Home Theatre Settings
Set the VOLUME control initially to the 9 o’clock
position.
Set the LOW-PASS FILTER switch to OFF.
Set the BASS EXTENSION switch initially to position A.
Set the PHASE switch initially to 0°.
Setting the LOW-PASS FREQ setting is irrelevant as
the filter is switched OUT.
Set the EQUALISATION switch to MOVIE.
See the “Fine Tuning” section for more.
The subwoofer and subwoofer amplifier are not a
THX
®
licensed component, but may be used with a
THX
®
controller if desired. If a THX
®
controller is used,
ensure that the subwoofer function is enabled. This
incorporates all the filtering and level setting required
for the subwoofer in all modes. For level calibration,
the internal test noise and channel level controls in the
THX
®
controller should be used. In all cases the levels
should be set to obtain 75dB SPL (C-weighted) at the
listening position from the controller’s internal noise
test signal.
With other processors, configure the front and
surround speakers to “large” or “small” as appropriate
before setting the levels. Use the internal noise test
signal and volume controls of the processor to set the
levels of all the speakers. Only change the VOLUME
control on the subwoofer amplifier if there is not
enough range in the processor to achieve the correct
levels. Inexpensive sound level meters are readily
available from electronics stores and can be used to
calibrate the levels. Refer to your processor manual for
further details on how to set the levels.
2-channel Audio Settings
Set the VOLUME control initially to the 9 o’clock position.
Set the LOW-PASS FILTER switch to ON.
Set the BASS EXTENSION switch initially to position A.
Set the PHASE switch initially to 180°.
Set the EQUALISATION switch to MUSIC.
Set the LOW-PASS FREQ control to match the -6dB
low frequency cut-off frequency of the satellite
speakers. Note: Both -3dB and -6dB figures can be
found in the specification of each B&W speaker
model. If the satellite speaker manufacturer quotes
only a – 3dB frequency, the optimum setting for the
LOW-PASS FREQ control should be between 0.6 and
0.9 times that figure. The more gradual the low
frequency roll-off of the satellite speakers, the lower
the frequency should be set.
See the Fine Tuning section for more.
Fine Tuning
Before fine tuning, make sure that all the connections
in the installation are correct and secure.
Home Theatre
In home theatre systems, the subwoofer (LFE) signal is
a separate channel rather than an extension of the
signal to the satellite speakers. The LOW-PASS
FILTER is switched off (or set to maximum), because
the processor provides all the filtering for any speakers
set to “small”. However, the position of the PHASE
switch must still be assessed. Normally the phase will
be set to 0°, but if the subwoofer is positioned at a
distance significantly different from the other speakers,
or the power amplifier driving the other speakers
happens to invert the signal, the 180° position may be
preferable. Listen with the switch in both positions and
choose the one that gives the fullest sound. If there is
little difference, leave the switch at 0°.
Surround sound processors normally have a calibrated
noise signal that can be used to set the relative levels
of all the speakers, making the task somewhat more
straightforward than for 2 channel audio. However, do
not be afraid to alter the settings to your personal
preference. It is all too easy to get carried away with
the capabilities of the subwoofer, especially with some
special low-frequency effects. Often a more realistic
portrayal, and one more satisfying in the long term, is
to be had by setting the subwoofer level lower than
the standard calibration level.
2-channel Audio
Set the system up in the preferred position and play
some programme with a steady bass content.
The optimum settings of the PHASE switch and the
LOW-PASS FREQ control are inter-related and also
dependent on the low-frequency cut-off characteristic
of the satellite speakers. However, the settings
recommended above for the LOW PASS FREQ control
and PHASE switch have been chosen to integrate well
with most satellite speaker bass alignments.
Using the initial settings, first check the setting of the
PHASE switch. Choose the option that gives the fullest
sound. Normally the recommended option will be
optimum, but may not be in certain circumstances.
These may be that the power amplifiers feeding the
satellite speakers invert the signal or that the
subwoofer is not placed close to the satellite speakers.
Next, adjust the VOLUME of the subwoofer amplifier
relative to the satellite systems to your liking. Use a
wide variety of programme material to get an average
setting. A setting that sounds impressive on one piece
may sound overpowering on another. Listen at a
realistic volume level as the perception of musical
balance varies with sound level.
Finally, adjust the LOW-PASS FREQ control to give the
smoothest transition between the subwoofer and
satellite speakers.
All Applications
The BASS EXTENSION switch offers three options of
subwoofer bass extension. Position A gives the
greatest extension and position C gives the least
extension. Position B provides a compromise setting.
If the system is to be used at very high volume levels
or in a large listening room, restricting the bass
extension by selecting either B or C may help ensure
that the subwoofer is not asked to exceed its
performance limits. In most situations the BASS
EXTENSION switch should be left in position A.
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