ADAM AUDIO Sub7 Active Subwoofer Instruction Manual

ADAM AUDIO Sub7 Active Subwoofer Instruction Manual

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.

1. Introduction

Dear customer,
Thank you for choosing an ADAM Audio Sub7 subwoofer.
ADAM subwoofers are built for maximum quality reproduction and audio perfection. With the Sub7 you have selected a powerful and precise tool that allows you to both evaluate and enjoy audio recordings. It meets highest expectations in sound quality and craftsmanship.

The Sub7 is a compact active subwoofer. It is perfectly suited for a wide variety of stereo and multi-channel applications including small control rooms, desktops, mobile facilities and post-production edit bays … in other words, in any situation where a combination of no-compromise sound reproduction and a small footprint is required.

This manual is intended to provide you with information about your new ADAM subwoofer. It contains important information regarding safety, setting up, handling, and warranty. We request that you read these sections carefully to ensure easy set up 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 really enjoy your new subwoofer and wish you many delightful hours with it.
The ADAM Audio Team

2. Quick Start

2.1 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 a firm ground. 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.

2.2 Quick Start

• a) 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.
• b) Choose your preferred connection as described under 3.
• c) 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.
• d) Switch on the main on/off switches on the rear panel of the subwoofer.
• e) Make sure that the line out level (volume) of your stereo is either at a low level or all the way off. Then, switch on your audio system.
• f) Turn on your source of music and adjust the volume carefully.

3. Connecting the Subwoofer

3.1 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. However, as RCA connections are widely used in home entertainment environments we have included an RCA jack as well.

3.2 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.

3.3 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.

3.4 LEDs

There are two LEDs on the front, one on each potentiometer.
Both LEDs will glow green during operation and yellow during stand-by (Auto On mode, see 5.2).

4. 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. Due to the fact that 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 tackling the most common problems with subwoofers and room acoustics, notably interference and standing waves.

4.1 Distance to satellites

In most set ups it is advisable to place the subwoofer not too far from the satellites to minimize the chance of Interferences. Interference means the superposition of two or more waves resulting in an attenuation/cancellation or enhancement of the specific frequency/frequencies. Furthermore, big refelexion faces in close range of the subwoofer should be avoided if possible.

4.2 Walls/Distance to walls

Generally, every wall in relative 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. It is likely that this will 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 combines its force with the first wave(s): a vicious circle that results in local imbalances of the particular frequencies.

4.3 Finding the optimum position

Give it a try! The most important tool for finding the best position for your subwoofer are 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 at the listening position and then move around. Whereever the sound is the best the subwoofer should be positioned.

5. Controls

On the front side you will find two potentiometers, one for the volume and one for the crossover frequency. Both the volume and the frequency can also be controlled by the remote control. On the rear side, there are more controls (satellite filter, phase switch, mode). The following tips are intended to assist you at using the controls in the best manner.

5.1 Controls on the front panel and Remote control

a) Volume
Input Sensitivity control from -60 dB to +6 dB relative to 775 mV when used via the symmetrical XLR input or relative to 250 mV when used via the asymmetrical Cinch (RCA) input.

b) Frequency
The upper frequency limit of the unit is variable and can be set to any value between 50 and 150Hz. The 85Hz marker indicates the recommendation of Dolby® labs for surround sound settings. In many cases, a slightly lower crossover frequency delivers tighter bass response, for typical near-midfield monitors we recommend 70 to 75Hz as upper limit (i.e. -3 dB point in the frequency response).

⚠ Please note: If you alter the frequency it is advisable to check if an alteration of the phase improves the sound quality.

5.2 Controls on the rear panel

a) Mode
This push button allows you to choose between · Auto: The subwoofer starts operation as soon as a
musical signal arrives, and stops after 15 minutes without a signal. · On: The unit is permanently working. We recommend the “Auto” position. It minimises power consumption and makes handling very easy.
b) 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 woofer and satellites, either 0° or 180° may be the better position.
We recommend to try out what position sounds better within your system.
c) Satellite Filter
The satellites in a system can be driven full range or with a 85 Hz high pass as recommended by Dolby® laboratories for use in surround setups.
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, 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.
d) Foot Switch
This input jack allows for switching the subwoofer on or off by footswitch. When you have connected the Input and Output of the subwoofer with the same type of connectors (either both XLR or both RCA) the footswitch will also switch off the Satellite Filter, enabling the satellite speakers to play full range.

6. 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:

6.1 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?
6.2 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.

7. Maintenance

8. 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. If a transport is necessary and the original shipping carton is not available, a new one can be purchased from ADAM Audio.

9. Environmental Information

All ADAM products comply with international directives on the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical / electronical equipment and the disposal of Waste Electrical / Electronic Equipment (WEEE). For disposal, please consult your local authorities for further information.

10. EU Declaration of Conformity

We,
ADAM Audio GmbH
whose registered office is situated at
REduedroswtre.r1C6h, a1u2s0s5e9e 5B0e,r1li2n4, 8G9eBrmeralniny, Germany
declare under our sole responsibility that the product:
Sub7
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. Christian Hellinger
Managing Director ADAM Audio GmbH

11. Warranty

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11.1 Terms and Conditions

This warranty is limited to the repair of the equipment or, if necessary, the replacement of parts or the product and return shipping within the country of purchase. This warranty complements any national/regional law obligations of dealers or national distributors and does not affect your statutory rights as a customer. Neither other transportation, nor any other costs, nor any risk for removal, transportation and installation of products is covered by this warranty. Products whose serial number have been altered, deleted, removed or made illegible are excluded from this warranty.
The warranty will not be applicable in cases other than defects in materials and/or workmanship at the time of purchase and will not be applicable:
a) for damages caused by incorrect installation, connection or packing,
b) for damages caused by any use other than correct use described in the user manual,
c) for damages caused by faulty or unsuitable ancillary equipment,
d) if repairs or modifications have been executed by an unauthorized person,
e) for damages caused by accidents, lightning, water, fire heat, public disturbances or any other cause beyond the reasonable control of ADAM Audio.

11.2 How to claim repairs under warranty

Should service be required, please contact the ADAM Audio dealer where the product has been purchased.
If the equipment is being used outside the country of purchase, the international shipping costs have to be paid for by the owner of the product. Service may be supplied by your ADAM Audio national distributor in the country of residence. In this case, the service costs have to be paid for by the owner of the product whereas the costs for parts to be repaired or replaced are free of charge. Please visit our website to get the contact details of your local distributor.
To validate your warranty, you will need a copy of your original sales invoice with the date of purchase.

12. Technical Data

Notes
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ADAM AUDIO GMBH
BERLIN, GERMANY
T +49 30-863 00 97-0
F +49 30-863 00 97-7
email: [email protected]

ADAM AUDIO UK
EMAIL: [email protected]

ADAM AUDIO USA INC.
EMAIL: [email protected]

www.adam-audio.com
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References

• Manual-Hub.com - Free PDF manuals!
• ADAM Audio - High Precision Studio Monitors from Berlin, Germany
• Manual-Hub.com – Free PDF manuals!

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