ATC C4 Sub Mk2 12 Inch Subwoofer User Manual
- June 15, 2024
- ATC
Table of Contents
C4 Sub M k 2
12” SUBWOOFER | MANUAL
HIFI SERIES
SAFETY WARNINGS
-
Read instructions – all the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.
-
Retain these instructions – the safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
-
Heed warnings – all warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
-
Follow instructions – all operating and other instructions should be followed.
-
Water and moisture – the appliance should not be used near water, for example near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement or near a swimming pool etc.
-
Ventilation – the appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings. Similarly, the appliance should not be built into an installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.
-
Heat – the appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, stoves or other appliances that produce heat.
-
Power sources – the appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.
-
Power cord protection – power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit the appliance.
-
Cleaning – the appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
-
Unattended periods – the power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
-
Object and liquid entry – care should be taken so that objects and liquids do not fall into the appliance.
-
Damage requiring service – the appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
i the power supply cord or the plug has been damaged
ii objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the appliance
iii the appliance has been exposed to rain or other serious liquid exposure
iv the appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance
v the appliance has been dropped or the cabinet damaged. -
Servicing – the user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond those measures described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. Please contact your local ATC dealer or distributor.
-
Grounding or polarisation – precautions should be taken so that grounding or polarisation means for the appliance are not defeated.
SECTION ONE
1.1 Welcome
In selecting ATC you have chosen an example of the finest audio engineering
available. ATC was founded on a principle of engineering excellence, and that
principle still defines our products today. Given the right opportunities, ATC
products will deliver exceptional audio performance, but the opportunities
will only arise from careful and thoughtful installation and use. Please read
the following manual fully. It will help you understand the product and to
realise its full potential. We are happy to answer questions and offer advice
on any issues that arise through installation or use of ATC products. Contact
details can be found at the back of this manual.
ATC was founded in London in 1974 by Australian emigre Billy Woodman. An
enthusiastic pianist and engineer he was naturally drawn to loudspeaker design
and after a period working at Goodmans, where many of the names that went on
to found British loudspeaker companies began their careers, he struck out on
his own. The premise on which ATC began is a simple one, and one that in many
respects is still true today:
hifi loudspeakers tend to be detailed and accurate but of limited dynamic
range, while professional monitor speakers tend to express the opposite
character. ATC products were designed from the outset to offer the best of
both. It’s an easy concept to describe, but surprisingly difficult to
engineer.
The difficulty inherent in designing such loudspeakers is one of scale. Hifi
levels of accuracy and detail call for lightweight moving parts and delicate
engineering. Professional monitor levels of performance however demand far
more robust components engineered to survive the rig ours of high-level use
for extended periods. The only way to combine the two is through precision
engineering of a class and scale more often associated with aerospace or motor
sport. But the results are worth the effort and the cost. ATC loudspeakers,
with their unique in-house designed drivers, combine the best of hifi and
professional to devastating effect.
ATC has become synonymous with active systems. Choosing to offer active
loudspeakers (where the passive crossover network is replaced by active
filters and multiple power amplifiers) is simply a result of the
uncompromising attitude to loudspeaker design. While passive systems still
have their place, and ATC engineering skills can still bring remarkable
results from them, “active” is a fundamentally better solution to the problems
posed by accurate, high level music reproduction. The ATC instinct is always
for the better solution. Not cheaper, not quicker, but better.
It was the development of active loudspeakers that first brought ATC into
electronics design and engineering. Active speakers demand multiple power
amplifiers so ATC from the mid-1980s became not just a loudspeaker
manufacturing company but an electronics manufacturer too. The further step
from electronics for active speakers to a range of stand-alone amplifier
products was natural and now means that ATC engineering is available from the
recording desk or CD player output to the ears.
From modest beginnings ATC has grown to become one of the very few
manufacturers successful across both domestic and professional audio. By
selecting ATC you join a group of music lovers, professional audio engineers,
studios and musicians across the world that understand and value the
engineering that goes into an ATC product – and the sound that comes out.
SECTION TWO
2 .1 Product Description
The ATC C4 Sub Mk2 is a high-performance 12”/300mm active subwoofer, designed
from the ground up to deliver the exceptional levels of performance required
to partner ATC’s active and passive loudspeaker range. Its performance and
features make it ideally suited to use within stereo, multi-channel surround
and immersive audio systems.
The sub features a sealed-box (infinite baffle) design, chosen for its balance
of sub-bass extension and driver control. The cabinet is heavy and inert to
minimise cabinet colouration.
The S S 7 5 – 314 S C driver employed has been meticulously optimised to
reproduce the lowest 3 octaves of the audio band within the design of the C4
Sub Mk2 subwoofer system. It employs a short-coil operating in an
exceptionally long magnetic gap to deliver high sound pressure levels with
very low levels of distortion.
The C4 Sub Mk2’s convection cooled amplifier is mounted in the rear of the
cabinet. Two balanced Inputs enable connection to mono or stereo sources. A
pair of buffered, un-filtered balanced Outputs provide connection to
partnering active monitor loudspeakers, amplifiers or to daisy chain multiple
subs. 21d B range of gain control, three low pass frequency settings, polarity
switch and a 18 0 degree continuously variable phase setting allow the user to
optimise the subwoofer for use with a very wide range of partnering
loudspeakers. The low pass filter can also be set to ‘Off’ (320Hz) should the
user wish to use the C4 Sub Mk2 with external processing. The amplifier
features fault monitoring of amp panel temperature and power amplifier DC
offset and either fault condition is indicated via illumination of a single
red LED mounted on the amp panel.
When in use, the subwoofer output can be muted using a single latching
footswitch connected via a ¼”/6.35mm jack. The mute function does not affect
the Outputs to the primary loudspeakers, only the output from the sub itself.
Additional subs can be muted using the same single footswitch via connection
to the mute ‘Thru’ jack. 
SECTION THREE
3.1 Room Interaction
The room in which a loudspeaker is placed can be thought of as a filter,
altering the acoustic response at the listening position from that of the
loudspeaker. The position of the loudspeaker in a room will influence how it
interacts with the space and therefore is often critical to achieving the
best performance at the listening position.
Positioning is particularly relevant to subwoofers because at low frequencies
the room will have a strong influence due to room modes/resonances.
Room modes manifest themselves in an uneven distribution of acoustic energy
within the room, which can lead to either too much or too little bass at the
listening position. A room with a well-controlled low frequency response
(reverb time) will have a far smaller influence on the performance of the
subwoofer and will be less sensitive to subwoofer positioning. Applying
acoustic treatment in a domestic setting is not always possible or desirable
but if considered it should be noted that typically, a combination of resonant
membrane traps and porous absorbers are needed to control the low frequency.
The resonant membrane traps are effective at treating the low bass, typically
below 80Hz and the porous absorbers frequencies above this. Porous absorbers
such as those made from foams, fibreglass or rockwool are not effective at
absorbing low bass energy without a very large air space between them and the
wall behind. For this reason, they are a poor choice of absorber for the
subwoofer bandwidth.
To minimise problems a free-standing subwoofer should be kept away from
corners where possible. Avoid placing the subwoofer mid-way between any two
parallel walls.
3.2 Subwoofer Placement
The C4 Sub Mk2 is supplied with 4 x steel spikes which can be fitted to the
threaded holes in the base of the subwoofer. The spikes are optional and can
be fitted to ensure the subwoofer is seated firmly when positioned on a soft
carpeted floor. Without the spikes fitted, the subwoofer will sit on the 4 x
fixed rubber feet, which is ideal for hardwood/concrete flooring.
Start with the subwoofer positioned next to one of the stereo monitors and at
the same distance from the listening position. When installing two subwoofers,
start with one by each of the stereo monitors. In most cases these guidelines
will give the best results, however all rooms vary, and it is a good idea to
experiment with both listening and speaker positions until a good compromise
is reached. When working on optimising the positioning, only change one
variable at a time.
Positioning the subwoofer in the centre of the room, equidistant from the two
side walls and between the left and right stereo pair must be avoided.
In the majority of cases, this position will result in large irregularities in
the frequency response.
Multiple subs will excite the room from multiple locations and will often give
a more even in-room response. Also, a pair of subs can be placed with the same
physical relationship to the pair of main speakers and the listener.
Please see section 5 for recommendations on how to set the amplifier filters
and level.
SECTION FOUR
4.1 Connection
Either two or three cable connections are required for each subwoofer: one
for mains power and one or two for the audio signal. The mains cable is
specifically supplied to comply with local statutory safety approvals and
alternatives should not be substituted. If you intend to use your subwoofer in
an alternative territory, please contact ATC for advice. The mains connection
must always be earthed.
The signal cable(s) and plug(s) should be of a good quality and XLR
terminated. Poor cable and plug quality will compromise the performance of
your subwoofer. The signal input pin configuration is illustrated in Diagram
- If two signal connections are made to the subwoofer (i.e. a stereo pair)
the left and right signals will be summed by the amplifier, increasing the
effective input level to the amplifier stage by 6dB.
4.2 Signal Cable Options
Balanced cable configuration is the preferred option, however unbalanced
connection is possible. Diagrams 2 and 3 illustrate the signal cable
connections required for each option. Balanced (XLR to XLR) connection offers
lower noise and better immunity to “hum” pick-up. Unbalanced (XLR to Phono or
Two Pole Jack) connection carries risk of hum caused by multiple signal
earths.
Hum problems resulting from unbalanced connection may be reduced by making one
of the following modifications to the signal cable connections:
If the driving preamplifier (or desk) is “double insulated” (i.e. has no mains
earth), disconnect the signal cable screen at the RCA Phono plug end.
Alternatively, disconnect the signal cable screen at the XLR end. This second
option will make the source the reference signal earth.
SECTION FIVE
The
subwoofer amplifier control and connection panel, shown in Diagram 4, provides
a range of functions to assist with system integration.
These are explained opposite.
5.1 Power on/off
Powers the subwoofer on or off. When the button is in the inward position, the
loudspeaker is powered on. When the button is in the outward position, the
subwoofer is powered off.
5.2 Level and Gain
Sets the overall sensitivity of the subwoofer. Initially, the Level control
should be set towards the centre of its range and only adjusted once the
Frequency has been set. If one Input is connected, start with the Gain switch
set at +6dB. If both Inputs are connected, start with the Gain switch set at
0dB.
An additional +10dB gain setting is included for situations where the
preceding equipment can only deliver a low output level. Please note that
increasing the gain does not increase the maximum acoustic output capability
of the system.
Please refer to Section 9 – Product Specifications for information on system
sensitivity.
5.3 Polarity and Phase
Sets the overall polarity of the subwoofer and offers an adjustment of the
input/output phase. When set to + and 0° the subwoofer will radiate a positive
acoustic pressure for a positive electrical signal at the Input. When set to –
and 0° the subwoofer will radiate in the opposite polarity to the Input. The
Phase control allows for fine adjustment of the phase relationship between
subwoofer and satellite speakers. This can be thought of as a delay, allowing
for time alignment with other system elements and is useful when physical
adjustment of loudspeaker/sub position is limited.
5.4 Frequency
Varies the low pass crossover Frequency as indicated on the control panel.
This is the fundamental parameter that defines the integration of the
subwoofer with the satellites. The Frequency control should be set at, or
slightly above the specified low frequency cut-off of the satellite speakers.
The “open” setting applies a low pass filter at 320Hz. Select this setting if
you will apply the sub low pass crossover filter via an external processor.
All filters are of the type 4th order Linkwitz Riley.
5.5 Outputs
Provides separately buffered and fully balanced Outputs with a signal
identical to that at the corresponding Input terminals. The Output is
unfiltered and unaltered in any way, and therefore it is possible to drive a
stereo amplifier or pair of active loudspeakers from these terminals.
Likewise, it is also possible to drive a second C4 Sub Mk2 from these Outputs.
This function allows for an unlimited number of C4 Sub Mk2s to be daisy
chained together, one driving the next.
5.6 Footswitch – Input and Thru
Facilitates remote muting of the subwoofer with the addition of a standard
latching footswitch (not supplied, see specification). If the system includes
more than one C4 Sub Mk2, a second subwoofer can be controlled from the Thru
Output socket. This allows for all subwoofers in a system to be controlled
simultaneously from one footswitch. The signal at the Output sockets is not
affected.
5.7 Fault
Indicates a temporary or permanent amplifier fault. The Fault LED will
illuminate if there is a DC fault on the amplifier or if the thermal limit of
the heatsink is reached. In the rare case that the Fault LED illuminates, the
subwoofer should be switched off. Ensure the subwoofer heatsink has adequate
ventilation and after 45 minutes switch it back on. If the Fault LED remains
illuminated the amplifier is registering a fault which should be investigated
by an approved technician. Please contact your ATC dealer or distributor,
details can be found at www.atc.audio. If the Fault
LED is no longer illuminated, the amplifier had shut down safely due to
reaching high temperatures. Please reduce the system listening level,
subwoofer Level or improve amplifier ventilation and continue to use the
subwoofer.
SECTION SIX
6 .1 Typical System Configurations and Recommendations
It is likely that a subwoofer will be used in one of two different scenarios:
either as Bass Reinforcement/Extension in a Stereo System or as a discrete
channel in a Multichannel Surround/Immersive Audio system.
6.2 Bass Reinforcement/Bass Extension of a Stereo System
Typically, a full-range stereo signal is driven into both Left and Right
subwoofer Inputs. The subwoofer Outputs connect to and drive the main
loudspeakers. Alternatively, the C4 Sub Mk2 and main loudspeakers can be
driven independently from a suitable preamplifier/AV receiver. Example
systems are shown in Diagrams 5, 6 and 7. All subwoofers can be controlled
using the method described in section 5. All panel settings should be set
independently for each subwoofer.
All ATC loudspeakers deliver significant low frequency output, more so with
the larger monitors in the range, therefore there will always be some degree
of acoustic overlap between the subwoofer and stereo loudspeaker in this
configuration. Applying an external high pass filter to the main loudspeakers
will introduce phase shift in the main loudspeakers and should be avoided
where possible. Good results can be achieved through experimentation with the
subwoofer Level, Frequency and Phase adjustment.
A selection of common wiring configurations are shown but other configurations
exist, please contact your reseller or ATC for advice.
Diagram 5 – Typical Configuration – Stereo playback (Mono Sub).
A preamplifier or AV receiver Output is connected to the L and R Inputs of the
subwoofer. The subwoofer L and R Outputs are connected to the Input of the L
and R main stereo amplifier or active loudspeakers. In this configuration the
Gain switch is normally set to 0dB.
Diagram 6 – Typical
Configuration – Stereo playback (Stereo Subs). A preamplifier or AV receiver
Output is connected to a single Input on each subwoofer. The corresponding
Output of each subwoofer is connected to the Input of the main power
amplifier/active loudspeaker on that channel.
In this configuration, the Gain switch is normally set to 0dB. Note that it is
also possible to connect the preamplifier/AV receiver Output to both Left and
Right channel Inputs on the subwoofer using a Y-Splitter cable. If connected
in this way the “spare” Output can be used to connect further subwoofers.
Diagram 7 and 8 – 2.1
Configuration – The subwoofer is driven by a preamplifier/AV receiver with a
second pre-amplifier Output or dedicated subwoofer Output. Additional
subwoofers may be daisy chained using the subwoofer Outputs, or connected in a
stereo configuration as shown.
DIAGRAM 9
BASS REINFORCEMENT / EXTENSION OF STEREO SYSTEM| C4 Sub Mk2 – recommended
initial settings
---|---
FREQUENCY| LEVEL ADJUST FOR BESTBALANCE| GAIN SWITCH
(SINGLE SUB / DUAL SUBS)| PHASE ADJUST TOFINE TUNE| POLARITY
Loudspeaker model (pair)| SCM40| 50Hz| -6dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| +
SCM40A| 50Hz| -6dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| –
SCM20PSL| 65Hz| -6dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| +
SCM20ASL| 65Hz| -6dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| +
SCM50PSL| 50Hz| -6dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| +
SCM50ASL| 50Hz| -6dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| –
SCM100PSL| 50Hz| -3dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| +
SCM100ASL| 50Hz| -3dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| –
SCM150PSL| 50Hz| 0dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| +
SCM150ASL| 50Hz| 0dB| 6dB/0dB| 0°| –
- In case of a passive system the required subwoofer gain setting will depend on the gain of the amplifier used. Example shown is based on the ATC P1.
The recommended initial settings are shown opposite in Diagram 9.
The recommended number of subwoofers required in each system is shown in
Diagram 10.
| DIAGRAM 10 | Stereo loudspeakers |
|---|---|
| SCM40 | SCM20SL PRO |
| Subs | C4 SUB Mk2 |
6.3 Multichannel Surround/Immersive Audio
A single subwoofer is driven from the 0.1/LFE channel Output of a multichannel
processor/monitor controller. For increased dynamic range and headroom,
multiple subwoofers can be connected in series as described in Section 5.5 and
5.6. All panel settings must be set independently for each subwoofer.
The choice of loudspeaker model and the number of subwoofers required in any
system is dependent on room size, mix format and target calibration level at
the listening position. Diagram 11 can be used as a guide to determine
suitable partnering system elements from the ATC HiFi product range.
| DIAGRAM 11 | Left/centre/right loudspeakers |
|---|---|
| SCM20SL | SCM40 |
Surround
loudspeakers/subs| SCM20SL| | | | |
SCM40| | | | |
SCM50SL| | | | |
SCM100SL| | | | |
SCM150SL| | | | |
C4 SUB Mk2| 1| 1-2| 2| 2-4| 4
= Recommended. = Acceptable. For detailed recommendations, please contact your dealer/distributor or ATC.
DIAGRAM 12| C4 Sub Mk2 – recommended initial settings when used in a
multichannel system
---|---
FREQUENCY| LEVEL ADJUST FOR BEST BALANCE| GAIN| PHASE
ADJUST TO FINE TUNE INTEGRATION| POLARITY
80Hz| -6dB| 0dB| 0°| +
Recommended initial settings for the C4 Sub Mk2 when used in a multichannel
system are shown in Diagram 12.
Diagram 13 – Typical Multichannel System wiring. Depending on the AV receiver
Output level and number of subwoofers, the Gain switches may need to be set to
6dB. Further subwoofers can be added to the system by connecting them in a
daisy chain using the subwoofer Output sockets.
The system shown is an example and other configurations are available.
SECTION SEVEN
7.1 Listening
The ear and brain tend to interpret distorted sound as loudness and thus
underestimate the actual level of undistorted sound. ATC subwoofers, like all
ATC products, demonstrate very much lower levels of distortion than
conventional systems of a similar size and it is therefore advisable to begin
listening at an artificially low level and carefully increase the volume. It
is also possible for the ATC systems to produce sufficient sound pressure
levels for your ears themselves to become a source of distortion and make the
sound appear harsh. Any audible distortion indicates that either the system or
your ears are being overloaded and that the volume level should be reduced.
When a subwoofer is successfully integrated into a system it should become
impossible to discern from the main loudspeakers. If the subwoofer is audible
as a separate element, then it is likely the level is too high, the filter
settings require adjustment, or the positioning can be improved. Please refer
to Section 5 of this manual.
SECTION EIGHT
8 .1 Care and Maintenance
High technology material finishes are used in this product. The surfaces
are durable and with a little care can be kept as good as new even under
conditions of heavy use. Normally, a dry duster will be all that is required
to keep the finishes clean.
Heavy soiling of the cabinet or baffle can be cleaned using a cloth slightly
moistened with a non-abrasive household cleaner. Dust can carefully be removed
from the drive unit with the use of a dry, lint free cloth.
There are no components within the speakers that can be considered expendable,
or that would benefit from regular maintenance. There is no requirement for
any kind of routine service work and there is no schedule for preventative
maintenance. There are no user-replaceable parts within the speaker, and in
the unfortunate event of any malfunction, repair should be referred to either
the supplying dealer or consultant, the relevant importer, or ATC. ATC has
every confidence in the quality of each product that it manufactures.
SECTION NINE
9.1 Acoustic specification
Low Frequency Cut-off: 22Hz (-6dB, half space, low pass filter set at 80Hz).
Low Pass Filters: 50Hz, 65Hz, 80Hz, 320Hz. (-6dB, 4th order Linkwitz Riley).
Max SPL: 11 0 dB continuous, 11 6 dB peak (IEC Weighted Pink Noise, measured
at 1m, half space, low pass filter set at 80Hz).
Sensitivity: +4dBu ref. 88dBC (single channel driven, measured at 1m, Gain
+6dB, Level 0dB, pink noise, low pass filter set at 80Hz).
9.2 Electronic specification
Amplifier type: Grounded Source MOSFET based Class A-B, convection cooled.
Output Power: 300W in to 8Ω.
THD+N: <0.003%/-90dB, at 10 0 H z, 300W into 8Ω over 90kHz bandwidth.
Input CMRR: 90dB at 200Hz.
Input Impedance: Approx. 20kΩ (differential).
Line Output Impedance: Approx. 100Ω (differential).
Frequency Response: <2Hz (-3dB) – 320Hz (-6dB, set by panel-controlled LP
filter).
Low Pass Filters: 4th Order Linkwitz Riley.
Gain Control: 0, +6dB, +10 dB.
Level Control: 0dB -11 dB in 1dB steps. Total range 21dB with use of Gain
switch.
Phase Control: 0-180° ref. Input.
Polarity Control: In-phase/Out-of-phase ref. Input.
Limiter: ATC Active FET Momentary Gain Reduction.
Sensitivity: 1.55Vrms for full power (single channel driven, Gain 0dB, Level
0dB).
Power Consumption: Idle 8W / 14 VA , 1/8th Power 17 0 W / 230VA, Full Power
500W / 600VA.
Mains Input: 220-230V, 115V – Factory set. Please observe panel markings and
labels.
Additional: Mute via ¼”/ 6.35mm Jack socket, controlled via latching
footswitch.
9.3 Physical specification
SECTION TEN
10.1 Warranty
All ATC products are guaranteed against any defect in materials or workmanship
for a period of two years from the date of purchase. Within this period, we
will supply replacement parts free of charge provided that the failure was not
caused by misuse, accident or negligence. Purchasers who complete the Product
Registration process, either by returning a completed Warranty Card to ATC or
by registering the product at www.atc.audio, will have
their warranty period extended up to a period of six years from the date of
purchase.
This guarantee does not limit statutory rights.
10.2 Contact
Loudspeaker Technology Ltd
Gypsy Lane, Aston Down
Stroud, Gloucestershire
GL6 8HR
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0)1285 760561
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.atc.audio
Acoustic Transducer Company is the trading name and is the registered trade
mark of Loudspeaker Technology Ltd.
Loudspeaker Technology Ltd
Gypsy Lane
Aston Down
Stroud
Gloucestershire
GL6 8HR
United Kingdom| Telephone +44 (0)1285 760561
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.atc.audio
Acoustic Transducer Company is the trading name.
is the registered trade mark of Loudspeaker Technology Ltd.
---|---