User Manual

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. A REL will take advantage of physics and room acoustics to
provide deep pressurization as no traditional subwoofer can. It is 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 labors will be an utterly seamless integration of true deep bass to a sound system, regardless of the
main speakers’ low bass capability.
Basic set-up should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish once connected.
Before You Begin
1 It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL to the input on the rear panel labeled
“HIGH-LEVEL INPUT.” 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.
2 When possible, the REL should be placed in one of the corners behind the speakers. Remember, we are
dealing with true LOW bass pressurization with RELs. Low bass pressurization below 40Hz is best derived
from corner placement, where the most linear and efficient low bass can be produced.
Connecting and Setting Up
HIGH-LEVEL connection, using the enclosed cable with the Neutrik Speakon connector, is always the first
choice. This connection can be made without affecting the performance of the amplifier because the REL’s
amplifier input impedance is 150,000 ohms, in effect not producing any additional demand whatsoever on
the rest of your system.
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