Bowers & Wilkins DB2D User Manual page 3

1. Carton Contents
1. DB Series subwoofer
2. Power cable(s)
3. Speaker grilles
4. Spike, decoupling and rubber feet
5. Literature pack
2. Introduction
Your DB Series subwoofer is an extremely high
performance product that will reward thoughtful
installation. We suggest that you take some time to
read this manual before you begin.
DB Series subwoofers can be used for low frequency
applications in both conventional stereo and home
theatre systems. They incorporate a comprehensive
set of features that enhance versatility and enable
performance to be finely tuned to the listening
room, listening position and programme material.
These features are briefly described in the following
paragraphs:
Set Up and Control
DB Series subwoofers can be set up and controlled
only via the Bluetooth connected Bowers & Wilkins
DB Subwoofers app for iOS and Android devices.
Before you begin installing your subwoofer, please
download and install the DB Subwoofers app on
your iOS or Android device. It is not possible to set
up or use a DB Series subwoofer without the app.
Note: The DB Subwoofers app requires iOS
version 10 and Android version 5 or later.
Bluetooth must be switched on in the iOS or
Android settings.
Room Equalisation
DB Series subwoofers can automatically
optimise their performance to match the acoustic
characteristics of the listening environment.
Multiple Inputs
DB Series subwoofers provide RCA Phono and
balanced XLR stereo analogue inputs. The inputs
can be connected simultaneously and configured
independently for different system applications.
Level Adjustment
DB Series subwoofers incorporate both level
adjustment and trim adjustment. The trim adjustment
enables optimum matching of different source output
levels so that the subwoofer volume level matches
that of the main speakers for all inputs.
Low Pass Filter Set up
DB Series subwoofers provide low pass filter
options for stereo configurations for both RCA
and XLR connections. When using mono (LFE)
connections the bass management functions of the
source equipment should be employed. For stereo
installations the low pass filter characteristics can
be matched to either specific Bowers & Wilkins
main speakers or to alternative manufacturer's main
speaker specifications.
Input EQ
DB Series subwoofers provide optional equalisation
presets designed to suit music and movie
programme material. Custom equalisation via a five
band equaliser is also provided.
3. Installing your Subwoofer
3.1 Before You Begin
Please follow the unpacking instructions printed on
the outer carton.
Your DB Series subwoofer is heavy and should be
unpacked by two people working together close to
its final installed position.
Note: Due to the dual driver design of the
DB1D, DB2D, and DB3D subwoofers we
do not recommend that they are suitable for
installation within custom built furniture. If
furniture installation is necessary, multiple DB4S
subwoofers are likely to offer a more satisfactory
solution. In any case, built-in furniture must be
structurally adequate to support the weight of the
subwoofer or subwoofers and provide at least
20cm (8 inches) clearance around the subwoofer
sides, back, and top.
3.2 Positioning
DB Series subwoofers are more versatile than most
subwoofers in terms of positioning thanks to their
Room EQ optimisation system that can compensate
for less than ideal positioning.
Best results however will be obtained if your DB
Series subwoofer is placed between the left and
right speakers or in the vicinity of one of them.
Placing a subwoofer to the side, but still to the
front of the listeners is an acceptable compromise
Diagram 1a
DB4S positioning in a stereo (2.1) system
if domestic considerations dictate, however the
subwoofer should not be located behind the
listening position.
If two subwoofers are to be used it is best to
position one near the left speaker and one near
the right speaker. Diagrams 1a and 1b illustrates
subwoofer positioning.
Note: DB1D, DB2D and DB3D models should be
orientated with their twin drivers facing sideways.
The DB4S should be orientated with its single
driver facing outwards into the room.
Note: Using two subwoofers in a single
installation can improve performance by
maintaining stereo separation to the lowest
frequencies, averaging the effects of low
frequency room resonances and enabling a
higher maximum volume level. In the case of
two subwoofers used in a conventional stereo
system, stereo separation will only be improved
if each subwoofer is located close to the
appropriate main speaker.
Note: Like all speakers, the proximity of room
boundaries affects the sound of a subwoofer.
Bass volume increases as more boundaries
come into proximity. The more boost gained from
the room, the lower the volume can be set and
the less hard the subwoofer has to work.
Once you have positioned your subwoofer, its
performance can be optimised using the Room EQ
function. This is described in Section 4.
Diagram 1b
DB1D, DB2D and DB3D positioning in a home theatre
(5.1) system
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