REL Acoustics ST 5 User Manual
REL SET-UP MADE SIMPLE
REL designs are not traditional subwoofers, but true sub-bass systems. A REL is designed to augment the performance of “full range” speaker systems, to provide linear response down to below 12 Hz (Studio III, -6 dB down at 9 Hz). Therefore, for the moment, set aside everything you’ve been taught about subwoofers and how they are integrated into a stereo or theatre system. REL’s set-up and positioning differs from other subwoofers. A REL will take advantage of physics and room acoustics to provide deep pressurisation of the kind no ordinary sub-woofer can deliver. It’s important that you bring to the set-up process a willingness to do things a little differently in order to obtain these superior results. The result of your labours will be an utterly seamless integration of genuine sub-bass to a sound system, regardless of the main speaker’s low bass capability.
Two Things Before You Begin
A.It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL to the input on the rear panel labelled “Hi Level.” This connection is made using the supplied cable, the bare leads of which connect to the speaker output terminals of the power amplifier. The easy connection at the REL is completed with a Neutrik Speakon connector. The purpose of connecting to the speaker output terminals is one of the unique secrets of REL’s success. By connecting to the REL’s High Level input from the amplifier, you build forward the sonic signature of your main system, including the tonal balance and timing cues. In this way, the REL shares the signal that is fed to the main speakers.
B.When possible, the REL should be placed in one of the corners behind the speakers. A REL sub-bass system will deliver true LOW bass pressurisation, not the mid-bass that most competitors settle for. Low bass pressurisation below 30Hz is best derived from corner placement, where the most linear and efficient low bass can be generated.
Basic set-up should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish once connected.
Connecting
High Level connection: using the enclosed cable with the Neutrik Speakon connector is always the first choice. By connecting to the amplifier’s speaker outputs the sonic signature of the entire amplification chain is folded into the signal for the sub, thereby keeping timing and timbre cues consistent. This connection can be made without affecting the performance of the amplifier because the sub-bass system’s amplifier input impedance is 10,000 ohms. This method also avoids the detrimental effects of additional electronics in the amplification chain.
The High Level hook up procedure is explained above.
Positioning
The optimal position for a REL is in one of the corners behind the main speakers. This position provides 9 dB of acoustic amplification and allows for the most linear true low bass wave generation.
The Process
To begin the set-up process, choose a piece of music that has a repetitive bass line, which is very low in frequency. Cut 4 from the soundtrack to Sneakers (Columbia CK 53146) has a repetitive bass drum throughout, which gives you plenty of time to move the woofer around. The recording venue was quite large for this recording, and therefore it has a very deep and large-scale bass signature. This type of recording is perfect for the set-up process, and should be played at the highest reasonable level expected for system playback.
With the REL remote control, adjustment of each stage is simplicity itself to achieve.
