PowerField@ Subwoofer with Active Crossover & Power Amplifier

Congratulations
Congratulationson your purchaseof a Definitive Technology ProSub 80 Subwoofer.This revolutionary subwoofer utilizes state-of-the-artcomponents, a non-resonantmonocoquecabinet and low diffraction constructionin order to achieve the most lifelike soundpossible in your listening room for many yearsto come. The ProSubis a compact,high quality powered speaker systemintended primarily for use as a subwoofer in superior quality music or home theatersystems. This ProSub80 poweredsubwooferincorporatesa high currentpower ... amplifier, electronic crossoverand preciseequalizationin order to achieve" the highestpossiblelevel of low frequencyperformance.The amplifier and~lectronic crossoverare completely self-contained moduleswhich are housetlin the subwoofer.The ProSub80 incorporatesDefinitive's proprietaryPowerField@ technology,by which the amplifier is specifically engineered conjunction in with the driver for optimum load matching and power transfercharacteristics. The integratedelectronic crossoverincorporateshigh level inputs and outputs as well aslow level inputs, preciseequalization,continuouslyvariablelow pass filter (between40 and 150 Hz), fixed speakerlevel high passfilter (to match the ProMonitors) and a precisionvolume control. The tremendous built-in flexibility allows easy,seamless integrationwith all main speakersystemsand optimum performancein any room. The crossoverincorporatescircuitry which allows for exceptionalperformanceaseither a single subwoofer(blendingleft and right basschannels)or when two subwoofersare used,one eachfor the left and right channels. Our engineershave spentmany yearsin developing this product. To ensure that you only experiencethe finest performancepossiblefrom your subwoofer, we encourageyou to take a moment with this owner's manual and familiarize yourself with the proper installation and setupproceduresfor your subwoofer.

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, do not remove the cover or back plate of this device. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to licensed service technicians. Avis: Risque de choc electricque, ne pas ouvrir. CAUTION! The international symbol of a lightning bolt inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the device's enclosure. The international symbol of an exclamation point inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating, maintenance and servicing information in the manual accompanying the device. CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert. Attention: Pour eviter les chocs electriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la tichedans la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu'au fond. CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.
1. Read Instructions-All safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the device. 2. Retain Instructions-The safety and operating instructions should be retained f9r future reference. 3. Heed Warnings-All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4. 5. 6. 7.
8.

Follow Instructions-All operating and safety instructions should be followed. Water & Moisture-The device should never be used in, on or near water for risk of fatal shock. Carts & Stands-The device should only be used on carts or standsrecommendedby the manufacturer. Wall & Ceiling Mounting-The device should be mounted on a wall or ceiling only as recommended
by

Ventilation-The
the manufacturer.

device

should

always

be located

in such a way

that it maintains

proper

ventilation.

It

should never be placed in a built-in heat sink.

installation

or anywhere that may impede the flow of air through

.
;

its

9. Heat-Never locate the device near heat sourcessuch as radiators, floor registers, stoves or other heat-generatingdevices. 10. Power Supply-The device should only be connected to a power supply of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the device. II. Power Cord Protection-Power cables should be routed so they are not likely to be steppedon or crushed by items placed on them or against them. Special attention should be paid to areaswhere the plug enters a socket or fused strip and where the cord exits the device. 12. Cleaning-The device should be cleaned in accordancewith manufacturer's instructions. 13. Periods Of Non-Use- The device should be unplugged when not being used for extended periods. 14. Dangerous Entry-Care should be taken that no foreign objects or liquids fall or are spilled inside the device. 15. Damage Requiring Service-The device should be serviced by licensed technicians when: The plug or power supply cord has been damaged. Objects have fallen or liquid spilled inside of the device. The device has been exposed to moisture. . The device does not appear to be operating prop~rly or exhibits a ma.rkedchange in performance. . The device has been dropped or the cabinet becomes damaged. 16. Service-The device should always be serviced by licensed technicians. Only replacement parts specified by the manufacturer should be used. The use of unauthorized substitutions may result in

. .

fire .hock. or other hazards.

Your new ProSub80 Subwoofeicontainsa built-in amplifier and sophisticated electroniccrossover. There are severalways to install your subwoofer.One setupis not considered"better" than another; rather,eachis a function of what type of entertainment systemyou own and how you plan to integrateyour components. Readthe installation suggestions below to determinewhich optionsbest suit your needs.Pleasetakecareto perform all wiring procedures with your systemcompletelypowereddown.

Each loudspeakerleavesour plant in perfect condition. Any visible or concealeddamagemost likely occurred in handling after it left our plant, and should be reported at once to your Definitive dealer or the delivery company that delivered your loudspeaker.Pleaseunpack your system carefully. Saveall cartons and packing material in caseyou move or need to ship your system.Record the serial number found on the back of the subwoofer in the appropriateplace on your warranty card.

Your Definitive Technology ProSub80 subwooferoperates frpm either high level (speaker-type) low level (RCA-type) outputson or your electronics.Use the low level jacks when connectingthe subwoofer to the left and right low level or LFE outputjacks of a receiver, a preampor a signalprocessor. Use the high level speaker terminal inputs to connectthe subwooferto the amplifier output (speaker) jacks of your receiveror amplifier. Use the high level outputjacks to connectthe subwooferto a pair of left and right main speakers. (See wiring diagramsJ When connectingthe subwooferto your system,it is recommended that you usehigh quality speaker cable and try to maintaincableruns of the samelength for the left andright channels. Shouldyou perchanceexperience level of groundhum or noise,try plugging,the any subwooferinto the samecircuit asyour"amplifier.Also, consultthe "Troubleshooting"sectionof this manual.To preventaccidentaldamageto your subwooferfrom overdriving the system,the subwoofer featuresan internal overloadprotectioncircuit.

Your Definitive Technologysubwooferhasbeendesignedto operateat frequencies generallybelow 150Hz. Because low-frequency information in this rangeessentiallyis non-directional,your subwoofer canbe locatedanywherein your listening room that is most convenient.Also, the continuouslyvariable low passfilter operates at a very fast roll-off, ensuringgreatperformancewhereveryou place your subwoofer.Thereare,however,somegeneralrules that you shouldbearin mind when locating your subwoofer: 1. For maximum output the subwoofershouldbe placedin a comer or againstthe wall, leaving roughly 2"-4" clearance betweenthe subwoofer and the wall(s). 2. Comer placementwill increasethe subwoofer'sefficiency,which in turn will increaseyour system'smaximum output and improve the dynamiccapability of the subwoofer. 3. While one Definitive Technologysubwooferwill alwayssou.nd great,the useof two subwooferswill definitely enhance your system's performance providing a smootherand more consistent by response pattern.Here,it is recommended you locate the subthat wooferson the sameside of the room as the main speaker the same of channel. 4. Always rememberthat frequencyresponse output lev.((l and are greatly influencedby the subwoofer'splacement. movementof A evenafoot or two can dramaticallychangeyour system'sresponse characteristics. You shouldexperimentwith placementin your particular listening room in order to achievethe highestperformance from your subwoofer. 5. Your subwoofercontainsa powerful amplifier inside its cabinetry. When placing the subwooferinto a built-in cabinet,pleasebe sureit receivesa clear flow of cooling air. If your subwooferis to be located in a closed-back cabinet,be sureto put someventilation holesin the cabinetback behind the subwoofer'sback panel. 6. Sincethe subwooferhassomeoutput from therear, if you put the subwooferin a cabinet,leave2"-4" aroundthe outsideof the subwoofer for the soundfrom the rear to get out. 7. When using the ProSub 80 with Definitive ProMonitors, consult the ProMonitor instruction manual for other placement tips.

Low Level Connections Oneway to hook up your Definitive Technology ProSub80 subwoofer is via the low level input connectors which are RCA-type jacks designedto acceptstandardaudio interconnectcables.For preampsand decoders, an interconnectfrom the left and right outrun puts of the preampor decoderto the left and right low level input5on the subwoofer.If you have two setsof outputs,you can useone set of these;if not, you can put a Y-connectorinto eachoutput (left and right) and run half of eachY back into a (left and right) main input on the preampdecoder, receiveror power amp and the other half into the (left and right) low level input on the subwoofer. Additionally, I!lany new model receivers,preampsand decoders featurea mono (line level) output intendedto be usedwith subwoofers.You can feed the mono or LFE subwooferoutput of your receiveror decoderto the LFE low level input on the subwooferand achievefull performance. Often theseoutputshavetheir own low
PRE-AMPLIFIER I -- --- ---

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passfilter built into the circuit. If you usetheseoutputs,this ~w pass"'; filter will work in conjunctionwith the low passfilter found In the ProSub80 subwooferto createa very steepcrossoverslopeiUsually, if your receiveror decoderalreadyhasa built-in low passcrossover, you shouldtumthe low passcontrol on your ProSub80 to 150.Also, thesesubwooferoutputstendto havelessgain thanmain line level outputs,thus the gain control on your subwoofermay needto be adjustedaccordinglyfor properbalance. a slight increase gain, For in however,you canusea standard, RCA-type stereoY-connector to split the mono output into separate andright inputs on the subleft woofer.Use the LFE input on the subwooferto hook the subwooferup to the LFE (low frequencyeffects)output on Dolby Digital AC-3* decoders, receivers,etc. You canhook the L andR low level inputs on the subwooferup to the L andR outputson your receiver,deeoder etc. at the sametime ashooking the LFE input up to the LFE outputin orderto reproducethe bassof.all threechannels with the subwoofer.

High Level Speaker Wire Connections

Your Definitive Technology ProSub80 subwoofer alsobe can hookedup,via high levelcPJlnectigns. Jqthis situation, havethe you

optionof runningyour main speakers "full range"or tolling off the low endby usingthe high passfilter built into the subwoofer. high level For wiring, your interconnects simply equaldistance are lengthsof high quality speaker cable. To hook up your ProSub80 subwoofervia the high level connections, simply run speakercablefrom the right channelhigh level connectoron the subwooferto the right channelspeaker connector of your receiveror amplifier. Repeatthis processfor the left channel. Please take carethat the red ("+") terminal on the subwooferis connectedto the red ("+") terminal on your receiveror amplifier, andthat the black ("-") terminal on your receiveror amplifier is connected to the black ("-") terminal on the subwoofer.This will ensureabsolute phase throughoutyour system. Your main speakers now be connected one of two ways.If can in you wish to utilize the high passfilter built into your subwoofer,simply connectyour main speakers the high level out terminalson the to subwoofer. Again, take careto makered to red (" +") andblack to
AMPLIFIER OR RECEIVER MAIN SPEAKERS

RIGHT
LEFT

black ("-") terminal connections. This connection will provide a smoothlycontoured roll-off of the low frequencies going to your main speakers startingat approximately Hz. We recommend hook-up 80 this (wiring the main speakers throughthe crossover the subwoofer) in whenusingProMonitors.For moreoverallbassoutputwhenusingfull rangemain spe~ers, run the main speakers rangeby hookingthem full up directly to the amp.In many systems, your speakers true full if are rangesystems, may find that you get a more satisfyingsoundby you running the speakers full-range and crossingyour subwooferin fairly low (40-70Hz). On the otherhand,if you find that you are overdriving your main speakers, will clearly be able to play your systemlouder you by using the built-in high passcrossover your main speakers. for
The Advantages of Multiple Subwoofers Definitive's ProSub 80 subwoofersare engineeredto be used singly or in stereopairs. With a single subwoofer, both left and right signals are sentto the subwoofer wherein they are combined via the electronic crossoverinto one composite signal. With stereosubwoofers, the left and right low frequency signals are reproducedby their own individual subwoofers. The use of one subwoofer achievesoutstanding performance; however, the addition of a secondsubwoofer (one for the left and one for the right channel) clearly offers the highest level of performance achievable for both movies and music. The use of stereosubwoofers smoothes out the peaksand dips which result from the eigenmodesin your room. Two subwoofers couple much better to the air in your room (four times",'. better) and of courseoffer double the power. In addition, some1state-ofthe-art home theater installations have begun to use a separatesubwoofer hooked up to the rear (surround) channelsand we recommenAthis for the absoluteultimate in performance.In addition, some state-of-the-art Dolby Digital* home theater installations"have begun to use a separate subwoofer hooked up to the rear (surround) channels and we recommend this for the absolute ultimate in performance.

Dual Subwoofer Connections When hooking up a stereopair of subwoofers,wiring is quite similar to traditional high level connections.Here, insteadof running both speaker cablesfrom your receiveror amplifier to the left and right high level terminals on the subwoofer,you will run the left channelto the left channelsubwoofer and the right channelto the right channelsubwoofer.Again, take careto makered to red ("+") and black to black ("-") terminal connections. Don't worry that on your left subwoofer the right channel terminals will be empty and that on the right channel subwoofer the left channel terminals will be empty-both channels are combined at the subwoofer's input stage.There is a possibility that with this type of wiring you may need to increaseyour gain a little bit for proper balance.

A dual subwoofer system usinglow level connections equallysimis ple.From your receiveror preamp, an RCA-typeinterconnect run from theleft channelmain outputto the left channel low level input on the subwoofer areusingfor the left channel. you The process shouldthenbe repeated the right channel. this setup, for In main speaker connections aremadebetween your receiveror amplifierin a traditionalmanner.

Your Definitive TechnologyProSub80 subwooferis equippedwith a full complementof operatingcontrolsto ensurecompleteflexibility andmaximumperformancein any installation.Most of them basically arethe "set and forget"type, althoughoccasionallycertain controls will requireminor adjustments. Gain Control On the back panelof your subwooferis a gain (volume) control. This control is usedto raise or lower the output level of your subwooferin relationto the other speakers your system. in Low Pass Filter Your subwoofer'sback panelfeaturesa continuouslyvariablelow passfilter. This filter is continuouslyvariablebetween40 and 150Hz. This low passfilter control is usedto obtain the optimum transition betweenthe subwooferand your main speakers. itcontrol shouJd This besetby earfor bestperformance yourroom.Set to whereit . in sounds bestto you. If you are running your main speakers range, full we would generallyrecommendsettingthe low passfilter fairly 10w (40-70 Hz). When using the ProSub80 with Definitive ProMonitors, please consultthe instruction manual section"Using the ProSub 80 with Definitive ProMonitors."

Your subwoofercontainsa built-in, active poweredsubwoofersection aswell as an electroniccrossoverand so eachsubwoofermust be pluggedinto an electrical socketof the appropriatevoltage (as indicatedon the back of your unit) using the plug on the end of the black cord attachedto the electronicsmoduleon the back of the loudspeaker. The subwooferhas a specialcircuit which automaticallyturns the poweredsubwoofersectionon when a signal is fed to the loudspeaker and doesnot require an on-off switch. TheTedLED on the back panel will light up when a signal is sensed the amplifier turns on. It will and automaticallyturn off a little while after the signal is discontinued.

When

using

the

ProSub

with

Definitive

ProMonitors,

please

con-

sult

your

ProMonitor

instruction

manual

for

specific

information

regarding

hookup,

wiring

and

placement.

Setting

the

Level

and

Crossover

Frequency

When

Using

the

ProSub

80

with

ProMonitors

When

you

have

the

ProMonitors

wired

to

the

speaker

level

outputs

on

your

ProSub

80,

the

following

are

our

suggestions

for

starting

set-

tings

on

your

controls.

Remember,

these

are

just

appro~imate

settings

and

we

suggest

experimenting

to

determine

the

best-sounding

set-

tings

for

your

particular

set-up.

1.

Set

the

variable

low

pass

crossover

control

on

the

back

of

the

ProSub

80

to

approximately

o'clock.

Please

note

that

the

exact

frequency

will

depend

on

many

factors

including

specific

positions

of

the

speakers

room,

so

you

nright

experiment

with

slightly

higher

or

lower

setting

achieve

ideal

blending

between

the

sub

and

the

satellites

for

~. .
in the to . .

your

particular

set-up.

Listen

to

wide

variety

of

music

to

determine correct the setting thisin yoursystem. for

2. Set the subwoofer level control to the first dot left of center. Please personal
room

40 .
note the your ~.. ~ ..

. 15
..

listening exact

taste, level

so

you on

nright many

experiment factors

with

size,

position

of

the

speakers,

etc.

as

well

as

that

the

depends

including

subwoofer

level

while

listening

to

wide

variety

of

your

music

AI;"

until

you

achieve

the

ideal

setting

for

your

system.

~r

If you experience any difficulties with your subwoofer, try the suggestions described below. If you are still having problems, please consult your Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance. 1. Make sure all your system interconnects and power cords are solidly in their place. 2. Should you experience any level of ground hum or noise, try plugging the subwoofer into the same circuit as your amplifier. Please note that some cable TV hookups induce hum into the whole system and require a special isolation device. Please consult your dealer.

3. The system is provided with sophisticated internal protection circuitry. If for some reason the protection circuitry is tripped, please turn down your system's volume and wait five minutes before trying

Alax

the system again. If the amplifier should overheat, the system will turn itself off until the amplifier cools and resets. 4. Check to be sure that your power cord has not been damaged. 5. Check that no foreign objects or liquid has entered the cabinet. 6. If you cannot get your subwoofer to turn on or if no sound comes out and you're sure the system is set up properly, pleasebring the subwoofer to your Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance.

It is our pleasure to offer assistanceif you have any questions regarding your ProSub 80 or its set-up. Please contact your nearest Definitive Technology dealer or contact us directly at 410-363-7148.

Service and warranty work on your Definitive loudspeakers will normally be performed-by your local Definitive Technology dealer. If, however, you wish to return the speaker .to us, please contact us first, describing the problem and requesting authorization as well as the location of the nearest factory service center. Please note that the
Under no circumstances
address given in this booklet

should loudspeakers
is the address of

be shipped to our
offices only

offices or returned without contacting us first and obtaining! return authorization. Definitive Technology Offices 11433 Cronridge Drive, Suite K Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 Phone: 410-363-7148

Dimensions Frequency Response Driver Complement Built-in Amplifier High PassFilter Low PassFilter

12 1/2"H x 9 1/2"W X 15 1/4"D 21 Hz 150kHz One 8" woofer with polymer cone 250 watts RMS 6 dB/octavespeakerlevel at 100Hz 24 dB/octavecontinuouslyvariable(40-150Hz)

our

Limited Warranty: 5-Years for Drivers and Cabinets.

3-Years for Electronic Components

Definitive Technology warrants to the original retail purchaser only that this Definitive Technology Loudspeak~r Product (the "Product") will be free from defects in materials and workmanship fora period of five (5) years covering the drivers and cabinets, and three (3) years for the electronic components from the date of the original purchase from a Definitive Technology Franchised Dealer. However, this warranty will automatically terminate prior to the expiration of five (5) years for the drivers and cabinets and three (3) years for the electronic components if the original retail purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party. The original retail purchaser shall hereinafter be referred to as "you." To obtain the warranty protection for your Definitive Technology Product(s), you must fill out the Warranty Registration Card(s), within ten days of the date of purchase. Defective Products must be shipped, together with proof of date of purchase, prepaid insured to the Franchised Dealer from whom you purchased the Product, or to the nearest factory service center. Product(s) must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent; in any case the risk of loss or damage in transit is to be borne by you. If, upon examination at the Factory or a Definitive Technology Franchised Dealer, it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at any time during this Warranty period, Definitive Technology or the Definitive Technology Franchised Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this Product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Product(s) become the property of Definitive Technology. Product(s) replaced or repaired under this Warranty will be returned to you, within a reasonable time, freight collect.

This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defects in materials or workmanship, or service, or repair or modification of the Product which has not been authorized by Definitive Technology. .
..

Definitive Technology makes Warrantywith respectto its Products no purchased from 1 dealersor outletsother than DefinitiveTechnology Franchised Dealers. " ; This Warrantyis in lieu of all other expressed Warranties. this Productis detective If in material or workmanship warrantedabove,your sole remedy as shall be repair or replacement asprovided above.In no eventwill DefinitiveTechnology liable to youfor any incidentalor be consequential damages arising out of the useor inability to usethe Product,evenif Definitive Technology a Definitive Technology or Franchised Dealer hasbeenadvisedof thepossibility of suchdamages. for any claim by any otherparty. Some or statesdo not allow the exclusionor limitation of consequential damages. theabovelimitation maynot apply to you. so All implied warrantieson the Productare limited to theduration of this expressed Warranty.Somestatesdo not allow limitation on how long an implied Warrantylasts,so the abovelimitations may not apply to you. This Warrantygivesyou specificlegal rights, and you also may haveother rights which varyfrom stateto state.

C(
This product complieswith the essentialrequirements of EMC directives 89/336/EECand 73/23/EEC (inclusive of 93/68/EEC) and carriesthe CE mark accordingly.
EFMM 122898