DESCENT u s e r ’ s c l TM m a n u a l s e l e c t r MA R T I N LOGA N o s t a t i c
CONTENTS Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Installation in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 About the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Connections and Control Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INSTALLATION We know that you are eager to hear your new Descent subwoofer, so this section is provided to allow fast and easy set up. Once you have it operational, please take the time to read, in depth, the rest of the information in this manual. It will give you perspective on how to attain the greatest possible performance from this most exacting woofer system.
INTRODUCTION Congratulations! You have invested in one of the world's premier subwoofers. The MartinLogan Descent represents the culmination of an intensive, dedicated team research program directed toward establishing a world class reference subwoofer using leadingedge technology, without compromising durability, reliability, craftsmanship or aesthetics. The Descent subwoofer uses three custom 10-inch highexcursion drivers in a BalancedForce™ bass alignment, which dramatically reduces cabinet vibrations.
ABOUT The Descent utilizes four controls that tailor its performance. These include: Low Pass Filter Switch When the Descent is connected in multi-channel mode (via its LFE input), the low pass filter is not active and your processor handles most of the bass management. When connected in 2-channel mode (via its left/right inputs) the low-pass filter is active. The Descent low-pass filter is set up to augment the bottom octave in the 40Hz crossover setting.
CONNECTIONS AND CONTROL SETTINGS Before Connecting the Descent Setting up most subwoofers can be an extremely difficult and confusing task. MartinLogan engineers designed the Descent for easy setup and system integration. Before beginning to connect your Descent, please review the controls discussed in the last section. An understanding of these will help speed you along as you connect your Descent with your system.
Multi-Channel Mode This setup is recommended if you will use your Descent in a dedicated home theater or multi-channel system. When a signal is connected to the Descent’s LFE input, the Descent’s internal low pass filter is not active. By following this setup, you will allow your processor to handle most of the bass management. Signal Connection (see figure 4—RCA shown): 1 Connect the LFE/0.1 subwoofer output of the processor to the LFE input of the Descent using either an RCA or an XLR interconnect.
2-Channel/Multi-Channel Mode Using an A/V processor and the Descent’s low pass filters. You may wish to set up the Descent so that it can be used in both a traditional 2-channel mode and as a LFE (0.1) channel in a multi-channel mode. By following this setup, you will allow your processor to handle most of the bass management while running in multi-channel mode, and relinquish control of the low pass filter to the Descent when running in a 2-channel mode.
Using Multiple Descents Your Descent has the ability to create a chain of Descent subwoofers controlled by one master. When in this configuration, only the controls on the master Descent need to be adjusted. All Descent subwoofers further down the chain will be automatically controlled by the settings of the master subwoofer. Signal Connection (see figure 8): 1 Connect the master Descent to your system using one of the three modes previously described.
AC Power Connection WARNING! The power cord should not be installed, removed, or left detached from the subwoofer while the other end is connected to an AC power source. The IEC cord should be firmly inserted into the AC power receptacle on the rear connection panel of the Descent, then to any convenient AC wall outlet. Directly above the AC power receptacle on the rear connection panel of the Descent is a master power switch.
PLACEMENT Listening Position Generally, subwoofers have the most output when placed in the corner of a room. However, this can also exaggerate the subwoofers output making blending difficult. We recommend starting by placing the Descent in a corner. It should be placed in such a way that there are 2 inches between the grill cloth and the wall. This will avoid blocking the output of any woofers.
ROOM ACOUSTICS Your Room This is an area that requires both a little background to understand and some time and experimentation to attain the best performance from your system. Your room is actually a component and an important part of your system. This component is a large variable and can dramatically add to or subtract from a great sonic experience. All sound is composed of waves.
Solid Footing After living and experimenting with your Descent, you may want to use ETC™ (Energy Transfer Coupler) Spikes (see figure 13), which are included. With the use of these spikes, the Descent subwoofer will become more firmly planted on the floor and, consequently, bass will tighten. It is best not to implement the spikes, however, until you are secure in the positioning, as the spikes can damage the floor if the subwoofer is moved.
HOME THEATER It had long been the practice of stereo buffs to connect their television to the stereo system. The advantage was the use of the larger speakers and more powerful amplifier of the stereo system. Even though the sound was greatly improved, it was still mono and limited by the broadcast signal. In the late 1970's and early ‘80's two new home movie formats became widely available to the public: VCR and laser disc. At the same time video screen sizes began increasing.
DESCENT ADVANTAGES BalancedForce™ For Cleaner Bass Resulting from an equal and opposite reaction to the cone's movement, strong bass causes all traditional subwoofer enclosures to generate acoustic vibrations. You feel this by touching the cabinet. Although the "physics" of this phenomenon actually cause a subwoofer cabinet to resonate or even dance, most subwoofer designers apply weight or mass to the cabinet to minimize such disturbances, but still leave one by product—"smeared bass".
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS & TROUBLESHOOTING Frequently Asked Questions Troubleshooting How do I clean my subwoofer? Use a dust free cloth or a soft brush to clean your subwoofer. We recommend a specialty cloth (available through the Xtatic shop at www.martinlogan.com) that cleans better than anything else we have tried. No Output • Check that all your system components are turned on. • Check that the power switch above the AC cord receptacle on the lower-back of the Descent is turned on.
GENERAL INFORMATION Specifications The high-resolution, servo-controlled Descent subwoofer system consists of multiple woofers for high SPL output with minimal distortion. The woofers are arranged in a BalancedForce array that dramatically lowers cabinet vibrations. This approach leads to tight, well-defined and deep bass output. The equalization used is specifically designed to counteract the response of the woofers sealed box response.
GLOSSARY OF AUDIO TERMS AC. Abbreviation for alternating current. Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, ICs, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate. Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually measured from the average to the extreme. Arc. The visible sparks generated by an electrical discharge. Bass. The lowest frequencies of sound. Bi-Amplification.
Inductor. A device designed primarily to introduce inductance into an electrical circuit. Sometimes called a choke or coil. Linearity. The extent to which any signal handling process is accomplished without amplitude distortion. SPL. The abbreviation for sound pressure level. Stator. The fixed part forming the reference for the moving diaphragm in a planar speaker. LFE. The abbreviation for low frequency effects. THD. The abbreviation for total harmonic distortion. (See Distortion.) Midrange.
c l s e l e c t r o s t a t i c MA R T I N LOGA N 2101 Delaware Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66046, USA tel 785.749.0133 fax 785.749.5320 ©2001 MartinLogan, All rights reserved www.martinlogan.com Rev.
