ADVANCED SETTING UP

It is an unfortunate fact that most listening rooms are not perfect. Most suffer from various problems, particularly in the bass. This is why the majority of sub-woofers will not work effectively in most systems - they simply overwhelm the system, causing boom and a poor bass performance. All REL sub-bass systems incorporate special circuitry which we call the Active Bass Controller, or more simply the ABC. The ABC will ensure, when set up accurately, that a REL sub-bass matches into your system precisely. Of course, should you choose to set the controls for a more fulsome bass, or even a totally overwhelming bass, so be it. The REL will oblige!

If your listening room has a rather boomy bass, it may be advantageous to deliberately reverse the phase control on Storm so that partial cancellation of the bass occurs around the crossover frequency between the REL and your main speakers. This will require some patience and care over setting up. But many listeners have reported that what was previously a lost cause, has been totally cured by this simple expedient. Listeners who have had to make do with very small main speakers with a deliberately tapered bass response to offset their poor listening rooms are the ones most likely to benefit from this option. It is impossible to predict the sound experience within a room. We at REL realize this and go to great lengths to offer you, the customer, the means to control the sound within your system. Bass frequencies are often the most troublesome to predict and control. It is one of the reasons why some audiophiles have either given up on trying to reproduce very deep bass within their system or put up with an overblown bass. REL offers the listener the means to control their system sound.

If you are one of the very fortunate few with a superb listening room, then keep your phase switch in its normal position and ignore this advice.

However, this switch also allows you to ensure that any phase reversal within your power amp can be corrected (where the main speakers should then be connected deliberately in reversed phase). Doing this will ensure correct absolute phase of your system.

One of the most frequently reported benefits of owning a REL is the improvement in imaging and depth at ALL frequencies. Many theories exist as to why this should be, but with many listeners, this has been their most pleasing and substantial benefit of owning a REL. Strangely, it often occurs most obviously with those listeners who previously have had the least interest in deep bass! This effect is most pronounced when the REL has been adjusted for the flattest, i.e. not a pronounced bass. It certainly disappears where the listener has it set up to give a deliberately over-blown or boomy bass.

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REL Acoustics Storm manual Advanced Setting UP
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Storm specifications

The REL Acoustics Storm is a high-performance subwoofer designed for audiophiles who demand exceptional sound quality in both music and home theater applications. It embodies REL's commitment to creating subwoofers that not only deliver deep, powerful bass but also seamlessly integrate with other speakers to create a balanced, immersive listening experience.

One of the standout features of the Storm is its innovative design, which includes a large, high-excursion driver. This driver is crafted to produce low-frequency sounds with remarkable clarity and impact, enabling users to feel the depth of the bass rather than just hearing it. With a frequency response that typically extends down to 20 Hz, the Storm is capable of reproducing the most robust bass notes, ensuring that every detail of music and soundtracks is accurately rendered.

The Storm utilizes advanced technologies that set it apart from other subwoofers. One such technology is its unique High-Level input, which allows for a direct connection to the main speakers. This connection method is designed to preserve the integrity of the audio signal, providing a more natural bass response that complements the existing speakers rather than overpowering them. The integration is further enhanced by the REL's proprietary "Crossflex" crossover technology, which optimizes the frequency distribution between the subwoofer and the main speakers.

Another notable characteristic of the Storm is its compact cabinet design. Despite its powerful performance, it manages to maintain a relatively small footprint, making it suitable for a variety of living spaces. The cabinet is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring durability while minimizing resonance and sound coloration.

The user-friendly controls on the Storm make it easy to customize the performance to match individual preferences and room acoustics. With adjustable phase and crossover settings, users can fine-tune the integration of the subwoofer with their primary sound system. Additionally, the subwoofer includes a remote control feature, allowing for convenient adjustments without the need to access the unit directly.

In conclusion, the REL Acoustics Storm combines state-of-the-art technology with thoughtful design elements to provide a subwoofer that excels in both music playback and home theater settings. Its blend of deep bass performance, seamless integration capabilities, and user-friendly features makes it a top choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio experience.
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