Installation guide

R2SUBZ and R2SUBDF - Installation Guide - Page 5
Introduction
The Community R2SUB is a powerful dual 12-inch subwoofer system, offering all the weather-resistant features and benefits
of the acclaimed R-Series.
The 400-watt R2SUB subwoofer includes two 12-inch drivers and can be flown or down-fired for flexible system
configuration. Featuring Community’s bulletproof DYNA-TECH protection circuitry, the R2SUB is engineered to provide
quality low frequency reproduction in a wide variety of outdoor and indoor environments. Its weather resistant properties
make it ideal for installation in amusement parks, sports arenas, cruise ships, race tracks and more, while its contemporary
design makes it just as appropriate for indoor installations as well. All R-Series loudspeakers by Community offer
exceptional sound quality - the R2SUB is no exception.
The R2SUB is a true low frequency system that can deliver extreme sonic performance down to 40 Hz. For R-Series based
designs requiring greater LF extension, the R2SUB is available to complement all of Community’s full-range R-Series
loudspeakers. With a smooth fiberglass enclosure in a neutral gray finish and Community’s exclusive three-layer Weather-
Stop™ grille, the R2SUB is protected by a five-year product warranty and fifteen-year enclosure warranty. Five ½”-13
threaded mounting/rigging points are provided.
Model R2SUBZ includes a weather-resistant yoke mounting bracket.
Model R2SUBDF includes a weather-resistant direct-firing mounting kit.
The TRC400 400-Watt 70/100/140V transformer is available as an optional accessory sold separately.
R2SUB Installation Guidelines
These guidelines are intended to help you optimally locate and install your R2SUB subwoofer(s) in order to get maximum
performance from the system.
Directivity & Positioning
Subwoofers are typically far less directional than the mid-range and high-frequency loudspeakers they will be used with.
This is because low frequency wavelengths are significantly longer than mid-range and high-frequency wavelengths (a 30
Hz wave is approximately 35 feet in length and a 100 Hz wave is approximately 11.3 feet in length). The extremely long
wavelengths cause them to behave quite differently from their shorter mid and high frequency counterparts.
First, long wavelengths do not ‘see’ small or moderate size obstructions as obstacles; they simply diffract around such
barriers as if they’re not there.
Second, the substantial length of low frequency waves makes it difficult to distinguish their source direction. This is why a
single subwoofer can often be used successfully to augment a stereo pair of mid-high loudspeakers without unduly harming
the stereo separation and image.
Third, low frequency waves tend to add together quite graciously, even if their sources are separated by considerable
distances, as long as they are in phase with each other. An example of this is the typical accentuation in low frequency
content that is often experienced in the middle of theatres and concert halls, generated by subwoofers placed far apart on
the opposite sides of the stage.
Overall, the characteristics mentioned above imply that the location of a subwoofer is not particularly critical, and to a
certain extent, this is true. However, there are several factors to consider before you start drilling mounting holes
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(1) The R2SUB subwoofer will benefit greatly in terms of power output when it’s placed adjacent to one or more boundary
surfaces. If located on the floor or ceiling in a corner (Eighth Space), the R2SUB will produce a full 6 dB more output
than if located in the middle of a floor or ceiling. If located at the junction of two walls (Quarter Space), the R2SUB will
produce 3 dB more output than if it’s located in the middle of a floor. Free Power! What could be better? See Figure
1 for additional clarification.
Model R2SUBDF includes a Direct-Firing Kit that consists of four corner brackets and two support struts. This direct
firing kit allows the R2SUB to be easily attached to a floor, wall or ceiling to take advantage of the boundary surface
effect.
When choosing location(s), be careful not to sacrifice sonic quality for sheer power. If the available wall or corner
location results in the R2SUB being located behind or too close to one or more open microphones, early feedback is
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A thorough understanding of how low frequency waves transmit in acoustical environments is very helpful when designing and installing
sound systems. We recommend reading “Fundamentals of Sound” and “Psychoacoustics” by F. Alton Everest in the “Handbook for Sound
Engineers” published by Howard Sams & Co.