Instruction Manual Model 172 PBM High Performance Powered Subwoofer Atlantic Technology® I NNOVATIVE H OME T HEATER 343 Vanderbilt Avenue Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 762-6300 www.atlantictechnology.com Model 172 PBM MODEL 172 PBM High Performance Powered Subwoofer Congratulations on your purchase of an Atlantic Technology 172 PBM powered subwoofer. With proper care, your new subwoofer will provide many years of trouble-free performance. The 172 PBM is capable of delivering very high output levels and wide dynamic range. When properly placed it will provide smooth in-room bass response down to approximately 20 Hz, with a peak SPL of 108dB (1800 cubic foot space). The built-in proprietary high-current Class G amplifier is conservatively rated at 150 watts RMS. This amplifier, coupled with a massive 12" long-throw woofer in a sealed enclosure, generates musically accurate deep bass with a minimum of distortion. Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer will smoothly integrate with virtually all other brands of loudspeakers on the market as all its internal electronics have been designed to maintain optimum signal integrity. From the premium quality gold plated connectors to the clearly marked controls, this is one of the most versatile high performance subwoofers you can buy. An added benefit is its relatively compact size and straight forward design. Features Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer has been engineered using the latest technology and finest components available. It features: q A long-throw 12" driver with vented motor structure and 2", high-temperature, 4-layer voice coil This powerful driver has a very stiff cone that acts as an almost perfect piston throughout its operating range. Its massive magnetic motor assembly and high temperature component parts deliver high performance and exceptional reliability. In fact, the 9.5 pound motor assembly is identical to the one in our top of the line 15 inch subwoofers! A sealed enclosure for low distortion and deep bass output Sealed enclosure designs are inherently low in distortion and naturally deliver deep, smooth bass response with a gradual and predictable roll-off below resonance. As with all Atlantic Technology subwoofers, we have paid inordinate attention to giving you accurate musical bass reproduction along with terrific special effects. A linear power high current Class G amplifier conservatively rated at 150 watts RMS Atlantic Technology's advanced Class G amplifiers utilize dual low voltage/high voltage power supplies for exceptional power delivery from a compact and efficient package. One power supply operates during all "normal" demand periods. But, when a high demand peak signal appears at the subwoofer input, the second, high voltage supply switches in to dramatically boost the amplifier's low distortion output capability. The amplifier delivers very high power levels yet consumes less steady-state power and produces much less heat than standard comparable amplifier designs. The 172 PBM's custom designed amplifier has been precision matched and equalized to its 12" driver. It exerts accurate and powerful control over the driver for the best performance possible. q q 2 Atlantic Technology® q q A useful in room working frequency range of 20Hz to 150Hz A unique Dual Diversity CrossoverTM (DDC) system with an adjustable (50Hz to 150Hz) 12dB per octave low-pass crossover, and a fixed 24dB per octave "voice filter" at 180Hz. This sophisticated crossover's upper end roll-off slope is an extremely steep 12dB + 24dB per octave, totaling 36dB per octave above 180Hz. It allows for exceptional integration with most any brand or type of speaker on the market. We have developed this unusual design to eliminate any possibility of out-of-band information being audible from the subwoofer and thereby making it localizable. The DDC filter is incorporated to allow this subwoofer to match well with compact home theater speaker systems. If you are using a subwoofer with extremely small satellites which have limited mid-bass output you'll need to cross over the subwoofer at a fairly high frequency. Since very compact Left / Right / Center speakers typically aren't capable of delivering significant output below 100 to 125Hz, their mating subwoofer must reproduce these sounds. However, it's critically important that all sounds above this frequency be eliminated from the subwoofer, in order to get correct system integration. This is because higher frequencies are your ears' clues to where sound comes from. The innovative DDC 36dB crossover in the 172 PBM ensures precise and seamless system integration with compact satellite speakers. A subsonic filter is also incorporated to eliminate inaudible ultra-low frequencies that can rob amplifier power. Figure 1: Amplifier panel and controls for Model 172 PBM 3 Model 172 PBM IMPORTANT NOTE - Only if you are NOT using the complete System 170: If you are using a surround receiver/processor that includes its own filtered subwoofer output and ultra-compact satellites, we strongly recommend that you connect the 172 PBM to your system using the high level (speaker) inputs. This is because most receiver/processor internal crossovers are 12dB per octave, which isn't steep enough for use with the higher crossover levels required for ultra-compact satellites. In such a case, only use the low level RCA inputs when the processor outputs unfiltered signals. Should your processor include a 120Hz crossover, and a slope of 18dB or higher, you may connect it to the low level inputs on the 172 PBM. q Two line inputs, two line thruputs The thruputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or can act as a return path back to the processor. Two high level inputs, two high level thruputs These let you connect the subwoofer to your amplifier using the amplifier's speaker outputs. Once again, you can daisy chain to another subwoofer using the unmodified signal that comes out of the thruput connectors. A Phase Invert toggle switch (Normal/Invert) This switch allows precise acoustic matching with speaker systems whose output may be phase reversed. This switch also allows you to compensate for unusual room acoustics that occur when a woofer is physically separated from the midrange/high frequency units. Be sure to try the Phase switch in both positions when you set up the 172 PBM. Even if you just change the built-in crossover settings it's a good idea to try the Phase switch in both positions, since the crossover control and the Phase switch acoustically interact with each other. A front panel mounted level control Automatic standby operation Automatic standby features automatic signal sensing turn on and a 7-10 minute turn-off delay. There's a front panel multi-color LED status indicator. An AC cord power input socket Your subwoofer comes supplied with a heavy-duty detachable power cord. Designed and built to meet all UL/CSA and European safety requirements q q q q q q Connecting Your Subwoofer The Atlantic Technology System 172 PBM Powered Subwoofer is simple to hook up, offering several connection methods for maximum flexibility. Study the system diagrams starting on page 5. Once you have found the example which most closely matches your system, hook up your subwoofer(s) as shown in that diagram. Low-Level Connection If you have purchased the entire System 170, we suggest using the low-level (RCA jack) subwoofer line out or preamp output if your receiver/processor has one. Simply connect your subwoofer with high quality shielded cables as shown in the diagrams. Use the diagram that best suits your connection requirements. 4 Atlantic Technology® Example 1: Subwoofer Line Out/ Low Level In Before using this connection method, please see the Important Note on page 4. Receiver/Amplifier/Processor Sub Woofer Out LOW LEVEL THRU L/ MONO IN R HIGH LEVEL R IN THRU L/ MONO IN LOW LEVEL IN HIGH LEVEL Single Sub Woofer Optional Second Sub Woofer Example 2: Preamp Line Out/Low Level In for 1 Subwoofer This arrangement is for owners of stereo receivers/ amplifiers with Preamp outputs. If your receiver/ amplifier uses jumper links between the Pre-out and Main In, then you must remove them and use option 1 or 2. If your receiver/ amplifier uses a switch instead of connectors, then use option 3. Receiver/Amplifier/Processor Single Sub Woofer Option 1 L R THRU IN LOW LEVEL Pre Out L/ MONO IN R HIGH LEVEL Main In Y-adapters Option 2 L R THRU IN LOW LEVEL Pre Out L/ MONO Main In R IN HIGH LEVEL Option 3 L R Pre Amp Internal External THRU IN LOW LEVEL Pre Out L/ MONO IN R HIGH LEVEL Main In 5 Model 172 PBM Example 3: Preamp Line Out/Low Level In for 2 Subwoofers Note that the L/MONO input is used on both subwoofers. Instead of Y-adapters, you may also use the THRU outputs to connect back to the Main Inputs as shown in Option 2 of Example 2. Receiver/Amplifier/Processor Y-adapters L R Pre Out Main In LOW LEVEL THRU L/ MONO IN R HIGH LEVEL R IN THRU L/ MONO IN LOW LEVEL IN HIGH LEVEL Left Sub Woofer Right Sub Woofer Example 4: Speaker Out/ High Level In for 1 Subwoofer This is the recommended method for connecting the 172 PBM to a discrete 5.1 channel. Please the Important Note on page 4. Main Speakers Receiver/Amplifier Left Right LOW LEVEL THRU L/ MONO IN R HIGH LEVEL L THRU R IN Left Front Speaker Sub Woofer Right Front Speaker 6 Atlantic Technology® Example 5: Speaker Out/ High Level In for 2 Subwoofers This is the recommended method for connecting the 172 PBM to a discrete 5.1 channel receiver or amplifier. Please see the Important Note on page 4. You can also use the speaker level THRU outputs. Note that the L/MONO High Level input is used on both left and right subwoofers. Main Speakers Receiver/Amplifier Left Right LOW LEVEL THRU L/ MONO IN R HIGH LEVEL R IN THRU L/ MONO IN LOW LEVEL IN HIGH LEVEL Left Front Speaker Left Sub Woofer Right Sub Woofer Right Front Speaker Using the Low-level Thruput If desired, you can run a line level stereo signal through the 172 PBM and out to another unit. This way you can add an additional subwoofer with minimal additional wiring. The signal that comes out of the Thruput jacks is identical to the input signal. High-Level Connection Alternately, you may use the high-level (speaker) inputs. As mentioned above, we strongly suggest you use the High-level inputs if you are using ultra-compact satellite speakers that have little or no output below 125 Hz. We recommend that you connect your new 172 PBM Powered Subwoofer(s) using high quality wire of 16 gauge or larger. There are many respected manufacturers in the audio industry that specialize in speaker wire and interconnect cables suitable for your new system. Please consult your audio/video specialist for more specific information. High-level Thruput If desired, you can run a high level stereo signal through the 172 PBM and out to another unit. This way you can add an additional subwoofer with minimal additional wiring. The signal that comes out of the Thruput jacks is identical to the input signal. Warning: To prevent risk of electrical shock or damage to your equipment, always unplug all component AC cords before proceeding with speaker and component connections! The last step in wiring your system should be plugging in the AC cords! 7 Model 172 PBM Note: Due to the very close placement of the High-level connectors, the most practical connectors to use are "double banana plugs" (North America only) available from most electronic supply stores. You can connect to the High-level inputs by using a variety of connectors, or by removing 1/2" of insulation from each wire end, twisting the strands of wire together, placing the wire through one of the post holes and screwing down the nut tightly. We recommend that you check your local electrical codes to make sure you are not using an improper connector. Figure 2: Gold plated 5-way binding posts. Accepts up to 10 gauge bare wire It is important to observe polarity while making speaker connections: red (+) terminals on the amplifier to red (+) on the speaker, black (-) on the amplifier to black (-) on the speaker. Look carefully at the wires you are using and note that one of the wires in each pair will be marked by either the conductor color, printing on the wire jacket, a ridge on one side of the wire jacket, or a thread intertwined with the wire strands. By convention, the marked wire is connected to the red (+) terminal. Power Connection Connect the power cord to an AC outlet only after making all other connections to the subwoofer. This will avoid any chance of accidentally activating the subwoofer while wiring. Atlantic Technology does not recommend plugging the subwoofer into the switched outlet of an amplifier, preamplifier, or receiver. The power demands of the subwoofer amplifier may exceed the power rating of the switched outlet and may d ...