NHT S-20 owner manual Introduction, User Controls / Connectors

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for your purchase, and congratulations on your selection of the NHT Pro S-20 powered subwoofer. The S-20 will add dynamic bass response to any pair of smaller, powered monitors, or can be used to reproduce the .1 LFE channel for surround mixing. The S-20 was designed to mate seamlessly with the NHT Pro M-00 and M-20 monitor systems, and offers tremendous flexibility:

-Use multiple S-20’s to improve bass output if desired.

-Add an optional footswitch and you take the S-20 in and out of the audio chain on the fly.

-Use as a ported or sealed design as NHT includes a port plug with every S-20.

Investing some time learning about the S-20's features and capabilities will reward you with the best possible performance. Now would also be an excellent time to fill out and send in your warranty registration card; or regis- ter online in the Support section at www.nhtpro.com. This action will automatically extend both the parts and labor warranty for an additional two years, for a total of three years! If at any time, you require assistance, call our customer service hotline at (800)-NHT-9993 (648- 9993).

USER CONTROLS / CONNECTORS

1) Sub Level Control:

The subwoofer level control matches the S-20 output level to the satellite monitors. This control differs from most as it doesn't turn the woofer all the way off, but offers a 18dB range of adjustment. Fully clockwise, out- put is maximum (0 dB or unity). In the counter clockwise position, the sub output is attenuated by 18dB.

2) Input Sensitivity Control:

This control affects the level of all signals that go through the S-20, both the subwoofer and satellite signals. Use the +4dB position when you have a normal or high signal level (most cases). Use the -10dB position when you have a very low signal level (rarely). When setting up the system, start with the control in the +4dB position. If the system output is adequate, when your signal source has it's volume or gain control at the maximum position, leave the control in that position. If the system does not have enough output, move the control to the -10dB position. Following this procedure will give you the minimum sys- tem noise level.

3) High Pass (HP) Frequency Switch:

The High Pass Frequency switch determines the lowest frequency passed on to the satellite monitors. There are two settings: 80Hz and 110Hz. Selecting the proper switch position (see the Initial Control Settings section on Pg. 4) will help blend the overall system response and

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increase power handling. Setting the Subwoofer Bypass switch to BYPASS eliminates this circuit and sends all frequencies in the signal to the satellite monitors.

4)Phase Switch: This switch sets the polarity of the subwoofer at either the 0° position (normal phase) or the 180° position (reverse phase) to achieve the smoothest possible bass response in your system.

This phase-reversing option is important because when bass frequencies come from both the subwoofer and the main speakers, peaks and dips in the frequency response can occur at the listening position. In these cases, reversing the subwoofer polarity can improve blending and balance.

To properly set the Subwoofer Phase:

•Play familiar music, reversing polarity settings. Listen from your usual position.

•Avoid evaluating while standing above the subwoofer or amplifier; sound at the listening position will be signifi- cantly different.

•The correct setting is the one in which the bass is the loudest at the listening position.

5) Low Pass (LP) Frequency Control:

This control allows fine adjustment of the subwoofer crossover point to match the point where the satellites roll off at the low end of their response. This detented low pass control has a range of 80Hz -110Hz.