Monitor Audio CW8 User manual

Owners Manual

Contents
Introduction 1
 1
SubConnect 1
 2
 4
 4
RS232 5
 5
 5
 5
 5
 6
 6
 6
 6
 7
 7
 8
Guarantee 8
 9
 10
 10
ENGLISH
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the CW8 or CW10, which have been designed and constructed using quality systems and materials
to provide years of enjoyment, reliability and pride of ownership.


with ground shaking bass.
Please read through this manual to familiarise yourself with any safety advice and how to set up your subwoofer to achieve the
very best listening experience.
Please retain this manual for future reference.

Care must be taken at all times when handling the subwoofer due to the weight and the construction of the
product. We recommend a two-person lift wherever appropriate.
The mains power cord(s) and 12 volt trigger cable are contained separately in the packaging and should be removed prior to
unpacking the product.

lead(s) and 12 volt trigger lead) from the top of the packaging, carefully invert the carton. Also refer to the icons printed on the
carton. Gradually pull the carton upwards to expose the subwoofer, which will be presented with its base uppermost. Remove

SubConnect
The Monitor Audio SubConnect application is a Windows only application that enables the end user to fully customise and control the
advanced features of the subwoofer. The application is downloadable from the Monitor Audio website (www.monitoraudio.co.uk). Here


monitoraudio.com 1

CUSTOM SUBWOOFER2
40HzMIN MAX 120Hz
Intertek
3100294
11
6
121314
1
2
3
4
5
7
7a
8
9
10
1. Volume Control

2. 12v Trigger - Centre Pin = +12v

depending on how it is set up in the SubConnect application. The default setting is to control the power.



3. RS232 Control
For use with home automation systems and uses a conventional RJ45 connector, refer to page 5 
and set up protocol.
4. USB-B Socket

application must be downloaded from the Monitor Audio website. A USB cable is not included, please use the appropriate
USB A - USB B cable.


ENGLISH
monitoraudio.com 3
5. Mains Voltage Selector
Factory preset to suit the voltage of the country of origin. This should not be adjusted.
6. Mains Power Switch



7. 





8. 

runs of cables (over 10m upto 100m). A balanced connection provides a much better, almost noise free method of connection
over analogue audio type connectors.
9. 



10. 


11. 
These indicate the selected preset.
1. Music: Maximum low frequency extension to pick out the fundamental frequencies of every musical instrument.
2. Movie:

3. Flat:

4. Impact:
12. Preset Select Button

signal waking it.
13. Phase Control
This is used to synchronise any delay between the Subwoofer and main speakers. When the subwoofer is in phase with the
main speakers the sound should be full bodied. Sit in a normal listening position whilst adjusting the phase settings. When
set correctly the location of the subwoofer should be almost undetectable. Experimentation is advisable, however it should
be noted that in most cases the phase control should be set to 0 degrees, especially when using a digital AV processor or AV

14. Crossover Frequency
Adjust the crossover frequency of the subwoofer between 50 - 150Hz in accordance with the main speakers when using the


in standby and green when operational. The infra red receiver is there for use with a programmable remote control.

4

Leave the subwoofer unplugged from the mains until the installation procedure is completed.
The subwoofer should be sited in the most suitable position, preferably not directly in the corner of a room as this may cause
excessive bass boom. The optimum position is next to either of the front left or right speakers. Once a desirable position is
achieved it is important to check if the cables are long enough to reach comfortably without being under tension. The optimal


Volume Control Should be set to approximately 12 o’clock.
Crossover Control Should be set to the approximate frequency depending on

Preset Should be set to number 1 (Flat).
Phase Control Should be set to zero degrees.
  
12v Trigger (optional) Do not connect at this stage.
 
before the power is connected to the subwoofer. Refer to page 2.
Never connect or disconnect the RCA input/ output leads with the subwoofer switched on.

With the input cable(s) connected and controls are set in accordance with the initial set-up procedure above, the subwoofer can be
connected to the mains power supply and switched on at the mains power switch.


inputs, set the crossover in accordance with your main speakers.



Type of Main Speaker Crossover Control Setting
Floor-standing speaker 50 - 70 Hz
 50 - 80 Hz
 60 - 90 Hz
Small satellite speaker 80 - 120 Hz

rest of the system. The volume of the amp can then be adjusted to an average listening level. Once sure everything is working
correctly, double check the subwoofer level settings.
NOTE: It might be necessary to adjust the speaker/ subwoofer settings manually if they are not to your tastes or
recommendations in the speaker/ subwoofer manuals.
CUSTOM SUBWOOFER

ENGLISH
monitoraudio.com 5
RS232
The subwoofer can be controlled via the RS232 port on the

string of characters to the RS232 connector.

The RS232 communication socket uses a standard RJ45
connector. This should be wired as illustrated on the amp panel
and below.

Baud Rate: 57600
Data Size: 8
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1
Handshaking/ Flow Control: None

Each string of commands sent to the Subwoofer must follow the
same structural protocol. These commands are detailed in the


string) must be sent via a RS232 terminal. Each command

<CR>
<LF> 
These are generally found in the RS232 terminal settings.
The Subwoofer replies to a valid command with the updated
information changed by a SET command, or the information that

invalid command it will reply with ERROR<CR><LF>
Note: any SET command other than SET_O during Standby
is deemed invalid.

The following SET commands control the operation of the
Subwoofer
Command Description Reply from Subwoofer
SET_O:1 Go to Power On 
SET_O:0 Go to Standby 
SET_M:1 Mute output 
SET_M:0 Unmute output 
SET_S:X
Select the Preset
Where X is in the range
1 - 4

Where X is in the range
1 - 4
SET_T:X

Where X is in the range
-12 - 12

Where X is in the range
-12 - 12
SET_N:1 Turn Night Mode on 
SET_N:0 Turn Night Mode off 
1 2 76543 8
1. Ground
2. Ground
3. Ground
4. Ground
5. Rx
6. Tx
7. Not used
8. Not Used.

CUSTOM SUBWOOFER6

Flat:
and minimal use of DSP enhancement. A good starting point to

Music: Maximum low frequency extension to pick out the
fundamental frequencies of every musical instrument.
Movie:  
little more extension to create a balance between the explosive

Impact:
for explosive impact.

The Subwoofer has discreet remote control commands for use
with universal remote controls. The commands follow the
standard NEC protocol.

         
need the SubConnect application. This is downloadable from
the Monitor Audio Website. Please follow the installation and
setup instructions with the application.
Once the SubConnect app has loaded and established
connection with the subwoofer, either by automatic detection
or by you manually pressing CONNECT, it will always check for a


         


button while simultaneously turning the subwoofer back on.

mode.
Now click on OK on the application. The “Status” will show
that it is disconnected. Click on CONNECT and then when
reconnected, the pop up showing there is an update available
will reappear. Proceed to Automatic Update.
Device Address: 0x7D
POWER 0x48
ON 0xd1
OFF 0xf1
MUTE 0x78
 

PRESET_1 0x28
PRESET_2 0x58
PRESET_3 0x88
PRESET_4 0xB8

 
 
 
 
ENCODER 0xD0
 

 
 



ROOMEQ_ON 0xd3
ROOMEQ_OFF 0xf3



monitoraudio.com 7
ENGLISH

1. 
another pop up showing the product, version number and
a brief summary of the changes.
2. Click on Update and you will then see a progress bar
showing the status of the update.
3.     

a signal going into the subwoofer, it will automatically

be woken up by applying a signal or by pressing the
Preset button.


check for an update, open the app and with the Subwoofer on

1. 
will be informed, likewise, if there is an update available
for it you will also be informed.

8CUSTOM SUBWOOFER
2. 
the Subwoofer to be put into Bootloader mode. For
information on how to do this refer to page 6. Follow
these steps and when you have re-established connection

and you will see a new prompt. Click on Update.
3. A progress bar will now be displayed showing the status
of the update.
4. 

a signal going into the subwoofer, it will automatically

be woken up by pressing the Preset button.

Sometimes it may be necessary to carry out a factory reset.
By carrying out the factory reset, all adjustable parameters on

where possible to save your settings within the application
before doing the reset.

1. Enter Bootloader mode (refer to page 6)
2. 
being illuminated), press and hold the Preset button
again.
3. 
one by one. When the last one has gone out, the button
can be released.
4. After being reset, the subwoofer will go into standby
mode.
Guarantee
Both the craftsmanship and the performance of this product
is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for the period
of two years from the date of purchase (see conditions in

product was supplied by an authorised Monitor Audio retailer
under the consumer sale agreement.
To verify your manufacturer’s warranty, please visit the online
www.monitoraudio.com

ENGLISH
monitoraudio.com 9
CW8 CW10
System Format Active sub-woofer system – twin ABR.
18mm MDF cabinet (CARB2 approved)
Low Frequency Limit 35Hz (-6dB) 32Hz (-6dB)
Amplifier Power Output  
Amplifier Classification Class D amplifier with Switch mode power supply (SMPSU)
Inputs
Stereo RCA


EQ Profiles 
Phase Control 
Auto Sensing 
Auto wireless audio input signal detection
Auto Standby After approximately 15 minutes if no signal sensed
Wireless audio source turned off
Driver Compliment 1 x 8” (200mm) C-CAM® long throw driver.
2 x 8” (200mm) ABR
1 x 10” (250mm) C-CAM® long throw driver.
2 x 10” (250mm) ABR
Input Impedance 
Mains Input Voltage 
(Manual Switch selection)
Dimensions (H x W x D)
(Inc fitted feet)
270 x 260 x 276mm

315 x 305 x 320mm

12v Trigger Input 5 - 12v via 3.5mm mono mini-jack socket
Power Consumption



Weight (unpacked) 9.52Kg
21lb
12.64Kg
27lb 12oz



10 CUSTOM SUBWOOFER


My subwoofer will not turn on/ no power.
• 

• 
and the source not turned on (see below).
• 
• 
adjusting the volume level of the source.

No sound from subwoofer.
• 
green, then your unit is powered up and turned on. Check further suggestions below.
• 
• 
• 



Product Details
CW8 / CW10.



Dealer Details






monitoraudio.com 11
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
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Rayleigh, Essex
SS6 7XJ
England

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

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Made In China
Version 2. 2016