Page 1
Revel Concerta M12
Loudspeaker
Owner’s Manual
®™
Page 2
2
REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Ferrofluid is a registered trademark of Ferrofluidics, Inc.
“Revel,” “Concerta,” 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.
3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA
Telephone: 781-280-0300
Fax: 781-280-0490
www.revelspeakers.com
Customer Service:
Telephone: 781-280-0300
Sales Fax: 781-280-0495
Service Fax: 781-280-0499
Product Shipments
16 Progress Road
Billerica, MA 01821-5730 USA
Part No.
354071-001 | Rev A | 11/04
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Documentation Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
About the M12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Highlights • Product Registration
Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Loudspeaker Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Driver Complement • Cabinet • Filter Network • Input Panel
Installation Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Loudspeaker Placement • Listening Room Acoustics
Making Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Connections
Optimizing Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Loudspeaker Volume Levels
Obtaining Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS
This document contains general safety, installation, and operation
instructions for the Revel Concerta M12 Loudspeaker. It is important to
read this document before attempting to use this product. Pay particular attention to safety instructions.
WARNING Calls attention to a procedure, practice, condition,
or the like that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in injury or death.
CAUTION Calls attention to a procedure, practice,
condition, or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in damage
to or destruction of part or all of the product.
Note Calls attention to information that is essential to
highlight.
This owner’s manual assumes that two M12s are included in the
loudspeaker setup.
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
About the M12
Thank you for purchasing the Revel
Concerta M12 Loudspeaker. A two-way
monitor, the M12 delivers outstanding
accuracy, low distortion and maximum
output across the entire frequency range.
The Concerta M12 is suitable for use in a
bookshelf, built-in to a custom cabinet, or
placed on a pedestal stand. Two proprietary transducers, a sophisticated filter
network, and an acoustically inert cabinet
allow the M12 to achieve acoustical precision and performance worthy of the most
demanding home entertainment systems.
A two-way design, the M12 transducers
effectively cover a wide frequency spectrum. A 6.5-inch (165mm) woofer delivers
highly refined midrange frequencies and
surprisingly extended low frequency
response. A 1-inch (25mm) dome tweeter is
mounted in a Controlled Acoustic
Impedance waveguide which dramatically
improves off-axis response. The tweeter
accurately reproduces high frequencies well
above audible levels.
Combining superior form and function,
the M12 transducers feature a distinctive
design that allows for smoother frequency
response. The woofer cone and tweeter are
constructed with Organic Ceramic
Composite cone material to reduce distortion. The spiders are constructed with a
high-strength Nomex/cotton blend with
optimized geometry for increased linearity.
The M12 woofer features a ceramic motor
system with magnetic shielding to prevent
interference with CRT video monitors.
The woofer is built with a butyl rubber surround for large, linear excursion capabilities. The woofer also includes round copper
wire voice coils wound on 1-inch (25.4mm)
Kapton® bobbins which enable high
power handling.
The tweeter dome is under-hung with copper-clad aluminum wire for low distortion.
The tweeter’s Neodymium magnet contains
Ferrofluid® which helps to achieve highpower handling with reduced compression.
Magnetic shielding prevents video monitor
interference.
A high-order filter at 2.5kHz optimizes
loudspeaker on-axis and off-axis response,
helping to assure smooth response and
timbral accuracy. Gold-plated binding
posts accommodate heavy-gauge speaker
cable. If desired, the M12 can be placed on
a pedestal stand to optimize its performance.
The M12 cabinet is constructed with medium-density fiberboard (MDF) walls to
reduce cabinet-induced colorations.
Threaded inserts on the bottom of the cabinet accomodate screws for secure fastening
to the optional pedestal stand.
Since 1996, Revel has stood at the forefront
of loudspeaker design and performance.
Backed by Harman International’s extensive research and design facilities, the
Revel Concerta Series Loudspeakers benefit
from cutting-edge development tools. A
multi-channel listening lab provides for
double-blind listening tests. A laser interferometer enables detailed driver and cabinet analysis. Multiple large anechoic
chambers provide for precise tests and
measurements. Finite element analysis
allows for advanced loudspeaker modeling.
A stereo lithography apparatus provides
tight tolerances.
Adding to the proud lineage of Revel’s
Ultima and Performa Series Loudspeakers,
the Concerta M12 solidifies Revel’s reputation as the leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality, high-performance
loudspeakers.
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
HIGHLIGHTS
• Unsurpassed accuracy for a compact
loudspeaker
•Proprietary 6.5-inch (165mm) woofer
with Organic Ceramic Composite cone
•Proprietary 1-inch (25mm) tweeter with
Organic Ceramic Composite dome
• High output with low distortion
• High-order filter network
• Gold-plated binding posts
• Magnetic shielding
• MDF cabinet walls
• Elegant cabinet design in vinyl finishes
PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Please register the M12 within 15 days of
purchase. To do so, register online at
www.revelspeakers.com or complete and
return the included product registration
card. Retain the original, dated sales
receipt as proof of warranty coverage.
UNPACKING
The M12 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.
When unpacking, save all packing materials for possible future shipping needs. Refer
to the Obtaining Service section on page
14 for additional information.
To unpack the M12:
1. Fully open the top flaps of the packing
carton as shown in Figure 1 (page 7).
2. Without allowing the top flaps to close,
stand the packing carton upside-down
as shown in Figure 1 (page 7).
3. Lift the packing carton off of the
loudspeaker as shown in Figure 1
(page 7). Use caution to avoid
damaging the loudspeaker cabinet.
At this point, the loudspeaker will
be upside-down.
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Unpacking
(continued)
4. Remove the bottom pad and the
microfoam sheet. These items are
identified in Figure 2 (right).
5. Grasping the sides of the cabinet, place
the M12 in the upright position.
6. Remove the Owner’s Manual,
Warranty Card, top pad and microfoam sheet.
1
2
Figure 1: Unpacking the Carton
Figure 2: Packing Materials
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW
DRIVER COMPLEMENT
The numbers in Figure 3 (left) correspond
with the numbered items below.
1. Tweeter
2. Woofer
CABINET
Reduces cabinet-induced colorations with
MDF walls and internal bracing. The cabinet’s vinyl 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.
CAUTION
To prevent cabinet damage, do not use
a cloth made with steel wool or use
metal polish to clean the cabinet.
Do not use any cleaning products or
polishes on the cabinet or grille.
Filter Network
Optimizes loudspeaker on-axis and off-axis
response with high-order filter at 2.5kHz,
helping to ensure smooth response and
timbral accuracy. Gold-plated binding
posts accommodate heavy speaker cables.
Figure 3: M12 Loudspeaker Front View
The numbers in Figure 3 (above) correspond
with the numbered items in the Driver
Complement section that begins in the next
column.
1
2
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
1
2
INPUT PANEL
The numbers in Figure 4 (below) correspond
with the numbered items in this section.
1. Woofer Port
Enhances low-frequency extension.
Computer-optimized internal and
external flares minimize distortion
resulting from air turbulence.
2. Input Connectors
Provide input connections from the
associated power amplifier(s). One
“positive” and one “negative” goldplated binding posts are available. Refer
to the Making Connections section
beginning on page 12 for additional
information.
INSTALLATION
CONSIDERATIONS
Loudspeaker fidelity depends on the following
three factors:
1. Loudspeaker accuracy
2. Loudspeaker placement
3. Listening room acoustics
Advanced Revel design features allow the
M12 to achieve exceptional acoustical
precision. Experimenting with loudspeaker
placement and listening room acoustics
have the most significant impact on the
M12 loudspeaker’s performance.
LOUDSPEAKER PLACEMENT
The bulleted items that begin below
indicate important loudspeaker placement
considerations for the M12.
• Remove all obstructions between the
M12 and the primary listening
position. For instance, a coffee table
between the M12 and the primary
listening position will degrade stereo
imaging and timbre. Placing the M12s
near large objects may also cause
unwanted reflections.
• For the best stereo imaging, place the
M12s at equal distances from the
primary listening position and in symmetry with the room as shown in
Figure 5 (page 10).
• For optimal stereo imaging and timbre,
point the M12s directly toward the
primary listening position as shown in
Figure 5 (page 10). The toe-in angle
can be reduced to widen the soundstage, even to the point at which the
M12s are pointing straight forward.
The numbers in Figure 4 (above) correspond with the
numbered items in the Input Panel section that begins
below.
Figure 4: M12 Loudspeaker Rear View
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
• If desired, use a pair of Revel Performa
22 Pedestals to solidly mount the
speakers at an ideal height for seated
listeners, with the front of the M12
facing the listening position as shown
in Figure 6 (below). The tweeter should
be at approximately the same height
as the listener’s ears. The bottom of the
M12 cabinet has threaded inserts to
accomodate secure fastening to the
stand.
Note
For pedestal assembly instructions, refer to
the Revel Performa Pedestal 22 Assembly
Instructions that are included with the
pedestal stand.
To attach to a pedestal stand:
1. Assemble the pedestal stand.
2. Place the M12 on its side on a soft
towel or carpeted floor.
3. Locate the four threaded inserts on the
bottom of the cabinet. These inserts are
identified in Figure 7 (below).
4. Fasten the M12 to the pedestal stand
with screws.
5. Make sure the four screws are evenly
threaded to achieve a level balance.
6. When all screws have been tightened,
stand the mounted M12 (and stand) in
the upright position.
Note
The optional Revel Performa Pedestal 22 is
available at authorized Revel dealers.
Figure 5: Loudspeaker Placement
Figure 6: Placement on Pedestal
Figure 7: Threaded Inserts
Threaded
Inserts
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Loudspeaker Placement
(continued)
• Move the M12s farther from the front
and side listening room walls to
improve stereo imaging and the sense
of spaciousness in the listening space.
• Move the M12s closer to the corners or
walls of the listening room to increase
bass response.
• The M12s can also be flush mounted in
a bookcase or shelf as shown in Figure
8 (below).
CAUTION
Loudspeakers such as the M12, when
placed on pedestal stands, have a high
center of gravity, which may cause
them to fall if tipped or improperly
positioned.To avoid this, anchor the
loudspeaker to the floor and/or wall
using the same procedures and hardware used to anchor bookcases, wall
units, and other furniture. Harman
Specialty Group assumes no responsibility
for improper selection and installation
of hardware or for any personal injuries
or product damages resulting from
improper installation or a fallen loudspeaker.
LISTENING ROOM ACOUSTICS
Listening rooms have a profound impact
on sound, particularly at lower frequencies.
In fact, listening rooms can dominate
sounds below about 400Hz. Ideally, listening
rooms would include optimized dimensional
ratios to minimize the effects of room
resonances. But in reality, most listening
rooms are not designed to enhance
loudspeaker performance.
The interaction between loudspeakers and
listening rooms is complex, depending on
two important determinants that affect the
loudspeaker and the listener.
1. Surfaces and other boundaries often
cause large peaks and dips in lowfrequency response. These peaks and
dips often range 12dB or more.
2. Standing waves (also known as room
modes or resonances) interact with
both the loudspeaker and the listener,
resulting in large frequency response
errors.
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution
that considers both factors. Even computer
software programs that examine one or
both factors may not calculate proper
primary listening position or loudspeaker
placement values.
M12
M12
Front Left
Front Right
Center
Figure 8: Flush Mounted
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Listening Room Acoustics
(continued)
In most cases, proper selection of the
primary listening position combined with
proper placement of the loudspeaker can
still result in superior performance at lower
frequencies. The difference between superior
and inferior results is often just a small
adjustment of the primary listening position
or loudspeaker placement. Contact an
authorized Revel dealer for assistance.
Acoustic Treatment Materials
The M12 features a high-order filter at
2.5kHz that optimizes its on-axis and offaxis response, minimizing degradations
that occur in overly “live” rooms. Placing
minimal acoustic treatment materials at
primary reflection points will reduce these
distortions even further. Ideally, acoustic
absorbers should be placed at the first
reflection points on the front and side walls
and either acoustic absorbers or diffusers
should be placed at the first reflection
point on the rear wall.
Because the listener’s eyes and ears are on
the same plane, the “mirror method” is an
accurate determinant of critical reflection
points. This method can be used to determine
reflection points for side walls, rear walls,
front walls, and even the ceiling. Applying
acoustic treatment materials to the side
walls is most important, followed by the
front wall, rear wall, and ceiling.
To determine reflection points using the
mirror method:
1. Once the M12s have been placed, sit in
the primary listening position.
2. Ask another person to slide a mirror
along the listening room walls.
3. Note the locations at which the person
sitting in the primary listening position
can see either M12. Be sure to look for
both M12s in the reflection on each
room boundary. These are reflection
points that require acoustic treatment
materials.
If acoustic treatment materials are not
available, hanging a rug over the reflection
points will help to reduce degradation in
overly “live” rooms. Carpeting the floor
between the loudspeakers and the primary
listening position and placing irregular
surfaces such as bookcases at first reflection
points will also help minimize strong
reflections.
MAKING
CONNECTIONS
The M12 features gold-plated binding posts
that allow it to be configured for singlewired connections.
CAUTION
•Never make or break connections
unless all system components are
powered off.
Before making connections, note the
following:
• Make all connections observing the
proper polarity, positive-to-positive (+)
and negative-to-negative (–).
Connections that do not observe the
proper polarity will cause poor stereo
imaging and diminished bass response.
• Use high-quality loudspeaker cable
with a maximum total loop resistance
of 0.07ohms or less (for each wire run).
Refer to the table (page 13) to determine the appropriate maximum wire
gauge.
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Making Connections
(continued)
Maximum Wire Gauge
Gauge Length Length
(AWG) (Feet) (Meters)
687 27
769 21
858 18
943 13
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
Note
High loop resistances that exceed 0.07ohms
(for each wire run) will cause the filter
network to mis-terminate, resulting in
considerable degradation of sound quality.
• Review the owner’s manuals for
associated audio components to
determine their connection procedures.
• If you have questions about the suitability of associated power amplifier components, contact an authorized Revel
dealer for information.
CONNECTIONS
Connections are made between one M12
input connector and one power amplifier
output connector as shown in Figure 9
(below).
To make connections:
1. Connect one pair of loudspeaker wires
to the M12 input connectors. Then,
connect the same pair of loudspeaker
wires to the desired power amplifier
output connector.
2. Repeat step 1 to connect the second
M12 to a separate power amplifier output connector.
Figure 9: Connections
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REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
OPTIMIZING
PERFORMANCE
To optimize the M12 for best performance:
1. Begin playback of a familiar music or
film source.
2. Listen from the primary listening
position, increasing volume to a
comfortable level.
3. Experiment with the M12 loudspeaker’s
placement to achieve the best overall
tonal balance, image precision, and
sense of spaciousness in the listening
room. Refer to the Loudspeaker
Placement section beginning on page 9
for additional information about
loudspeaker placement.
4. Repeat these steps to optimize
performance of the second M12.
LOUDSPEAKER VOLUME LEVELS
High-order filters include steep cut-offs to
reduce potential damage from “out-ofband” frequencies. Combined with carefully
selected transducers and filter network
components, this approach helps the M12
to maintain its performance under
extreme operating conditions.
However, all loudspeakers have limits
when it comes to continuous playback. To
extend these limits, avoid playback at
volume levels that distort or strain sound.
CAUTION
To avoid damage, reduce volume level
immediately if loudspeaker sound is not
clean and clear.
OBTAINING SERVICE
To obtain warranty or non-warranty service, contact your authorized Revel dealer.
Refer to the included Revel Warranty Card
for warranty information.
Page 15
DefinitionValueSpecification
15
Sensitivity
Impedance
87dB SPL with 2.83V @
1m (2 pi anechoic)
8Ω (nominal), 4.7Ω (minimum @ 2.8kHz)
Indicates the amount of power the associated power amplifier must deliver to drive the loudspeaker at reasonable volume levels. Conservatively-rated specifications indicate
moderate sensitivity, meaning that a massive power amplifier is not required to drive Revel loudspeakers to reasonable volume levels in large listening spaces.
Indicates whether the loudspeaker presents a “difficult” or
“easy” load on the associated power amplifier. Combined
with moderate phase angles, a minimal impedance
specification of 4.7Ω allows a reasonably designed power
amplifier to drive Revel loudspeakers.
In-Room Response
±1.5dB from 65Hz to
15kHz
Indicates sound quality in context with other specifications.
A breakthrough measurement, this specification closely
correlates to sound quality in a single curve – a long-standing
goal of loudspeaker engineers.
In-room response is measured through the use of large
anechoic chambers. The speaker’s response is measured
every 10 degrees horizontally and vertically for a total of
72 response measurements.
The in-room response curve is a prediction of how the
speaker would measure in a typical room. Research and
observation reveals that ubiquitous “on-axis” response
curves cannot distinguish between two loudspeakers with
radically different sound qualities.
Low-Frequency
Extension
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
-10dB @ 41Hz, -6dB @
48Hz, -3dB @ 53Hz
Indicates the low-frequency response of the loudspeaker.
Studies have shown that the –10dB specification best
correlates to controlled listening tests. At low frequencies,
most loudspeaker and listening room combinations
demonstrate significant “ room gain,” which produces an
increase in levels as frequencies decrease. Unlike the –3dB
specification, the –10dB specification reflects the steepness
of low-frequency roll-offs.
Filter Network
Two-way, high-order @
2.5kHz
Indicates the acoustical characteristics of the filter network.
Steep filters indicate an optimized filter network that
produces minimal acoustical interference, low distortion,
and expansive dynamic range.
Height
13.78 inches (35cm)
39.22 inches (99.61cm) (including optional stand)
Depth
10.88 inches (27.64cm) (not including grille)
11.64 inches (29.57cm) (including grille)
Weight
19.20 pounds (8.71kg) (including grille)
SPECIFICATIONS
Width
8.86 inches (22.5cm)
REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Page 16
16
A
About the M12, 5
Acoustic Treatment Materials, 12
B
Bass Response, 11, 12
Binding Posts, 6, 8, 12
C
Cabinet, 5, 7, 8
cabinet, threaded inserts, 10
CAUTION, 4, 8, 11, 12, 14
Connections, 13
Making, 12
Power Amplifier, 13, 15
Single-Wired, 12
D
Depth, 15
Distortion, Reducing, 8, 12, 15
Documentation Conventions, 4
Driver Complement, 8
Dynamic Range, 15
F
Ferrofluid, 5
Filter Network, 6, 13, 15
Filters, 8, 12, 15
First Reflection Points, 12
Flush Mounted Placement, 11
Frequency Response, 11
G
Gauge, wire 13
H
Height, 15
high-order filter, 5
I
Impedance, 15
In-RoomResponse, 15
Input Channels, 13
Input Connectors, 9, 13
Input Panel, 9
Installation Considerations, 9
L
Listening Room, 11, 12, 15
Listening Room Acoustics, 9, 11
Loudspeaker Cable, 12
Loudspeaker Front View, 8
Loudspeaker Overview, 8
Loudspeaker Placement, 9, 10,
11, 12
Loudspeaker Rear View, 9
Loudspeaker Setup, 4
Loudspeaker Volume Levels, 14
Loudspeaker Wires, 13
Low Frequencies, 11, 12, 15
Low-Frequency Extension, 11, 15
Low-Frequency Response. See
Low-Frequency Extension.
Low-Frequency Roll-Offs, 15
M
Magnetic shielding, 5, 6
Maintenance, 8
Making Connections, 12
Maximum Wire Gauge, 13
midrange, 5
Mirror Method, 12
N
Note, 4, 10, 13
O
Obtaining Service, 14
Off-Axis Response, 8, 12
On-Axis Response, 12, 15
Optimizing Performance, 14
Organic Ceramic Composite, 5
P
Packing Carton, 6
Pedestal Placement, 10
pedestal stand, 8, 10
Polarity, 12
Primary Listening Position, 9, 11,
12
Product Registration, 6
R
Reflection Points, 12
Reflections, 9, 12
Resonances. See Reflections.
Room Modes. See Reflections.
INDEX
REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Page 17
S
Sensitivity, 15
Shipping, 6
Specifications, 15
Stereo Imaging, 9, 11, 12
T
Table of Contents, 3
threaded inserts, cabinet, 10
Timbre, 9
Transducers, 5
Tweeter, 5, 6, 8
tweeter height, 10
U
Unpacking, 6
Unpacking Materials, 7
V
Volume Levels, 15
W
WARNING, 4
Warranty, 6
Warranty Card, 7
waveguide, tweeter 5
Weight, 15
Width, 15
woofer, 5, 6, 8
Woofer Port, 9
17
REVEL Concerta M12
Owner’s Manual
Page 18
3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA, 01730-1413 USA | Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Fax: 781-280-0490 | www.revelspeakers.com
Customer Service: Telephone: 781-280-0300 | Sales Fax: 781-280-0495 | Service Fax: 781-280-0499
Part No. 354071-001 | Rev A | 11/04
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