Peavey Dark Matter DM 115 Sub Operating Manual page 8

The amplifier in the DM ™ Sub is equipped with DDT ™ and the LED indicator will show when the DDT has engaged. If the
sound seems heavily compressed, check these indicators; if it is blinking RED more than occasionally, then the drive
level from the mixer (or the Level control on the DM Sub) needs to be reduced.
When first turning on the sound system, switch on all upstream electronics first, then the DM Sub with its Level control
fully counterclockwise (all the way down). Begin checking levels with the mixer output level controls all the way down, and
bring them up slowly with the DM Sub Level control set to the desired setting (one-half way up recommended to start).
It is not good practice to turn the Level control on the DM Sub all the way up and then try to control level only from the
mixer, as this approach would tend to pick up excess noise. Best practice would be to run a "hot" signal from the mixer
down the cable to the DM Sub, and then turn the DM Sub Level control up only as much as necessary to reach full desired
output. With this approach, it is necessary to verify the mixer output is not clipping.
CABLES FROM THE HIGH PASS OUTPUTS (11 & 12)
The preferred method of connecting a full-range satellite speaker system to the DM Sub's High Pass Outputs (11 &
12) is to use a balanced XLR cable no longer than necessary to comfortably reach the satellite speaker system.
If the satellite speaker is on top of a pole above the DM Sub, then a 6 foot cable will be sufficiently long. A 10 or 20
foot cable could also be used, but cables longer than that will only allow more interference pickup and start to lose
high-frequency information. Use of high quality, premium cables is recommended for the DM Sub, as these usually
have better shielding and materials and will provide greater long-term reliability. It is usually a good idea to leave some
slack at the output of the DM Sub, and also to tape the cables down or run them under a cable guard to avoid anyone
tripping over them or pulling the DM Sub over when it is holding a speaker on top of its pole.
SETTING THE DM ™ SUB CONTROLS FOR USE WITH SATELLITE SPEAKERS
Crossover Frequency Control (9): In general, for smaller full-range speakers to be used as satellites, set the Crossover
Frequency Control (9) to a higher frequency setting. For larger full-range speakers, set the Crossover Frequency Control
(9) to a lower frequency setting. Setting the Crossover Frequency Control very much below the 12 o'clock position
will not be needed most of the time, as a crossover frequency below 100 Hz is not going to allow the DM Sub and the
satellite speaker to add together very well in the crossover region.
Polarity Switch (7): Try changing the Polarity Switch setting back and forth at each selected crossover frequency, so as
to determine which switch position provides the most bass output in the crossover region.
Level Controls (6): Start with the DM Sub Level control in the 12 o'clock position, and adjust the satellite speaker
system to match its level. Note that if the Subwoofer can be heard as a distinctly separate sound source, then it is
probably set too high in level.
For recommended settings for use with the DM ™ 112/115 two-way powered speaker systems, see the
Peavey website at: www.peavey.com
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SETTING THE KOSMOS C BASS ENHANCE CONTROL (10)
The Kosmos C Bass Enhance control can add apparent bass extension and output to the reproduced sound, especially
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when the program material has significant content below the DM Sub's cut-off frequency.
When appropriate, judicious use can enhance the enjoyment of the music, and add punch and boom to the mix.
However, setting the control to higher than optimal level can result in a perception of noticeable distortion or less clear
bass sounds. Seldom will it be helpful to turn the control all the way up.
Typical use will involve a setting of the control knob somewhere between Off (full counter clockwise) and 12 o'clock
(half-way up). Then the added effect is more subtle and less intrusive during certain moments in the music, while still
providing a welcome enhancement of the overall sound.
Note that at extreme full clockwise settings, the effective gain of the Subwoofer is increased, so if it was on the verge of
clipping before, turning the Bass Enhance Control way up may cause it to go into clipping.
DISCONNECTING AC POWER TO THE DM SUB
We recommend that the Power switch (3) be used to turn the unit off first, and then the AC power cord can be removed.
This minimizes stress to the power amplifiers and the transducers from turn-off transients. The power switch has an
arc suppression capacitor to help during turn-off, and tends to make a clean disconnect from the AC power, while the
power cord IEC connector can make intermittent contact before finally becoming fully disconnected, e.g., as when
wiggling the cord.