ADAM AUDIO SUB2100 Active Subwoofer Instruction Manual

: July 26, 2024
: ADAM AUDIO

ADAM AUDIO SUB2100 Active Subwoofer

Specifications

Model: Sub2100
Driver: 21″ with 6″ voice coil
Amplification: 1000 watts (RMS)
Designed for: Large control rooms and studios

Product Information

The ADAM Audio Sub2100 subwoofer is a powerful tool designed for large control rooms and studios that require accurate bass monitoring. With its 21″ driver, 6″ voice coil, and 1000 watts of amplification, the Sub2100 delivers high- quality sound reproduction and craftsmanship.

Safety Instructions

Before setting up your system, please read and follow these safety instructions:

Do not open the subwoofer to avoid the risk of electrical shock.
Do not expose the equipment to rain or moisture.
Always use an earth-ground three-conductor AC mains power cord.
Avoid placing the unit on unstable surfaces to prevent injury or damage.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
Switch off the system before connecting or disconnecting cables.

Setting Up

Choose a stable location for the Sub2100 in your control room or studio.
Connect the subwoofer to a power source using the supplied earth ground three-conductor AC mains power cord.
Ensure the specified voltage matches your power supply before connecting.
Switch off the entire system before connecting any cables to the subwoofer.

Usage Instructions

The Sub2100 is designed for accurate bass monitoring in large spaces.
Adjust the settings on the subwoofer to achieve the desired bass levels and sound quality.
Use caution when moving the subwoofer to prevent damage or injury.

Safety Instructions

Please read the following safety instructions before setting up your system. Keep the instructions for subsequent reference. Please take notice of the warnings and follow the instructions.

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.
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.
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.
Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched.
Always switch off your entire system before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any components.
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.
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.
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.
Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched.
Always switch off your entire system before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any components.

Introduction

Dear customer,
Thank you for choosing the ADAM Audio Sub2100 subwoofer.
ADAM subwoofers are built for maximum quality reproduction and audio perfection. With the Sub2100 you have selected a precise tool that allows you to both evaluate and enjoy audio recordings. It meets the highest expectations in sound quality and craftsmanship.

The Sub2100 is a very powerful subwoofer designed for large control rooms and studios in which powerful yet accurate bass monitoring is required. The combination of its 21” driver with a 6” voice coil and an exuberant 1000 watts (RMS) of ampliﬁcation makes the Sub2100 one of the most powerful subwoofers available.
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 a ﬁrm ground.
We recommend retaining 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

a) Before connecting the Sub2100 to your audio components and the power source make sure that the subwoofer, the satellite speakers, and your audio source are switched off and set the level controls to a minimum.
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) Turn on your audio system and start your source of music.
e) Switch on the main on/off switch on the rear panel of the subwoofer and the main switches of the satellite speakers where required.
f) Turn up the volume levels of your audio system and your satellite speakers carefully.
g) Adjust the Sub-level on the rear panel of the subwoofer to your liking.

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 Sub15s in a row as you like. The Sub Level affects the output so that all Subs in the chain can be leveled at once.

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 de- scriptions 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.

Subwoofer Placement

Distance to satellites

In most setups I,t is advisable to place the subwoofer not too far from the satellites to minimize the chance of Interference. 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 avoided- ed if possible.

Walls/Distance to walls

Generally, every wall at a 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 best 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.

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.

Controls

LEDs on the front panel

There are two LEDs on the front. The upper LED indicates the operating 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

**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 setups. Recommendation: 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**

**** In the 0dB position, the signal will be passed on 1:1 to the internal amplifier. The Input Sensitivity of the subwoofer can be adjusted from -60dB to +6dB and thus allows for a wide volume leveling range.

Sub Filter

**** 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 practice, a slightly lower crossover frequency delivers a tighter bass response. For typical near- midfield monitors, we recommend 70 to 75Hz as the upper limit.

Please note: These settings do not have an absolute 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, Germany declare under our sole responsibility that the product:
Sub2100
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.

Warranty

ADAM Audio GmbH provides a two-year limited warranty for this product.

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 numbers 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.

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.

Technical Data

1 = long term IEC 265-8-Wrms / 10 min
2 = nominal IEC 265-8 = Peak Power 5 µsec

Subwoofer	1
Basket ø	543 mm / 21.5“
Voice coil ø	150 mm / 6“
Woofer material	paper
Built-in amplifier	1
Subwoofer channels 1/2	200 W / 300 W
Frequency response	18 Hz – 150 Hz
THD >60 Hz	≤ 1%
Max. peak	≥ 128 dB
Crossover frequency	50 Hz – 150 Hz
Inputs	XLR / RCA
Input impedance	10 kΩ
Weight	85 kg / 187.4 lb.
Height x Width x Depth	850 x 600 x 705 mm / 33.5“ x 23.5“ x 28“
Warranty	2 years
Operating temperature	0° C to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)
Storage temperature	-30° C to 70° C (-22° F to 167° F)
Humidity	Max. 90 % non condensing

FAQ

Q: Can I use the Sub2100 in a small studio?

A: The Sub2100 is designed for large control rooms and studios where powerful bass monitoring is required. It may be too powerful for a small studio setup.

Q: How do I adjust the settings on the Sub2100?

A: The Sub2100 features controls for volume, phase, and crossover frequency. Refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on adjusting these settings.