12 REL R-Series Owner’s Manual
REL Set-Up Made Simple
REL products are not traditional subwoofers, but true Sub-Bass Systems. A REL is
designed to augment the performance of “full range” speaker systems, in order to
provide, in certain cases, linear response down to below 12 Hz (Studio III, –6 dB
down at 9 Hz). Therefore, for the moment, set aside everything you’ve been taught
about subwoofers and how they are integrated into a stereo or home cinema system.
REL Sub-Bass Systems set-up and positioning differs from conventional subwoofers.
A REL will take advantage of physics and room acoustics to provide deep pressurization
as no traditional subwoofer can. It’s important that you bring to the set-up process a
willingness to do things a little differently in order to obtain these superior results. The
end result of your labours will be an utterly seamless integration of true deep bass to
a sound system, regardless of the main speakers’ low bass capability.
Basic set-up should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish
once connected.
Two Things Before You Begin
A It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL to the input
on the rear panel labelled “HIGH LEVEL INPUT.” This connection is made using
the supplied 34’ 10” (10 meters) cable, the bare leads of which connect to
the speaker output terminals of the power amplifier. The easy and foolproof
connection at the REL is done with a Neutrik Speakon connector. The purpose
of connecting to the speaker output terminals is one of the unique secrets of
REL’s success. By connecting to the high level input on the REL from the
amplifier, you build forward the sonic signature of your main system, including
the tonal balance and timing cues of the entire electronics chain. In this way,
the REL is fed the exact signal that is fed to the main speakers.
B When possible, the REL should be placed in one of the corners behind the
speakers. Remember, we are dealing with true LOW bass pressurization
with RELs. Low bass pressurization below 40Hz is best derived from corner
placement, where the most linear and efficient low bass can be produced.
