Page 1
444 SB
Instruction Manual
Model 224 SB
Model 334 SB
Model 444 SB
High Performance Powered Subwoofers
334 SB
224 SB
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2
Safety Precautions
Model 224, 334 and 444 SB Powered Subwoofer
Safety Precautions
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the
cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this appliance to rain or moisture. This device generates a fair amount of
heat. Make sure nothing blocks the ventilation openings on the top and
bottom of the unit.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, with in an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsu lated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to con-
stitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
Table of Contents
2 Model 224, 334 and 444 SB
3 224, 334 and 444 SB Subwoofer Rear Panel
4 Clear Filter™ Technology and Other Features
5 Connecting Your Subwoofer
5 Subwoofer Line Out to Low Level In
5 Using the Low Level Output
5 Power Connection
6 Low Level Connections with One Subout/LFE Output
7 Low Level Connections with Two Subout/LFE Outputs
8 Placement and Operation
8 System Setup
8 Subwoofer Tuning Without an SPL Meter or Test Tones
8 How Much is Enough?
9 Dual Subwoofer Placement
9 Using the Subwoofer Crossover Control
9 The Phase Invert Control
9 A Word About Bass, Center Channel Modes
and System Set Up
9 Care of Your Subwoofer
10 Subwoofer Troubleshooting Guide
10 Specifications
For Future Reference
Record your serial numbers and date of purchase here:
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
The serial number is found on the back panel.
Copyright © 2009 Atlantic Technology International.
Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves the
right to change specifications or designs at any time without notice. THX and THX Ultra 2
are registered trademarks of Lucasfilm, Ltd. Dolby Digital, AC-3, Dolby Stereo and Dolby
Pro Logic are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
Model 224, 334 and 444 SB
High Performance Powered Subwoofers
Congratulations on your purchase of an Atlantic Technology 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.
These subwoofers are capable of delivering very high output levels and
wide dynamic range. When properly placed, these subs will provide
smooth in-room bass response down to approximately 25Hz, with a peak
SPL of over 102dB in a normal sized room.
Their high-current amplifiers, coupled with their rugged long-throw
woofers in sealed enclosures, generate accurate deep bass with a minimum of distortion.
Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer will smoothly integrate
with virtually all brands of loudspeakers on the market. From the rocksolid amplifier to the easily accessible controls, this is one of the most
versatile high performance subwoofers you can buy.
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BYPASS
LOW-PASS
ON
AUTO
PHASE
NORMAL
INVERT
40
160
100
LOW-PASS
60
RIGHT
L/MONO
OUTPUT
INPUT
STATUS
ON OFF
AC INPUT
50-60Hz 300W MAX
220-240V110-120V
FOR 110-120VAC, USE 2.5AL 250V FUSE
FOR 220-240VAC, USE 1.25AL 250V FUSE
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE,
REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING OF FUSE
U.S. Patent #5,075,634 and
5,510,753 Patent Pending
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
DOUBLE INSULATION - WHEN SERVICING,
USE ONLY IDENTICAL REPLACEMENT PARTS
A
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COMPLIANT
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Subwoofer Rear Panel
Instruction Manual
224, 334 and 444 SB Subwoofer Rear Panel
1
Low Level Output
The outputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or as a return path back to the processor. (pages
4 and 5)
2
Low Level Input
Use the input to connect to the subwoofer or LFE line
out from your processor/receiver. (pages 4 and 5)
3
Crossover Switch
When in the NORMAL position, adjustment of the
crossover can be made by the Crossover Control. If
being fed a pre-filtered or THX signal, place the switch
at the BYPASS position. (pages 4 and 8)
4
Crossover Control
An adjustable (40Hz to 160Hz) @ 18dB per octave
low-pass crossover. (pages 4 and 8)
5
Phase Switch
This switch allows precise acoustic matching with
satellite speaker systems whose output may be phase
reversed. (pages 4 and 9)
Status LED
6
This will be green for "on" condition, amber for
"standby"
7
Standby Switch
When in ON position, the amplifier will always be on.
When in the AUTO position, the amplifier will be in
Automatic Standby Mode. (pages 4 and 8)
Product Serial Number
8
Write this number in the space provided on page 2 for
future reference.
9
Voltage Select Switch
Voltage switch for use in different countries. This
switch will be set when you receive the unit. Change
this setting only when you are sure your application
requires it. For US, the switch should be set to the
110-120V position.
10
On/Off Switch
Use this switch to turn the amplifier completely on
or off.
11
AC Input
Use the included power cord to connect your amplifier
to a wall outlet. (pages 4 and 5)
12
Front Mounted Variable Level Control
and Status LED
Shown in greater detail on page 8.
Figure 1 - 224 SB shown
1
72 3 4 5 6
8
9
10
11
12
Page 4
4
Features
Clear Filter™ Technology and Other Features
Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer has been engineered using
the latest technology and finest components available. It features:
Exclusive – Atlantic's Clear Filter Technology
Clear Filter Technology™ is an exclusive Atlantic design feature that
ensures the cleanest, most articulate bass possible from a subwoofer.
The small cabinet of a powered subwoofer—any subwoofer—has a
deleterious effect on the subwoofer’s sound. The dimensions of the
cabinet conspire to produce audibly intrusive interference, leading to
colored, ‘slow,’ and muddy bass response.
Therefore, we have developed Clear Filter Technology ™. Unlike conventional “limiters” and “feedback loops,” CFT incorporates special
circuitry into the subwoofer amplifier that actually eliminates the
negative effects that the enclosure itself has on the sound. That’s why
other subwoofers, regardless of their power ratings or their limiters,
can’t match the sound of an Atlantic subwoofer for detail and accuracy. This benefit is found in all Atlantic subwoofers, regardless of size,
price or configuration.
A long-throw composite cone driver with a vented motor struc-
ture and 2” high temperature voice coil
This powerful driver has a very stiff cone that acts like a piston
throughout its operating range. Its massive magnetic motor assembly and high temperature component parts deliver exceptional performance and reliability.
Sealed enclosure design for low distortion and deep bass output
Sealed enclosure woofer designs are inherently low in distortion, and
deliver deep smooth bass response with a gradual and predictable
roll-off below resonance. As with all Atlantic Technology subwoofers, we have paid close attention to providing accurate musical bass
reproduction along with terrific special effects.
High-current amplifiers
The output stage of these amplifiers are capable of very high current delivery for exceptional driver control and cool operation. They
have been precision matched and equalized to our rugged drivers.
Together they deliver powerful, controlled bass with great articulation and authority.
A useful in room working frequency range of 25Hz to 150Hz
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 (40Hz 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.
Model 224, 334 and 444 SB Powered Subwoofer
Two low level inputs, two low level outputs
The outputs allow daisy chaining of multiple subwoofers, or as a
return path back to the processor.
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 main speakers. Be sure to try
the Phase switch in both positions when you set up your subwoofer.
Even if you’ve simply changed the built-in Low-Pass 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.
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 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 ON position.
An AC cord power input socket
Your subwoofer comes supplied with a heavy-duty detachable power
cord.
Designed and built to meet all current US, Canadian and Euro-
pean safety requirements
NOTE:
If you are using a surround Processor/Receiver that includes
its own filtered subwoofer output (or a THX Certified Processor/
Receiver), we recommend that you set the crossover control to the
Bypass position.
Page 5
5
ON
AUTO
PHASE
NORMAL
INVERT
STATUS
ON OFF
AC INPUT
50-60Hz 300W MAX
220-240V110-120V
Connecting Your Subwoofer
Instruction Manual
Connecting Your Subwoofer
Use the low-level (RCA jack) subwoofer line out of your surround sound
receiver/processor. Simply connect your subwoofer with a high quality
shielded cable as shown in the diagram on page 7. Please consult your
processor/receiver manual for further information.
WARNING:
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!
Subwoofer Line Out to Low Level In
Run an RCA cable from your receiver’s Sub Out jack to the L/Mono input
jack on the back of the subwoofer (Figure 3). If your receiver/processor
has stereo subwoofer outputs, connect these to both the L/Mono and R
jacks on the back of the subwoofer (Figure 4).
Using the Low Level Output
If desired, you can run a low level signal through the subwoofer and out
to another unit. This way you can add an additional subwoofer with minimal additional wiring. The signal that comes out of the output jacks is
identical to the input signal.
Power Connection
of an amplifier, preamplifier, or receiver. The power demands of the subwoofer amplifier may exceed the power rating of the switched outlet and
may damage the equipment.
To prevent risk of electrical shock or damage to your
Connect the power cord to an AC outlet
only after making all other connections
to the subwoofer. This will avoid any
chance of accidentally activating the
subwoofer while wiring. Atlantic Technology does not recommend plugging
the subwoofer into the switched outlet
Figure 2
AC Connection
Your subwoofer is totally automatic in its operation. The automatic on/
off circuitry will only activate the subwoofer in the presence of an audio
signal from your system. After 7-10 minutes with no signal detected from
the rest of the system, the amplifier will shut itself off and go back into
standby mode. When the sub is in operating mode, the status LED will
glow green. The LED will glow amber in the Standby mode and power
consumption in this mode is negligible. Standby operation can be completely bypassed by placing the standby switch on the rear panel to the
ON position.
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6
RIGHT
L/MONO
OUTPUT
INPUT
Sub Out/LFE
Low Level Connections
Model 224, 334 and 444 SB Powered Subwoofer
Low Level Connections with One Subout/LFE Output
Figure 3
Page 7
7
RIGHT
L/MONO
OUTPUT
INPUT
Sub Out/LFE Sub Out/LFE
Low Level Connections
Instruction Manual
Low Level Connections with Two Subout/LFE Outputs
Figure 4
Page 8
8
1. Start here
2. Move to
corner for
more bass
3. Move away
from wall for
less bass
Placement and Operation
Model 224, 334 and 444 SB Powered Subwoofer
Placement and Operation
Generally speaking, the best location for your new subwoofer is the front
of the room, close to a corner (Figure 5). Every room has its own unique
sound characteristics, and flexibility in the exact placement of the subwoofer is always desirable. The closer the subwoofer is placed to a wall
and especially a corner, the more and deeper the bass response you will
hear. Because of an acoustic phenomenon known as "room gain," a welldesigned wubwoofer playing in an acoustically-favorable room may well
deliver low bass deeper than its rated response. However, in some rooms,
corner placement can produce a “one note” boomy effect. Under such
circumstances the subwoofer may work better away from the corner.
Experiment to find the best position in your room.
HELPFUL HINT:
subwoofer right at the prime listening position (move your couch
or chair out of the way and put the sub in its place). Then play
something with good bass content (preferably music), and walk
around the room, listening to the subwoofer’s response. When
you locate an area that has an ample amount of well defined bass,
you’ve found a good place to locate the sub.
Figure 5
Typical arrangement for a single subwoofer in a home theater.
A particularly useful experiment is to place the
System Set Up
When setting up a complete home theater we strongly recommend that
you use a Sound Pressure Level meter. Radio Shack® has a good one
that is very affordably priced (approximately $50). To use this meter,
turn on your system, put the Processor/Receiver in the Test Mode and
set its main volume control to 0dB. Sit in the prime listening position, set
the SPL meter to the 70dB scale, Slow Response, and C Weighting. Now,
holding the meter pointed up and in front of you, let the system cycle its
test tone from speaker to speaker and set every speaker to 75dB using
the individual level settings in the Processor/Receiver. As tempting as
it may be to set the subwoofer and/or surround speakers higher than
75dB, listen again after calibration and see if you can acclimate to these
levels. Try watching several different movies and keep in mind that the
goal is to have a system that sounds like you’re actually “in the movie.”
When using the latest discrete digital electronics which include internal
level controls for all channels, we recommend setting the front mounted
Level Control to its Preset position and using the Processor/Receiver’s
built-in subwoofer level control.
If you decide not to use an SPL meter try to set all the speaker levels the
same using the Test Tones. Of course, this will be much more difficult
without the meter, especially for the subwoofer.
Figure 6
Front Panel Variable Level Control located behind the removable grille
Recess and indicator for
level adjustment
Preset Position
Indicator LED
Subwoofer Tuning Without an SPL Meter
or Test Tones
Start your listening with the subwoofer Crossover control set at around
100Hz or in the Bypass position if you’re using a THX Certified processor or one with a built-in crossover. Set the phase switch to Normal, and
the front panel variable level control (Figure 6) to the Preset position.
Play some music that you know has good bass content, and turn the
level control up until you just start to hear the subwoofer working. Now,
from your normal listening position, determine whether the subwoofer
is playing loudly enough and filling in the bass frequencies of the music
evenly. If adjustment is necessary, start by changing the setting in the
processor or with the sub's level control if your processor lacks a subwoofer level adjustment.
If the bass seems too ponderous, boomy, or heavy, no matter how you
set the level, try moving the subwoofer away from the wall/corner. If
the bass seems too thin, try moving the subwoofer closer to the wall/
corner. Small differences in positioning can make big differences in bass
response. When you find a position that seems to work well, try switching the phase switch between its two settings, listening particularly to the
transition from the subwoofer to the satellites.
How Much is Enough?
Sometimes people prefer more bass impact for movies. Using the movie
setting for music can result in overpowering and unnatural bass reproduction. You may wish to determine both a video level and an audio level
if you find yourself falling into this camp. Remember however, the most
common error people make when setting up their system is to play the
subwoofer (and surrounds) too loudly. Of course, the Home Theater
Police will not arrest you for this act. But should you desire the most
accurate overall reproduction, a well balanced sound from deepest bass
to highest treble is the best way to get it. Have fun. Experiment. Enjoy.
Page 9
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Place subwoofers
assymmetrically in room
for smoother bass
ON
AUTO
PHASE
NORMAL
INVERT
40
160
100
LOW-PASS
60
STATUS
ON
AUTO
PHASE
NORMAL
INVERT
STATUS
Instruction Manual
Care of your Subwoofer
Dual Subwoofer Placement
When two subwoofers are used, you may wish to place them asymmetrically; that is, in slightly different positions in the room (Figure 7). This
will reduce common mode room resonances that occur with symmetrically positioned subwoofers. You can also try placing the subwoofers in
the same corner, if you wish. Experiments have shown this to be a viable
means of producing smooth bass response in many rooms.
Figure 7
Asymmetrical arrangement for 2 subwoofers in a home theater, for example, one
closer to a corner than the other
Using the Low-Pass Crossover Control
When used with the System 1400 or 2400,
the Crossover control should be set at
around 100Hz unless you are using a processor with its own built-in crossover. The
goal is to optimize the performance of the
system by ensuring that the subwoofer and
satellites produce a cohesive and well integrated sound “picture.”
Many surround sound receivers and processors offer a choice of crossover
settings, typically between 80 Hz and 120 Hz. If yours does, we recommend using the 100Hz setting when using small speakers such as those
in the System 1400 or 2400. Consult your electronics owner's manual
for more details.
Higher crossover frequencies pass more bass to the sub but can sound
boomy and may be more easily localized to the subwoofer. Higher crossover frequencies may be suitable, however, when using very small satellites that have no real low frequency performance. Settings lower than
80Hz should be employed if you are using larger speakers that have
extended bass response. This way, the subwoofer will only reproduce the
very lowest bass frequencies that are in the range where the large main
speakers begin to roll off.
It’s generally undesirable to have the main speakers and the subwoofer
overlap too much. Larger speakers means a lower Low-Pass crossover
frequency, smaller speakers means a higher Low-Pass crossover frequency. Consult the manufacturer’s specified low frequency response
for your main speakers to determine the appropriate Low-Pass setting
on your subwoofer. In the end, however, a little time spent experimenting
will generally result in dramatically better bass response.
The Phase Invert Control
A subwoofer operating out of phase with the rest of the
system won’t provide optimum low frequency performance. To correct for this, a switch that will reverse the
phase of the subwoofer is provided on the amplifier
panel. Listen to a monaural musical source with strong
bass content. (For example, you can use the mono
switch on an FM tuner or preamp, or use a Y-connector
on the outputs of one of your source components to get
a mono signal.)
Experiment with the position of the phase switch to get
the smoothest bass. It should be obvious which is the correct setting. In
particular, there will be a more integrated transition between the satellites and the subwoofer when they are properly phased.
A Word About Bass, Center Channel Modes
and System Set Up
Many surround processors and receivers feature a “Wide” and “Normal”
mode for the center channel speaker. Atlantic Technology recommends
that the center channel be operated in the “Normal” mode when using
a powered subwoofer. The center channel speaker will sound more
dynamic and the intelligibility of the system will generally be improved
when in the “Normal” mode.
With discrete digital systems (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc.) many controllers provide a Bass Management option, which lets you set the front and
rear speakers in a limited bandwidth (Small) or full range (Large) mode.
When using a subwoofer with Atlantic Technology speakers we recommend setting such a controller to the Small position for all the speakers
in the system.
Care of Your Subwoofer
The 224 SB, 334 SB and 444 SB are constructed from Medium Density
Fiberboard. MDF is a non-resonant material ideal for speaker system
enclosures. To clean the cabinet you may use a soft cloth either dry or
slightly dampened with clean water. Be careful not to wet the cabinet or
allow any water to enter the cabinet seams. Avoid placing your speakers
in direct sunlight or near a source of heat that may, over time, damage
the finish.
IMPORTANT:
packing pieces and plastic bags that came with your subwoofer.
They will be useful in case you move or have to ship your subwoofer for any reason. In any case, save all packing materials until
you are certain that the system has suffered no damage in shipment. If you find such damage, either visible or internal, contact
your dealer immediately for the proper return procedure.
Save Your Boxes! If you can do so, save the carton,
Page 10
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Troubleshooting
Model 224, 334 and 444 SB Powered Subwoofer
Subwoofer Troubleshooting Guide
Once your subwoofer is set up, you should have many years of maintenance free enjoyment from your system. However, if you should encounter a
problem, refer to the following guide to help you find the solution. If a problem persists, you should contact your local authorized Atlantic Technolo g y de a l er.
Problem Possible Cause Possible Solution
No bass output AC power cord unplugged or Plug into a working outlet.
plugged into a non-working outlet.
Input cables not securely Check all connections, then try another
connected or defective. input cable.
Audible buzz or hum Input cable not securely connected Check all connections, then try another
or defective. input cable.
Ground loop through antenna or Test by disconnecting antenna and/or cable
cable TV system input. system input leads. If hum goes away, install
isolation balun(s) at that point.
Specifications
Model 224 SB Model 334 SB Model 444 SB
Type/Features Powered subwoofer, sealed enclosure Powered subwoofer, sealed enclosure Powered subwoofer, sealed enclosure
Bass Driver 10” (254mm) long-throw composite cone 10” (254mm) long-throw composite cone 12” (305mm) long-throw composite cone
Output Power 180W RMS 220W RMS 325W RMS
Distortion (amplifier) <0.5% <0.5% <0.5%
Frequency Response 34Hz – 250Hz ±3 dB 30Hz – 250Hz ±3 dB 25Hz – 250Hz ±3 dB
Input Impedance 10k 10k 10k
Peak Output 102dB SPL into 1500 cubic Feet 104dB SPL into 2000 cubic Feet 104dB SPL into 2500 cubic Feet
Dimensions (WxHxD) 14¼ x 13¼ x 153⁄8 in 15¼ x 15 x 155⁄8 in 16½ x 167⁄8 x 16 in
including grille 368 x 337 x 391mm 388 x 380 x 397mm 418 x 430 x 407mm
Weight 31lbs/14.1kg 35lbs/15.9kg 42lbs/19.1kg
Power Requirements 110-120/220-240V, 110-120/220-240V, 110-120/220-240V,
50-60Hz, 300W Max 50-60Hz, 300W Max 50-60Hz, 500W Max
Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves the right to change specifications or designs at any time without
notice. Dolby Digital, Dolby Stereo, and Dolby Pro Logic are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. DTS is a registered trademark
of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
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Instruction Manual
Notes
Page 12
343 Vanderbilt Avenue Norwood, MA 02062 (781) 762-6300 www.atlantictechnology.com
015-1200
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