Audio Source SW Fifteen Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manual
Congratulations on your purchase. We trust that you will enjoy the value and quality of your AudioSource SW Fifteen for
many years. To ensure the best performance from your unit, please take a few moments to read this manual. Also, be sure
to retain this document for future reference.
SW FIFTEEN OVERVIEW
The AudioSource SW Fifteen represents the state of the art in powered subwoofers. The highly efficient ported enclosure houses
a rugged fifteen-inch, reinforced driver, a powerful two hundred-watt amplifier and an integral stereo crossover network. This
precision matched combination ensures the SW Fifteen will deliver the best sound possible, under even the most demanding
conditions. Both crossover frequency and input level are variable over a wide range, allowing the SW Fifteen to complement a
wide variety of systems. Line level and hi level inputs and outputs are provided for fast and easy connection to virtually any
system. The three-way auto power and phase reverse functions complete the generous list of features offered by the SW Fifteen.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SUBWOOFERS
Subwoofers are designed to extend the bass response of your system beyond the limitations of most speakers. This unit is to
be used in conjunction with, not in place of, your existing left and right speakers. The low frequency sounds reproduced by
the subwoofer will radiate equally in all directions. It is not necessary to have a pair of subwoofers. A single subwoofer can
dramatically enhance a stereo TV, a stereo system, or a full fledged home theater.
The advent of digital recording has increased the amount of low frequency information found on recorded material. Subwoofers
are designed to accurately reproduce this bass. Similarly, most movies intended for home viewing feature bass well below the
musical range of traditional loudspeakers. However, this information is vital to the impact, ambiance, and believability of a
scene. A subwoofer enhances those elements in your home theater.
Note: If any part of this product is damaged or missing, do not contact your AudioSource dealer. Please call us directly at 800-435-7115.
Powered Subwoofer with Built-in Active Stereo Crossover
SW Fifteen
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PLACEMENT GUIDELINES
Prior to installing your new subwoofer, please consider the following
guidelines. Placing the subwoofer near a wall or in a corner will greatly
increase its bass response. As frequencies reproduced by subwoofers are
long and need room to propagate, a subwoofer placed near the listening
position will not sound as full as one placed farther away.
The subwoofer cabinet is designed to blend in with most decors. If you
decide to place anything directly atop your subwoofer, please use great
caution, as the speaker cabinet will vibrate and items placed on top may
shake loose or fall.
USING THE CONTROLS
Power
The power switch has three positions: on, off, and auto. The auto position
is the default setting. This keeps the amplifier in a standby mode. Using
sophisticated signal sensing circuitry, the amplifier is activated when a
signal is detected at either of the inputs. If no signal is detected after several minutes, the amplifier switches back to the standby mode. The on
and off positions override this circuit, turning the subwoofer on or off
manually. The power LED indicates the subwoofer's status.
Phase
The default setting for the phase switch is the 0º position. As the subwoofer is sometimes placed quite a distance from the other speakers, its sound may arrive at your ears milliseconds before or after the sound from your other speakers. In the very rare instances where
the subwoofer is out of phase, the bass will appear somewhat hollow, and the level control may seem to have little or no effect. Setting
the phase switch to the 180º position will compensate for these effects. Note: Phase is relative and can be different from location to loca-
tion. Always return to the normal listening location to evaluate any setting changes.
Level
Since your subwoofer is designed to work in conjunction with other speakers, we have provided a level control will allow you to balance the
output of your unit with the rest of your system. Once set, the level control should not require further adjustment. Begin with the level control at the minimum position. Slowly increase the level until the subwoofer's output is equal to that of your other speakers. Note: Output level
is relative and can be different from location to location. Always return to the normal listening location to evaluate any setting changes.
Crossover Frequency
The crossover frequency control is used to adjust the point at which the subwoofer stops reproducing the frequencies played by the
other speakers in your system. Raising the crossover frequency increases the frequencies the SW Fifteen will reproduce. Lowering the
crossover frequency will do the opposite. Generally, the smaller the speakers used with a subwoofer, the higher the crossover frequency
should be set. We recommend starting at the 12 o'clock position (100 Hz) and moving to the left with larger speakers or to the right
with smaller speakers.
CONNECTING THE SW FIFTEEN
General Information
The diagrams on the following page show four of the most common types of subwoofer connections. This information will guide you
through the connection process.
All signals into your unit will first pass through the crossover. The portion of the signal below the current crossover frequency setting
will be reproduced by the subwoofer. The unprocessed signal will also be passed to the hi and line level outputs. If you have a choice
of connection options, remember that it may be easier to run long distances with speaker wire than with line connectors.
Hi Level In
These inputs are designed to accept an amplified signal from the speaker outputs of a receiver, power amp or other device not equipped
with line level outputs.
Hi Level Out
The original amplified signal from your source is present at these outputs, for connection to the existing left and right speakers.
Line In
These RCA jacks are designed to accept a line level signal from a receiver, pre-amp, surround sound decoder or similar device. When
using a single line level output from another unit, a Y connector should be used to send the signal to both the left and right inputs.
(Using the tape loop of a receiver or preamp is not recommended. Tape jacks typically send a constant level, regardless of the volume
setting, unlike preamp outputs. This will affect the balance between the subwoofer and the rest of the system.)
Line Out
The original signal from your source is present at these outputs for connection to another subwoofer or power amplifier.
Level
120 Hz
180 Hz
80 Hz
40 Hz
Crossover
Frequency
Off
On
0˚
180˚
Phase Auto
Power
F
U
S
E
120VAC
180 Watts
60 Hz
T2A 250V
RISK OF FIRE
REPLACE FUSE
AS MARKED
LR
Line
In
Line
Out
Hi Level
In
Hi Level
Out
Left Right
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