JL Audio gotham v2 Owner's Manual
Owner’s Manua l
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
AMP PANEL OR SPEAKER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
1) Read the Instructions — All safety and operating instructions should be
read before the subwoofer is operated.
2) Retain the Instructions — e safety and operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.
3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the subwoofer and in the operating
instructions should be followed.
e lightning ash 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
sucient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons.
e exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating
and maintenance instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
4) Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should
be followed.
5) Water and Moisture — e subwoofer should NOT be used near water – for
example, near a bathtub, washbowl, sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement,
near a swimming pool, etc.
6) Ventilation — e subwoofer should be situated so that its location or
position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the
subwoofer should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface
that may block airow over the heatsink ns. If placing the subwoofer in
a “built-in” installation, ensure that airow to the heat sink at the rear of
the subwoofer is not impeded. Do not cover the subwoofer heatsink with
tablecloths, curtains, etc.
9) Heat and Flames — e subwoofer should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, replaces, or other devices
which produce heat. Do not place candles on top of or near the subwoofer.
10) Power sources — e subwoofer should only be connected to a power supply of
the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the subwoofer.
e Gotham v2 has a very powerful amplier. For maximum performance,
please utilize a dedicated AC power circuit. We suggest minimum circuit breaker
sizes of 120 VAC / 20 amps or 230 VAC / 10 amps.
IMPORTAN T
| Gotham v2Page 2
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 upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit the subwoofer.
12) Cleaning — e subwoofer should be cleaned only as recommended in the
operating instructions.
13) Nonuse Periods — e power cord of the subwoofer should be unplugged
from the outlet when the subwoofer is le unused for long periods of time.
14) Lightning and Power Surges — We recommend that you disconnect the
subwoofer from the electrical outlet during electrical storms and/or recurring
power interruptions to prevent damage due to power surges.
15) Object or Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not fall
into and liquids are not spilled onto the subwoofer enclosure. Do not expose
the subwoofer to dripping or splashing from liquids. Do not place objects
lled with liquids on top of, or near the subwoofer. For example: ower vases,
beverages, liquid-fueled lamps, etc.
16) Damage Requiring Service — e subwoofer should be serviced by qualied
service personnel when:
a. the power-supply cord or plug has been damaged
b. objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the subwoofer
c. the subwoofer has been exposed to rain
d. the subwoofer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance
e. the subwoofer has been dropped or the cabinet has been damaged
f. the subwoofer driver’s cone and/or suspension has been
physically damaged
WARNING
17) Servicing — e user should not attempt to service the subwoofer beyond
what is described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be
referred to qualied service personnel.
18) Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or outlet strips
as this can result in a risk of re or electric shock.
19) Grounding — is subwoofer is supplied with a three-prong, grounded
power cord. Precautions should be taken so that the grounding means of the
subwoofer are not defeated. Defeating the grounding prong on the subwoofer
power cord could increase the risk of electric shock and could result in
permanent damage to the subwoofer’s electronics.
THIS SUBWOOFER IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING VERY HIGH SOUND
PRESSURE LEVELS. PLEASE EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN ITS OPERATION TO
PROTECT YOUR HEARING FROM PERMANENT DAMAGE.
Page 3 | Gotham v2
FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
NOTE: is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. ese limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. is equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions: ......................................... 2-3
Introduction:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview: ...................................................... 5
Placing your Gotham v2 in Your Listening Room: ....................... 6-10
Unpacking your Gotham v2: ............................................ 11
Front Control Panel Layout: ............................................. 12
Rear Control and Connector Panel Layout: ............................... 13
Front Panel Controls in Detail: ........................................14-17
Rear Controls in Detail & Connecting your Gotham v2(s): ................18-25
Recommended Setup Procedure: ......................................26-30
Frequently Asked Questions: ............................................ 31
Cleaning Your Gotham v2:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Troubleshooting: ....................................................32-33
Specications: ......................................................... 34
Limited Warranty / Service Information: ................................. 35
INTRODUCTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a JL Audio Gotham v2 powered subwoofer
system. is product has been critically engineered to deliver exceptional
performance in your home theater or audio system for many years to come.
As a company, we are intensely committed to core research into
high-performance loudspeaker and amplier technologies. JL Audio’s longexcursion subwoofer driver designs are widely considered as reference standards for
linear behavior and high output. We have also focused our eorts to create powerful
amplier and signal-processing technologies specically aimed at delivering
exceptional low-frequency performance. Your Gotham v2 combines these core
disciplines within a compact, beautifully craed package to deliver an unparalleled
listening experience.
JL AUDIO TECHNOLOGIES INCLUDED
IN Gotham v2 SUBWOOFERS
DMA-Optimized Motor System
DMA is JL Audio’s proprietary Dynamic
Motor Analysis system aimed at
improving dynamic motor behavior. As a
result of DMA optimization, loudspeaker
motors remain linear in force over an
extreme range of excursion and also
maintain a highly stable xed magnetic
eld over a wide power range. is leads
to vastly reduced distortion and faithfully
reproduced transients... or put simply:
tight, clean, articulate bass.
OverRoll™ Surround
(U.S. Patent #5,687,247 and #5,949,898)
e OverRoll™ surround spans over
the driver’s mounting ange, utilizing
available diameter wasted in conventional
speakers. is allows the use of the wider
roll necessary to control high-excursions
without sacricing precious cone area.
W-Cone™ (U.S. Patent #6,496,590)
e W-Cone™ is a unit-body cone
assembly that delivers astonishing cone
stiness with minimal mass.
Floating-Cone™ Attach Method
(U.S. Patent #6,501,844)
is assembly technique ensures proper
surround geometry in the assembled
speaker for better excursion control and
dynamic voice coil alignment.
Plateau-Reinforced Spider Attachment
(U.S. Patent #6,118,884)
is high-integrity suspension attachment
relieves stress from the spider material at
high-excursions for enhanced reliability.
Elevated Frame Cooling Technology
(U.S. Patent #6,219,431 and #6,229,902)
Delivers cool air, through slots directly
above the top-plate, to the voice coil of the
speaker. is enhances power handling
and sound quality by minimizing
dynamic parameter shis and power
compression.
Radially Cross-Drilled Pole Piece
(U.S. Patent #6,243,479)
is innovative venting system greatly
enhances thermal dissipation and power
handling by directing air ow onto the
voice coil former, working in conjunction
with the Elevated Frame technology.
High-Damping Feedback Circuit
(U.S. Patent #6,441,685)
is proprietary, discrete control circuit
design allows our Class D switching
ampliers to maintain an excellent
damping factor for improved transient
behavior and delity.
| Gotham v2Page 4
We sincerely thank you for your purchase and invite you to read this
manual thoroughly in order to achieve the highest level of performance with
your Gotham v2 subwoofer system. Enjoy.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
JL Audio Gotham v2 subwoofers combine a state-of-the-art
JLAudio subwoofer driver and electronics/amplier package within
a highly optimized enclosure to deliver an exceptional listening
experience in your home theater or home audio system.
e subwoofer drivers in your Gotham v2 subwoofer system are capable
of exceptional linear excursion without distress or audible distortion. ese
exceptional drivers enable your Gotham v2 to reproduce powerful low-frequency
events with stunning impact and unprecedented accuracy. Derived from JL
Audio’s legendary W7 design platform, the Gotham v2 drivers oer peak-to-peak
excursion capabilities well in excess of 3 inches (76mm) to comfortably handle
the dynamics of the most demanding program material.
To get the most from this long excursion driver platform, a tremendous
amount of controlled power is needed. Our electronics engineering team
conducted an intense analysis of typical program material and its dynamic
demands in order to balance current draw and actual output power requirements
relative to the system’s impedance characteristics. Aer careful study, precisely
engineered switching ampliers employing patented feedback technology were
created to take full advantage of each driver’s full excursion envelope. Compared
to their predecessors, Gotham v2’s have been improved with all new digital
signal processing and a 20% increase in amplier power, further enhancing their
outstanding dynamic capabilities.
e beautiful cabinet enclosing the workings of your Gotham v2 is also the
result of careful engineering. To contain the pressures created by the Gotham v2
driver, we utilize massive, berglass construction with extensive internal bracing
features and advanced assembly techniques.
Your listening room is the other enclosure that aects the way your bass will
sound. All rooms create a specic sonic signature, which must be eectively
managed to achieve well-balanced low frequency performance. To help properly
integrate your subwoofers with your room’s acoustics, all Gotham v2 subwoofers
employ a powerful, Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system.
is system deploys eighteen bands of digital equalization to tame room
acoustics and deliver spine-tingling sub-bass accuracy.
As you can see from this brief introduction, Gotham v2 subwoofer systems
employ many advanced technologies. e contents of this manual will explain the
features, guide you through the setup and tuning of your Gotham v2 subwoofer
and help you achieve your ultimate low-frequency listening experience.
IMPORTAN T
If you require assistance, we urge you to contact your authorized
JL Audio retailer for expert setup advice and service.
IMPORTANT! IT IS A VERY GOOD IDEA TO READ THE NEXT SECTION BEFORE
UNPACKING YOUR Gotham v2. UNPACKING THE SUBWOOFER NEAR ITS
FINAL LOCATION IS RECOMMENDED.
Page 5 | Gotham v2
WARNING: THE GOTHAM v2 IS EXTREMELY HEAVY 405 LBS. / 184 KG
AND IS VERY DIFFICULT TO HANDLE! PEOPLE WITH BACK PROBLEMS
OR MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT PRECLUDE EXERTION SHOULD NOT
ATTEMPT TO UNPACK OR MOVE A GOTHAM v2.
WARNING: THE UNPACKING INS TRUCTIO NS MUST BE FOLLOWED PRECISELY.
FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN PRODUCT DAMAGE AND/OR INJURY.
WARNING: FAILURE TO HANDLE A GOTHAM v2 CORRECTLY DURING
UNPACKING AND PLACEMENT CAN RESULT IN EXPENSIVE DAMAGE
WHICH IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.
WARNING
IMPORTANT: YOU WILL NEED AT LEAST TWO STRONG PEOPLE TO MOVE,
UNPACK AND PLACE THE GOTHAM v2. THREE PEOPLE ARE RECOMMEND ED.
IMPORTANT: BEFORE PLACING GOTHAM v2 IN YOUR LISTENING SPACE,
MAKE SURE THAT THE FLOOR STRUCTURE IS CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING
THE WEIGHT OF THE PRODUCT. CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL ENGINEER
IF NECESSARY.
IMPORTAN T
| Gotham v2Page 6
PLACING YOUR GOTHAM v2 IN YOUR LISTENING ROOM:
Your listening room or theater is an integral part of your sound reproduction
system. e physical dimensions of the room and its furnishings, materials, doors
and windows play an important role in dening how your system sounds.
When you place a sound source in an enclosed rectangular space, “standing
waves” are created, resulting from the relationship between the sound’s
wavelength and your room’s dimensions. In other words, standing waves result
from sound energy that is trapped in the room as it bounces back and forth
between opposing walls. Standing waves in the room create acoustic peaks and
dips where the sound is either louder or soer, based solely on your physical
position in the room. Energy also “builds up” at the room’s boundaries, creating
exaggerated bass response at certain frequencies. ese fundamental room
resonances are called room “modes.”
e moral of this mode story is to try and avoid seating positions in standing
wave peak or dip regions. It is highly recommended that you place your listening
chairs in areas where modal peaks and dips are moderate and do not reinforce
one another. e two most obvious areas to avoid are those near the exact center
of the room and those close to any of the room’s walls.
Just as your listening seat can be in a peak or dip region, so can your
subwoofer. When placed in a room corner, a subwoofer maximally excites the
room’s mode structure, creating the strongest output with the fewest dips. When
the subwoofer is pulled away from a corner or wall, the room modes are excited
less, which can alter the sound at your listening seat.
Be sure to experiment with both your listening seat position and subwoofer
position to nd the best solution. Careful experimentation usually leads to a
superior sounding system. Use our setup suggestions (illustrated on the opposing
page and the following pages) to get you started.
If you cannot avoid placing your sofa against the back wall, or your
subwoofer in a less than optimal position, your Gotham v2’s Digital Automatic
Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) System can dramatically improve
these less-than-ideal situations.
We recommend that you begin by placing your Gotham v2 in the front
of the room, near the front le or right speaker. Placing it directly in the
front corner of the room will produce the maximum number of peaks and
the minimum number of dips in the bass response. is can be advantageous
because the Gotham v2’s D.A.R.O. system can correct the resulting peaks very
eectively, whereas dips in response cannot be corrected via equalization. Dips in
response can only be minimized via careful subwoofer and listener placement.
Placing the Gotham v2 near solid walls will reinforce bass response and
pulling it away from solid walls will decrease bass. Increasing the distance
between the subwoofer and the walls may help to smooth upper bass response in
some rooms.
We recommend that you avoid placing the Gotham v2 near windows to prevent
rattling and sound transmission to the outside world.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR HANDLING THE GOTHAM v2
e Gotham v2 is extremely heavy and can be dicult to handle. Failure
to handle it correctly during unpacking and placement can result in expensive
damage which is not covered under warranty.
Page 7 | Gotham v2
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for One Gotham v2
MORE INTENSE
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
RECOMMENDED
SUBWOOFER
PLACEMENT
ZONES
(For Single Subwoofer)
MORE INTENSE
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
SMOOTHER
COMPROMISED SEATING POSITIONS
(Results in weaker, uneven bass performance)
BEST SEATING POSITIONS
(Most accurate bass performance)
COMPROMISED SEATING POSITIONS
(More intense, but less accurate bass performance)
CENTERLINE OF ROOM
APPROX. 1/3 OF TOTAL ROOM
LENGTH AWAY FROM BACK WALL
CLOSE TO BACK WALL OF ROOM
WORST
SEAT
| Gotham v2Page 8
Using Two Gotham v2s
When using two Gotham v2s, try
placement near the front corners of the
room, at diagonally-opposite corners
of the room, or at the center points of
opposing walls as shown at right.
Experimentation with
subwoofer and listener
placement is recommended to
achieve the best results – the
benets can be substantial.
High-resolution measurements
and professional system calibration
are recommended for the best possible
results & system performance.
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Two Gotham v2s
Page 9 | Gotham v2
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Three Gotham v2s
Using Three or Four Gotham v2s
Research indicates that the
smoothest bass response for a large
listening area can be achieved using
four subwoofers, placing one at
the midpoint of each of the four
walls (although using two or three
subwoofers can be almost as good).
Experimentation with
subwoofer and listener
placement is recommended to
achieve the best results – the
benets can be substantial.
High-resolution measurements
and professional system calibration
are recommended for the best possible
results & system performance.
Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Four Gotham v2s
| Gotham v2Page 10
UNPACKING YOUR GOTHAM v2
Now that you have determined your Gotham v2’s position in the room, you can
proceed with unpacking it near its intended location.
* e Gotham v2 subwoofer ships in a protective cloth cover that is not pictured in the unpacking
instructions above. Use the orientation of the Gotham v2™ above as a guide.
IMPORTANT: DUE TO THE WEIGHT OF THE GOTHAM v2 SUBWOOFER,
IMPORTAN T
PLEASE EXERCISE CAUTION WHILE UNPACKING AND POSITIONING IT TO
PREVENT INJURY. ENLIST THE HELP OF ADDITIONAL PEOPLE TO FACILITATE
THE PROCESS. TO MINIMIZE THE RISK OF INJURY, BEND YOUR KNEES AND
LIFT WITH YOUR LEGS, NOT YOUR BACK.
e Gotham v2 box should be unpacked
close to where the subwoofer will be placed.
e subwoofer is packed upside down. is
box must be ipped over CAREFULLY and
EXACTLY AS DESCRIBED to remove the
subwoofer, minimize eort and avoid the
risk of damaging the product.
2
1
Detailed instructions on unpacking the subwoofer:
1. Move the carton near its intended location in the room.
2. Open the top of the carton (observe markings on carton) and remove all of the
items included in the center of the box.
3. With the help of others and using the carton handles, gently lay the carton to
one side holding the aps back and making sure a carton side without handles
rests facing up.
4. Again, holding the carton aps back and employing the help of others, carefully
ip the box onto its top (open end). e box will be upside-down and should
have all of the aps out from underneath it.
5. Pull the carton straight up until it clears the subwoofer and place to one side.
6. Remove the one-piece foam insert from the top of the woofer and place
in the carton.
11. Tilt the subwoofer forward (toward its speaker/grille side) to remove the rear
split-foam insert and place in the carton.
12. Tilt the subwoofer in the opposite direction (towards its silver heatsink) to
remove the remaining split-foam insert and place in the carton.
13. Remove the protective cloth cover and place in the carton.
14. Install one of the included sliding discs under each of the Gotham v2’s three feet
to facilitate pushing/positioning the subwoofer.
IMPORTAN T
IMPORTANT! PLEASE RETAIN ALL PACKAGING FOR SAFE
TRANSPORTATION OF THE SUBWOOFER AND FOR ANY FUTURE SERVICE.
Page 11 | Gotham v2
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