Introduction: Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American Audio
® PSW 15™ or the
PSW 15P™ professional subwoofer. This subwoofer is a representation of American Audio’s continuing
commitment to produce the best and highest quality audio products possible at an affordable price.
The PSW 15™ is a passive subwoofer, encased in a wood encloser. This subwoofer has been designed
to be used as both a portable and a permanently installed unit. The PSW 15P™ is a 300 watt self powered version of the PSW 15™. Please read and understand this manual completely before attempting
to operate your new subwoofer. This booklet contains important information concerning the proper and
safe operation of your new subwoofer.
Customer Support: American Audio
® provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help
and answer any question should you encounter problems during your initial set up or operation. You
may also visit us on the web at www.americandj.com for any comments or suggestions. Service Hours
are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Voice: (800) 322-6337
Fax: (323) 582-2610
E-mail: support@americandj.com
Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside this subwoofer. Do not attempt any repairs, without
being instructed to do so by an authorized American Audio technician. Doing so will void your manu
factures warranty. In the unlikely event your subwoofer may require service, please contact American
Audio
®.
SW 15™/PSW 15P™ Unpacking
P
Every PSW 15™ and PSW 15P™ has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition. Carefully check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the carton appears to be damaged carefully inspect your units for any damage and be sure all
accessories necessary to operate the system have arrived intact. In the event damage has been found
or parts are missing, please contact our toll free customer support number for further instructions.
Please do not return the subwoofer to your dealer without first contacting customer support.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
CA UT IO N: TO RED UC E TH E RI SK O F EL EC TRI C
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVE R (OR BACK).
T H E R E A R E N O U S E R SE R V I C E AB L E P A RT S
INS IDE REFER SE RVI CE TO Y OUR AU THORI ZED
AMERICAN AUDIO® SERVICE TECHNICIAN.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.
the user to the presence of important
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and operatin
instructions should be retained for future reference.
HEED WARNING
in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
CLEANING
a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean with
furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other volatile
liquids since they may corrode the cabinet
ATTACH MENTS — Do not u se att achments not
recommended by the product manufacturer as they
may cause hazards.
WATER AND MOISTURE
near
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in
or near a swimming pool; and the like.
ACCESSORIES
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. Th
product may
adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only
with a cart, sta nd, tr ipo d, bra cket, o r t abl e
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold
the product. Any mounting of the product shoul
follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should
use
manufacturer
CART
moved
uneven surfaces may cause the product and car
combination to overturn
VENTILATION
provided for ventil ation and to ensure reliabl
operation of the product and
overheating, and these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on
or other
placed
rack unless proper ventilation
manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered
POWER SOURCES
only from the type of power source indicated on
marking label. If you are not sure of the type of
power supply
dealer or local power company.
LOCATIO
stable location.
NONUSE PERIOD
should be unplugged from the
used for a long period of time.
S — All warnings on the product and
— The product should be cleaned only with
.
water — for example, near a bathtub, wash
a mounting accessory recommended by the
— A product and cart combination should be
with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and
— Slots and openings in the cabinet are
similar surface. This product should not be
in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or
N – The appliance should be installed in a
— Do not use this product
a wet basement;
— Do not place this product on an
fall, causing serious injury to a child or
with
.
.
to protect it from
a bed, sofa, rug,
is provided or the
— This product should be operated
to your home, consult your product
S – The power cord of the appliance
outlet when left un-
the
GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION
• If this product is equipped with a polarized alternating
g
e
d
t
e
to.
current line plug
the other),
is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized plug.
• If this product is equipped wit h a three-wire
grounding type plug,
pin,
it will only fit into a grounding type power outlet.
This
is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug
replace your obsolete
safety purpose of the grounding type plug.
POWER-CORD PROTECTION
should be routed so that they are not likely
walked on or pinched by
against them, paying particular attention
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the product
OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING
antenna or cable system is connected to the product,
be sure the antenna or cable system
as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides informatio
with regard to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire
to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
co nn ec ti on to g round in g el ectro de s, a nd
requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure
A.
LIGHTNING
during
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from
the
wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This
due to lightning and power-line surges.
POWER LINES
not be located
or other electric light or power circuits, or where it
fall into such power lines or circuits. When
can
installing an outside antenna system, extreme car
should be taken
lines or circuits as contact with them might be
OVERLO ADING — Do not overload wall ou tlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
(a plug having one blade wider than
it will fit into the outlet only one way. This
still fail to fit, contact your electrician to
a plug having a third (grounding)
into the outlet, contact your electrician to
— For added protection for this product
a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended
outlet. Do not defeat the
- Power-supply cords
items placed upon or
.
will prevent damage to the product
— An outside antenna system should
in the vicinity of overhead power lines
to keep from touching such power
to be
to cords at
— If an outside
is grounded so
fatal.
ELECTRI
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT
Fig.
A
n
e
C
OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY
any kind
into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out
parts that could result
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
SERVICING
DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE
• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.
• If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into
• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.
• If the product does not operate normally by following
• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any
• When the product exhibits
REPLACEMENT PARTS
SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any service or
WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING
HEAT
GROUND
CLAM
P
— Do not attempt to service this product
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you
to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all
servicing to qualified service personnel
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualifie
service personnel under the following conditions:
the product
the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instructions as an
improper adjustment of other controls may result
damage and will often require extensive work by
qualified technician
normal operation.
way.
performance — this indicates a need for service.
are required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electri
shock, or other hazards.
repairs
perform safety checks
is in proper operating condition.
not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other products (including
heat
.
to this product, ask the service technician to
— The product should be situated away from heat
.
GROUND CLAMPS
POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)
• The PSW 15™ and the PSW 15P™ subwoofers can easily reproduce sound pressure levels (SPL) sufficient enough to cause sever and permanent hearing damage. A great degree of care
should be taken to pro tect your ears to prolong exposure to SPL in excess of 85dB.
• For adult use only - Keep out of the reach of children.
• Be sure all power is turned off before making subwoofer connections
• Do not remove the subwoofer cover or grill under any conditions
• Always use a power cord that meets the manufactures exact power specifications
• Disconnect from main power before making any type of connection
• To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this unit rain or moisture
• This subwoofer is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors voids all warranties.
• Always mount this subwoofer in safe and stable matter.
• Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the mixer.
• Heat -The subwoofer should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat regis-
ters, stoves, or other mixers (including amplifiers) that produce heat
• Be sure to save the packing carton in the event the unit needs to be returned for service
• Read all documentation before attempting to operate your new subwoofer. Please save all your
docu mentation for future reference
• Do not spill water or other liquids in to or on to your subwoofer
• Be sure that the local power outlet matches that of the required voltage for your subwoofer.
• Do not attempt to operate this subwoofer if the power cord has been frayed or broken. Please route your power cord out of the way of foot traffic
• Always have the gain controls set to their lowest level during initial power-up to prevent subwoofer damage
• Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the subwoofer beyond that described in this
manual. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel. The subwoofer should only be serviced by qualified personal when;
A. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the subwoofer
B. The subwoofer has been exposed to rain or water
C. The subwoofer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a change in performance
D. The terminal/cross-over plate has been damaged
The PSW 15™ and the PSW 15P™ carry a one year (365 days) limited warranty. Please fill out the
enclosed warranty card to validate your purchase. All returned service items whether under warranty
or not, must be freight pre-paid and accompany a return authorization (R.A.) number. The R.A. num
ber must be clearly written on the outside of the return package. A brief description of the problem as
well as the R.A. number must also be written down on a piece of paper and included in the shi
container. If the unit is under warranty, you must provide a copy of your proof of purchase invoice.
You may obtain a R.A. number by contacting customer support at (800)
returned to the service department not displaying a R.A. number on the outside of the shipping pack
age will be returned to the shipper unopened.
The serial and model number for this unit is located on the rear panel Please write down the num
bers here and retain them for future reference.
PSW 15P™ Powered Subwoofer:
• Dual XLR/1/4 Inputs
• XLR Balanced Inputs
• XLR Line Outputs
• 300 Watts RMS - 1000 Watts Peak Power
• Built-in Heavy Duty Carrying Handle
• Attached heavy Duty Rubber Feet
• Built-In Adjustable Electronic Crossover
-
pping
322-6337. All packages
-
-
Model No.________________________________ Date Purchased___________________________
Serial No.________________________________ Dealer Name______________________________
1. SPEAKON CONNECTIONS – The PSW 15 includes a pair of Speakon type connections. You
may use both connections at once to loop subwoofers. The Speakon connectors have a pin 1+
(hot) and 1- (ground) configuration, pins 2+ and 2- are not used. For more wiring information
regarding the Speakon connectors see page 17.
2. INPUT LEVEL – This knob is used to regulate the output signal of the line level source con-
nected to the Line Level Input Jacks (4 & 6).
3. FREQUENCY RESPONSE – This knob is used to adjust the crossover frequency of the subwoofer.
4. BALANCED XLR/1/4” LINE INPUT – This connection is designed to accept a balanced line
input signal from a mixer or other line level device with a balanced output jack. Use a balanced
cable when the signal cable length exceeds 15 feet, this will reduce excessive signal loss. Be
sure to connect only line level input devices such as mixers and tape machines to this jack.
5. XLR PARALLEL OUTPUT JACK – This jack is used to send the incoming signal from either of
the Inputs Jacks to another PSW 15P™ or
6. BALANCED XLR/1/4” LINE INPUT – This connection is designed to accept a balanced line
input signal from a mixer or other line level device with a balanced output jack. Use a balanced
cable when the signal cable length exceeds 15 feet, this will reduce excessive signal loss. Be
sure to connect only line level input devices such as mixers and tape machines to this jack.
7. XLR OUTPUT JACK – This jack is used to send the incoming signal from either of the Inputs
Jacks to another PSW 15P™ or speaker.
8. VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH - Because power supplies vary from location to location a
voltage selector switch has been incorporated in the unit's design. This switch can select a
voltage input of 120v or 230v to accommodate the two major power source. Always be sure
to disconnect the power plug before changing the voltage.
9. MAIN POWER SWITCH – This is the main power ON/OFF button. Before main power is applied,
be sure you have made all connections to the subwoofer. Remember to avoid damaging pops
to the subwoofers, the mixer is turned on first and turned off last.
10. FUSE HOLDER – This housing stores the 6 amp GMA protective fuse. Always replace with
the exact same type fuse, unless otherwise instructed, by an authorized American Audio
service technician. Replacing with any other type of fuse than that of the recommended fuse
will void your unit warranty.
11. MAIN POWER INLET – This connector is used to supply main power to the unit via the included detachable power cord. The power connection uses an I.E.C. type connector, use only
the supplied polarized AC power cord. Use only a power cord that matches this type of connection. Be sure to only connect this unit to a power outlet that matches the printed power
label on the unit. Never use a power when the ground prong has been removed or broken off.
The ground prong is used to reduce the risk of electrical shock in case of an electrical short.
This cord is designed to fit in one direction only. Do not attempt to force a cord if it does not
fit, be sure the cord is being inserted properly.
SPEAKON ASSEMBLY: You will need a pair of Neutrik Speakon® NL4FC connectors. You will also
need high-quality two or four conductor subwoofer cable, a pair of needle-nosed pliers and a 1.5mm Allen key to assemble the Speakon connectors to your subwoofer wire. To assemble the Neutrik
Speakon NL4FC connector, complete the following steps:
1. Strip back 3 /4-inch of the cable casing. Strip off 1
/4-inch from the end of each of the conductors down
to bare wire, and insert the brass fittings ( Figure 10).
2. Slide the cable tension clip (D) and the speakon
coupler (E) through the cable end. See figure 11.
3. Insert each wire with the brass fittings into the top of
appropriate slot of the connector insert (B) as shown
in figures 11 and 12. Use a 1.5-mm Allen key to tighten
the connection (Figure 12).
4. Be sure to properly match the positive (+) and
negative (–) leads of each wire (Figure 13).
5. Slide the connector insert (B) into the connector
housing (A), making sure that the large notch on the
outer edge of the insert lines up with the large groove
on the inside of the connector housing. The insert
should slide easily through the housing and out the
other side until it extends approximately 3 /4-inch
from the end of the housing.
6. Slide the cable tension clip (D) along the cable and
insert into the housing (A), making sure that the large
notch lines up with the large groove on the inside of
the connector housing (A). The cable tension clip (D)
should slide easily into the housing until only 3 /8-inch
of the cable tension clip (D) extends from the back end
of the connector.
7. Slide the coupler (E) along the cable and screw it
onto the end of the housing (A). Before tightening, you
may want to test the connector to make sure it has
been assembled properly.
A. American Audio® hereby warrants, to the original purchaser, American Audio® products to be free of manufacturing defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 Year (365 days) from
the date of purchase. This warranty shall be valid only if the product is purchased within the United States of America, including possessions and territories. It is the owner’s responsibility to
establish the date and place of purchase by acceptable evidence, at the time service is sought.
B. For warranty service, send the product only to the American Audio® factory. All shipping charges
must be pre-paid. If the requested repairs or service (including parts replacement) are within the
terms of this warranty, American Audio
point within the United States. If the entire instrument is sent, it must be shipped in its original
package. No accessories should be shipped with the product. If any accessories are shipped
with the product, American Audio
any such accessories, nor for the safe return thereof.
C. This warranty is void if the serial number has been altered or removed; if the product is modified
in any manner which American Audio® concludes, after inspection, affects the reliability of the
product; if the product has been repaired or serviced by anyone other than the American Audio®factory unless prior written authorization was issued to purchaser by American Audio®; if the
product is damaged because not properly maintained as set forth in the instruction manual.
® will pay return shipping charges only to a designated
® shall have no liability whatsoever for loss of or damage to
D. This is not a service contract, and this warranty does not include maintenance, cleaning or peri odic check-up. During the period specified above, American Audio® will replace defective parts
at its expense, and will absorb all expenses for warranty service and repair labor by reason of
defects in material or workmanship. The sole responsibility of American Audio® under this war ranty shall be limited to the repair of the product, or replacement thereof, including parts, at the
sole discretion of American Audio
®. All products covered by this warranty were manufactured
after January 1, 1990, and bear identifying marks to that effect.
E. American Audio® reserves the right to make changes in design and/or improvements upon its
products without any obligation to include these changes in any products theretofore manufac tured.
F. No warranty, whether expressed or implied, is given or made with respect to any accessory sup plied with products described above. Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, all
implied warranties made by American Audio® in connection with this product, including warran ties of merchantability or fitness, are limited in duration to the warranty period set forth above.
And no warranties, whether expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability or
fitness, shall apply to this product after said period has expired. The consumer’s and or Dealer’s
sole remedy shall be such repair or replacement as is expressly provided above; and under no
circumstances shall American Audio® be liable for any loss or damage, direct or consequential,
arising out of the use of, or inability to use, this product.
G. This warranty is the only written warranty applicable to American Audio® Products and super sedes all prior warranties and written descriptions of warranty terms and conditions heretofore
published.
Model: American Audio®PSW 15™ - Subwoofer
Subwoofer Section:
Dimensions: 13.58” x 16.53” x 26.37” / 4344mm x 419mm x 669mm
Weight: 56 Lbs. / 25.5 kgs
Environmental conditions: Operational temperature: 5 to 35˚C (41 to 95˚F)
Operational humidity: 25 to 85% RH (non-condensation) Storage temperature: -20 to 60˚C (4 to 140˚F)
The specifications are subject to change to any improvement by negotiations in advance.
The parts are subject to change to any improvement within the range of the specifications.
Dimensions: 13.58” x 16.53” x 26.37” / 344mm x 419mm x 669mm
Weight: 61 Lbs. / 28 kgs
Environmental conditions: Operational temperature: 5 to 35˚C (41 to 95˚F)
Operational humidity: 25 to 85% RH (non-condensation) Storage temperature: -20 to 60˚C (4 to 140˚F)
Frequency Response: 40KHz - 20KHz (-3dB)
Crossover: 100 - 300
Power Capacity: 300 Watts RMS - 1000 Watts Peak Power
HZ Recommended
Amplifier Section:
Power supply: AC 115v/230v, 50/60Hz
Power consumption: 12 Watts Typical
Accessories: I.E.C. Power Cord, 2 Floor Monitor Brackets
Frequency Response:
Line: 20Hz-22KHz +/-0.5dB
Microphone: 20Hz-15KHz +/-0.5dB
Signal to Noise Ratio (Maximum Output):
Line: Better than 94dB
Microphone: Better than 76dB
THD - Total Harmonic Distortion:
Master Output: Less than 0.1%
NOTES:
The specifications are subject to change to any improvement by negotiations in advance.
The parts are subject to change to any improvement within the range of the specifications.