Filters and crossovers
The Devine Artis subwoofers do not have a built-in filter or crossover and, therefore, need to be connected to
an amplifier that can pass on the low frequencies only.
This can be achieved by using an amplifier that has a built-in low pass filter which only sends the low
frequencies through to the subwoofer.
Another option is the use of a separate crossover. This is a piece of equipment that splits a stereo signal into
different parts by frequency range. Each frequency range then has its own output that can be sent to an
amplifier and, in turn, to a subwoofer or speaker, as required. Using an external crossover to separate the
low, mid and high frequencies makes it easy to adjust the volume levels separately for a well-balanced
sound.
Amplification
To use the subwoofer in the most optimal conditions, the use of external devices such as a necessary
amplifier is important. The reinforced sound needs to be filtered in some way to ensure no high frequencies
are present anymore in the signal that goes to the subwoofer.
The general recommendation is to choose a power amplifier capable of delivering at least 1.5x the RMS load
of the speaker. This ensures there will be some headroom for the amplifier and it should not work at full
capacity to drive the subwoofer with sufficient power.
Volume
The Artis subwoofers offer good audio projection at an affordable price. The built-in components are
designed to work together in order to produce good audio quality through normal use.
If you notice that the speaker sounds different to normal (distortion or crackling) and/or the Clip LED lights
up, lower the volume immediately. Continuously overloading the speaker can lead to permanent damage.
Make sure your sound system is set up so that the connected audio source cannot transmit a heavily
overloaded signal. DJ devices such as mixers or controllers are capable of this.
Set the audio source to transmit a signal of +3 to +6 dB (with music) and adjust the speaker volume so that
the Clip LED does not light up. If your equipment does not have an indicator for this, set it to the maximum
volume (making sure the signal is not distorted) and turn the speaker volume up gradually ensuring the
signal remains under the Clip level.
As long as the source device continues to transmit at 0 dB (the most ideal level for optimal volume), you can
not overload the speaker, not even with an accidental peak of +3 or +6 dB.
If you are not at the controls of your speaker system, it s recommended to use a limiter that penalises heavy
overloading by reducing the volume considerably. This results is a lower volume level and an inferior sound,
but this solution is much better than allowing the speaker to overload, which can cause damage to the
speaker components.
Using external equipment
It s possible to use the Artis subwoofers with external equipment like crossovers, equalisers and speaker
management systems. Bear in mind that using external equipment may change the character of the
speaker s sound.
Using in combination with satellite speakers
The Artis subwoofers can be used in combination with Artis full-range speakers or other speakers. Normally,
the speakers chosen will be smaller in size than the subwoofer. You might use 8 or 10-inch speakers with a
12-inch subwoofer, for instance, or 12 or 15-inch speakers with an 18-inch subwoofer.
Other combinations are possible too, of course. For more prominent bass, you could choose a setup with two
18-inch subwoofers and a 15-inch speaker on top per side, for example.
In situations like those mentioned above, the use of an external speaker management system (speaker
processor or analogue equipment like a crossover) is recommended so that each speaker gets the correct
signal. Your local dealer should be able to provide you with more information about this.
The information in this user manual is subject to change at any time without notice.
Version:
1.0
Date of creation and author's initials:15-07-2019 RV Revision date and author's initials: -
