Emotiva 10 - Manual (Page 16)

Using Low Pass Filters and Setting the Crossover Frequency
Note: If your preamp/processor has its own Low Pass Filter/Crossover settings, it is recommended that you use them to
control the crossover frequency on your subwoofer. Turn the Low Pass Filter switch to ‘BYPASS’ (page 10, point 3). This
disengages all low pass/crossover controls on the subwoofer. If your preamplifier/processor does not have Low Pass
Filter/Crossover controls, use the controls on the subwoofer.
To use the Ultra Subwoofer Low Pass Filter and Crossover Controls, connect the subwoofer to your multi‐channel or stereo
system (with all other speakers connected to their respective amplifiers and in working order). Turn the subwoofer Volume
control (page 10, point 5) on the ‘MIN’ (minimum) setting, then bring the subwoofer to full power, and observe the following
steps:
1. Turn the Low Pass Filter switch to ‘ON’
2. Set the Crossover Frequency to 150Hz, the highest point.
3. With your preamplifier, processor, CD player, or other media source, select and play a familiar piece of music.
4. Keeping the subwoofer volume down, raise the volume of the rest of the system speakers to a level that is representative
of your usual listening habits.
5. Using the subwoofer Volume control, raise the level of the subwoofer until it sounds correct to you (‘correct’ in this case
refers to your personal preference).
6. Begin to slowly adjust the Crossover control to lower numbers, taking time to step back and listen.
Remember that the crossover frequency defines which frequencies are passed through the subwoofer, and which are not. A
crossover set to 50Hz only allows frequencies of 50Hz or lower to pass through the subwoofer. The higher the setting, the
more frequencies are allowed to pass through. The highest setting on the Ultra Subwoofer is 150Hz, which allows all
frequencies beneath 150Hz to pass through.
As you listen, you are looking for the moment when the subwoofer seamlessly integrates with the rest of your speaker
system. The subwoofer should not draw attention to itself, but rather seem like an extension of the speakers, perfectly
blended. Smaller system speakers which produce a relatively small amount of bass frequencies may benefit from a higher
crossover frequency, while system speakers that produce more bass frequencies may prompt you to choose a lower
crossover setting.
You will probably make several adjustments to both the Crossover and Volume controls before the subwoofer sounds
properly integrated with your system. Be sure to take a few breaks to rest your ears, and try several pieces of familiar music.
Remember, there are no rules. You may favor more or less bass than someone else, and what sounds correct to you may not
sound correct to others.
Adjusting the Phase control may require that you go through this process again after the adjustment. Just be patient and
you’ll get it right!
Setting the Phase Control
Begin by setting the control to 0, and step back to listen. Does the subwoofer draw attention to its location, rather than
seem like an extension of the overall soundstage? Does it seem somewhat disconnected from the rest of the speakers? If so,
begin to turn the Phase control, taking time to step back and listen, until the ‘imaging’ seems correct, and the subwoofer
blends into the soundstage and sounds correct to you.
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