Definitive Technology PowerField ProSub 1000, PowerField ProSub 800 Owner's Manual

Congratulations

Congratulations on your purchase of a Definitive Technology ProSub
Subwoofer. This revolutionary subwoofer utilizes state-of-the-art components,
a non-resonant monocoque cabinet and low diffraction construction in order to
achieve the most lifelike sound possible in your listening room for many years
to come. The ProSub is a compact, high quality powered speaker system
intended primarily for use as a subwoofer in superior quality music or home
theater systems.

This ProSub powered subwoofer incorporates a high current power
amplifier, electronic crossover and precise equalization in order to achieve the
highest possible level of low frequency performance. The amplifier and elec­tronic crossover are completely self-contained modules which are housed in
the subwoofer. The ProSubs incorporate Definitive’s proprietary PowerField

®

technology, by which the amplifier is specifically engineered in conjunction
with the driver for optimum load matching and power transfer characteristics.
The integrated electronic crossover incorporates high level inputs and outputs
as well as a low level input, precise equalization, continuously variable low pass
filter (between 40 and 150 Hz), fixed speaker level high pass filter (to match
the ProMonitors) and a precision volume control. The tremendous built-in
flexibility allows easy, seamless integration with all main speaker systems and
optimum performance in any room. The crossover incorporates circuitry which
allows for exceptional performance as either a single subwoofer or when two
subwoofers are used.

Our engineers have spent many years in developing this product. To ensure
that you only experience the finest performance possible from your subwoofer,
we encourage you to take a moment with this owner’s manual and familiarize
yourself with the proper installation and setup procedures for your subwoofer.

ProSub 800/1000

PowerField®Subwoofer with

Active Crossover & Power Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

Service and warranty work on your Definitive loudspeakers will normally
be performed by your local Definitive Technology dealer. If, however, you
wish to return the speaker to us, please contact us first, describing the
problem and requesting authorization as well as the location of the nearest
factory service center. Please note that the address given in this booklet

is the addr

ess of our offices only. Under no circumstances should loud-
speakers be shipped to our offices or returned without contacting us first
and obtaining return authorization.

Service

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, do not remove the cover or back
plate of this device. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to
licensed service technicians. Avis: Risque de choc electricque, ne pas ouvrir.
CAUTION! The international symbol of a lightning bolt inside a triangle is intended to alert
the user to uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the device’s enclosure. The international
symbol of an exclamation point inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating, maintenance and servicing information in the manual accompanying
the device.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour eviter les chocs electriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans
la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu'au fond.
CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this equipment to rain
or moisture.

1. Read Instructions—All safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the device.

2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

4. Follow Instructions—All operating and safety instructions should be followed.

5. Water & Moisture—The device should never be used in, on or near water for risk of fatal shock.

6. Carts & Stands—The device should only be used on carts or stands recommended by the manufacturer.

7. Wall & Ceiling Mounting—The device should be mounted on a wall or ceiling only as recommended
by the manufacturer.

8. Ventilation—The device should always be located in such a way that it maintains proper ventilation. It
should never be placed in a built-in installation or anywhere that may impede the flow of air through its
heat sink.

9. Heat—Never locate the device near heat sources such as radiators, floor registers, stoves or other
heat-generating devices.

10. Power Supply—The device should only be connected to a power supply of the type described in the
operating instructions or as marked on the device.

11. Power Cord Protection—Power cables should be routed so they are not likely to be stepped on or
crushed by items placed on them or against them. Special attention should be paid to areas where the
plug enters a socket or fused strip and where the cord exits the device.

12. Cleaning—The device should be cleaned in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

13. Periods Of Non-Use—The device should be unplugged when not being used for extended periods.

14. Dangerous Entry—Care should be taken that no foreign objects or liquids fall or are spilled inside
the device.

15. Damage Requiring Service—The device should be serviced by licensed technicians when:

• The plug or power supply cord has been damaged.

• Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled inside the device.

• The device has been exposed to moisture.

• The device does not appear to be operating properly or exhibits a marked change in performance.

• The device has been dropped or the cabinet becomes damaged.

16. Service—The device should always be serviced by licensed technicians. Only replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer should be used. The use of unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, shock, or other hazards.

Safety Precautions

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

2 11

ProSub Specifications

ProSub 1000

Outer Dimensions: 12
Frequency Response: 18 Hz – 150 kHz
Driver Complement: One 10" woofer with polymer cone coupled to

Amplifier: 300-Watts RMS
Speaker Level High-Pass Filter: 6 db/octave (80 hz)
Low-Level Low-Pass Filter: 24 db/octave continuously variable

Fuse Size: 3.2 amp 250 volt slow-blow Littlefuse 313

ProSub 800

Outer Dimensions: 10.3
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 150 kHz
Driver Complement: One 8" woofer with polymer cone coupled to

Amplifier: 300-Watts RMS
Speaker Level High-Pass Filter: 6 db/octave (80 hz)
Low-Level Low-Pass Filter: 24 db/octave continuously variable

Fuse Size: 3.2 amp 250 volt slow-blow Littlefuse 313

Specifications subject to change

Your new ProSub Subwoofer contains a built-in amplifier and sophisticated
electronic crossover. There are several ways to install your subwoofer.
One setup is not considered “better” than another; rather, each is a function
of what type of entertainment system you own and how you plan to
integrate your components. Read the installation suggestions below to
determine which options best suit your needs. Please take care to perform
all wiring procedures with your system
completely powered down.

Subwoofer Installation

Unpacking

Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or
concealed damage most likely occurred in handling after it left our plant, and
should be reported at once to your Definitive dealer or the delivery company
that delivered your loudspeaker. Please unpack your system carefully. Save all
cartons and packing material in case you move or need to ship your system.
Record the serial number found on the back of the subwoofer in the appropriate
place on your warranty card.

Inputs/Outputs

Your Definitive Technology ProSub subwoofer operates from either
high level (speaker-type) or low level (RCA-type) outputs on your
electronics. Use the low level jack when connecting the subwoofer to
the LFE output jacks of a receiver, a preamp or a signal processor.
Use the high level speaker terminal inputs to connect the subwoofer
to the amplifier output (speaker) jacks of your receiver or amplifier.
Use the high level output jacks to connect the subwoofer to a pair of
left and right main speakers. (See wiring diagrams.)

When connecting the subwoofer to your system, it is recommended
that you use high quality speaker cable and try to maintain cable runs
of the same length for the left and right channels. Should you perchance
experience any level of ground hum or noise, try plugging the
subwoofer into the same circuit as your amplifier. Also, consult the
“Troubleshooting” section of this manual. To prevent accidental damage
to your subwoofer from overdriving the system, the subwoofer features
an internal overload protection circuit.

Your Definitive Technology subwoofer has been designed to operate

at frequencies generally below 150 Hz. Because low-frequency infor­mation in this range essentially is non-directional, your subwoofer can
be located anywhere in your listening room that is most convenient.
Also, the continuously variable low pass filter operates at a very fast
roll-off, ensuring great performance wherever you place your subwoofer.
There are, however, some general rules that you should bear in mind
when locating your subwoofer:

1. For maximum output the subwoofer should be placed in a corner or

against the wall.

2. Corner placement will increase the subwoofer’s efficiency, which in

turn will increase your system’

s maximum output and improve the

dynamic capability of the subwoofer.

3. While one Definitive Technology subwoofer will always sound great,

the use of two subwoofers will definitely enhance your system’

s
performance by providing a smoother and more consistent response
pattern. Here, it is recommended that you locate the subwoofers on
the same side of the room as the main speaker of the same channel
(if you are feeding them discrete left and right channel signals).

4. When using the ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors, consult the

P

roMonitor instruction manual for other placement tips.

Subwoofer Placement

4 9

Low Level LFE Connections

Most new model receivers, preamps and decoders feature a mono
(line level) output intended to be used with subwoofers. This is the
simplest connection method to use. You can feed the mono or LFE
subwoofer output of your receiver or decoder to the LFE low level
input on the subwoofer and achieve full performance.

Usually, if your
receiver or decoder already has a built-in low pass crossover, you should
turn the low pass control on your ProSub to 150. Also, these subwoofer
outputs tend to have less gain than main line level outputs, thus the gain
control on your subwoofer may need to be adjusted accordingly for
proper balance. Use the LFE input on the subwoofer to hook the sub­woofer up to the LFE (low frequency effects) output on Dolby Digital
AC-3*decoders, receivers, etc.

Wiring Diagrams

current going to it will reactivate itself with a pop when AC current is
restored, which is normal.

Please note that after the cessation of a signal, it may take up to an
hour for the amplifier to actually turn off from active to standby mode.
In some instances, because of RF presence in your area, the red LEDs may
not turn off. However, this is nothing to be concerned about as the amplifiers
draw almost no power when they are idling.

When using the ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors, please consult
your ProMonitor instruction manual for specific information regarding
hookup, wiring and placement.

Setting the Level and Crossover Frequency When Using
the Pr

oSub with ProMonitors

When you have the ProMonitors wired to the speaker level outputs
on your ProSub, the following are our suggestions for starting settings
on your controls. Remember, these are just approximate settings and we
suggest experimenting to determine the best-sounding settings for your
particular set-up.

1.

Set the variable low pass crossover control on
the back of the ProSub to approximately 2
o’clock. Please note that the exact frequency
will depend on many factors including specific
positions of the speakers in the room, so you
might experiment with a slightly higher or
lower setting to achieve ideal blending
between the sub and the satellites for your
particular set-up. Listen to a wide variety of
music to determine the correct setting for this
in your system.

2.

Set the subwoofer level control to 12 o’clock.
Please note that the exact level depends on
many factors including your room size,
position of the speakers, etc. as well as your
personal listening taste, so you might
experiment with the subwoofer level while
listening to a wide variety of music until you
achieve the ideal setting for your system.

Using the ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors