Revel Performa B15a Subwoofer TM ® Owner's Manual 3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Fax: 781-280-0490 | www.revelspeakers.com Customer Support: Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 | Service Fax: 781-280-0499 Please contact Customer Support for information about product shipments. Part No. 352990-001 | Rev A | 01/04 "Revel," "Performa," and the Revel logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other worldwide patents issued and pending. ©2004 Harman Specialty Group. All rights reserved. This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Harman Specialty Group.The information it contains is subject to change without notice. Harman Specialty Group assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within this document. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE REAR PANEL. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, 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 electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying the product. 2 REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS Please read all instructions carefully and completely before operating your Revel Performa B15a subwoofer. 1. Always disconnect ac power before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component. 2. This product uses a three-conductor power cord, which includes an earth-ground connection. To prevent shock hazard, always connect it directly to a grounded outlet. 3. Never use any ac extension cord with this product. 4. Never use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components. 5. Never remove the rear panel. No user-serviceable parts inside. 6. Never pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit. 7. Never block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks. 8. Never bypass any fuse. 9. Never replace any fuse with a value or type other than specified. 10. Never attempt to repair this product yourself. If a problem occurs, contact your Revel retailer. 11. Never expose this unit to extremely high or low temperatures. 12. Never operate this product in an explosive atmosphere. 13. Always keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children. REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual 3 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION .........................................................5 ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY...................................................5 DESCRIPTION............................................................6 SUBWOOFER ......................................................................................6 ELECTRONICS .....................................................................................7 CABINET .............................................................................................7 UNPACKING ..............................................................8 ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING ...............................................................9 PLACEMENT............................................................11 REAR PANEL LAYOUT ...............................................13 CONNECTIONS ........................................................14 STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER ...............................................................15 MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER USING THE CONTROLLER'S CROSSOVER .............................................16 MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER USING THE REVEL PERFORMA B-15a's CROSSOVER ............................17 MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER WITHOUT HIGH-PASS CROSSOVER........18 MULTIPLE OPERATION .......................................................................19 STEREO BASS ...................................................................................20 SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION ............................................21 TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................24 SPECIFICATIONS......................................................25 SUBWOOFER ....................................................................................25 AMPLIFIER ........................................................................................26 OBTAINING SERVICE ................................................26 4 REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual INTRODUCTION The Revel Performa B15a powered subwoofer system combines an outstanding 15-inch subwoofer with a 1,000-watt (rms) amplifier, capable of 1,400-watt peaks, for tremendous bass output. Moreover, the B15a subwoofer's stylistic form and compact size provide a surprisingly prodigious output and unprecedented tonal accuracy, even in the deepest octaves. Impressive features include a built-in 3-band parametric equalizer and adjustable crossover so you can customize and adapt this system in a wide variety of applications. This tremendous flexibility results in superb integration with any Revel loudspeakers, or other manufacturers' speakers. Figure 1.The Revel Performa B15a subwoofer. ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY To begin enjoying the Revel Performa B15a subwoofer, first read and then perform the instructions in this owner's manual. Maximum performance is dependent on following all instructions described here, as well as those found in the owner's manuals of associated components in your audio system. Save these instructions for future reference. The Revel Performa B15a subwoofer is covered by a limited warranty, so save the bill of sale to protect your purchase and aid in any service-related questions. REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual 5 DESCRIPTION The Revel Performa B15a powered subwoofer system features a unique transducer that combines brute-force capabilities unprecedented in home loudspeakers with a new level of low frequency nuance and refinement. Combined with the huge internal power capability, the result is a new standard of superb bass performance and adaptability for home entertainment systems. Figure 2. Transducer and connection locations for the Revel Performa B15a subwoofer. REVEL PERFORMA B15a Front (without grille) REVEL PERFORMA B15a Rear SUBWOOFER To ensure uncompressed dynamic range, each B15a features a subwoofer with the following attributes: · A 3-inch (76 mm) diameter, four-layer voice coil with 23 gauge copper wire is wound on a dual-laminated Kapton former for extraordinary power handling and freedom from compression. Extremely long-throw voice coil is capable of 2.5 inches (64 mm) of peak-to-peak linear excursion, and 3 inches (76 mm) of maximum excursion for uncompressed reproduction of deep sustained bass notes. A massive, 130-ounce (3.7 kg) magnet system produces 1.4 tesla of flux in the gap. Ultra-rigid Kevlar® pulp and alloy composite cone with an inverted metal dome operate as a perfect piston under all reproduction conditions. Modulation rings and a machined "T" pole-piece for extremely low distortion. The heavy wall, cast aluminum frame maintains alignment between the magnet structure and the moving elements, while offering excellent rigidity to eliminate basket resonances. 6 REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual · · · · · ELECTRONICS Each Revel Performa B15a contains an electronics section with the following attributes: · An extremely low-distortion, 1,000-watt (rms) amplifier with 1,400-watt burst capability produces peak bass output up to 126dB at 30Hz in an average-sized listening room. Inaudible protection circuit to guard against thermal overload. Three independent parametric equalizers with variable frequency, bandwidth, and level controls allow you to precisely tailor the room response and tame unwieldy acoustic anomalies. 2-way crossover with variable frequency and phase controls and selectable slopes allow ideal response matching with other audio system components. · · · NOTE: For details on controls and connections, see "Rear Panel Layout" on page 13. CABINET The Revel Performa B15a cabinet is constructed of 1-inch (25 mm) thick MDF wall, optimally designed and internally braced with the aid of laser interferometry, for reduced cabinet-induced colorations. Adjustable spike footing is attached to the bottom of the cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating installations on tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors. Refer to the Adjustable Spike Footing section on page 9. The cabinet's wood veneer finish does not require routine maintenance. However, cabinet surfaces that have been marked with fingerprints, dust, or other dirt can be cleaned using a soft cloth and a high-quality furniture polish. If a higher-gloss finish is desired, a high-quality wax can also be used. To clean the cabinet: 1. Apply a high-quality furniture polish to a soft cloth. 2. Use the cloth to lightly wipe the cabinet surface. To clean the grille: 1. Vacuum using a soft bristled brush vacuum attachment. REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual 7 UNPACKING The B15a requires special care and handling during unpacking. Pay particular attention to the precautions that appear in this section and to other precautions that appear throughout this owner's manual. Do not attempt to lift or move the B15a alone. Proper lifting requires at least two strong people. When lifting the B15a, stand as straight as possible using the leg muscles to lift. Do not attempt to lift the B15a while bending at the waist. When moving the B15a, carefully rock it side-to-side into the desired position. Failure to follow these procedures may result in personal injuries and/or loudspeaker damage. When unpacking, save all packing materials identified in Figure 4 at the bottom of the next page for possible future shipping needs. Refer to the Obtaining Service section on page 26 for additional information. 1. Set the packaged Revel Performa B15a subwoofer on a soft towel or carpeted surface in the upright position. Open the top flaps as shown in Step 1 of Figure 3 (below). Set aside the power cord and other items located on the top pad. 2. With the top flaps folded back, roll the carton over onto its exposed top pad as shown in Step 2 of Figure 3 (below). 3. Lift the packing carton off the subwoofer as shown in Step 3 of Figure 3 (below). Use caution to avoid damaging the contents. BOTTOM WARNING Figure 3.The Revel Performa B15a subwoofer packing carton. 3 TOP 2 1 TOP BOTTOM 8 REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual Figure 4.The Revel Performa B15a subwoofer with its inner packing materials. Warranty Card Owner's Manual Power Cord LFO Test Disc Top Pad Protective Bag Bottom Pad 4. Place the B15a in the upright position without allowing the protective bag identified in Figure 4 (above). to become "stuck" under the spike footing. 5. When the B15a is in the upright position, remove the protective bag. Keep all packing materials for future shipping. In the unlikely event a product will need repair, it is strongly recommended to package the unit in its original shipping carton. Using any other packing materials may result in damage to the product and is not covered by the warranty. See Obtaining Service on page 26 for additional details. ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING When shipped, adjustable spike footing is attached to the bottom of the cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating installations on tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors. The B15a is shipped with spike footing attached as shown on the left side of Figure 5 at the top of the next page, with the round end protruding from the cabinet. The protective cap is placed over the round end to protect tile and hardwood floors. NOTE: When moving the B15a, do not drag it across the floor. If the B15a is placed on a carpeted floor, the spike footing should be adjusted as shown on the right side of Figure 5 (next page), with the spike end protruding from the cabinet. If needed, follow the instructions that begin on the next page to adjust the spike footing. Continued on the next page... REVEL PERFORMA B15a Owner's Manual 9 B15a Figure 5. The Revel Performa B15a subwoofer adjustable spike footing. Spike End Round End Protective Cap When shipped, the spikes are attached as shown here for loudspeaker placement on tile or hardwood floors. The spikes should be attached as shown here for loudspeaker placement on carpeted floors. Spike End Locking Ring Round End (Protective Cap Attached) Round End (Protective Cap Removed) Locking Ring Spike End To adjust the spike footing: 1. Place the B15a on its side on a soft towel or carpeted floor. 2. Remove the protective cap from the round ...