Paradigm SUB 1, SUB 2 Owner's Manual

Signature.Love to Listen.

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.

OWNERS MANUAL

SUB 1 & SUB 2

PARADIGM
PERFECT BASS KIT

22

Connection & Control

TABLE OF CONTENTS

7

Safety Precautions

8

Important Safety

Instructions

11

Placement & Connection
SUB 1 & SUB 2 (pictorial)

14

Your New Subwoofer

14

Absolute Power

15

Room Acoustics

16

Room Placement & the

Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit

24

Fine Tuning

34

Notes

32

Technical

Specifications

25

Universal Input

Power in SUB 2

29

Power Factor

Correction in SUB 2

27

Connecting SUB 2
to a 240-Volt Line

3

The Design & Technology

Behind Your New Subwoofer

1

Introduction

31

Limited Warranty

Thank you for choosing the truly mind blowing Paradigm®Reference Signature SUB 1
and SUB 2 and congratulations! You are now the proud owner of the world’s finest

subwoofers, designed, engineered and manufactured in North America. You are about
to experience the stunning difference your new state-of-the-art high-end subwoofer
will make in your music and home theater system.

Paradigm subwoofers are internationally recognized for their exceptional
sound. In fact, Paradigm is the only speaker company to be rated
#1* year after year. Quite simply, ours are the best sounding subwoofers
in the world. Extensive listener preference tests conducted by the
National Research Council (NRC) gave our design engineers a firm
understanding of how we hear speakers, including subwoofers,
and clearly established the design parameters most critical to good
sound. Using the NRC findings along with measurement-based
analysis done in our anechoic chamber and double-blind testing
carried out in our controlled listening rooms, our engineers
work to constantly improve and refine subwoofer performance
in all areas. We consider these subwoofers our finest
accomplishment to date.

Signature. Love to Listen.

*Rated #1 Best Price/Value. Inside Track Annual Dealer Survey. An annual independent
nationwide survey of consumer electronics specialist retailers and custom installers.

PARADIGM®REFERENCE SIGNATURE SUB 1 AND SUB 2

2

Your new subwoofer is a supremely powerful, accurate, as well as
physically attractive state-of-the-art six-sided sealed system that boasts:

• A Compact Hexagonal Form Factor;

• Vibration-Canceling Design Architecture — set a martini on top of
the cabinet while the subs are playing and barely a ripple is noticeable;

• Six Cutting-Edge High-Excursion Bass Drivers with advanced
mineral-filled polypropylene cones and distortion-reducing surrounds;

• Our Own Cutting-Edge Ultra-Class-D

™

‘Kilomax’ Amplifier Platform

with Universal Input Power and Power Factor Correction (SUB 2);

• 2 Cutting-Edge Ultra-Class-D

™

Amplifiers (SUB 1);

• Our Own Digital Signal Processing Design;

• A Comprehensive Range of Input and Control Facilities;

• High-Quality Furniture-Grade Finish … a powerful subwoofer or
high-end coffee table? Judging by appearances, it's difficult to say.

The Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit

™

Even when the finest subwoofers are perfectly spaced and positioned, the
room itself can still have a dramatic impact on performance. Room dimensions,
dead spots, archways, even furniture can turn the room into an additional
instrument playing alongside musicians or movie scores with unwanted
coloration and resonance. Bass can sound boomy with poor definition. You
have the perfect subwoofer but in a less than perfect room! The solution is

included with your new subwoofer … Paradigm's critically acclaimed Perfect
Bass Kit (PBK). Based on research conducted by the National Research
Council, PBK analyzes the subwoofer's response in your room, then sets about
perfecting that response through scientific calculation! And it's receiving
rave reviews …

“… audibly better bass through science … Does it really work? You bet
it does. Several noteworthy features of the software are its ability to correct
multiple peaks and/or troughs in the subwoofer/room bass response curve,
to identify and address potential standing wave problems, to calculate a
solution that helps optimize bass response across multiple listening locations,
and that, purists please take note, affects only the subwoofer—not the other
speakers …I did some listening tests with the Paradigm sub before using
the PBK kit and then afterwards, and I can vouch for the fact that the PBK
equalized sub sounded much tighter, more neutrally voice, and much better
defined.” – AV Guide on PBK

Your Signature subwoofer will provide you with stunning high-end sound and
unparalleled listening pleasure for many years. To achieve all of the exceptional
sound it is capable of providing requires care in placement, installation and
operation. Please take the time to read this manual and follow all instructions.
Or visit our website at www.paradigm.com for more information. If you have
additional questions, contact your Authorized Paradigm

®

Reference Dealer or

visit the Q&A page in the Tech Support section of our website.

PARADIGM®REFERENCE SIGNATURE SUB 1 AND SUB 2

3

Vibration-Canceling Design Architecture

Six identical, perfectly-balanced cutting-edge drivers radially
aligned (two on each side) inside the cabinet. As opposing
forces of equal magnitude, the powerful vibration-reaction
forces (see arrows) effectively cancel each other out. Place
a martini glass on top of SUB 1 or SUB 2 and barely a ripple
disturbs the contents while the subwoofer is playing.

THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY BEHIND

YOUR NEW SUBWOOFER

4

SIGNATURE SUB 1

• Six 8˝ (203 mm) Cutting-Edge Mineral-Filled Polypropylene Cones

• Overmolded NLC

™

Non-Limiting Corrugated TPE Surrounds with Nomex®Cloth Spiders

• 1-1/2-Inch (38 mm) 4-Layer Long-Throw Aluminum Voice Coil

• AVS

™

Airflow Ventilation System Cooling

• 9.2 lb (4.16 kg) Computer-Optimized Ceramic (Hard Ferrite) Magnet/Motor Structure

• Removable Grilles

SIGNATURE SUB 2

• Six 10˝ (254 mm) Cutting-Edge Mineral-Filled Polypropylene Cones

• RCR

™

Resonance Control Ribbing with Dual Nomex®Cloth Spiders

• 3-Inch (76 mm) 10-Layer Long-Throw Aluminum Voice Coils

• AVS

™

Airflow Ventilation System Cooling

• 25.2 lb (10.5 kg) Computer-Optimized Ceramic (Hard Ferrite) Magnet/Motor Structure

• For safety, grilles are non-removable due to the incredibly high power and tremendous output

THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY BEHIND

YOUR NEW SUBWOOFER (continued)

5

SIGNATURE SUB 1

BIG POWER. Compact Package. Two Cutting-Edge Ultra-Class-D

™

Amplifiers:

• 3,400 Watts Dynamic Peak Power

• 1,700 Watts RMS Continuous Power (850 watts each amp)

• Digital Signal Processing Design (DSP). Sophisticated mathematical algorithms
‘shape’ frequency response ensuring accurate, consistent and musical bass
without distortion even when the subs are playing at the loudest level

• 5/8˝ (16 mm) Ultra-Rigid Aluminum Amplifier Panel provides revolutionary
heatsinking and mechanical rigidity

Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit

™

interface on rear panel

6

SIGNATURE SUB 2

Cutting-Edge ‘Kilomax’ Amplifier Platform with Universal
Input Power and Power Factor Correction

• 9,000 Watts Dynamic Peak Power

• 4,500 Watts RMS Continuous Power when connected to a 240-volt line
(more information is provided in the section ‘Universal Input Power in SUB 2’)

• Digital Signal Processing Design (DSP) (see SUB 1, previously)

• Power Factor Correction allows the maximum amount of power (95%) to
be drawn with far less noise on the line (more information is provided in the
section ‘Power Factor Correction in SUB 2’)

• 5/8˝ (16 mm) Ultra-Rigid Aluminum Amplifier Panel provides revolutionary
heatsinking and mechanical rigidity

Aluminum Printed Circuit Board:

1/8˝ (3.2 mm) thickness

Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit

™

interface on rear panel

THE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY BEHIND

YOUR NEW SUBWOOFER (continued)

7

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING!

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT

REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle
warns users of the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE, AND
OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES, SHOULD NOT BE
PLACED ON THIS APPARATUS.

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE,
REPLACE THE FUSE ONLY WITH THE SAME AMPERAGE AND VOLTAGE
TYPE. REFER REPLACEMENT TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

WARNING: UNIT MAY BECOME HOT. ALWAYS PROVIDE ADEQUATE
VENTILATION TO ALLOW FOR COOLING. DO NOT PLACE NEAR A HEAT
SOURCE, OR IN SPACES THAT CAN RESTRICT VENTILATION.

The lightning flash with arrowpoint within an equilateral
triangle warns of 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.

WARNING

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

8

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

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 dry a 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 (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly
at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table specified by the manufacturer or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/ apparatus combination, to avoid
injury from tip-over.

9

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms 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 power­supply 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. Use the mains plug to disconnect the apparatus from the mains or ”TO
COMPLETELY DISCONNECT THIS APPARATUS FROM THE AC MAINS,
DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY CORD PLUG FROM THE AC
RECEPTACLE.

16. “WARNING – TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC – SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE”

17. “DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING AND
ENSURE THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS VASES,
ARE PLACED ON THE EQUIPMENT.”

18. “THE MAINS PLUG OF THE POWER SUPPLY CORD SHALL REMAIN
READILY OPERABLE.”

11

PLACEMENT & CONNECTION SUB 1 & SUB 2

Fig. 1a

Fig. 1b Fig. 2

12

Fig. 3a

Fig. 3b Fig. 4

BALANCED

XLR

BALANCED

XLR

BALANCED

XLR

PLACEMENT & CONNECTION SUB 1 & SUB 2 (continued)

14

Break-In

Although your Paradigm

®

Reference Signature subwoofer will sound great “out of the carton” it will sound even better

when broken in. Allow it to operate for several hours before you begin to listen critically.

Cleaning

Your subwoofer has a durable premium finish. To clean, use a damp soft cloth. Do not use a strong or abrasive
cleaner. Avoid getting any part of the subwoofer system wet. Do not place wet objects (drinking glasses, potted
plants, etc.) directly on top of your new subwoofer. A coaster must be used every time. If allowed to soak in, even a
small amount of water may permanently damage the gorgeous high-end furniture finish.

YOUR NEW SUBWOOFER

ABSOLUTE POWER … IS VERY VERY COOL

The “Watts” (W) rating indicated on the rear panel is the typical power your subwoofer will draw during normal use.
However, when producing its maximum power output, the actual wattage draw will vary with the bass content of
the program material—more if there is a lot of deep bass, less when there is not as much bass. Connected to a
regular 120-volt line SUB 1 and SUB 2 will deliver every ounce of state-of-the-art performance we promise …
and more! However …

A Note About the Absolutely Insane Power Capabilities of SUB 2

SUB 2 boasts the most powerful amplifier we have ever designed. It boasts a Universal Input Power Feature which
allows the subwoofer to operate connected to any line voltage between 108 volts and 265 volts. To get every ounce,
and we do mean EVERY ounce, of performance SUB 2 was designed to deliver, aka Maximum RMS Continuous
Power, connect SUB 2 to a dedicated 240-volt/15-amp circuit. This type of connection must be done by a
certified electrician. Detailed information on this can be found later in this manual in the section ‘Universal Input
Power in SUB 2.’

For convenience, packed in the carton along with your SUB 2 are two power cords: a 120-volt / 15-amp cord and a
240-volt / 15-amp cord.

15

ROOM ACOUSTICS

You are about to experience the astonishing performance of your state-of-the-art Paradigm®Reference Signature
subwoofer. SUB 1 and SUB 2 incorporate groundbreaking technology that has been in the works in Paradigm’s
Advanced Research Center (PARC) for a number of years. The results set outrageous new standards for deep
bass extension, ultra-low distortion and sound power output to provide bass articulation and slam the likes of which
have never been heard!

It is important to note however that just as the amount of soft furnishings has a decided impact on mid and high
frequencies, those below 150 Hz are dramatically affected by the room itself—its size, shape, as well as by physical
boundaries throughout the room.

It is helpful to keep the following guidelines in mind when deciding on best subwoofer placement:

• Concrete floors and walls tend to aggravate low-frequency standing wave problems and are less preferred;

• Rooms where height, width and length are similar should be avoided as they can exhibit significant low­frequency standing wave problems. This may result in reduced clarity.

If circumstances dictate placement, don't worry, the Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit digital room correction system will
tackle even the most challenging problems of the room. More about this in the following section.

16

ROOM PLACEMENT &

THE PARADIGM PERFECT BASS KIT

™

Bass is less and less directional as it goes down in frequency. For best sonic integration, locating your subwoofer
between your front speakers or beside one of them and close to the back wall will usually provide the best bass
performance. If this location is not possible your subwoofer may be placed anywhere in the room without
affecting the stereo image of your front speakers or the soundstage of your multichannel speaker system.

Figure 1a: Corner placement provides the most bass, but sometimes at the expense of accuracy.
Figure 1b: A subwoofer placed near a wall usually provides a good balance of quantity and accuracy.
Although controls are provided to align your subwoofer’s output to the other speakers in your system, see “Fine

Tuning,” on page 24, you have at your disposal the most powerful, accurate and innovative tool in the industry
for achieving optimal bass performance in any room situation. The critically acclaimed Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit
(PBK) is a true audiophile solution to the problems of the room. It allows you to correct for the effects of room
boundaries on the quality of bass. See next page.

THE ADVANTAGES OF USING TWO SUBWOOFERS IN YOUR LISTENING ROOM

What’s the only thing better than a single SUB 1 or SUB 2? Two of them! Although a single Paradigm Reference

®

Signature SUB 1 or SUB 2 provides cutting-edge performance and breathtaking output, the quality (and quantity)
of bass can be further improved with the use of two subwoofers. Placing one in the front of the room and the other
in the rear of the room (see Fig. 2) usually provides the best bass performance and sonic integration. Begin by
placing your subwoofers in these standard positions, then apply the Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit procedure
to the first subwoofer, then to the second.

17

PARADIGM PERFECT BASS KIT™:
A TRUE AUDIOPHILE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS OF THE ROOM

Step-by-step instructions for using the Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit are
included in the following section but before you begin, a little about how
PBK works on your room and what makes it better than any other digital
room correction system in the world:

• PBK is a state-of-the-art “bass perfecting” system that analyzes the
subwoofer’s response in your room, then sets the correct equalization
parameters to attain optimal sound. The frequency response of each
PBK microphone is measured precisely and the data is used to create
the microphone's calibration file included on the PBK software disk.
The microphone can only be used with the matching individual
calibration file.

• PBK applies Super-Efficient Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) Filters in
addition to Paradigm’s Custom Filter Topology to minimize delay and
reduce processing gain noise. The combination of limiting the widths
of our IIR filters and applying our topology means that any artifacts
that might have resulted from the filtering process are so small as to
be completely inaudible.

• PBK allows for Multiple Microphone Measurements: Most room
equalization methods work from only a single point source, taking one
measurement at the primary listening position. PBK provides for multiple

user-selected measurement points (we suggest a minimum of five, but
up to ten can be measured), beginning with a measurement at the
primary listening position and then moving across the listening area.
This process is critical to properly dealing with standing waves and
ensuring optimal bass performance throughout the listening area.

• Unlike many “Room EQ” systems, PBK applies Correction to Peaks
(modes) and Dips (anti-modes). Tackling both allows us to achieve a
far more accurate and natural room response. To limit the demands on
the amplifier and maximize signal-to-noise ratio PBK applies appropriate
limits to this correction.

• PBK is Ultra-Accurate! The connected PC's 64-bit floating-point
processor does the hard work of calculating the correction curves, which
greatly minimizes rounding errors of a less sophisticated “calculator”.

• It’s Easy to Use (we've done the hard work!). Three years of intensive
research and development on our part have made it a snap to attain
Perfect Bass performance in any room! All that’s required is a PC running
Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7*, 2 USB ports and the Paradigm
Perfect Bass Kit.

NOTE: *As new PC operating systems become available the PBK system will be
updated. Go to http://www.paradigm.com/PBK to download the compatible version,
following the procedure for ‘Installing the Software’ on page 19.

18

Your PBK Kit includes:

• Paradigm

®

Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) software installation CD

• Microphone and microphone clip

• Telescoping stand and base

• Two USB cables: one for microphone, one for subwoofer

Steps to assemble stand and microphone:

1. Screw the telescoping stand into the base and tighten securely;

2. Position the clip vertically and screw onto the stand, tighten;

3. Connect the USB microphone cable to the microphone;

4. Slide the microphone into the clip and point microphone straight up

(see section ‘Positioning the Microphone’ for more information).

How does PBK do what it does?

The process starts when a test signal is sent from your computer
to the subwoofer and the signal is picked up by the individually
calibrated microphone. The system puts the subwoofer through a
frequency sweep to highlight problem areas and determine
necessary adjustments. It asks you to position the microphone in
at least 5 different locations. Configurations are then saved on
the connected PC. The optimized solutions are calculated, then
uploaded to the subwoofer and the calculated room corrections
are put in place.

1

=1stFirst Measuring Position

1

ROOM PLACEMENT &

THE PARADIGM PERFECT BASS KIT

™

(continued)

Getting Started

Begin with the suggested locations for subwoofer placement given at the
beginning of this manual then connect your subwoofer following the instructions
given in the section entitled "Subwoofer Connection". Once your subwoofer
is connected, read the instructions below, then follow the prodedure at right
to install Paradigm's Perfect Bass Kit.

Before starting the procedure, note the following:

• PC requirements are Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7* and 2 USB ports.

If you are running a newer operating system see note about updating
PBK files to match on page 17.

• If you are using a laptop computer, check power settings and battery
meter before starting to ensure the procedure will not be interrupted.

Although systems vary, in general, if your home theater receiver/processor also
has a Room Correction system, PBK should be set up and running before
setting up your system’s ‘EQ’, especially if more than one subwoofer will
be in use.

IMPORTANT! Don’t stand too close to the microphone or make noise
when sweep tones are playing (it would be best to keep younger or
talkative family members and even pets out of hearing range). The
program rejects continuous background noise (i.e. fans) but will give
an error message requiring re-measurement upon sudden noise.

THE PROCEDURE

IMPORTANT! Each time we introduce a new product to work with

PBK, the PBK software must be updated. The unique calibration file
required to operate your microphone is included on the enclosed
CD and will be installed during program installation from the CD.
However, there may have been additional software program
updates since your CD was published. To achieve optimal
performance you must be using the latest software version. Follow
the instructions provided below to install the software and then
check our website for newer versions.

Install the Software

Insert the PBK installation CD into your computer’s CD or DVD drive.
Installation instructions will appear on your screen. If your computer does not
allow a CD to ‘auto-run’, double-click on the ‘My Computer’ icon on your
computer desktop and select the CD drive, open it and double-click on
setup.exe. The process will install several files into a Paradigm folder on your
computer and create shortcuts on your Start Menu.

Confirm Your Software Version Once the Software is Installed

a) End the program and reopen it using the shortcut in the Start Menu;
b) A ‘Welcome’ window will appear on your screen. Click ‘Open a

previous session’ and then click ‘OK’;

19

c) A new search window will appear. Click ‘Cancel’ in the bottom right

corner to bring up a measurement window;

d) On the menu bar at the top of the new window go to ‘Help’, then

‘About.’ The version number will be displayed. Make a note of it;

e) Once installation is complete, delete zip file and extracted folder.

Check Online for the Latest Version of PBK Software

Go to http:///www.paradigm.com/PBK and check under ‘Latest Software’
section to see if a newer version of the software is posted. If your version is
up-to-date, simply restart the program and run PBK.

To update the version do the following:

a) Make sure the program is closed on your computer before

downloading new version;
b) Download the latest version to your computer desktop;
c) Right-click on the downloaded .zip file and extract to desktop;
d) Open the extracted folder and double-click on ‘Setup’. Software

installation instructions will appear on your screen. Follow them;
e) Once installation is complete, delete file and folder;
f) Go to Start Menu and run PBK.

Positioning the Microphone

IMPORTANT! During the measurement process, the mic must point

toward the ceiling, positioned at ear level when you are seated.

1. Position microphone on or near the first position (see diagram, pg. 18).
Remove cushions from seating, if necessary, to attain correct height.
To adjust the height of the telescoping stand, loosen the large black
clamp in the middle of the stand by rotating it counter-clockwise;
retighten once desired height has been achieved.

Five listening positions are normally measured but this number can be

increased to ten positions (see diagram, pg. 18)—the first position must
be at or just in front of the central seating position. Positions 2 and 3
should be symmetric to the left and right of the center line. The same
applies to the remaining positions.

IMPORTANT: Even if your room has less than five seating positions

, to
ensure optimal sound, measurements must be taken from five different
listening positions. Each position should be at least 2 feet (60 cm) apart.

2. Set the microphone in the first position;

3. Before starting to measure, set the subwoofer’s Gain control to its

center detent position; set Cut-Off Frequency to Bypass; and set Phase
control to ‘0’. After running PBK, these controls can be adjusted as
necessary as you complete the setup of your system. See section
‘Fine Tuning.’

20

ROOM PLACEMENT &

THE PARADIGM PERFECT BASS KIT

™

(continued)

21

4. Run Paradigm®Perfect Bass Kit (PerfectBassKit.exe) by selecting it
from the Start Menu. The program will guide you through the steps and
at the conclusion, will automatically load the correction data into your
subwoofer. The entire measurement process takes about 5 minutes;

5. Once the PBK program is finished you can disconnect the PC from the
microphone and subwoofer;

6. If position of subwoofer or listening positions change you will have to
re-measure.

Measured

Calculated

Target Response

Sample PBK Analysis/Correction

Subwoofer

Frequency (Hz)

20

50

110

105

100

95

90

85

80

100

200

500

1k

22

CONNECTION & CONTROL

INPUT FACILITIES

Low-Level Input — 2 RCA Connection Options (Figs. 3a, 3b)

1. Mono Input (Left, Right, or Sub-Out) connects from the RCA (S/E)
Sub / LFE–Output of your Preamplifier/Processor, A/V Receiver or other
suitable low-level source (Fig. 3a).

2. Stereo Input (Left & Right)

connects from the Stereo Preamplifier,

Stereo Receiver or other suitable low-level stereo source (Fig. 3b).

Low-Level Input — Balanced XLR (Fig. 4)

Connects from the Balanced XLR Sub/LFE–Output of your Preamplifier /
Processor, A/V Receiver or other suitable low-level source. This input provides
the lowest noise and distortion possible. It is particularly important for long
cable runs where noise and distortion could degrade performance.

SAFETY PRECAUTION: Before proceeding with
this section, be sure to read and follow all safety
precaution notices and warnings at the beginning
of this manual.

Turn all components OFF before
connecting the subwoofer.

NOTE: We recommend the use of high-quality cables and

connectors. (See your Dealer for more information.)

23

Take the time to read through the following descriptions and become familiar
with them before you begin to fine tune your new system.

Auto-On/Off

Eliminates the need for a manually operated power switch. Turns the subwoofer
on whenever there is an input signal. If no input signal is sensed after a
period of time the subwoofer will switch off automatically.

Trigger-On/Off

Allows the subwoofer’s power on/off to be controlled by components that
have trigger outputs (Preamp/Processor or A/V Receiver, etc.).

Subwoofer Level

Balances the subwoofer’s output level with the other speakers in your system.
Once set, to make on-the-fly changes for particular program material or
personal taste, use your Processor or A/V Receiver’s subwoofer level control.

Subwoofer Cut-Off and Bypass Option

Controls the subwoofer’s upper-frequency cut-off. This can be set to match
the low-frequency roll-off characteristics of your system’s speakers. For example:
If your speakers play to approximately 80 Hz, you can set the subwoofer cut-off
frequency to approximately 80 Hz.

Bypass option allows you to bypass the subwoofer’s built-in cut-off control
to let your preamp/processor’s or receiver’s internal bass management
system provide the crossover function.

Phase Alignment

Depending on where the subwoofer is placed in your room, there may be
bass frequency cancellation. This can occur because your subwoofer and
front speakers are out-of-phase—they work against each other through
their frequency overlap region. Bass is then reduced and may even sound
disjointed. This control accurately synchronizes your subwoofer and front
speakers through their bass frequency overlap region.

THE USB PORT / PBK INTERFACE

Allows for:

• Connection of Paradigm’s Perfect Bass Kit (PBK)

(for more information see the preceding section);

• Possible future upgrades to the software installed
in your subwoofer.

CONTROL FACILITIES

24

FINE TUNING

Once you have your speakers positioned in the room and have set speaker
distances and speaker level calibration with your Processor or A/V Receiver
(if applicable), it’s time for a little fine tuning.

When fine tuning your subwoofer to best integrate with the rest of your system
use music and video soundtracks that you know well. They should contain
selections with extended bass that is continuous and repetitive.

Assess subwoofer bass output for best blend with your main speakers. It
should not be overbearing or draw attention to itself, nor should it be thin
and difficult to hear. It should add ‘weight’ and ‘punch’ to the overall sound
and keep pace with your main speakers.

If you are using a receiver, preamplifier or preamp/processor with tone
controls, set them to flat (i.e. ‘0’) and switch loudness controls off.

Some subwoofer locations may result in bass frequency cancellations. If
bass sounds dislocated or weak, adjust the phase according to the Phase
Alignment Control instructions that follow below.

SETTING SUBWOOFER CONTROLS

1. Turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counter-clockwise to its
minimum.

2. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-off Frequency control to its highest
frequency (i.e.150 Hz).

3. Turn the Phase Alignment control to 0° completely counter-clockwise.

4. Listen to a bass music or video selection while seated in your primary
listening area and have an assistant turn up the Subwoofer Level
control until the subwoofer can be clearly heard.

5. Have an assistant slowly rotate the Phase Alignment control until you
hear the most bass.Your subwoofer and front speakers are now in phase.Do
not change phase alignment again unless you move subwoofer or front
speakers to a different location in your room.

6. Again, turn the Subwoofer Level control completely counter-clockwise
to its minimum.

7. Turn the Subwoofer Cut-off Frequency control to its lowest frequency
(i.e. 50 Hz).

8. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Level control until you match the
subwoofer’s volume with the volume of your front speakers. Bass should
be clearly audible, but not intrusive.

NOTE: If using an A/V receiver or processor to control crossover
setting, skip the next step and set the subwoofer cut-off frequency
control to ‘Bypass’.

9. Slowly rotate the Subwoofer Cut-off Frequency control until you
hear the best subwoofer/front speaker blend. If the sound is too thin
you have not set the frequency high enough; if the sound becomes
boomy you have set the frequency too high. Adjust until you find the
most natural bass balance.

25

UNIVERSAL INPUT POWER IN SUB 2

The Universal Input Power feature in SUB 2 allows the subwoofer to operate connected to any line voltage between

108 volts and 265 volts. However, in order to achieve maximum continuous performance, SUB 2 must be connected
to a dedicated 240-volt line.

The SUB 2’s amplifier can operate on a 120-volt or 240-volt line without requiring modifications to the amplifier
or changing an internal switch. Residential 120V circuits are almost always 15A or 20A. Connected to a traditional
120-volt circuit at 15A the SUB 2’s amplifier can deliver a whopping 3,000 watts at the voice coil’s minimum
impedance for several seconds. After that, Paradigm’s own Digital Signal Processing (DSP) design lowers the
output so that a 15A breaker does not trip.

Connected to a dedicated 240-volt circuit ranging between 208 volts and 240 volts, the SUB 2’s amplifier is
capable of delivering a frankenstein 4,500 watts of Continuous RMS Power. Talk about bringing your music and
movies to life!

It’s not so much a power difference, it is simply that a 240-volt line allows for full power all of the time.

27

Q. How do I connect the SUB 2 to a 240-volt line? Does my Dealer need

to pre-wire a 240-volt outlet in my listening room to ensure the highest
possible performance?

A. In addition to a 15-amp 120-volt cord we include a 15-amp 240-volt

IEC connector/cord with each SUB 2. On our cord, the female end
looks normal, the male end has the blades turned 90 degrees to flat.
These cords can also be bought or made. Existing outlets may be
converted as follows:

The following information is included as an FYI ONLY:

This work should be

completed by a qualified electrician only.

IMPORTANT: This procedure is NOT to be used with

“Edison” type circuits (i.e. where a red and black pair
of circuit wires feeding outlets share a single white
neutral.) Check inside the circuit breaker panel to verify
the circuit type. Also check to see that only a black (or
other colored wire) and white wire are present feeding the
outlet to be changed. A green or bare wire should also be
present for proper grounding. Presence of another
colored wire (often red) run with a black and a white wire
generally indicates an Edison Circuit. However, if there is
one white wire for each line conductor in the run between
the breaker panel and the plug, this is not an Edison
circuit and it is then okay to use the following procedure:

1. Turn power OFF at breaker box for selected outlet;

2. Under ideal conditions, one would select an existing dedicated outlet fed
from a single circuit breaker. There should be three wires feeding this
outlet: a black, white and green wire (sometimes the green wire is
bare copper). The color of the hot wire is not important as long as there
is a “hot” (120 volts), a neutral (zero volts) and a ground wire present.
If the selected outlet is dedicated (one outlet on the circuit breaker), skip
to Step 4.

3. If there is a chain of outlets on a circuit, select an outlet that is
conveniently located, remove it and then remove the rest of the
receptacles on the same circuit in the following manner:

a) Remove all of the outlets on the circuit and disconnect all of the

wires. Check the stripped wire ends for damage or the possibility
of wire stress and re-strip if necessary;

b) Attach red tape around all of the white (neutral) wires for safety.

Red tape indicates that 240 volts may be present and white is
not to be regarded as a neutral to anyone who might open the
outlet box at a later date;

c) Using wire nuts, reconnect, by color, all of the wires removed

from the receptacles – white to white, black to black, etc. If
there are no wires to connect with wire nuts at a particular
location, cap off the wires anyway;

d) Cover all of the non-essential outlet boxes with an appropriate

blank plate leaving the selected outlet unfinished for now.

CONNECTING SUB 2 TO A 240-VOLT LINE

28

4. At the selected outlet location, using the black and white wires for power,
install a 15-amp 240-volt receptacle which looks like the receptacle
shown here in the picture at right;

5. Locate the appropriate circuit wires in the breaker panel and disconnect
both the hot wire from the circuit breaker and the white wire from the
neutral buss. Put red tape on the neutral wire;

6. Install a 2-pole 15-amp circuit breaker in the panel;

7. Attach the black and white circuit wires to the 2-pole breaker, one
wire per pole;

8. Restore power to the circuit;

9. Replace the breaker panel cover.

This is the same type of
receptacle used for many
240-volt window air
conditioners

CONNECTING SUB 2 TO A 240-VOLT LINE (continued)

29

Q. What is the layman's explanation of Power Factor Correction (PFC)?
A. The Power Factor is a measure of the real power available. It is the ratio

of real power to apparent power. It is a number which can vary from 0 to

1.0. The lower the number, the lower the real power. Poor power factor has
two causes: phase difference between AC voltage and current as found
in heavy industries mainly due to inductive loads (ex. motors) and current
waveform distortion as found in electronics equipment.

In power supplies without PFC, current can only flow at the peak of AC
voltage crests and these peaks can be huge. In power supplies employing
PFC current flows continuously and in the same shape as the voltage.
To elaborate, power supplies without PFC draw the AC input current in
short bursts or spikes relative to the line voltage, as shown in Fig. 1.

POWER FACTOR CORRECTION IN SUB 2

Fig. 1: Input of power supplies
without PFC. The voltage waveform
is a sine wave and the current

waveform is a pulse or spike.

30

This Power Factor can be improved by using PFC circuits. These circuits
‘smooth out’ the pulsating AC current, improving the PF and reducing the
chances of a circuit breaker tripping prematurely.

There are two basic types of PFC: Passive and Active. Passive PFC circuits
are less expensive and typically can correct the PF to about 0.85. Active
PFC circuits are built into the switchmode power supply and can increase
the PF to 0.98 or higher. The closer the PF comes to 1.0, the better the
performance of the power supply. The SUB 2’s amplifier employs an active PFC
circuit with a resulting PF of 0.99! Ideally, we want to end up with the input
voltage and current waveforms being sinusoidal and in-phase with each
other, as shown in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2: Voltage and Current
waveforms are sinusoidal

and in-phase. (PF=1)

POWER FACTOR CORRECTION IN SUB 2 (continued)

31

Paradigm®Reference Signature SUB 1 and SUB 2 are warranted to be and
remain free of manufacturing and/or material defects for a period of three
(3) years from the date of the original retail purchase. Within this specified
period, repair, replacement or adjustment of parts for manufacturing and/or
material defects will be free of charge.

Thermal or mechanical abuse/misuse is not covered under warranty.

Limitations:

• Warranty begins on date of original retail purchase from an
Authorized Paradigm

®

Reference Dealer only. It is not transferable;

• Warranty applies to product in normal home use only. If the product
is subjected to any of the conditions outlined in the next section,
warranty is void;

• Warranty does not apply if the product is used in professional or
commercial applications.

Warranty is Void if:

• The product has been abused (intentionally or accidentally);

• The product has been used in conjunction with unsuitable or
faulty equipment;

• The product has been subjected to damaging signals, derangement
in transport, mechanical damage or any abnormal conditions;

• The product (including cabinet) has been tampered with or damaged
by an unauthorized service facility;

• The serial number has been removed or defaced.

Owner Responsibilities:

• Provide normal/reasonable operating care and maintenance;

• Provide or pay for transportation charges for product to service facility;

• Provide proof of purchase (your sales receipt given at time of
purchase from your Authorized Paradigm

®

Dealer).

Should servicing be required, contact your nearest Authorized Paradigm

®

Reference Dealer, Paradigm Electronics Inc., or Import Distributor (outside
the U.S. and Canada) to arrange, bring in or ship prepaid any defective
unit. Visit our website at www.paradigm.com for more information.

Paradigm Electronics Inc. reserves the right to improve the design of any
product without assuming any obligation to modify any product previously
manufactured.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties expressed or implied, of
merchantability, fitness for any particular purpose and may not be extended
or enlarged by anyone. In no event shall Paradigm Electronics Inc., their
agents, or representatives be responsible for any incidental or consequential
damages. Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of incidental or
consequential damages, so this exclusion may not apply to you.

Retain this manual and your sales receipt for proof of warranty term
and proof of purchase.

LIMITED WARRANTY

32

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Design:

Hexagonal cabinet with multiple high-excursion drivers radially aligned in a
vibration-canceling design architecture, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D

™

power amplifier, sealed enclosure, PBK interface, removable grilles

Amplifier:

High-Current Discrete-Output, Dual amplifier design,
3,400 watts Dynamic Peak / 1,700 watts RMS Sustained (850 watts each)

Amplifier Features:

Auto-on / off, Trigger-on / off, soft clipping,
electrical shorting protection, thermal protection

Bass Drivers:

Six 203-mm (8 in) mineral-filled polypropylene cones, overmolded
FEA-optimized NLC

™

surrounds, 38-mm (1-1/2 in) 4-layer long-excursion
voice coils, high-temperature composite Nomex®reinforced formers, advanced
spiders, 4-3/4 lb (2.1 kg) hard ferrite magnet structure, AVS™die-cast
heatsink chassis

Low-Frequency Extension**:

12 Hz (DIN)

Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency:

Variable 35 Hz – 150 Hz, Bypass Option

Sub / Sat Phase Alignment:

Variable 0˚ – 180˚

Line-Level Input:

RCA (S/E) Left and Right or Sub-Out / LFE or Balanced XLR. From Sub-Out /
LFE-Out of preamp/processor or other line-level source

Line-Level Input Sensitivity:

100 mV mono

Line-Level Input Impedance:

RCA: 10k ohms, XLR: 20k ohms

Accessory Included:

Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit

Height, Width, Depth

††

51.6 cm x 50.5 cm x 45.5 cm
20-1/4 in x 19-7/8 in x 17-7/8 in

Diameter of Hexagon

50.5 cm / 19-7/8 in

Weight:

49.4 kg / 109 lb

Available Finishes:

Cherry, Piano Black

SUB 1

33

SUB 2

Design:

Hexagonal cabinet with multiple high-excursion drivers radially aligned in a
vibration-canceling design architecture, patented built-in Ultra-Class-D

™

power amplifier, sealed enclosure, PBK interface, non-removable grilles for safety

Amplifier:

High-Current Discrete-Output,
9,000 watts Dynamic Peak / 4,500 watts RMS Sustained*

Universal Input Power:

Allows the SUB 2 to operate connected to any line voltage between 108 volts
and 265 volts. However, in order to achieve maximum continuous performance,
we highly recommend connecting to a 240-volt line. More information on this
unique feature available on the preceding pages

Power Factor Correction:

Prevents overheating / tripping of the circuit breakers. More information on this
unique feature available on the preceding pages

Amplifier Features:

Auto-on / off, Trigger-on / off, soft clipping, electrical shorting protection,
thermal protection

Bass Drivers:

Six 254-mm (10 in) mineral-filled RCR

™

polypropylene cones,FEA-optimized
thermoset foam surrounds,76-mm (3 in) 10-layer long-excursion voice coils,
high-temperature composite Nomex®reinforcedformers, dual advanced spiders,
12-2/3 lb (5.7 kg) hard ferrite magnet structure, massive center heatsink and
oversize pole piece, AVS

™

die-cast heatsink chassis

Low-Frequency Extension**:

7 Hz (DIN)

Subwoofer Cut-Off Frequency:

Variable 35 Hz – 150 Hz, Bypass Option

Sub / Sat Phase Alignment:

Variable 0˚ – 180˚

Line-Level Input:

RCA (S/E) Left and Right or Sub-Out / LFE or Balanced XLR. From Sub-Out /
LFE-Out of preamp/processor or other line-level source

Line-Level Input Sensitivity:

100 mV mono

Line-Level Input Impedance:

RCA: 10k ohms, XLR: 20k ohms

AC Voltage:

(See section on ‘Universal Input Power SUB 2’ earlier in manual)

120 v (at 3,000 watts) – 50 / 60 Hz
240 v (at 4,500 watts) – 50 / 60 Hz

Accessory Included:

Paradigm Perfect Bass Kit

Height, Width, Depth

††

62.2 cm x 60.4 cm x 57.8 cm
24-1/2 in x 23-3/4 in x 22-3/8 in

Diameter of Hexagon

60.4 cm / 23-3/4 in

Weight:

106 kg / 230 lb

Available Finishes:

Cherry, Piano Black

*When connected to a 240-volt outlet. **DIN 45 500. Indicates -3 dB in a typical listening room. ††Dimensions include grilles and feet.

NOTES

NOTES

Paradigm Electronics Inc.

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

MA N00 01 008 5. 20 10

Paradigm®, Paradigm Reference®, Signature®and all associated proprietary and patented designs and technologies are
registered trademarks of Paradigm Electronics Inc. Copyright © Paradigm Electronics Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks
are the property of their respective owner(s). Paradigm Electronics Inc. reserves the right to change specifications and/or features
without notice as design improvements are incorporated.

Photography: Jason Hartog Photography. Lifestyle Images: istockphoto.com. Printed in Canada.