Instruction Manual Model 272 PBM THX THX Select Certified 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 272 PBM THX MODEL 272 PBM THX Atlantic Technology® High Performance THX Select Certified Powered Subwoofer Congratulations on your purchase of an Atlantic Technology 272 PBM THX powered subwoofer. A well designed subwoofer, properly integrated into your system will enhance your listening pleasure dramatically by providing the bass foundation upon which most music and special effects are built. The 272 PBM THX 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 20Hz, with a peak SPL of over 105dB (2000 cubic foot space). The built-in proprietary high-current Class A/B amplifier is conservatively rated at 225 watts RMS. This amplifier, coupled with the 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. 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. What's THX? THX is a series of standards and technologies developed by Lucasfilm Ltd. (of Star Wars fame). These are intended to ensure that what you hear and see on your home system, as closely as possible, matches what the director heard and saw during the final production of the film. THX is intended to enhance every type of viewing and listening experience including the latest discrete multichannel digital formats. Please note however that THX is not a separate surround format. THX Select standards are based upon a room size of 2000 cubic feet (L x W x H). THX Ultra standards are based upon a room size of 3000 cubic feet. This does not mean these components must be used in rooms this exact size. The room sizes simply provide a frame of reference, as they indicate that these systems must deliver a minimum level of performance in these specified room sizes. Your 272 PBM is THX Select certified. Features Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer has been engineered using the latest technology and finest components available. It features: q A long-throw 12" composite cone driver with a vented 9.5 pound 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 exceptional performance and reliability. In fact, its basic motor assembly is identical to that from our top-of-the-line 15" subwoofers! Sealed enclosure design for low distortion and deep bass output Sealed enclosure woofer 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. q 2 Model 272 PBM THX Atlantic Technology® q A linear power high current Class A/B amplifier conservatively rated at 225 watts RMS This advanced amplifier is a fully discrete design utilizing audiophile grade component parts including a custom-wound, low-hum Torroidal transformer. The output stage is capable of very high current delivery for exceptional driver control. As a custom designed amplifier it has been precision matched and equalized to the 12" driver. Together they deliver powerful, controlled bass with great articulation and authority. A useful in room working frequency range of 20Hz to 180Hz Many subwoofers offer specifications that look great on paper, but in real world use deliver less than promised. Atlantic Technology subwoofers are over-designed to ensure that they will deliver their rated performance in your room, when properly placed and adjusted. An adjustable (55Hz to 140Hz) @ 18dB per octave low-pass crossover The steep upper end roll-off slope of 18dB per octave allows for much better bass integration with the satellite speakers while making the woofer less localizable. Note: If you are using a surround Processor/Receiver that includes its own filtered subwoofer output (or a THX Certified Processor/Receiver), we strongly recommend that you set the 272 PBM THX crossover control to the THX/Bypass position. q q q Two low level inputs, two low level thruputs The thruputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or 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 switch (Normal/Invert) This switch allows precise acoustic matching with satellite speaker systems whose output may be phase reversed. This switch also allows you to compensate for unusual room acoustics that occur when the 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 272 PBM THX. Even if you've simply changed 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. Pay particular attention to the transition of bass from the woofer to the satellites, listening for smooth and well defined bass throughout the range. A convenient front panel mounted Level Control Automatic standby operation, LED indicator Automatic standby features signal sensing turn-on with 7-10 minute turn-off delay. There's a front panel multi-color LED status indicator that lets you know when the unit is on or in standby. Automatic Standby can be defeated by placing the rear mounted switch in the Bypass position. If you find the front mounted LED distracting simply remove the grille from the enclosure, turn it over 180 degrees, and re-install it on the cabinet. The lower section of the grille frame has been designed to block the LED from view when you do this. An AC cord power input socket. Your subwoofer comes supplied with a heavy-duty detachable power cord. Designed and built to meet all current UL/CSA and European safety requirements q q q q q q 3 Model 272 PBM THX Atlantic Technology® Figure 1: Amplifier panel and controls for Model 272 PBM THX Connecting Your Subwoofer The Atlantic Technology System 272 PBM THX Powered Subwoofer is simple to hook up, offering several connection methods for maximum flexibility. Study the system diagrams starting on page 6. Once you have found the example which most closely matches your system, hook up your subwoofer(s) as shown in that diagram. 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! Low Level Connection 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. Please consult your processor/receiver manual for further information. 4 Model 272 PBM THX Atlantic Technology® Receiver/Amplifier/Processor Example 1: Subwoofer Line Out/ Low Level In Before using this connection method, please see the Note on page 3. Sub Woofer Out HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT 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 Pre Out HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT Main In Y-adapters Option 2 L R Pre Out HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT Main In Option 3 L R Pre Amp Internal External Pre Out HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT Main In 5 Model 272 PBM THX Atlantic Technology® Receiver/Amplifier/Processor 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. Y-adapters L R Pre Out Main In HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT Left Sub Woofer Right Sub Woofer Example 4: Preamp Line Out/Low Level In using Hi-Pass Out for 1 Subwoofer The line level HiPass outputs send audio signals above the Lo-Pass filter setting to the main L and R power amplifier inputs. This keeps the low frequencies out of the left and right front speakers, allowing the subwoofers to reproduce the bass frequencies. Receiver/Amplifier/Processor Pre Out L R Main In SUBWOOFER LO-PASS 80 55 100 140 EXT FILTER HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL THRU IN L/MONO RIGHT Sub Woofer Note: These outputs are primarily intended for use in a two channel satellite/subwoofer system where the left and right speakers are small and not designed to reproduce bass. It is also useful when your receiver/ amplifier/processor does not internally incorporate a low pass filter. 6 Model 272 PBM THX Atlantic Technology® Receiver/Amplifier Example 5: Speaker Out/ High Level In for 1 Subwoofer This is the recommended method for connecting the 272 PBM THX to a discrete 5.1 channel. Please the Note on page 3. Main Speakers Left Right HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL IN THRU L/MONO RIGHT L/MONO HI LEVEL INPUT RIGHT Left Front Speaker Sub Woofer Right Front Speaker Example 6: Speaker Out/ High Level In for 2 Subwoofers This is the recommended method for connecting the 272 PBM THX to a discrete 5.1 channel receiver or amplifier. Please see the Important Note on page 3. 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 HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL IN THRU L/MONO RIGHT HI PASS OUT LOW LEVEL IN THRU L/MONO RIGHT L/MONO HI LEVEL INPUT RIGHT L/MONO HI LEVEL INPUT RIGHT Left Front Speaker Left Sub Woofer Right Sub Woofer Right Front Speaker 7 Model 272 PBM THX Atlantic Technology® Using the Low level Thruput If desired, you can run a low level stereo signal through the 272 PBM THX 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. We recommend that you connect your new 272 PBM THX 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 272 PBM THX 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. 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. It's 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. Figure 2: Gold plated 5-way binding posts. Accepts up to 10 gauge bare wire. Power Connection Connect the power cord to an AC outlet only after making all other connections to the subwoofer. This will avoid any ...