Amina ALF40 User manual

Installation Guide ALF40
Discrete SubwooferV1.0 July 2013

Caution: Read this before operating your unit
Contents
01
02
03
01
02-3
04
05
06
07
08
09
1 0
1 1
1 2
1 3
04
05
06
To ensure optimal performance, please read
this guide carefully and keep in a safe place
for future reference.
Install this product in a cool, dry, clean place -
away from direct sunlight and heat sources,
vibration, dust and moisture.
Do not expose this unit to sudden
temperature changes or locate it in an
environment with high humidity. This is to
prevent condensation forming inside which
may cause damage to the unit.
Included in the carton
Using the Adjustable Port System
Positioning the ALF40
Positioning the ALF40 (Diagram)
Using the supplied Port Trim
Connection Options (Passive 2. 1)
Connection Options (Passive 2. 2)
Connection Options (Active 2. 1)
Connection Options (Active 2. 2)
Setup Tips
Specifications
Dimensions
WARNING:
No attempt should be made to install this product within existing building structures unless you are certain
no electric cables, water pipes, gas pipes or supporting joists will be cut through.
Do not clean this unit with chemical solvents
as this may damage the finish. Use a clean,
dry or damp cloth.
Do not attempt to modify or repair the unit.
Contact your distributor or manufacturer if a
fault should occur.
Ensure that any fixing structures will support
the weight of this product.

Included in the carton
WARNING: TAKE CARE NOT DROP OBJECTS THROUGH THE PORT
HOLES AND INTO THE ALF80 ENCLOSURE.
Please contact your dealer if any of the above parts are missing or you require spares.
01
Parts:
01 Port x1
02 Rubber O-ring x1
03 Port Plate x1
04 Cabinet x1
05 Port Trim x1
06 Blanking Plate x1
07 Port Plate and Blanking
Plate Screws x8
08 Fixing Screws (6x 12.3mm
for cabinet. 9x 21 mm for
joist etc)
09 Rubber feet x4
1 0 Bracket x3
01
02
03
04
06
07
1 0
09
08
x9
21mm
1 1
05
x6
12.3mm
x8

Using the Adjustable Port System
02
The ALF40 features a unique port system allowing for greater flexibility when positioning and
concealing the product.
There are two optional positions where the port can be connected to the ALF40 cabinet. An aluminium
plate (port plate) and a rubber o-ring provide an air tight seal around the port. A similar blanking plate
is used to cover and seal the unused port hole.
To remove the port and blanking plates use a number 3 Hex screwdriver to remove the four fixing
screws. Then remove the plate from the cabinet taking care not to drop the o-ring through the port
openings.
When adjusting the port length, remove the screws along with the port plate and pull/push the port by
gripping the inside surface. Ensure the o-ring is correctly positioned in its rebate before re-securing the
port plate and make sure the port is absolutely firm. If it appears loose, check the o-ring has not
dropped through the opening.
Top Position
This port position can be useful if you need to stand the ALF40 on its end (connection terminal facing
upward).
MAX 80mm

Using the Adjustable Port System
03
End Position
Important notes:
ALWAYS loosen the four screws in the port
plate before adjusting the port.
The blanking plate MUST always be screwed
down over the port opening that is not in use.
Be sure to tighten both the port plate and the
blanking plate. Never over-tighten the screws.
Use ONLY the supplied screws to fix the port
and blanking plates.
Contact your dealer if spares are required.
Ensure the rubber o-ring is correctly in
position around the port and sitting within the
circular rebate.
To release the blanking plate from its
position, it may be necessary to push it from
behind from within the cabinet. This can be
done via the other port opening once the
port is removed.
01
02
03
04
05
06
MAX 80mm

Positioning the ALF40
04
Free Standing
The ALF40 can be positioned anywhere within a room and in any orientation. A location near the
corner of a room will give the most bass output however it is important to allow the bass port to
breathe. Do not place any solid objects closer than 50mm (2”) directly in front of the port. Adhere the
supplied rubber feet to the cabinet, this will protect the product from dirt and scratches when
positioned on the floor.
Fixing Brackets
Use the supplied brackets to secure the ALF40 to a solid structure. Use only the supplied, 12.3mm
screws to fix the brackets to the cabinet. Never use longer screws as these may damage the unit’s
internal components. Ensure the brackets are not fixed over the port plate, blanking plate or connection
terminal.
Concealed Placement
The ALF40 can be placed within furniture, behind wall panelling or even within a ceiling cavity.
Whatever structure you install the ALF40 inside, it is important to create a suitable hole for the port to
protrude through allowing it to breathe into the listening room.
Use the brackets and screws provided to secure the ALF40 within the structure.
In-Ceiling
The illustration on the next page shows how the brackets supplied can be used to fix the ALF40 to a
ceiling joist.
Notice the port protrudes from the cabinet - this allows it to then protrude through a suitable hole cut in
the plasterboard ceiling layer.
The supplied Port Trim may be placed over the port opening to improve its appearance, (this is
detailed on the next page).
Alternatively a suitable lighting fixture bezel may be used in a similar way. The Port diameter dimension
of 43mm is designed so it is the same dimension as a GU10 light bulb, this will help when fitting a
lighting fixture bezel. Ensure any fixtures used are securely fitted to avoid audible vibrations.
Note:
When using a lighting fixture bezel, be sure not to position it as part of the lighting pattern as this will
result in a dark patch within the room.

Positioning the ALF40 (Diagram)
05
Ceiling Joist
12.3mm screws
into ALF40
Port Trim/
suitable lighting fixture
Port
Brackets
21mm screws
into joist
min 10mm
max 60mm gap
ALF40
Plasterboard Ceiling
Ceiling Joist
In-Ceiling cont.
Detail view

MAX 5mm
(0.19”)
Using the supplied Port Trim
06
The supplied Port Trim can be used to improve the appearance of the port when, for example, the
ALF40 is installed behind a plasterboard ceiling. It is designed to fit up to 5mm over the end of the
protruding port.
Note:
Double sided foam
tape can be used if
necessary to adhere
the Port Trim to the
surface of the ceiling
(not supplied)
43.5mm
(1.7”)
6mm
(0.23”)
12mm
(0.47”)
1.5mm3.5mm
(0.13”) (0.05”)
64mm
(2.5”)
48mm
(1.8”)

Stereo Amplifier
L R
CH 1
L R CH 2
Connection Options (Passive 2.1)
07
Passive Stereo 2. 1 : AIW150E / AIW350e pair + ALF40
The ALF40 has been optimised to work with the Amina Evolution series of Invisible speakers.
The following examples illustrate its use with these series of speakers, however the ALF40 can also be
used to enhance other manufacturers speakers. The ALF40 is designed so it can be connected in
parallel with AIW speakers.
Non Amina satellite speakers should be a minimum of 8 Ohms if wired in parallel with an ALF40.
Note: Amplifier must be 4 Ohm stable.
In this scenario, one of the amplifier channels (left or right) is used to drive the ALF40 and one of the
Evolution speakers together in parallel. It is assumed bass frequencies are mixed in mono on most
program material, however for orchestral music better performance will be obtained with the ALF40
connected to the left channel of the amplifier.
The output of an ALF40 in most situations will match a pair of Evolution speakers.
Note:
You may need to adjust the amplifier’s balance control to obtain an equal output from the Evolution
speakers.
APU150 /
APU350
ALF40
AIW150E
/AIW350E
AIW150E
/AIW350E

ALF40
Stereo Amplifier
L R
Connection Options (Passive 2.2)
08
Passive Stereo 2. 2: AIW550E pair + 2x ALF40
Note: Amplifier must be 4 Ohm stable.
For systems using a pair of AIW550E speakers, a pair of ALF40’s will be necessary. In this scenario both
channels of the stereo amplifier drive one ALF40 in parallel connection with an AIW550E.
This scenario will also apply to a situation where a pair of AIW350E speakers are used in larger rooms
or where more bass is required.
CH 1
CH 2
APU550
L R
ALF40
AIW550E AIW550E

Connection Options (Active 2.1)
09
Active Stereo 2. 1: AIW150E / AIW350E pair + ALF40
By connecting a single ALF40 to its own amplifier channel, its output (relative to the AIW150E /
AIW350E pair) can be set optimally. In larger rooms care should be taken not to adjust the relative
output of the ALF40 too high. This may result in the unit reaching its mechanical limits well before that
of the accompanying Evolution speakers. If this is the case , consider using two ALF40’s (Active Stereo 2.
2).
Multi-channel
Amplifier
L RL R
CH3 CH4CH1 CH2
CH 1
L R
CH 2
APU150 /
APU350
ALF40
AIW150E
/AIW350E
AIW150E
/AIW350E

Multi-channel
Amplifier
L RL R
CH3 CH4CH1 CH2
Connection Options (Active 2.2)
1 0
Active Stereo 2. 2: AIW550E pair + 2x ALF40
For systems using a pair of AIW550E speakers, two ALF40’s will be necessary. In this scenario the
amplifier will need four independent channels.
This setup will work equally well with a pair of AIW350E speakers.
CH 1
L R
CH 2
APU550
ALF40
ALF40
AIW550E AIW550E

Setup Tips
1 1
When setting up any of the above system
scenarios, it is advised to experiment with
connecting the ALF40 in reverse phase with
respect to the Evolution series speakers.
Often the reverse-phase connection results in
better integration and slightly higher sound
pressure level through “cross-over” region.
Using pink noise can be a good way of
judging the difference between the in-phase
and reverse-phase connections.
In scenarios 2 + 3 only, a maximum number
of two ALF40s may be connected in parallel
to a single amplifier output (amplifier must
be 4 ohm stable). This will help provide the
correct low frequency sound pressure levels
in large rooms without the need for
additional amplifier channels.
Where there is more than one pair of
Evolution speakers in a room, decide which
of the above scenarios is applicable to the
system then multiply the number (e.g 2. 1) by
the number of speaker pairs.
Example: a very large reception room
requires four AIW350E speakers and the
amplifier has provision for up to six
independent amplifier channels. This could
then be an Active 4. 2 system (2. 1x2 = 4. 2) or
a passive 4. 4 system (2. 2x2 = 4. 4)
depending on the amount of bass output
required.
To avoid unwanted vibrations, ensure the
ALF40 is fixed securely to a structure or, if
free standing, the supplied rubber feet are
used.
01
02
03
04

Specifications
1 2
Dimensions:
Weight:
Design:
Power Handling:
Nominal Impedance:
Frequency Response:
Sensitivity:
Maximum Short term SPL:
Connection:
Minimum cavity depth requirement:
Box quantity:
Fixing accessories provided:
High pass filter requirement:
237/ 8 ” x 156/8” x 26/8”
(604mm x 398mm x 68mm)
1 1.02lbs (5kgs)
Ported, acoustic bandpass with built in
protection circuit
30W (continuous); 60W (max)
8 Ohms
60 Hz - 150Hz (+/-6dB), 18dB bandpass
octave slope
80dB 1m/1W
98dB 1m/1W
Blue butt splice crimp terminal
2.5” (63mm) from front of drywall stud
Pairs
Shims for 5/8” wall board
APU2 (supplied) or optional APUR-S8 multi
channel rack mount device
Limited Warranty:
The ALF40 is designed to operate reliably for many years. Correctly installed and in accordance with
these instructions, Amina warranties the ALF40 against defective materials and workmanship for a
period of one year.

Dimensions
1 3
358mm
14in 5.2in
64mm 67mm
2.6in2.5in
43mm
134mm
158mm 6.2in
79mm 3.1in
1.6in

Amina Technologies Ltd
Cirrus House, Glebe Road
Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 7DX England
T: 00 44 1480 354390
E: inspir[email protected]o.uk / W: www.amina.co.uk