JL Audio f212 owner manual Placing Your Fathom in Your Listening Room

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PLACING YOUR FATHOM IN YOUR LISTENING ROOM:

Your listening room or theater is an integral part of your sound reproduction system. The physical dimensions of the room and its furnishings, materials, doors and windows play an important role in defining how your system sounds.

When you place a sound source in an enclosed rectangular space, “standing waves” are created, resulting from the relationship between the sound’s wavelength and your room’s dimensions. In other words, standing waves result from sound energy that is trapped in the room as it bounces back and forth between opposing walls. Standing waves in the room create acoustic peaks and dips where the sound is either louder or softer, based solely on your physical position in the room. Energy also “builds up” at the room’s boundaries, creating exaggerated bass response at certain frequencies. These fundamental room resonances are called room “modes.”

The moral of this mode story is to try and avoid seating positions in standing wave peak or dip regions. It is highly recommended that you place your listening chairs in areas where modal peaks and dips are moderate and do not reinforce one another. The two most obvious areas to avoid are those near the exact center of the room and those close to any of the room’s walls.

Just as your listening seat can be in a peak or dip region, so can your subwoofer. When placed in a room corner, a subwoofer maximally excites the room’s mode structure, creating the strongest output with the fewest dips. When the subwoofer is pulled away from a corner or wall, the room modes are excited less, which can alter the sound at your listening seat.

Be sure to experiment with both your listening seat position and subwoofer position to find the best solution. Careful experimentation usually leads to a superior sounding system. Use our setup suggestions (illustrated on the opposing page and the following pages) to get you started.

If you cannot avoid placing your sofa against the back wall or your subwoofer in a less than optimal position, all is not lost. Your Fathom’s Automatic Room Optimization (A.R.O.) System can dramatically improve these less-than-ideal situations.

We recommend that you begin by placing your Fathom in the front of the

room, near the front left or right speaker. Placing it directly in the front corner of the room will produce the maximum number of peaks and the minimum number of dips in the bass response. This can be advantageous because the Fathom’s A.R.O. system can correct the primary peak very effectively, whereas dips in response cannot be corrected via equalization. Dips in response can only be minimized via careful subwoofer and listener placement.

Placing the Fathom near solid walls will reinforce bass response and pulling it away from solid walls will decrease bass. Increasing the distance between the subwoofer and the walls may help to smooth upper bass response in some rooms.

We recommend that you avoid placing the Fathom near windows to prevent rattling and sound transmission to the outside world.

If you are planning to install your Fathom inside a cabinet, please refer to the guidelines on page 8.

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Fathom f212

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Contents F212 Important Safety Instructions Risk of Electric Shock Do not OpenFathom f212 Table of Contents FCC Compliance StatementIntroduction Product Overview Placing Your Fathom in Your Listening Room Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for One Fathom #&454&5*/104*5*0/4Special Considerations for BUILT-IN Installations Using Two Fathoms Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Two FathomsFathom f212 Unpacking Your Fathom Detailed instructions on unpacking the subwooferFront Control Panel Rear Controls and Connectors Automatic Room Optimization A.R.O Power SwitchFront Panel Controls in Detail Calibration Mic. InputDemo Button Input Mode IndicatorsLevel Mode Defeat ButtonLP Filter Master Level KnobLights LP FreqPhase F. TrimPolarity Connecting Your Fathom Balanced InputsTechnical Notes Unbalanced Inputs RCA-type connection Tip PositiveInput Mode Switches Grounded / Isolated SwitchMaster / Slave Switch Output to Slave Connector Output to Slave connector is designed to be used as followsIEC-Style AC Connector Fathom Rear Controls Master Processor Stereo Active Crossover Balanced Outputs Fathom f212 On your Home Theater Receiver or Preamp/Processor Recommended Setup ProceduresPreparation for Setup Process On your Active Crossover or Bass Management ProcessorOn the Fathom’s Front Panel Subwoofer System Setup Level SettingPolarity and Phase Adjustment Applying Automatic Room Optimization A.R.O Extreme Low Frequency e.l.f. Trim Frequently Asked Questions Can I place objects on my subwoofer?Is the Fathom magnetically shielded? Cleaning Your Fathom Gloss-black modelsTroubleshooting Fathom f212 For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call Limited Warranty / Service InformationIf you need service on your JL Audio product International WarrantiesFeatures

f212 specifications

The JL Audio F212 is a premier subwoofer designed to deliver exceptional low-frequency performance for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. As part of JL Audio’s renowned subwoofer offerings, the F212 stands out due to its advanced engineering and innovative technology, providing an unparalleled audio experience.

At the heart of the F212 is its unique dual 12-inch driver design, which enables it to reproduce deep bass notes with remarkable clarity and power. The drivers are engineered using JL Audio’s proprietary technology, including a high-excursion suspension system that allows for maximum cone movement without distortion. This ensures that the F212 can handle high power levels while maintaining accuracy across the frequency spectrum.

One of the standout features of the F212 is its robust construction. The subwoofer enclosure is built from high-quality MDF (medium-density fiberboard), designed to minimize resonance and prevent unwanted vibrations that could color the sound. The enclosure is also meticulously tuned for optimal performance, allowing the subwoofers to operate efficiently and deliver rich, immersive bass.

The F212 utilizes advanced thermal management technologies, ensuring that the drivers remain cool during prolonged use. This is achieved through strategically placed venting systems that promote airflow and minimize heat buildup. As a result, users can enjoy continuous, powerful bass performance without the concern of overheating.

In addition to its impressive physical characteristics, the F212 is equipped with sophisticated signal processing capabilities. This allows for seamless integration into any audio system, whether for home theater or high-fidelity music reproduction. The subwoofer features adjustable crossover settings, phase control, and volume adjustments, enabling users to tailor the sound to their specific preferences and room acoustics.

Another noteworthy aspect of the F212 is its versatility. It can be used in various applications, from home audio setups to professional sound reinforcement, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking to enhance their bass performance. With its combination of power, precision, and advanced technology, the JL Audio F212 stands as a testament to the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality audio solutions that exceed expectations.

In essence, the JL Audio F212 is not just a subwoofer; it’s a statement of quality and performance. Its robust build, innovative technology, and impressive sound output make it a top choice for serious music lovers and home theater enthusiasts seeking to elevate their auditory experience. Whether you’re deep into a cinematic experience or enjoying your favorite music, the F212 is sure to deliver the thunderous bass and clarity that will leave a lasting impression.