OPERATION
Power On
Connect your signal source (such as an A/V receiver or preamplifier) to the transmitter (if using a wireless connection) or to the subwoofer (if using a wired connection). Two single-RCA cords are provided. While you would ordinarily use the short cable to connect to the transmitter or the long one to connect to the subwoofer, either cable can be used, depending on proximity to the signal source. There is no need or benefit gained from connecting the same source to both the transmitter and the subwoofer. However, you could connect two separate sources to the subwoofer by utilizing both its wired and wireless connections. Both signals will essentially be mixed and outputted by the subwoofer. Plug your transmitter’s (if using a wireless connection) and subwoofer’s AC cord into a wall outlet. Do not use the outlets on the back of the receiver for the subwoofer. Initially set the Subwoofer-Level Control ¶ to the “Min” position. Turn on your sub by pressing the Power Switch ¡ on the rear panel. Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie soundtrack at a moderate level.
Auto On/Standby
Transmitter (Wireless Connection Only): The Status LED (not shown) will be lit in red when the unit is in Standby. When the transmitter receives an audio signal from the source, it will immediately turn on and the LED will turn to blinking green or solid green:
RED = STANDBY (No signal detected, transmitter off)
GREEN (BLINKING) = Transmitter is on but has not established a link with the wireless sub
GREEN (SOLID) = Transmitter is on and has already established a link with the wireless sub
The transmitter will automatically enter Standby mode after approximately 10 minutes when no signal is detected from your system.
Subwoofer: With the Power Switch ¡ in the “On”position, the Status LED on the back panel will remain lit to indicate the On/Standby mode of the subwoofer. RED = STANDBY (No signal detected, amp off)
GREEN = SUB ON (Wired signal detected, amp on) ORANGE = SUB ON (Wireless link with transmitter active)
The subwoofer will automatically enter Standby mode after approximately
10 minutes when no signal is detected from your system. The subwoofer will then power on instantly when a signal is detected. During periods of normal use, the Power Switch ¡ can be left on. You may turn off the Power Switch ¡ for extended periods of nonoperation (e.g., when you are away on vacation).
Getting Started
Confirm that the Status LED on the transmitter is on (red or green), the
Status LED on the subwoofer is on (red, orange or green) and an RCA cable is connected from a source unit to either the LFE Input of the subwoofer £ or transmitter ‹ or L and R inputs ™ on the subwoofer. Play a CD or video. Use a selection that has ample bass information. If using a wireless connection, the Status LED on the transmitter should be lit in solid green, and the Status LED on the subwoofer should turn orange if connected wirelessly. If the LED on the transmitter is blinking in green and the LED on the subwoofer is in red or green, a wireless link has not been established between the transmitter and the subwoofer. If connecting directly to the subwoofer without using the wireless link, the Status LED on the subwoofer should be lit green. If the LED on the subwoofer remains red, check that the RCA cable from the source to subwoofer (wired connection) or transmitter (wireless connection) is functioning properly and that it is fully inserted at both ends, or that the Transmitter ID-Code Selector and the Subwoofer ID-Code Selector ∞ are set to the same channel. Once you have a green or orange LED on the subwoofer, turn your Subwoofer-Level Control ¶ up halfway so that the knob indicator points up. You should now be hearing bass information coming from the subwoofer.
Adjust Level
Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a comfortable level. Adjust the Subwoofer-Level Control ¶ until you obtain a pleasing blend of bass. Bass response should not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is a harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many users have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud, adhering to the belief
that a subwoofer is there to produce lots of bass. This is not entirely true. A subwoofer is there to enhance bass, extending the response of the entire system so the bass can be felt as well as heard. However, overall balance must be maintained or the music will not sound natural. An experienced listener will set the volume of the subwoofer so its impact on bass response is always there but is never obtrusive.
Phase Control
The Phase Switch • determines whether the subwoofer driver’s piston like action moves in and out with the main speakers, 0˚, or opposite the main speakers, 180˚. Proper phase adjustment depends on several variables such as room size, subwoofer placement and listener position. Adjust the Phase Switch • to maximize bass output at the listening position.
Crossover Adjustment
The Crossover Adjustment Control § determines the highest frequency at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds. If your main speakers can comfortably reproduce some low-frequency sounds, set this control to a lower frequency setting, between 50Hz and 100Hz. This will concentrate the subwoofer’s efforts on the ultradeep bass sounds required by today’s films and music. If you are using smaller bookshelf speakers that do not extend to the lower bass frequencies, set the Crossover Adjustment Control § to a higher setting, between 120Hz and 150Hz.
NOTE: This control will have no effect if the LFE Input £ is used (wired connection) or if the Low-Pass Selector ¢ is in the “OFF” position (wireless connection). If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS processor/receiver, the low-pass frequency is set by the processor/receiver. Consult your owner’s manual to learn how to view or change this setting.
ID Codes
In the unlikely event that you experience interference when operating the system, or if you have more than one set of subwoofer transmitters and receivers in operation, you may change the channel in which the system operates. On
the transmitter module and the subwoofer, there is a four-position ID-Code Selector ( and ∞). Simply set the selectors to one of the other positions. The transmitter and subwoofer (and ∞) selectors must be set to the same position for the system to function correctly. You can also set up a maximum of two subwoofers to be receiving from the same transmitter by setting the channel selector on the transmitter and both of the subwoofers to the same channel.
A Word About Wireless Products
The JBL ES150PW and ES250PW wireless subwoofers utilize advanced wireless transceivers operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band. This is the same frequency band that is used for wireless home networks and high-quality cordless phones. It also allows for the transmission of high-performance, full-spectrum sound to remote locations, wirelessly.
Like all wireless devices, the JBL wireless subwoofer’s operating range may vary, depending upon variables such as building construction methods and materials, atmospheric conditions and other sources of interference. Please consult your JBL dealer or distributor, or visit www.jbl.com, for further information or assistance.
Wall-Mounting the Transmitter Module
NOTE: The customer is responsible for the correct selection and use of mounting hardware (available through hardware stores) that will ensure the proper and safe wall-mounting of the transmitter.
1.Insert the two M3 x 4 machine screws through the wall bracket
and into the rear of the transmitter module, as shown.
2.Attach the transmitter module with wall bracket to the wall, using suitable hardware and, if necessary, wall anchors.
