Powered Subwoofer
INFINITY BETA™SW-12
Owner’s Guide
(230V)
Declaration of Conformity
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock,
do not remove the grounding plug
on the power cord, or use any plug
or extension cord that does not have
a grounding plug provided.
Make certain that the
AC outlet is properly grounded.
Do not use an adapter plug
with this product.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol
within 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.
The 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.
We, Harman Consumer International
2, route de Tours
72500 Chateau-du-Loir
France
declare in own responsibility that the products described in
this owner’s manual are in compliance with technical stadards:
EN 55013:2001
EN 55020:2002
EN 61000-3-2:2000
EN 61000-3-3:1995+A1:2001
EN 60065:2002
Robin Marshall
Harman Consumer International
Chateau-du-Loir, France 5/03
read first!Important Safety Precautions!
1.Read Instructions. All the safety and operating
instructions should be read before the product is
operated.
2.Retain Instructions.The safety and operating
instructions should be retained for future reference.
3.Heed Warnings. All warnings on the product and in
the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4.Follow Instructions.All operating and use
instructions should be followed.
5.Water and Moisture. The product 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.Accessories. Do not place this product on an
unstable cart,stand,tripod, bracket,or table.The
product may fall,causing serious injury to a child or
adult,and serious damage to the product.Use only
with a cart,stand, tripod,bracket, or table recommended
by the manufacturer,or sold with the product.
Any mounting of the product should follow the
manufacturer’s instructions,and should use a mounting
accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
7.Wall or Ceiling Mounting.The product should be
mounted on a wall or ceiling only when and as
recommended by the manufacturer.
8.Ventilation.Slots and openings in the cabinet are
provided for ventilation and to ensure reliable operation
of the product and to protect it from overheating,and
these openings must not be blocked or covered.
The openings should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed,sofa, rug,or other similar surface.
This product should not be placed in a built-in
installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper
ventilation is provided or the manufacturer’s
instructions have been adhered to.
9.Heat.The product should be situated away from
heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,stoves,
or other products that produce heat.If placed near an
amplifier,check with the manufacturer for applicability.
ii
BETA SW-12
10.Power Sources.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.
11.Grounding or Polarization.This product
equipped with a polarized alternating
may be
-current line plug
(a plug having one blade wider than the other).This
plug will fit into the power outlet only one way.This is
a safety feature.If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet,try reversing the plug.If the plug
should still fail to fit,contact your electrician to
replace your obsolete outlet.Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
12.Power-Cord Protection. Power-supply cords
should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or
against them,paying particular attention to cords at
plugs,convenience receptacles,and the point where
they exit from the product.
13.Cleaning. Unplug this product from the wall outlet
before cleaning.Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners.Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
14.Nonuse Periods.The power cord of the product
should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused
for long periods of time.
15.Lightning. For added protection for this product
during a lightning storm,or when it is left unattended
and unused for long periods of time,unplug it from
the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This will prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power-line surges.
16.Overloading. Do not overload wall outlets,
extension cords,or integral convenience receptacles,
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
17.Object and Liquid Entry.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.
18.Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this product
from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified
service personnel under the following conditions:
a. The power-supply cord or the plug has been
damaged;or
b. Objects have fallen,or liquid has been spilled into,
the product;or
c. The product has been exposed to rain or water;or
d. The product does not operate normally when
following the operating instructions.Adjust only
those controls that are covered by the operating
instructions,as an improper adjustment of other
controls may result in damage and will often require
extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the
product to its normal operation;or
e. The product has been dropped,or the enclosure
damaged;or
f. The product does not appear to operate normally
or exhibits a marked change in performance.
19.Attachments. Do not use attachments not
recommended by the product manufacturer,as they
may cause hazards.
20.Replacement Parts. 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.
21.Safety Check. 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.
22.Servicing. 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.
SUB
RIGHTCHANNEL
SPEAKER
PRIMARY
LISTENING
AREA
BETA SW-12 OWNER
S GUIDE
’
Table of Contents
ii Important Safety Precautions
1 Placement
2 Controls and Connections
3 Connections
4 Operation
5 Bass Optimization System
6 Maintenance and Service
6 Specifications
™
Infinity Beta SW-12
The Infinity Beta™SW-12 powered subwoofer continues Infinity’s
long-standing commitment to accurate sound reproduction.Our
patented Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm (CMMD™) drivers,and
proprietary Bass Optimization System,™along with high-powered
amplifiers and rigid,well-braced enclosures,combine to deliver
uncompromised bass performance in any stereo or multichannel
home theater.
Here are several additional facts on installation that may prove
useful.It is generally believed by most audio authorities that low
frequencies (below 125Hz) are nondirectional and, therefore,
placement of a subwoofer within any listening room is not
critical.While in theory it is true that the larger wavelengths of
extremely low frequencies are basically nondirectional,the fact
is that,when installing a subwoofer within the limited confines of
a room,reflections,standing waves and absorptions generated
within the room will strongly influence the performance of any
subwoofer system.As a result,the specific location of the
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).
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 Infinity dealer
or distributor 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.
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
BETA SW-12
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
Rear Panel
Normal
LFE
5
2
ON
OFF
MIN MAX
LEVEL
LINE LEVEL IN
+
POWER
R
L
R
L
0
6
8
HIGH
LEVEL
HIGH
LEVEL
OUT
GREEN: ON
RED: STANDBY
IN
1
BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
FREQUENCY LEVEL
180
PHASE
4
0
7
50 150
CROSSOVER
9
R L
A
B
_
3
WIDTH
Infinity Systems
Northridge, CA USA
POWER
ON
C
OFF
Bass Optimization Controls (see page 5)
0 Bass Optimization System Selector
1 Center -Fr equency Adjustment
2 Bass Optimization System Level Control
3 Bass Optimization System Bandwidth Control
4 Phase Switch
5 Normal/LFE Switch
6 Power Indicator
7 Crossov er Adjustment
8 Subwoofer Gain (Volume) Control
9 Line-Level Inputs
A High-Level (Speaker) Inputs
B High-Level (Speaker) Outputs
C Power Switch
BETA SW-12
2
CONNECTIONS
RECEIVER/AMPLIFIER
Front Speaker Output
BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
FREQUENCY
R L
180
0
POWER
OFF
ON
LEVEL
OFF
GREEN: ON
RED: STANDBY
PHASE
LINE LEVEL IN
HIGH
LEVEL
IN
HIGH
LEVEL
OUT
Infinity Systems
Northridge, CA USA
+
_
R
L
R
L
50 150
CROSSOVER
MIN MAX
LEVEL
POWER
ON
WIDTH
Normal
LFE
BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
FREQUENCY
R L
180
0
RECEIVER/PROCESSOR
POWER
OFF
ON
LEVEL
OFF
GREEN: ON
RED: STANDBY
PHASE
LINE LEVEL IN
HIGH
LEVEL
IN
HIGH
LEVEL
OUT
Infinity Systems
Northridge, CA USA
+
_
R
L
R
L
50 150
CROSSOVER
MIN MAX
LEVEL
POWER
ON
WIDTH
Normal
LFE
SUBWOOFER OR
LFE OUTPUT
POWER
OFF
ON
BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
FREQUENCY LEVEL
OFF
GREEN: ON
RED: STANDBY
PHASE
LINE LEVEL IN
HIGH
LEVEL
IN
HIGH
LEVEL
OUT
Infinity Systems
Northridge, CA USA
R L
+
_
R
L
R
L
180
0
50 150
CROSSOVER
MIN MAX
LEVEL
POWER
ON
WIDTH
Normal
LFE
LOOSEN TERMINALS
INSERT BARE END;
TIGHTEN TERMINALS
1.
2.
BLACK =
–
NO STRIPE = – STRIPE = +
RED = +
If your receiver/amplifier does not have subwoofer
outputs for the left and right channels or an LFE
output:
If your receiver/processor has subwoofer
outputs for the left and right channels:
• Set Normal/LFE Switch to “Normal.”
3
• Set Normal/LFE Switch to “Normal.”
BETA SW-12
NOTE:Some receivers have a single subwoofer output (do not confuse
this with a single LFE output as described below).In that case, it is
recommended that you use a Y connector (not included) to maximize
performance.
If you have a Dolby* Digital or DTS®receiver/processor
with 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.
OPERATION
Power On
Plug your subwoofer’sAC cord into a wall outlet.Do not use the
outlets on the back of the receiver.
Initially set the Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control 8 to the
“min”position.
Turn on your sub by pressing the Power Switch C on the rear
panel.
Auto On/Standby
With the Power Switch C in the ON position,the Power Indicator
LED 6 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 C can be left on. You may turn off the Power Switch C
for extended periods of nonoperation,e.g.,when you are away on
vacation.
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 8 about half way.If no sound emanates from
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 C
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.
Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a
comfortable level.Adjust the Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control
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
have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud,
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
can be felt as well as heard.However, overall balance must
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.
8
Crossover Adjustments
Note: This control will have no effect if the Normal/LFE
Switch 5 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 7 determines the highest frequency
at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds.If your main speakers
can comfortably reproducesome low-frequency sounds,set this
control to a lower frequency setting,between 50Hz – 100Hz.
This will concentrate the subwoofer’s efforts on the ultradeep
bass sounds required by today’s films and music.If you are using
smaller bookshelf speakers that do not extend to the lower bass
frequencies,set the Crossover Adjustment Control to a higher
setting,between 120Hz – 150Hz.
Phase Control
The Phase Switch 4 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.
BETA SW-12
4
BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
Infinity’s Bass Optimization System is a simple-to-use, yet
sophisticated,low-frequency calibration system.The Beta SW-12
contains a parametric equalizer that you can adjust following the
directions below. By following these instructions,you can improve
the sound of your system.
™
The Bass Optimization System 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,except for patient trial-and-error repositioning of the
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 was never practical for the home audiophile.
This is why the Bass Optimization System was created.It
enables you to identify the dominant low-frequency response
characteristic of your room.Once you know the problem,the
Bass Optimization System 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.
Preparations
Before beginning the bass tests,please check the following:
• Make sure all three Bass Optimization System controls on the
subwoofer are turned fully clockwise.
• Make sure the loudness contour (if any) on your receiver/
processor/preamp is turned off.
• Set the receiver’s/processor’s 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 “HighPass”and the subwoofer set to “On.”
• Set the Bass Optimization System Selector 0 to “On.”
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.
To solve a problem,it helps to first identify whether you have one
and,if so,what it is. First,play a variety of music and films with
energetic bass sounds,like bass guitar,kick drum,keyboards,
etc.A kick drum should produce a tight “thump”, not a flabby
“boom.”Bass melody or harmony lines should have notes that are
about equally loud.If some notes disappear,or stand out because
they are consistently too loud,there is a problem.Disappearing
notes have to be handled by moving the listening position, or
the loudspeakers,to slightly different locations.Often,but not
always,this will be enough. Excesses in bass tend to be most
annoying,and energetic resonances that cause “boomy”or
“lumpy”bass can be truly aggravating over a period of time.
Infinity’s Bass Optimization System can fix this.
So,the first step is to exercise your music collection,and listen
for low-frequency problems that crop up in several different
recordings.Something that only happens in one recording is
likely to be a problem in the recording – it happens! If you
identify something that is consistently wrong,select a record that
shows it very clearly,and put your CD/DVD player into a repeat
mode (A-B repeat is especially helpful,because you can isolate
a short musical passage).
Set the Bass Optimization System Bandwidth Adjustment control
3 to a middle position (10 clicks from a fully clockwise
position) and set the Level Adjustment 2 for a –6dB (8 clicks
from a fully clockwise position).Then, while the music is playing,
sit in your favorite chair and have somebody else slowly adjust
the Center-Frequency Adjustment 1 from fully clockwise to fully
counter-clockwise.At a certain frequency,you should hear the
problem lessen and the overall bass performance improve. When
you are satisfied that you have found the best frequency,have
your assistant vary the Level 2 slowly up and down until you
have maximized the improvement.If you have really keen ears,you
can also have the Bandwidth Adjustment control 3 adjusted for
maximum benefit.
5
BETA SW-12
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
The enclosure and grille may be cleaned using a soft cloth
to remove fingerprints or to wipe off dust.
All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or
remade periodically.The frequency of maintenance depends on
the metals involved in the connections, atmospheric conditions,
and other factors,but once per year is the minimum.
If a problem occurs,make sure that all connections are properly
made and clean.In the event that your Infinity subwoofer ever
needs service,contact your local Infinity dealer or distributor.
SPECIFICATIONS
Beta SW-1 2
Frequency Response: 28Hz – 150Hz (±3dB)
Maximum Amplifier Output: 500 watts RMS
(20Hz – 150Hz
with no more than 0.1% THD)
Crossover Frequencies: 50Hz – 150Hz,24dB/octave,
continuously variable
Driver: 305mm (12") CMMD
Dimensions (H x W x D): 425mm x 378mm x 505mm
(16-3/4" x 14-7/8" x 19-7/8")
Weight: 20.5kg (45 lb)
Infinity continually strives to update and improve existing products,as well as
create new ones.The specifications and construction details in this
and related Infinity publications are therefore subject to change without notice.
BETA SW-12
6
Infinity Systems,250 Crossways Park Drive,Woodbury,NY 11797 USA 516.674.4INF (4463)
www.infinitysystems.com
*Trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems,Inc.
Infinity is a registered trademark,and Infinity Beta, CMMD and Bass Optimization System (B.O.S.) are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm patent nos.6,327,372 and 6,404,897. Part No.352614-002
© 2003 Harman International Industries,Incorporated
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