Operation Manual

REL Acoustics ‘Q’ range User manual
16
REL Set-Up Made Simple
REL products are not traditional subwoofers, but true sub-bass systems. A REL is designed to
augment the performance of “full range” speaker systems, to provide linear response down to below
12 Hz (Studio III, -6 dB down at 9 Hz). Therefore, for the moment, set aside everything you’ve been
taught about subwoofers and how they are integrated into a stereo or theatre system. REL sub bass
systems set-up and positioning differs from other subwoofers. A REL will take advantage of physics
and room acoustics to provide deep pressurisation as no other sub-woofer can. It’s important that you
bring to the set-up process a willingness to do things a little differently in order to obtain these
superior results. The end result of your labours will be an utterly seamless integration of true deep
bass to a sound system, regardless of the main speakers low bass capability.
Two Things Before You Begin
A. It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL to the input on the rear
panel labelled “Hi Level.” This connection is made using the supplied 34’ 10” (10 meters)
cable, the bare leads of which connect to the speaker output terminals of the power amplifier.
The easy and foolproof connection at the REL is done with a Neutrik Speakon connector.
The purpose of connecting to the speaker output terminals is one of the unique secrets of
REL’s success. By connecting to the high level input on the REL from the amplifier, you build
forward the sonic signature of your main system, including the tonal balance and timing cues
of the entire electronics chain. In this way, the REL is fed the exact signal that is fed to the
main speakers.
B. When possible, the REL should be placed in one of the corners behind the speakers.
Remember, we are dealing with true LOW bass pressurisation with RELs, not the mid-bass
that most competitors settle for. Low bass pressurisation below 40Hz is best derived from
corner placement, where the most linear and efficient low bass can be produced.
Basic set-up should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish once connected.
Connecting
High-level connection, using the enclosed cable with the Neutrik Speakon connector, is
always the first choice. By connecting to the amplifier’s speaker outputs the sonic signature
of the entire amplification chain is folded into the signal for the sub, thereby keeping timing
and timbre cues consistent. In other words, the signal sent to the REL is exactly the same
signal sent to the speakers, allowing for seamless integration. This connection can be made
without affecting the performance of the amplifier because the sub’s amplifier input
impedance is 100,000 ohms. This scheme also avoids adding any detrimental effects by not
interposing any additional electronics into the amplification chain.
• The standard high level hook up procedure is: attach the red wire to the amplifier’s right
positive speaker output terminal; attach the yellow wire to the amplifier’s left positive speaker
output terminal; attach the black wire to which ever of the amplifier’s ground output terminals
is convenient; plug the Speakon connector into the sub’s high level input.
• For differential amplifiers using one sub, simply use the standard connecting scheme with the
exception of connecting ground to chassis ground, not to speaker output ground, and then
connecting into the high level input (Hi Input or Unbal Hi Input on Stentor III and Studio III).
• For differential amplifiers using two subs, one for each channel: connect red to positive;
yellow to negative; and black to chassis ground; plug the Speakon into the balanced high
level input (Bal Hi Input).
Low-level connection, RCA inputs (or XLR on some models), is always an option, should high-level
connection not be possible, or in a theatre system where both high-level and low-level connection
should be used. When connecting to the low level inputs, connect a single RCA cable to the 0dB
RCA jack. Additional gain can be achieved by connecting to the +12dB input. If you are connecting
two channels of stereo output from a pre-amplifier, simply use a high-quality y-adapter to sum the two
signals together.