Phoenix Gold Cyclone Instruction Manual

Cyclone

The Short

Course

WHY DO WE NEED A NEW
SUBWOOFER?

The moving voice coil subwoofer has undergone very few changes since the 1930's. Without taking
into account the focus on new materials and construction techniques, today's designs still possess the
same physical limitations they did 60 years ago. These limitations are evident when we call upon
conventional subwoofers to properly reproduce low frequencies that are now common in modern
recordings. Throughout the evolution of subwoofer design, certain compromises were necessary to
overcome these physical limitations. The largest compromise involved the use of larger voice coils.
Although a larger voice coil increases excursion and power handling, it also adds mass, this in turn
lowers efficiency. The cone and its affiliated suspension components also suffer from physical
limitations in the cone's maximum allowable excursion. A fresh new approach to subwoofer design
was deemed necessary in order to avoid these limitations and eliminate the compromises.

WHAT IS THE CYCLONE?

Based on a revolutionary new technology, the Cyclone uses the rotational force of an unconventional
moving-magnet system to drive a radiator directly. This new system converts low frequency signals
into acoustical output without the physical limitations of conventional voice coils, cones, spiders, and
surrounds. The result of this innovation is a subwoofer with ultra low distortion and 3 times the
displacement of a conventional 12-inch diameter subwoofer. Precision design and manufacturing
techniques insure reliable performance in the demanding mobile environment.

WHAT CAN THE CYCLONE DO FOR MY SYSTEM?

The goal is sound quality. By that we mean sub-bass that sounds like it's coming from in front of
the windshield; blends seamlessly with tight, fast mid-bass; and effortlessly reaches high volume
levels. The key to achieving this is correctly integrating the Cyclone with the rest of your system.

HOW DO I USE IT IN MY SYSTEM?

THE CONCEPT: The Cyclone is best thought of as a low frequency air pump. It is most at home
when used with dedicated 6.5 inch to 8 inch mid-bass speakers. How the Cyclone interacts and
blends with the mid-bass drivers is the key to great sound quality.

MID-BASS SPEAKERS: Locate the mid-bass speakers in the front of the listening area; try the
doors, kickpanel, etc. We strongly recommend having an enclosure for the mid-bass speakers and
giving them all the power they can handle. In a Cyclone system, the mid-bass speakers give us the
impression of loudness as well as our impression of the location of bass sounds.

THE BOX: Many experiments have concluded that the best enclosure is a sealed box that shows
the Cyclone 2.0 to 2.5 cubic feet. Remember that the Cyclone itself displaces .5 cubic feet. You can
mount the Cyclone at any angle either in the box or with the motor exposed. If the Cyclone will be
inside the box, make it 2.5 to 3.0 cubic feet. If the motor is out of the box, make it 2.0 to 2.5 cubic
feet. For rock, rap, or most other popular music, use the smaller size box. For the ultimate in
smooth response, use the larger size box. Build the box as strong as possible using MDF or better
material. Line the box with a few inches of R-19 insulation or other similar material.

THE AMP: We cannot stress this enough, the Cyclone does not need a lot of power. That's one of
the best things about it. It only needs 150 to 300 watts continuous. Choose an amplifier with about
300 to 600 watts rated power bridged @ 4 ohms (remember that the Cyclone is an 8-ohm driver).

THE CROSSOVER: Use only active crossovers. Never use passive crossovers with the Cyclone.
Use a steep (minimum 18dB per octave) crossover between the mid-bass drivers and Cyclone. The
crossover point should be no higher than 60Hz. Experimentation has shown that crossover points as
low as 50Hz work very well. The idea is to make it impossible to tell where the Cyclone is
physically located. The only way to do this is to keep frequencies that can be localized (above
50Hz - 60Hz) out of the Cyclone.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Frequency Response ................................................................................................................. 20Hz to 60Hz

Nominal Impedance ........................................................................................................................... 8 Ohms

Continuous Power Handling...........................................................................................................300 WRMS

Power Compression................................................................................ < 1.5dB @ full power @ 15 Minutes

Sensitivity (3.0 cu.ft. sealed enclosure from 20Hz to 60Hz).........................................................90dB 1W/1M

Distortion at Full Power (20Hz to 60Hz).........................................................................................<3 percent

Maximum Excursion....................................................................................... 38 Degrees p-p Linear Rotation

Required Crossover ................................................................................................ >18dB Per Octave, <60Hz

Mounting Depth .................................................................................................................................12 7/8"

Mounting Hole Diameter .................................................................................................................... 11 1/8"

Speaker Displacement.......................................................................................................................0.5 cu.ft.