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
s
traight 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 30Hz minimum. 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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