Revel Concerta S12 Loudspeaker Owner's Manual ® TM Ferrofluid is a registered trademark of Ferrofluidics, Inc. "Dolby Digital" and "Dolby Pro Logic" are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories. 3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA Telephone: 781-280-0300 Fax: 781-280-0490 www.revelspeakers.com Customer Service: Telephone: 781-280-0300 Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 Service Fax: 781-280-0499 Product Shipments 16 Progress Road Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA Part No. 354142-001 | Rev A | 11/04 ©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. THX is a trademark of THX Ltd., which may be registered in some jurisdictions. All rights reserved. "DTS" is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. "Revel," "Concerta," the Revel logo, and "Controlled Acoustic Impedance" are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other worldwide patents issued and pending. 2 REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual TABLE OF CONTENTS Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 About the S12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Highlights · Product Registration Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Loudspeaker Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Driver Complement · Cabinet · Filter Network · Input Panel Loudspeaker Placement/Mode Configuration . . . . . . .10 Side/Surround Channels · Rear Channels · Dual Rear Discrete Channels · Side and Rear Discrete Channels Wall-Mounting Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Standard Connections · Dual-Speaker Mode Connections Optimizing Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Loudspeaker Volume Levels Obtaining Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual 3 DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS This document contains general safety, installation, and operation instructions for the Revel Concerta S12 Surround-Effects Loudspeaker. It is important to read this document before attempting to use this product. Pay particular attention to safety instructions. WARNING Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in injury or death. Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to or destruction of part or all of the product. Calls attention to information that is essential to highlight. CAUTION Note 4 REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual About the S12 Thank you for purchasing the Revel Concerta S12 Surround-Effects Loudspeaker. A wall-mountable surround loudspeaker, the S12 loudspeaker was designed to accomodate a wide variety of home theater setup possibilities. The S12 delivers impressively accurate multichannel music and film soundtrack reproduction. The S12's transducers effectively cover a wide frequency spectrum. Dual 5-inch (127mm) woofers deliver impressive powerhandling and precise imaging. Dual 1-inch (25mm) dome tweeters are mounted in Controlled Acoustic ImpedanceTM waveguides which dramatically improve offaxis response. The tweeters reproduce accurate high frequencies well above audible levels. The Surround Mode Configuration control features three user-selectable settings: bipole, dipole and monopole dispersion modes. This control optimizes the S12 for any recording formats, multiple placement options and varying listener preferences. Dual-speaker mode configures the S12 to function as two separate loudspeakers within a single enclosure. This results in the reproduction of two discrete surroundeffects channels. The S12 loudspeaker's dispersion modes coupled with its versatility combine to create the perfect surround speaker for any 5.1-, 6.1- or 7.1-channel home theater installation. Combining superior form and function, the S12 transducers feature a distinctive design that allows for smoother frequency response. The woofer cones and tweeter are constructed with Organic Ceramic Composite cone material to reduce distortion. The spiders are constructed with a high-strength cotton blend with optimized geometry for increased linearity. An advanced woofer motor structure uses a high-grade Neodymium magnet placed at the center, inside the voice coil, for improved magnetic shielding. A black-plated steel cup facilitates heat dissipation for higher power handling. The woofers are built with butyl rubber surrounds for large, linear excursion capabilities. The woofers also include copper round-wire voice coils wound on 1.5-inch (38mm) fiberglass bobbins which enable higher power handling. Vented center poles improve temperature cooling and minimize compression. The tweeter domes are under-hung with copper-clad aluminum wire for low distortion. The tweeter magnets contain Ferrofluid® which helps to achieve highpower handling with reduced compression. Magnetic shielding prevents video monitor interference. A high-order filter at 2.2kHz optimizes loudspeaker on-axis and off-axis response, helping to assure smooth octave-to-octave balance and timbral accuracy. Gold-plated binding posts accommodate heavy-gauge speaker cable. The S12 cabinet is constructed with acoustically inert medium-density fiberboard (MDF) walls to reduce cabinetinduced colorations. The rear of the cabinet includes four keyholes for convenient wall-mounting which improves sonic performance and saves listening room space. Since 1996, Revel has stood at the forefront of loudspeaker design and performance. Backed by Harman International's extensive research and design facilities, the Revel Concerta Series Loudspeakers benefit from cutting-edge development tools. A multi-channel listening lab provides for double-blind listening tests. A laser interferometer enables detailed driver and cabinet analysis. Real anechoic chambers provide for precise tests and measurements. REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual 5 Finite element analysis allows for advanced loudspeaker modeling. A stereo lithography apparatus provides tight tolerances. Adding to the proud lineage of Revel's Ultima and Performa Series Loudspeakers, the S12 solidifies Revel's reputation as the leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality, high-performance loudspeakers. PRODUCT REGISTRATION Please register the S12 within 15 days of purchase. To do so, register online at www.revelspeakers.com or complete and return the included product registration card. Retain the original, dated sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage. UNPACKING The S12 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. When unpacking, save all packing materials for possible future shipping needs. Refer to the Obtaining Service section on page 19 for additional information. To unpack the S12: 1. Fully open the top flaps of the packing carton as shown in Figure 1 (page 7). 2. With the top flaps folded back, carefully roll the carton over onto its exposed top pad as shown in Figure 1 (page 7). 3. Lift the packing carton off of the loudspeaker as shown in Figure 1 (page 7). Use caution to avoid damaging the cabinet. At this point, the loudspeaker will be upside down. HIGHLIGHTS · · Proprietary dual 5-inch (127mm) Organic Ceramic Composite woofers Proprietary dual 1-inch (25mm) Organic Ceramic Composite dome tweeters Controlled Acoustic Impedance tweeter waveguides Surround Mode Configuration control High output with low distortion High-order filter network Gold-plated binding posts Advanced woofer motor structure Magnetic shielding Large voice coils for wide dynamic range without compression Rear keyholes for wall mounting Elegant cabinet design in black or white vinyl finishes · · · · · · · · · · 6 REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual Figure 1: Unpacking the Outer Carton 2 Top Bottom 1 3 Bottom Top Unpacking (continued) Figure 2: Packing Materials 4. Remove the bottom pad and the grille. These items are identified in Figure 2 (right). 5. Grasping the sides of the cabinet, place the S12 in the upright position. 6. When the S12 is in the upright position, remove the Owner's Manual, Warranty Card and feet. 7. Remove the top pad and microfoam sheet. REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual 7 LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW Figure 3: S12 Loudspeaker Front View 1 2 3 2 1 The numbers in Figure 3 (above) correspond with the numbered items in the Driver Complement section that begins below. DRIVER COMPLEMENT The numbers in Figure 3 (above) correspond with the numbered items in this section. Figure 4: Bipole Mode Bipole 1. Tweeters 2. Woofers 3. Surround Mode Configuration Control Optimizes the S12 loudspeaker's response to different system configurations, listening rooms, and program material. · In Bipole mode, the S12's dual driver pairs operate in phase to produce a direct soundfield which is suitable for most surround applications. Select the Bipole mode as shown in Figure 4 (right) for most home theater installations. Toggled to Bipole Select the Bipole mode when the S12 is configured as two independent loudspeakers. · In Monopole mode, the S12 functions as a single two-way system as one of the driver pairs is deactivated. This mode produces superb imaging that is optimal for multichannel music such as DVD audio and/or SACD. The Monopole mode is also suitable for 7.1-channel configurations. 8 REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual Surround Mode Configuration Control (continued) · Select the Monopole setting as shown in Figure 5 (right) to compensate for less than ideal speaker placement, such as if the speaker is mounted in a corner of the listening room. In Dipole mode, the driver pairs work out of phase to produce a "null" directly in front of the speaker, which results in a diffuse dispersion pattern, creating a large and enveloping soundfield. This mode is suitable for film soundtrack reproduction. Select the Dipole setting, as shown in Figure 6 (right) to lessen your ears' ability to locate the speaker to help create a sense of ambience. Figure 5: Monopole Mode Toggled to Monopole Monopole · Figure 6: Dipole Mode Toggled to Dipole Dipole See the Loudspeaker Placement/Mode Configuration section beginning on page 10 for more information. CABINET The trapezoidal shape of the cabinet contributes greatly to S12 performance because its design allows for the driver pairs to be at 72 degree angles to each other to create the varying dispersion modes. Cabinet-induced colorations are reduced with MDF walls. The cabinet vinyl 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. The cabinet also includes an integral rear mounting system for direct wall placement. See the WallMounting Instructions section on page 15. CAUTION To prevent cabinet damage, do not use a cloth made with steel wool or use metal polish to clean the cabinet. Do not use any cleaning products or polishes on the cabinet or grille. Filter Network Optimizes loudspeaker on-axis and off-axis response with high-order filter at 2.2kHz, helping to ensure smooth octave-to-octave balance and timbral accuracy. Gold-plated binding posts accommodate heavy speaker cables. REVEL Concerta S12 Owner's Manual 9 Figure 7: S12 Loudspeaker Rear View 1 2 3 The numbers in Figure 7 (above) correspond with the numbered items in the Input Panel section that begins below. INPUT PANEL The numbers in Figure 7 (above) correspond with the numbered items in this section. 3. Mounting Keyholes For secure wall-mounting with wood screws. 1. Input Connectors Two "positive" and two "negative" gold-plated binding posts provide for connections from the associated power amplifier(s). Refer to the Making Connections section beginning on page 16 for additional information. LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT/MODE CONFIGURATION Loudspeaker fidelity depends on the following three factors: 1. Loudspeaker accuracy 2. Shorting-Straps Two gold-plated shorting-straps accomodate wired connections. The shorting-straps must be removed when a single S12 is used as dual discrete rear channels, or used as a side and rear channel. Refer to the Making Connections section beginning on page 16 for additional information. 2. Loudspeaker plac ...