Atlantic Technology 172 PBM User Manual
Model 172 PBM
High Performance Powered Subwoofer
Instruction Manual
Atlantic Technology
I
NNOVATIVE
343 Vanderbilt Avenue Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 762-6300 www.atlantictechnology.com
H
OME
T
HEATER
®
Model 172 PBM
Features
M
ODEL
172 PBM
High Performance Powered Subwoofer
Congratulations on your purchase of an Atlantic Technology 172 PBM
powered subwoofer. With proper care, your new subwoofer will
provide many years of trouble-free performance.
The 172 PBM is capable of delivering very high output levels and wide
dynamic range. When properly placed it will provide smooth in-room
bass response down to approximately 20 Hz, with a peak SPL of 108dB
(1800 cubic foot space).
The built-in proprietary high-current Class G amplifier is conservatively rated at 150 watts RMS. This amplifier, coupled with a massive
12" long-throw woofer in a sealed enclosure, generates musically
accurate deep bass with a minimum of distortion.
Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer will smoothly integrate
with virtually all other brands of loudspeakers on the market as all its
internal electronics have been designed to maintain optimum signal integrity. From the premium
quality gold plated connectors to the clearly marked controls, this is one of the most versatile high
performance subwoofers you can buy. An added benefit is its relatively compact size and straight
forward design.
Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer has been engineered using the latest technology and
finest components available. It features:
● A long-throw 12" driver with vented motor structure and 2", high-temperature, 4-layer voice coil
This powerful driver has a very stiff cone that acts as an almost perfect piston throughout its
operating range. Its massive magnetic motor assembly and high temperature component parts
deliver high performance and exceptional reliability. In fact, the 9.5 pound motor assembly is
identical to the one in our top of the line 15 inch subwoofers!
● A sealed enclosure for low distortion and deep bass output
Sealed enclosure designs are inherently low in distortion and naturally deliver deep, smooth bass
response with a gradual and predictable roll-off below resonance. As with all Atlantic Technology
subwoofers, we have paid inordinate attention to giving you accurate musical bass reproduction
along with terrific special effects.
● A linear power high current Class G amplifier conservatively rated at 150 watts RMS
Atlantic Technology’s advanced Class G amplifiers utilize dual low voltage/high voltage power
supplies for exceptional power delivery from a compact and efficient package. One power supply
operates during all “normal” demand periods. But, when a high demand peak signal appears at
the subwoofer input, the second, high voltage supply switches in to dramatically boost the amplifier’s low distortion output capability. The amplifier delivers very high power levels yet consumes
less steady-state power and produces much less heat than standard comparable amplifier designs.
The 172 PBM’s custom designed amplifier has been precision matched and equalized to its 12”
driver. It exerts accurate and powerful control over the driver for the best performance possible.
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Atlantic Technology
®
Figure 1:
Amplifier panel
and controls for
Model 172 PBM
● A useful in room working frequency range of 20Hz to 150Hz
● A unique Dual Diversity Crossover
TM
(DDC) system with an adjustable (50Hz to 150Hz) 12dB
per octave low-pass crossover, and a fixed 24dB per octave “voice filter” at 180Hz.
This sophisticated crossover’s upper end roll-off slope is an extremely steep 12dB + 24dB per
octave, totaling 36dB per octave above 180Hz. It allows for exceptional integration with most
any brand or type of speaker on the market. We have developed this unusual design to eliminate
any possibility of out-of-band information being audible from the subwoofer and thereby
making it localizable.
The DDC filter is incorporated to allow this subwoofer to match well with compact home theater
speaker systems. If you are using a subwoofer with extremely small satellites which have limited
mid-bass output you’ll need to cross over the subwoofer at a fairly high frequency. Since very
compact Left / Right / Center speakers typically aren’t capable of delivering significant output
below 100 to 125Hz, their mating subwoofer must reproduce these sounds. However, it’s
critically important that all sounds above this frequency be eliminated from the subwoofer, in
order to get correct system integration. This is because higher frequencies are your ears’ clues to
where sound comes from. The innovative DDC 36dB crossover in the 172 PBM ensures precise
and seamless system integration with compact satellite speakers. A subsonic filter is also
incorporated to eliminate inaudible ultra-low frequencies that can rob amplifier power.
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Model 172 PBM
IMPORTANT NOTE - Only if you are NOT using the complete System 170: If you are using a
surround receiver/processor that includes its own filtered subwoofer output and ultra-compact satellites, we
strongly recommend that you connect the 172 PBM to your system using the high level (speaker) inputs. This
is because most receiver/processor internal crossovers are 12dB per octave, which isn’t steep enough for use
with the higher crossover levels required for ultra-compact satellites. In such a case, only use the low level RCA
inputs when the processor outputs unfiltered signals. Should your processor include a 120Hz crossover, and a
slope of 18dB or higher, you may connect it to the low level inputs on the 172 PBM.
● Two line inputs, two line thruputs
The thruputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or can act as a return path back to the
processor.
● Two high level inputs, two high level thruputs
These let you connect the subwoofer to your amplifier using the amplifier’s speaker outputs.
Once again, you can daisy chain to another subwoofer using the unmodified signal that comes
out of the thruput connectors.
● A Phase Invert toggle switch (Normal/Invert)
This switch allows precise acoustic matching with speaker systems whose output may be phase
reversed. This switch also allows you to compensate for unusual room acoustics that occur when
a woofer is physically separated from the midrange/high frequency units. Be sure to try the Phase
switch in both positions when you set up the 172 PBM. Even if you just change the built-in
crossover settings it’s a good idea to try the Phase switch in both positions, since the crossover
control and the Phase switch acoustically interact with each other.
● A front panel mounted level control
● Automatic standby operation
Automatic standby features automatic signal sensing turn on and a 7-10 minute turn-off delay.
There’s a front panel multi-color LED status indicator.
● An AC cord power input socket
Your subwoofer comes supplied with a heavy-duty detachable power cord.
● Designed and built to meet all UL/CSA and European safety requirements
Connecting Your Subwoofer
The Atlantic Technology System 172 PBM Powered Subwoofer is simple to hook up, offering several
connection methods for maximum flexibility. Study the system diagrams starting on page 5. Once you
have found the example which most closely matches your system, hook up your subwoofer(s) as
shown in that diagram.
Low-Level Connection
If you have purchased the entire System 170, we suggest using the low-level (RCA jack) subwoofer line
out or preamp output if your receiver/processor has one. Simply connect your subwoofer with high
quality shielded cables as shown in the diagrams. Use the diagram that best suits your connection
requirements.
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