ACOUSTIC ENERGY AE1082 150 Watt Subwoofer Owner’s Manual
- June 11, 2024
- ACOUSTIC ENERGY
Table of Contents
AE1082 150 Watt Subwoofer
Owner’s Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on choosing the Acoustic Energy AE108² – a powerful, active
subwoofer which is capable of outstanding Hi-Fi and Home Cinema performance.
Please take a few moments to read this manual. The advice it contains will
enable you to get the very best performance out of your Acoustic Energy
subwoofer.
The AE108² is capable of handling 150 watts with a clean bass response
extending to 30Hz in the listening environment. Flexibility in its operation
and connection mean the AE108² will compliment a wide range of high-quality
hi-fi and home cinema systems.
Before Applying Power
The AE108² is available in two mains power versions to enable this product to
be used globally, one to operate from 110-120v and one from 220-240v AC line
mains power. Please ensure you have the correct version that relates to your
country’s mains power before use.
Correctly installed the sense of power and weight of it’s bass output can add
substantially to the enjoyment of high quality music and prove indispensable
for thrilling and realistic home cinema sound.
Safety
Please read all operating and safety instructions before use retaining them
for future reference. Adhere to all warnings on the product or in this manual.
Power Sources
The subwoofer should only be connected to a power supply of the type described
on its rear panel. If you are not sure consult your dealer or a qualified
electrician.
Power Cord
Power supply cords should be routed so as not to be walked on or caught under
or against items.
Ventilation
To ensure reliable operation and to prevent the subwoofer from overheating,
ensure good ventilation. Do not cover the subwoofer and do not place closer
than 10cm from walls or soft furnishings. Do not use in a built-in
installation unless proper ventilation is provided.
Water and Moisture
The subwoofer should not be used near water, i.e. near a wash-bowl, basin, in
a wet basement or swimming pool area.
Temperature
The subwoofer may not function correctly at extremely low or freezing
temperatures. The Subwoofer should also be kept away from heat sources such as
radiators or other electrical equipment that produces heat, including other
amplifiers.
Electric Shock
Care should be taken so that objects are not inserted in connectors or other
apertures and that liquid does not spill into the enclosure. Do not insert
objects into the reflex port. Never attempt to dismantle the subwoofer as
serious electric shock might occur if the internal parts are touched.
Cleaning
Unplug the subwoofer from the wall power outlet before cleaning. Use only a
clean, dry cloth. Do not use cleaners, liquids or solvent based preparations
to clean the cabinet.
Smells
If an abnormal smell or smoke is detected, immediately turn the power off and
unplug the subwoofer from the wall power outlet.
Operation
-
Auto Power Indicator
The auto function places the subwoofer in ‘standby’ mode (red light). The subwoofer is automatically turned on when a signal is detected (green light). -
Phase indicator
The normal setting for the phase switch would be the 0° position. Switching to 180° will change the subwoofer phase and vary the tonal quality of the bass, which is also dependent on the location of the AE108² relative to your main stereo speakers. -
Crossover Frequency Knob
Adjusts the balance at the crossover point between the bass (low frequencies) from the AE108² and the treble (high frequencies) continuing to the main stereo front speakers. -
Sub Level Volume Control Knob
Adjusts the volume level output of the subwoofer, allowing you to balance the volume of the AE1082to blend in with your main stereo speakers. Turning the knob clockwise increases the volume level and turning it anti clockwise decreases the volume level. -
Input / Line In (RCA)
Used to connect the subwoofer to the pre-out socket on the amplifier. -
Output / Line Out (RCA)
Used to connect to the Line In sockets on a second subwoofer, or to connect back to the power amp inputs on the amplifier. -
Power Input
Connect the cord (supplied) to a 110-120v or 220-240v AC mains power outlet. -
Mains voltage selector
Ensure the switch is showing the correct voltage for the country of use. -
Power Switch
Use the switch to turn the power on / off.
Rear Elevation
Positioning
The AE108² subwoofer is virtually omni-directional, so it can be positioned in
almost any location in the same room. For the best performance in the ideal
room the AE108² should be positioned in a corner of the room or near a back
wall. In certain circumstances the addition of a second AE108² located in
another position in the same room helps to achieve a more uniform bass.
The use of two subwoofers often provides a greater than expected increase in
sound quality and bass dynamics, worth more than the additional cost would
suggest. If two AE108² subwoofers are used they should ideally be positioned
in the corners near the respective units of the stereo loudspeaker pair.
The subwoofer should be installed using the four rubber feet or spikes with
lock nuts, both supplied.
Once positioned correctly ensure space is left to the rest of the AE108² since
all operation switches are on the rear panel.
Connections
Check that both your amplifier and subwoofer are switched off before
connection.
Failure to do so may result in damage to your amplifier or subwoofer. It is
sometimes recommended that over-long low cost cables are used initially to
facilitate experimentation with the positioning, and only then purchase and
install using the final cable choice.
For use with amplifiers having a subwoofer output jack
Connect from the dedicated subwoofer line output on the amplifier to the line
input(s) on the AE108² (a single lead to either input or a ‘Y’ connector to
both inputs may be used).
For use with amplifiers having Line Level pre-amp jacks
The pre-amp outputs of your amplifier can be connected to the line-level
inputs on the AE108². The line level outputs on the AE108² are then connected
back to the power amp (main) inputs on your amplifier.
Using two AE108² subwoofers
When using two AE108² subwoofers use the Line Level output connectors from the
main subwoofer to the Line Level input connectors on the second subwoofer.
How to use the controls
How to use the SUB VOLUME CONTROL knob, CROSSOVER FREQUENCY knob and PHASE
switch.
The VOLUME CONTROL, FREQUENCY knob and PHASE switch can be adjusted to
match the condition of the listening room and/or the characteristics of the
left and right speakers.
Due to the positioning of the subwoofer in the room and the associated room
boundaries, the available bass response from the existing speakers and whether
of not the filtered connection (Nominally 100Hz is used), the actual settings
on the subwoofer control panel will vary considerably.
The SUB VOLUME CONTROL and the CROSSOVER FREQUENCY knobs should be used
together when setting the correct bass response required. For example, raising
the volume level will also raise the effective system crossover point, while
reducing the volume has the converse effect of lowering the frequency range of
the subwoofer. This is caused by the way the various responses and outputs
blend together in the listening environment.
Initially set the crossover frequency fairly low, e.g. 50-60Hz, and use the
volume control knob on the sub to set the low bass level required, When the
correct balance is almost achieved, the crossover level and volume level maybe
adjusted together to fine tune the sound and achieve the cleanest, most
extended and suitably powerful bass.
The ideal is for a seamless blend of extended low bass from the subwoofer
leaving the clean upper bass response of the stereo system largely
undisturbed.
Typical Control Positions
| Front speaker | Crossover | Phase | Sub Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Speaker | 40 – 60Hz | Normal 0° | |
| Medium Speaker | 60 – 80Hz | Normal 0° | |
| Small Speaker | 80 – 100Hz | Normal 0° |
Caution
An excessive input level to the subwoofer may impair the sound quality or
damage the unit. Do not increase the output of the amplifier to a high level
while the lowfrequency level is enhanced by the amplifier’s tone control or
loudness control.
Warranty
Your Acoustic Energy subwoofer is guaranteed against original defects in
materials, manufacture and workmanship for 2 years from the date of purchase.
Please retain all original packaging materials for possible future use.
If you register your Acoustic Energy AE108² online via our website (acoustic-
energy.co.uk) we will extend your guarantee, free of charge, to three years.
This applies in the United Kingdom only.
We suggest that you complete the details of purchase now and keep this
information in a safe place for future reference.
Under this warranty Acoustic Energy agrees to repair any defect or, at the
company’s discretion, replace the faulty component(s) without charge for parts
or labour.
This warranty does not imply any acceptance by Acoustic Energy Loudspeakers or
its agents for consequential loss or damage and specically excludes fair wear
and tear, accident, misuse or unauthorised modication.
This warranty is applicable in the United Kingdom only and does not in any way
limit the customer’s legal rights. Claims and enquiries under the warranty for
AE products purchased outside the UK should be addressed to the local
importers or distributors.
If you have reason to claim under the warranty please contact your dealer in
the first instance.
Dealer’s name: ……………………………………….
Date of purchase: …………………………………..
Serial number(s): ……………………………………
Acoustic Energy
Units 1 – 3, Trull Farm
Trull, Tetbury
Gloucestershire
United Kingdom
GL8 8SQ
+44 (0) 1285 654432
info@acoustic-energy.co.uk
www.acoustic-energy.co.uk