Paradigm DSP-3200 Manual - Page 9

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 input jacks (not shown). 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, 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. 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; 6. Turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counter-clockwise to its minimum; 7. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency control completely counterclockwise 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. 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 counterclockwise 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; 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. 8