ELAC SUB3010-BK Watt Powered Subwoofer User Manual

ELAC SUB3010-BK Watt Powered Subwoofer

Specifications

• SPEAKER TYPE : Powered Subwoofer with Passive Radiator
• WOOFER: 10” high excursion doped paper cone
• PASSIVE RADIATOR: 10” high excursion doped paper cone
• FREQUENCY RESPONSE: 28Hz to 150Hz
• CROSSOVER FREQUENCY: 50Hz to 150Hz
• AMPLIFIER TYPE: BASH
• MAXIMUM AMPLIFIER POWER: 400 Watts (200 Watts Continuous)
• APP CONTROLLED: Yes (iOS and Android)
• DSP: Yes
• STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION: 1 Watt
• INPUTS: 2 x RCA (L,R/LFE)
• DATA CONNECTION: USB (Firmware Update)
• CABINET FINISH: Black Ash
• ACCESSORIES INCLUDED: AC Power Cord, Floor Spikes
• HEIGHT: 33”
• WIDTH: 5”
• DEPTH: 5”
• NET WEIGHT: 1 lbs.

Introduction

A horizontal center brace reinforces and stiffens the cabinet, reducing unwelcome vibrations that might tarnish the quality of music or video. Precision reproduction of low frequencies is achieved without distortion or overhang. BASH tracking amplifiers are used with most ELAC subwoofers. BASH amplifiers, in contrast to conventional amplifiers, track the input signal and adjust the supply voltage to a normal Class AB amplifier. This not only increases the amplifier’s efficiency but also gives dynamic music and movies the on-demand power they require.

Safety Instructions

1. General information

   • Please read and follow these safety instructions.
   • Keep them safe for future reference.
   • Observe all warnings on the speaker and in the manual. Please check the speaker for damage before use. The speaker must be in perfect working condition. Damaged parts may lead to personal injury CAUTION! Subwoofers and active speakers are heavy. Be careful when lifting them to prevent personal injury.

2. Use only as directed

   • Connect this speaker according to the instructions in the manual.
   • Many ELAC speakers are equipped with spikes and / or anti-slip feet. They are explicitly provided for leveling the alignment. They have to be screwed into the thread until thread end. For leveling on an uneven floor, it is allowed to unscrew the spikes or anti-slip feet by 2-3 turns of thread. The speaker has always to be in perfect vertical alignment. The stability of the speaker must not be compromised by using spikes or anti-slip feet as the speaker may tip-over.

3. Location

   • Install the speakers on a level surface only

   • When choosing the location of these speakers do not place them in locations that are:

   • In direct sunlight

   • Very humid

   • Prone to vibrations

   • Exceptionally hot or cold

   • Near CRT Televisions (The speakers are not magnetically shielded and may cause color issues with a CRT based TV)

   • Close to magnetic cards (Since the speakers are not magnetically shielded placing magnetic cards such as credit cards or commuter cards may cause them to fail).
     WARNING! Please ensure the product is perfectly stable to avoid severe injury from tip-over. Please note, that stability can be increased by using spikes for carpets. However, the mounting of spikes must be carried out carefully because the spikes have very sharp ends which may cause injuries. The  stability on slippery floors can be increased by using Velcro fastening tape or double-sided adhesive tape. Do not install the speaker near any heat sources such as radiators, heating valves, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat, or in areas where there is a risk of explosion.

   • Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

   • Don’t install the speaker in a closed rack or in a closed cupboard.

   • Don’t put burning candles on or near the speaker.

   • Do not install the speaker near transformers because electromagnetic stray fields can cause the subwoofer(s) to produce humming noise.

   • In combination with certain materials / lacquers / material surfaces, anti-slip feet or spike washers may cause colored imprints on the surfaces.

4. Overload Extreme overload of the device due to very high volume may cause individual components to blow. Because of the possible danger, you should never leave loudspeakers under extreme overload conditions unattended.

5. Service
   DANGER! Do not open the cabinet because the components and conductors may carry dangerous levels of electricity! Servicing to be carried out by qualified service personnel only. Servicing is required when the loudspeaker has been damaged in any way, such as damage to the power supply cord or the plug, or when liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the loudspeaker, the speaker has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the loudspeaker. Servicing to be carried out by qualified service personnel only.

6. Fuse links Various faults in subwoofers or active speakers may cause the fuse to blow. If the fuse blows, only replace it with the correct fuse type and rating as shown on the rear of the loudspeaker on the fuse holder. A second fuse is included with the device (in the fuse holder beneath the mains socket).

7. Cleaning
   NOTE: Clean only with soft, smooth cloth or with dust brush. Do not use scouring agents, alcohol, benzene, furniture polish or other agents for cleaning! Modern furniture is often coated with multiple varnishes and plastics which can be treated with chemical agents. Some of these agents contain substances which degrade or soften the rubber feet.  Therefore we advise you to place an anti-slip mat underneath the loudspeaker.

8. Volume
   CAUTION! Continuous high volume may cause severe damage to your hearing. Please listen responsibly.

9. Disposal The packaging is made from recyclable materials. Dispose of this in an environmentally friendly manner. At end of product life do not dispose of the speaker(s) with standard household waste. The speaker must be recycled in accordance with local legislation. Ask your local government for further information on recycling as the device contains valuable raw materials. Disable the speaker before disposal.

10. Power This subwoofer is only intended to be connected to voltages that are listed on the rear panel of the cabinet. Connection to any other voltage may cause irreversible damage to the subwoofer and will void the warranty. Use of plug adapters is not recommended because they may allow connection to voltages other than those printed on the back of this subwoofer.

Philosophy

Thank you for purchasing this ELAC product.

When we started in 1926, ELAC has always strived to achieve the very best. This holds true as much today as it did back then.

Your new ELAC speakers are built to the highest standards using high-quality components that are carefully constructed to deliver the best-in-class sound quality. They are developed by a passionate group of individuals whose soul purpose is to bring a new dimension of sound quality into your home. Enjoy!

Before Use

Avoid damage to the speakers and other components:

• Unbox the subwoofer carefully to avoid physical damage
• Keep your equipment turned off before connecting interconnects or speaker cables
• Check to ensure power cable is pushed in and secured to avoid electrical shock and injury.

BASH Technology

The BASH® technology implemented in the amplifier module of the ELAC subwoofer features power reserves with much lower levels of distortion. This is achieved by using an audiophile class A/B power amplifier whose supply voltage is regulated by a class D amplifier circuit to prevent any unnecessary power losses and to obtain the efficiency of a class D amplifier.

Since the audio signal is amplified in the analog domain, the high-frequency interference typical of digital amplifiers is eliminated. This design results in a low-noise amplifier with lower electromagnetic interference emissions. The absence of crossover distortion, which is a problem in traditional class D designs where the switching speed of the transistors is limited, yields further improvement in total harmonic distortion.

Controls and Indicators

1. RCA Line In — The line level connection is used to connect the subwoofer to your pre-amp/AV receiver.
2. Service — This connection is used for updating the subwoofer and not used for normal operation.
3. AC Inlet — This inlet is a standard IEC power jack. Use the supplied power cord to connect the subwoofer to an available AC outlet.

Installing the subwoofer spikes

The SUB3010 comes with a spike set that can be installed prior to use. Please follow the below steps when unpacking and setting up the subwoofer. Due to the weight of the subwoofer we highly suggest having a second person assist with this process.

1. Carefully unbox and remove the subwoofer from the box. Due to the weight of the subwoofer we suggest using a second person. Place the subwoofer upside down on a soft non-abrasive surface.
2. Attach the spikes by screwing them into the threaded inserts on each of the four corners on the subwoofer.
3. If you are installing the subwoofer on carpet, carefully turn the subwoofer over and adjust for the spikes to level the subwoofer.
4. If you are installing the subwoofer onto hardwood, tile or other non-carpet surfaces please use spike discs or do not install the spike to prevent any damage to your floor.

Connecting your Subwoofer

• If you are connecting the subwoofer to an AV receiver or pre-Amp with a dedicated subwoofer or LFE output, connect a RCA cable (not supplied) from the LFE/Subwoofer output on the AV Receiver/Pre-Amp to the Right RCA input on the subwoofer (Fig 1).
• If you are connecting the subwoofer to a pre-amp or receiver without a dedicated LFE/Subwoofer output, connect a set of stereo RCA connectors from pre-outs on the pre-amp to the left and right RCA inputs on the subwoofer. If you are using a pre-amp with only one set of pre-outs, use a splitter for each output on the pre-amp and connect two sets of stereo RCA cables to both the amplifier and to the subwoofer (Fig 2).

Subwoofer Placement

Finding the proper placement for your subwoofer can take some trial and error, however here are a few basic tips to get you started.  In most cases the best position for the subwoofer is in the front corner (1) of the room. Placing a subwoofer in a corner excites most room modes and offers the best chance of avoiding a null area (a part of the room that experiences an acoustic reduction in bass).

If placing the subwoofer in the corners creates an abnormal amount of bass, you can try moving the subwoofer to one of the side walls (2) near the front of the room.

If possible the best option is to move the subwoofer around the room and find the location that sounds the best from your normal listening position. There are many test discs you can purchase that provide the correct test signals for helping find this optimum location.

Note: The PHASE and DELAY functions built into the subwoofer will also help if you experience any placement issues.

Controlling Your Subwoofer—App Required

Your ELAC subwoofer incorporates an advanced, digital control system. Conventional analog rotary potentiometers and switches have been replaced by a digital signal processor (DSP), which enables you to adjust your subwoofer conveniently and accurately from the listening position. All parameters, such as volume, cut-off frequency, phase, etc., as well as the automatic calibration functions, can be adjusted with the help of our free smart phone APP.

The digital control system also eliminates the possibility of unwanted changes to controls and settings.

Note: A Bluetooth 4.0 low-energy Android or iOS device is required to set up and operate this subwoofer. You can download the “ELAC SUB Control 2.0” APP from the Apple® App Store® or Google® Play Store®.

Please note that your mobile device must support Bluetooth® Standard 4.0. This is the case for the majority of devices sold as of mid-2013. If necessary, check the accompanying documentation for your mobile device or contact the manufacturer’s support hotline.

Note: In case your mobile device needs a 4 digit code during the subwoofer- pairing procedure, please use “0000”

ELAC Americas Inc.

North America Limited Liability Warranty

Passive Speakers (No Built-in Amplifier)

ELAC Americas Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that this product be free from defects and or workmanship for a period of 3 (Three) years from the original date of purchase. During this time period, repair or replacement of parts will be free of charge to the original owner (See below limitations). Shipping to and return from the repair center will be the responsibility of the original purchaser.

Limitations

• Warranty begins on the date of original purchase from an authorized ELAC Americas Inc. dealer.
• Product is warranted only if used in home applications within the max power rating specified in this manual. Commercial use of this product is not warranted.
• Product that has been modified or altered in anyway will not be warranted.
• Product that has been abused or subjected to faulty equipment will not be warranted.
• Products with defaced or removed serial numbers will not be warranted.

If service is required

In the event that service is required, please contact ELAC America at 888-541-0996 or at customerservice@elac.us to arrange for service or replacement. You will be responsible to provide proof of purchase (Copy or original sales receipt). Shipping to and from our repair center will be the responsibility of the original purchaser.

Warranty Outside of North America

This warranty applies to products purchased in the United States and Canada. For warranty claims outside of North America please contact the local dealer/distributor in the country of purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a speaker grill included?****

Yes, a metal grille is included.

If the spikes weren’t installed, would it be too low to the ground?****

The passive radiator does require a small amount of space off the ground.

How do you put the subwoofer on Auto or standby mode?****

You can control everything from the app on your smartphone.

Where are the volume and crossover knobs?****

Search “ELAC sub control” in the App Store on your smartphone and download it. You will find the knobs there.

Is a higher watt sub better?****

In general, a more powerful subwoofer is preferable over a less powerful subwoofer since it will play louder and handle lower frequencies with more accuracy thanks to better drive unit management.

What size subwoofer is best for music?****

Jazz or classical music, which tends to be more acoustic, sound great on an 8′′ sub. You will respond quickly and precisely to the frequencies contained in this sort of music thanks to the smaller, more agile cone.

What size subwoofer hits the hardest?****

The 12-inch subwoofers are more powerful, play louder, have more boom, and many people merely prefer the way they sound.

Is it better to underpower or overpower a sub?****

The best option is always to choose an amp with plenty of headroom if by overpower/underpower you mean connecting it to an amp capable of supplying more power than the subwoofer needs in comparison to connecting to an amp capable of providing less power than the subwoofer needs. Better is more power.

Is it okay to Underpower a sub?****

Any speaker, including a subwoofer, can be damaged more easily by under powering it than by overloading it. This is because underpowered speakers are more prone to distort than overpowering speakers, and distortion is what causes speakers to fail.

Should Subs be louder than bass?****

If you want to have enough headroom for the rest of the song, sub bass should peak at -12 dB. Keep the sub bass 2 to 5 dB below the kick drum as a general rule of thumb if mixing with headroom isn’t working for you.

How loud is too loud for a subwoofer?****

With subwoofer, 120 dB is LOUD. The following day, 130db in the 30–40 Hz range can harm your ears. The midrange is very uncomfortable at 120dB. 90 to 95 dB is acceptable, but I prefer my transients to reach 110 dB or higher.

Can a subwoofer be too big?****

In a medium or big room (2500 sq. ft. or more), a small, underpowered, and poorly performing subwoofer would sound dreadful. If you turn it up, it will overextend and chuff. Without a doubt, it won’t have an effect on the space. However, if a subwoofer is too big for the space, you can turn it down.

What hits harder sealed or ported?****

Because they are more efficient, ported enclosures are generally utilized to increase output from an amplifier of the same power. They can play louder overall since they will have a higher overall output than a sealed enclosure.

Are heavier subwoofers better?****

The two aspects of a subwoofer’s performance that are typically regarded as being most crucial are low frequency extension and sound pressure level (SPL). A big subwoofer driver has the capacity to generate a higher SPL and deeper bass than a smaller subwoofer driver, according to the principles of physics.

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