ADAM AUDIO Sub10 MK2 Powered Studio Subwoofer User Manual

: June 13, 2024
: ADAM AUDIO

Table of Contents

ADAM AUDIO Sub10 MK2 Powered Studio Subwoofer
Product Information
Product Usage Instructions
Introduction
Connecting the Subwoofer
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
References
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ADAM AUDIO Sub10 MK2 Powered Studio Subwoofer

ADAM-AUDIO-Sub-10-MK2-Powered-Studio-Subwoofer-
product

Product Information

The Sub10 MK2 is a subwoofer designed for audio systems. It provides deep bass and enhances the overall sound quality of your audio setup. The subwoofer is equipped with safety features to protect against electrical shock and damage.

Safety Instructions

Read and keep the safety instructions for future reference.
Do not open the subwoofer as it may risk electrical shock.
Do not remove the back cover or any other part of the subwoofer.
Do not expose the subwoofer to rain or moisture.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Use an earth-ground three-conductor AC mains power cord.
Always switch off the system before connecting or disconnecting cables or cleaning components.
Do not place the subwoofer on an unstable surface.
Keep the subwoofer away from liquids and objects filled with liquids.
Ensure the specified voltage matches the power supply.
Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched.
Use fully checked cables to avoid noise or other issues.
Keep electrical equipment out of reach of children.
Unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.
Install the subwoofer near a socket outlet for easy disconnection.
Disconnect the power supply to completely disconnect from the AC mains.
Avoid using flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning.
Avoid touching the speaker membranes and blocking the woofer’s ventilation ports.
Do not expose the subwoofer to extreme temperatures or explosive atmospheres.
Avoid prolonged exposure to high sound pressure levels to protect your hearing.
Do not play with magnetic items near the diaphragms.
Maintain free airflow behind the speakers for proper cooling.

Product Usage Instructions

To use the Sub10 MK2 subwoofer, follow these steps:

Ensure the subwoofer is placed on a stable surface.
Connect the supplied earth ground three-conductor AC mains power cord to the subwoofer and a power outlet.
Check that the specified voltage matches the voltage of your power supply. If not, do not connect the subwoofer and contact your local dealer or national distributor for assistance.
Connect the subwoofer to your audio system using the appropriate cables.
Switch on your audio system and adjust the volume to a comfortable level.
If you experience any issues or need servicing, refer to qualified service personnel.

Safety Instructions
Please read the following safety instructions before setting up your system. Keep the instructions for subsequent reference. Please heed the warnings and follow the instructions.

Caution: Risk of electrical shock Do not open

CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE BACK COVER OR ANY OTHER PART.

NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

Explanation of Graphical Symbols
The lightning flash with the 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 (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Caution : To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the subwoofer. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

This product, as well as all attached extension cords, must be terminated with an earth-ground three-conductor AC mains power cord like the one supplied with the product. To prevent shock hazards, all three components must always be used.
Never replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified. Never bypass any fuse.
Always switch off your entire system before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any components.
Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand tripod, bracket, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious injury and/or serious damage. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination.
Do not expose this product to rain or moisture, never wet the inside with any liquid, and never pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit. Please do not put any objects filled with liquids (e.g. vases, etc.) onto the speaker.
Check if the specified voltage matches the voltage of the power supply you use. If this is not the case do not connect the loudspeakers to a power source! Please contact your local dealer or national distributor.

Safety Instructions

Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched.
Always use fully checked cables. Defective cables can harm your speakers. They are a common source of any kind of noise, hum, crackling, etc.
Always keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.
Always unplug sensitive electronic equipment during lightning storms.
The Subwoofer should be installed near the socket outlet and disconnection of the device should be easily accessible.
To completely disconnect from AC mains, disconnect the power supply from the AC receptacle. Never use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.
Avoid touching the speaker membranes and do not block the woofer’s ventilation ports.
Never expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures. Never operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
High SPLs may damage your hearing! Please do not get close to the loudspeakers when using them at high volumes.
Please note that the diaphragms build up a magnetic field. Do not ply with magnetic items at close range to the diaphragms.
Assure free airflow behind the speakers to maintain sufficient cooling.

Introduction

Dear customer,
Thank you for choosing an ADAM Audio Sub10 MK2 subwoofer.

ADAM subwoofers are built for maximum quality reproduction and audio perfection. With the Sub10 MK2, you have selected a powerful and precise tool that allows you to both evaluate and enjoy audio recordings. It meets the highest expectations in sound quality and craftsmanship.
The Sub10 MK2 is a powerful subwoofer designed to extend the low-frequency capabilities of any near or midfield monitoring and is an ideal match for ADAM monitors such as the AX- or the SX-Series.

This manual is intended to provide you with information about your new ADAM subwoofer. It contains important safety information, setting up, handling, and warranty. We request that you read these sections carefully to ensure easy setup and prevent potential problems.
If you have any questions about this or any of our products, please don’t hesitate to contact us – we will be happy to assist you.

For detailed information concerning ADAM’s technologies and products, complete reviews, and a list of worldwide ADAM users and studios, please visit our website: www.adam-audio.com

You are invited to share your experience with our products by joining us on Facebook and also if you don’t want to miss out on the latest info on ADAM Professional Audio, come and follow us on Twitter!
We hope very much that you enjoy your new subwoofer and wish you many delightful hours with it.
The ADAM Audio Team

Quick Start

Important Information for set up
After having unpacked your subwoofer, please allow the system to acclimate to the temperature of the room for approximately an hour. The subwoofer should be positioned on firm ground.

When setting up your subwoofer, please make sure to attach the black protective plugs to the subwoofer’s feet to prevent damage to your floor surfacing. For hard floors, there are also felt pads provided that can be stuck to the underside of the protective plugs.

We recommend that you retain the original packaging, as it is the best way to guarantee safe transportation should the need to do so arise.

Please note that the subwoofer will take some break-in time to achieve optimum sonic performance.

Quick Start

Before connecting the subwoofer to your audio components and the power source make sure that the subwoofer, the loudspeakers, and your audio source are switched off and set the level controls fully counterclockwise.
Choose your preferred connection as described under 3.
Check if the specified voltage matches the voltage of the power supply you use. If this is not the case do not connect the loudspeakers to a power source! Please contact your local dealer or national distributor.
- If the voltages match, use the included power cables to connect the loudspeaker to the AC sockets.
Switch on the main on/off switches on the rear panel of the subwoofer.
Make sure that the line out level (volume) of your stereo is either at a low level or off. Then, switch on your audio system.
Turn on your source of music and adjust the volume carefully.

Connecting the Subwoofer

Connections
On the rear side of the speaker you can find balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) connectors. For professional use, the XLR connectors will be the first choice.

Input
Connect the left and right line-level signal from your signal source (audio interface, mixer, etc.) to the LEFT and RIGHT INPUT jacks. Use either XLR (balanced) or RCA (unbalanced) cables.

Satellite Out
Connect the LEFT and RIGHT SATELLITE OUT jacks to the inputs of the left and right main powered speakers or the inputs of the amps powering the main speakers.

Sub Out
This balanced output mirrors the input signal enabling you to daisy-chain as many Sub10s in a row as you like. The Sub Level affects the output so that all Subs in the chain can be leveled at a time. Instead of having one huge subwoofer it often is advisable to incorporate a few smaller ones in the setup to avoid standing waves at very low frequencies. This always needs a little bit of testing, since it is not possible to predict the behavior of a subwoofer in unknown acoustical conditions.

Subwoofer Placement
It is common knowledge that low frequencies (below about 100Hz) are non- directional, meaning they can hardly be located by the listener. It is, however, a common misunderstanding that therefore the placement of a subwoofer does not matter. It does matter. Because every room (geometry, furniture, etc.) is unique, the following descriptions intend to be a first introduction to the subject. The aim is to assist you in tackling the most common problems with subwoofers and room acoustics, notably interference and standing waves.

Distance to satellites
In most setups it is advisable to place the subwoofer not too far from the satellites to minimize the chance of IInterference Interference means the superposition of two or more waves resulting in an attenuation/cancellation or enhancement of the specific frequency/frequencies. Furthermore, big reflection faces in close range of the subwoofer should be avoid-ed if possible.

Walls/Distance to walls
Generally, every wall at relatively close distance to the subwoofer enhances its sound pressure by about 6 dB. For instance, placing the subwoofer in a corner of a room will make it about 18 dB louder. This will likely result in an impairment of the precision of the musical reproduction.

Another problem related to the geometrics of the room concerns the so-called ‘standing waves’. These are sound waves being reciprocated between reflecting objects, so they ‘stand’ (don’t seem to move) in between these objects. The speaker continues to produce new waves that combine its force with the first wave(s): a vicious circle that results in local imbalances of the particular frequencies.

Finding the optimum position
Give it a try! The most important tool for finding the best position for your sub-woofer is your ears. There are two rather easy ways:

You can determine your listening spot first and then compare the sound of the subwoofer at different positions.
Another option is to place the subwoofer in the listening position and then move around. Wherever the sound is the best the subwoofer should be positioned.

Controls
On the front side, you will find Indicator LEDs for the operating and standby modes. Controls for the satellite filter, phase switch, signal on/continuous mode, and Sub Level/Filter are located on the rear panel of the subwoofer. The following tips are intended to assist you in using the controls in the best manner.

LEDs
There are two LEDs on the front indicating either operating or standby mode. In case the subwoofer receives an overload the lower LED will flash red indicating the function of the protective circuit.

Controls on the rear panel

Mode
This push button allows you to choose between

Signal On : The woofer starts operation as soon as a musical signal arrives, and stops after 15 minutes without a signal.
Continuous : the unit is permanently working.

We recommend the ”Signal on” position. It minimizes power consumption and makes handling very easy.

Subwoofer Phase
With the Phase Switch, you can alter the phase of the subwoofer relative to the satellites. That means to change the polarity of the bass unit. Depending on the distance between the woofer and the satellites, either 0° or 180° may be the better position. We recommend trying out what position sounds better within your system.

Satellite Filter
The satellites in a system can be driven full range or with an 85 Hz high pass as recommended by Dolby® laboratories for use in surround set-ups. Recommendation: If possible the main signal should go into the Subwoofer. Connect your satellites to the Subwoofer output, either via XLR symmetrical or RCA asymmetrical. In many cases, the clarity and dynamic range of the speakers can be improved if they do not reproduce very low frequencies since they do not have to deliver big amplitudes. Please note: If you alter the frequency it is advisable to check if an alteration of the phase improves the sound quality.

Sub Level
This controls the Input Sensitivity from -60dB to +6dB relative to 775mV when used via the balanced XLR input or relative to 250mV when used via the unbalanced Cinch (RCA) input.

Sub Filter
The upper-frequency limit of the unit is variable and can be set to any value between 50 and 150. The 85Hz marker indicates the recommendation of Dolby® labs for surround sound settings. In practice a slightly lower crossover frequency delivers tighter bass response, for typical near-midfield monitors we recommend a 12 or 11 clock position, meaning 70 to 75Hz as the upper limit or, to be more exact, a -3dB point in the frequency response.

Please note: These settings do not have a precise character, as different satellites and different room acoustics lead to results that cannot be predicted.

Troubleshooting

All ADAM products are designed and manufactured to the highest quality standards. However, if any problems with your subwoofer occur, we recommend to proceed as follows:

Problem: The LED shows normal operation (green) but there is either no or only a distorted audio signal.

Check the volumes of both the subwoofer and your signal source.
Check the wiring. Is the cable defective? Are all cables connected correctly? If possible, check with new cables.
Connect the subwoofer as directly to the signal source as possible (please mind the volume!). Is another part of the signal path (e.g. mixer, audio source) defective?

Problem: You hear parasitic noises (like humming, buzzing, soughing, cracking).

Please disconnect the signal cables. If the noises disappear, check the signal path.
Make sure that all cables are properly connected, especially the signal cable between the preamp/mixing console/etc. and the sub.
If the noises can still be heard, check for other electrical devices close to the speakers (mobile phones, switching power supplies, etc.). If there is no interfering device the subwoofer will probably cause the problem.

Maintenance

Please switch the subwoofer off before cleaning!
Please note that the diaphragms build up a magnetic field. Do not ply with magnetic items at close range to the diaphragms.
Please make sure that no liquids get inside the cabinet. Do not spray any fluids on the speaker. Do not use a wet cloth for cleaning.
Do not use flammable or acidic chemicals for cleaning.
Do not touch the membrane of the subwoofer.
We recommend using a lint-free, damp cloth for cleaning.
The woofer membrane may be dusted using a very soft brush.

Shipping / Packaging
In case you have to send your speakers to any other location, it is of vital importance that you use the original packaging materials. Experience has shown that it is very difficult to avoid damage if you have to send them without these. ADAM Audio can not be held responsible for damages due to improper packaging.

Environmental Information
All ADAM products comply with international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical/electronic equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical / Electronic Equipment (WEEE).

For disposal, please consult your local authorities for further information.

EU Declaration of Conformity

We, ADAM Audio GmbH whose registered office is situated at

REderudoswtr. 1er Chaus6, 12059 Berlin, Gersee 50, 12489 Berlin, Germanymany declare under our sole responsibility that the product:

Sub10 MK2
complies with the EU Electro-Magnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive 89/336/EEC, in pursuance of which the following standards have been applied:

EN 61000-6-1 : 2001
EN 61000-6-3 : 2001
EN 55020: 2002
EN 55013: 2001

and complies with the EU General Product Safety 2001/95/EC, in pursuance of which the following standard has been applied:

EN 60065 : 2002.

This declaration attests that the manufacturing process quality control and product documentation accord with the need to assure continued compliance. The attention of the user is drawn to any special measures regarding the use of this equipment that may be detailed in the owner’s manual.

SvChrisen Schmöletian Hellinger Managing DirManaging Director ADAM Audio GmbH

ADADAM AAM AUDIO GMBHudio GmbH BEdersERLIN, tr. 16 GERMANY 12059 Berlin T +4GERMANY9 30-863 00 97-0 email : info@adam-audio.com

ADAM AUDIO UK
EMAIL : UK- INFO@ADAM-AUDIO.COM

ADAM AUDIO USA INC.
EMAIL : USA- INFO@ADAM-AUDIO.COM

www.adam-audio.com