Revel Voice 2 User Manual

Revel

Voice 2 Loudspeaker

™

Ultima

Owner’s Manual

®

Harman Specialty Group
3 Oak Park Drive
Bedford, MA 01730-1413 USA
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.revelspeakers.com

Customer Service
Telephone: [phone]
Sales Fax: [phone]
Service Fax: [phone]
Product Shipments:
HSG/Revel
Returns Dept.
RMA #
801 S. 75th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85043

Part No. 354892-001| Rev 1 | 12/07

“Revel,” “Ultima” “Ultima Salon,” “Ultima Voice”,” Ultima Studio,” “Ultima Gem,”and the Revel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Harman International Industries, Inc.

©2007 Harman International Industries, Inc. 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.

Introduction REVEL Ultima Voice2

DOCUMENTATION CONVENTIONS

This document contains general safety, installation and operation instructions for the REVEL Ultima Voice™ 2 loudspeaker. It is important to
read this user guide before attempting to use the product. Pay particular attention to safety instructions.

The following symbols are used in the document:

Appears on the component to indicate the
presence of uninsulated, dangerous voltage
inside the enclosu
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

Appears on the component to indicate
important operating and maintenance
instructions in the accompanying literature.

re – voltage that may be

WARNING

CAUTION!

Note:

2

Calls attention to a procedure, practice,
condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in injury
or death.

Calls attention to a procedure, practice,
condition or the like that, if not correctly
performed or adhered to, could result in
damage or destruction to part or all of the
product.

Calls attention to information that is essential to
highlight.

Table of Contents

ABOUT REVEL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About Revel Ultima2 Loudspeakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

About The Revel Ultima Voice2 Loudspeakers . . . . . . 6

Product Registration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What’s in the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

UNPACKING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW. . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Driver Complement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Cabinet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Filter Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Rear Panel Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS . . . . . 12

Loudspeaker Accuracy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Loudspeaker Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Setting the Low Frequency Compensation Switch . . . 12

Flush Mounted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

On top of monitor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Stand mounted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Listening Room Acoustics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Acoustic Treatment Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Voice2 Cradle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Voice2 Combination Spikes/Glides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

MAKING CONNECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Single Wired Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bi-Wired Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Vertical Bi-Amplified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Horizontal Bi-Amplified Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

OPTIMIZING PERFORMANCE . . . . . . . . . . 23

Loudspeaker Volume Level. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Voice2 Dimensions & Weight. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

OBTAINING SERVICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Product Shipment Directions: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Pedestal Unpacking and Installation Instructions . . . . . 2

Ultima Voice2
Owner’s Manual

3

4

Ultima Voice2

Owner’s Manual

Congratulations and Thank You for purchasing your new Revel
Ultima Voice™ 2 Loudspeaker. Please take the time to read the
following installation and setup information in order to optimize
your enjoyment of your new loudspeakers.

contributor to the standard-setting acoustic performance of the
Ultima2 Series Loudspeakers. The attractive rounded shape of the
Ultima2 Series cabinet contributes to their superb off-axis
response while their single-piece, nine-layer construction results
in an extremely inert enclosure.

ABOUT REVEL

Since 1996, Revel has stood at the forefront of loudspeaker design
and performance. Backed by Harman International’s world
leading research and design facilities, Revel loudspeakers benefit
from cutting-edge resources such as:

•Multiple large anechoic chambers which allow for

precise testing and measurements.

•A multi-channel listening lab for double-blind, position

independent listening tests.

•A laser interferometer that enables detailed driver and

cabinet analysis.

• Finite element analysis, utilized for advanced

loudspeaker modeling.

•A stereo lithography apparatus, which rapidly “builds”

tooled parts.

ABOUT REVEL ULTIMA2 LOUDSPEAKERS

The Revel “Ultima2” Series Loudspeakers exemplify subtle
elegance with their smooth, rounded shapes, easily blending into
a wide variety of decors. Available in either a high-gloss
mahogany veneer or high-gloss black finish, the Revel Ultima2
Loudspeakers will be a welcome compliment to any fine home.
The elegant shape extends to their magnetically attached grilles,
which eliminates the need for any unsightly attachment
hardware. The acoustically optimized baffles offer eye-pleasing
shapes when the loudspeakers are used without their grilles. In
fact, the complex computer designed baffles drastically reduce
diffraction. Such unparalleled freedom from diffraction is a major

New transducers were designed from “the ground up” specifically
for the Ultima2 Series. Featuring dual neodymium magnetic
motor systems with sophisticated distortion reduction
mechanisms, titanium diaphragms, and oversized voice coils, the
Ultima2 Series woofers and mid-ranges represent the cutting edge
in transducer design. The new 1-inch tweeter, common to all four
Ultima2 Series loudspeakers, sets the standard for breathtaking
transparency and low coloration with its pure beryllium dome
and third-generation waveguide.

Using advanced CAD modeling and testing resources, Revel has
achieved demonstrably superior sound quality. Our unique
double-blind listening test facilities prove their superiority over all
competitors and Revel’s development process goes well beyond
proving superior performance. An exclusive “tuning” process is
used in producing each and every Ultima2 series loudspeaker,
matching its performance to the original reference prototype to
within a fraction of a decibel. Music and cinema sound lovers can
rest assured that their Ultima2 series loudspeakers sound as great
as the laboratory reference.

Ultima Voice2
Owner’s Manual

5

ABOUT THE REVEL ULTIMA VOICE2 LOUDSPEAKERS

Incorporating all the latest advancements of the new Ultima2
series, the Voice2 is more than simply the finest center channel
available. While an ideal match for other Ultima2 series
loudspeakers as a center channel, the Voice2 is also well suited as
the Left, Center, and Right front loudspeakers in applications
where its orientation and dimensions are more suitable (such as
above or below a screen). The Voice2 accurately matches the
timbre of the Salon2, Studio2 and Gem2, even when used in a
variety of applications. Rear panel controls are provided to
compensate for variable acoustic conditions. Whether placed on
the matching pedestal, or built into cabinetry,the Voice2 can be
fine-tuned to ensure optimal performance.

The Voice2 utilizes two 8-inch woofers together with a 5 1/4-inch
mid-range - all with huge 2-inch flat-wire voice coils - to
reproduce an extraordinarily wide dynamic range with freedom
from compression. The result is consistent sound quality,
regardless of output level. Together with the new 1-inch Ultima2
series tweeter and computer-optimized high-order filter networks,
the Revel Ultima Voice2 truly provides a new reference for center
channel sound quality.

WHAT’S IN THE BOX

• (1) Voice2 Loudspeaker with Adjustable Tilt Cradle

• (4) 2.25-inch (57mm) Combination Spikes with Glides

• (4) Locking Rings

• (4) Felt Washers

• (1) Voice2 Owners Manual

PRODUCT REGISTRATION

Please register the Voice2 within 15 days of purchase. To do so,
register online at the www.revelspeakers.com website or call
Harman Specialty Group Customer Service. Retain the
original, dated sales receipt as proof of warranty coverage.

6

Ultima Voice2

Owner’s Manual

UNPACKING

The Voice2 requires special care and handling during unpacking.
Pay particular attention to the precautions that appear in this
section and throughout this owner’s manual.

Warning

Do not attempt to lift or move the Voice2 alone. Proper
lifting requires at least two strong people. When lifting
the Voice2 keep your back as straight as possible using
the leg muscles to lift. Failure to follow these procedures
may result in personal injuries and/or loudspeaker dam­age.

To unpack the Voice2:

6. Remove the plastic tweeter protector by gently pulling it away
from the tweeter faceplate.

7. Save all packing materials for possible future shipping needs.

(Optional) If you plan to install the combination spikes/glides,
lay the speaker down so the bottom is facing upward (the feet
which have holes for the spikes will be exposed). Remove the
spikes from the end pad and attach them to the bottom of the
loudspeaker. Refer to the combinat ion spikes/glides” section for
detailed installation instructions.

Figure 1: Unpacking Instructions

1. Place the packing carton upside down to expose the side indi­cating “open this side,” and fully open the top flaps.

2. Without allowing the top flaps to close, place the packing car­ton into an inverted position onto a soft towel or carpeted
floor. Lift the packing carton off of the loudspeaker, leaving
the packing material in place as shown in Step 1,Figure 1.
Use caution to avoid damaging the loudspeaker cabinet and
objects located within the packing carton.

3. Leaving the protective end pads on, lift one end of the speaker
so that it is standing on end. Carefully remove the end pad
that is at the top and the center pad as shown in Step 2, Fig­ure 1.

4. Invert the speaker by carefully placing it with the other end
up, using a soft towel to protect the finish. Remove the end
packing material, exercising caution not to damage the
transducers.

5. Remove the protective cloth cover and carefully place the
speaker in its normal upright position, Step 3, in Figure 1.

Ultima Voice2
Owner’s Manual

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2

2

3

3

7

LOUDSPEAKER OVERVIEW

1

1

Figure 2: VOICE2 Front (Pedestal Optional)

1

2

3

2

Figure 3: VOICE2 Cradle

3

DRIVER COMPLEMENT

The numbers in Figure 2 above correspond with the numbered
items below.

1. 1-inch (25mm) Beryllium dome tweeter

2. 5 1/4-inch (133mm) midrange

3. (2) 8-inch (203mm) woofers

8

CABINET

The Voice2 features a complex computer-designed baffle that
drastically reduces diffraction. The rounded shape of the Voice2
cabinet contributes to their superior off-axis response while their
single-piece, nine-layer construction results in an extraordinarily
inert enclosure. A unique “cradle” assembly allows the Voice2
Loudspeaker to be placed on a shelf or large rear projection video
monitor and tilted to optimize its performance.

Ultima Voice2

Owner’s Manual

The cabinet’s wood veneer finish does not require routine
maintenance. Cabinet surfaces that have been marked with dust,
fingerprints, or other dirt can be cleaned using a soft cloth and
high-quality wax.

• To clean the cabinet, apply furniture polish to a soft cloth
then use the cloth to lightly wipe the cabinet surface. Use care
to avoid coming into contact with the tweeter dome or other
drivers.

• To clean the grille, gently vacuum using a soft-bristled
brush vacuum attachment.

Caution

Use caution not to touch or allow any object or liquid to come
in contact with the Beryllium tweeter dome. Variations in its
finish are normal. Any attempt to clean the tweeter dome will
result in damage, which is not covered under the limited
warranty. To prevent cabinet damage, do not use a cloth made
with steel wool or metal polish to clean the cabinet. To prevent
possible transducer damage, do not apply furniture polish
directly to the cabinet or to the speakers.

FILTER NETWORK

The Voice2 networks (crossovers) optimize both the on and off­axis response, utilizing high-order filters at 235 Hz and 2 kHz.
These sophisticated networks help to ensure smooth octave-to­octave balance and timbral accuracy. Separate woofer, midrange
and tweeter filter boards prevent mutual interference between
filter network components, dramatically reducing distortion over
a wide dynamic range. Gold-plated binding posts and shorting
straps accommodate single-wired, bi-wired, and bi-amplified
connections. Low Frequency Compensation and Tweeter Level
switches on the rear panel provide the ability to compensate for
acoustic effects due to various applications and loudspeaker
placement, as well as less-than-ideal listening room acoustics.

Ultima Voice2
Owner’s Manual

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REAR PANEL OVERVIEW

Controls are provided on the rear panel which allow the
optimization of the Voice2 Loudspeaker response for different
loudspeaker applications and placement. Refer to the
“Loudspeaker Placement” section for more information. The
definitions below refer to Figure 4: Rear Panel on the following
page.

1. Low Frequency Compensation Switch

• Select the Flush setting (as a starting point) if the Voice2

is placed in a bookcase or wall unit.

• Select the Stand - setting (as a starting point) if the

Voice2 is placed on top of a video monitor or placed on a
shelf.

• Select the Stand + setting (as a starting point) if the

Voice2 is placed on a stand such as the optional pedestal
stand

2. Tweeter Level (dB) Switch

The tweeter output level can be adjusted in calibrated steps by ­1, -0.5, 0, +0.5 or +1 dbB

4. Jumper Straps

Accommodates single-wired, bi-wired, and bi-amplified con­nections. Two gold-plated jumper straps are installed for
single-wired connections. The jumper straps must be
removed when the input terminals are used for bi-wired or
bi-amplified connections. Refer to the “Making Connections”
section for additional information.

Note

Refer to the “Optimizing Performance” section for more information
about the Low Frequency Compensation and Tweeter Level switches.

3. Input Terminals

Provides high and low-frequency connections from the
associated power amplifier(s). One pair of high-frequency
and one pair of low-frequency gold-plated binding posts are
available. The input terminals can be configured for single­wired, bi-wired, or bi-amplified connections. Refer to the
“Making Connections” section for additional information.

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Ultima Voice2

Owner’s Manual

Figure 4 Rear Panel

1

Input Panel

3

4

3

2

3

4

3

1. Low Frequency Compensation Switch

2. Tweeter Level (dB) Switch

Ultima Voice2
Owner’s Manual

3. Input Terminals (- Negative/+ Positive)

4. Jumper Straps

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