Mirage PS-12 User manual

p o w e r e d s u b w o o f e r s
ow n e r s m a n u a l
PRINTED IN CANADA
7AI//M-PS2
PS-12
BPS-150i

IMPOR TANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
• Read Instructions -All safety and operating instructions should be read before the
product is operated.
• Retain Instructions -The safety and operating instructions should be retained for
future reference.
• Heed Warnings -All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions
should be adhered to.
• Follow Instructions -All operating and use instructions should be followed.
• Cleaning - Unplug this product from the wall outlet before cleaning. Do not use
liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.
• Attachments - Do not use attachments not recommended by the product
manufacturer as they may cause hazards.
• Water and Moistur e - Do no use this product near water - for example,near
a bath tub, wash bowl,kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near
a swimming pool.
• Ventilation - Slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for ventilation and to
ensure reliable operation of the product and to protect it from overheating,and
these openings must not be blocked or covered. They should also never be blocked by
placing the product on a bed,sofa,rug, or other similar surface. This product should not
be placed in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or rack unless proper ventilation is
provided or the manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered to.
• Pow er Sources -This product should be operated only from the type of power
source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power
supply to your home, consult your product dealer or local power company.
For products intended to operate from battery power, or other sources,please refer
to the operating instructions.
• Grounding or Polarization -This product may be equipped with a polarized
alternating-current line plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).This plug
will fit into the power outlet only one way.This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug.If the plug should still fail to
fit,contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety
purpose of the polarized plug.
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• Pow er 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 from the product.
• Overloading - Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords, as this can result in
a risk of fire or electric shock.
• Object and Liquid Entr y - Never push objects of any kind into this product
through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that
could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.
• Servicing - Do not attempt to service this product yourself as opening or removing
covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all servicing to
qualified service personnel.
• Heat -The product should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators,
heat registers,stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Non-use Periods -The power cord of the product should be unplugged from the
outlet when left unused for a long period of time.
• Dama ge Requiring -The product should be serviced by qualified service
personnel when
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen,or liquid has been spilled into the appliance;or
C. The product has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change
in performance;or
E. Product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Features & Operating Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Room Acoustics & Subwoofer Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Subwoofer Connection to your Audio/Video System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Diagrams:
Using High Level Connection (Diag.1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Using the “Subwoofer Output” of an A/V Receiver or Processor (Diag.2) . . . . . . . 8
Using External Crossover (Diag. 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using an A/V Receiver with Pre-out and Main-in
RCA Jacks (BPS-150i only) (Diag.4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Set-up Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
INTRODUCTION
We are proud to welcome you as a new owner of a Mirage Subwoofer.Mirage subwoofers
are the result of extensive research into accurate bass reproduction and represent the leading
edge in subwoofer design and performance.The finest components and cabinet materials
combined with sophisticated manufacturing and quality control procedures ensure many years
of exceptional performance and listening pleasure.
PLEASETAKE TIMETO READ ALL OF THE INSTRUCTIONS CONTAINED IN THIS
MANUALTO MAKE CERTAINYOUR SYSTEM IS PROPERLY INSTALLED AND
FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY.
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FEATURESANDOPERATING CONTROLS
All operating controls are conveniently located on the amplifier panel mounted on the
rear of your subwoofer cabinet.
FEATURES
Auto-On/Auto-Off Circuit
Your subwoofer is equipped with a special “Auto-on/Auto-off”circuit.This circuit
automatically turns your subwoofer on as soon as it senses a program signal.At a
predetermined time after the program signal ends, this circuit automatically turns
the subwoofer off.
Clipping Protection Circuit
Many powered subwoofers on the market today produce distorted sounds as a result
of clipping at high input levels.Mirage’s proprietary Clipping Protection Circuit (CPC)
continuously senses the input signal level and automatically adjusts to prevent clipping of
the waveform, maintaining undistorted bass reproduction.
High Le vel Input and Output Terminals
The High Level inputs allow you to connect your subwoofer to the speaker outputs of
any A/V Receiver or power amplifier. The signal from the High Level output terminals
passes through a built-in High Pass Filter.When these terminals are connected to your
main/satellite speakers the result is increased dynamic range and power handling,which
improves overall system performance. See “Subwoofer Connection to your Audio/Video
System”.
Low-Le vel RCA Input Jacks
The two RCA Input jacks allow you to connect your subwoofer to
EITHER: 1) The subwoofer mono output of an A/V Receiver/Processor OR
2) The subwoofer output of an External Crossover
3) Model BPS-150i ONLY - The left and right pre-out jacks of an A/V
Receiver/Processor
NOTE: When using the External Crossover Input, the subwoofer Level control and
LP Filter control on the subwoofer’s rear panel are bypassed and have no effect on the
subwoofer. In this mode, adjustments are made using the controls provided on the
optional Mirage LFX Crossover or other External Crossovers.
Low-Le vel RCA Output Jacks
The output signal from these jacks is actively filtered below 80 Hz (18dB/octave).
When these jacks are connected to your system’s main amplifier input (or "main-in”
for many Audio/Video receivers). The result is increased dynamic range, lower distortion,
and improved overall system performance. See “Subwoofer Connection to your
Audio/Video System”.
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OPERATINGCONTROLS
Subwoofer Le vel Control
This rotary control adjusts the output level of your Mirage subwoofer and should be
used to balance the level of the subwoofer with that on your main/satellite speakers.
See “Set-up Calibration”.
LP Filter Control
This rotary control adjusts the high frequency roll-off of the subwoofer. Continuously
variable from 50Hz to 100Hz, it is used to precisely match the subwoofer bass
reproduction with that of your main/satellite speakers.See “Set-up Calibration”.
Phase Switch
This toggle switch allows matching of the phase of the subwoofer with that of your
main/satellite speakers. Switchable to 0° or 180°,it compensates for the mid-bass
acoustic effects of different speaker locations and listening room acoustic effects. See
“Set-up and Calibration”.
LF EQ Switch
In either High Level or Low Level connection,this switch adjusts the extreme low
frequency characteristics of your subwoofer. It switches from –3dB through 0 to +3dB to
precisely match the subwoofer with the acoustics of your listening room. Set switch to 0°.
If bass is too “boomy”and lacks deep detailed bass,switch to –3dB. If bass performance
lacks sufficient impact, switch to +3dB.
ROOM ACOUSTICS AND
SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT
Mirage subwoofers can be placed virtually anywhere in your listening room without
significantly affecting the stereo image of your main speakers.However, interactions
between any subwoofer and room acoustic properties will have some impact on the
overall bass performance.Reading this section will help you to find a placement for the
subwoofer in your room which will yield the best bass performance.
Although a clear path between the subwoofer and listening position is not required,it is
important to leave approximately 4 inches of clearance between the subwoofer and walls
or room furnishings. Generally, shorter runs of hook-up cables are preferable (and easier
to hide),therefore locating your subwoofer relatively close to your audio equipment is
often desirable.
CAUTION: MIRAGE SUBWOOFERS HAVE A BUILT-IN AMPLIFIER AND MUST
HAVEADEQUATE VENTILATION FOR COOLING PURPOSES. DO NOT PLACE
THE SUBWOOFER NEAR HEAT SOURCES,OR ANYTHING WHICH MIGHT
OBSTRUCTVENTILATION.
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The interaction between room acoustics and any subwoofer is closely related to the
subwoofer’s proximity to the walls.Typically, subwoofer placement directly in or close to
a corner will produce the most bass output,placement along one wall but away from a
corner will produce less bass output,and placement of the subwoofer further into the
room will produce the least amount of bass output.It should also be realized that the
corner location,although producing the most bass output often yields ill-defined or
“boomy”bass.The latter two locations will deliver progressively more accurate bass
performance.
We urge you to experiment with various subwoofer placements in your listening room
to find the position which produces “deep and smooth”performance.Often,moving
the subwoofer a foot or two can make a big sonic improvement.Remember to use
familiar musical recordings with an abundance of low frequency information when you
experiment with subwoofer locations.
SUBWOOFER CONNECTION TOYOUR
AUDIO/VIDEO SYSTEM
There are essentially two methods by which you can connect your Mirage subwoofer
to your audio/video system. The first one is “The High Level Connection” and the
second is “The Low Level Connection”. Your system components will dictate which
method to use. The High level connections can be used with virtually any integrated
receiver or amplifier. In both methods,the left and right channel inputs are combined
and the resulting signal is passed through a variable (50Hz to 100Hz @ 18dB/octave)
low pass filter for seamless matching of the subwoofer to the main-satellite speakers.
CAUTION: (A) DO NOT USE BOTH LOW LEVEL AND HIGH LEVEL
METHODS SIMULTANEOUSLY.
(B) TURN OFF ALL POWER INYOUR STEREO SYSTEM BEFORE
PROCEEDINGWITH THEINSTALLATION OF
THE SUBWOOFER.
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SUBWOOFER
SUBWOOFER SUBWOOFER
MOST BASS OUTPUT,
BUT MAY BE “BOOMY”. MODERATE BASS OUTPUT WITH
SMOOTHER PERFORMANCE. LESS BASS OUTPUT,BUT WITH BEST PERFORMANCE.

Using High Le vel Connections (see Diagram 1)
On the rear of your subwoofer cabinet is a block designated “HIGH LEVEL”. This block
contains four pairs of speaker terminals; one pair is designated as “input”and should be
connected to your amp/receiver, while the other pair is designated “output” for connection
to your main speakers. Each pair of terminals are designated left/right and color coded
black/red.
REMEMBER: Always connect red-to-red and black-to-black when making the
connections between amp/receiver to subwoofer, and from subwoofer to main/satellite
speakers. If you accidently reverse one of the connections (ie.red-to-black),you will
notice a lack of bass from your subwoofer, and/or the acoustic “image” from the main
speakers will be poorly defined.
Start by connecting the right speaker output of your amplifier or receiver to the right (R)
“input”of the subwoofer. Conversely, connect the left speaker output of your amp/
receiver to the left (L) “input”of the subwoofer.Next,connect the right (R) “output”of
the subwoofer to your right main speaker. Finally, connect the (L) “output” of the sub-
woofer to your left main speaker.
Using Low Le vel Connections (see Diagram 2, 3 & 4)
Using the “Subwoofer Output” of an A/V Receiver
or Processor (See Diagram2)
This method uses a single RCA-to-RCA interconnect cable to connect the “SUB-
WOOFER OUTPUT”jack from your A/V receiver or processor to the “SUBINPUT”on
the rear panel of the subwoofer.This method does not remove low frequencies from
your main speakers,and they will continue to reproduce bass frequencies.
Using External Crosso ver (See Diagram 3)
This method uses a single RCA-to-RCA interconnect cable to connect the
“SUBWOOFEROUTPUT” jack from an external crossover, such as the Mirage LFX two
channel crossover, to the “XOVER INPUT”of your subwoofer. This method by-passes all
of the subwoofer’s controls. Thus,all subwoofer functions are controlled by the external
crossover. (See External Crossover Owner’s Manual for more detail)
Using an A/V Receiver with PRE-OUT and
MAIN-IN RCA Jacks (for BPS-150i ONLY) (See Diagram 4)
This method uses four standard RCA-to-RCA interconnect cables. First,connect the
receiver’s left “PRE-OUT”to the jack marked left (L) “LOWLEVELINPUT”on the
subwoofer’s rear panel. Second,connect the receiver’s right “PRE-OUT”to the jack
marked right (R) “LOWLEVELINPUT”. Next,connect the left (L) “LOWLEVEL
OUTPUT”from the subwoofer’s rear panel to your receiver’s“LEFTMAIN INPUT”.
Finally, connect the right “LOW LEVELOUTPUT”to your receiver’s “RIGHT
MAIN INPUT”.
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Diagram 1: HIGH LEVEL CONNECTION
TO RIGHT
SPEAKER
Diagram 2: LOW LEVEL CONNECTION 1
–
+
–
+
TO LEFT
SPEAKER
TO AMPLIFIER
SPEAKER OUTPUT
TERMINALS
+ –
RIGHT CHANNEL + – LEFT CHANNEL
TO SUBWOOFER
OUTPUT OF
A/V RCVR OR
PROCESSOR
RCA
INTERCONNECT
CABLE

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Diagram 3: LOW LEVEL CONNECTION 2
Diagram 4: LOW LEVEL CONNECTION 3
TO SUBWOOFER
OUTPUT OF
CROSSOVER
RCA
INTERCONNECT
CABLE
TO RIGHT
MAIN - IN
TO LEFT
MAIN - IN
TO RIGHT
PRE-OUT
TO LEFT
PRE-OUT
A/V RCVR
OR PROCESSOR
FOUR RCA
INTERCONNECT CABLES