Subwoofer Configuration and Adjustment
The Emotiva X-Ref 10 includes an advanced DSP Management System, which is accessed via a push-to-engage rotary encoder. The results are displayed on a back lit LCD display, which remains lit while configuration is in progress, but switches off after a short time when not in use; a press of the encoder button turns the display back on. The diagram on Page 18 of this manual shows the complete Menu system of the X-Ref 10.
Configuring the Crossover settings
When the X-Ref 10 is connected to a preamp or pre/processor that includes bass management, the X-Ref 10 X-Over (crossover) setting should be set to Direct. When connected to a source that does not prevent high-frequencies from being sent to the subwoofer, set the crossover frequency to obtain a smooth blend between the X-Ref 10 and your main speakers.
Adjusting the Volume setting
The Volume should be set so that the sound produced by the subwoofer blends with your music rather than standing out from it. Your music should have deep, clean, solid bass, and movie effects should have the impact and punch that you want, but you shouldn’t actually hear the subwoofer as a source of sound.
Adjusting the Phase setting
The Phase setting is used to match the phase of the X-Ref 10 with your main speakers, and any other subwoofers you have installed, to prevent cancellation effects in the range of frequencies produced by both. Adjust the Phase setting to produce the most overall output in the frequency range where the X-Ref 10 overlaps with other speakers.
Configuring the Preset setting
The Music (Flat) Preset on the X-Ref 10 offers flat frequency response (except as modified by the EQ settings), while the Movie Preset adds about 6 dB of bass boost at 45 Hz. In a typical installation, the X-Ref 10 is configured with the Music Preset as the default, and a trigger output from your pre/processor is attached to the X-Ref’s Movie EQ Trigger input. Music is played using the Music (Flat) Preset, while the trigger from your pre/processor switches the X-Ref 10 to the Movie preset for movies.
Adjusting the Equalization settings
The X-Ref 10 offers two separate bands of full parametric equalization to correct for variations in room response and allow you to match the response of your X-Ref 10 perfectly to any main speakers. Each parametric equalizer section allows you to set a center frequency (Frequency), and a filter bandwidth (Q), and then adjust the gain of only that band of frequencies up or down. A higher value for Q corresponds to a narrower range of affected frequencies. Each EQ can be used to boost or reduce a specific band if required, for example to eliminate a troublesome room resonance.
