Revel Salon User Manual

Revel Ultima Studio™ Loudspeaker

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

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

WOOFERS ........................................................................4

MIDRANGE .......................................................................4

TWEETERS........................................................................5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BI-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS ....................................14

BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS...............................15

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION..................................17

CABINET CARE..............................................18

LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER........................18

PANEL REPLACEMENT...................................19

SPECIFICATIONS............................................21

SERVICE INFORMATION..................................23

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

2

Figure 1. The REVEL ULTIMA

STUDIO loudspeaker.

INTRODUCTION

The REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO™ sets an entirely new perfor­mance and value reference in floorstanding loudspeakers. It champi­ons our hallmark of remarkable musical precision and imaginative
industrial design. While REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO’s artistic sculpt
is unique, its visual performance can only begin to tell the story of
the achievement yielded by our unique development process.

Our advanced psychoacoustic research into the interaction of loud­speaker and various placement options has resulted in “real-world”
performance unmatched by any loudspeaker. For example, to
insure compression-free operation during the most demanding pas­sages, the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO includes large voice coils in
each transducer, judiciously selected crossover points, and true
24 dB per octave networks. While the true test of any loudspeaker
is the sound it reproduces, we think you’ll agree that this “clean
slate” approach has yielded a truly exceptional outcome.

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 ULTIMA STUDIO 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 ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

3

,,,,,,

,

Figure 2. The REVEL ULTIMA
STUDIO transducer and con­nection locations.

DESCRIPTION

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO features a transducer complement (see
Figure 2) of two 8-inch woofers, a 5.25-inch midrange driver, and

1.1-inch tweeter. A second 0.75-inch tweeter (on the rear) provides
added high-frequency energy to enhance overall “room response.”

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

WOOFERS

For uncompressed dynamic range, each REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO
uses two 8-inch mica/carbon-filled co-polymer dome woofers with:

• A radiating surface made of an injection-molded polymer mate­rial with incredible stiffness and internal damping.

• Optimized magnetic circuits to minimize harmonic distortion.

• Oversized 1.5-inch diameter voice coil with flat aluminum wire
offer higher power handling and long excursion capability.

MIDRANGE

The 5.25-inch titanium-dome midrange features:

• A radiating surface made of titanium for true pistonic behavior
throughout its operating range.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

4

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Serial Number
xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO Front

(without grilles)

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO Rear

Tweeter

Woofer Port

Rear Tweeter
Level Control

Front Tweeter

Level Control

Midrange

Woofer

Woofer

Connectors (with

shorting straps)

Tweeter

• A motor system that utilizes neodymium magnets and a large
voice coil for exceptional performance.

• Oversized 2-inch diameter voice coils with flat aluminum wire
offer higher power handling than average-sized coils for greater
accuracy at high volume levels and during extended crescendos.

• The cast magnesium frame provides optimum voice coil cooling
and minimum reflections, while offering excellent rigidity.

TWEETERS

Each REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO also includes a pair of
high-performance tweeters with these features:

• True pistonic behavior throughout its entire operating range for
a new level of freedom from coloration.

• A front aluminum-alloy dome tweeter with a large voice coil and
oversized surround roll for higher power handling and longer
excursion capability with extraordinarily low-harmonic distortion.

• A rear textile dome tweeter that flattens the “in-room” response,
resulting in superior “air” and detail.

CROSSOVER NETWORK

Each REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO has an individually-optimized
crossover network with:

• A 3-way, 24 dB per octave crossover at 220 Hz and 2.2 kHz to
optimize the on- and off-axis response of the system.

• Hand-wired filter networks with air-core inductors and film capac­itors to match each loudspeaker to the reference standard.

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

• External level controls for both the front and rear tweeters via
calibrated switched precision resistors for ideal imaging.

CABINET

The cabinet offers exquisite appearance and aids in overall system
performance. The main enclosure and internal bracing are
designed to act as an acoustically-inert platform for sound-wave
generation. Interchangeable side panels are available in a full array
of optional finishes when updating home decor (see Panel

Replacement on page 19).

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

5

WARNING

Figure 3. Unpacking a REVEL
ULTIMA STUDIO carton.

UNPACKING

IMPORTANT! Do not attempt to lift a REVEL ULTIMA
STUDIO 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 ULTIMA
STUDIO. Do not lift it while bending from the waist.

Each REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO is packed in its own carton with
a shipping weight of 164 pounds (74.5 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. Stand a REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO in an upright position.

2. Carefully remove all staples from rear flaps. Open the flaps and
tilt the unit forward so that the bottom flap can be positioned
under the carton, as shown in Figure 3.

3. Lay the unit on its back with all flaps open. Lift carton off the
unit and set it aside.

4. Place the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO in an upright position
and then remove the four (4) foam packing strips from the
sides, as shown in Figure 4 (on the next page).

5. Tilt the cabinet forward and remove bottom rear end pad, using
caution to avoid touching the front tweeter or midrange.

6. Tilt the cabinet backward and remove bottom front end pad,
using caution to avoid touching the front tweeter or midrange.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

6

Tilt carton forward and

tuck bottom flap under

This end up

Front

This end up

Rear

Figure 4. A REVEL ULTIMA

STUDIO with its inner

packing materials.

Figure 5. Installing the

optional top grille.

7. Remove top end pad, fabric sock, and plastic bag from the grille,
using caution to avoid touching the front tweeter or midrange.

8. Remove enclosed hardware and optional top grille (if present)
from recessed pockets in the top end pad. Install the top grille,
as shown in Figure 5.

9. Repeat steps 1 through 8 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 ULTIMA STUDIO (e.g., when experimenting
with placement), rock it side-to-side into place, using caution to
avoid touching the front 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 23 for additional details.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

7

,,,,,

,

,,

Top

Grille

Magnets

(in cabinet)

,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,,

,,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,,

,,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,

,,,,,,,

,,,,,

,

Top End Pad

Hardware

Top Grille
(if present)

Foam Strip

(1of 4)

Bottom

Rear End Pad

Bottom
Front End Pad

Figure 6. Typical placement of
REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO
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 ULTIMA STUDIO 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:

NOTE: Set all loudspeaker controls to “zero” position during place­ment experimentation. If needed, refer to Figure 13 on page 17.

• For best stereo imaging, place the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO
loudspeakers at equal distances from the main listening position
and in symmetry with the room, as shown in Figure 6.

• 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 back 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 ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

8

Listening Position

(e.g., on couch)

Diffusion Panel

Preferred

(Absorption OK)

Absorption Panel

Absorption Panel

Absorption or
Diffusion
Panel

Absorption or
Diffusion
Panel

R REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

L REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

• For best results, make sure there are no objects between the
REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO 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 ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

9

PLACEMENT (CONTINUED)

ROOM TREATMENT

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO loudspeakers have very accurate off­axis 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 ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

10

Figure 7. Tilting a REVEL

ULTIMA STUDIO and

installing a pair of spikes.

INSTALLING SPIKES

After choosing a final placement, add the spikes (and covers, if
desired) by performing the following steps:

1. Remove spike feet and locking rings from the plastic bags.

2. Enlist the aid of friend to tilt a loudspeaker to one side and start
a pair of spikes, as shown in Figure 7. Use caution to avoid
touching the front tweeter and midrange. The tip of the spike
should extend about 1

1

⁄2" from the bottom of the cabinet.

3. Assemble and tighten locking rings onto the front spikes.

4. Tilt the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO in the other direction and
install the other pair of spikes in the same manner.

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

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

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

11

,,,,,,

Locking
Ring

Spike

Cover

(for hardwood
or tile floor)

(Optional) Use Covers For

Hardwood Or Tile Floor

1

1

⁄ 2"

Figure 8. 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 ULTIMA STUDIO 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 8 below to determine the maximum wire gauge.

NOTE: Bi-wiring does not reduce the effective loop resistance
of individual runs. Higher loop resistance will result in mis­termination 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 ULTIMA STUDIO loud­speaker (refer to Figures 9, 10, and 11 on the next three pages).

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

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 9. How to connect the

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO in

a single-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 ULTIMA STUDIO,
as shown in Figure 9.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

13

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Serial Number
xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Shorting Strap
(leave both in place)

redwht

REVEL
ULTIMA
STUDIO

Rear

Connector

Panel

Amplifier

(rear)

(one channel shown)

(one channel shown)

Figure 10. How to connect
the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO
in a bi-wired system.

CONNECTIONS (CONTINUED)

BI-WIRED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

A bi-wired system involves two pairs of loudspeaker wires connected
to a single amplifier channel. On the rear of the REVEL ULTIMA

STUDIO, 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 FRE-

QUENCY INPUT terminals, as shown in Figure 10.

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 ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

14

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Serial Number
xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Serial Number
xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Install straps for
single-wired operation

Amplifier

(rear)

(one channel shown)

Shorting Straps Removed

redwht

Connector

Panel

(one channel shown)

REVEL
ULTIMA
STUDIO

Rear

Figure 11. How to connect the

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO in

a vertical bi-amplified system.

BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM CONNECTIONS

A bi-amplified system provides increased sonic performance,
since independent amplifier channels separately drive each set of
high- and low-frequency transducers. You can connect a REVEL
ULTIMA STUDIO in either a vertical or horizontal bi-amplified
system without requiring an additional electronic crossover.

VERTICAL BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

Using two identical amplifier channels, remove the shorting straps
from the rear panel; then connect the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO
loudspeakers, as shown in Figure 11.

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when bi­amplifying may damage some amplifiers.

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

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

15

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Serial Number
xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Serial Number

xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Install straps for
single-wired operation

Shorting Straps Removed

Amplifier

(rear)

Ch.1 Ch.2

INPUT INPUT

redwht

Connector

Panel

(one channel shown)

REVEL

ULTIMA
STUDIO

Rear

(Optional “Y” Adaptor)

(one channel shown)

Pre-Amplifier

(rear)

OUTPUTOUTPUT

Figure 12. How to connect the
REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO in
a horizontal bi-amplified system.

CONNECTIONS (CONTINUED)

HORIZONTAL BI-AMPLIFIED SYSTEM

Using two amplifier channels, remove the shorting straps from the
rear panel; then connect each REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO, as
shown in Figure 12.

CAUTION: Failure to remove the shorting straps when bi­amplifying 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 ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

16

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0
+.5

-.5

Serial Number
xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Serial Number

xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Install straps for
single-wired operation

Shorting Straps Removed

INPUT

(one channel shown –
use for low frequencies)

Amplifier

(rear)

INPUT

(one channel shown –
use for high frequencies)

Amplifier

(rear)

redwht

Connector

Panel

REVEL
ULTIMA
STUDIO

Rear

Pre-Amplifier

(rear)

OUTPUT

OUTPUT

(Optional “Y” Adaptor)

(one channel shown)

Figure 13. REVEL ULTIMA

STUDIO level control locations

and initial settings.

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

1. After connecting the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO loudspeakers,
initially set both HIGH FREQUENCY LEVEL controls on
both rear panels to the “0” position, as shown in Figure 13.

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 the HIGH FREQUENCY
LEVEL controls (see Figure 13) for both front and rear tweet­ers to achieve the most natural sound in your room. Varying
the FRONT control will change the high frequency balance
and timbre. Varying the REAR control will mainly affect “air”
and spaciousness. Do not hesitate to experiment with changes
to the front and rear high frequency level controls. Differences
in room acoustics often demand different level control settings.

NOTE: Be certain the corresponding controls are set the same on
both left and right channels.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

17

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

Serial Number
xxxx

Front Tweeter Level

Rear Tweeter Level

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

-3

0

Off

Remove straps
for bi-wire
or bi-amp

Low Frequency Input High Frequency Input

+1-1

0

+.5

-.5

-3

0

Off

Connector

Panel

REVEL
ULTIMA
STUDIO

Rear

Set Both Tweeter

Level Controls

To “0”

CABINET CARE

Each REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO loudspeaker cabinet has a paint
finish and does not require any routine maintenance. Use a soft
cloth, dampened with water only, to remove any fingerprints or to
wipe off dust. Clean the grille by gentle vacuuming.

For wood side panels, occasionally use a household furniture polish
to maintain the beauty of the hardwood veneers.

For aluminum side panels, use a soft cloth, dampened with soapy
water only. Wipe in the direction of the grain only.

LOUDSPEAKERS AND POWER

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO 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 ULTIMA STUDIO 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
“clear.” 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 ULTIMA STUDIO loudspeakers.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

18

Figure 14. Installing a new

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

side panel.

PANEL REPLACEMENT

Although your new REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO loudspeakers are
preassembled at the factory, you can replace existing side panels
with new ones as follows:

1. Lay a REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO on one side, on a soft sur­face such as carpeting, or a thick rug.

2. Use the enclosed hex wrench to untighten the exposed side
panel bolts and remove. Remove the panel and grille.

3. Install a new side panel, as shown in Figure 14. Start all six bolts
(with trim rings) by hand and tighten them with the hex
wrench. Be careful not to overtighten.

4. Lay the REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO on its other side, onto a
soft surface. Use the enclosed hex wrench to untighten the side
panel bolts and remove. Remove the panel.

5. Install the loudspeaker grille, as shown in Figure 15 (on the
next page). Insert the grille tips into panel cups.

Continued on the next page...

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

19

Bolt

Trim
Ring

Figure 15. Installing the
REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO
loudspeaker grille.

Figure 16. Installing the other
REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO
side panel.

PANEL REPLACEMENT (CONT’D)

6. Install another new side panel, as shown in Figure 16. Carefully
align panel cups onto grille tips. Then start all six bolts (with
trim rings) by hand and tighten them with the hex wrench. Be
careful not to overtighten.

7. Stand the reassembled REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO upright.
Repeat steps 1 through 6 to install new side panels on the other
REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

20

Bolt

Trim

Ring

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 REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO 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 REVEL
ULTIMA STUDIO.

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

response at 220 Hz and 2.2 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
point-to-point hand wiring with 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 31 Hz to 12 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 REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO specification 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 31 Hz to 12 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 31 Hz to 12 kHz

First reflection 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
ULTIMA STUDIO will remain accurate, even in the presence of
strong reflections.

Continued on the next page...

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

21

Figure 17. Overall dimensions
for the REVEL ULTIMA
STUDIO loudspeaker.

SPECIFICATIONS (CONTINUED)

Frequency Responses: Listening Window Response;
(continued) + 1.5 dB from 31 Hz to 20 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 @ 22 Hz, -6 dB @ 26 Hz, and

-3 dB @ 33 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: 437⁄ 8"H x 123⁄4" W x 193⁄8"D

1,114 mm H x 324 mm W x 492 mm D
(include grilles; add 11⁄ 2" or 38 mm for spikes;
also refer to Figure 17 below)

Weight: 164 lb (74.4 kg) each carton

Revel 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. Revel is
a registered trademark of Revel, Inc.

REVEL ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

22

19 3/8"

(492 mm)

43 7/8"

(1,114 mm)

1 1/2"

(38.1 mm)

12 3/4"

(324 mm)

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 ULTIMA STUDIO

Owner’s Manual

23

8500 BALBOA BOULEVARD
NORTHRIDGE, CA 91329

PH: [phone] • FAX: [phone]

www.revelspeakers.com

P/N 9301484-001