Boston Acoustics XB4 User Manual
Powered Subwoofer Featuring BassTrac
XB4
®
Important Safety Instructions
This symbol found on the apparatus
indicates hazards arising from dangerous voltages
.
This symbol found on the apparatus
indicates the user should read all safety
statements found in the user manual.
This symbol found on the apparatus
indicates double insulation.
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized
or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has
two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a
third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet,
consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
eceptacles, and the point wher
r
from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
or when unused for long periods of time.
e they exit
Warning! To reduce the risk of fire or electric
shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or
moisture.
This symbol found on the apparatus indicates
that the apparatus must be placed in a separate collection facility for electronic waste and
not disposed of with household waste.
13.
in
14. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 mm around
15. No naked flame sources, such as lighted
16. The apparatus shall not be exposed to drip-
17. Either the power inlet connector on the rear of
18. To completely disconnect this apparatus from
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has
been dropped.
the front, rear and sides of the apparatus for
sufficient ventilation. The ventilation should not
be impeded by covering the ventilation openings or placing on or around the apparatus
items such as newspapers, table-cloths, curtains, etc.
candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
ping or splashing. No objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the
apparatus.
the apparatus or the power plug at the wall
must remain accessible, to be able to disconnect power fr
the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply
cord plug from the AC receptacle.
om the apparatus.
2
Specifications*
Frequency Response (±3dB) 38–180Hz
Subwoofer Amplifier Power 400 watts dynamic power output
Nominal: 100 watts RMS @ 1% THD maximum
FTC Rated Power: 85 watts from 38-180Hz at less than 1% THD
Subwoofer Crossover 75–150Hz
24dB/octave lowpass
LFE Input Yes
Crossover Bypass Yes
Peak Power Level 400 watts
Bass Unit 10" (254mm) DCD
Enclosure Type Ported, Front Firing
Dimensions (HxWxD) 12.2 x 14.17 x 13.425"
(with feet and rear connectors) (310 x 360 x 341mm)
Weight 26 lbs (11.8kg)
*In keeping with our policy of continual product improvements, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Description
Boston’s XB4 subwoofer delivers the dynamic bass foundation that is essential for lifelike reproduction of movie
soundtracks and music in the home. This attractive, powered subwoofer will complement any stereo or home theater
sound system with its impressive bass output and compact size.
®
This subwoofer utilizes our rugged Deep Channel
engineering facility in Peabody, Massachusetts. Every one is tested as it comes off the line to be within ±1dB of
ence unit, an incr
the lab r
easy to achieve a seamless blend with the main speakers, while a 24dB/octave lowpass filter prevents the
subwoofer fr
pr
Because of its high-power
and high output fr
designed cir
audible distortion. The benefit: the bass stays clean and strong at any listening level.
Auto on-off amplifier switching and easily accessible controls make the XB4 subwoofer as convenient to use as it
is exciting to listen to.
efer
om being easily localized by ear, increasing placement flexibility. A crossover bypass function is
ovided for use with home theater electronics that perform their own bass management.
om a remarkably compact enclosure. In addition, it features BassTrac
cuit that tracks the input signal to the subwoofer and prevents its amplifier from being driven into
edibly tight tolerance. The amplifier has a built-in variable cr
ed amplifier and computer
Design (DCD) bass unit designed in Boston’s state-of-the-art
ossover that makes it
-optimized tuning, the XB4 is capable of impressive deep bass
®
oprietary Boston-
, a pr
3
Connections
1
/
4
"
+
––
+
NOTE: Power is always supplied to the subwoofer electronics unless it is unplugged from the power outlet.
The auto-on circuitry only activates or deactivates the power amplifier. Make sure your subwoofer and receiver are
unplugged when making the connection.
Line level: Use one of the “line level in” jacks with most systems. These inputs accept the line level signal from
your receiver’s subwoofer output. When using the “
use crossover control” input, the subwoofer’s circuitry filters
out the high frequencies and sends the remaining low frequencies to the subwoofer power amplifier.
Speaker level: Use these high-level terminals with receivers that do not have a subwoofer output. The speaker
inputs accept both left and right channel speaker signals from your receiver.
How to Connect Using the Speaker Terminals
We recommend 18-gauge wire or thicker for runs up to 15 feet (4.5m), and 16-gauge wire or thicker for longer runs.
Separate the first few inches of the wire conductors. Strip off
1
⁄
-inch (13mm) of insulation from the ends of each
2
speaker wire to expose the two conductors and tightly twist the wire strands.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock hazard, always switch off the amplifier or receiver when making connections
to the speaker.
When making all connections, be sure to connect the + (red) on the speaker to the + (red) on the amplifier, and
the – (black) on the speaker to the – (black) on the amplifier.
–
+
IMPOR
TANT:Typically, one side of the wire is smooth.
Connect this side to the – (black) connection. The
other side has a rib or stripe. Connect this to the +
ed) connection.
(r
Using the spring ter
terminal posts permit easy connection to
banana plugs, spade lugs, and bare wire.
Push the the top of the terminal down by
approximately
hole. Insert the wire in the hole and release the
ter
minal.
minal posts:
1
⁄
-inch (6mm), exposing the
4
The spring
4
use
c
rossover
control *
T 1.5A L 250V
C
AUTION: Disconnect supply cord
b
efore replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
with same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
r
emplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
r
echange de même type.
1
20V ~ 60Hz 1.25A
bypass
c
rossover
control **
7
5
1
00 125
150
*
use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
f
iltering (most products without Dolby Digital
or THX), or where manual control is desired.
crossover (Hz)
p
ower
0
º
180 º
polarity
l
eft right
s
peaker level in
Powered Subwoofer featuring BassTrac
®
l
ine level in
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
u
se with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
w
ith Dolby Digital or THX).
C US
XB4
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
use
crossover
control *
T 1.5A L 250V
CAUTION: Disconnect supply cord
before replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
with same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
rechange de même type.
120V ~ 60Hz 1.25A
bypass
crossover
control **
75
100 125
150
* use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
filtering (most products without Dolby Digital
or THX), or where manual control is desired.
crossover (Hz)
power
0º
180 º
polarity
left right
speaker level in
Powered Subwoofer
Featuring BassTrac
®
line level in
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
use with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
with Dolby Digital or THX).
C US
XB4
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NO T OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
RL RR
FRONT A
LL
SURROUNDFRONT B CENTER
SPEAKER SYSTEMS
FRONT A OR B, CENTER, SURR, SURR BACK
: MINIMUM
6 OHMS
FRONT A AND B : MINIMUM 8 OHMS
Connecting the Subwoofer to Digital Home Theater Systems
Digital 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 home theater electronics dedicate one channel (the “.1”) to reproduce the special
low-frequency (LFE) information (such as explosions and thunder) contained in digitally-encoded soundtracks.
Select ”subwoofer-yes“ from your receiver’s set-up menu. Connected this way, the receiver’s amplifier is relieved
of having to reproduce the difficult low bass signals that can drive the receiver into audible distortion.
Use an RCA cable (not included), as shown, to connect your digital receiver’s subwoofer output to the subwoofer.
Connect the other end to the XB4 jack labeled “bypass crossover control” underneath “line level in”.
subwoofer out
back of receiver
If you do not wish to run RCA cables to your subwoofer, you may use speaker wire to connect the subwoofer in
parallel with your main speakers (see diagram below). The subwoofer does not present any additional load to your
receiver.
Select “subwoofer-no” from your receiver’s set-up menu. This sends the LFE signal to the main left and right
speakers, and thus, to the subwoofer. Consult your receiver’s owner’s manual for more details.
When using the speaker wire hookup, the subwoofer’s built-in crossover is engaged. As a starting point, set the
crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers’ bass response.
Fine-tune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the
crossover control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.
to main speakers
leftright
front
speakers
Be sur
back of receiver
e to connect
+ to + (r
ed) and
– to – (black).
5
use
crossover
control *
T 1.5A L 250V
C
AUTION: Disconnect supply cord
b
efore replacing fuse. For continued
protection against risk of fire, replace only
with same type fuse.
ATTENTION: Debrancher avant de
remplacer le fusible. Utiliser un fusible de
rechange de même type.
1
20V ~ 60Hz 1.25A
bypass
crossover
control **
75
1
00 125
150
* use crossover control: removes high
frequencies; use with sources lacking suitable
filtering (most products without Dolby Digital
or THX), or where manual control is desired.
crossover (Hz)
power
0º
180 º
polarity
left right
s
peaker level in
Powered Subwoofer
Featuring BassTrac
®
line level in
** bypass crossover control: direct to woofer;
use with sources having built-in crossover
controls or bass management (most products
with Dolby Digital or THX).
C US
XB4
CAUTION
R
ISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NO T OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE-NE PAS OUVRIR
Connecting the Subwoofer to Stereo or Dolby®Pro Logic®Systems
75
100 125
150
crossover (Hz)
0º
180 º
polarity
power
For stereo or Dolby Pro Logic systems, the easiest method is to use the same speaker wire connections as shown on page 5.
You may also use the “sub out” connection from your receiver to the input on the subwoofer marked
When using speaker wire or the use “crossover control” input, the subwoofer’s built-in crossover is engaged. As a starting
point, set the crossover control on the subwoofer about 10Hz higher than the lower limit of your main speakers’ bass response
(for Boston Acoustics front speakers, refer to the included “Optimal Crossover Settings...”sheet). Fine-tune the crossover setting by ear for the smoothest blend with your main speakers. The best setting of the crossover control will depend on speaker placement and personal preference.
subwoofer out
back of receiver
use crossover control.
Controls
Volume (on top panel): Adjusts the sound level of the subwoofer. A typical setting is around
11 o’clock.
Crossover (Hz): Adjusts the frequency of the lowpass filter for the
subwoofer. This control is inactive when using the “bypass crossover
control” input jack.
Polarity (0° or 180°): Selects regular (0°) or inverted (180°) polarity for the subwoofer.
Set this switch to pr
most audible on low-frequency percussion instruments or music with a continuously
repeating bass line.
Power light and power status: The power light turns on whenever the XB4 is plugged into an
electrical outlet. The XB4’s auto-on circuitry turns the subwoofer on when a signal is presented, and
turns it off if no signal is detected. NOTE: Power is always supplied to the subwoofer electronics
unless it is unplugged. The auto-on cir
ovide the fullest, most dynamic bass. The effect of phase will be
y only activates or deactivates the power amplifier
cuitr
6
.
Placement
M
E
N
U
/
E
N
T
E
R
I
N
P
U
T
S
E
L
E
C
T
D
O
W
N
U
P
L
E
F
T
/
-
R
I
G
H
T
/
+
/
E
X
I
T
V
O
L
U
M
E
P
O
W
E
R
/
S
T
A
N
D
B
Y
Place the subwoofer next to a wall or in a corner near your main speakers. Typically, the sound is best when the subwoofer
is within 15 feet (5m) of the main speakers. However, the sharp 24dB/octave crossover roll-off permits placement farther
from the main speakers if necessary. Since the ear is unable to localize the low frequencies of the subwoofer, the bass still
appears to come from the main speakers. In most cases, the subwoofer may be placed anywhere in the listening room.
The level of bass output from the subwoofer will vary at different positions in a room. When placed near walls, its loudness is emphasized. Corner placement provides the most bass output, while placement near only one wall will provide
somewhat less bass. Placement completely away from walls may produce too little bass. Regardless of how you place the
subwoofer, you can adjust the subwoofer’s level with its volume control. If you move the subwoofer, recheck the setting of
the polarity switch. Use the setting that yields the louder and more dynamic sound.
IMPORTANT: Do not place the subwoofer where there is a chance of contact between the rear panel and drapes or
furniture.
Position XB4 in corner
for maximum bass output
7
If Service Seems Necessary
First, contact the dealer from whom you purchased the XB4 If that is not possible, write to:
Customer Service
Boston Acoustics, Inc.
300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody, MA 01960 U.S.A.
Or visit our web site at:
www.bostonacoustics.com
We will promptly advise you of what action to take. If it is necessary to return your unit to the factory, please ship
it prepaid. After it has been repaired, we will return it freight prepaid in the U.S. and Canada.
Limited Warranty
For one year from the date of purchase, Boston Acoustics will repair for the original owner any defect in materials
or workmanship that occurs in normal use of the subwoofer, without charge for parts and labor.
Your responsibilities are to use the system according to the instructions supplied, to provide safe and secure transportation to an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative, and to present proof of purchase in the form
of your sales slip when requesting service.
Excluded from this warranty is damage that results from abuse, misuse, accidents, shipping, or repairs or modifications
by anyone other than an authorized Boston Acoustics service representative.
This warranty is void if the serial number has been removed or defaced.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
BassTrac, Boston, Boston Acoustics, Deep Channel are registered trademarks
of Boston Acoustics, Inc. Dolby and Pro Logic are registered trademarks of
300 Jubilee Drive
Peabody
978.538.5000
www.bostonacoustics.com
, MA 01960 U.S.A.
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.
© 2006 Boston Acoustics, Inc. All rights r
Specifications subject to change without notice.
eserved.
142-002500-0
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