Adams Amplifier Sub15 User Manual

							Sub15
Operation Manual / BedienungsanleitungEnglish / Deutsch 
						

							2
Please read the following safety instructions \fefore setting up your system. 
\beep the instructions for su\fsequent reference. Please take notice of the  
warnings and follow the instructions.
Caution: To reduce the risk of electric\l shock\f do not open the subwoofer\b There 
are no user-serviceable parts inside\b Refer servicing  to qualified service per\lson-
nel\b
This product\f as well as all attached extension cords\f must be terminated with 
an earth ground three-conductor AC mains power cord like the one supplied 
with the product\b To prevent shock hazard\f all three components must always 
be used\b
Check if the specified voltage matches the voltage of the power supply you use\b 
If this is not the case do not con\lnect the subwoofer to a power source! Please 
contact your local dealer or \lnational distributor\b
Do not place this unit on an uns\ltable cart\f stand or tripod\f bracket or table\b The 
unit may fall\f causing serious\l injury and/or serious d\lamage\b When cart is used\f 
use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination\b
Do not expose this product to rain or moisture\f never wet the inside with any 
liquid and never pour or spill liq\luids directly onto this unit\b Please do\l not put 
any objects filled with liquids (e\bg\b vases\f etc\b) onto the speaker\b
Protect the cord from being walked on or pinched\b
Always switch off your entire system before connecting or di\lsconnecting any 
cables\f or when clean\ling any components\b
CautionRisk of electrical shockDo not open
Risque de shock electrique Ne pas ouvrier
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE BACK COVER OR ANY OTHER PART. NO USER-SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
Safety Instructions   
						

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Sub15 Manual / English
To completely disconnect from AC mains\f disconnect \lthe power supply from the 
AC receptacle\b   
Always use fully checked cables\b Defective cables can harm your speakers\b They 
are a common source for any kind of noise\f hu\lm\f crackling etc\b
The 
  Subwoofer should be installed near the socket outlet and disco\lnnection of 
the device should be easi\lly accessible\b
Assure free airflow behind the subwoofer to maintain sufficient cooling\b
Never use flammable or co\lmbustible chemicals for cleaning audio c\lomponents\b 
Never expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures\b Never 
operate this product in an explosi\lve atmosphere\b
Avoid touching the speaker membrane and do not bloc\lk the woofer’s ventilation 
ports\b 
Please note that the sub’s driver builds up a magne\ltic field\b Do not ply with 
magnetic items at close range to the diaphragm of the woofer\b
High SPLs may damage your hearing! Please\l do not get close to loudspeakers 
when used at high v\lolumes\b
Always unplug sensitive electronic equipment during light\lning storms\b
Always keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children\b
Safety Instructions   
						

							4
Ta\fle of contents
 
Safety Instructions \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 2-3
1.   Introduction  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 5
2.  Quick Start   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 6
2.1  Important information  for setup \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b6
2.2  Quick Start   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 6
3.  Connecting the Subwoofer   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 7
3.1  Connections  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 7
3.2  Input \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 7
3.3  Satellite Out  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 7
3.4  Sub Out  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 7
4.  Subwoofer Placement   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b 8
4.1  Distance to satellites  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b 8
4.2  Walls/Distance to walls  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b8
4.3  Finding the optimum position  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b8
5.  Controls  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 9 -1 0 
5.1  LEDs on front panel  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 9
5.2  Controls on rear panel  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b 9 -1 0
6.  Trouble Shooting  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 11
6.1  No or distorted signal  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b 11
6.2  Parasitic noises  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 11
7.   Maintenance  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 12
8.  Shipping / Packaging   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b 12
9.  Environmental Information   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 12
10 .   EU Declaration of Conformity  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b13
11 .   Limited Warranty   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 14
11 . 1  Terms and Conditions  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b 14
11 . 2  How to claim  \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 14
12 .   Technical Data   \b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\l\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b 15   
						

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Sub15 Manual / English
1. Introduction
Dear customer\f
Thank you for choosing the ADAM Audio Sub15 subwoofer\b
ADAM  subwoofers  are  built  for  maximum  quality  reproduction  and  audio  perfection\b 
 
With the Sub15 you have selected a precise tool that allows you to both evaluate and enjoy 
audio recordings\b It meets high\lest expectations in sound quality and craftsmanship\b
This  manual  is  intended  to  provide  you  with  information  about  your  new  ADAM 
subwoofer\b It contains  important information regarding safety, setting up, handling 
and warranty\b We request that you read these sections carefully to ensure easy set up 
and prevent potential problems\b
If you have any questions about this or any other of our products\f please don’t hesitate 
to contact us – we will be happy to assist you\b
For  detailed  information  concerning  ADAM’s  technologies  and  products\f  complete 
reviews  and  a  list  of  worldwide  ADAM  users  and  studios\f  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\f if you don’t want to miss out on the latest info  on ADAM Professional Audio\f 
come and  follow us on Twitter!
We  hope  very  much  that  you  really  enjoy  your  new  subwoofer  and  wish  you  many 
delightful hours with it\b
Your ADAM Audio Team\f Berlin   
						

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2.1 Important information for set up
After having unpacked your subwoofer\f please allow the system to acclimate to 
the temperature of the room for approximately an hour\b
The subwoofer should be positi\loned on a firm ground\b
We recommend retaining the original packaging\f as it is the best  way to 
guarantee safe transportation should the need to do so arise\b
Please note that the subwoofer will take some break-in time to achieve optimum 
sonic performance\b 
2.2  Quick Start
a)  Before connecting the Sub15 to your audio components and the power source 
make sure that the subwoofer\f the satellite speakers and your audio source are 
switched off and set the level controls to minimum\b
\f)  Choose your preferred connection as d\lescribed under 3\b
c)  Check if the specified voltage matches the voltage of the power supply you use\b 
If this is not the case do not con\lnect the loudspeakers to a power source! Please 
contact your local dealer or \lnational distributor\b 
If the voltages match\f use the included power cables to connect the loudspeaker 
to the AC sockets\b
d)    Turn on your audio system and start your source of music\b
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\b
f)   Turn up the volume levels of your audio system and of your satellite speakers 
carefully\b
 
g)    Adjust the Sub Level on the rear panel of the subwoofer to your liking\b
2. Quick Start   
						

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Sub15 Manual / English
3.1 
Connections
On the rear side of the speaker you can find balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) 
connectors\b For professional use the XLR connectors will be the first choice\b 
3.2  Input
Connect the left and right line-le\lvel signal 
from your signal source (audio interface\f mixer\f 
etc\b) to the LEFT and RIGHT \lINPUT jacks\b Use 
either XLR (balanced) \lor RCA (unbalanced) cable\ls\b 
3.3  Satellite Out
Connect the LEFT and RIGHT \lSATELLITE OUT 
jacks to the inputs of the left and right main 
powered speakers or the inputs of the amps 
powering the main speakers\b
3.4  Su\f Out
This  balanced output mir\lrors the input signal enabling \lyou 
to daisy-chain as many Sub15s in a row as you like\b The Sub 
Level affects the output so  that all Subs in the chain can be 
levelled at once\b 
3. Connecting the Su\fw\coofer   
						

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It is common knowledge that low frequencies (below about 100Hz) are non-directional\f 
meaning they can hardly be located by the listener\b It is\f however\f a common misunder-
standing that therefore the placement of a su\lbwoofer does not matter – it does!
Due to the fact that every room (geometry\f furniture\f etc\b) is unique\f the following  de-
scriptions intend to  be a first introduction to the subject\b The aim is to assist you  tack -
ling the most common problems with subwoofers and room acoustics\f notably interfer -
ence and standing waves\b
4.1   Distance to satellites
In most set ups it is advisable to place the subwoofer not too far from the satellites 
to minimize the chance of  interferences\b Interference means the superposition of 
two or more waves resulting in an attenuation/cancellati\lon or enhancement of the 
specific frequency/frequencies\b
Furthermore\f reflective surfaces (like walls) in close range of the subwoofer should 
be avoided if possible\b
4.2   Walls/Distance to walls
Generally\f  every  wall  in  relative  close  distance  to  the  subwoofer  enhances  its 
sound pressure by about 6 dB\b For instance\f placing the subwoofer in a corner of 
a room will make it about 18 dB louder\b It is likely that this will result in an impair -
ment of the precision of the musical reproduction\b
Another  problem  related  to   the  geometrics  of  the  room  concerns  the  so  called 
‘standing  waves’\b  These  are  sound  waves  being  reciprocated  between  reflecting 
objects\f so they ‘stand’ (don’t seem to move) in between these objects\b The speak -
er continues to produce  new waves  that combine their force with the first wave(s): 
a vicious circle that results in local imbala\lnces of the particular frequencies\b
4.3   Finding the \fest position
Give  it  a  try!  The  most  important  tool  for  finding  the  best  position  for  your  sub-
woofer are your ears\b There are two rather easy ways:
You  can  determine  your  listening  spot  first  and  then  compare  the  sound  of  the 
subwoofer at different positions\b
Another option is to place the subwoofer at the listening position and then move 
around\b Whereever the sound is the best the subwoofer should be positi\loned\b
4. Su\fwoofer Placement   
						

							9
Sub15 Manual / English
On  the  front  side  you  will  find  indicator  LEDs  for  the  operating  mode  and 
the protective circuit\b Controls for the satellite filter\f a phase switch and Sub 
Level/Filter  are  located  on  the  rear  panel  of  the  subwoofer\b  The  following 
tips are intended to assist you at using the controls in the best manner\b
5.1 
LEDs on front panel
There  are  two  LEDs  on  the  front\b  The  upper  LED 
indicates the operating mode\b In case the subwoofer 
receives  an  overload  the  lower  LED  will  flash  red 
indicating the function of the protective circuit\b 
5.2  Controls on the rear panel
a)  Su\fwoofer Phase
With  the  Phase  Switch  you  can  alter  the  phase  of 
the subwoofer relative to the satellites\b That means 
to change the polarity of the subwoofer\b Depending 
on  the  distance  between  woofer  and  satellites\f 
either  0°  or  180°  may  be  the  better  position\b  We 
recommend trying out which position sounds better 
within your system\b
\f)  Satellite Filter
The satellites in a system can be driven full range or with a 85 Hz high 
pass as recommended by Dolby® laboratories for use in surround set-
ups\b Recommendation: the main signal should go into the Subwoofer\b 
Connect  your  satellites  to  the  Subwoofer  output\f  either  via  XLR 
symmetrical or RCA asymmetrical\b In many cases\f 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\b 
Please note: If you alter the frequency  it is a\fvisable to check if an alteration 
of the \bhase im\broves the soun\f quality.
5. Controls   
						

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5.2 Controls on the rear panel (continue\cd)
c)  Su\f Level
In  the  0dB  position  the  signal  will  be  passed  on  1:1 
to  the  internal  amplifier\b  The  Input  Sensitivity  of  the 
subwoofer  can  be  adjusted  from  -60dB  to  +6dB  and 
thus allows for a wide volume levelling range\b 
d)  Su\f Filter
The upper frequency limit of the unit is variable and can be set to any value 
between 50 and 150Hz\b The 85Hz marker indicates the recommendation 
of  Dolby®  labs  for  surround  sound  settings\b  In  practice  a  slightly  lower 
crossover  frequency  delivers  tighter  bass  response\b  For  typical  near-
midfield monitors we recommend  70 to 75Hz as the upper limit\b
Please note: These settings \fo not have an absolute character, as \fifferent 
satellites  an\f  \fifferent  room  acoustics  lea\f  to  results  that  cannot  be 
\bre\ficte\f. 
5. Controls