Atlantic Technology SBT-1000 User manual

Instruction Manual
Model SBT-1000
& SBT-500
High Performance
Powered Subwoofers

Copyright © 2018 Atlantic Technology International.
Specications are those in effect at the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves
the right to change specications or designs at any time without notice. Dolby Digital,
AC-3, Dolby Stereo and Dolby Pro Logic are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corporation
Table of Contents
3 Model SBT-1000 and SBT-500 Subwoofers
4-5 Subwoofer Rear Panel diagrams
5 Features
6 Connecting Your Subwoofer
Subwoofer Line Out to Low Level In
Power Connection
7 Low Level Connection–One Subout/LFE Output
8 Low Level Connections–Two Subout/LFE Outputs
9 Placement and Operation
9 System Setup
Subwoofer Tuning Without Aides
How Much Bass is Enough?
10 Using the Subwoofer Lowpass Control
e Phase Invert Control
Center Channel Modes
Care of Your Subwoofer
11 Troubleshooting Guide
Specications
Safety Precautions
The lightning flash with arrowhead,
within an equilateral triangle, alerts the
alert the user to uninsulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product enclosure that
may be of sufficient magnitude to consti-
tute a risk of electrical shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle alerts the user to
important operating maintenance or
servicing instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
2Safety Precautions SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside. Refer to
qualied personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture. is device generates
a fair amount of heat. Make sure nothing blocks the ventilation
openings on the top and bottom of the unit.
For Future Reference
Record your speaker and amplier serial numbers and date
of purchase here:
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
e serial number is found on the back panel.

3
SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers
Model SBT-1000 & SBT-500
High Performance Powered Subwoofers
Congratulations on your purchase of an Atlantic
Technology powered subwoofer. A well designed
subwoofer, properly integrated into your system, will
enhance your listening pleasure dramatically by pro-
viding the bass foundation upon which most music
and special effects are built.
These subwoofers are capable of delivering very high
output levels and wide dynamic range. When properly
placed, either will provide smooth deep bass response
extending to 20Hz.
The proprietary high-efficiency amplifier are conser-
vatively rated at 500 and 1000 watts RMS. Each ampli-
fier drives dual long-throw woofers (either 10-inch or
12-inch size) in a robust enclosure for accurate deep
bass with very low distortion.
The Lowpass adjustment allows your Atlantic Tech-
nology powered subwoofer will blend smoothly with
the main loudspeakers.

4Subwoofer Rear Panels SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers
SBT-1000
EQ
Max Spl
Max Range Bypass
Normal
Lowpass Standby Phase
Invert
Normal
Volume
Crossover
Frequency Line In XLR Input s
Input Voltage
Power Input
Off
On
Auto
Made In China
RAT ED P OW ER CO NS UM P TI ON 1 000 W
110-120V U se fu se T1 2AL-250V 110- 120VAC ~60Hz
220-240V Use fu se T6 .3AL-250 V 220 -24 0VAC~50Hz
Line In
8060
140
R
L
Left Right
XLR Inputs
Volume
Phase
Normal
Invert
EQ
Max SPL
Max Range
Lowpass
Normal
Bypass
Red-standby
Green-on
Standby
Off
On
Auto
Min 40 Max
110-1 20V U se fuse T6.3A L-250V 110-120VAC~60Hz
Crossover
Frequency
ON OFF
Power Input
SBT-500
RoHS
Made In China
Input Voltage
RAT ED PO WER C ON S UMP TIO N 500 W
220-240V Use fuse T3.15 AL- 250V 220 -240VAC~50Hz
2
4 17
865
3
11
11
910
109
3 421
567 8
SBT-500
SBT-1000

5
SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers
EQ – Max SPL or Max Range
e Max SPL position provides stronger overall output
with restricted very deep bass output. e Max Range
position provides deeper bass extension with restricted
maximum overall output.
Low Pass
NORMAL position: e Low Pass control sets the
upper frequency limit of the subwoofer. BYPASS posi-
tion: For a THX sub output signal or another external
signal source with its own low pass equalization.
Standby Switch
OFF position: e subwoofer is OFF.
ON position: e subwoofer is ON.
AUTO position: e subwoofer turns on in response to
an audio signal. It turns o aer a period of silence.
Phase Switch
Set for stronger output in the narrow frequency range
covered by both the satellites and the subwoofer.
Volume
Sets the overall output of the subwoofer.
Crossover Frequency (Low Pass)
Sets the upper frequency limit of the subwoofer.
Line In
Le and Right channel RCA jacks for connecting the
stereo or mono subwoofer signal output of a preamp/
receiver or other signal source.
XLR inputs
ese jacks accept XLR signal cables, which provide
greater resistance to the intrusion of hum or noise over
long signal cable lengths.
110/220V Switch
Voltage switch for use in dierent countries. is
switch will be set when you receive the unit. Change
this setting only when you are sure your application
requires it. For US, the switch should be set to the 110-
120V position.
Main Power
Set to OFF if the subwoofer is not going to be used for
an extended period of time (more than two to three
weeks).
AC Power Input
Use the included power cord to connect your amplier
to a wall outlet.
8
9
10
11
4
7
3
6
2
5
1
Features
Your Atlantic Technology powered subwoofer has
been engineered using the latest technology and
finest components available.
·Dual long-throw composite cone bass drivers,
each with a vented motor structure and high
temperature, 4-layer voice coil.
is powerful driver design has a very sti cone that
acts like a piston throughout its operating range. Its
massive magnetic motor assembly and high tempera-
ture component parts deliver exceptional performance
and reliability.
·The sturdy enclosure design delivers low
distortion and extended deep bass output.
As with all Atlantic Technology subwoofers, we have
paid close attention to providing accurate musical bass
reproduction along with terric special eects.
·High-efficiency 500 and 1000 watt amplifiers.
The output stages are capable of very high current
delivery for exceptional driver control. The digital
design ensures cool operation. Each amplifier has
been precision matched and equalized to its specific
driver. The result is powerful, controlled bass with
great articulation and authority.
·An adjustable (40Hz to 140Hz) @ 24dB per
octave low pass crossover.
e steep 24dB per octave slope allows for much better
blending with the satellite speakers while making the
woofer less localizable.
Note: If you are using a surround processor or receiver
that includes its own low-pass subwoofer output (or a
THX-certied processor/receiver), set the subwoofer
crossover control to the Bypass position.
·A Phase Invert switch (normal/invert).
is switch allows better acoustic matching with satellite
speaker systems. Be sure to try the Phase switch in both
positions when you set up your subwoofer. If you hear
increased bass output in one position, leave the switch in
that position.
·Automatic standby operation
e
Automatic Standby function features signal sens-
ing turn-on with 7-10 minute turn-o delay. A switch
allows your choice of "Always On" or "Automatic
Standby-O" positions.

XLRINPUTS
Left Right
SBT-1000
110-120V Use fuse T12A-250V 110-120VAC 60Hz
220-240V Use fuse T6.3A-250V 220-240VAC 50Hz
SBT-500
110-120V Use fuse T6.3A-250V 110-120VAC 60Hz
220-240V Use fuse T3.15A-250V 220-240VAC 50Hz
Connecting Your Subwoofer
Use the low-level (RCA jack) subwoofer line out of
your surround sound receiver/processor. Simply
connect your subwoofer with a high quality shielded
cable as shown in the diagram on the opposite page.
Please consult your processor/receiver manual for
further information.
Warning: To prevent risk of electrical shock or
damage to your equipment, always unplug all com-
ponent AC cords before proceeding with speaker
and component connections! The last step in wiring
your system should be plugging in the AC cords!
AC Connection To SBT-1000
(SBT-500 is similar)
Normal Operation
With the Standby switch in the AUTO position,
the subwoofer turns on in the presence of an audio
signal from your system. Aer 7-10 minutes with no
audio signal detected, the amplier enters its low-
power draw Standby mode. Standby operation can
be bypassed by putting the switch in the ON posi-
tion. The OFF position inactivates the subwoofer.
When the sub is on, the power LED located on the
amplifier panel glows green. The LED glows yellow
in the Standby mode. The LED is dark if the Stand-
by switch is set to OFF.
Subwoofer Line Out to Low Level In
Run an RCA cable from your receiver’s Sub Out jack
to either the L (LEFT CHANNEL) input jack or R (RIGHT
CHANNEL) input jack on the back of the powered sub-
woofer. If your receiver/processor has stereo subwoof-
er outputs, connect these to the L (LEFT CHANNEL) and
R (RIGHT CHANNEL) jacks on the back of the powered
subwoofer.
Power Connection
Connect the power cord to an AC outlet only aer
making all other connections to the subwoofer. is
will avoid any chance of accidentally activating the
subwoofer while wiring.
Atlantic Technology does not recommend plugging
the subwoofer into the switched outlet of an amplier,
preamplier, or receiver. e power demands of the
subwoofer amplier may exceed the power rating of
the switched outlet and may damage the equipment.
6SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers

XLRINPUTS
Left Right
Sub Out/LFE
SBT-1000 input shown
SBT-500 is similar
Low Level Subwoofer Connection
7
Monaural Connection SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers

XLRINPUTS
Left Right
Sub Out/LFE Sub Out/LFE
SBT-1000 input shown
SBT-500 is similar
8Stereo Connection SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers

1. Start here.
3. Move away
from wall for
less bass.
2. Move to
corner for
more bass.
Placement and Operation
Generally speaking, the best location for your new subwoofer
is the front of the room, close to a corner (see diagram below).
e closer the subwoofer is placed to a wall and especially a
corner, the stronger the bass response.
A Helpful Hint: A useful experiment is to place the subwoofer
right at the prime listening position. Move your couch or chair
out of the way and put the sub in its place. en play music
with strong, consistent bass content. Walk around the room,
listening to the subwoofer’s bass output. When you locate a site
with ample bass, you’ve found a good site for the sub. In most
rooms, this will be near a corner.
System Set Up
When setting up a complete home theater, we recommend that
you use a Sound Pressure Level meter. SPL meters are available
starting at around $35. To use this meter, turn on your system,
put the Processor/Receiver in the Test Mode and set its main
volume control to 0dB. Sit in the prime listening position, set
the SPL meter to the 70dB scale, Slow Response, and C Weight-
ing. Now, holding the meter pointed up and in front of you,
let the system cycle its test tone from speaker to speaker and
set every speaker to 75dB using the individual level settings in
the Processor/Receiver. Use the main Volume control on the
subwoofer to achieve a balance with the main speakers, then
use the processor to ne tune the bass output.
Try watching several dierent movies and keep in mind that
the goal is to have a system that sounds like you’re actually “in
the movie.” Should you have diculty achieving the correct
subwoofer volume this way or should your Processor/Receiver
not have a subwoofer level control, just use the subwoofer's
volume control to set the balance. If you decide not to use an
SPL meter, try to set all the speaker levels the same using the
Test Tones.
Subwoofer Tuning Without Aides (SPL Meter or Test Tones)
Start your listening with the subwoofer Lowpass control set at
80Hz (or in the Bypass position if you’re using a component
with a built-in low-pass output). Set the phase switch to normal
and the Volume control to the "12 o'clock" position. If possible,
have another person be ready to adjust the subwoofer level
control in response to your direction.
Play some music you know has consistent bass content. From
your normal listening position, determine whether the sub-
woofer is lling in the bass of the music evenly. If adjustment is
necessary, adjust the subwoofer level up or down.
Once you have achieved a good balance between the subwoof-
er and the main speakers, have someone ip the Phase switch
between its two settings. Listen for a subtle dierence in output.
Use the stronger position, regardless of whether it is "in phase"
or reversed. If the Phase switch results in increased output aer
setting the subwoofer level control, readjust the level control for
best balance between the main speakers and the subwoofer.
How Much Bass Is Enough?
Sometimes people prefer more bass impact for movies. Using
the bass level you prefer for movies while listening to music can
result in overpowering and unnatural bass reproduction. You
may need to determine a "movie" level and a "music" level.
If this is the rst time you have balanced a subwoofer with a
main system, it's easy to set the subwoofer to play too loudly.
e Home eater Police will not arrest you. You might nd
you back o on the sub output aer a week or two of use.
9
SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers

Using the Subwoofer Low Pass Control
When used with the complete Atlantic Audio System 4400,
the subwoofer's low-pass control should be set at around 80Hz
(unless you are using a processor with its own built-in cross-
over). e low-frequency response of the System 4400 satel-
lites has been optimized to work with approximately an 80Hz
crossover point. Higher crossover frequencies pass more bass
but can sound boomy and may be more easily localized to the
subwoofer.
A higher crossover frequency setting than 80Hz may be suitable,
however, when using very small satellites that have no real low
frequency performance. Settings lower than 80Hz should be em-
ployed if you are using larger main speakers with extended bass
response. e subwoofer should only produce the very lowest
bass that is below range of the main speakers.
Consult the manufacturer’s specied low frequency response for
your main speakers to determine an approximate low pass set-
ting on your subwoofer.
e Phase Invert Control
A switch that reverses the phase of the subwoofer is provided on
the amplier panel. Listen to a monaural musical source with
strong, consistent bass content while someone else ips this
switch. e switch only aects the narrow range of bass output
that is shared between the "upper end" of the subwoofer's output
and the "lower end" of the main speaker's output. Leave the
switch in the position that has stronger output. en ne tune
the subwoofer's low pass and volume adjustment.
It is possible you will not hear a difference between the two
settings of this switch. If you do not hear a difference, it
indicates your main speakers and subwoofer are not precisely
"in-phase" or "out-of-phase" at the narrow range of bass cov-
ered by both speakers.
If so, just use the low pass and volume adjustments to set the
subwoofer balance.
A Word About Bass, Center Channel Modes and System Set Up
Many surround processors and receivers feature a “Wide” and
“Normal” mode for the center channel speaker. Atlantic Tech-
nology recommends that the center channel be operated in the
“Normal” mode when using a powered subwoofer. e center
channel speaker will sound more dynamic and the intelligibility
of the system will generally be improved when in the “Normal”
mode.
With discrete digital “5.1, 6.1, or 7.1” channel systems (Dolby
Digital, DTS, etc.), many controllers provide a Bass Management
option, which lets you set the front and rear speakers in a lim-
ited bandwidth (Small) or full range (Large) mode. When using
a subwoofer with Atlantic Technology speakers we recommend
setting such a controller to the Small position for all the speakers
in the system.
10 SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers
IMPORTANT: Save e Carton Assembly!
Save all packing materials until you are certain the
system has suered no damage in shipment. If you nd
such damage, either visible or internal, contact your
dealer immediately for the proper return procedure.
If at all possible, save the carton assembly. ere is no
substitute should you need to move or ship your sub-
woofer for any reason.
Care of Your Subwoofer
Atlantic Technology subwoofers are constructed from thick Me-
dium Density Fiberboard. MDF is a non-resonant material ideal
for speaker system enclosures. To clean the cabinet you may use
a so cloth either dry or slightly dampened with clean water.
Be careful not to wet the cabinet or allow any water to enter the
cabinet seams. Avoid placing your speakers in direct sunlight or
near a source of heat that may, over time, damage the nish.

Subwoofer Troubleshooting Guide
Once your subwoofer is set up, you should have many years of maintenance-free enjoyment from your
system. However, if you should encounter a problem, refer to the following guide to help you nd the
solution. If a problem persists, you should contact your local authorized Atlantic Technology dealer.
Problem Possible Cause Possible Solution
Subwoofer Specifications
Shared Features Auto signal sensing on/off/bypass High efciency tracking amplier
Continuous 40–140Hz adjustment 2-inch, four-layer aluminum voice coil
with 24dB/octave lowpass Vented pole motor structure
Absolute phase invert switch XLR inputs
Variable low level stereo input
SBT-1000 SBT-500
Bass Driver X 2 12"long-throw composite cone 10"long-throw composite cone
Output Power 1000W RMS 500W RMS
Distortion (amplier) <0.5% <0.5%
Frequency Response 20Hz – 300Hz ±3 dB (Max Range) 23Hz – 300Hz ±3 dB (Max Range)
27Hz – 300Hz ±3 dB (Max SPL) 29Hz – 300Hz ±3 dB (Max SPL)
Low Level (line) 20k Ohms 20k Ohms
Peak Output (2500 cu. ft.) 107dB SPL 107dB SPL
Dimensions W H D W H D
inches 22.4 x 22.9 x 22.4 18.5 x 18.8 x 18.5
mm 568 x 581 x 568 470 x 477 x 470
Weight 110lbs/50kg 66lbs/30kg
AC Power Compatibility 110VAC 50/60Hz & 110VAC 50/60Hz &
240VAC 50/60Hz 240VAC 50/60Hz
11
SBT-1000 & SBT-500 Powered Subwoofers
AC power cord unplugged or plugged
into a non-working outlet.
Input cables not securely connected
or defective.
Input cable not securely connected or
defective.
Ground loop through antenna or
cable TV system input.
Plug into a working outlet.
Check all connections, then try
another input cable.
Check all connections, then try
another input cable.
Test by disconnecting antenna or cable
input leads. If hum goes away, install
isolation balun(s) at that point.
No bass output
Audible buzz or hum
Copyright ©2018 Atlantic Technology International. Specications are those in eect at
the time of printing. Atlantic Technology reserves the right to change specications or
designs at any time without notice. Dolby Digital, AC-3, Dolby Stereo and Dolby Pro
Logic are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

343 Vanderbilt Avenue Norwood, MA 02062 [phone] www.atlantictechnology.com