O Operating Instructions for the TZERO Sub-Bass System
Important Safeguards 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Read all of these instructions. Save these instructions for future use. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Unplug from the wall socket before cleaning. Clean only with a dry cloth. Keep away from water or other liquids. Do not rest drinks, vases or other liquid-filled items on the unit. Do not place on a stand or table; it may fall causing injury to a child or adult and damage to the unit.
Warning This item is heavy. To avoid risk of injury, take care when handling. Design Safety This apparatus is supplied with a detachable mains cord. A 2A fuse is fitted in the socket. Should the fuse need to be replaced use a similar rated fuse approved to ASTA or BSI 362 standards. Do not use without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers are available from your distributor.
Welcome to the REL Family Thank you for purchasing a REL TZERO Sub-Bass System. The TZERO is the result of a state-of-the-art collaboration between our American design and engineering team and our British production team. TZERO is conceived as the most cost effective high end product we know how to build. We have spared none of the materials and finishing techniques our larger designs are noted for.
Overview TZERO Sub-Bass System Many or most loudspeakers emphasize the mid-bass. This is the range from 50 to 90 Hz. We at REL believe this is an incomplete approach and that loudspeakers need to be extended in the lower frequencies for true full range reproduction. All of our designs are true Sub-Bass Systems, meaning they are designed to reproduce very low frequencies (below 30 Hz) that are felt rather than heard.
REL TZERO Rear Panel Connection Legend 1 2 3 1 2 3 8 7 9 10 8 9 4 5 7 6 5
1 Volume Control for HI/LOW INPUT: Use to adjust output when using either HIGH-LEVEL or LOW-LEVEL input. Do not use both simultaneously. 2 Volume Control for .1/LFE INPUT: Use to adjust output level when using .1/LFE input from a 5.1 amplifier or processor. 3 Crossover Control: Used to select crossover frequency. Variable between 30Hz and 120Hz.
Connecting Up Always switch your system off before disconnecting any wires. ALWAYS connect using the REL HIGH-LEVEL input, unless your system simply cannot accommodate this. While rare, a few esoteric systems, such as those that deliver a pure digital signal to active speakers, preclude this possibility. To increase the versatility of connecting up, the TZERO has three separate inputs: A Neutrik Speakon socket and two phono sockets.
main system is carried forward into the Sub-Bass System. This is a very important point and together with REL’s Natural RollOff™ circuitry, ensures far superior system integration of the Sub-Bass System with the main system. HIGH-LEVEL INPUT: Connections should be made to the same binding post on main amplifier as the main speakers.
REL Set-Up Made Simple REL products are not traditional subwoofers, but are true Sub-Bass Systems. A REL is designed to augment the performance of “full range” speaker systems in order to provide, in certain cases, linear response below 12 Hz. Therefore, for the moment, set aside everything you’ve been taught about subwoofers and how they are integrated into a stereo or home cinema system. The set-up and positioning of REL Sub-Bass Systems differs from that of conventional subwoofers.
• 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 whichever of the amplifier’s ground output terminals is convenient; plug the Speakon connector into the Sub-Bass System’s HIGH-LEVEL input.
• If connecting two RELs in a stereo configuration, connect the black wire of each REL to the negative speaker terminal of the corresponding amplifier channel; twist together the red and yellow wires of each REL separately and connect each pair to the positive speaker terminal of the corresponding amplifier channel.
• If connecting a REL as a dedicated rear channel sub, connect the black wire of the REL to either the left rear or right rear negative speaker terminal; connect the yellow wire to the left rear positive speaker terminal; connect the red wire to the right rear positive speaker terminal. Supplied Neutrik Speakon HIGH-LEVEL Interconnect Yellow Black Red + RL – + RR – Amplifier Main Speaker Outputs LOW-LEVEL connection (via phono connector) is always an option if HIGH-LEVEL connection is not possible.
Working with a partner, one in the listening position and one at the REL manipulating the controls, is the most effective and efficient way to set up the REL. If working alone, the initial steps in the set-up can be very effectively carried out from the location of the REL. Trying to ignore all other music in the track, listen for the bass drum and its effect on the listening room. Phase Orientation: Once in the corner phase can be adjusted.
Hint: There may be a tendency to set the crossover point too high and the volume of the Sub-Bass System too low when first learning how to integrate a REL with the system, the fear being one of overwhelming the main speakers with bass. But in doing so, the resulting set-up will be lacking in bass depth and dynamics. The proper crossover point and volume setting will increase overall dynamics, allow for extended bass frequencies, and improve soundstage properties.
2 In the rear corner (ideally that which is opposite the primary sub), connect a second REL to the rear speakers using REL Theater Reference connectivity. The purpose of the rear channel REL is to ensure proper front-to-rear balance and weight; too often virtually ALL the power and weight in a theater comes from the front and it produces unnatural weighting as well as hot spots.
When you have accomplished this task, plug all three units in and re-check your gain settings as the cumulative effect of hooking all three up will usually result in, temporarily, excessive output. Work carefully and methodically to reduce the settings on primary, then rear, and finally center channel RELs and in a few minutes balance should be restored.
Power Saving Efficiency All REL Sub-Bass Systems are designed for maximum power efficiency, both when passing a signal through to its resultant output sound into the room and also when silent. In addition to the low power draw exhibited by all REL models, the TZERO also features an automatic standby mode that is enabled when the power mode switch on the rear of the unit is set to the “ENERGY SAVER” position. In this mode, the input signal is constantly monitored for activity (audio information).
Specifications TZERO Type: Drive Unit: Lower Frequency Response: Input Connectors: Input Impedance: Gain Control Range: Power Output: Phase Switch: Amplifier Type: Protection System Fully Electronic SET-SAFE: D.C. Fault: Output Short: Mains Input Voltage: Fuse: Dimensions (WHD): Sealed, down-firing active woofer 6.5in., 165mm long-throw, steel chassis 38 Hz at -6 dB in room High-Level Neutrik Speakon, Low-Level single phono, LFE phono High-Level: 150k, Low Level: 10k, .
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REL Acoustics Limited North Road, Bridgend industrial Estate . Bridgend, CF31 3TP . United Kingdom Telephone: +44 (0)1 656 768 777 . Fax: +44 (0) 1 656 766 093 Web: www.rel.