Fostex PM-SUBN User manual

Active Sub Woofer
Owner’s Manual
Thank you for purchasing the Fostex PM-SUBn. The PM-SUBn is an active sub woofer
which widens and strengthens the shortage of low frequency region and volume level
reproduced by a small speaker system. It can be used for various applications such as
DTM and home theater.
© PRINTED IN CHINA JUN. 2011 532956
FOSTEX CO.
3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima-shi, Tokyo, Japan, 196-0021

2 7
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
WARNING:
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Avertissement:
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all Instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accor-
dance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.
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.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
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.
The apparatus shall be used in an open area.
Cet appareil doit être utilisé dans un endroit a aire
ouverte.
Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing
and that no objects filled with liquids, such as vases,
shall be placed on apparatus.
L’appareil ne doit pas êclaboussures et aucun objet ne
contenant de liquide, tel qu’un vase, ne doit être placé
sur lobjet.
Mains plug is used as disconnect device. It shall remain
readily operable and should not be obstructed during
intended use. To completely disconnect the apparatus
from supply mains, the mains plug of the apparatus
shall be disconnected from the mains socket outlet
completely.
La prise du secteur et utilisé pou déconnecter le
système. La prise du secteur ne doit pas être obstruée
ou doit être facilement accessible pendant son utilisa-
tion. Pour être complètement déconnecté de
l’alimentation d’entrée, la prise doit être débranchée du
secteur.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose apparatus to rain or moisture.
pour réduire le risque d’incendie ou de choc électrique,
ne pas exposer cet appareil sous la pluie et l’humidité.
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 enclo-
sure 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 mainte-
nance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE
BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION:
POUR ÉVITER LES CHOCS ÉLECTRIQUES,
INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE
DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE
ET POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod,
bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the appara-
tus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from
tip-over.
Declaration of EC Directive
This equipment is compatible with the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's ordinance concerning
the electromagnetic compatibility and with the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's
ordinance concerning electric equipment designed to be used within the specified voltage range.
The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment
The affect of the European Specification EN61000-6-1 (coexistence of electromagnetic waves - common immunity specification) on this
equipment are as shown below.
In the electrical fast transient/burst requirements, surge, conducted disturbances by radio-frequency fields, power frequency magnetic
field, radiate electromagnetic field requirements and static electricity discharging environment, this could be affected by generation of
noise in some cases.
FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE
* Including non-EU countries (as of January 2011)
<AUSTRIA>
NAME: Mega Audio GmbH
ADD: Stromberger Str. 32, D-55411 Bingen, Germany
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<BELGIUM>
NAME: General Audio
ADD: Raymond Pelgrimslaan 101, B-1702 Groot-Bijgaarden,
Belgium
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<BULGARIA>
NAME: Shark Art
ADD: 15 Hristo Popovich Str., Varna 9000, Bulgaria
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<CZECHO>
NAME: Praha Music Center spol s.r.o.
ADD: Ocelarska 937/39, Praha 9, 190 00, Czecho
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<DENMARK>
NAME: Benum Nordic A/S
ADD: Meterbuen 18, Skovlunde, 2740 Denmark
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<FINLAND>
NAME: Noretron Oy Audio
ADD: P. O. Box 22, FIN-02631 Espoo, Finland
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<FRANCE>
NAME: Sennheiser France
ADD: 128 bis, avenue Jean-Jaures, 94851 Ivry-sur-Seine Cedex,
France
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<GERMANY>
NAME: Mega Audio GmbH
ADD: Stromberger Str. 32, D-55411 Bingen, Germany
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<GREECE>
NAME: Bon Studio S. A.
ADD: 6 Zaimi Street, Exarchia, 106.83 Athens, Greece
TEL: [phone], 606, 607, 608
FAX: [phone]
<HUNGARY>
NAME: ATEC Hungary Kft
ADD: H-110/ Budapest, Fogado u. 3, Hungary
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<ICELAND>
NAME: I. D. elrf. electronic Ltd.
ADD: ARMULA 38 108 REYKJAVIK, ICELAND
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<ITALY>
NAME: Proel S. p. A.
ADD: Zona Via Alla Ruenia, 37/43 64027 - Sant’Omero (Teramo),
Italy
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<THE NETHERLANDS>
NAME: IEMKE ROOS AUDIO B. V.
ADD: Kuiperbergweg 20, 1101 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<NORWAY>
NAME: Siv. Ing. Benum AS
ADD: P. O. Box 145, Vinderen, 0319 Oslo, Norway
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<POLAND>
NAME: Mega Music Spolka z o.o
ADD: Ul. Lesna 15, 81-876 Sopot, Poland
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<SPAIN>
NAME: Letusa S. A.
ADD: C/Laguna 10, 28923 Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<SWEDEN>
NAME: Benum Nordic A/S
ADD: Aldermansvagen 17, 171 48 Solna, Sweden
TEL: [phone]
<SWITZERLAND>
NAME: Audio Bauer Pro AG
ADD: Bernerstrasse-Nord 182, CH-8064 Zurich, Switzerland
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]
<UK>
NAME: SCV London
ADD: 40 Chigwell Lane, Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate, Loughton,
Essex IG10 3NY U. K.
TEL: [phone], FAX: [phone]

36
Characteristics Chart
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20kHz
0°
180°
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20kHz
0°
180°
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20 kHz
PM-SUBn
PM0.4n
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20kHz
PM-SUBn
PM0.5n
10 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20kHz
Output sound pressure level measured in the anechoic room
The LOW-PASS FREQ. control knob adjusts the frequency curve as shown in the graph below. The
characteristics are measured with PM-SUBn in sole use.
•PM-SUBn Output sound pressure level characteristics •PM-SUBn setting
Characteristic
Characteristic
Characteristic
The graphs below show the characteristics when PM-SUBn is connected to PM0.4n and PM0.5n. Setting the
PM-SUBn SUBWOOFER VOLUME and LOW-PASS FREQ. at the position below achieves the best sound
performance indicated by the thick line in the graph. The output sound pressure varies depending on room
acoustic characteristics and the PM-SUBn/main speaker system installation position. Referring to the setting
example, set the best volume position so that the low frequency output from both PM-SUBn and the main speaker
system is coordinated.
•PM0.4n + PM-SUBn characteristics •PM0.5n + PM-SUBn characteristics
•PM0.4n volume setting: Max •PM0.5n volume setting: Half
•PM-SUBn setting •PM-SUBn setting
About switching PHASE
The sound pressure level varies between the 0º and 180º PHASE SW position. In a normal environment, setting
the PHASE SW at 0º rather achieves a flat characteristic. However, depending on an installation position and a
distance between PM-SUBn and the main speaker system, there is a case that setting the PHASE SW at 180º
realizes a smoother reproduction from low to high frequency region.
•PM0.4n + PM-SUBn phase characteristics •PM0.5n + PM-SUBn phase characteristics
(1.2)
300
300
333 31
364
Main Features
Specifications
Dimensions
Active sub woofer with a closed cabinet optimized for PM0.4n
The enclosure volume is downsized by 25% comparing to PM0.5SUB (MK2). This allows PM-SUBn to install
more flexibly. With the closed cabinet, you do not have to pay attention to the bass-reflex enclosure duct direction.
A long-stroke 20-cm speaker unit exclusively designed as a sub woofer
A light BKP (Bleached Kraft Pulp) and strong Kevlar fiber mixed material is used for the cone paper of the
speaker. Also a highly durable, light and high internal-loss SBR system foamed rubber is used for the speaker
surrounding.
A closed wooden cabinet with a shining front baffle painted in glossy-black and optimized stiffness establishes
a high-quality sound reproduction.
Driving a sub woofer with 68W high-power amplifier
The RCA pin and phone are employed for the INPUT/THRU OUT jacks. The stereo RCA pin cable (1.5 m),
stereo mini - RCA pin cable (1.5 m) and 2 x phone - phone cables (2 m) are provided as standard accessories.
Without purchasing extra cables, you can connect PM0.4n/PM0.5n and PC with PM-SUBn. The volume,
cross-over frequency (50 ~ 150 Hz) and the phase (0º or 180º) can be adjusted for your usage environment.
PM-SUBn can be used for various applications such as DTM and home theater.
●Type : Sub woofer with built-in power amplifier
●Amplifier Section
•Rated Output : 68 W
•Input Sensitivity : 100 mV
•Input Impedance : 20 kΩ or more (No signal is connected to THRU OUT.)
•Output Terminal (THRU OUT) : ø6 mm TS phone jack, RCA pin jack
•Functions : Phase switch (0°/180°), cross-over frequency adjustment (50 ~ 150 Hz),
volume
●Speaker Section
•Type : Closed type acoustic suspension
•Speaker Unit : 20 cm cone type (simplified magnetic shield)
•Impedance : 8 Ω
●Power : AC120 V / 60 Hz, AC230 V / 50/60 Hz, 60 W
●Dimensions : 300 (W) x 301.2 (H) x 364 (D) mm
●Weight : About 11.6 kg
●Standard Accessories : Stereo RCA pin cable (1.5 m), stereo mini - RCA pin cable (1.5 m),
white phone - phone cables (2 m), red phone - phone cables (2 m)
Product improvement may warrant a change of specifications, newer materials or cosmetics. Changes in specifications and
features may be made without notice or obligations.

1
4 5
2 3 4 5 6
8
7
9
Names & Functions
Connecting PM-SUBn to PM0.4n (x 2 units)
Connect a stereo signal source from PC/portable music player to the PM-SUBn INPUT terminals (L, R). Next,
connect the PM-SUBn THRU terminal (L, R) to a pair of PM0.4n INPUT terminals. The connection is the same
when PM0.5n is used as a main speaker system.
Provided phone-phone
cable (white)
PM0.4n
(L channel)
Provided phone-phone
cable (red)
PM0.4n
(R channel)
THRU OUT terminals
The THRU OUT terminals output signals
fed to the INPUT terminals regardless of
the PM-SUBn power switch on/off
condition. If the phone plug is connected to
the THRU OUT PHONE jack, the signal
fed to the THRU OUT RCA jack is cut.
Provided stereo mini
-RCA cable
PC Provided stereo mini
-RCA cable
Portable music player
Provided RCA
pin cable
Connection Method
When a volume controller is used;
1.
2.
3.
Connect a signal source to PC-1
using a stereo mini cable.
Connect the PC-1’s RCA OUT
(L , R ) t o t he P M - S U B n R C A
INPUT (L, R) using the RCA pin
cable provided with PC-1.
Referring to the explanation
mentioned in the page 7 of thi s
manual, adjust the PM-SUBn
SUB WOOFER volume and the
PM0.4n volume. PC-1 can adjust
b o t h t h e P M - S U B n a n d t h e
PM0.4n volume level.
PC-1 volume controller
Make sure to power off
the amplifier and then
connect the cables.
Connecting PM-SUBn (x 2 units) to PM0.4n (x 2 units)
Using 2 units of PM-SUBn improves the low sound massiveness. Also L and
R independent signals allow more realistic sound reproduction.
Connect a signal source L channel
output to the PM-SUBn INPUT
(L) terminal. Then, Connect the
PM-SUBn THRU OUT (L) to the
input terminal of PM0.4n placed
on the L channel side.
Connect a signal source R channel
output to the PM-SUBn INPUT
(R) terminal. Then, Connect the
PM-SUBn THRU OUT (R) to the
input terminal of PM0.4n placed
on the R channel side.
PM0.4n placed on the L side PM0.4n placed on the R side
Provided phone-phone
cable (white)
Provided phone-phone
cable (red)
1. Power indicator
It indicates the built-in power amplifier power on/off
condition. It is lit when turning on the [POWER] switch.
It is unlit when turning off the [POWER] switch.
2. [INPUT] terminals
A signal source output from PC/portable music player or
a line level signal output from an amplifier is connected
to the [INPUT] terminals. If the signal source is
connected to the PHONE jack, the signal source fed to
the RCA terminal is cut.
3. [THRU OUT] terminal
A signal fed to the [INPUT] terminal is output from the
[THRU OUT] terminal regardless of the power switch
on/off condition. If the signal is taken out from the
PHONE terminal, the signal source output from the RCA
terminal is cut.
4. [PHASE 0º, 180º ] switch
This switch changes the sub woofer phase between 0º
and 180º.
5. [SUB WOOFER VOLUME] adjusting knob
It adjusts the output level of PM-SUBn.
6. [LOW-PASS FREQ.] adjusting knob
It adjusts the cross-over frequency of the low-pass filter
from 50 to 150 Hz.
7. Heat sink
8. [POWER] switch
Power off and on the built-in power amplifier. When
powering off/on, fully turn down both the PM-SUBn
[SUB WOOFER VOLUME] and the connected powered
speaker output volume.
9. AC cable
Caution When Cleaning
Cleaning the front baffle/enclosure with caution.
• If there are marks attached on the enclosure surface, squeeze a soft cloth steeped into a watered-down neutral
detergent and wipe the surface with the cloth.
• If dust is attached on the speaker unit surface, sweep it lightly using a duster. Do not touch the unit surface
directly with your hand or clean it with a wet wiping cloth.
<CAUTION>
When this unit is used for a long time, the heat sink
heats up. Do not touch it with a bare hand. You
might suffer a burn. Please place the unit in order
not to bother the heat sink radiation.
Connect one of the
music source.
Amplifier /
Recording mixer, etc.