Paradigm OM-605, IN-WALL SUBWOOFERS User Manual

IN-WALL SUBWOOFERS

Thank you for choosing award-winning Paradigm® Reference
in-wall subwoofer systems and congratulations! You are about

to experience the stunning difference these state-of-the-art high-end
subwoofers will make in your music and home theater system.

Comprehensive R&D, leading-edge design, use of the finest materials and
sophisticated manufacturing and quality control techniques provide
vastly superior performance for each component part at every stage of
design. Paradigm

®

Reference subwoofers will provide you with stunning

high-end sound and unparalleled listening pleasure for years to come.
To achieve all of the exceptional sound that these subwoofers are

capable of providing requires care in installation and operation. Please
take the time to read this manual as well as the manual that came with
your Paradigm

®

subwoofer amplifier and follow all instructions. If you

have further questions, contact your Authorized Paradigm

®

Reference

Dealer or visit the Q&A page in the Tech Support section of our website
at www.paradigm.com.

Paradigm Electronics Inc. In Canada: 205 Annagem Blvd., Mississauga, ON L5T 2V1• In the U.S.: MPO Box 2410, Niagara Falls, NY 14302

IMPORTANT: Subwoofers covered by this manual are designed for
use with a Paradigm

®

Subwoofer Amplifier only. Use with any other
brand of amplifier can cause permanent damage and will void the
Paradigm warranty.

OWNERS MANUAL OM-605

THE ULTIMATE IN HIGH-END SOUND FOR MUSIC AND HOME THEATER

™

RECYCLING AND REUSE GUIDELINES FOR EUROPE

In accordance with the European Union WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
directive effective August 13, 2005, we would like to notify you that this product may
contain regulated materials which, upon disposal, according to the WEEE directive,
require special reuse and recycling processing. For this reason ParadigmElectronics Inc.
(manufacturers of Paradigm

®

speakers and Anthem®electronics) has arranged with our
distributors in European Union member nations to collect and recycle this product at
no cost to you. To find your local distributor please contact the dealer from whom you
purchased this product or go to our website at www.paradigm.com.

Please note that the product only falls under the WEEE directive. When disposing of
packaging and other shipping material we encourage you to recycle through the
normal channels.

DIRECTIVES EUROPEENNES SUR LE RECYCLAGE ET LE TRAITEMENT DES DECHETS

Dans le respect de la directive WEEE (Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment) mise en place par les
institutions Européennes à compter du 13 Août 2005, nous souhaitons vous informer que ce produit peut
contenir des matières devant faire l’objet d’une procédure de recyclage ou de traitement approprié des
déchets. Dans cette optique, Paradigm Electronics Inc (fabricant des enceintes Paradigm

MD

et des
électroniques AnthemMD) avec ses Distributeurs agréés dans l’Union Européenne, ont mis en place une
procédure de collecte et de retraitement gratuite. Pour en savoir davantage sur cette procédure veuillez
contacter votre revendeur, ou notre Distributeur dans votre pays (vous en obtiendrez les coordonnées sur
simple demande ou en consultant notre site Internet www.paradigm.com).

Notez que seul le produit fini est concerné par cette directive et ses obligations. S’agissant de son emballage
et de ses accessoires de transport nous vous recommandons de les recycler selon les procédures mises en
place par votre commune ou votre département.

2

TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO AMPLIFIER OR SUBWOOFER
AND ENSURE OPTIMAL SOUND, THE 3-POSITION “EQ”
SWITCH ON THE REAR PANEL OF THE AMPLIFIER MUST
BE CORRECTLY CONFIGURED FOR USE WITH YOUR SETUP
(See Fig. 2). Additional details on page 5.

USING THE X-300 AMPLIFIER:

IMPORTANT OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS: READ BEFORE
OPERATING SUBWOOFER

TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO AMPLIFIER OR SUBWOOFER, FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS THAT RELATE TO YOUR SETUP BELOW. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL RESULT IN PERMANENT DAMAGE TO
AMPLIFIER AND SUBWOOFER. SUCH DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED UNDER
THE PARADIGM WARRANTY.

TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO AMPLIFIER OR SUBWOOFER, THE
IMPEDANCE MATCHING SWITCH ON YOUR SUBWOOFER’S
BAFFLE MUST BE POSITIONED FOR USE WITH THE
DESIGNATED AMPLIFIER (See Fig. 1).

POSITIONING THE IMPEDANCE MATCHING SWITCH:

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Operating Instructions:
Read Before Operating Subwoofer . . 3

Subwoofer Assembly Parts List . . . . 4

Impedance Matching Switch

(Pictorial) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

3-Position “EQ” Switch (Pictorial). . . 4

Your New Subwoofer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Configuring the Amplifier

for use with Your Subwoofer . . . . . . 5

The Listening Room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Guidelines for Deciding

on S ubwoofer Placement . . . . . . . . . 6

Subwoofer Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Color-Match Painting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Installation into a Wall

Without a Backbox (Pictorial) . . . . . . 8

Installation into a
Paradigm

®

Backbox (Pictorial). . . . . 10

Installation into a Wall

Without a Backbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

• 1 subwoofer

• 1 mounting template

• 1 MDF mounting frame

• 8 mounting screws

• 4 gasket tape strips

• 2 port gaskets (5/8˝ drywall installation only)

• 1 paint mask

• 1 wire tie

4

SUBWOOFER ASSEMBLY PARTS LIST

(each subwoofer)

IMPEDANCE MATCHING SWITCH

(all models)

A

Fig. 1

+

X-850X-300

or

3-POSITION “EQ” SWITCH

(X-300 Amplifier only)

Fig. 2

All PCS subs with/without backbox

& RVC-12SQ without backbox

RVC-12CF with/without backbox

RVC-12SQ with backbox

1

2
3

All PCS subs with/without backbox

& RVC-12SQ without backbox

RVC-12CF with/without backbox

RVC-12SQ with backbox

1

2
3

+

Required, not included

• 1 Paradigm®X-300 Amplifier (for use with 1 Paradigm®Reference RVC subwoofer)
or 1 Paradigm®X-850 Amplifier (for use with 1 or 2 Paradigm®Reference RVC subwoofers)

5

Break-In

Allow your Paradigm

®

Reference subwoofer system to operate for several hours before you listen critically.

Cleaning

Clean subwoofer housing with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use a strong or abrasive cleaner or get any part of
the subwoofer wet.

If you wish to paint your subwoofer you must do so before installing it. See the section on ”Color Match
Painting” later in this manual for full details.

Optional Paradigm

®

Backbox

Paradigm

®

Reference in-wall subwoofers can also be installed into an optional Paradigm®Backbox

(sold

separately).

If you decide to use a backbox, follow the instructions for placement and installation included with
the backbox. NOTE: If you install your subwoofer into a Paradigm®Backbox, you will not require the MDF
mounting frame that came with your subwoofer.

YOUR NEW SUBWOOFER

Setting 1: Use this setting with one RVC-12SQ subwoofer without a backbox
Setting 2: Use this setting with one RVC-12CF subwoofer with or without a backbox
Setting 3: Use this setting with one RVC-12SQ subwoofer with a backbox
NOTE: These settings are also displayed on your amplifier’s back panel.

WARNING: The following procedures are imperative for correct system
setup. Failure to follow the instructions that apply to your setup will result
in permanent damage to amplifier and subwoofer. Such damage is

NOT

covered under the Paradigm warranty.

1. The Impedance Matching Switch on Your Subwoofer’s Baffle:

To prevent damage to amplifier or subwoofer, the Impedance Matching Switch on your subwoofer’s
baffle must be correctly positioned (Fig. 1).

2. Using the Paradigm

®

X-300 Amplifier with Your Subwoofer:

To prevent damage to amplifier or subwoofer and ensure optimal sound, the 3-Position “EQ” Switch on
the X-300 amplifier’s rear panel must be correctly configured for use with or without

a Paradigm®Backbox.

Toggle to the setting that matches your setup (Fig. 2):

3. Using the Paradigm

®

X-850 Amplifier with Your Subwoofer:

Your X-850 amplifier comes with a Setup CD that allows you to configure your Paradigm

®

Reference

subwoofer system for optimal sound.PC requirements for running this CD are Windows XP or Vista and

one USB port. Install the software and perform the setup before connecting your amplifier to
the subwoofer. For complete instructions on installing the software, refer to the Owners Manual that

came with your X-850 amplifier.

CONFIGURING THE AMPLIFIER FOR USE WITH YOUR
SUBWOOFER

6

Paradigm®Reference in-wall subwoofers are suitable for use in a wide variety of listening environments.
Note however, that room construction, dimensions and furnishings all play a part in the quality of sound you
ultimately achieve. Try to follow these guidelines:

a) Strong, rigid walls are preferred for best bass balance. For even better results we recommend adding additional

bracing and acoustic damping material to the cavity prior to installation. See section on ”Installation Into
A Wall Without A Backbox” later in this manual for more details.

b) It is important to note that just as the amount of soft furnishings has a decided impact on mid and high

frequencies, those frequencies below 150 Hz are dramatically affected by the room itself—its size, shape,
as well as the physical boundaries of the room.

The extra care you take in correctly positioning your subwoofers will result in greater listening enjoyment.
Follow the guidelines for placement below to achieve optimal sound in your room.

THE LISTENING ROOM

When considering subwoofer placement directly into a wall, keep the following in mind:

• DO NOT install subwoofer in lath or plaster—over time, the bass vibrations will cause material to crack;

• DO NOT install subwoofer in cavities that contain ductwork;

• DO NOT locate subwoofer close to wall-mounted fixtures that may vibrate (remember to check the other

side of the wall too!);

• DO NOT install subwoofer in a cavity that already contains an in-wall speaker;

• If installing subwoofer in a wall with metal studs, make sure the studs are securely fastened so that they do

not vibrate or rattle;

• Some acoustic bleed-through in the adjacent room is unavoidable. See section on “Installation Into A Wall

Without a Backbox” later in this manual for suggestions to reduce bleed-through.

(Guidelines and suggestions for the actual installation process can be found later in this manual.)

GUIDELINES FOR DECIDING ON SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT

7

Fig. 3a

Two subwoofers close to floor in corners of room

Bass is less and less directional as it goes down in frequency. For best sonic integration, placing your subwoofer
in the wall at the front or rear of the room and close to a corner usually provides the best bass performance and
sonic integration. If this location is not possible, keeping in mind the guidelines provided earlier

, you may place
your subwoofer anywhere in the wall without affecting the stereo image of your front speakers or the soundstage
of your multi-channel speaker system.

Figs. 3a and 3b below highlight how bass output is generally affected by in-wall placement. When seated in
the typical listening area of your room, placing the subwoofers in the various positions will typically result in
bass performance as follows:

Fig. 3a: Corner placement close to the floor provides the best balance of output and accuracy.
Fig. 3b: Placement anywhere along the wall close to the floor but outside the "shaded" area will provide

slightly reduced output, though still acceptable accuracy.

The Advantages of Using Two Subwoofers

We highly recommend using two Paradigm

®

Reference in-wall subwoofers in your music and home theater
system. Using two subwoofers allows you to randomize the standing waves within your listening room so that
bass is distributed in a more uniform manner. Using two subwoofers can also ensure even lower distortion,
especially at high output levels.

If desired, for further optimized bass performance and even greater output, you can install an additional pair
of Paradigm

®

Reference in-wall subwoofers. Figure 4 provides recommended placement for four subwoofers.

Broken lines in figures below represent alternate placement for two subwoofers.

SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT

Fig. 3b

Two subwoofers close to floor in middle of walls

Fig. 4

Recommended placement for four subwoofers in a wall

Fig. 5c

Fig. 5a

8

Your new subwoofer has a textured finish in neutral white to blend into any area. It may also be painted to
match any décor. If you plan to paint your subwoofer, to avoid “painting it to the wall”, we recommend that
you paint it before installation.

Please note:

• Do not paint the surface behind the grille

• Do not heat-cure your newly painted subwoofer

• Avoid painting the subwoofer’s rear surface—protect it by masking the surface

(paint mask included)

To Paint, Follow These Steps:

1) Remove the metal grille and position the paint mask

(included)

in its place;

2) In a well-ventilated area, apply several light coats of paint, letting the subwoofer housing dry completely

between coats. Follow the paint manufacturer’s directions;

3) When painting grille, be careful n ot to plug holes with paint and re-attach after paint has dried. It is

easier to spray the grille than to use a brush. Remove grille before painting

.

COLOR-MATCH PAINTING

(optional)

Connect subwoofer as outlined in the Owners Manual included with your Paradigm®subwoofer amplifier.

INSTALLATION INTO A WALL WITHOUT A BACKBOX

Positioning block should be at bottom, facing you as
you tip frame into wall.

Fig. 5b

Peel tape back.

NOTE: Gasket tape strips must overlap at each corner
for a complete seal.

Fig. 5d

Fig. 5e

9

INSTALLATION INTO A WALL WITHOUT A BACKBOX

(continued)

Fig. 5g

Fig. 5f

IMPORTANT! DO NOT remove port covers.