BassBoss VS21 User manual
User’s Manual
21” Powered
Subwoofer
VS21
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Punchy AND Full Deep Bass
Very High Output SPL
Versatile for Dance to Acoustic
2400W RMS Class D Amplifier
Description 3
Specifications 4
Setup Instructions 5
Operation and Controls 6
Cardioid Switch 6
Photos 7
Troubleshooting 8
Flash Sequence Codes 8
Safety Information 9
Warranty 10
FCC Compliance Notice 11
Table of contents
21” Powered
Subwoofer
VS21
3
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ThedesignbrieffortheVS21wastocreateaproductthatoeredlow-frequencyextensionsimilar
to the BASSBOSS vented dual 18” subwoofers in combination with the hard-hitting punch of the
BASSBOSShorn-loadedsubwoofers.TheVS21bringstheworldofextendedlowfrequencytogether
withtheworldofhigh-impact.You’renolongerforcedtochooseeitherdeepORpunchy,theVS21
oersboth.
TheVS21isparticularlyversatile,abletosatisfythedemandsofhard-hittinglivekickdrumstothe
deep,rollingbassofan808. For those whose shows span a lot of genres, the VS21 has got them all
covered. The same size and shape as the Cerwin Vega L-36, the VS21 will deliver considerably much
more output and deep bass.
Description
Vented, short horn hybrid single 21” powered and processed subwoofer. Frequency response ±3dB from
25-90Hz. Maximum continuous sine wave output 132dB.
Features
The VS21 features a massive displacement, long excursion 21” woofer, rear-loaded into a large acoustical
volume that is tuned to a low frequency, and front-loaded onto a short horn. The vented enclosure
section provides extended low frequency performance and the horn section provides increased upper
frequency sensitivity and improved transient response.
Benets
These features bring the benets of extended low frequency together with the benets of high-impact.
Excellent transient response is delivered by the ecient performance of the horn at the upper end of
the subwoofer range. Extended depth is delivered by the large acoustical volume, low tuning and the
massive displacement of the long-excursion 21” woofer. The combination provides an immediate hit with
the added power of full and eortless low-end extension. The resulting impression is one of a very ‘big’
or ‘heavy’ hit.
Thanks to these attributes, the VS21 is extremely versatile, able to satisfy the demands of hard-hitting
live kick drums as well as the deep, rolling bass of heavy synth tracks or an 808. The VS21 oers output
SPL comparable to a bigger double-18” cabinet and allows more output to be focused forward thanks
to its smaller frontal area.
AmplicationandProcessing
Powered by a 2400W RMS amplier, the VS21 includes all the necessary electronics to allow it to be
connected directly to your mixer with nothing but signal cable in between. The built-in processing is
minimal and includes a low-pass lter that provides a broad, at frequency response. There is no need
for any EQ in the signal. In addition, a sophisticated limiter system protects the woofer from thermal and
over-excursion damage, allowing the user to get maximum output from the loudspeaker for as long as
necessary without concern about overdriving it.
Arrays
For larger events, several arraying options are facilitated. Block arrays, side-by-side arrays and front/
back Cardioid arrays (presets available in DSP) can be deployed securely thanks to the interlocking feet.
Description:
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VS21 SPECIFICATIONS
21” Powered Subwoofer
Ourproactivephilosophycausesspecificationstobesubjecttochangewheneverimprovementsaremade.
*Peak output is calculated using “industry standard” techniques. These calculation methods create theoretical specications that are inated over what can actually be
achieved. BASSBOSS real world output specications are provided as “Maximum Sustained Output” ratings, which reect actual measured, continuous output levels.
LoudspeakerDescription: Subwoofer,single21”poweredandprocessed
FrequencyResponse(±3dB): 25-90Hz
MaximumSustainedOutput: 132dBSPL,1meter,half-space(groundplane)
MaxSPL(Peak)* 139dB
NominalDispersion(°Hx°V): 360x360-Cardioidmodeavailablewithmultipleboxes
Acoustical
Amplification: 2400 Watt Continuous RMS Class D Amplifier
Processing: IntegratedcomprehensiveDSPprovideshighpass,lowpass,phasealignmentandlimiting
ElectricalConnectors,Amp: NeutrikPowerconinput(blue)NAC3FCA
ElectricalConnector,Mains: StandardUS3-pin120Velectricalplug:NEMA5-15.(Edison)
VoltageOperatingRange: 90-130V
CurrentDraw,Nominal: 3A@120volts(typical,1/8maxpower)
CurrentDraw,Peak: 20A
CurrentDraw,Continuous: Limitedto16.5Aafter1second
SignalInputConnector: XLR-F
SignalOutputConnector: XLR-Mpass-throughonly
Electrical
EnclosureType: Vented,shorthornhybrid
Transducer: One21”diameter(540mm)neodymiummotorwoofer.58mm(2.28”)peaktopeakexcursion
with
waterproof fiber composite cone
CabinetConstruction: 18mmBalticBirchplywood,dadojoints,stainlesssteelhardware
Dimensions(HxWxD): 36”x24”x36”(91.44cmx60.96cmx91.44cm)-37.5”(95.25cm)highwithfeet
NetWeight: 180lbs.(82kg)
ShippingWeight: 230lbs.(104kg)
ExteriorFinish: Rugged,weatherproof,blacktextured,bondedhigh-pressurepolyurethanecoating
Grill: Perforated,powder-coatedsteel
Physical
SuspensionSystem: 16X3/8-16tpiM10ThreadedFlypoints
InstallationVersion: Availablewithouthandlesandpolesockets
AmplificationforInstallation: CompletepowerpackageincludingDSPintwospacerackchassis
Cover: Heavy-dutypaddednylontransportcoversfor1or2cabinets
TransportDollies: Dollycartwith4lockingcastersandrecessestoacceptinterlockingcabinetfeetfor
transporting 1 to 3 cabinets
OnlineInformation: bassboss.com/vs21
Optional
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Setup Instructions:
1. Placeloudspeakerinthedesiredlocation.Ensurethatitissecureandstable.
2. Rotatetheinputattenuatorknobcounter-clockwisetothelowestsetting.
3. Connectsignalfromthesoundsource(mixer)viatheXLRfemaleinputjack.
4. ConnecttheXLRmaleoutputtothenextavailableloudspeakerinputviaanXLRcable(ifapplicable.)
Thisisafull-rangepass-throughconnectionandnoprocessingisappliedtothisoutput.
5. ConnecttheNeutrikPowerCON(blue)connectortothebluepowerinletsocket.Donotforce.Toinsert,alignthe
indexingtabsontheconnectors,inserttheplugfullyintothesocketandrotateclockwiseuntilthelatchescatch.
Toremove,pullbackonthelatchtabandrotatetheconnectorcounter-clockwisetotheindexstop,then
pulloutwards.
6. Workbackwardsfromthespeakerstotheoutlets,makingallPowerCONconnectionsbeforepluggingintomainspower.
7. Connecttheelectricalplugtoapowersource.
8. MovethePOWERswitchtotheONposition.
9. Rotatetheinputattenuatorclockwisetoachievethedesiredsoundlevel.
The integrated DSP includes all the required processing for safe operation and alignment with the accompanying BASSBOSS
top boxes. DO NOT USE third-party outboard processing with BASSBOSS powered loudspeakers. This will not improve, and
will most likely degrade the sound quality and output capacity.
When connecting multiple BASSBOSS loudspeakers in a system, signal can be passed through from one powered
loudspeaker to another using XLR cables. No processing is applied to the signal as it passes through from the input to the
output connectors in each loudspeaker. Signal can be routed in any sequence because each loudspeaker receives a full-
range signal and applies the necessary processing in order to operate as part of the overall system. It is recommended to run
signal to the nearest box rst and patch to the next nearest box in sequence.
When connecting BASSBOSS speakers in a system including other brands of loudspeakers, it’s recommended to connect
the BASSBOSS speakers rst in sequence, then connect other speakers to the pass-through outputs. This ensures that no
inappropriate processing is applied to either loudspeaker.
The typical power draw of one BASSBOSS 2400W amplier module is approximately 5A. With heavy demand, the current
draw can peak at 20A for brief periods but under NEMA code, a 20A breaker should sustain a peak draw of 40A for several
seconds without tripping.
It’s recommended to connect no more than two 2400W amplier to an individual 20A circuit. In situations where circuits
must be shared with other equipment or other brands, it’s recommended to power combinations of a BASSBOSS subwoofer
and a top on a circuit and to power each subwoofer and top combination on a separate circuit to reduce the chances of
overdrawing a circuit and tripping a breaker.
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Thereare2controlknobsontheamplier.
1: GAIN
Provides attenuation of the input from o to full output. Use appropriate gain structure to ensure the output feeding the subwoofer
doesn’t reach clipping and distortion before maximum desired sound level is achieved. The amplier has a complement of limiters
and safeties to protect itself and the driver however, if audible distortion occurs, lower the level of the incoming signal.
2: EXO ADJUST
This control adjusts the eective crossover frequency allowing the subwoofer to be used with multiple sizes and styles of top boxes
while minimizing out-of-bandwidth noise and phase shift in the crossover region. Rotating the EXO knob fully counter-clockwise
(left) results in an eective crossover frequency of 80Hz. Rotating it fully clockwise (right) results in an eective crossover frequency of
100Hz.
3.CARDIOIDSWITCH
Toggle Switch allows selection between NORMAL mode and CARDIOID mode.
With the switch in the NORMAL (up) position, the speaker is in normal operating mode and any number of cabinets can be arrayed
side-by-side facing the same way when they are all in NORMAL mode.
When CARDIOID operation is desired, one or two cabinets must be used in NORMAL mode and at least one cabinet must be placed
in CARDIOID mode and its position reversed relative to the other cabinet(s) The ideal ratio is 2 cabinets in NORMAL with one
CARDIOID cabinet between them vertically or horizontally.
Reduced NORMAL >> Audience
Level << CARDIOID Audience
Area NORMAL >> Audience
The NORMAL mode cabinet(s) are used with the woofer facing towards the audience. The CARDIOID mode cabinet is rotated with
the woofer away from the audience and the CARDIOID SELECT SWITCH in the CARDIOID (down) position.
The cabinet in CARDIOID mode should have the EXO knob at the lowest level, rotated fully counter-clockwise. The EXO setting on
the NORMAL mode cabinet(s) can be set to taste but all cabinets in NORMAL mode should be set the same.
Note: When the speaker is in CARDIOID mode, the green PWR LED is disabled because it will be facing the audience. The speaker
will still power up and play.
When only two cabinets are used, the cabinet in CARDIOID mode can be placed on top of the cabinet in NORMAL mode.
The cabinet in CARDIOID mode can also be placed adjacent to the NORMAL mode cabinet, with the NORMAL mode cabinets placed
farther from the stage or area where reduced level is desired. When only 2 cabinets are in use, the CARDIOID mode cabinet GAIN
should be reduced by 3dB. The greatest level reduction occurs on axis with a line drawn from the center of the NORMAL cabinet’s
bae, through the center of the CARDIOID cabinet’s bae.
Reduced <<CARDIOID(-3dB) Audience
Level NORMAL >> Audience
Area Audience
Operation and Controls:
Three-dimensional
representation of cardioid
outputpattern.
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If,afterfollowingtheaboveinstructionsforsetup,youhavenooutputfromtheloudspeakers:
Verify that the green power (ON) LED is lit. If not, check the following:
(Note:TheONLEDisdisabledwhenCARDIOIDmodeisselected.Tocheckforpower,switchto
NORMAL mode to illuminate the LED)
1.Isthepowercordpluggedintoaliveoutlet?
2.IstheNeutrikPowerCONconnectorrotatedintothelockedposition?
3.IsthePowerSwitchon?
If the green power LED is on, check the following:
1.Isthesignalcableconnectedtotheinput?
2.Isthesignalcableconnectedtoanoperatingoutputattheotherend?
3.Isthesignalowingtotheinput?Checktheintegrityofthecablebyusingadierentcable.
4.Istheattenuatorturnedallthewaydownorataverylowlevel?
5.Isthesignalowingtotheinputfull-range?Filtersinthesignalmayremovetheoperating
frequenciesoftheloudspeakerreceivingthem.
Troubleshooting:
Flash Sequence Codes for Warning Indicators and Protection Modes (Seen on Amp LED)
Longashesfollowedbyshortashes:
1-0 GROUNDNOTCONNECTED:Ampstillruns.Blinks10timesonpower-upthenstops.Checkpowercordand
outletwiring.
1-1 LINEHOTANDNEUTRALREVERSED:Ampstillruns.Blinks10timesonpower-upthenstops.Checkpowercord
andoutletwiring.
1-2 GROUNDNOTCONNECTEDIN240VMODE:Ampstillruns.Checkpowercordandoutletwiring.
2-0 GFITRIP:Ampshutsdown.Powercycletorestore.
3-0 OVERHEATSHUTDOWN:Ampshutsdown.Restartswhentemperaturefalls.
3-3 THERMALLIMITERACTING:Gainreducedtolimitheatbuildup.Ampstillruns.
4-1 FAULTFROMGATEPCBWHILEAMPWASWORKING:Ampshutsdown.ServiceRequired.
4-2 FAULTFROMPFC:(240Voptiononly)Ampshutsdown.ServiceRequired.(Mayresetwithpower
cycleiffalsetriggered.)
4-3 GFIMALFUNCTION:Ampshutsdown.ServiceRequired.
4-5 FAULTFROMGATEPCB:Ampshutsdown.ServiceRequired.
AmplierFlashSequenceCodes:
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4-7 BROWNOUTATPOWER-UP:Ampshutsdown.Powercycletorestore.Checksupplyvoltage.
4-8 UNABLETOSTARTAMPLIFIER:PowerCycletorestore.Checkoreliminatepowerconditioner.
5-0 OVER-VOLTAGE:Ampturnsoorwon’tstart.(Seenon120Vversionswhenconnectedto240Voutlets.)
6-0 UNDER-VOLTAGE:Ampturnsoorwon’tstart.(SeenwhenGeneratorsareoverdrawnorlongextension
cordsareinuse.)
6-6 LINELIMITERACTING:Ampstillruns.Outputreducedtolimitcurrentdraw.
Needmoreassistance?Supportisavailableviaphoneoremail.Email:family@bassboss.comPhone:855-822-7770tollfree
Safety Information:
Importantinformationregardingsafetyandtheuseofyourloudspeakers:
Neverstandintheimmediatevicinityofloudspeakersdrivenatahighlevel.Professionalloudspeakersystemsarecapableof
causingasoundpressureleveldetrimentaltohumanhealth.Seeminglynon-criticalsoundlevels(fromapprox.95dBSPL)can
causehearingdamageifpeopleareexposedtoitoveralongperiod.Topreventpotentiallydangerousexposuretohighlevelsof
acousticpressure,anyonewhoisexposedtotheselevelsshoulduseadequateprotectiondevices.
Whenatransducercapableofproducinghighsoundlevelsisbeingused,itisnecessarytowearearplugsorprotective
earphones.Seethemanualtechnicalspecicationstoknowthemaximumsoundpressurelevel.
Inordertopreventaccidentswhensettinguptheloudspeakersorloudspeakerstands,makesuretheyarestandingonarm
surface.
Ensurethatalladditionalhardware,xingsandfastenersusedforinstallationormobiledeploymentareofanappropriatesize
andloadsafetyfactor.
Payattentiontothemanufacturers’instructionsandtotherelevantsafetyguidelines.
Regularlychecktheloudspeakerhousingsandaccessoriesforvisiblesignsofwearandtear,andreplacethemwhennecessary.
Regularlycheckallloadbearingboltsinthemountingdevices.
Caution:Loudspeakersproduceastaticmagneticeldeveniftheyarenotconnectedorarenotinuse.Thereforemakesurewhen
erectingandtransportingloudspeakersthattheyarenowherenearequipmentandobjectswhichmaybeimpairedordamaged
byanexternalmagneticeld.Adistanceof3feet(1m)shouldbemaintainedbetweenloudspeakersandsensitiveequipment
suchasCRTmonitorsormagneticstoragemedia.
Neverattempttocarryoutanyoperations,modicationsorrepairsthatarenotexpresslydescribedinthismanual.
ContactyourdealerorBASSBOSSsupportiftheproductisnotfunctioningproperly.
BASSBOSSstronglyrecommendsthisproductbeinstalledbyaqualied,professionalinstallerwhocanensurecorrectinstallation
andcertifythatitisinstalledincompliancewiththeregulationsinforce.
Theentireaudiosystemmustcomplywiththecurrentlocalstandardsandregulationsregardingelectricalsystems.
Topreventtheoccurrenceofnoiseonsignalcables,useshieldedcablesonly.Avoidroutingsignalcablesclosetoequipmentthat
produceshigh-intensityelectromagneticeldssuchastransformers,powercablesandloudspeakerwires.Donotcoilexcesspower
cable.Donotcoilorwrappowercablesandsignalcablestogether.
Important Notes:
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ThanksforbeingBASSBOSSFamily!
WARRANTYINFORMATION
Our extensive “Sound Defense” transferable warranty covers all BASSBOSS products.
STANDARDCABINETWARRANTY
BASSBOSS loudspeaker cabinet integrity, including all joinery, fasteners, handles and wood, is warranted
against defects in materials and workmanship for a period of six (6) years from the date of purchase. This
warranty does not cover items that are intended to wear and can be replaced if worn or damaged. Examples
of items not covered by this warranty are cabinet feet, grills and the nish or coating applied to the cabinet.
ENHANCEDCOMPONENTWARRANTY
BASSBOSS ampliers and electronic components are covered against failures due to defects in materials
and/or workmanship for a period of three years from the date of purchase.
NOWORRIESWOOFERWARRANTY
Transducers, including burned or open voice coils in subwoofers, are covered for two years from the date of
purchase.
OUR SUPPORT
It is our goal to provide trouble-free loudspeakers. That objective begins as part of the design phase and
continues on through to any service you may require. In order to be able to provide the lowest possible failure
rate, the best possible warranty service and the fastest turn-around time, we request that you contact us
immediately if you notice any problem with your system, and before you attempt any repairs. We can provide
the best and fastest solution if we know the details of the problem before any repair attempts are made.
Often BASSBOSS technicians can troubleshoot problems that may arise and no repair or further service will
be necessary.
Warranty support is a service, and part of that service includes helping you prevent failures and minimize repair
and shipping costs. Please do not ship products without rst obtaining a return authorization number by calling
855-822-7770 toll-free or by emailing famil[email protected]. BASSBOSS service technicians will provide
assistance and instructions on shipping and packaging requirements specic to your service needs.
WARRANTYLIMITATIONS
During the warranty period, if your loudspeaker malfunctions or fails due to any defect in components or
manufacturing, the failed parts will be repaired or replaced. This warranty does not extend to damage resulting
from improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse. Warranty coverage and eligibility will be determined
upon inspection by BASSBOSS personnel. This warranty does not cover labor other than that authorized and
performed by BASSBOSS personnel. Service will be performed upon the return of the failed unit, together with
its original sales receipt or other proof of purchase, to BASSBOSS or an Authorized Service Facility.
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Purchaser is responsible for all costs of shipping and handling. Cosmetic damage is specically excluded from
this warranty. This warranty is rendered void if service, repairs and/or modications are attempted or made by
anyone not specically authorized by BASSBOSS to perform said services. Please contact BASSBOSS or your
local BASSBOSS dealer before attempting any repairs and before shipping parts in for service. This warranty
gives you specic legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. For more
information concerning BASSBOSS service and warranty policies please contact us at (855) 822-7770 toll-free.
EXPORTWARRANTY
BASSBOSS products can be purchased worldwide. In countries without local BASSBOSS distributors, product
requiring service must be shipped back to the US for warranty repairs. In most cases, the entire cabinet will
not need to be shipped. Generally only the individual aected parts will need to be shipped to the factory for
servicing. Please contact BASSBOSS before attempting any repairs and before shipping parts in for service.
SHIPPINGANDPACKAGING
Please package your returns safely and securely. BASSBOSS does not cover damage that occurs in transit.
Freight insurance is highly recommended.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s
authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one
or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
FCC Compliance Notice:
famil[email protected]
855-822-7770 toll free
www.bassboss.com
Needmoreassistance?
Supportisavailableviaphoneoremail.
21” Powered
Subwoofer
VS21
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