the main speakers are
most in phase. Use program materials with bass
in the crossover region such as music containing
bass drums, double basses, bass guitar, etc. to
determine the correct setting. Once you identify
the strongest of those three positions, you may
fine-tune up or down from that point.
Volume Level
Using the built-in test tones of your receiver or
processor, match the levels of all of your speakers
including the Ultra-X13 as described in your
receiver or processor’s owner’s manual. Prior to
adjusting settings in your receiver or processor,
adjust the Bass Level knob (E). The “-6dB” setting
on the Ultra-X13’s volume knob should provide
enough gain to properly match the sub level to
your speakers.
Many receivers and processors will offer an
automatic calibration tool such as Audyssey,
which will perform this adjustment for you. Other
receivers will provide a set of manual test tones.
For those receivers, we recommend using an SPL
meter such as the Radio Shack (part number
33-2050) or a sound meter app on your
smartphone. When using the test tones, measure
from the listening chair and set the meter to the
75dB level. In order to accurately measure levels
between channels use “C” weighting and the
“slow” setting.
Note: The Radio Shack meter is down about 12
dB at 16 Hz, 7 dB at 20 Hz, and 4 dB at 25 Hz.
Add these numbers to the readout to compensate
for these errors if necessary.
