Revel F30 User Manual

Revel®P erforma™F30 Loudspeaker

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION...............................................3

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY.................................3

DESCRIPTION .................................................4

WOOFER ..........................................................................4

MIDRANGE .......................................................................5

TWEETER .........................................................................5

CROSSOVER NETWORK .....................................................5

CABINET...........................................................................5

UNPACKING....................................................6

INSTALLING TOP GRILLES (OPTIONAL)..............7

PLACEMENT ...................................................8

ROOM ACOUSTICS.............................................................9

ROOM TREATMENT..........................................................10

INSTALLING SPIKES.......................................11

CONNECTIONS..............................................12

SINGLE-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS ............................13

BI-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS ....................................13

BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS...............................14

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION..................................16

CABINET CARE..............................................16

LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER........................17

SERVICE INFORMATION..................................17

SPECIFICATIONS............................................18

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

2

Figure 1. The REVEL

PERFORMA F30

loudspeaker.

INTRODUCTION

Revel®leads the loudspeaker world in research, advanced
engineering techniques, and unique production processes. The
REVEL PERFORMA

™

F30 loudspeaker is the perfect demonstra-

tion of Revel’s unparalleled engineering capabilities.

The Revel Performa F30 loudspeaker utilizes much of the advanced
engineering found in Revel’s famed Ultima™ loudspeakers. Each one
has an inverted magnesium/aluminum-alloy dome woofer and
midrange and an aluminum dome tweeter that achieve fully pistonic
performance to yield extraordinary freedom from coloration. We also
use our groundbreaking measurement process to seamlessly integrate
the superb transducers with the high-order crossover network to achieve
a truly full-range sound with stunning realism and superb dynamics.

As a result, the REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker sets a whole
new standard in sound quality at anywhere near its price range. Its
superior performance, assured by our ongoing research, will greatly
contribute to the enjoyment of music or film sound in your home.

ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY

To begin enjoying your new loudspeakers, first read and then perform
the instructions in this owner’s manual. Maximum performance
depends 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.

REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers are covered by a limited
5-year warranty, so save the bill of sale to protect your purchase
and aid in any service-related questions.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

3

,,,,,,,

Figure 2. Transducer and con­nection locations for the REVEL
PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker.

DESCRIPTION

The REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker features a transducer
complement (see Figure 2) of one 10-inch (250 mm) woofer, a

5.25-inch (133 mm) midrange driver, and a 1-inch (25 mm) tweeter.

Combined with an individually-optimized crossover network, this
transducer arrangement results in a superior off-axis response that
provides a large “listening window” and an uncolored in-room
response, even in the presence of strong wall reflections.

WOOFER

The 10-inch (250 mm) inverted aluminum-dome woofer features:

• True pistonic operation for increased freedom from coloration.

• Optimized and shielded magnetic circuits to minimize harmonic
distortion and prevent interference with video monitors.

• Butyl rubber surround for large, linear excursion capabilities.

• CCA (carbon composite aluminum) flat-wire voice coil on a
2–inch (50 mm) fiberglass bobbin for low mass with high
power handling.

• Vented center-pole piece for better cooling and low compression.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

4

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

xxxx

REVEL PERFORMA F30 Front

(without grilles)

REVEL PERFORMA F30 Rear

Tweeter

Woofer Port

Tweeter
Level Control

Midrange

Woofer

Connectors (with

shorting straps)

MIDRANGE

The 5.25-inch (133 mm) inverted magnesium-dome midrange
transducer features:

• True pistonic operation for increased freedom from coloration.

• Optimized and shielded magnetic circuits to minimize harmonic
distortion and prevent interference with video monitors.

• Butyl rubber surround for large, linear excursion capabilities.

• Oversized 1.5-inch (38 mm) voice coil wire on a Kapton

®

bobbin for low mass with increased strength.

TWEETER

The 1-inch (25 mm) aluminum-alloy dome tweeter features:

• True pistonic operation for increased freedom from coloration.

• Underhung with copper-clad aluminum wire for low distortion.

• Ferrofluid for better power handling with reduced compression.

• Magnetically shielded to prevent interference with video monitors.

CROSSOVER NETWORK

Each REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker has an individually­optimized crossover network with:

• A high-order crossover at 220 Hz and 2.8 kHz to optimize the
on- and off-axis response of the system.

• Filter networks with carefully selected components for optimum
performance with low distortion across a wide dynamic range.

• Provision for bi-amplified applications via removable external
shorting straps on the gold-plated binding posts.

CABINET

The cabinet is constructed of 1-inch (25 mm) thick MDF walls
with extensive internal bracing for unshakable performance.
A rounded front baffle is sculpted to reduce diffraction, and four
cast aluminum feet adorn the cabinet for superior coupling to any
floor. The wood-veneer cabinet is available in finishes of Cherry,
Sycamore, Rose, or Black Ash.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

5

WARNING

Figure 3. A REVEL
PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker
with its inner packing materials.

UNPACKING

IMPORTANT! Do not attempt to lift a REVEL PERFORMA F30
loudspeaker from its packing carton alone – use at least two strong
people to unpack the product properly. To avoid injury, use
extreme care during unpacking. Always stand as straight as possi­ble and use your leg muscles to lift the REVEL PERFORMA F30
loudspeaker. Do not lift it while bending from the waist.

Each REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker is packed in its own
carton with a shipping weight of 102 pounds (46.3 kg). To avoid
personal injury and possible product damage, we strongly urge you
to enlist additional help before unpacking either carton.

To unpack a loudspeaker, perform the following steps:

1. Place a REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker onto its side.

2. Open the bottom flaps. Stand the unit in the up position.

3. Open the top flaps. Take out the spike foot kit and set it aside.
Remove the top pad.

4. Lift the carton off the loudspeaker and set it aside, being careful
not to damage the cabinet. Also, remove the middle pad.

5. Grasping the cabinet on the sides, lift it up and remove the bot­tom pad. Use caution to avoid touching any of the transducers.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

6

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input

High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Spike Foot Kit

Middle Pad

Top Pad

Bottom Pad

Warranty Card and

Owner’s Manual

Figure 4. Installing

an optional top grille.

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for the other loudspeaker.

NOTE: We recommend installing spikes after determining final
speaker placement (see discussion starting on next page).

After unpacking both units, carefully inspect each one for possible
damage due to shipping. If you discover any damage, immediately
contact your Revel dealer for further assistance. To move an
unpacked REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker (e.g., when
experimenting with placement), rock it side-to-side into place,
using caution to avoid touching the tweeter and midrange.

Keep all packing materials for future shipping. In the unlikely
event a product will need repair, Revel will only accept a 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 Service Information on page 17 for additional details.

INSTALLING TOP GRILLES
(OPTIONAL)

If desired, install an optional top grille onto each REVEL
PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker, as shown in Figure 4 below.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

7

,,,,

Top
Grille

align clips
with grooves

Figure 5. Typical placement of
REVEL PERFORMA F30
loudspeakers for stereo. Note sug­gested room treatments due to the
primary reflection points.

PLACEMENT

Sound quality is heavily dependent on the accuracy of your loudspeak­ers, their placement in the listening room, and the acoustics of the
room itself. Since the REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers are
extremely accurate, experimenting with their placement is the most
significant way to optimize their performance in a given environment.
The following guidelines will help you obtain the best results:

• For best stereo imaging, place the REVEL PERFORMA F30
loudspeakers at equal distances from the main listening position
and in symmetry with the room, as shown in Figure 5.

• Optimum timbre and imaging precision is obtained with the
loudspeakers pointing almost directly toward the prime listen­ing position. Some listeners prefer a wider “soundstage,” which
is achieved by reducing the toe-in angle, perhaps to the point of
aiming the loudspeakers straight ahead.

• Imaging and a sense of spaciousness will improve as the
loudspeakers are moved away from the wall behind the loud­speakers and the side walls.

NOTE: You may then need to move the listening position back to
maintain the best stereo image.

• For more bass reinforcement, try moving the loudspeakers closer
to the front wall or corners (also see Room Acoustics on next page).

NOTE: You may then need to move the listening position forward
to maintain an acceptable stereo image.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

8

Listening Position

(e.g., on couch)

Absorption or

Diffusion

Panel

Absorption Panel

Absorption Panel

Absorption or
Diffusion
Panel

Absorption or
Diffusion
Panel

R REVEL PERFORMA F30

L REVEL PERFORMA F30

• For best results, make sure there are no objects between the
REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers and the intended listen­ing area (e.g., a coffee table in front of the listener will degrade
timbre and imaging). If possible, avoid placing the loudspeakers
near large objects, which can cause unwanted reflections.

• Ideally, the listening room should be acoustically neutral, nei­ther producing any distinct echoes nor sounding completely
“dead” and lifeless (also see Room Treatment on the next page).

• After choosing a final placement, add the spikes (and covers, if
desired) as described in Installing Spikes on page 11.

ROOM ACOUSTICS

Listening rooms have a profound impact on sound quality, espe­cially at low frequencies. In fact, a listening room can actually
dominate the sound quality below about 300 Hz. Ideally, a new
room being built from scratch would include optimized dimen­sional ratios to minimize the effects of standing waves.

However, most installations will be made in existing rooms. In
these cases, your only solution is to take special care in selecting
both the speaker and prime listening locations, which will pay off
in superior low frequency performance. Often the difference
between poor and excellent results is the result of relatively small
adjustments in speaker and listener placements.

The interaction of loudspeakers and rooms is quite complex, as the
loudspeaker and listener are affected by two mechanisms. First,
nearby surfaces, or boundaries, cause large peaks and dips in low
frequency response. These peaks and dips can often range 12 dB or
more. Second, the loudspeaker and listener locations interact with
the standing waves, or room modes. These standing waves, or reso­nances, also result in large response errors. There are no simple for­mulas that take both mechanisms into account. Even computer
programs that analyze one or both factors still may not provide
you with the proper speaker or listener placement values.

Here’s where real-world experience counts. We suggest consulting
your Revel dealer for help in determining the optimum loudspeak­er and listener placement for your listening room.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

9

PLACEMENT (CONTINUED)

ROOM TREATMENT

REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers have very accurate off-axis
response, which minimizes any degradation caused by overly “live”
rooms. However, far superior performance will be achieved by
placing at least minimal acoustic treatment materials at the primary
reflection points. Ideally, special acoustic absorbers should be
placed at the first reflection points on the side and front walls
along with either absorbers or diffusers at the first reflection points
on the rear wall. Short of using acoustic treatment materials, even
simple hanging rugs can be a great help in overly bright rooms.
Carpeting the floor area between the speakers and listener and
placing irregular surfaces, such as bookcases, will also help break
up strong reflections.

Since our ears and eyes are located on the same plane, we can use a
mirror (also known as the “mirror method”) to accurately deter­mine the most important locations (the first reflection points) for
material treatment, as follows:

1. After the loudspeakers are placed, the listener should sit in the
prime listening position.

2. A second person should slide a mirror along the walls.

3. Note the locations at which the listener can see either of the
loudspeakers. These will be the reflection points that would
require acoustic treatment materials.

Using this method, find all treatment locations for side walls, front
wall, and rear wall with side walls taking priority. Where possible,
also determine the treatment locations for first ceiling reflections.

Your Revel dealer can recommend acoustic treatment materials,
and can help determine the best plan for your room. If it is a dedi­cated listening room, qualified room treatment manufacturers or
even acousticians may be consulted for optimum results.
Remember, properly treated rooms provide dramatically better
results with any loudspeakers than untreated rooms.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

10

Figure 6. Installing a

set of spikes on a

REVEL PERFORMA F30

loudspeaker.

INSTALLING SPIKES

After choosing a final placement, add spikes as follows:

1. Remove the spike feet, lock nuts, and wrench from the plastic bag.

2. Lay a REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker on its side on a
carpeted area or soft towel. Use caution to avoid touching the
tweeter and midrange. Remove the four black screws that serve
as glides and store them for future use. Start a set of spikes, as
shown in Figure 6. Be sure to thread each spike the same
amount to achieve a level placement.

3. Using the supplied wrench, tighten a lock nut onto each spike.

NOTE: If the loudspeaker is to be used on a hardwood or tile floor,
use the round ends with optional supplied covers. Further adjust­ment of each spike may be necessary due to uneven floors.

4. Stand the REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker upright in its
final placement position. Again, use caution to avoid touching
the tweeter and midrange.

5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the other loudspeaker.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

11

R
E
V
E
L

7⁄ 8" max.

Lock Nut

HARD FLOORS

round end

or

Dome
Cover

Slip

Cover

Foot

Spike

Lock Nut

CARPETED FLOORS

spike end

Foot

1 1⁄ 8" max.

Spike

Carpeted Area or
Soft Towel

REVEL PERFORMA F30

(on its side)

Figure 7. Wire gauge versus
maximum wire run (with a
maximum loop resistance of

0.07 ohms) for less than 0.2 dB
response error.

NOTE: “Loop resistance” is the
DC resistance measured at one
end of a loudspeaker cable, with
the other ends shorted together.

CONNECTIONS

REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers can be connected to
your audio system in three different ways: single-wired, bi-wired, or
bi-amplified. Please read the following three sections before pro­ceeding with the actual connections. Also, be sure to observe the
following points:

• Use high-quality speaker cable with a maximum total loop resis­tance (for each wire run) of 0.07 ohms or less. Use the chart in
Figure 7 below to determine the maximum wire gauge.

NOTE: A high loop resistance will result in mis-termination
of the filter networks, and serious degradation of sound
quality. Use high-quality connectors on the speaker cables.
Consult your Revel dealer as to specific recommendations for
your application.

• Turn off all audio system power before making any connections.

• Read the owner’s manuals that were included with your audio
components to confirm their connection procedures.

• Verify correct polarities (i.e., + to + and − to −) when making

connections. Failure to do so will cause poor imaging and
diminished bass response.

• For bi-wired or bi-amplified applications, remove the shorting
straps on the rear of each REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeak­er (refer to Figures 9, 10, and 11 on the next three pages).

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

12

WIRE GAUGE (AWG) LENGTH (FEET)LENGTH (METERS)

68727
76921
85818

94313
10 34 10
11 27 8
12 22 7
13 17 5
14 14 4
15 11 3
16 9 3
17 7 2
18 5 2

Figure 8. How to connect the

REVEL PERFORMA F30

loudspeaker in a

single-wired system.

Figure 9. How to connect the

REVEL PERFORMA F30

loudspeaker in a

bi-wired system.

SINGLE-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

For single-wired applications, simply leave the shorting straps in
place and connect the + and - from a single amplifier channel to the
+ and – terminals on the rear of the REVEL PERFORMA F30
loudspeaker, as shown in Figure 8.

BI-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

A bi-wired system uses two pairs of loudspeaker wires connected to
a single amplifier channel. On the rear of the REVEL PERFORMA
F30 loudspeaker, remove the shorting straps and connect the + and

- of one pair of wires to the HIGH FREQUENCY INPUT termi­nals and the + and - of the other pair of wires to the LOW FRE­QUENCY INPUT terminals, as shown in Figure 9.

Check with your Revel dealer for recommendations and possible
benefits for your application.

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when bi-wiring
may damage some amplifiers.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

13

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

xxxx

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Shorting Strap
(leave both in place)

redblk

REVEL

PERFORMA

F30

Rear

Connector Panel

Amplifier

(rear)

(one channel shown)

(one channel shown)

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

xxxx

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Shorting Straps Removed

redblk

REVEL

PERFORMA

F30

Rear

Connector Panel

Amplifier

(rear)

(one channel shown)

(one channel shown)

Figure 10. How to connect the
REVEL PERFORMA F30
loudspeaker in a vertical bi­amplified system.

CONNECTIONS (CONTINUED)

BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

A bi-amplified system may provide increased sonic performance,
with independent amplifier channels separately driving each set of
high- and low-frequency transducers. You can connect REVEL
PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers in a vertical or horizontal bi­amplified system without requiring an extra electronic crossover.

VERTICAL BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

Using two identical amplifier channels, remove the shorting straps
from the rear panel; then connect the REVEL PERFORMA F30
loudspeakers, as shown in Figure 10.

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when
bi-amplifying may damage some amplifiers.

NOTE: When using two dissimilar amplifiers, connect the REVEL
PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers in a horizontal bi-amplified system (see
next section).

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

14

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

xxxx

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Shorting Straps Removed

Amplifier

(rear)

Ch.1 Ch.2

INPUT INPUT

redblk

Connector

Panel

(Optional “Y” Adaptor)

(one channel shown)

Pre-Amplifier

(rear)

OUTPUTOUTPUT

Connector

Panel

(one channel shown)

REVEL

PERFORMA

F30

Rear

Figure 11. How to connect the

REVEL PERFORMA F30

loudspeaker in a horizontal

bi-amplified system.

HORIZONTAL BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

Using two amplifier channels, remove the shorting straps from
the rear panel; then connect each REVEL PERFORMA F30 loud­speaker, as shown in Figure 11.

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when
bi-amplifying may damage some amplifiers.

NOTE: If the “gain factor” of the two amplifier channels is not identi­cal, a means of adjusting the input level of at least one of the channels
is required. Consult your Revel dealer for specific recommendations.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

15

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

xxxx

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Shorting Straps Removed

INPUT

(one channel shown –
use for low frequencies)

Amplifier

(rear)

INPUT

(one channel shown –
use for high frequencies)

Amplifier

(rear)

redblk

Pre-Amplifier

(rear)

OUTPUT

OUTPUT

(Optional “Y” Adaptor)

(one channel shown)

REVEL

PERFORMA

F30

Rear

Connector

Panel

Figure 12. Location of the
TWEETER LEVEL
CONTROL and its initial setting
for the REVEL PERFORMA
F30 loudspeaker.

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

1. After connecting the REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers,
initially set the TWEETER LEVEL CONTROL on both rear
panels to the “0” position, as shown in Figure 12.

2. Turn on the system power and play a favorite piece of music.
Slowly increase the volume to a comfortable level and listen
from your main listening position. If desired, experiment with
placement (see page 8) to achieve the best overall tonal balance,
image specificity, and spaciousness.

3. You may also wish to further adjust each TWEETER LEVEL
CONTROL. Varying the control will change the high frequency
balance and timbre. Differences in room acoustics often demand
different level control settings.

NOTE: Set the controls the same on both left and right channels.

CABINET CARE

Each cabinet for the REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker has a
wood veneer finish and does not require any routine maintenance.

Occasionally, use a soft cloth, dampened with household furniture
polish, to remove any fingerprints or dust. Clean the grille by gen­tle vacuuming.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

16

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Install straps for
single-wire operation

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

xxxx

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level (dB)

Serial Number

xxxx

Revel
Northridge, California
Made in U.S.A.

Connector

Panel

Set Tweeter

Level Control

To “0”

REVEL

PERFORMA

F30

Rear

LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER

REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers use high-order crossovers
with steep cut-offs to eliminate damage caused by “out of band”
frequencies. Using this approach, in combination with carefully
selected components and transducers, gives us confidence that a
REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker will not fail, even under
extreme conditions. However, there is a limit to how loud any
speaker can play continuously. A good rule of thumb is to avoid
playing the system at volume levels beyond where the sound is
“clean.” If the sound becomes distorted or strained, reduce the
volume level immediately to avoid damage.

If you are unsure of the suitability of current or planned amplifier
components, please ask your Revel dealer to review them before
connecting your REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeakers.

SERVICE INFORMATION

In the unlikely event that your Revel component requires service,
please contact your Revel dealer for immediate assistance. They
will determine if it can be serviced locally or requires shipment to
our factory or other service repair facility.

IMPORTANT: If factory service is required, please obtain a
return authorization number before shipping the defective unit
to us. Call the Revel Service Department at 1-818-830-8777 on
any business day, from 9

A.M. to 5 P.M. PST.

• In order to repair the unit quickly, please provide us with the
product’s serial number and detailed information about the
problem the unit is experiencing, especially if it is intermittent.

• If applicable, include a copy of the original bill of sale to verify
the unit’s warranty coverage.

IMPORTANT: Be sure to pack each unit to be returned in its
original packing carton and mark the return authorization
number(s) on the outer carton(s) for identification.

Your Revel dealer can order a new set of shipping materials if you
no longer have the original cartons. Since there will be a charge for
this service, we strongly recommend saving all packing materials.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

17

SPECIFICATIONS

Revel utilizes proprietary measurement methods in the design and
specification of our loudspeakers. Our research has developed a
series of tests that represent a great leap forward in making mea­surements that dramatically contribute to our goal of accurately
reproducing music or film.

Sensitivity: 87 dB SPL, with 2.83 V

rms

@ 1 m

(4 pi anechoic)

Sensitivity provides an indication of how much amplifier power is
required for the loudspeaker to play at satisfactory volume levels.
This conservatively-rated specification indicates moderate sensitivity
and denotes that a REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker does not
require huge amplifiers to achieve realistic levels in all but the
largest rooms.

Impedance: 6 ohms (nominal), 3 ohms (minimum)

Impedance indicates whether the speaker system presents a
“hard” or “easy” load on the amplifier. A minimum impedance
value of 3 ohms, together with moderate phase angles, signifies
that any competently-designed amplifier can easily drive a
REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker.

Filters (Crossover): 3-way, 24 dB per octave, (4th-order) acoustic

response at 220 Hz and 2.8 kHz

The steep filter slopes ensure good acoustical behavior in the cross­over regions, with a minimum of acoustical interference, along with
low distortion and wide dynamic range. The filters feature specially
selected components. Woofer and tweeter filter boards are physically
independent and include a provision for bi-amping or bi-wiring.

Frequency Responses: In-Room Response;

+ 1 dB from 33 Hz to 16 kHz

In-room response is a breakthrough measurement that, in a single
curve, closely correlates to sound quality and has been a goal of
loudspeaker engineers for years. Research, and simple observation,
reveals that ubiquitous “on-axis” response curves often cannot distin­guish between two loudspeakers with radically different sound quali­ty. This specification for the REVEL PERFORMA F30 loudspeak­er is even more powerful when it is taken in context with the other
measurements presented here.

In-Room Response Relative to Target Response;

+ 0.75 dB from 34 Hz to 20 kHz

A target response is the ideal response goal and is not flat at the fre­quency extremes and is used when the ideal reference is not a “flat”
line. A target response must be tailored to the loudspeaker’s intended
application and takes into account the acoustic impact of the loud­speaker’s location, such as freestanding, or placement near a wall.

First-Reflections Response;

+ 1 dB from 33 Hz to 15 kHz

First reflections response is a measure of the response a listener
hears that is contributed by the first reflections from the walls,
floor, and ceiling. This superb specification indicates that REVEL
PERFORMA F30 loudspeaker will remain accurate, even in the
presence of strong reflections.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

18

Figure 13. Overall dimensions

for the REVEL PERFORMA

F30 loudspeaker

(without top grille).

Frequency Responses: Listening Window Response;
(continued) + 1.5 dB from 31 Hz to 16 kHz

This improved “on-axis” measurement reduces the visual confusion
of inaudible local interference, yet still retains full accuracy without
using “spectral smoothing” which results in significant data loss.

Low Frequency Extension;

-10 dB @ 20 Hz, -6 dB @ 24 Hz, and

-3 dB @ 30 Hz

Studies have shown that the -10 dB low frequency extension speci­fication is the one that best correlates to controlled listening tests.
At low frequencies, most loudspeaker/room combinations will
exhibit significant “room gain”, which is an increasing rise in level
as frequencies decrease. In addition, the -10 dB specification reflects
the steepness (i.e., order) of the low-frequency roll-off, which is not
significantly indicated in -3 dB specifications.

Dimensions: 451⁄ 4"H x 143⁄ 8" W x 1515⁄16" D (no top grille)

1,149 mm H x 366 mm W x 405 mm D
(includes feet – see Figure 13 below)

46"H x 143⁄ 8" W x 167⁄16" D (with top grille)
1,168 mm H x 366 mm W x 417 mm D
(includes feet and spikes – see Figure 13 below)

Weight: 90 lb. (41 kg) net (without packing)

Revel, a division of Madrigal Audio Laboratories, constantly strives to update and improve existing products, as
well as create new ones. Therefore the specifications and construction details in this and related Revel publications
are subject to change without notice. Kapton is a registered trademark of the E.I. du Pont de Nemours Company.
Performa and Ultima are trademarks and Revel is a registered trademark of Harman International Industries, Inc.
© Harman International, 2000.

REVEL PERFORMA F30

Owner’s Manual

19

REVEL

46"

(1168 mm)

44"

(1118 mm)

45-1⁄4"

(1149 mm)

12" (305 mm)

14-3 ⁄ 8" (366 mm)

2" (51 mm)

15-15 ⁄ 16" (405 mm)

14-11⁄ 16" (373 mm)

13-1⁄2" (343 mm)

14-3⁄4" (375 mm)

P/N 9301660-002

8500 BALBOA BOULEVARD
NORTHRIDGE, CA 91329

PH: [phone] • FAX: [phone]

www.revelspeakers.com