Velodyne Acoustics Complete Guide to Connecting Your Subwoofer for Optimal Sound

Line-level Connection

Figure 1 shows connection to a pre-amplifier's main outputs and returning them to your amplifier inputs.

When installed in this fashion, your satellite speakers will be crossed over at 80Hz which removes the lower bass from your amplifier and speakers, enabling them to do a better job reproducing high frequencies. By utilizing this method, you will have a bi-amplified system, gaining improved power and headroom for your system.

The Velodyne subwoofer is designed to operate using the full range audio signal for input when using the built-in crossover. Some processors/ receivers, have a "subwoofer out" jack that is internally filtered and designed to be used with a conventional amplifier and speaker. In some rare cases, combining both an external crossover and the one internal to the subwoofer may result in low output and increased noise. In these installations you may need to bypass the internal crossover in either the processor or Velodyne subwoofer. In some installations, simply setting one crossover to a higher frequency (such as 120 Hz) will restore maximum performance. To bypass the subwoofer's internal crossover when the unit is being fed a low pass signal from another crossover, simply locate the switch marked DIRECT/INTERNAL X-OVERon the rear panel of the subwoofer and set to the DIRECT position. This will eliminate the internal crossover from the signal path. Note: If not using an external crossover,

you should use the built-in crossover for optimal performance.

Speaker-level Connection

Figure 2 shows an easy way to connect your Velodyne subwoofer directly to your receiver or integrated amplifier, if it lacks line-level outputs. You may also connect your satellites directly to your receiver or amplifier along with the subwoofer if you wish.

Caution!!! To avoid damage to your main amplifier, be sure to maintain correct polarity when making all connections. Red (positive) to red, and black (negative) to black. Be sure that all connections are tight, and that there are no loose strands or frayed wires.

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Caution! This subwoofer has electronics built into the cabinet. Do not place the cabinet next to sources of heat such as furnace registers, radiators, etc. Do not place the unit near sources of excessive moisture, such as evaporative coolers, humidifiers, etc. The power cord should be routed in such a way that it will not be walked on, pinched, or compressed in any way that could result in damaging the insulation or wire.

Regardless of where you install your Velodyne subwoofer, it must remain in an upright position (woofer facing forward). Using, shipping, or otherwise storing the subwoofer in any other position for an extended period of time may result in damage to the unit not covered by warranty.

The subwoofer is magnetically shielded to reduce the amount of stray magnetic energy emitted from the speaker's motor structure. This greatly increases flexibility when placing the unit close to video monitors as there is very little stray magnetism. Certain types of televisions are particularly sensitive to stray magnetic fields. If your television produces distorted colors after installing your subwoofer, simply increase the distance between your television and the subwoofer, until normal color and operation is returned.

Your new Velodyne subwoofer, like any good speaker system, requires proper positioning within the listening space to provide maximum performance. Improperly placed speakers may degrade the sound quality and reduce your listening pleasure. Depending on the size and type of furnishings in the room, perfect placement may not be possible. Finding the best location for your environment will likely require some experimentation. We suggest you experiment with the location during setup to find what sounds best to you when seated in your typical listening position.

Installation

Inputs

Your new subwoofer is equipped with speaker-level and line-level inputs. Use the LINE LEVEL jacks when connecting your subwoofer to a pre-amp, signal processor, line-level crossover, or receiver with pre-amp level outputs. The SPEAKER LEVEL jacks connect directly to the speaker outputs of any amplifier, integrated amplifier, or receiver. Your amplifier section will notice no additional loading effects when you use these inputs due to their very high impedance.

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