Subwoofer Yes on / No OFF | Polk Audio PSW1200 guide

BASS MANAGEMENT/SPEAKER SETUP SETTINGS

DOLBY PRO LOGIC

Wide–(center speaker only) The center speaker is sent a full-range signal: all the sounds that are on that channel will go to the center speaker.

Normal–(center speaker only) Bass fre- quencies below 100Hz are filtered out of the center channel and sent to the Front and Subwoofer outputs.

Phantom–(center speaker only) Not part of the bass management/speaker setup system at all. This simply sends all the center information into the front speakers.

Subwoofer Output Jack–In Pro Logic units this output is nothing more than summed left and right front channels with a low pass (lets only bass through) filter, usually fixed at 80Hz. Because a fixed filter negates the Variable Low Pass Crossover function, one of your main bass “tuning” tools, you shouldn’t use this output unless it is unfiltered. See page 13 for information on filtered and un-filtered outputs.

THX Variation–In THX certified Pro Logic receivers and processors, the front main speakers can also be selected as WIDE (LARGE) or NORMAL (SMALL). When selected as NORMAL (SMALL), the bass is filtered out of the front

channels and sent to the subwoofer output jack.

DOLBY DIGITAL AND DTS®

Dolby Labs mandates that Dolby Digital- processor equipped electronics must offer “all channels small” and “all chan- nels large” options, but beyond that there are no standards. Most units allow any combination of “Large / Small” choices for Front, Center and Surround channels, but not all do. In such cases, the PSW1200 allows you to overcome that limitation.

Large–When you select a speaker as

“Large” that speaker will be sent a full- range signal: all the sounds that are on that channel will go to that speaker.

Small–Most often Center and Surround channels are small, bass-limited speak- ers and are set to “Small.” When you select a speaker as “Small,” frequencies below a certain point (usually 80Hz) are taken out and sent somewhere else. Where does that bass go? It will go to the subwoofer output jack if that jack is turned “On” (see below). If the sub- woofer output jack is “Off,” the bass should go to the front Left and Right channel outputs. If you select Front speakers as “Small” and Subwoofer “Off” you are going to lose a lot of bass.

Subwoofer Yes (ON) / No (OFF)–

This determines whether the subwoofer output jack is fed signal. If it is “Off,” any bass redirected from other channels and the LFE-channel bass should go to the Front L&R outputs.

SMALL AND LARGE DECISION MAKING

Most of the time this choice is easy to make. A very small bookshelf or on-wall speaker should always be selected as Small. A main speaker with built-in powered subwoofers should be selected as Large. Sometimes this choice is not so clear cut. Is a “beefy” bookshelf speaker like a Polk RT55 “small” or “large”? Is it good or bad to have such a speaker play bass?

“Small” Advantages

•By rolling off the bottom end (taking out the bass) of a speaker, it can play a lot louder, with less distortion. If you play your system very loud, and your speakers are not full-range behemoths, this is the right choice for you

•The midrange will be clearer and better defined

PSW1200 specifications

The Polk Audio PSW1200 is a formidable subwoofer designed to deliver an immersive audio experience for both music lovers and home theater enthusiasts. Known for its robust construction and powerful performance, the PSW1200 is a preferred choice for those seeking deep bass and precise sound reproduction.

One of the main features of the PSW1200 is its 12-inch dynamic balanced woofer. This driver is engineered to minimize distortion and provide a clear, responsive sound. The woofer is housed in a specially designed ported enclosure that enhances the overall bass performance, allowing it to produce low frequencies that can be felt as much as they are heard. This design ensures that users experience an impactful soundstage that brings movies and music to life.

The PSW1200 incorporates Polk's proprietary Power Port technology. This innovation maximizes output and minimizes turbulence, resulting in a cleaner, more powerful bass response. The Power Port seamlessly integrates with the woofer to extend the bass frequency range, making it ideal for a wide variety of listening environments. Whether you are enjoying the latest action movie or your favorite album, the enhanced low-end response adds depth and richness to your audio experience.

Another notable characteristic of the PSW1200 is its adjustable low-pass filter, which allows users to customize the cutoff frequency according to their specific setup and preferences. This feature promotes versatility, enabling the subwoofer to blend seamlessly with any main speakers, irrespective of their size or capabilities. Additionally, the PSW1200 is equipped with both speaker-level and line-level inputs, making it easy to connect with various home audio systems.

Furthermore, the PSW1200 is designed with a robust and aesthetically pleasing cabinet that not only looks good but is built to enhance performance. The enclosure is crafted from a combination of MDF and attractive finishes, which help to reduce resonance and vibrations that could adversely affect sound quality.

In summary, the Polk Audio PSW1200 is a high-performance subwoofer that excels in delivering deep, impactful bass while maintaining clarity and precision. With its powerful 12-inch woofer, innovative technologies, and customizable features, the PSW1200 offers an exceptional audio experience for both movies and music, making it a valuable addition to any home audio setup. Whether you're a casual listener or an audiophile, this subwoofer is sure to meet your highest expectations in sound quality.