Dolby Laboratories SB218 User manual

Dolby SB218
Owner's Manual
1 April 2023
Issue 2 Part number: 8800328

Notices
Copyright
© 2023 Dolby Laboratories, Inc. All rights reserved.
Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
1275 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-1410 USA
Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
http://www.dolby.com
Trademarks
Dolby and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
The following are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories, Inc.
Dialogue Intelligence™
Dolby®
Dolby Advanced Audio™
Dolby Atmos®
Dolby Audio™
Dolby Cinema®
Dolby Digital Plus™
Dolby Digital Plus Advanced Audio™
Dolby Digital Plus Home Theater™
Dolby Home Theater®
Dolby Theatre®
Dolby Vision®
Dolby Vision IQ™
Dolby Voice®
Feel Every Dimension™
Feel Every Dimension in Dolby™
Feel Every Dimension in Dolby Atmos™
MLP Lossless™
Pro Logic®
Surround EX™
All other trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.
Product model
THIS DOCUMENTATION APPLIES TO PRODUCT MODEL: CID1035.
Limited warranty and warranty exclusions
THE LIMITED WARRANTY AND WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS MAY BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL: https://
www.dolby.com/us/en/about/warranty-and-maintenance-policies.html
Notices
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 2
Issue 2 Part number: 8800328 1 April 2023

Contents
1 Important safety and regulatory information............................................................................................4
2 Introduction to the Dolby SB218................................................................................................................ 7
2.1 About this documentation....................................................................................................................8
2.2 SB218 key features and benefits...........................................................................................................8
2.3 SB218 preinstallaton information........................................................................................................ 8
2.4 Selecting the wire for the SB218...........................................................................................................9
2.5 Additional information..........................................................................................................................9
2.6 Contacting Dolby .................................................................................................................................. 10
3 Assembling and installing the Dolby SB218...............................................................................................11
3.1 Assembling and securing the Dolby SB218.......................................................................................... 12
3.1.1 Securing an SB218 cabinet............................................................................................................. 12
3.1.2 Securing two SB218 cabinets..........................................................................................................13
3.2 Connecting and configuring the Dolby SB218 .....................................................................................14
3.2.1 Connecting the SB218 .................................................................................................................... 15
4 Dolby SB218 specifications.........................................................................................................................17
4.1 SB218 specifications............................................................................................................................. 18
4.2 Dolby SB218 dimensions.......................................................................................................................19
5 Dolby SB218 digital signal processing requirements................................................................................ 20
5.1 SB218 digital signal processing requirements..................................................................................... 21
6 System limiters............................................................................................................................................ 22
6.1 Setting system limiters..........................................................................................................................23
7 Documentation revision history................................................................................................................. 25
Contents
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 3
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1
Important safety and regulatory information
Safety
INSTALLER ASSUMES ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABILITY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF
THIS PRODUCT.
No information contained in this guide is intended as a warranty on the part of Dolby.
Anyone using this information assumes all liability arising from its use. Product
abuse, use of the product not in accordance with Dolby instructions, or use in an
application for which the product has not been designed is not covered under any
Dolby warranty, nor is Dolby liable for any loss or damage.
Installation must be performed by qualified, licensed, and insured installers, and in
accordance with all laws, rules, and regulations applicable to the installation site.
Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury or even death. Prior to
installing this product, read and completely understand the installation instructions.
You must read these instructions to prevent personal injury and property damage.
Keep the installation instructions in an easily accessible location for future reference.
A licensed professional engineer must approve the placement and method of
attachment to the building structure prior to the installation of the system.
All information presented herein is based upon materials and practices common to
North America and may not directly apply to other countries because of diering
material dimensions, specifications, and/or local regulations. Installers in other
countries should consult with appropriate engineering and regulatory authorities for
specific guidelines.
Any supplied rigging hardware is intended only for use with the specified speaker(s).
The installer assumes all risk of loss and/or injury arising out of the use of the
supplied rigging hardware with any other speaker. All other rigging is considered part
of the venue and/or installer-supplied equipment and is not addressed in this guide.
This guide is not a comprehensive source for rigging in general. Installer assumes all
responsibility for ensuring that accepted rigging and safety practices are employed.
Installer assumes all responsibility for the appropriate use of Dolby supplied rigging
hardware and follows at a minimum all applicable laws, rules, and regulations in
force for each venue.
No open flame sources should be placed on or near the apparatus. Do not install near
any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that
produces heat.
Storage temperature: -4 to +140°F (-20 to +60°C). The products covered by this
manual are not intended for use in high-moisture environments. Moisture can
damage the product and cause corrosion of electrical contacts and metal parts. Avoid
exposing the speakers to direct moisture. Keep speakers out of extended or intense
direct sunlight. Premature product failure or serious personal injury could occur if
this product is used outdoors or in wet indoor environments.
Important safety and regulatory information
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 4
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Dolby is not responsible for the application of its products for any purpose or the
misuse of this information for any purpose. Furthermore, Dolby is not responsible for
the abuse of its products caused by avoiding compliance with inspection and
maintenance procedures or any other abuse.
This product is intended for indoor use only.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the instructions as
detailed in this manual and the Product Information document.
When a rolling cart is used to transport the speaker, use caution when moving the
cart/speaker system to avoid injury.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way.
This product may require installation in a restricted-access location. Please refer to
this manual and to the Product Information document.
Caution: Hearing damage can occur by prolonged exposure to
excessive sound pressure level (SPL); the speaker is easily
capable of generating SPL suicient to cause permanent
hearing damage to performers, production crew, or audience
members. Caution should be taken to avoid prolonged
exposure to SPL in excess of 90 dB.
Caution: Vibration from this type of speaker system may
cause cabinets to shi. Failure to secure the speaker cabinet
to the building structure may result in the speaker system
tipping or falling, which may cause damage or injury.
Caution: Make sure that no water pipes, natural gas lines,
electrical wire, or conduit are present where the speaker is to
be installed. Cutting or drilling into water pipes, natural gas
lines, electrical wire, or conduit could cause serious personal
injury or property damage.
Caution: Use proper liing techniques when working with
heavy objects to avoid personal injury. Always be careful
when moving the SB218 or the assembled speaker system
and employ at least two people when attempting any
relocation of the speakers.
High temperature warning: The speaker system may reach
elevated temperatures during operation. Always remove all
drive signals and allow ample time for the system to cool
down prior to handling.
To reduce electric shock, do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing; no
objects filled with liquids, such as mugs, shall be placed on the apparatus.
Caution: Troubleshooting must be performed by a trained
electrician. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not attempt
to service this equipment unless you are qualified to do so.
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 5
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Note: This product can be shipped only by surface transportation. Do not ship by air.
SAFETY SYMBOL KEY
Caution: This symbol that appears on the unit and/or instruction manual is intended to
alert the user to the presence of important safety operating and maintenance
instructions.
Warning:
This symbol that appears on the unit and/or instruction manual is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous" voltage within the product enclosure that may be of suicient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
High temperature warning:
This symbol that appears on the unit and/or the instruction manual is intended to alert the user that
the item can be hot and that care must be taken accordingly.
EU environmental regulations/compliance and product disposal information
Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS): All Dolby products comply with the
requirements of the EU RoHS Directive. This product is electronic equipment and should be disposed
of in accordance with all applicable laws.
Do not dispose as household waste. Do not dispose of the product in a fire. Please dispose of this
product by taking it to your local electronic waste collection point or recycling center. For information
regarding where to recycle electronic equipment, contact your local dealer. For additional information
regarding Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and product disposal go to http://
www.dolby.com/us/en/about/environmental-commitment.html.
Important safety and regulatory information
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 6
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2
Introduction to the Dolby SB218
The Dolby SB218 (also referred to as the SB218 in this manual) is designed to meet the needs of high-
performance Low Frequency Eects (LFE) channels in small to medium-sized Dolby Atmos or 7.1
cinemas. The SB218 delivers extended low-frequency response and high output, filling theaters with
solid low-frequency impact to every seat in the venue. With intuitive ergonomic design and features,
the SB218 enables quick, easy installation and service. Built on the foundation of the Dolby industry-
leading system design and support philosophy, the SB218 provides elevated LFE subwoofer
performance and streamlines speaker integration.
Figure 1: Dolby SB218
Following is an outline of this chapter:
•About this documentation
•SB218 key features and benefits
•SB218 preinstallaton information
•Selecting the wire for the SB218
•Additional information
•Contacting Dolby
Introduction to the Dolby SB218
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2.1 About this documentation
This documentation provides the key features and benefits of the Dolby SB218 and shows you how to install
the SB218 in a typical cinematic exhibition environment.
2.2 SB218 key features and benefits
The Dolby SB218 is a single enclosure, dual-chamber, dual-driver, high-performance LFE subwoofer that is
designed to produce low frequencies.
• Each 18-inch driver is contained in an independent chamber within the cabinet that provides improved
performance and reliability.
• Rubber feet on the bottom of the cabinet provide vibration control.
• Integrated handles on the sides of the speaker cabinet are positioned at the center of gravity to improve
safety and comfort during handling and installation.
• Integrated mounting points are provided for using tie plates (BKT.136, sold separately) when coupling two
SB218 cabinets together safely and securely in a stacked configuration.
• BKT.FLR floor bracket kit (sold separately) enables secure installation to the building structure. The kit
includes two brackets and four M10 washers.
• The advanced input plate features a high-current, spring-loaded terminal block, which enables quick
installation with no crimp tools or spade lugs needed, vastly simplifying installation.
2.3 SB218 preinstallaton information
In a typical auditorium, the SB218 is installed at the front of the auditorium, near ground level, and equal
with the screen plane.
Caution: Design and construction of a screen platform must be performed by a qualified, licensed,
and insured professional in accordance with all laws, rules, and regulations applicable for the
installation site. Failure to do so could result in serious personal injury or even death.
The following figure shows the placement of the speaker, as indicated in the Dolby Atmos Specifications .
When multiple screen subwoofers are used, closely clustering the cabinets can increase the eiciency
through mutual coupling, as shown in this figure. If a single cabinet or cluster is used, it should be placed
near the center of the screen, but asymmetrically with respect to the center of the room to minimize
stimulation of standing waves (room modes). Other configurations are also acceptable, such as uniformly
spacing multiple cabinets along the front wall to improve coverage.
Introduction to the Dolby SB218
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 8
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Figure 2: Typical auditorium installation
2.4 Selecting the wire for the SB218
It is important that you select the correct wire gauge for the SB218.
Typically, no more than 0.5 dB (or 11%) of power should be lost in the cabling. The SB218 connectors accept
an American Wire Gauge (AWG) of 18 AWG to 6 AWG (1 mm2 to 16 mm2). When selecting a wire gauge, always
use industry-standard practice, based on the rated impedance of the speaker and the length of the cable.
Typically, we recommend a wire gauge of 14 AWG to 10 AWG (2.5 mm2 to 6 mm2).
Note: The input terminals are marked with indicators to show the polarity. Per International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, a positive voltage on the positive marked input results
in the transducers moving outward. You must verify the positive and negative markings for each
respective product. Always tie the cable down to the available hardware to minimize any buzzing or
pullouts. If possible, aer wiring is completed, play sound through the speaker to identify any
connection issues, buzzing, or rattling.
2.5 Additional information
There is additional information regarding the SB218 that you need to consider.
• System weight for stability calculations is approximately 77.6 kg (171 lb).
• Allow at least 11 inches (30 cm) between the port exits and any obstruction (including side wall or bale
wall construction). Blockage of the ports results in reduced low-frequency extension and a decreased life
span of the product.
• Amplifier selection is aided by additional data, as indicated in the SB218 specifications. (See the link at
the end of this section.)
• The power-draw specification provides the actual power draw in watts at the rated Vrms in the design,
instead of calculated power. This can aid in optimizing amplifier power budgets, as the measured power
is almost always lower than calculated power (sometimes significantly).
Selecting the wire for the SB218
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 9
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• The maximum voltage peak specification is useful for selecting an amplifier that has a voltage rail at or
above the rating for the maximum dynamic performance of the speaker. Some amplifier companies
provide this data in their respective technical data sheets (or provide the data by request).
Related information
Dolby SB218 specifications on page 17
2.6 Contacting Dolby
You can contact Dolby Cinema Solutions and Support using email or regional telephone numbers. You can
also access documentation by visiting the Dolby customer portal.
Contact Dolby Cinema Solutions and Support
• Send an email to [e-mail].
• Call:
AMERICAS: [phone]
ASIA, CHINA, and PACIFIC RIM: [phone]
EMEA: [phone]
JAPAN: [phone]
Access documentation
Visit https://customer.dolby.com.
Submit feedback about this documentation
Send an email to [e-mail].
Introduction to the Dolby SB218
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3
Assembling and installing the Dolby SB218
Instructions are provided for assembling and installing the SB218. Each section of instructions
specifies the tools that are needed to complete the required tasks. Refer to each section for more
details on the required tools.
Following is an outline of this chapter:
•Assembling and securing the Dolby SB218
•Connecting and configuring the Dolby SB218
Assembling and installing the Dolby SB218
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 11
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3.1 Assembling and securing the Dolby SB218
Instructions are provided for assembling and securing the SB218.
About this task
The SB218 is designed to not shi during use when placed directly on a flat and level concrete floor.
Installation on any other surface type may cause the cabinets to shi during use. Should the SB218 shi
during use, regardless of the surface type it is installed on, it must be secured to the building structure. The
Installer is responsible for inspecting any installation of an unsecured SB218 to ensure that it does not shi
over time. The Installer assumes all responsibility and liability for the installation of this product. The SB218
must not be installed on a mobile platform. The SB218 attachment points are for stacking and connecting to
the building structure only; they are not intended for hanging or flying the speaker.
Caution: Vibration from this type of speaker system is high and may cause cabinets to shi. Failure to
secure the bottom speaker cabinet to the building structure may result in the system tipping or
falling, which may cause damage or injury.
Caution: : Dolby disclaims any liability, including damage or injury, for failing to properly place or
secure the speaker system. The Installer assumes all responsibility and liability for the installation of
this product.
Caution: Dolby disclaims any liability, including damage or injury, for the use of mounting hardware,
supports, and brackets not supplied by Dolby. Any modification to the speaker system (for example,
mounting by drilling holes into the speaker system) will render the product warranty null and void.
3.1.1 Securing an SB218 cabinet
Instructions are provided to install a single SB218 cabinet. For instructions on stacking a second SB218
speaker on an installed unit, refer to the next section.
About this task
Parts and tools:
• Installer-provided 6 mm hex driver
• BKT.FLR brackets (not required when installing on the ground)
• Installer-provided serviceable thread-locking compound (recommended)
• Installer-provided acoustic or nonhardening caulk (recommended)
Note: BKT.FLR floor brackets are available from Dolby (sold separately) to secure the speaker system
to the building structure. When using the BKT.FLR brackets, the installer must supply the mounting
hardware necessary to secure the speaker system to the building structure. The holes in the bracket
are sized for M10 or 3/8-inch bolts.
Note: Check with local and national building codes, and always refer the installation to a qualified
professional.
Procedure
1. Determine the proper placement of the system.
2. Determine if it is necessary to secure the SB218 to the building structure to prevent the speaker system
from shiing during use.
3. Remove the four M10 bolts from the bottom side of the SB218 speaker cabinet, as shown in the following
figure. These bolts are preinstalled in the SB218 cabinet.
Assembling and installing the Dolby SB218
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 12
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Figure 3: Secure a single SB218 cabinet
4. Reinstall the M10 bolts with the M10 washers, included with the BKT.FLR kit, securing the BKT.FLR
brackets, and then tighten the M10 bolts to 12 Nm (8.9 -lb, 106 in-lb).
5. Secure the SB218 to the building structure with installer-provided mounting hardware.
Note: Proper selection and installation of mounting hardware is the exclusive responsibility of the
installer. We recommend using M10 bolts and a serviceable thread-locking compound (for example,
Loctite 243). We also recommend applying acoustic or other nonhardening caulk to the bottom side
of the bracket to isolate speaker vibration from the building structure.
3.1.2 Securing two SB218 cabinets
Instructions are provided for stacking a second SB218 on an installed unit.
About this task
Parts and tools:
• Installer-provided 6 mm hex driver
• BKT.136 tie-plates (sold separately)
• BKT.FLR brackets (recommended [sold separately])
• Installer-provided serviceable thread-locking compound (recommended)
• Installer-provided acoustic or nonhardening caulk (recommended)
Note: BKT.136 tie (coupling) plates are available (sold separately) and are used to connect two SB218
speakers together in a stacked configuration to prevent movement or shiing of the cabinets during
use. These tie plates must be installed on stacked units prior to system use.
Note: BKT.FLR floor brackets are available from Dolby (sold separately) to secure the speaker system
to the building structure. When using the BKT.FLR brackets, the installer must supply the mounting
hardware necessary to secure the speaker system to the building structure. The holes in the bracket
are sized for M10 or 3/8-inch bolts.
Assembling and securing the Dolby SB218
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 13
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Procedure
1. Place the upper SB218 on top of the lower secured cabinet, ensuring that the rubber feet of the upper
unit properly seat within the recesses of the lower unit.
2. Locate the two-bolt tie-plate mounting locations on the sides of each cabinet.
3. Remove the two M10 bolts from the side of the lower SB218 cabinet, and then remove the two M10 bolts
from the side of the upper SB218 cabinet.
Figure 4: Remove M10 bolts from lower and upper cabinet
4. Reinstall the M10 bolts through the BKT.136 tie plates using the included M10 washers (packaged with the
BKT.136), and then tighten the M10 bolts to 12 Nm (8.9 -lb, 106 in-lb).
Note: We recommend using a serviceable thread-locking compound (for example, Loctite 243) when
installing the M10 bolts.
Caution: Use proper liing techniques when working with heavy objects to avoid personal injury.
Always be careful when moving the SB218, and employ at least two people when attempting any
relocation of the speakers.
Caution: Dolby disclaims any liability, including damage or injury, for failing to properly secure the
speaker system. The Installer assumes all responsibility and liability for the installation of this
product.
3.2 Connecting and configuring the Dolby SB218
Basic information is provided regarding the SB218 input plate and installing the wiring.
Connecting audio
Caution: Turn o all amplifiers when connecting speaker wiring.
Assembling and installing the Dolby SB218
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 14
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Note: The input terminals are marked with indicators to show their polarity. Per IEC standards, a
positive voltage on the positive marked input results in the transducers moving outward.
3.2.1 Connecting the SB218
Instructions are provided on how to connect and configure the SB218.
About this task
To be sure speakers work correctly, you must connect all electrical components properly. A wire stripper is
required to complete the tasks in this section.
1. Locate the input plate on the side of the Dolby SB218.
The SB218 input plate is mounted on the side of the speaker for easy access to the wiring, as shown in the
following figure.
Figure 5: SB218 input plate location
2. Strip back the wire insulation/sheath to 18 mm (0.7 in).
3. Locate the orange terminal tab and push it inward. This terminal tab is spring-loaded; pushing it inward
opens the gap in the hole directly below the tab.
4. Insert the wire fully into the hole (observing proper polarity).
5. Release the terminal tab; the spring mount-clamp secures the wire.
6. Remove any stray wire strands that may be present in and around the terminal tab.
Connecting and configuring the Dolby SB218
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Figure 6: SB218 input plate
Note: The input terminals are marked with indicators to show their polarity. Per IEC standards, a
positive voltage on the positive marked input results in the transducers moving outward.
Note: Always tie the cable down to the available hardware to minimize any buzzing or pullouts. If
possible, aer wiring is completed, play sound through the speaker to identify any connection issues,
buzzing, or rattling.
The SB218 is nominally rated at 4 ohms and driven by a single amplifier channel.
Assembling and installing the Dolby SB218
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 16
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4
Dolby SB218 specifications
Detailed specifications for the Dolby SB218 are provided here.
•SB218 specifications
•Dolby SB218 dimensions
Dolby SB218 specifications
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 17
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4.1 SB218 specifications
These are the specifications for the SB218.
Table 1: Dolby SB218 specifications
Specification Technical data Notes
Frequency range 26 Hz - 170 Hz -6 dB in half-space conditions using
required processing.
Usable low-frequency response 22 Hz -10 dB in half-space conditions.
Coverage window Omni
Rated impedance 4 ohms
Sensitivity @ 1 watt 102 dB Measured with 12 dB crest pink noise
@ 2 Vrms in half-space conditions with
required highpass filter and lowpass
filter.
Power handling 1,200 W @ 61 Vrms 9 dB crest pink noise for two hours
with required highpass filter and
lowpass filter, calculated power based
on minimum impedance.
Power draw 750 W Measured average power over five
seconds at the rated Vrms using 9 dB
crest pink noise with required
highpass filter and lowpass filter. This
measured power draw from the
amplifier is useful for estimating
amplifier sizing in overall system
design.
Maximum voltage peak 175 Vpk Measured Vpk over 100 hours using a
Hann-shaped sine-wave burst at the
maximum excursion frequency of the
system. This data is useful for setting
peak stop limiters and amplifier
selection.
Maximum continuous sound pressure
level (SPL) @ 1 meter
133 dB Calculated from rated sensitivity and
power.
Measured acoustic peak SPL @ 1
meter
141 dB Measured half-space peak SPL over
five seconds at rated Vrms using 9 dB
crest pink noise with required
highpass filter and lowpass filter.
SB218 weight 171 lb (77.6 kg)
Note: These specifications provide typical values and do not represent absolute limits.
Dolby SB218 specifications
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 18
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4.2 Dolby SB218 dimensions
Dolby SB218 dimensions
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 19
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5
Dolby SB218 digital signal processing
requirements
The tables in this chapter show the SB218 digital signal processing requirements.
•SB218 digital signal processing requirements
Dolby SB218 digital signal processing requirements
Dolby SB218 Owner's Manual 20
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