LFE
The Home Theatre Environment
The Low Frequency Effects channel was designed as an
A Home Theatre system is illustrated opposite.
additional bass channel with its own dedicated subwoofer. In
practice however, if all the speakers are set to Small, the LFE
FRONT AND CENTRE CHANNELS
channel will be combined with the bass from other channels
The front channel loudspeakers should be placed on either
and all this feeds into the subwoofer. When you set the LFE level
side of the television screen, 2 to 3 metres apart. and rotated
from your AV processor, use care with this setting as the LFE
slightly towards the listeners.
channel may contain powerful low frequencies which, although
As the Centre speaker carries the dialogue effects, it should
normal in a cinema, may overload a domestic subwoofer.
be placed central to the listening position and close to the TV
If, during a programme, you hear popping or thumping
screen.
noises coming from the subwoofer, immediately turn the AV
Operating height is important. Ideally, the front and centre
Processor's volume level down and then back off the LFE
channel speakers should be operated at the same height and
level. If this does not cure the problem, back off the volume
with the tweeters at ear level to a seated listener.
level at the subwoofer.
REAR CHANNELS
Please read the relevant sections of your AV amplifier manual
and familiarise yourself with the various issues. If you are
If the rear channels are WH 2 Surround units, mount them as
unsure, consult your dealer for help.
already described. If you use other units, we recommend
placing the speakers in a high position. angled towards the
MAINS OPERATION
listener.
When the system is not in use we suggest you switch off the
subwoofer to protect it from switching noises caused by
SUBWOOFER
domestic appliances, etc. The best practice is to switch the
As the ear is unable to detect the direction from which deep
complete system on and off from a central point. If you play
bass originates, this allows freedom in positioning the
the system with the subwoofer switched off no damage will
subwoofer. Varying the distance from the wall will alter the
result but you will get no bass!
amount of bass. Some prefer to place the subwoofer against a
Always turn the main volume control to minimum when you
corner of the room. This arrangement gives more bass at the
switch the equipment on or off.
possible expense of clarity.
CONNECTING WIRES
LOUDSPEAKER SIZES
When wall mounting a loudspeaker the connecting cables may
Many digital AV Processors require you to specify the size of
be unacceptably obvious. It may be less obtrusive to route
speakers in the various channels. These are usually ‘Large’ or
cables from the loudspeaker to the ceiling and then within or
‘Small’.
immediately underneath the ceiling or coving. The cable may
Unless your loudspeakers are large floor standing units, you
then return to floor level at a convenient room corner.
should choose 'Small' for the Front channels, as the
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
subwoofer is going to be better at providing clean, deep and
If you play the speakers with the grilles off exercise great
louder bass. Choose 'Small' for the surround channels and
care. NEVER touch the drive units which are easily damaged.
also for the Centre channel.
The loudspeaker cabinets can be cleaned with a damp cloth
Set the ‘Subwoofer’ option on the processor to 'On' or 'Yes'.
or with a spray furniture polish and a soft cloth. Apply the
This will route all the deep bass to the subwoofer.
spray sparingly to the cloth and then polish the cabinet.
SETTING LEVELS
Never apply spray directly to the cabinet.
Once the loudspeaker settings have been finalised, put the AV
GUARANTEE & SERVICE
amplifier into its “Test” mode (see instructions supplied with
In the unlikely even that your unit develops a fault you
your processor.) Adjust the levels until all channels are
should return it to your Wharfedale dealer using the original
reproduced at equal loudness.
packing to ensure safe shipping.
NOTE: On some programme material the surround channel
The terms of your guarantee may vary from country to
may seem lower than the front. Do not readjust this level.
country but in all locations the guarantee excludes:
You may, however, need to adjust the subwoofer output level.
All damage caused through accident, misuse, wear and tear,
Avoid setting too high a level or you will swamp the sound
neglect, incorrect installation, adjustment or repair by
unauthorised personnel.
with bass which be tiring to listen to and may limit the
subwoofer’s ability to respond to large bass transients. Set a
Liability for damage or loss occurring in transit to or from
the purchaser.
sensible level going into the subwoofer from the AV processor.
Wharfedale will not be liable for any consequential damage,
The volume control on the subwoofer should be between 12
loss or injury, arising from or in conjunction with this
o’clock and 3 o’clock when the system as a whole is playing
moderately loudl
equipmen
t
.
Subwoofer not switched on
Subwoofer too close to room corners
Poor localisation of effects or
Troubleshooting
Subwoofer phase incorrect
Distortion or rattling at high
dialogue
If your system is not working properly please
Subwoofer crossover set too low
volume
One or more loudspeakers is out of phase:
work through this checklist before returning
Bass distortion at low volume
System level set too high
(Read the manual for the correct connection
a unit to your dealer.
Subwoofer level set too high
Objects placed on or near subwoofer
procedure)
No Sound
LFE level set too high
Popping sounds or thumps
TV picture is distorted
System not switched on
Excessive or distorted bass at
from the subwoofer
Subwoofer is too close to the TV. Switch off
Speaker cables shorting terminals out
high volume.
System level set too high
the system and TV. Move subwoofer away.
Bass reproduction poor,
System level set too high
Subwoofer level set too high
muddy or indistinct.
Leave 20 mins. Switch on again.
LFE level set too high
Bass control set too high
