Model 272 PBM THX® THX Select Certified
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 272 PBM THX
Atlantic Technology
®
What’s THX?
M
ODEL
272 PBM THX
High Performance THX Select Certified Powered Subwoofer
Congratulations on your purchase of an Atlantic Technology 272 PBM THX powered subwoofer. A well
designed subwoofer, properly integrated into your system will enhance your listening pleasure
dramatically by providing the bass foundation upon which most music and special effects are built.
The 272 PBM THX 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 20Hz, with a
peak SPL of over 105dB (2000 cubic foot space).
The built-in proprietary high-current Class A/B amplifier is conservatively rated at 225 watts RMS. This
amplifier, coupled with the 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. 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.
THX is a series of standards and technologies developed by Lucasfilm Ltd. (of Star Wars fame). These are
intended to ensure that what you hear and see on your home system, as closely as possible, matches
what the director heard and saw during the final production of the film. THX is intended to enhance
every type of viewing and listening experience including the latest discrete multichannel digital formats. Please note however that THX is not a separate surround format.
THX Select standards are based upon a room size of 2000 cubic feet (L x W x H). THX
Ultra standards are based upon a room size of 3000 cubic feet. This does not mean
these components must be used in rooms this exact size. The room sizes simply
provide a frame of reference, as they indicate that these systems must deliver a minimum level of
performance in these specified room sizes. Your 272 PBM is THX Select certified.
Features
Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer has been engineered using the latest technology and
finest components available. It features:
● A long-throw 12" composite cone driver with a vented 9.5 pound 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 exceptional performance and reliability. In fact, its basic motor assembly is identical to
that from our top-of-the-line 15" subwoofers!
● Sealed enclosure design for low distortion and deep bass output
Sealed enclosure woofer 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.
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Model 272 PBM THX
● A linear power high current Class A/B amplifier conservatively rated at 225 watts RMS
This advanced amplifier is a fully discrete design utilizing audiophile grade component parts
including a custom-wound, low-hum Torroidal transformer. The output stage is capable of very
high current delivery for exceptional driver control. As a custom designed amplifier it has been
precision matched and equalized to the 12" driver. Together they deliver powerful, controlled
bass with great articulation and authority.
● A useful in room working frequency range of 20Hz to 180Hz
Many subwoofers offer specifications that look great on paper, but in real world use deliver less
than promised. Atlantic Technology subwoofers are over-designed to ensure that they will deliver
their rated performance in your room, when properly placed and adjusted.
● An adjustable (55Hz to 140Hz) @ 18dB per octave low-pass crossover
The steep upper end roll-off slope of 18dB per octave allows for much better bass integration
with the satellite speakers while making the woofer less localizable.
Note: If you are using a surround Processor/Receiver that includes its own filtered subwoofer output (or a
THX Certified Processor/Receiver), we strongly recommend that you set the 272 PBM THX crossover control to
the THX/Bypass position.
● Two low level inputs, two low level thruputs
The thruputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or 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 switch (Normal/Invert)
This switch allows precise acoustic matching with satellite speaker systems whose output may be
phase reversed. This switch also allows you to compensate for unusual room acoustics that occur
when the 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 272 PBM THX. Even if you’ve simply
changed 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. Pay
particular attention to the transition of bass from the woofer to the satellites, listening for
smooth and well defined bass throughout the range.
● A convenient front panel mounted Level Control
● Automatic standby operation, LED indicator
Automatic standby features signal sensing turn-on with 7-10 minute turn-off delay. There’s a
front panel multi-color LED status indicator that lets you know when the unit is on or in
standby. Automatic Standby can be defeated by placing the rear mounted switch in the Bypass
position. If you find the front mounted LED distracting simply remove the grille from the
enclosure, turn it over 180 degrees, and re-install it on the cabinet. The lower section of the grille
frame has been designed to block the LED from view when you do this.
● An AC cord power input socket.
Your subwoofer comes supplied with a heavy-duty detachable power cord.
● Designed and built to meet all current UL/CSA and European safety requirements
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Model 272 PBM THX
Figure 1:
Amplifier panel
and controls for
Model 272 PBM
THX
Atlantic Technology
®
Connecting Your Subwoofer
The Atlantic Technology System 272 PBM THX Powered Subwoofer is simple to hook up, offering
several connection methods for maximum flexibility. Study the system diagrams starting on page 6.
Once you have found the example which most closely matches your system, hook up your
subwoofer(s) as shown in that diagram.
Warning: To prevent risk of electrical shock or damage to your equipment, always unplug all component AC
cords before proceeding with speaker and component connections! The last step in wiring your system should
be plugging in the AC cords!
Low Level Connection
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. Please consult your
processor/receiver manual for further information.
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