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Phase Orientation: Once in the corner we need to adjust for phase. This may be the single most critical step, and
because it really is quite simple, it is often over-thought. Keep in mind; the right phase is whichever position is the
loudest or fullest. While playing music with true low bass, adjust the crossover to a point where the REL and the
s
peaker are sure to share frequencies (about halfway up or slightly higher for smaller speakers). At this point turn
the HI/LO Level control up so that both the REL and speaker are roughly equal in volume and then switch, using the
phase switch, from “0” to “180” phase positions. Again, whichever position is loudest or fullest is the correct position.
That is, when the position is working in harmony with your main speakers, reinforcing bass, and not cancelling it.
4 Placement: The next step is to determine precisely how far out from the corner the sub should be placed to
achieve the most efficient output, as well as the lowest frequency extension. With the REL fully into the corner, and
pointing straight out along the diagonal coming out of the corner, continuing to play the music, slowly pull the REL
from the corner on the diagonal, equidistant from both side and rear wall. At a certain point (sometimes a matter of
only a few inches, in rare cases a foot or more) the REL will audibly go lower, play louder, and, if it truly locks on to
the room and is fully pressurizing it, the air around the REL will seem to be energized, stop right there! This is the
correct position from the corner for the REL.
5 Orientation: Once the position from the corner has been established, the orientation of the woofer must be determined
by rotating the REL from an imagined centre point at the rear of the REL. As the REL is moved from one side to the
other listen for the greatest level of output and bass linearity. In effect, the REL should be left in the position where it
is playing the loudest and lowest.
6 Crossover and Level Settings: To determine the crossover point, take the volume of the REL (using the HI/LO Level
control) all the way down, and put the crossover to 25 Hz. At this point, bring the REL’s volume back up slowly to the
point where you have achieved a subtle balance, i.e. the point at which you can hear the REL even with the main
speakers playing. Now, bring the crossover point up until it is obviously too high; at this point bring it down to the
appropriate lower setting. For all intents and purposes, this is the correct crossover point. Once this stage has been
reached, subtle changes to volume and crossover can be accomplished to provide the last bit of complete and
seamless integration. With that, set-up is complete.
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. Note, volume must be adjusted in conjunction with crossover changes. In general, when selecting a lower
crossover point, more volume may need to be applied.
Home Cinema Applications
For Dolby Digital AC-3 or other 5.1 theatre systems, once the standard set-up for two-channel outlined above is
complete, the LFE output from the processor or receiver should be connected to the .1/LFE INPUT and appropriate
volume adjustments made using the .1/LFE level control. For this configuration, you must set the processor to the
“large” or “full range” setting for the left and right speakers in order for the REL to receive the bass signal via the
high-level cable. In this configuration, the REL provides support for both the left and right speakers for two-channel
listening, and support for the LFE when movies are playing. Most processors will allow you to defeat the subwoofer
output when listening in the two-channel mode. The effect of this set-up is one of greatly increased dynamics in the
mid-bass range, no bass bloat, and a greater degree of space and timing from the special audio effects. For an even
greater sense of space and impact, a second REL connected in parallel to the centre channel will prove to be a dramatic
improvement as well. And if that is not enough fun, a rear REL, both to support the rear channel speakers as well as to
evenly distribute LFE through the room, truly completes the full-range sonic picture for state-of-the-art film reproduction.
Running In
Care taken over running in will be rewarded by many years of pleasurable use. Both the electronics and the drive unit
will benefit from an initial period of carefully controlled use. Possible damage may be sustained by running in the unit
at too high a volume setting over an extended period. On the other hand, by taking a little care over this initial period,
about 24 hours of actual use, a longer life with a higher potential eventual performance is assured.
Care and Polishing
The cabinets are best maintained by using a spray-on wax, such as an automobile wax made by a company called
Griot’s. If objects are to be placed upon the top, it is advisable to use a small mat to protect the surface and to avoid
the risk of rattles.
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