Axiom Audio EP400 Epicenter User manual

®
EP400
Quick Setup Guide
Epicenter

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Donotinstallnearanyheatsourcessuchasradiators,heatregisters,stoves,orotherapparatus(includingampliers)
that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third
 prongareprovidedforyoursafety.Iftheprovidedplugdoesnottintoyouroutlet,consultanelectricianfor
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the
point where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Onlyuseattachments/accessoriesspeciedbythemanufacturer.
12.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket,
    ortablespeciedbythemanufacturer,orsoldwiththeapparatus.
When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
14. Referallservicingtoqualiedservicepersonnel.Servicingisrequiredwhentheapparatushasbeendamagedinany
way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus,
the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. Donotexposethisapparatustodrippingorsplashingandensurethatnoobjectslledwithliquids,suchasvases,are
placed on the apparatus.
16. To completely disconnect this apparatus from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the
AC receptacle.
17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
18. Donotexposebatteriestoexcessiveheatsuchassunshine,reorthelike.
SAFETY PROCEDURES
• EnsurethatyouconnectyourSubwooferonlytothetypeofpower 
supply indicated on the amplifier faceplate, and ensure that the power
cord cannot be walked on or otherwise damaged.
• To prevent electric shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully
insert.
• Ensure that objects or liquids are not allowed to penetrate the enclosure.
• YourAXIOMSubwoofersarefinishedinadurablevinyland
from time to time should be wiped clean gently with a
slightly damp cloth to remove any dust or stains.
For any additional information or service, contact:
AXIOM, 2885 HWY 60 Phone: [phone]
DWIGHT ON CANADA
P01 1H0
The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous
voltage“ within the product’s enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk
of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of
important operating and maintenance
(servicing)instructionsintheliterature
accompanying the product.
WARNING : To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock,
do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Every member of our Axiom team, myself included, is pleased that you have decided on one of
our products. We have all worked hard to bring the highest level of satisfaction to your
audio experiences, and will continue to work hard to make every Axiom purchase a wise audio
investment for you.
Axiom is deeply committed to ongoing audio research that continues to enhance the performance
of our products.We design and engineer all of our loudspeakers based on the world-class psycho-
acoustical research that was conducted at the National Research Council and that I have been
an integral part of since its early years. This research changed the way that sound is measured,
and allows Axiom to provide the world’s most realistic-sounding loudspeakers at amazing value
to the consumer. By emphasizing the practical side of our ongoing research, Axiom continues to
extend people’s expectations of performance.
It is our central goal at Axiom to turn this research into a truly exciting experience for you in
your environment. Our commitment to the delivery of the most accurate sound reproduction is
a commitment to heighten the level of enjoyment you receive from music and movies.
We at Axiom see our customers as family members and as such we stand at the ready to deliver
personal, expert advice and to follow up on any of your audio needs.
Sincerely,
Ian Colquhoun
President, Axiom
The M22ti being tested in the anechoic chamber
at the National Research Council.
WELCOME

EP400 - ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
Step 1:
LINE IN: The RCA line-level female input, second row, accepts a standard
RCA male plug. Connect a shielded coaxial cable, with male RCA plugs on
eachend,fromtheA/VreceiverorA/Vpreampprocessor’sSubwooferOutput
jack to the RCA LINE IN female jack on the EP400.
3.5mm MINI-Jack: This is for any 3-Volt to 30-Volt power-on trigger. It is also
intended for trigger-controlled operation with future Axiom products.
BALANCED XLR LINE IN: If the A/V receiver or A/V preamp-processor has
balanced XLR subwoofer line-out connections, you may connect a Balanced
XLR male connector to the XLR female input. Otherwise, ignore this connector.
Do not use a combination of RCA and XLR input or output connectors.
HIGH LEVEL INPUT: Use these “speaker-level” or high-level 5-way binding
post connectors only if your receiver or preamp lacks a dedicated line-level
subwoofer output jack. Connect speaker cables from your amplier’s left-
channel and right-channel speaker output binding posts to the high-level
inputsusingbananaplugs(singleordual),spadeconnectors,pins,orbare
cable if you wish (unscrew the top of each binding post and insert the cable
intotheholeinthepost;tightentheknurledknobagainstthecable).Runa
second pair of speaker cables from these jacks to your main left and right
front speakers. Do not use these connectors if you are already using an RCA
or XLR line-level connection from the receiver or preamp to the subwoofer.
NOTE: BE SURE TO CONNECT BLACK TO BLACK AND RED TO RED.
Step 2:
LINE OUT (RCA, Trigger and XLR Balanced):
An RCA line-level (female) output and balanced XLR output (male) are
provided for connection to a second subwoofer. Use a standard shielded
coaxial cable for connection of the RCA Line Out to the second subwoofer. If
you are using balanced XLR connectors, then use the balanced Line Out for
operation of a second EP400.
Step 3:
CROSSOVER: If you are using the Bass Management crossover menu
settings in your A/V receiver or processor, turn the subwoofer crossover
control to the setting at or just above the highest crossover point you selected
on your AV receiver menu, i.e. for a 90-Hz or higher receiver menu setting,
use“Bypass”onthesub(“Bypass”selectsa150-Hzcrossover),for70–80
HzontheAVreceiver’smenu,use80Hzonthesub,andsoon.Ifyourleft
and right front satellite speakers have a woofer diameter of 4 inches or less,
use the 150-Hz “Bypass” setting on your subwoofer to enable a smoother
transition between your subwoofer and satellites.
IfyouareusingtheHIGHLEVEL (Speaker Level) binding-post inputs, set
thesubwoofercrossoverswitchto80Hzforinitialsetup.Ifyouhaveoor-
standingspeakers(M50,M60,orM80),trya60Hzcrossoverfrequency,for
theM80try40Hz.Ifyourmainspeakersarebookshelfmodelsusethe80Hz
setting. Ultimately you want to use a crossover frequency that produces the
smoothest blend of sound between the subwoofer and your main speakers.
Step 4:
VOLUME:Setthevolumetothe9o’clockpositionforthetimebeing.Later,
whenyouhavenishedthehookupofyoursubwoofer,youwillreturntothis
volume setting to balance the output of the subwoofer to the other speakers.
Avoid the use of the auto-setup feature in your receiver if it is equipped with
one. These devices rarely work properly. The best method is to balance your
sub to the other speakers using a variety of music you are very familiar with.
Settingupsublevelsandpropersubplacementinyourroomcanbetrickybut
worthputtingsomeeffortintoastheresultswillbesignicant.Foradetailed
description please go to www.axiomaudio.com/archives/subsetup.html
Step 5:
ON/OFF AC POWER/VOLTAGE SETTING: Your subwoofer is supplied with
a pop-out voltage regulator set for use with 100 - 120 volts from the A/C line.
It can be easily removed and turned over to set your EP400 to 220 volts from
theA/Cline.Seediagramsonthenextpage.TheEP400comewithathree-
prongpowercordcompatiblethroughouttheUnitedStatesandCanada.Other
International countries will need to purchase a converter/adaptor or the proper
powercordthattsyourspecicsocket.
Once you have made appropriate connections from the A/V receiver or
preamp/processor to the EP400 and set the subwoofer’s voltage regulator
to the proper voltage, nd a nearbyAC wall outlet and connect the main
power cord to the three-wire socket at the bottom of the control panel. Move
the power switch to the ON setting. The LED POWER indicator should glow
Green. Leave the switch at the ON setting unless you go away for an extended
period. Moving it to OFF will shut down all power to the subwoofer.
Step 6:
0 & 180 PHASE: This synchronizes the in/out movement of the subwoofer
cone driver with the other speakers in your system. Once you have chosen
thebestlocationfor your subwoofer,tryipping the phase switch between
0and180toseeifoneortheothersettingproducesdeeperandsmoother
bass output in your room. Leave the switch at the setting that results in the
smoothest and deepest bass at several listening locations in the room. If you
hear no difference, leave the switch at the 0 position. Quite often the phase
switch makes no difference, but it’s dependent on your particular room’s
dimensions and subwoofer location.
Step 7:
TRIM: Set this to FLAT for normal subwoofer operation in a large room.
The subwoofer will reproduce deep bass at normal levels from the movie
soundtrack or music sources. The LOAD setting is for accessing the internal
microprocessor. Do not use this setting as it will turn off the sub output and
turn the light amber. The REMOTE setting is for operation with future Axiom
remote-controlled products that will enable remote-control adjustment of
subwoofer levels. If you are in a medium or small room you should experiment
withHalfandFulltocompensateforroomloading.SettingtheTRIMtoHalf
will partially increase frequencies above 33 Hz. The Full setting will greatly
increase frequencies above 33 Hz. This may be necessary to overcome room
loadingorboundaryeffects(toomuchortoolittlelowbass).
Step 8:
GROUND LOOP:
If your subwoofer is producing a 60 Hz hum, remove the Chassis Ground
Screw.Ifthisdoesnotsolvethe60Hzhum,call1-866-244-8796orconsult
the troubleshooting page at www.axiomaudio.com/manual_ep400.html
POWER INDICATOR: The LED Power indicator glows Green when it’s on and
Yellow indicating a fault.
USB: This is to be used for future software upgrades to the Digital Signal
ProcessorinsideyourEP400.YoumayalsousetheUSBinputtoconnect
the accessory Axiom light to ease visibility in making subwoofer adjustments
or connections. Visit www.axiomaudio.com/manual_index.html for full owners
manual.
Visit www.axiomaudio.com/manual_index.html for this Owner’s Manual with live links to further helpful information

NEED HELP WITH YOUR RECEIVER
AND SUBWOOFER SETUP?
For further assistance please visit:
www.axiomaudio.com/archives/subsetup.html
TROUBLESHOOTING: For further assistance please visit
www.axiomaudio.com/troubleshooting_ep400.html
Step 5: (For220voltsupplyonly)

BALANCED CABLE
Rugged balanced cable with gold-plated standard XLR
multi-pin male connector on one end, and female on the
other. Integrated with standard trigger line for remote pow-
eron/offactuationofpowerampliers,preampsandother
remote components. For use with A/V gear with compati-
ble balanced XLR connectors, including the EP400, EP500
andEP600EpicenterSubwoofers.Triggerlineconnection
optional. Use only for balanced system interconnection.
SUBWOOFER ACCESSORIES
SUBWOOFER COAXIAL
CABLE
Rugged coaxial audio connector for low-loss connection
between A/V receiver line-level subwoofer (Low
FrequencyEffects)outputjacktosubwooferline-level
input.
RCA male jacks at both ends.
USB LIGHT
TheAxiomUSBLightprovidesmuch-neededillumination
when adjusting controls or connecting wires behind your
Epicenter EP400, EP500 or EP600 subwoofers. The small,
exiblelightplugsintoyourEP400,EP500andEP600.It
canalsoplugintoanyLaptop(Notebook),PC,Macintosh,
monitor, or anydevice withan available USBport (USB
1.1orUSB2.0).
All accessories can be purchased at www.axiomaudio.com
FOOT INSTALLATION
Installthefourrubberfeet,whichareidealforhardwoodooring,withthesuppliedscrewsorinstallthe
spikedfeet(whicharemoresuitableforcarpetedoors),tighteningsecurelyintheinsertsprovidedatthe
bottom of the speaker. Your choice of feet does NOT affect sound quality. For further details, please follow
theinstructionslocatedonthetopapoftheproductbox.

1. Retain instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
2. Attachments - Do not use attachments not recommended by the product manufacturer as they may create hazards.
3. Water and Moisture - Do not use this product near water - for example, near a bathtub, wash bowl,
kitchen sink or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool or the like.
4. Accessories - Do not place this product on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table. The product may fall,
causing serious injury to a child or adult and serious damage to the product. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod,
bracket or table recommended by the manufacturer, or sold with the product. A product and cart combination should
be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force and uneven surfaces may cause the product and cart
combination to overturn.
5. Heat/Ventilation-Slotsandopeningsinthecabinetareprovidedforventilationandtoensurereliableoperationof
the product to protect it from overheating. These openings must not be blocked or covered. This product should not
be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is provided or the
manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to. The product should be situated away from heat sources such as
 radiators,heatregisters,stovesorotherproducts(includingamplifiers)thatproduceheat.
6. Power Sources - This product should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking
label. If you are not sure of the type of power supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local Power Company.
7. Ground or Polarization - This product may be equipped with polarized alternating current line plug (a plug having
 onebladewiderthantheother).Thisplugwillfitintothepoweroutletonlyoneway.Thisisasafetyfeature.If
you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact
your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug.
8. Lightning - For added protection for this product during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended or unused for
long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet. This will prevent damage to the product due to lightning and
power-line surges.
9. Power-cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at the plugs, convenience
receptacles and at the point where they exit from the product.
10. Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or integral convenience receptacles as this can result in
the risk of fire or electric shock.
11. Object and Liquid Entry - Never push objects of any kind into this product through openings as they may touch
dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that could result in fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on
the product. Cleaning - unplug this product from the wall before cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
12. Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to
dangerous voltages or other hazards. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
13. Damage Requiring Service - Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer service to qualified service
personnel under the following conditions:
 a) Ifthepowersupplycordorplugisdamaged.
 b) Ifliquidhasbeenspilled,orobjectshavefallenintotheproduct.
 c) Iftheproducthasbeenexposedtorainorwater.
 d) Iftheproductdoesnotoperatenormallybyfollowingtheoperatinginstructions.Adjustonlythosecontrolsthat
are covered by the operating instructions as an improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage
and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the product to it’s normal operation.
 e) Iftheproducthasbeendroppedordamagedinanyotherway.
 f) Iftheproductexhibitsadistinctchangeinperformancedespiteverifyingthatallsystemconnectionsarecorrect.
14. Replacement Parts - If replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts
specified by AXIOM. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock or other hazards.
15. Safety Check - Upon completion of any service or repairs to this product, ask the service technician to perform
safety checks to determine that the product is in proper operating condition.
PRECAUTIONS

®
Axiom Audio Head Office 2885 Highway 60
Siège Social Axiom Audio Dwight, ON Canada
P0A 1H0
Toll Free (North America) 1-866-244-8796
Sans frais (Amérique du Nord) 1-888-249-9143
Worldwide • International 1-705-635-3090
Email • Courriel: [e-mail]
www.axiomaudio.com
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