Revel B15a User Manual
Revel Performa B15a Subwoofer
Owner’s Manual
3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Fax: 781-280-0490 | www.revelspeakers.com
Customer Support: Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 | Service Fax: 781-280-0499
Please contact Customer Support for information about product shipments.
Part No. 352990-001 | Rev A | 01/04
®
™
“Revel,” “Performa,” and the Revel logo are registered trademarks of Harman International Industries. U.S. patent numbers and other
worldwide patents issued and pending.
©2004 Harman Specialty Group.All rights reserved.
This document should not be construed as a commitment on the part of Harman Specialty Group.The information it contains is subject
to change without notice. Harman Specialty Group assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear within this document.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
REVEL PERFORMA B15a
Owner’s Manual
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CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE REAR PANEL.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
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 instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all instructions carefully and completely before
operating your Revel Performa B15a subwoofer.
1. Always disconnect ac power before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any component.
2. This product uses a three-conductor power cord, which
includes an earth-ground connection. To prevent shock hazard,
always connect it directly to a grounded outlet.
3. Never use any ac extension cord with this product.
4. Never use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning
audio components.
5. Never remove the rear panel. No user-serviceable parts inside.
6. Never pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.
7. Never block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.
8. Never bypass any fuse.
9. Never replace any fuse with a value or type other than specified.
10. Never attempt to repair this product yourself. If a problem
occurs, contact your Revel retailer.
11. Never expose this unit to extremely high or low temperatures.
12. Never operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
13. Always keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .........................................................5
ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY...................................................5
DESCRIPTION............................................................6
SUBWOOFER ......................................................................................6
ELECTRONICS .....................................................................................7
CABINET.............................................................................................7
UNPACKING..............................................................8
ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING ...............................................................9
PLACEMENT............................................................11
REAR PANEL LAYOUT ...............................................13
CONNECTIONS ........................................................14
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER ...............................................................15
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER
USING THE CONTROLLER’S CROSSOVER .............................................16
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER
USING THE REVEL PERFORMA B-15a’s CROSSOVER ............................17
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER WITHOUT HIGH-PASS CROSSOVER........18
MULTIPLE OPERATION .......................................................................19
STEREO BASS ...................................................................................20
SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION ............................................21
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................24
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................25
SUBWOOFER ....................................................................................25
AMPLIFIER ........................................................................................26
OBTAINING SERVICE ................................................26
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INTRODUCTION
The Revel Performa B15a powered subwoofer system combines an
outstanding 15-inch subwoofer with a 1,000-watt (rms) amplifier,
capable of 1,400-watt peaks, for tremendous bass output. Moreover,
the B15a subwoofer’s stylistic form and compact size provide a
surprisingly prodigious output and unprecedented tonal accuracy,
even in the deepest octaves. Impressive features include a built-in
3-band parametric equalizer and adjustable crossover so you can
customize and adapt this system in a wide variety of applications.
This tremendous flexibility results in superb integration with any
Revel loudspeakers, or other manufacturers’ speakers.
ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY
To begin enjoying the Revel Performa B15a subwoofer, first read
and then perform the instructions in this owner’s manual.
Maximum performance is dependent on following all instructions
described here, as well as those found in the owner’s manuals of associated components in your audio system. Save these instructions for
future reference.
The Revel Performa B15a subwoofer is covered by a limited warranty, so save the bill of sale to protect your purchase and aid in
any service-related questions.
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Figure 1.The Revel
Performa B15a subwoofer.
Figure 2. Transducer and
connection locations for the
Revel Performa B15a
subwoofer.
DESCRIPTION
The Revel Performa B15a powered subwoofer system features a
unique transducer that combines brute-force capabilities unprecedented in home loudspeakers with a new level of low frequency
nuance and refinement. Combined with the huge internal power
capability, the result is a new standard of superb bass performance
and adaptability for home entertainment systems.
SUBWOOFER
To ensure uncompressed dynamic range, each B15a features a
subwoofer with the following attributes:
•A 3-inch (76 mm) diameter, four-layer voice coil with 23 gauge
copper wire is wound on a dual-laminated Kapton former for
extraordinary power handling and freedom from compression.
•Extremely long-throw voice coil is capable of 2.5 inches (64 mm)
of peak-to-peak linear excursion, and 3 inches (76 mm) of maximum excursion for uncompressed reproduction of deep sustained
bass notes.
•A massive, 130-ounce (3.7 kg) magnet system produces
1.4 tesla of flux in the gap.
•Ultra-rigid Kevlar
®
pulp and alloy composite cone with an
inverted metal dome operate as a perfect piston under all
reproduction conditions.
•Modulation rings and a machined “T” pole-piece for extremely
low distortion.
• The heavy wall, cast aluminum frame maintains alignment
between the magnet structure and the moving elements, while
offering excellent rigidity to eliminate basket resonances.
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Owner’s Manual
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REVEL PERFORMA
B15a Front (without grille)
REVEL PERFORMA
B15a Rear
ELECTRONICS
Each Revel Performa B15a contains an electronics section with the
following attributes:
• An extremely low-distortion, 1,000-watt (rms) amplifier with
1,400-watt burst capability produces peak bass output up to
126dB at 30Hz in an average-sized listening room.
•Inaudible protection circuit to guard against thermal overload.
• Three independent parametric equalizers with variable frequency,
bandwidth, and level controls allow you to precisely tailor the
room response and tame unwieldy acoustic anomalies.
• 2-way crossover with variable frequency and phase controls and
selectable slopes allow ideal response matching with other audio
system components.
NOTE: For details on controls and connections, see “Rear Panel Layout”
on page 13.
CABINET
The Revel Performa B15a cabinet is constructed of 1-inch (25
mm) thick MDF wall, optimally designed and internally braced
with the aid of laser interferometry, for reduced cabinet-induced
colorations. Adjustable spike footing is attached to the bottom of
the cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating installations on
tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors. Refer to the Adjustable Spike
Footing section on page 9.
The cabinet’s wood veneer finish does not require routine maintenance. However, cabinet surfaces that have been marked with
fingerprints, dust, or other dirt can be cleaned using a soft cloth
and a high-quality furniture polish. If a higher-gloss finish is
desired, a high-quality wax can also be used.
To clean the cabinet:
1. Apply a high-quality furniture polish to a soft cloth.
2. Use the cloth to lightly wipe the cabinet surface.
To clean the grille:
1. Vacuum using a soft bristled brush vacuum attachment.
REVEL PERFORMA B15a
Owner’s Manual
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Figure 3.The Revel
Performa B15a subwoofer packing carton.
UNPACKING
The B15a requires special care and handling during unpacking.
Pay particular attention to the precautions that appear in this
section and to other precautions that appear throughout this
owner’s manual.
Do not attempt to lift or move the B15a alone. Proper lifting
requires at least two strong people. When lifting the B15a, stand
as straight as possible using the leg muscles to lift. Do not
attempt to lift the B15a while bending at the waist. When
moving the B15a, carefully rock it side-to-side into the desired
position. Failure to follow these procedures may result in personal injuries and/or loudspeaker damage.
When unpacking, save all packing materials identified in Figure 4
at the bottom of the next page for possible future shipping needs.
Refer to the Obtaining Service section on page 26 for additional
information.
1. Set the packaged Revel Performa B15a subwoofer on a soft
towel or carpeted surface in the upright position. Open the top
flaps as shown in Step 1 of Figure 3 (below). Set aside the
power cord and other items located on the top pad.
2. With the top flaps folded back, roll the carton over onto its
exposed top pad as shown in Step 2 of Figure 3 (below).
3. Lift the packing carton off the subwoofer as shown in Step 3
of Figure 3 (below). Use caution to avoid damaging the
contents.
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Owner’s Manual
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WARNING
TOP
BOTTOM
BOTTOM
TOP
2
3
1
Figure 4.The Revel
Performa B15a subwoofer with
its inner packing materials.
4. Place the B15a in the upright position without allowing the
protective bag identified in Figure 4 (above). to become
“stuck” under the spike footing.
5. When the B15a is in the upright position, remove the protective bag.
Keep all packing materials for future shipping. In the unlikely
event a product will need repair, it is strongly recommended to
package the unit in its original shipping carton. Using any other
packing materials may result in damage to the product and is not
covered by the warranty. See Obtaining Service on page 26 for
additional details.
ADJUSTABLE SPIKE FOOTING
When shipped, adjustable spike footing is attached to the bottom
of the cabinet for optimal stability, accommodating installations on
tile, hardwood, and carpeted floors. The B15a is shipped with
spike footing attached as shown on the left side of Figure 5 at the
top of the next page, with the round end protruding from the
cabinet. The protective cap is placed over the round end to protect
tile and hardwood floors.
NOTE: When moving the B15a, do not drag it across the floor.
If the B15a is placed on a carpeted floor, the spike footing should
be adjusted as shown on the right side of Figure 5 (next page),
with the spike end protruding from the cabinet. If needed, follow
the instructions that begin on the next page to adjust the spike
footing.
Continued on the next page...
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Owner’s Manual
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Protective Bag
Top Pad
Bottom Pad
Power Cord
Warranty Card
Owner's Manual
LFO Test Disc
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