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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. 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 whichever of the amplifier’s ground output terminals is convenient; plug the Speakon connector into
the Sub-Bass System’s HIGH-LEVEL INPUT.
• For differential (i.e. fully balanced) amplifiers using one REL, simply use the standard connecting scheme
with the exception of connecting the black wire to chassis ground (i.e. a metal bolt or screw, preferably not
painted or anodized, on the chassis of the power amp or receiver), not to a negative speaker terminal, and
then connecting into the HIGH-LEVEL INPUT on the REL. Please contact your dealer should there be any
questions concerning this or any other hookup procedure.
Low-level connection (via phono connectors) is always an option if high-level connection is not possible. When
connecting to the low-level inputs in a system in which high-level connection is not possible, connect a single phono
cable to the LOW-LEVEL INPUT jack. 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.
When connecting to a home cinema system where there is a .1/LFE channel output, connect a single phono cable
between the sub out of the processor/receiver and the .1/LFE INPUT jack on the REL.
1 Positioning: The optimal position for a REL is in one of the corners behind the main speakers. This position provides
9 dB of mechanical amplification and allows for the most linear true low bass wave launch, owing to the ability to
tune the REL to the longest distance in the room in order to produce the longest, therefore lowest, bass waves.
2 The Process: To begin the set-up process, choose a piece of music that has a repetitive bass line that is very low in
frequency. We recommend track 4 from the soundtrack to Sneakers (Columbia CK 53146). This has a repetitive bass
drum throughout that gives you plenty of time to move the woofer around, but more importantly, the recording venue
was quite large for this recording, and therefore it has a very deep and large-scale bass signature. This type of track is
perfect for the set-up process, and should be played at the highest reasonable level expected for system playback.
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.
3 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
speaker are sure to share frequencies (about halfway up, or at 12 o’clock on the crossover control, 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 canceling it.
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