JL Audio Fathom IWSv2-SYS-113 Owner's Manual page 16

Polarity
The Polarity switch allows the user to select between normal (0 deg) and reversed
(180 deg) signal polarity. The Polarity switch will primarily affect the small frequency
range around the crossover point between your subwoofer and satellite speakers.
Unlike the Phase control, which effectively adds time delay, the Polarity switch
produces an instantaneous reversal of the signal's amplitude peaks. For example, if
at a given reference point a sine wave has an amplitude peak, by flipping the phase
switch you instantly convert that peak into a trough or amplitude dip. Because the
effect of the Polarity switch is immediate, it compliments the operation of the Phase
control and cannot be replaced by it.
When placing your Fathom IWSv2 in the room, experiment with the Polarity
switch before adjusting the "Phase" control. Either position of the Polarity switch may
provide a smoother transition between your Fathom IWSv2 subwoofer and the satellite
speakers. Use source material with good mid and upper bass content for evaluation.
Phase
The Phase control knob allows the user to adjust the "timing" of the subwoofer
output relative to the main speakers. The Phase control will primarily affect the small
frequency range around the crossover point between your subwoofer and satellite
speakers. The Phase control's labels are referenced to 80 Hz since this is the most
common crossover point between satellite speakers and a subwoofer. Phase settings
between 0 degrees (full counter-clockwise rotation) and 270 degrees (full clockwise
rotation) are possible.
Speaker, subwoofer, and listening seat positions vary greatly in home theater
installations. Since physical positioning of speakers relative to the room boundaries
and each other greatly affects the perceived quality of sound output, sometimes it is
helpful to delay the subwoofer output. This is exactly what occurs when you turn the
Phase control beyond 0 degrees.
Once your Fathom IWSv2 has been placed in your listening room to give you
the smoothest overall sound and after you have determined the optimum "Polarity"
switch position (see preceding section), experiment with the position of the Phase
control. Using familiar source material with good mid and upper bass content, adjust
the Phase control and listen for better defined mid-bass and a smoother transition
between the subwoofer and satellite speaker systems. If no single setting sounds better
than another, leave the Phase control at 0 degrees.
Page 16 | Fathom IWSv2