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INITIAL CONTROL SETTINGS:
SENSITIVITY Control:
This switch affects the input sensitivity of the XLR and TRS input jacks. When satellites are connected to the B-20 control amplifier, the
subwoofer becomes the master sensitivity control for the system. Set the sensivity on the B-20 to the appropriate setting for your source
equipment, and your monitor system to +4dB.
SAT HP Control:
If you are using A-20 monitors as satellites, set the SAT HP frequency to 85Hz. If using a different brand of powered monitors, begin with the
setting below that best matches your monitors:
110Hz - Mini-Monitors utilizing a 5.25" woofer or smaller.
85 Hz - Monitors utilizing a 6.5" woofer or smaller.
60Hz - Monitors utilizing a 8" woofer or smaller.
35Hz - Monitors utilizing a 10" woofer or larger
BOUNDARY Control:
Set the switch according to the number of walls adjacent to a single B-20 subwoofer cabinet. Adjust later to fine tune to the amount of
room gain or lack thereof as necessary.
PHASE Control:
Begin your listening with the control in the "0" setting. Adjust both clockwise and counter clockwise to the 90 and 180 positions.
Listen to all positions and ultimately set the control to where you hear the greatest bass output in the crossover frequency range.
SUB LO PASS Control:
Start with the control set to the same setting as the SAT HP control. Use a variety of familiar material to determine whether the bass
sounds either too "punchy" (in which case turn the control counter clockwise towards 70Hz) or too thin (in which case turn the control
clockwise towards BY). Getting this setting right may take some time.
SUB GAIN Control:
This level will depend largely on placement. We suggest you start with this control in the 2 o'clock position, and adjust clockwise for
more bass output, counter clockwise for less. Adjust the level so that the B-20 seamlessly integrates with the monitors i.e. so that you can
tell it's operating but can't "hear" it as a separate entity.
SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT:
Where you locate the B-20 subwoofers will have a profound effect on the systems performance. Unfortunately, there are no hard and fast
rules to find the best location. If you have some flexibility, we encourage you to experiment.
Placement near walls and corners will reinforce low frequencies; conversely, placement out into open space will add definition, but will
reduce bass weight and extension.
Ideally, the subwoofers should be adjusted so that you hear the additional bass extension, but cannot localize the subwoofer itself.
Listen as you go using a wide variety of program material. Jazz recordings with acoustic bass and piano are particularly helpful in
determining location, sub level and crossover settings. Transparency and integration are the goals.
The B-20 subwoofer amplifier has a number of controls which can help in determining optimal placement; try them all!
TECH TIP: Using the B-20 remote control bypass switch can also be very helpful when setting up and tuning the B-20 to your room.
When switching the woofer in and out, no tonal difference should be noticeable, just added bass extension, or lack of it.
SYSTEM OPERATION:
The B-20 in conjunction with good near field or mid field monitors, like the A-20, can play very loud with very low distortion, but every speaker
has its limits. Harsh breakup is an indication your monitors or subwoofers have exceeded their output limits. Excessive boosting of bass, treble or
equalizer controls can worsen the problem. If you hear continuous distortion or feel heat emanating from the drivers, reduce the level immediately.
Most speaker damage occurs from sustained high volume levels, not from transient sounds or brief musical peaks. Listening at high volume levels
is potentially dangerous and can lead to permanent hearing loss, especially when listening in the near-field. Protect your ears and use common
sense.
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