Dali MENTOR SUB User Manual

Item No. 951030-0-0A

MEGALINE
EUPHONIA
HELICON MK
MENTOR
IKON®
C

ONCEPT

• SUBWOOFER

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The lightning flash within an equilateral triangle is

ntended to alert you to the presence of non insulated

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CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN.

“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute an electric

hock to persons.

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TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE THE BACK PANEL.
N

O USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle

s intended to alert you to the presence of important

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operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the appliance.

MENTOR SUB MANUAL

1 Read instructions - all the safety and operating instructions

should be read before the appliance is operated.

2 Retain instructions - the safety and operating instructions

should be retained for future reference.

3 Heed warnings - all warnings on the a

ppliance and in the

operating instructions should be adhered to.

4 Follow instructions - all operating and use instructions

should be follo

wed.

5 Water and moisture - the appliance should not be used

near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl,
kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a
swimming pool and the like.

6 Carts and stands - the appliance should be used only with

a cart or stand if recommended by the manufacturer.

7 Wall or ceiling mounting - the appliance should be

mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.

8 Ventilation - the appliance should be situated so that

its location or position does not interfere with proper
ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be
situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may
block the ventilation openings; or placed in a built-in
installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet, that may
impede the flo

w of air through the ventilation openings.

9 Heat - the appliance should be situated away from heat

sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances that produce heat.

Power sources - the appliance should be connected to a

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wer supply only of the type described in the opera

po

ting

instructions or as marked on the appliance.

11 Power cord protection - power-supply cords should be

routed so that they are not likely to be walked on
or pinched by items placed on or against them, paying
particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from appliance.

loth to wipe off dust

Cleaning - use only a soft,

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damp c

and grease.

13 Non-use periods - the power cord of the appliance should

be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long
period of time.

14 Object and liquid entry - care should be taken so that

objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the

losure through openings.

enc

15 Damage requiring service - the appliance should be

serviced by qualified personnel when:

a) The power-supply cord or the plug

has been damaged; or

b) Objects have fallen, or liquid has been

spilled into the appliance; or
c) The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
d) The appliance does not appear to operate

normally, or exhibits a marked change

in performance; or
e) The appliance has been dropped,

or the enclosure damaged.

16 Servicing - the user should not attempt to service the

appliance beyond that described in the opera ting
instructions. All other servicing should be referred to
qualified service personnel.

Do not expose batteries to excessive heat or heat sources.

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Danger of explosion if ba

y is incorrectly replaced.

tter
Replace only with lithium cell batteries (type CR2025, 3V)
or equivalent type.

RATION OF MUSIC

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DALI UK [phone] DALI USA [phone] DALI Denmark [phone] www.dali.dk

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IRATION OF MUSIC

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OVERVIEW / SCHNELLÜBERSICHT / FUNKTIONSOVERSIGT

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DISPLAY

On the front of the subwoofer there is a
translucent logo badge/display. The settings
of the subwoofer can be seen on the display
when the subwoofer is operated by the
remote or the buttons on the amplifier.

An der Vorderseite des Subwoofers sitzt ein
lichtdurchlässiges Logoschild/Display. Die
Einstellungen des Subwoofers sind auf dem
Display zu sehen, wenn der Subwoofer mit

ernbedienung oder mit den

der F
Verstärker bedient wird.

På subwooferens front findes et halvgennem­sigtigt skilt/display. Indstillinger vises her når
subwooferen betjenes med fjernbetjening
eller direkte på subwooferens bagpanel.

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Tasten am

AMPLIFIER BACKPLATE

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+ PHASE, FREQUENCY AND VOL.UME ADJUSTMENT
Press the relevant button and adjust to the desired value
using the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons.

FREQUENCY RANGE: 40 - 120 Hz
VOLUME RANGE: 0 - 30 dB
PHASE RANGE: 0°, 90°,180° or 270°

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POWER LED
LED off: Mains power is Off
LED green: Subwoofer is On
LED red: Subwoofer is in Stand-by mode

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AUTO / MANUAL
Flick the switch to the desired position.
AUTO: Switch up = The subwoofer will automatically power
up upon detection of an input signal on the LINE IN inputs.
MANUAL: Switch down = Stand-by only possible via the
Remote Control.

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LEFT + RIGHT LINE INPUTS
Using these inputs activates the built-in crossover and makes
Crossover Frequency and Phase adjustment possible.

LEFT: Connect to the LEFT RCA line output on your
stereo/surround (pre-)amplifer.
RIGHT: Connect to the RIGHT RCA line output on your
stereo/surround (pre-)amplifer.

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LFE LINE INPUT
Using this input disables the built-in crossover. All adjust­ments must be done from your surround (pre-)amplifer.

LFE: Connect to the LFE RCA line output on your surround
(pre-)amplifer.

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ON/OFF SWITCH
Switch to turn the subwoofer On/Off from the mains supply.

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MAINS FUSE - ATTENTION!
If the subwoofer does not power up in the ON position, the
fuse might be blown. To replace the fuse, unplug the mains
cable (7), open the fuse compartment (8) and replace the fuse
with one of the same type.
have the subwoofer serviced by qualified personel.
Please note that the voltage range written below the mains
fuse holder must ma

120V version: Use/replace w. T5AL/250V fuse
220-240V version: Use/replace w. T2.5AL/250V fuse

If the fuse blo

tch the volta

ws multiple times,

ge of your mains supply

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REMOTE

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STAND-BY ON/OFF
Press to toggle between the two states (ON/OFF switch on
the rear panel must be set to ON).
NOTE: When the AUTO/MANUAL switch is set to AUTO, the
subwoofer cannot be turned off with signal on the inputs.

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MUTE

Press to mute the subwoofer.

display on the front of the subwoofer will show "---".

The
Press again to un-mute the subwoofer.

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+ + PHASE, FREQ. AND VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
Press the relevant button and adjust to the desired value
using the ‘+’ and ‘-’ buttons.

display on the front of the subwoofer will show the

The
selected value:

FREQUENCY RANGE: 40 - 120 Hz
VOLUME RANGE: 0 - 30 dB
PHASE RANGE: 0°, 90°,180° or 270°

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MEMORIES 1, 2 & 3
When you have adjusted FREQ, VOL, PHASE to the desired
values, they can be stored in and recalled from the memory
positions 1, 2 and 3.

TO STORE A PRESET: Press and hold the desired memory
button (1, 2 or 3) on the remote for more than 3 seconds.
When the values are stored as a preset, the subwoofer
display will confirm by flashing "-1-", "-2-" or "-3-" three
times, according to the memory you have selected.

Please note, that existing presets in the memory will be
overwritten, if settings are re-stored in one of the memories.

TO RECALL A PRESET: Briefly press the desired memory
button (1, 2 or 3).
When a preset is recalled, the subwoofer
show "-1-", "-2-" or "-3-" for 2 seconds , according to the
memory you have recalled.

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BATTERY
Open the battery compartment on the remote and insert the

y as on the illustra

tter

ba
replaced (depends on frequency of use), use ONLY a lithium
cell battery, type CR2025, 3V.

ATTENTION! Keep the remote out of reach of children as they
might be choked by eating the remote or parts of it including
the battery.

tion. When the battery needs to be

display will

CONTENTS

Overview and Functions 3
Backplate Amplifier 4
Remote 4
Introduction 6
Unpacking 7
Break-in 7
Positioning the Subwoofer 8
Connections 8

Surround Sound Connections 8

LFE Line Input 8

LEFT and RIGHT Line Inputs 8
Stereo Connections 9
Using Two Subwoofers 9

Adjustment of the Subwoofer 9

Level Adjustment 10
Crossover Frequency Adjustment 10
PHASE Adjustment 10
MEMORY Settings & Presets 10
AUTO/MANUAL Switch 11
POWER 11

Overloading of the Subwoofer 11
Cleaning and Maintenance 11

Avoid Direct Sunlight 11

Disposal 11
Technical Specifications 12

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INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your selection of the DALI MENTOR SUB.

It is important that your new subwoofer is set up and connected optimally.
We strongly recommend that you read this manual and follow its
instructions before unpacking and installing the subwoofer.

This manual contains instructions for setup and connection, as well as tips
and advice on how to get the most out of your new subwoofer.

To receive news from DALI,we invite you to go to our website at
and sign up for our newsletter.

DALI is acclaimed around the world for unique loudspeakers built to our
uncompromising standards for design and performance. The goal for every
single DALI loudspeaker is always our foremost commitment: To create a
listening experience in your home that will make you forget time and place.

Enjoy.

www.dali.dk

UNPACKING

The following parts are enclosed in the box:

• DALI MENTOR SUB

• Power cord

• Spike set (metric M10 thread)

• Remote control & battery (type CR2025, 3V)

• Manual

Be careful not to damage the contents when
you unpack the parts.

B R EAK-IN

Like any mechanical system (e.g. like a new car), a
subwoofer requires a “break-in” period. You will
experience a gradual increase in sound quality
during the first period of use. The break-in period
will vary depending on use and playback volume
(approximately 100 hours at medium volume is
normal for breaking in the subwoofer). Unlike other
mechanical systems, the life-span of a subwoofer
will be increased by normal, regular use.

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NOTE

Some dedicated test tracks contain signals that
might be harmful to the subwoofer if played
continuously for longer periods. It is therefore not
recommended to use such test signals.

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POSITIONING THE SUBWOOFER

Both the amount and quality of the deep bass depend on the size and shape of the room, and the
position of the subwoofer(s) and main speakers. If positioned near a side or back wall, the bass will
be accentuated. A corner location will accentuate it even more. Experiment with different
positions to find which provides the ideal sound for you.

The airflow from the DALI MENTOR SUB is radiated from the bottom of the cabinet. To ensure, that
this airflow is not blocked, thus negatively affecting the bass performance, we recommend placing
the subwoofer with minimum 10 cm (4”) of clearance on all sides.

CONNECTIONS

DALI MENTOR SUB has a built-in power amplifier and an active crossover. There are two
connection options: One for a stereo setup and one for a surround sound setup. On the rear side
of the subwoofer,there are three LINE IN input connectors: RIGHT, LEFT and LFE.

SURROUND SOUND CONNECTIONS

If you want to use DALI MENTOR SUB in a surround sound setup, the subwoofer can be
connected to your surround sound system in two ways: Via the LINE IN LEFT and RIGHT
connectors or the LFE connector.Most likely there is a dedicated subwoofer or line out connector
on your surround sound (pre-)amplifier. Please refer to the instruction manual of your
surround sound system.

LFE LI NE INPUT

If you want to control the filtering between your main speakers and the subwoofer from the
surround sound (pre-)amplifier,use the LFE RCA connector.

When the LFE input is used, the built-in crossovers are bypassed and the crossover frequency
adjustment will not be functioning.

Connect the surround sound (pre-)amplifier subwoofer output to the LFE input connector on
MENTOR SUB with a RCA cable (sold separately). Please refer to the instruction manual of your
surround sound (pre-)amplifier on how to adjust the crossover settings.

LEFT AND RIGHT RCA LINE INPUTS

When the LEFT and RIGHT RCA inputs are used, the built-in crossovers are active and the
crossover frequency adjustment (COF) will be functioning. Thereby you can adjust the filtering of
the subwoofer so tha

t it will fit the output of your main speakers.

STEREO CONNECTIONS

If you want to use DALI MENTOR SUB in a stereo setup, your stereo (pre-)amplifier must have
either a set of stereo RCA line outputs or a mono RCA line output (please refer to the instruction
manual of your stereo (pre-)amplifier. The line output connector(s) of your stereo (pre-)amplifier
must be connected to the LEFT/RIGHT input connectors of the subwoofer via one or two RCA
cables (sold separately).

USING TWO SUBWOOFERS

In most cases you will achieve excellent results with one DALI MENTOR SUB. Use of two DALI
MENTOR SUBs is possible as a no-compromise stereo solution, or for reproduction of very
powerful sound pressures in a stereo- or surround setup in large rooms.
The connections are basically the same as stated in the previous chapters, but for stereo you
should only connect the left-hand channel to one input terminal on the left-hand DALI MENTOR
SUB and the right-hand channel to one input terminal on the right-hand DALI MENTOR SUB.

For a surround setup, split the output signal from your surround sound (pre)amplifier using a RCA
splitter (sold separately) and connect the two outputs. In all other respects, follow the instructions
above - but use separate channels. Please consult your authorized DALI dealer if your have
further questions.

ADJUSTMENT OF THE SUBWOOFER

When you have decided upon which method of connection you want and positioned the
subwoofer, you can commence the exciting process of tuning the system. Please note that
positioning the subwoofer will have a big influence on its contribution to the overall sound, e.g. if
the DALI MENTOR SUB is positioned in a corner, the bass will be much heavier than if it is
positioned midway between two corners.

The following tuning method is recommended to achieve the best results: Use a piece of music you
know well, preferably one including rhythmic bass such as kettle drums, bass guitar etc. Start
adjusting the subwoofer by setting the ON/OFF switch to ON. Set the AUTO/MANUAL switch to AUTO.
Adjust the subwoofer using the remote or the buttons on the rear panel of the subwoofer.

Note: When adjusting,the logo / LED display on the front of the subwoofer will show your setting.

If there is only one subwoofer output on your surround sound (pre-)amplifier,connect it to the LEFT
or RIGHT input connector on the subwoofer using a RCA cable (sold separately). If there are two
line outputs on your surround sound (pre-)amplifier, connect left output to the LEFT input
connector on the subwoofer and the right output to the RIGHT input connector on the subwoofer

Please refer to the cha

using two RCA cables (sold separa
for instructions on how to make the adjustments.

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tely).

pter “Adjustment of the Subwoofer”

ARNING

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To avoid damage when working with connection of
cables/plugs,
the equipment the subwoofer is connected to!

wer off the subwoofer and

please po

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LEVEL ADJUSTMENT

First push VOL and then adjust the volume by pressing + or - so that the bass matches the level
of the main speakers (Level range 0-30 dB). You should be able to appreciate the DALI MENTOR
SUB's contribution to the sound, without it ever being over-powering. Bass must be tight and
accurate, so that the subwoofer reproduces the exact amount of bass present in the music/
soundtrack, no more no less. If installing the DALI MENTOR SUB in a surround system, it is
practical to select a fixed level on the DALI MENTOR SUB and adjust subwoofer output using the
surround (pre-)amplifier's setup function.

If bass levels are set too high, distortion will reduce the quality of your listening experience. Please
note that the position of the subwoofer will have major influence on its sonic contribution.

CROSSOVER FREQUENCY ADJUSTMENT

The crossover frequency adjustment is only necessary when using the LEFT/RIGHT line inputs.
Once the volume level is decided, you can start on the equally important adjustment of the over­lap between the main speakers and the DALI MENTOR SUB. First press FREQ and then adjust using
+ or - until you can hear that the bass is even and with no drop-outs (Frequency range 40-120
Hz). You may have to re-adjust the volume again to optimise performance.

PHASE ADJUSTMENT

First press PHASE and use + or - to toggle between the 0°,90°, 180° or 270° phase settings.Try out
different settings and if necessary re-adjust the VOLUME and CROSSOVER frequency. Select the
position that provides the smoothest transition between the main speakers and the subwoofer.The
choice may be difficult, so please experiment extensively in your search for the best sound. In any
case, it is a great idea to use the Memory function on the Remote Control to compare settings and
to listen to the system for a few days before making any final adjustments.

MEMORY SETTINGS & PRESETS

The DALI MENTOR SUB Remote Control offers three user-defined memories, allowing you to
optimise the performance for (e.g.) surround (movie) and 2-channel stereo (music) playback
according to your desired settings: Press and hold the desired memory button (1, 2 or 3) on the
Remote Control for 3 seconds to store a user-defined preset. Briefly press 1,2 or 3 on the Remote
to select any preset you have previously stored.

AUTO/MANUAL SWITCH

There are two settings for the AUTO switch:

1) AUTO The subwoofer can be turned ON and OFF using the Remote Control, UNLESS there
is a signal present – in which case the 3-segment DALI display will flash ‘ON’ to
indicate a signal is present. When the main power switch is on, the subwoofer
amplifier will turn on whenever an input signal is detected on one of the line inputs.
When a signal is not detected for approximately 20 minutes, the subwoofer amplifier
will automatically go into standby-mode.

2) MANUAL The subwoofer can ONLY be turned ON and OFF by using the Remote Control.

POWER

The POWER button is the main ON/OFF switch. We recommend switching OFF the system when
it is not to be used for long periods. When changing connections, always disconnect the mains
voltage to the subwoofer. We recommend that you ALWAYS turn off the DALI MENTOR SUB with
the Remote Control BEFORE turning off the mains switch.

OVERLOADING OF THE SUBWOOFER

If DALI MENTOR SUB is overloaded, the built-in safety circuit will cut the power off. If this occurs
let it cool down before turning it back on. The built-in safety circuit is not a guarantee against
damage as a result of overloading.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

Clean the cabinet with a soft, dry micro-fibre cloth. If the cabinet is dirty, wipe with a soft, damp
(well-wrung) micro-fibre cloth with mild all-purpose cleaner.

AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT

The surfaces of the subwoofer are made of wood veneer, which are sensitive to sunlight.
Therefore the surface may fade over time. To reduce colour fading, avoid exposing the subwoofer
to direct sunlight.

DISPOSAL

If you want to dispose this product, do not mix it with general household waste. There is a
separate collection system for used electronic products in accordance with legislation that
requires proper treatment, recovery and recycling. Private households in the EU member states,
Switzerland and Norway may return their used electronic products free of charge to designated
collection facilities or to a retailer (if you purchase a similar new one). For countries not mentioned
above, please contact your local authorities for the correct method of disposal.
will ensure that your disposed product undergoes the necessary treatment, recovery and recycling
and thus prevent potential nega

tive effects on the environment and human health.

By doing so,

you

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NOTE

When using two MENTOR SUBs,
are normally achieved by positioning the two subs
relatively close to each other (1 – 2 meters).

the best results

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