JL Audio CR-1 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Active Subwoofer Crossover

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read the Instructions — All safety and operating instructions should be read
before the device is operated.
2) Retain the Instructions — e safety and operating instructions should be
retained for future reference.
3) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the device and in the operating
instructions should be followed.
4) Follow Instructions — All operating and use instructions should
be followed.
5) Water and Moisture — e device should NOT be used near water – for
example, near a bathtub, washbowl, sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near
a swimming pool, etc.
6) Ventilation — e device should be situated so that its location or position
does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
7) Heat and Flames — e device should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, replaces, or other devices which
produce heat.
8) Power sources — e device should only be connected to a power supply of the
type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product.
9) Power Cord Protection — Power-supply cords should be routed so that they
are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against
them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit the device.
10) Cleaning — e device should be cleaned only as recommended in the
operating instructions.
11) Nonuse Periods — e power cord of the device should be unplugged from
the outlet when the device is le unused for long periods of time.
e lightning ash 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.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO
QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
e exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of important operating
and maintenance instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.

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12) Lightning and Power Surges — To prevent damage due to power surges, we
recommend that you disconnect the device from the electrical outlet during
electrical storms and/or recurring power interruptions.
13) Object or Liquid Entry — Care should be taken so that objects do not fall
into and liquids are not spilled onto the device. Do not expose the device to
dripping or splashing from liquids. Do not place objects lled with liquids on
top of, or near the device, for example: ower vases, beverages, liquid-fueled
lamps, etc.
14) Damage Requiring Service — e device should be serviced by qualied
service personnel when:
a. the power-supply cord or plug has been damaged
b. objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the device
c. the device has been exposed to rain
d. the device does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked
change in performance
e. the device has been dropped or has been physically damaged
15) Servicing — e user should not attempt to service the device beyond what is
described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred
to qualied service personnel.
16) Overloading — Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords, or outlet strips
as this can result in a risk of re or electric shock.
17) Grounding — is device is supplied with a three-prong, grounded power
cord. Precautions should be taken so that the grounding means of the device
are not defeated. Defeating the grounding prong on the device power cord
could increase the risk of electric shock and could result in permanent
damage to the device’s electronics.

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FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT
NOTE: is equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. ese limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation. is equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed in accordance with the instructions, 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 dierent from that to which the
receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Instructions: ......................................... 2-3
Introduction:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Product Overview:...................................................... 5
Package Contents and Placement Considerations:........................... 6
Front Control Panel Layout:.............................................. 7
Rear Control and Connections Panel Layout:............................... 7
Front Panel Controls in Detail: ........................................ 8-11
Rear Panel Control and Connections in Detail: ......................... 12-13
Connection Scenarios and Diagrams: ................................. 14-19
Setup Guides: ...................................................... 20-23
Frequently Asked Questions: ............................................ 24
Troubleshooting: ...................................................... 24
Limited Warranty / Service Information: ................................. 25
Installation Notes: ...................................................26-27
Features and Specications: ............................................. 28
INTRODUCTION
ank you for purchasing a JL Audio CR-1 active subwoofer crossover.
Your CR-1 has been designed and built in the U.S.A. by a passionate team
of audio professionals with vast experience in signal processing and a complete
commitment to “ahead of the curve” audio performance.
Please read this manual thoroughly in order to correctly integrate and achieve
the highest level of performance with your CR-1. Once your CR-1 is dialed in
and you are enjoying new levels of performance from your audio system, you will
wonder how you ever lived without one.
Enjoy.

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PRODUCT OVERVIEW
CR-1 acts an audiophile-grade “bridge”, seamlessly connecting a two-channel
audio system with a top-ight, powered subwoofer system. Powerful features and
a pristine, all-analog signal path make it a key component in optimizing an audio
system’s spatial and spectral performance. To minimize distortion and noise,
CR-1 employs top-grade component parts in its all-analog audio circuitry: 1%
precision resistors, JFET-input audio-grade op-amps, polypropylene lm-and-foil
capacitors and metallized-polypropylene lm capacitors, to name just a few. is
attention to component quality makes CR-1 a worthy partner to the nest audio
preampliers and ampliers.
CR-1’s input-output design makes it equally adaptable to studio, mastering
suite or audiophile, two-channel playback environments. Inputs and outputs are
provided for balanced (XLR or 1/4-inch TRS) and unbalanced (RCA) sources.
Independent buering of balanced and unbalanced outputs is employed, to
reduce the likelihood of noise. JL Audio’s dierential input technology eectively
rejects common-mode hum and noise on the unbalanced inputs.
From the CR-1’s stereo inputs, you can derive either a single “mono” (Le
+ Right) subwoofer signal, or separate signals, for separate le and right
subwoofers. A front-panel switch allows you to select between these modes.
e CR-1’s crossover functionality is built around two banks of high
precision, low-pass and high-pass Linkwitz-Riley lters. ese can be set as
12 dB/octave (moderate cuto slope) or 24 dB/octave (steeper cuto slope), via
a front-panel switch. For each lter pair, the cuto frequency is fully variable
from 30 Hz – 150 Hz via rotary controls. Behind these knobs, multiplying DACs
with monolithic ratio matching are employed to adjust the analog circuit’s lter
frequencies. is digitally–controlled, analog lter circuitry allows for high
precision in making frequency adjustments and facilitates precise matching
between the le and right channels for the ultimate in crossover delity and
transparency. e CR-1 oers 167 individual cuto frequency choices between
the 30 Hz and 150 Hz limits, in 0.70 Hz steps.
Another of CR-1’s unique and powerful features is the ability to alter the
damping behavior of each lter bank. Properly used, the CR-1’s damping controls
can improve the acoustic summing through the crossover region, compensating for
each speaker system’s frequency response and the way they acoustically interact.
At the center of the CR-1’s front panel, a convenient balance control permits ne
level adjustment of the subwoofer and satellite speakers, relative to one another.
is is useful for tweaking the sub/satellite balance to compensate for listening
conditions or program material, while always being able to easily return to the
reference setting. Each of the CR-1’s output channels can also be independently
muted via front-panel switches to aid in system setup and troubleshooting.
To facilitate sharing your subwoofer(s) between a home theater system and
a dedicated 2-channel system, the CR-1 has a special bypass feature, accessible
via a front-panel switch. When this bypass is engaged, the CR-1 will pass signals
connected to its dedicated managed bass inputs, completely bypassing the CR-
1’s crossover circuitry and level controls. is allows you to use your room’s
subwoofers for both 2-channel audio (via the CR-1’s bass management) and
multichannel audio (via your pre-pro or receiver’s bass management).
As you can see from this brief introduction, the CR-1 packs a lot of useful
technology and functionality. Please read the following sections thoroughly to
properly connect and set up your CR-1.

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Package Contents
e CR-1 Active Subwoofer Crossover is shipped from the factory with:
• Owner’s Manual
• IEC power cord (3-prong)
• 4 ea. RCA Shorting Plugs
• 2 ea. Rack-mounting ears. Installation requires the use
of a 4mm hex wrench (not included)
Placement Considerations :
Table-Top: e CR-1 ships from the factory congured as a “table-top”
component, including rubber feet. To use it in table-top mode, simply place
the unit in your equipment stand where it will be convenient to use and where
cable management will be optimized (a signicant number of audio cables will
typically be connected to the CR-1).
e CR-1 chassis is very robust and can easily support the weight of most
source components and signal processors. However, we do not recommend
placing heavier equipment, such as ampliers or receivers directly onto the CR-1.
We also do not recommend placing the CR-1 directly on top of a power amplier
or receiver, as the heat generated by those components could aect the CR-1.
Whenever possible, place the CR-1 on its own shelf or surface.
Rack-Mount: e CR-1 can be rack mounted in a standard 19-inch equipment
rack, through the use of the included rack-mount accessory kit. When installed
in a rack, the CR-1 occupies two (2) rack-units of space.
To convert the CR-1 for rack mounting:
1. Unscrew the rubber feet from the bottom of the CR-1.
2. Remove the 4 mm hex-head screws that secure the end covers of the front panel
3. Using the same hex-head screws removed in Step 2, attach the rack ears to
each end of the front panel, as shown in the diagram on this page.
Do not overtighten.
4. CR-1 is now ready to be installed into an equipment rack.
5. To protect the nish of the rack-mount ears, we recommend the use of
nylon washers between the rack-mounting screws and the front surface of
the rack-mount ears.
We do not recommend rack-mounting the CR-1 directly on top of a power
amplier or receiver, as the heat generated by those components could aect the CR-1.
Rack Ears
End Covers

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Rear Controls and Connections Panel
Front Control Panel
Crossover
Function
page 8
Power
page 8
Subwoofer
Output Mode
page 9
Sub. Filter
Frequency
page 10
Sub/Sat
Balance
page 10
Subwoofer
Damping
page 11
Satellite
Damping
page 11
Crossover
Slope
page 9
Balanced XLR/TRS
Stereo Inputs
page 12
Balanced XLR/TRS
Managed Bass
Inputs
page 12
Fuse
page 13
Unbalanced
Satellite
Outputs
page 13
Unbalanced
Subwoofer
Outputs
page 13
Unbalanced
Stereo Inputs
page 12
Unbalanced
Managed Bass
Inputs
page 12
Managed Bass
Input Type
Switch
page 12
IEC-Style AC
Connector
page 13
XLR Balanced
Satellite
Outputs
page 13
TRS Satellite
Outputs
page 13
TRS Balanced
Subwoofer
Outputs
page 13
Ground Lift
Switch
page 13
Sat. Filter
Frequency
page 10
Output
Muting
page 10
XLR Balanced
Subwoofer
Outputs
page 13

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS IN DETAIL
Power switch
e power ( ) switch turns the AC power o ( ) or on ( ). When
the power switch is in the “o” mode, it completely interrupts voltage
from reaching the CR-1’s circuitry. e LED next to the power switch is
unlit when the power is o. When the CR-1’s power switch is in the “on”
( ) position, the CR-1’s circuitry is activated and the LED next to the
power switch will light up GREEN. ere is no auto turn-on mode.
Because the CR-1 is an audiophile-grade, analog device, its circuitry
can benet from reaching equilibrium aer turn-on, much like other
high-end audio equipment. Aer the unit has been o, a brief period
of warm up (several minutes) is desirable for best sonic performance.
Unless you will not be using the CR-1 for an extended period of time,
we recommend that you leave the power switch on. e CR-1 draws
a small amount of power when on: approximately 26 watts.
Crossover Function (Bypass) Button
is feature allows you to share one or more subwoofers between separate
home theater and dedicated 2-channel stereo systems. is functionality can also
allow you to share main le and right loudspeakers between the two setups.
With your 2-channel preamplier connected to the CR-1’s “Main Stereo
Inputs”, and your home theater preamp/processor or receiver’s Subwoofer
Output connected to the CR-1’s “Managed Bass Inputs”, the CR-1 will act as a
switch between 2-channel and multi-channel listening modes, via the “Crossover
Function” switch.
When the Crossover Function is set to “On” (Button pressed in, not lighted),
the “Managed Bass Inputs” are completely disconnected and the CR-1 receives
its input signals only from its “Main Stereo Inputs” and outputs low-pass-ltered
signals via its “Outputs to Subwoofer(s)” and high-pass-ltered signals via its
“Outputs to Satellites”. is is the correct mode for 2-channel listening, and
indicates that the CR-1’s active crossover lters are in-line and functioning.
When the “Crossover Function” switch is set to “Bypass” (button out, lighted
red), the CR-1’s “Managed Bass Inputs” are connected directly to the “Outputs
to Subwoofer(s)”. In this “Bypass” mode, the CR-1’s “Outputs to Satellite
Amplier” will pass signals present at the CR-1’s “Main Stereo Inputs”, with no
processing. Each le or right RCA input passes signal only to the corresponding
le or right RCA output and each XLR/TRS balanced input only sends signal to
its corresponding balanced output. All of the CR-1’s crossover functions and level
controls are completely bypassed in this mode, meaning that whatever signals
are present at the inputs will be passed to the corresponding outputs. Most of the
CR-1’s front panel controls are inoperative in this mode. Only the “Subwoofer
Output Mode” switch and the “Output Muting” buttons will remain functional.
e primary purpose of the “Bypass” mode is to enable your multi-channel
receiver or preamp/processor to handle all bass management for your multi-
channel system. See Connection Scenario #2 for details on this method (page 22).
IMPORTANT: WHEN THE CR1 IS “OFF”, SIGNAL WILL BE PASSED DIRECTLY
FROM THE “MAIN STEREO INPUTS” TO THE “OUTPUTS TO SATELLITE
AMPLIFIER”, WITHOUT FILTERING. THIS ALLOWS YOU TO LISTEN TO YOUR
2CHANNEL SYSTEM IN FULLRANGE MODE, WITH NO SUBWOOFERS, BY
SWITCHING THE CR1 TO “OFF”
IMPORTANT

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Subwoofer Output Mode Switch
e “Subwoofer Output Mode” switch determines whether the low-pass
signal at the subwoofer outputs is in stereo (independent le and right signals), or
if both subwoofer outputs deliver a le + right (mono-summed) signal.
If you are using a single subwoofer, set the Mode Switch to “L+R” to sum both
le and right low-pass signals to mono for the single subwoofer.
If you have a pair of subwoofers, you can decide whether to make them
independent, le and right (“Stereo” Mode), or make them both output the same
mono-summed signal (“L+R” Mode). Experiment with both settings to determine
which works best in your room for 2-channel and multi-channel playback.
Crossover Slope Switch
e “Crossover Slope” switch changes the attenuation slope of the high-pass
and low-pass lters. CR-1 oers a choice between a moderate 12 dB/octave (2nd
order) and a steep 24 dB/octave (4th order) slope. A 24 dB per octave high-pass
lter attenuates signals below its corner frequency at a rate of -24 dB for every
halving of frequency. A 24 dB per octave low-pass lter attenuates signals above
its corner frequency at a rate of -24 dB for every doubling of frequency. e 2nd
order lter setting attenuates at only -12 dB per octave above or below each lter’s
corner frequency. With a steeper roll o slope, there is less “overlap” of acoustical
output between the satellite speakers and the subwoofer.
We recommend using the 24 dB/octave slope as a default, as it permits less
interaction between the main loudspeakers and subwoofers in the crossover
region. e steeper 24 dB/octave lter also does a better job of protecting the
main speakers from the eects of low-frequencies that are better handled by the
subwoofer(s). ere are some uncommon situations where a 12 dB/octave lter
may perform better, which is why the CR-1 includes the shallower slope option.
10
Frequency (Hz)
100 1K
Voltage (dB)
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
Subwoofer / Satellite Filter = 12dB
Subwoofer / Satellite Filter = 24db
100 Hz Crossover Frequency
SatelliteSubwoofer
Eects of “Crossover Slope” Switch (low-pass and high-pass lters are shown)

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Frequency Controls
e high-pass and low-pass lters in the CR-1 are designed with a Linkwitz-
Riley alignment. is is true for both the 12 dB/octave and 24 dB/octave slopes.
In keeping with standard Linkwitz-Riley lter practice, the indicated lter
cuto frequency (aka “corner frequency”) is the -6 dB point, not the -3 dB point.
Electrically, when the CR-1’s high-pass and low pass lters are set at the same
crossover frequency, their outputs will overlap in the crossover region, summing
to a perfectly at response.
Due to acoustic factors and speaker response deviations, this at electrical
summation may not actually translate to a at acoustic summation in your room,
which is why the CR-1 oers independent “Frequency” settings for the high-pass
and low-pass lter sections, as well as a pair of very useful “Damping” controls
(see page 11).
e rotary “Frequency” control knob in the Subwoofer Section of the front
control panel determines the low-pass crossover lter frequency (in Hertz) that is
applied to the subwoofer output signal. e rotary “Frequency” control knob in
the Satellite Section of the front control panel determines the high-pass crossover
lter frequency (in Hertz) applied to the satellite output signal.
CR-1’s ability to “split” the crossover frequencies of the subwoofer and
satellites allows for precision system setup within a given acoustic space and
subwoofer/satellite system.
Sub/Sat Balance Control
e “Sub/Sat Balance” control knob allows easy, intuitive gain
manipulation greatly simplifying level adjustment of your satellites
relative to your subwoofer(s). To increase the relative loudness of
the satellites, simply turn the “Sub/Sat Balance” control clockwise
towards the “+Sat” end of the control markings. To increase the relative
loudness of the subwoofer(s), turn the “Sub/Sat Balance” control knob
counterclockwise towards the “+Sub” end of the control markings.
e “Sub/Sat Balance” Control works over a total range dierence of +/-12 dB
(i.e., the Satellites’ output gain can be adjusted to be up to +12 dB higher than the
Subwoofers, or vice versa.) However, to maintain extreme circuit linearity in the
CR-1, when you turn the Level Match Control to +2 dB on the Satellite side (i.e.,
turn up the Satellite level by 2 dB), the circuit actually cuts the Subwoofer output
by 1 dB and raises the Satellite gain by only 1 dB, giving you the desired 2 dB
dierence. Operating in this fashion minimizes the gain envelope of the circuitry
and maximizes the sonic transparency of the CR-1.
We recommend that you set up your subwoofer’s gain and your main
loudspeaker amplier’s gain so that you achieve a good reference subwoofer level
with the “Sub/Sat Balance” control set at “0” (12 O’Clock). is way, you can
always easily return to your reference level setting.
Output Muting Buttons
e “Output Muting” buttons will “Mute” (turn o) the selected satellite or
subwoofer output when the button is pressed “in.” In the muted state, the button will
light up RED. During normal operation the “Output Muting” buttons are unlit.
Output muting can be helpful when troubleshooting or performing measurements
on your sound system. Selectively turning your individual speakers “on” or “o”
will help you isolate individual channels or speakers and determine which units are
functioning properly and which ones may be having problems.