Dynaudio 18S User manual

Professional Audio
Subwoofers
User manual

▪About this operating manual: Signal words
▪Important safety instructions
▪About this manual
▪Safety Icons
▪Signal Words
▪User Manual Structure
▪Introduction
▪Getting to know the 18S
▪Unpacking
▪Packaging material
▪Disposal
▪Carton contents
▪Installation
▪Positioning
▪Mains and signal connections
▪18S Connections Schemes
▪Control and configuration
▪Subwoofer controller
▪Configuration and Use
▪General Tips
▪18S Configuration Menus
▪In use
▪Cleaning your subwoofer
▪Support
▪Updating the Firmware
▪Requirements
▪Firmware Update Procedure
2Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

3

About this operating manual: Signal
words
The lightning flash with an 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 sucient 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.
Caution
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in damage to equipment.
CAUTION
Indicates in combination with a safety sign a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury or damage to equipment.
WARNING
Indicates in combination with a safety sign a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
DANGER
Indicates in combination with a safety sign a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
4Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

Important safety instructions
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 amplifiers) 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 fit 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 specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified 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 qualified 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. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, this apparatus should not be exposed to rain or moisture and
objects filled with liquids, such as vases, should not be placed on this apparatus.
16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the receptacle.
17. The mains plug of the power supply cord shall remain readily operable.
WARNING
Risk of electric shock. Do not open.
To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the rear panel and do not expose the apparatus to rain or
moisture. No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified personnel.
Important safety instructions 5

About this manual
Safety Icons
In this operating manual following icons and symbols are used.
General safety sign
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.
Dangerous voltage
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 sucient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
Signal Words
NOTICE
Indicates in combination with a safety sign a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in damage to
equipment.
CAUTION
Indicates in combination with a safety sign a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury or damage to equipment.
WARNING
Indicates in combination with a safety sign a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
DANGER
Indicates in combination with a safety sign a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
User Manual Structure
Following this introduction and a section describing the main features of the Sub 6, this manual is divided into
three sections in which you can find all the information needed to install and use your Dynaudio Sub 6:
▪Unpacking: Describes unpacking the subwoofer, environmental factors and the contents of the subwoofer carton.
▪Installation: This section describes subwoofer positioning in general and where to locate your Sub 6 for optimum
6Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

performance.
▪Configuration and Use: This section describes the functions available through the Sub 6 user interface, how to
configure the subwoofer optimally for your system. This section also covers the Sub 6 in use and how to fix any problems
that might arise.
About this manual 7

Introduction
Welcome to Dynaudio 18S active DSP subwoofer. The 18S is a very high performance product that rewards
thoughtful setup and installation so we suggest that you take a little time to read this manual before you begin.
8Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

Getting to know the 18S
The Dynaudio 18S is a DSP controlled active subwoofer intended to augment the bass performance of full range
monitors in near-field or mid-field monitoring installations.
The 18S features a closed box acoustic system and incorporates dual opposed 24 cm drivers to minimise
mechanical vibration.
Connection facilities include balanced XLR and unbalanced stereo inputs with output sockets provided to enable
the connection of active monitors, a power amplifier for passive monitors, or a second subwoofer.
The 18S incorporates low-pass filter presets configured to match a range of Dynaudio monitor models, three
bands of parametric equalisation, an optional 80 Hz high-pass output filter and an adjustable low-pass filter that
can be configured for use with monitors from alternative manufacturers.
18S configuration and control is accomplished through a rear panel mounted display combined with a rotary
controller.
Getting to know the 18S 9

Unpacking
1. Open the carton from the top and remove the subwoofer accessories. Do not remove the upper element of the internal
packaging.
2. Carefully rotate the carton on to its side and again to turn it upside-down.
3. The carton can now be lifted away from the subwoofer. Remove the lower internal packaging now on top to reveal the
underside of the subwoofer.
4. Open the plastic bag and remove it from around the base of the subwoofer.
5. Carefully rotate the subwoofer on to its side and again to turn it onto its feet. The internal packaging can now be removed
followed by the plastic bag.
After unpacking, make sure the components are complete and check the subwoofer and all accessories for
transport damage. Transport damage may be expected if the packaging is severely marked. Do not attempt to
install the subwoofer if it is damaged. If the contents are incomplete or damaged, please contact your Dynaudio
retailer or local distributor. Distributor addresses can be found at: www.dynaudio.com.
Packaging material
The packaging has been designed so that it may be reused if it was not damaged during initial transport. Keep
the packaging and use it for all further transport.
Note
The 18S is heavy and is best unpacked close to its installed location by two people working together.
Disposal
Disposal of used electrical and electronic equipment (applicable in European countries with separate collection
systems for this equipment).
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that the product may not be treated as household waste.
Instead it must be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic
equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help prevent potential negative
10 Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

consequences for the environment and human health. The recycling of materials helps to conserve natural
resources. For more detailed information on recycling this product, please contact your local authority, community
waste disposal of, or the shop where you purchased the product.
Carton contents
▪1 x Dynaudio 18S active DSP subwoofer
▪1 x Mains power cable
▪1 x Document pack
Unpacking 11

Installation
Positioning
3
4
2
1
▪1Subwoofer distance
▪2Left monitor distance
▪3Right monitor distance
▪4Listening position
The position of subwoofers in studio rooms is generally less critical compared to full-range monitors. However,
best results will most likely be obtained if your 18S is placed asymmetrically between the left and right monitors or
in the vicinity of one of them. If this is not practical, a subwoofer position to the side of the left or right monitor, or
against a side wall can also provide good results. Try to avoid symmetry in positioning a single subwoofer with
12 Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

respect to the studio room boundaries.
Placing a subwoofer close to or behind the listening position, even in multi-channel installations, generally results
in inferior subjective performance, especially in terms of stereo imaging.
Note
Two subwoofers used in a single installation can improve performance by maintaining low frequency stereo
separation and eectively averaging the eects of low frequency room resonances (room modes). Please see
installation and configuration, below for multiple subwoofers. A simple place to start is by spacing multiple
subwoofers equally across the front wall, as this can help stop width modes from forming.
Moving the subwoofer closer to walls and corners will generally increase the amount of bass. Although the extra
bass can be compensated for by reducing the volume level of the subwoofer relative to the rest of the system,
this can result in uneven bass response at the listening position. Experiment with the position of your 18S to find
one which yields the best compromise between convenience, volume and even bass response.
When using a single subwoofer, placing the subwoofer at the listening position, moving around prospective
placement positions and listening/measuring to the result can often give a good indication of the performance of
the subwoofer. Using a broadband signal, such as pink noise available in the RTA section of the Dynaudio Sound
Meter app (available free from the Apple app store), should highlight any impact of room modes in the frequency
response.
Every studio room will have “room modes”, where at specific locations and frequencies, the bass may be under or
overemphasised. This eect is likely to be stronger in square and rectangular shaped rooms. Experimenting with
the position of the subwoofer is likely to reap benefits in terms of minimising room modes.
Using Distance compensation
The 18S incorporates signal processing that can compensate for the time delay and volume level dierences
between the subwoofer and monitors resulting from their relative positions with respect to the listening position.
Once you have positioned your subwoofer, measure the distances as illustrated. The measured distances should
then be specified at the appropriate locations in the subwoofer configuration menu. The configuration menu is
described in the Configuration section of this manual.
The 18S signal processing is able to compensate for a maximum of 5.35 m dierence between subwoofer and
monitor distances to the listening position.
Installation 13

Mains and signal connections
Right
out
Right
in
Right
in
Left
in
Right
out
Left
out
Left
out
Left
in
Trigger
in
Service
Auto
ON/OFF
Max. 12V DC
100-1 20 V~, 200-240 V~
50/60 Hz 490 W
6
5
5
1
44
3
2
The 18S is fitted on its rear face with a connection and control panel carrying mains, signal and connection
sockets. The panel is illustrated in Diagram 3 and its connection facilities are described in the following
paragraphs.
1. Mains power socket
Connect the subwoofer to a mains power supply using the cable supplied. If multiple cables are supplied with
your subwoofer, use the one appropriate for your territory.
Note
Do not switch on your subwoofer until all other connections have been made.
2. Balanced XLR input sockets (left and right)
If your monitoring hardware provides balanced outputs connect them to these sockets using high quality balanced
XLR audio cables.
3. Balanced XLR output sockets (left and right)
The XLR output sockets are intended for the connection of active left and right monitors, a power amplifier driving
14 Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

passive monitors, or a second subwoofer.
Note
The 18S distance compensation signal processing can only function correctly if the monitors are driven via the
subwoofer outputs.
Note
The 18S is equipped with an optional 80 Hz Linkwitz-Riley high pass filter on its XLR output sockets. Engaging
the filter ensures that low frequency signals below 80 Hz are not passed to satellite speakers connected to the
subwoofer outputs.
4. Unbalanced phono input sockets (left and right)
If your monitoring hardware provides unbalanced phono outputs connect them to these sockets using high quality
phono audio cables.
Note
If your audio source provides only a mono subwoofer output it can be connected to any 18S input. In this case
however the main monitors must be driven from the audio source and not via the 18S outputs.
5. Unbalanced phono output sockets (left and right)
The phono output sockets are intended for the connection of active left and right monitors, a power amplifier
driving passive monitors, or a second subwoofer.
Note
The 18S distance compensation signal processing can only function correctly if the monitors are driven via the
subwoofer outputs.
Note
The 18S is equipped with an optional 80 Hz Linkwitz-Riley high pass filter on its phono output sockets.
Engaging the filter ensures that low frequency signals below 80 Hz are not passed to satellite speakers
connected to the subwoofer outputs.
6. Trigger input
The 12 VDC trigger input enables wired remote control of subwoofer standby and operational modes in
automated systems (5-12 VDC = ON). Your Dynaudio retailer or installer will be able to provide more information
on the use of the 18S in automation systems.
Note
The USB socket present on the 18S connection panel is intended for fault diagnosis and firmware update only.
It cannot be used for audio connection or playback. Contact your Dynaudio retailer or Dynaudio directly for
more information of firmware updates.
18S Connections Schemes
Three common connection schemes are illustrated here.
Installation 15

Connection Scheme 1
▪Balanced (XLR) connection from preamplifier/processor to subwoofer inputs.
▪Balanced connection from subwoofer outputs to active main speakers.
▪The subwoofer should be distance-aligned as described above.
Connection Scheme 2
16 Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

▪Balanced (XLR) connection from preamplifier/processor to first subwoofer inputs.
▪The first subwoofer’s input sensitivity should be set to match the preamplifier/processor outputs.
▪In order to time-align the subwoofers the latency of the second subwoofer needs to be accounted for. This is done by
adding 0.86 m to the left and right distance setting in the first subwoofer. The distance used in the setting should be the
distance from the listening position to the second subwoofer plus 0.86 m. The subwoofer distance should be set as the
distance to the first subwoofer. See Calculation.
▪Balanced connection from first subwoofer outputs to second subwoofer inputs.
▪The second subwoofer’s input sensitivity should be set to 0 dB.
▪Balanced connection from second subwoofer’s outputs to the active main speaker’s inputs.
▪The second subwoofer should be distance-aligned as described above.
▪The subwoofers should be level-aligned using their volume setting.
Calculation
First Subwoofer Second Subwoofer
Left Speaker Distance distance to second
subwoofer + 86 cm Left Speaker Distance distance to left speaker
Right Speaker Distance distance to second
subwoofer + 86 cm Right Speaker Distance distance to right speaker
SUB Distance distance to first subwoofer SUB Distance distance to second
subwoofer
Connection Scheme 3
▪Stereo subwoofers.
▪Left balanced (XLR) connection from preamplifier/processor to left subwoofer, left input.
▪Balanced connection from left subwoofer output to the left active main speaker.
Installation 17

▪The left and right speaker distances in the left subwoofer should be set the as the left speaker distance described above.
The Sub Distance should be set as the left subwoofer distance.
▪Right balanced (XLR) connection from preamplifier/processor to right subwoofer, right input.
▪Balanced connection from right subwoofer output to the right active main speaker.
▪The right and left speaker distances in the right subwoofer should be set the as the right speaker distance described
above. The Sub Distance should be set as the right subwoofer distance.
18 Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual

Control and configuration
Subwoofer controller
Rotary controller:
▪Rotate to select.
▪Press to confirm.
▪Hold to exit menu.
Control and configuration 19

Configuration and Use
With the 18S subwoofer positioned in the listening room and connected to signal cables and mains power it can
be switched on via the mains switch above the mains input socket on the rear panel.
The 18S must be configured appropriately for the audio system and main speakers with which it is to be used.
This is achieved via the rotary controller, display and menu based interface on the rear panel. Turn the rotary
controller to select configuration parameters and press the control to select options and save any changes.
General Tips
Check it out
Try dierent subwoofer positions and settings, before you finally choose a setup.
Note down settings
When looking for the best subwoofer position in the room, note down the ideal setting you found for a position.
When moving the subwoofer between two positions you will be able to set the subwoofer to the same
configuration as found before.
Vary the listening music
When experimenting to find the optimal settings, use a couple of music tracks with repetitive bass across a large
spectrum. The tracks should be suciently dierent from each other and each should cover a wide bass-range.
Musical instruments, such as a double-bass, bass guitar, church organ, etc. covering a wide spectrum in the
bass region and above, are very suitable as these depend on accurately balanced subwoofers and main
speakers.
Verify changes
Although in general it is best to make adjustments in the sequence outlined below, note that changing one setting
may influence another. For example, finding the right setting for phase may result in having to decrease gain, even
if this was set correctly before.
It is recommended that you double-check the previous settings before moving on to the next one. Obtaining the
best integration of the subwoofers generally involves a considerable amount of repeated fine-tuning.
Note
If multiple subwoofers are employed, they should be configured as described in Installation.
18S Configuration Menus
Auto, ON/OFF
The Auto, ON/OFF switch enables auto standby (Auto) or forces the subwoofer to be permanently on (ON/OFF).
In Auto mode, the subwoofer can be “woken up” by
▪an audio input signal,
▪rotary knob push,
▪a trigger input if Trigger is enabled in the menu.
Menu structure:
▪Volume
▪Input sensitivity
▪Preset
20 Professional Audio Subwoofers User manual