Fine Tuning; Setting Subwoofer Controls - Paradigm OM-105 Manuel Du Propriétaire

USINg YoUR SUBWooFeR WITh hIgh-SeNSITIvITY SPeAKeRS
When the subwoofer is used with high-sensitivity speakers more volume
gain may be required. If your subwoofer has two (L/R) low-level input jacks
you can obtain 6 dB more gain by using a "Y" cable and plugging into both

fiNe TuNiNg

Once you have the rest of your speakers positioned in the room and have
set speaker distances and calibrated speaker levels with your Processor
or A/V Receiver, it's time for a little fine tuning of the subwoofer(s).
Subwoofer Controls
When setting the subwoofer controls use music and video soundtracks
that you know well. They should contain selections with extended bass
that is continuous and repetitive. When you are adjusting your subwoofer,

SeTTINg SUBWooFeR CoNTRoLS

For Subwoofers that have a Sub ./Sat . Phase Alignment Control
Set tone or equalizer controls on your receiver or preamplifier to flat (or 0°) and switch any loudness controls off.
1. Turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counter-clockwise to
its minimum;
2. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control to 150 Hz;
3. Turn the Sub./Sat. Phase Alignment control to 0° (completely
counter-clockwise) ;
4. While you listen to a selection in your primary listening area, have an
assistant turn up the Subwoofer Level control until the subwoofer
can be clearly heard;
5. Have your assistant slowly rotate the Sub./Sat. Phase Alignment
control until you hear the most bass. Your subwoofer and front speakers
are now "in phase." Do not change phase alignment again unless you
move your subwoofer or front speakers;
SeTTINg SUBWooFeR CoNTRoLS
For Subwoofers that have a Sub/Sat Phase Switch
Set tone or equalizer controls on your receiver or preamplifier to flat (or 0°)
and switch any loudness controls off. If your subwoofer is positioned in
the front of the room, the optimal position for the Phase Switch is typically
at the 0° position; if your subwoofer is positioned in the rear of the room,
the switch should be set to the 180° position.
1. Turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counter-clockwise to
its minimum;
2. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control completely counter-
clockwise to 50 Hz;
3. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Level control until you match the
subwoofer output level with the level of your front speakers. Bass
should be clearly audible, but not intrusive;
input jacks (not shown).
remember: Bass should not be overbearing—the subwoofer should not
draw attention to itself—but sound shouldn't be "thin" or difficult to hear.
Certain subwoofer placement may result in bass frequency cancellations—
this occurs when your front speakers and subwoofer are "out-of-phase", in
other words, they work against each other through the crossover region.
This will result in bass being reduced. If bass sounds weak or dislocated
adjust the phase according to the instructions that apply to your subwoofer
in the setup procedures that follow.
6. Turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counter-clockwise to
its minimum;
7. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control completely counter-
clockwise to 50 Hz;
8. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Level control until you match the
subwoofer output level with the level of your front speakers. Bass
should be clearly audible, but not intrusive;
9. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control until you
hear the best subwoofer/main speaker blend. If the sound is too
"thin," you have not set the frequency high enough; if the sound
becomes "boomy" you have set the frequency too high. Adjust until
you find the most natural balance.
4. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control until you
hear the best subwoofer/front speaker blend. If the sound is too
"thin,"
you have not set the frequency high enough; if the sound becomes
"boomy" you have set the frequency too high. Adjust until you find the
most natural balance.
NOTE: If bass sounds weak or dislocated, you may have a phase alignment
problem. Simply flip the Phase switch to the opposite position and listen
to see which switch position gives you the most bass energy in the room.
To further enhance performance, you can also experiment with the
subwoofer's location in the room to find an area that yields the best
overall bass balance and fidelity.
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