Instruction Manual Model 642e SB High Performance C.O.R.E. Technology THX Select Certified Powered Subwoofer 2 Safety Precautions Model 642e SB Powered Subwoofer Safety Precautions Table of Contents 3 3 4 5 6 Model 642e SB What's THX? Subwoofer Rear Panel Features Connecting Your Subwoofer CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer to qualified personnel. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. This device generates a fair amount of heat. Make sure nothing blocks the ventilation openings on the top and bottom of the unit. The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. 7 8 9 9 6 6 6 Low Level Connections with One Subout/LFE Output Low Level Connections with Two Subout/LFE Outputs Placement and Operation System Setup Subwoofer Line Out to Low Level In Using the Low Level Output Power Connection 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 Care of Your Subwoofer 11 Subwoofer Troubleshooting Guide 11 Model 642e SB Specifications Subwoofer Tuning Without an SPL Meter or Test Tones How Much is Enough? Dual Subwoofer Placement Using the Subwoofer LowPass Control The Phase Invert Control A Word About Bass, Center Channel Modes and System Set Up For Future Reference Record your speaker and amplifier serial numbers and date of purchase here: Model Number Serial Number Date of Purchase The serial number is found on the back panel. Copyright © 2004 Atlantic Technology International. Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves the right to change specifications or designs at any time without notice. THX and THX Ultra 2 are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm, Ltd. Dolby Digital, AC-3, Dolby Stereo and Dolby Pro Logic are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Model 642e SB Instruction Manual 3 Model 642e SB High Performance C.O.R.E. Technology THX Select Certified Powered Subwoofer Congratulations on your purchase of an Atlantic Technology 642e SB 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 642e SB 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 25Hz, with a peak SPL of over 105dB (2000 cubic foot space). The proprietary high-efficiency amplifier is conservatively rated at 300 watts RMS. This amplifier, coupled with the massive 12" long-throw woofer in a sealed enclosure, generates accurate deep bass with a minimum of distortion. Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer will smoothly integrate with virtually all brands of loudspeakers on the market. From the rocksolid amplifier to the easily accessible controls, this is one of the most versatile high performance subwoofers you can buy. What's THX? THX is a series of demanding performance standards and specific technologies developed by Lucasfilm Ltd. (of Star Wars fame). Equipment that meets the rigorous THX standards will deliver performance in your home that matches as closely as possible what the director/artist/engineer heard and saw during the final mixing of the source material. Please note that THX is not a separate surround sound decoding format. THX-certified equipment enhances every viewing and listening experience, regardless of the surround format used. THX Select standards are based upon a room size of 2000 cubic feet (L x W x H). This does not mean these components must be used in a rooms this size. The room sizes simply provide a frame of reference, as they indicate that these systems must deliver a minimum level of performance in this specified room size. Your 642e SB is THX Select certified. For more information, visit the THX website at www.thx.com. 4 Subwoofer Rear Panel Model 642e SB Powered Subwoofer Subwoofer Rear Panel Figure 1 6 LOWPASS STANDBY NORMAL OFF PHASE NORMAL 60 LOWPASS 80 R BYPASS ON INVERT 40 140 L/MONO INPUT OUTPUT 1 AUTO 2 3 4 7 5 ON OFF 8 AC INPUT 50-60Hz 300W MAX WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR DOUBLE INSULATION - WHEN SERVICING USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS 9 FOR 110-120VAC, USE 3A L 250V FUSE FOR 220-240VAC, USE 2A T 250V FUSE 2001310 CONFORMS TO UL STD.6500 CERTIFIED TO CAN/CSA STD.E60065 110-120V 220-240V 10 DESIGNED BY ATLANTIC TECHNOLOGY IN USA, 1 LowPass Switch 6 Low Level Input When in the NORMAL position, adjustment of the crossover can be made by the LowPass Control. If being fed a pre-filtered or THX signal, place the switch at the BYPASS position. (pages 5 and 9) 2 Use the input to connect to the subwoofer or LFE line out from your processor/receiver. (pages 5 and 6) 7 Low Level Output Standby Switch When in ON position, the amplifier will always be on. When in the OFF position, the amplifier will be off. When in the AUTO position, the amplifier will be in Automatic Standby Mode. (pages 5 and 9) 3 The outputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or as a return path back to the processor. (pages 5 and 6) 8 9 On/Off Switch Use this switch to turn the amplifier completely on or off. AC Input Phase Switch This switch allows precise acoustic matching with satellite speaker systems whose output may be phase reversed. (pages 5 and 10) 4 Use the included power cord to connect your amplifier to a wall outlet. (pages 5 and 6) 10 LowPass Control An adjustable (40Hz to 140Hz) @ 18dB per octave low-pass crossover. (pages 5 and 9) 5 110/220V Switch Product Serial Number Write this number in the space provided on page 2 for future reference. Voltage switch for use in different countries. This switch will be set when you receive the unit. Change this setting only when you are sure your application requires it. For US, the switch should be set to the 110-120V position. Features Instruction Manual 5 Features Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer has been engineered using the latest technology and finest components available. It features: A long-throw 12" composite cone driver with a vented 9-pound motor structure and 2" high temperature, 4-layer voice coil. 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 642e SB crossover control to the Bypass position. This powerful driver has a very stiff cone that acts like a piston throughout its operating range. Its massive magnetic motor assembly and high temperature component parts deliver exceptional performance and reliability. Two low level inputs, two low level outputs The outputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or as a return path back to the processor. A Phase Invert switch (Normal/Invert) Sealed enclosure design for low distortion and deep bass output Sealed enclosure woofer designs are inherently low in distortion, and deliver deep smooth bass response with a gradual and predictable roll-off below resonance. As with all Atlantic Technology subwoofers, we have paid close attention to providing accurate musical bass reproduction along with terrific special effects. A high-efficiency 300 watt amplifier This 642e SB utilizes the latest in amplifier technology . The output stage is capable of very high current delivery with maximum efficiency for exceptional driver control and cool operation. As a custom designed amplifier it has been precision matched and equalized to our 12" driver. Together they deliver powerful, controlled bass with great articulation and authority. 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 main speakers. Be sure to try the Phase switch in both positions when you set up the 642e SB. 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 A useful in room working frequency range of 20Hz to 150Hz 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. 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 ON position. An AC cord power input socket. An adjustable (40Hz to 140Hz) @ 18dB per octave LowPass 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. Your subwoofer comes supplied with a heavy-duty detachable power cord. Designed and built to meet all current UL/CSA and European safety requirements R 6 Connecting Your Subwoofer L/MONO Model 642e SB Powered Subwoofer Figure 2 AC Connection from rear of 642e SB Connecting Your Subwoofer Use the low-level (RCA jack) subwoofer line out of your surround sound receiver/processor. Simply connect your subwoofer with a high quality shielded cable as shown in the diagram on page 7. Please consult your processor/receiver manual for further information. 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! Subwoofer Line Out to Low Level In Run an RCA cable from your receiver's Sub Out jack to the L/Mono input jack on the back of the 642e SB (Figure 3). If your receiver/processor has stereo subwoofer outputs, connect these to both the L/Mono and R jacks AC INPUT 50-60Hz 300W MAX on the back of the 642e SB (Figure 4). Using the Low Level Output 110-120V 220-240V If desired, you can run a low level signal through the 642e SB and out to another unit. This way you can add an additional subwoofer with minimal additional wiring. The signal that comes out of the output jacks is identical to the input signal. ON OFF 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 FOR 110-120VAC, USE 3A L 250V FUSE recommend plugging the subwoofer FOR 220-240VAC, USE 2A T 250V FUSE 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 damage the equipment. The 642e SB is totally automatic in its operation. The automatic on/off circuitry will only activate the subwoofer in the presence of an audio signal from your system. After 7-10 minutes with no signal detected from the rest of the system, the amplifier will shut itself off and go back into standby mode. When the sub is in operating mode, the power LED located under the front grille will glow green. The LED will glow yellow in the Standby mode and power consumption in this mode is negligible. Standby operation can be completely bypassed by placing the switch on the 642e SB amplifier to the ON position. Low Level Connections Instruction Manual 7 Low Level Connections with One Subout/LFE Output Figure 3 Sub Out/LFE INPUT OUTPUT R L/MONO 8 Low Level Connections Model 642e SB Powered Subwoofer Low Level Connections with Two Subout/LFE Outputs Figure 4 Sub Out/LFE Sub Out/LFE INPUT OUTPUT R L/MONO Placement and Operation Instruction Manual 9 Placement and Operation Generally speaking, the best location for your new subwoofer is the front of the room, in or close to a corner (Figure ...