Bowers & Wilkins manual DB1 Active Subwoofer Introduction

ENGLISH

1.The DB1 Active Subwoofer Introduction

Safety

Before connecting and operating this mains powered apparatus, please read carefully and observe the Important Safety Instructions in the accompanying leaflet.

Performance

The DB1 active subwoofer offers very high performance low frequency reproduction for either multi-channel home theatre or conventional stereo audio systems. It incorporates a compressive set of features that enhance its versatility and enable its performance to be finely tuned to the listening room and type of installation. These features are briefly described in the following paragraphs:

Control and User Interface

The DB1 can be set up and operated either from its front panel controls or using the Bowers & Wilkins SubApp™ setup and optimisation application running on a PC. SubApp™ is downloadable from our web site – www.bowers-wilkins.com – and operation is described in its help file.

Multiple Inputs

The DB1 provides an unbalanced mono input, an unbalanced stereo input and a balanced mono input. The stereo and one mono input can be connected simultaneously and selected for use independently. The balanced and unbalanced mono inputs cannot be connected simultaneously or used independently. See Section 5 for more.

Adjustable Input Sensitivity and Level

The DB1 provides input sensitivity options that enable its optimum matching with source electronics, and variable gain control to match its volume level with that of the main speakers. With all the levels of DB1 set to their default value of 0dB, the subwoofer has the THX® standard sensitivity of 109dB spl at 1m for an input of 1V rms. See Section 6.3 for more.

Polarity Inversion

The DB1 provides optional polarity inversion that enables compensation for the polarity inversion occasionally found in electronics. See Section 6.3 for more.

Impact Equalisation

The DB1 incorporates a preset equalisation option that can enhance the low frequency impact of audio visual material. See Section 6.4 for more.

Graphic Equalisation

The DB1 incorporates a five-band, half-octave graphic equaliser that enables its acoustic performance to be modified to suit the characteristics of the listening room. See Section 6.4 for more.

Setup Presets

The DB1 incorporates five setup memory locations where groups of setup parameters can be configured, stored and recalled. The setup parameters that can be configured and stored are:

•Input selection

•Input level

•Impact Equalisation

•User (graphic) Equalisation

•Low-pass filter (engaged or not)

Setup presets enable different DB1 performance characteristics easily to be selected for different types of program material or different listening occasions. See Section 6.4 for more.

Room Correction Equalisation

The Bowers & Wilkins SubApp™ program, together with the measuring hardware supplied, can be used to automatically optimise the performance of DB1 to the acoustic characteristics of your listening environment.

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