Acoustic Energy Loudspeaker AE Pro Sub User Manual

							OWNER’S MANUAL
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SUB  
						

							4. Connecting
Welcome to the ProSub. Please take a little time to read this manual and to follow, as far 
as practical, the guidelines it contains. We would also draw your attention to the Important 
Safety Instructions on this page.
Careful installation will help ensure that your ProSub performs optimally. Should you have 
any questions not covered in this manual we are happy to try and answer them either by 
telephone or email. Contact information can be found on the back page,
The ProSub is a relatively delicate precision engineered product that can be damaged by 
inappropriate handling. It is also large and heavy. Please take great care therefore when 
unpacking or moving it. Plan any handling in advance of carrying it out - ideally with a second 
person to help. Please take care when unpacking or moving the ProSub not to touch any 
of the drivers. Damage to a driver will at best degrade performance and at worst result in 
complete failure.
The enclosure surfaces should also be handled sympathetically. Any cleaning should only 
require a lint-free cloth or a soft brush. Be wary of using any polishes or solvent based 
cleaning agents.
The ProSub is intended to be used in either a stereo 
monitoring systems to extend low frequency bandwidth, or to 
reproduce the LFE channel in a in a 5.1 channel monitoring 
system. 
The ProSub is intended primarily to partner the Acoustic 
Energy ProSat, however ProSubs may also be used in pairs to 
partner the AE22 or AE1 Classic nearfield monitors.
Note: The ProSub may also be used to partner other 
manufacturers’ nearfield and compact monitors.
The ProSub is not magnetically shielded and may cause 
picture distortion if located too close to a CRT screen or data 
loss if magnetically sensitive media is brought too close.
1. Introduction
Important Safety Instructions
Ensure that your ProSub is set to the appropriate mains input voltage before it is connected 
to a mains socket. The warranty does not cover damage caused by incorrect mains voltage.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s 
instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other 
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has 
two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the 
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the 
obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, 
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the 
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when 
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the 
apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, 
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been 
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects filled 
with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.
16. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain 
readily operable.
17. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or 
moisture.
2. Applications
If you are already familiar with the characteristics of your 
studio and the way speakers perform in it, you may already 
have a good feel for where to position ProSub. However, 
installing any new component provides a good opportunity to 
review an existing set-up and perhaps make improvements.
In principle there is great freedom of position with sub-
woofers. In practice, however their performance is 
fundamentally influenced by the room and their location. Small 
changes of location, or of the acoustic character of items 
in the immediate vicinity of a subwoofer, can significantly 
influence its performance.
If using a single ProSub, place it on the floor along the front 
wall of the studio room between the front channel satellite 
speakers. It should be well away, but not equidistant, from the 
room corners.
If using a pair of ProSubs with AE22 or AE1 Classic nearfield 
monitors locate each ProSub on the  floor, if possible, directly 
beneath, its corresponding satellite.
In either application, to keep ProSubs clear of any large 
resonant objects - furniture panels, heating radiators, etc.
Don’t worry if, thanks to the architecture or layout of your 
room, it is not practical to follow these guidelines exactly. 
The most important thing is to experiment with the different 
options that are practical and find the best one.
Once your ProSub or ProSubs are connected and working, 
and you begin to become familiar with their performance, 
it is likely to be worthwhile experimenting a little more with 
positioning. For example, moving ProSubs towards walls and 
corners will increase the level of low bass. This gain may 
however be at the expense of bass definition and consistency 
over the listening area.
2. Positioning 
						

							4. Connecting1. Introduction
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ProSub requires connection 
to both to mains power and 
appropriate audio signals. The 
connection sockets are located 
on the back panel and illustrated 
on the adjacent diagram. Leave 
ProSub switched-off at the mains 
until all connections are made, 
and ensure that its level control, 
also located on the back panel, is 
initially turned fully anti-clockwise.
Mains Connection
After checking that the mains 
voltage specified on the rear panel 
is correct, connect the ProSub 
via its IEC mains input to a mains 
wall socket. Use only the supplied 
mains cable.
Audio Connections
ProSub audio inputs may be on balanced XLR or unbalanced 
jack connectors. ProSub audio ouputs require balanced XLR 
connectors. ProSub Connection Schemes
 
There are a number of connections schemes possible with ProSub. The appropriate one for 
your installation will depend on the specific monitoring application that ProSub is required to 
perform. Six typical connection schemes are illustrated below.
Note: The low frequency element of signals connected to the ProSub’s Left, Right, Centre, 
and Surround inputs is reproduced by the ProSub in parallel with any LFE signal.
ProSub Inputs  
from Desk  
L  LFE R  C  SL SR
ProSub Outputs
Left
Right
Centre
Left Surround Right SurroundProSub Filter: 
100Hz
ProSub Connections:  
5.1 system with compact satelite monitors: ProSat.
ProSub Input 
from Desk  
LFE
L  R  C  SL SR  Desk Outputs
Left
Right
Centre
Left Surround Right SurroundProSub Filter: 
100Hz
ProSub Connections:  
5.1 system with full-range satelite monitors: AE1 
Classic via power amplifier (not shown).
ProSub Inputs  
from Desk  
L        R 
ProSub Outputs
Left
Right
ProSub Filter: 
100Hz (compact)  
70Hz (full range)
ProSub Connections:  
Stereo (music) system with compact (ProSat) or 
full-range satelite monitors: AE1 Classic via power 
amplifier (not shown) or AE22 Active.
ProSub Inputs from 
Desk  
L LFE R
ProSub Outputs
Left
Right
ProSub Filter:  
100Hz
ProSub Connections:  
2.1 (AV) system with compact satelite monitors: 
ProSat.
ProSub Input  
from Desk  
LFE 
L  R 
Desk Outputs
Left
Right
ProSub Filter:  
70Hz
ProSub Connections:  
2.1  (AV) system with compact satelite monitors: AE1 
Classic via power amplifier (not shown).
ProsSub Input from 
Desk - Left  ProSub Input from 
Desk - Right
ProSub Connections:
 
Stereo (music) system with twin ProSubs and full 
range satelite monitors: AE22 Active. ProSub Output 
Left
ProSub Output 
Right
Mains input, switch and fuse
Inputs
Outputs
LFE
input
Left RightCentreLeft Surround Right Surround
Sub level 
-30dB – +6dB Power 
indicator
Filter frequency
 
and phase
Switch 
1 2 3
  Freq Phase  Not
s   100Hz  180 Used
t   70Hz  0
Risque de choc electrique
Ne pas ouveréATTENTIO NRisk of electrical shock
Do not openCAUTION
Operate in accordance with Manufacturer’s instructions.
Consult Owners Manual before use.
If in doubt refer to qualified service personnel.
No user serviceable parts inside.
Designed and Engineered by  
Acoustic Energy Ltd, England.  
Made in Malaysia. 
PRO SUB 
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							5. Control and Setup
ProSub Controls
Accompanying the mains and audio sockets on the ProSub rear panel are a level control, a 
filter frequency switch, and a  phase reversal switch. Their function and use is described in 
the following paragraphs. If multiple subwoofers are used in monitoring system ensure that 
each one operates with the same control settings.
Level  
The level control adjusts the volume of the ProSub. Begin with the level control set to around 
50%. Further level adjustment guidelines can be found in the following paragraphs.
Filter Frequency  
The filter frequency control adjusts the upper frequency at which the subwoofer output is 
filtered. If the ProSub is to be used with ProSat satellite speakers the filter frequency should 
be set at 100Hz. If the ProSub is to be used with AE22 or AE1 Classic nearfield monitors the 
filter frequency should be set at 70Hz. The AE22’s low frequency extend function should be 
disengaged.
Phase  
The phase switch reverses the subwoofer acoustic polarity. With the switch set to 0° the 
subwoofer output is in phase with the full range speakers. With the switch set to 180° the 
subwoofer output is out of phase. Reversing the subwoofer phase can help optimise the 
sound of subwoofer systems. Further subwoofer phase advice can be found in the following 
paragraphs.
ProSub Setup
Before listening to your monitoring system make one final check of the cables and 
connections.
The most important aspect of ProSub setup is its integration with the satellite speakers. 
Assuming the locations chosen for these are satisfactory, adjusting the subwoofer’s  location 
in the room, its  level and phase should enable a good results to be achieved.
Select a few short examples of familiar programme material while adjusting the setup. Listen 
also from a variety of different positions in the studio. Check for balance and consistency of 
sound - neither too much nor too little bass across the range of programme material and 
listening positions. Experimentation and careful listening is the key to finding a good subwoofer 
setup.
ProSub Volume  
Setting the ProSub volume is important in terms of both overall system balance and the 
demands of different types of programme material. You may find that material with an 
emphasis on music works better with a lower ProSub volume than movie material with an 
emphasis on “effects”. Finding a compromise between the two is a matter of ProSub volume 
adjustment in parallel with adjusting its position in the room.
ProSub Location  
Broadly speaking, the closer ProSub is to the corner of the room (assuming the walls are 
solid) the more bass it will generate in the room (and the lower its volume need be set). 
Moving the ProSub closer to a corner however will also tend to reduce the consistency over 
the listening room (a corner location being the worst in this respect). Positions closer to the 
corner will also tend to change the character of the bass produced by the ProSub - it will 
emphasise the very lowest signals more. This change in bass character with location is the 
key variable that enables a good compromise position for the ProSub to be found.
ProSub Phase  
Switching the ProSub phase should be left till last. If a good ProSub location is proving difficult 
to find, try again with the phase reversed.
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6. Specification
Type: Closed box, active subwoofer.
Drivers: Twin 250mm aluminium cone. High-power long-throw 
magnet system.
Low Frequency Cut-off: - 6dB @ 25Hz
Amplifier: 200 Watts
Low Pass Filter: 2nd order, 70Hz or 100Hz
Input Sensitivity: 600mV for rated output. Level @ 0dB
Dimensions (H x W x D): 350mm x 350mm x 330mm 
Weight: 14kg (single, unpacked)
Acoustic Energy reserves the right to modify product 
specifications.
7. Warranty
The Acoustic Energy ProSub is guaranteed against original 
defects in materials, manufacture and workmanship for 3 
years from the date of purchase.
Under this warranty Acoustic Energy agrees to repair 
any defect or, at the company’s discretion, replace the 
faulty component(s) without charge for parts or labour. 
This warranty does not imply any acceptance by Acoustic 
Energy or its agents for consequential loss or damage and 
specifically excludes fair wear and tear, accident, misuse or 
unauthorised modification.
This warranty is applicable in the United Kingdom only and 
does not in any way limit the customer’s legal rights. Claims 
and enquiries under the warranty for Acoustic Energy 
products purchased outside the UK should be addressed to 
the local distributor. If you have reason to claim under the 
warranty please contact your dealer in the first instance.
8. Contact
Acoustic Energy Limited 
16 Bridge Road 
Cirencester  
Gloucestershire GL7 1NJ  
UK
Tel:    +44 (0)1285 654432  
Fax:   +44 (0)1285 654430  
Email:  [email protected]  
Web:   www.acousticenergypro.com
Part No. MA22-08