Contents and Introduction

Contents

Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Accessing the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . .18 Top Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Rear Connection Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 AC Power Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 2-Channel Mode (Line Level RCA or Balanced XLR) . . . 22 Multi-Channel Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Simultaneous 2-Channel/Multi-Channel Mode . . . . .26 Using Speaker Level Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Advanced Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Loading a Custom Low-Pass Filter . . . . . . . . .29 Updating Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 PBK Room Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Multi Out—Daisy Chaining Multiple Subwoofers . . . .30 Optional Wireless Connection . . . . . . . . . .31

Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Subwoofer Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Installing in a Cabinet . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Ask Your Dealer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Solid Footing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Enjoy Yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Room Acoustics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Your Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Home Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 MartinLogan Exclusives . . . . . . . . . . 36 BalancedForce™ For Cleaner Bass . . . . . . . . 36 Proprietary Switching Amplifiers . . . . . . . . . 36 25Hz Level Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 PBK (Perfect Bass Kit) . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Optional Custom Low-Pass Filters . . . . . . . . . 36

Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . 37 Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 General Information . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Warranty and Registration . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Glossary of Audio Terms . . . . . . . . . 40 Dimensional Drawings . . . . . . . . . . 71

BalancedForce 210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 BalancedForce 212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Introduction

Congratulations! You have invested in one of the world's premier subwoofers.

MartinLogan BalancedForce 210 and 212 subwoofers repre- sent the culmination of an intensive, dedicated research program directed toward creating a world class reference subwoofer design using advanced technologies without compromising dura- bility, reliability, craftsmanship or aesthetics.

These subwoofers use dual, custom, high-excursion drivers in a BalancedForce™ configuration which dramatically reduces cabi- net vibrations allowing deep, tight, well-defined bass. Powerful, proprietary amplifiers drive the output stage with precision and extremely high efficiency. Low-pass filtering and phase control have been designed to make integrating the subwoofers with both MartinLogan and non-MartinLogan products seamless and simple. Model specific custom low-pass filters allow these subwoofers to integrate precisely with MartinLogan main speakers.

Additionally, PBK™ (Perfect Bass Kit) room correction technology (sold separately) measures the subwoofer’s acoustic output within a room and optimizes performance to compensate for the unique (and sometimes challenging) characteristics of a listening environment.

The materials in your new subwoofer are of the highest quality and will provide years of enduring enjoyment. The cabinetry is constructed from the highest quality wood, composite, and alumi- num materials for acoustic integrity.

This User's Manual will explain in detail the operation of your subwoofer and the philosophy applied to its design. A clear understanding will help you obtain maximum performance and pleasure from this high performance subwoofer system.

English

Contents and Introduction 17