Infinity CASCADE MODELE TWELVE User Manual
Compact Powered Subwoofer
MODEL TWELVE
Owner’s Guide
(120V)
T
he exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock,
do not remove cover (or back).
N
o user-serviceable parts inside.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock,
do not use this (polarized) plug with
an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet
unless the blades can be fully inserted to
prevent blade exposure.
T
he lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
w
ithin an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read First!
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 a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as
radiators,heat registers,stoves or other apparatus
luding amplifiers) that produce heat.
(inc
9. Do not defeat the saf
ety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug.A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other
ounding-type plug has two blades and a third
gr
he wide blade or the third
ounding pr
gr
prong ar
plug does not f
electr
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on
or pinched, particularly at plugs,convenience
eceptac
r
apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the car
tripod, bracket or table specified
by the manuf
the apparatus.When a cart is
ii
ong.T
ided for your safety. If the provided
v
e pro
it into your outlet, consult an
or replacement of the obsolete outlet.
ician f
les and the point where they exit from the
t, stand,
er or sold with
actur
Cascade Model Twelve
used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
nplug this apparatus during lightning storms
13.U
or when unused for long periods of time.
14. 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.
15. Do not use attachments not recommended by
the product manufacturer, as they may cause
hazards.
16. This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your product dealer
or local power company.For products intended to
operate from battery power, or other sources,
refer to the operating instructions.
17. If an outside antenna or cable system is
connected to the product, be sure the antenna or
cable system is grounded so as to provide some
protection against voltage surges and built-up
static charges.Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code,ANSI/NFPA 70,provides
information with regard to proper grounding of
the mast and supporting structure,grounding of
the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit,size
of grounding conductors,location of antenna
discharge unit,connection to grounding
18. An outside antenna system should not be
located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
r other electric light or power circuits,or where
o
it can fall into such power lines or circuits.When
installing an outside antenna system, extreme
care should be taken to keep from touching such
power lines or circuits,as contact with them
ight be fatal.
m
o not overload wall outlets,extension cords,
19.D
or integral convenience receptacles, as this can
result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
20. Never push objects of any kind into this
product through openings,as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock.Never
spill liquid of any kind on the product.
21. Do not attempt to service this product
yourself,as opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
22. When replacement parts are required, be sure
the service technician has used replacement
parts specified by the manufacturer or that have
the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
electric shock or other hazards.
23. Upon completion of any service or repairs
to this product,ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the
product is in proper operating condition.
24. The product should be mounted to a wall or
ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
electrodes,and requirements for the grounding
. See Figure A.
ode
electr
A
.
e A.
igur
F
Example of
National Electr
Antenna Gr
Code ANSI/NFPA 70
ical
ounding as per
CASCADE MODEL TWELVE OWNER
S GUIDE
’
Table of Contents
ii Important Safety Precautions
1 U
1 Placement
2 Controls and Connections
3 Connections
4 Operation
5 Room Adaptive Bass Optimization System™(R.A.B.O.S.™)
6 Contents of the R.A.B.O.S.Test CD
6 The R.A.B.O.S. Sound-Level Meter (RSLM)
7 Initial System-Level Setting
7 Setting the Subwoofer Test Level
7 Performing Low-Frequency Measurements
9 What Does a Parametric Equalizer Do?
9 Completing the Measurement Template
10 Using the Width Selector
11 Level
11 What You Measure,What to Do
14 Adjusting the R.A.B.O.S.Equalizer
15 Final System Balance
16 Maintenance and Service
17 R.A.B.O.S. Measurement Templates
19 Specifications
npacking the Subwoofer
Cascade Model Twelve
iii
Infinity Cascade™Model Twelve
SUB
RIGHTCHANNEL
SPEAKER
PRIMARY
LISTENING
AREA
The Infinity Cascade Model Twelve continues Infinity’s longstanding commitment to accurate sound reproduction.Our
proprietary Metal Matrix Diaphragm
powered amplifier and proprietary Room Adaptive Bass
Optimization System
enclosure,combine to deliver uncompromised bass performance
in any stereo or multichannel home theater.
In addition, the Cascade Model Twelve’s compact enclosure
allows for easy integration into any residential environment.
™
(R.A.B.O.S.™), along with a rigid, well-braced
™
(MMD®) drivers,high-
Unpacking the Subwoofer
If you suspect damage from transit,report it immediately to your
dealer. Keep the shipping carton and packing materials for
future use.
PLACEMENT
Since the installation of a subwoofer can be somewhat more
complicated than installing full-range speakers,it is essential
that you read this section very carefully prior to connecting the
subwoofer to your system. Should you have questions relating to
your installation, it is advisable to call either your dealer or
Infinity’s Customer Service Department for advice.
The performance of the subwoofer is directly related to its
placement in the listening room and how you align the subwoofer
with its satellite speakers.Setting the volume of the subwoofer in
relationship to the left and right speakers is also of critical
importance because it is essential that the subwoofer integrate
smoothly with the entire system. Setting the subwoofer’s volume
level too high will result in an overpowering,boomy bass. Setting
the volume level too low will negate the benefits of the
subwoofer.
al additional f
er
v
e are se
Her
It is generally belie
useful.
frequencies (below 125Hz) are nondirectional and,therefore,
placement of a subwoofer within any listening room is not
hile in theor
itical.W
cr
emely low frequencies are basically nondirectional, the fact
xtr
e
is that, when installing a subwoofer within the limited confines
of a room, reflections, standing waves and absorptions generated
within the room will str
er system.As a r
subwoof
subwoofer becomes important, and we strongly recommend that
you experiment with placement before choosing a final location.
Placement will depend upon your room and the amount and
quality of bass required (for example, whether or not your room
permits placement of the subwoofer near either satellite).
acts on installation that may prove
ved by most audio authorities that low
y it is true that the lar
luence the perfor
ongly inf
esult, the specific location of the
ger wavelengths of
mance of any
Figure 1.This example shows the subwoofer positioned behind
the right-channel satellite speaker to re-create the actual
location of bass instruments in an orchestra and/or add impact
to movie soundtracks.
1
Cascade Model Twelve
Line In
Line Out
150
Max
Level
Crossover
[Hz]
50
Min
LFE
I
nput
Phase
N
ormal
Off
On
LFE
G
reen: On
Red: Standby
Model Twelve
Power
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
B
A
9
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
Rear Panel
¡
Power Switch
™
Line-Level Outputs
£
Line-Level Inputs
¢
Power Indicator
∞
Crossover Adjustment
§
Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control
¶
Normal/LFE Selector
•
Phase Switch
imization Controls
Bass Opt
ª
Bass Optimization System Selector
‚
Center-Frequency Adjustment
⁄
Bass Optimization System Level Adjustment
¤
Bass Optimization System Bandwidth Adjustment
(see pa
ge 5)
Cascade Model Twelve
2
CONNECTIONS
SUBWOOFER OR
L
FE OUTPUT
Line In
Line Out
150
Max
Level
C
rossover
[Hz]
50
Min
LFE
Input
P
hase
N
ormal
O
ff
O
n
LFE
G
reen:On
Red:Standby
Model Twelve
L
ine In
L
ine Out
150
Max
Level
C
rossover
[
Hz]
50
Min
L
FE
Input
P
hase
Normal
O
ff
O
n
LFE
Green:On
Red:Standby
M
odel Twelve
SUBWOOFER OR
LFE OUTPUT
L
ine In
Line Out
LFE
Input
G
reen:On
R
ed: Standby
Model Twelve
L
ine In
Line Out
LFE
Input
G
reen:On
R
ed: Standby
Model Twelve
Line In
Line Out
L
FE
Input
Green:On
Red: Standby
Model Twelve
Line In
Line Out
L
FE
Input
Green:On
Red: Standby
Model Twelve
OR
If you have a Dolby* Digital or DTS®receiver/processor
w
ith a low-frequency-effects (LFE) output:
• Set Normal/LFE Switch to LFE.
NOTE: In this case,you do not need to use a Y connector. Simply
connect the LFE output on your receiver/processor to either the
left or right input on the subwoofer.
I
f your receiver/processor has subwoofer
outputs for the left and right channels:
• Set Normal/LFE Switch to Normal.
NOTE: Some receivers have a single subwoofer output (do not
confuse this with a single LFE output as described to the left).
In that case, it is recommended that you use a Y connector (not
included) to maximize performance.
3
The Cascade Model Twelve also
includes a set of line outputs.These
outputs allow you to “daisy-chain”
one Model Twelve to multiple Model
Twelve subwoofers.Simply connect
the first subwoofer as described
above and then run a subwoofer
cable from the line output(s) to the
line input(s) on the next sub.
NOTE:This line output is before the
R.A.B.O.S.circuit. Each subwoofer’s
R.A.B.O.S.controls must be
individually adjusted during the
R.A.B.O.S.setup.
Cascade Model Twelve
OPERATION
Power On
lug your subwoofer’s AC cord into a wall outlet.Do not use the
P
outlets on the back of the receiver.
¡
§
n the
o
to the
¡
¡
Initially set the Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control
“min”position.
urn on your sub by pressing the Power Switch
T
rear panel.
Auto On/Standby
With the Power Switch ¡in the ON position, the Power
Indicator LED ¢will remain backlit in red or green to
indicate the On/Standby mode of the subwoofer.
RED = STANDBY (No signal detected,Amp Off)
GREEN = ON (Signal detected,Amp On)
The subwoofer will automatically enter the Standby mode after
approximately 10 minutes when no signal is detected from your
system.The subwoofer will then power ON instantly when a
signal is detected. During periods of normal use,the Power
¡
Switch
or extended periods of nonoperation, e.g., when you are away
f
on vacation.
can be left on.You may turn off the Power Switch
Adjust Gain
Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie
soundtrack at a moderate level.Turn up the Subwoofer Level
§
(Volume) Control
the subwoofer, check the AC-line cord and input cables. Are the
connectors on the cables making proper contact? Is the AC
plug connected to a “live”receptacle? Has the Power Switch
been pressed to the “On”position? Once you have confirmed that
the subwoofer is active,proceed by playing a CD,record or
cassette. Use a selection that has ample bass information.
about half way.If no sound emanates from
C
rossover Adjustments
NOTE: This control will have no effect if the Normal/LFE Selector
Switch
¶ is set to “LFE.”If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS
processor/receiver, the Crossover Frequency is set by the
processor/receiver. Consult your owner’s manual to learn how
to view or change this setting.
∞
The Crossover Adjustment Control
frequency at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds.If your main
peakers can comfortably reproduce some low-frequency sounds,
s
set this control to a lower frequency setting,between 50Hz
nd 100Hz.This will concentrate the subwoofer’s efforts on the
a
ultradeep bass sounds required by today’s films and music.If you
re using smaller bookshelf speakers that do not extend to the
a
lower bass frequencies,set the Crossover Adjustment Control to
a higher setting, between 120Hz and 150Hz.
determines the highest
Phase Control
The Phase Switch • determines whether the subwoofer
speaker’s piston-like action moves in and out with the main
speakers,0,˚ or opposite the main speakers,180˚. Proper phase
adjustment depends on several variables such as room size,
subwoofer placement and listener position.Adjust the phase
switch to maximize bass output at the listening position.
Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a
vel. Adjust the Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control
table le
or
comf
until you obtain a pleasing blend of bass. Bass response should
not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is a
harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many users
tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud,
e a
v
ha
adhering to the belief that a subwoofer is there to produce lots
of bass.This is not entirely true.A subwoofer is there to enhance
bass, extending the response of the entire system so the bass
elt as well as hear
can be f
be maintained or the music will not sound natural. An
experienced listener will set the volume of the subwoofer so
its impact on bass response is always there but never obtrusive.
d. However, overall balance must
§
Cascade Model Twelve
4
ROOM ADAPTIVE BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
nfinity’s R.A.B.O.S. is a simple-to-use, yet sophisticated,
I
low-frequency calibration system.It is designed to work in
onjunction with the Cascade Model Twelve self-amplified
c
subwoofer.The subwoofer contains a parametric equalizer that
you will adjust as indicated by the R.A.B.O.S.test results.
Following these instructions,you will optimize the subwoofer’s
response characteristics to complement the sub’s environment.
This will dramatically improve the sound of your system.The
ptimization process takes less than 30 minutes.
o
The R.A.B.O.S.Kit Includes
the Following Components:
• Specialized Sound-Level Meter
• Test CD
• Instructions
• Measurement Templates
• Width Selector
• Adjustment “Key”
What R.A.B.O.S.Does
The Test CD provides specially designed signals you will use
while performing measurements.The sound-level meter provided
is used to “acquire”the information needed for adjustments.You
will create a response plot on the Measurement Template. Using
the Width Selector, you will then determine the appropriate
equalizer settings.The “Key”is used to adjust the parametric
equalizer built into the Cascade Model Twelve.After adjustment,
the test sequence is repeated to confirm your settings.
The R.A.B.O.S.Goal
It is a fact of audio that what we hear at low frequencies is
determined as much or more by the listening room than by the
loudspeaker itself.Placement of the loudspeakers and listeners
and the acoustical characteristics of the room surfaces are all
important determinants of bass quantity and quality.In most
practical situations,there is little that can be done about this,
xcept for patient trial-and-error repositioning of the
e
loudspeakers and listeners.Usually, the practical constraints
of a living space and the impracticality of massive acoustical
treatment mean that equalization is the only practical solution.
Professional sound engineers routinely employ sophisticated
measurement systems and equalizers to optimize speakers to
the installation.This has never been practical for the home
audiophile.This is why R.A.B.O.S. was created. R.A.B.O.S.
enables you to identify the dominant low-frequency response
characteristic of your room.Once you know the problem,
R.A.B.O.S.provides the tools needed to optimize the low-frequency
characteristics of the speakers to the room they are in, exactly as
the professional sound engineers do it.
Performing R.A.B.O.S.Tests
These instructions assume you have already installed your
subwoofer according to the information provided in the Owner’s
Guide. It is also assumed that all equipment in your entertainment
system is interconnected properly and is in good operating
condition.
Preparations
Before beginning R.A.B.O.S. tests,please check the following:
• Set R.A.B.O.S.switch
• Make sure all three R.A.B.O.S. controls,‚,⁄and ¤, on the
subwoofer are turned fully clockwise.
• Make sure the loudness contour (if any) on your receiver/
processor/preamp is turned off.
• Set the tone controls (Bass and Treble) to their center or
flat positions.
• Bypass all surround and effects features of your receiver/
processor/preamp or set to Stereo Bypass.
• If you are using a multichannel surround processor or receiver,
make sure all bass-management features are properly set.The
Audio channels should all be set to “Small”or “High-Pass” and
the subwoofer set to “On.”
You must have a CD player in the system. A CD player remote
control is quite convenient but not essential.
For best results,it is recommended that all major furnishings are
in place and that all doors and windows in the listening area are
in their normal positions.That is, if you normally listen to music
with all doors closed,then this is how they should be during this
procedure.
Try to minimize ambient noise while running tests.Turn off all
major appliances and any air conditioning or furnace fans.
These can create significant subsonic noise that may be barely
perceptible but which can wreak havoc on low-frequency
measurements.
Critical information is highlighted with this mark:
Helpful hints are mar
ª
to On position.
ked with this symbol:
5
Cascade Model Twelve
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