Outlaw LFM-2 User manual

Owner’s Manual
Version 1.0
LFM Series
Low Frequency Modules
LFM-1 Compact and LFM-2

2
Outlaw Audio
Owner’s Manual
Please Read First
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No
user serviceable parts inside. Refer to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to
rain or moisture.
The lightning flash with arrowhead, within an equilateral triangle, is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous volt-
age” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the presence of important operating maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Precautions
Verify The Line Voltage
Your new Low Frequency Module has been factory configured for 120 volt AC lines. Connect-
ing an LFM to a line voltage other than that for which it is intended can create a safety and
fire hazard, and may damage the subwoofer. If you have any questions about the voltage
requirements for your specific model, or about the line voltage in your area, contact Outlaw
Audio before plugging the unit into a wall outlet.
Verify AC Circuit Capacity
The high power output of your Outlaw LFM may require heavy power draw under full load
conditions. To insure proper performance, and to avoid potential safety hazards, we recom-
mend that it be connected to a 20 Amp capacity circuit. Connecting multiple subwoofers
to the same circuit, or connecting it to a circuit used by other heavy power devices, such as
air conditioners, may cause circuit breakers to trip.
NOTE: It is always a good idea to avoid using any audio or video equipment
on the same AC circuit as equipment with motors, such as air conditioners or
refrigerators. This will lessen the possibility of power variation and electrical
start-up noise affecting your sound system.
Extension Cords and Power Strips
We do not recommend that extension cords be used with this product unless they are of
sufficient gauge to pass the necessary current during full load conditions. Most inexpensive
extension cords are not capable of such high-current loads.
Similarly, should you use a power strip, surge protector or any type of AC power line con-
ditioning equipment, make certain that it is also able to handle the high current loads
this product will produce.
Handle the AC Power Cord Gently
When disconnecting the power cord from an AC outlet, always pull the plug, never pull the
cord. If you do not intend to use the amplifier for any considerable length of time, disconnect
the plug from the AC outlet. If the power cord is replaced, make certain that it is of similar
gauge. As with all electrical devices, do not run power cords under rugs or carpets or place
heavy objects on them. Damaged power cords should be replaced immediately with cords
meeting factory specifications.
Wiring
Cables that are run inside of walls should have the appropriate markings to indicate com-
plaince with, and listing by the UL , CSA or other standards required by the UL, CSA, NEC or
your local building. Questions about cables inside of walls should be referred to a qualified
customer installer, or a licensed electrician or low-voltage contractor.
Do Not Open The Cabinet
There are no user serviceable components inside this product. Opening the cabinet may
present a shock hazard, and any modification to the product will void your guarantee. If
water or any metal object, such as a paper clip, coin or a staple, accidentally falls inside
the unit, disconnect it from the AC power source immediately, and contact Outlaw Audio
for further instructions.
FCC Information for User
CAUTION: ANY changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used 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 off 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 different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE
Before connecting a new component such as the LFM to your audio or home theater system
it is always good practice to make certain that all components are turned off, and preferably
unplugged from their AC power source. Many modern electronics products feature automatic
turn-on circuits that may be activated during an installation, causing the potential for
damage to electronic components and/or speakers. Such damage is not covered by product
warranties and Outlaw Audio specifically disclaims responsibility for any such damage.
For Future Reference
Record your Model LFM serial number and date of purchase here. It is found on the
back panel.
Model Number
Serial Number
Date of Purchase
Please Read First

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LFM Series Low Frequency Modules
Owner’s Manual
The contents of this manual are Copyright © 2007 by Outlaw Audio, LLC, and may not be
duplicated or reproduced by any means, whether physical, electronic or otherwise without
prior written consent from Outlaw Audio.
Outlaw Audio and the Outlaw Audio logo are registered trademarks of Outlaw Audio, LLC.
Specifications are those in effect at the time of printing. Outlaw Audio reserves the right
to change specifications or designs at any time without notice or obligation to modify
existing units.
Table of Contents
2 Please Read First
3 Table of Contents
3 LFM Series Low Frequency Modules
3 Unpacking
3 Accessories
4 Before You Begin
4 Installing Subwoofer Feet
4 LFM Controls and Connections
5 Subwoofers, Bass and Overall System Performance
5 Setup Guide
5 Connecting to Your System
5 Connecting to a System with a Subwoofer Preamp Output
7 Connecting to a System with no Preamp Outputs
7 Subwoofer Placement
7 Notes On Subwoofer Placement
8 Setting the LFM Controls
8 Variable Crossover
8 Phase Switch
8 Volume Level
8 S2:The Scattered Subwoofer System
8 What’s Needed to Connect Two Subwoofers?
8 Placement and Level Control
9 Care and Maintenance
9 Cleaning
9 When You Are Away
9 Troubleshooting
9 Outlaw Service Information
9 Troubleshooting Guide
10 Model LFM-1 Compact Specifications
10 Model LFM-2 Specifications
11 The Outlaw Audio 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
11 Outlaw Audio Limited Warranty
LFM Series
Low Frequency Modules
Congratulations on thepurchaseofanOutlaw AudioLFMLowFrequencyModule,
you now own one of the finest subwoofers available. The LFM series subwoofers
provide deep, tight, bass extension that’s powerful enough to meet the most de-
mandingrequirementsofanymovieormusicalsource.TheLFMseriessubwoofers
blend effortlesslywith bothsmallsatellite speakersandlarge towerspeakersalike.
This seamless integration is made possible by a flexible crossover network, which
may also be disengaged for use with advanced bass-management systems.
Among the LFM’s many features are:
■A down firing design that virtually eliminates audible port noise
■A long throw 10" (LFM-1 Compact) and 8" (LFM-2) driver for deep
bass extension
■A powerful BASH¨ amplifier (LFM-1 Compact: 225-watts and
LFM-2: 150-watts) for precise driver control
■Signal Sense for automatic turn on/off
■180-degree phase control
■Line and speaker level inputs
■Detachable power cord
Unpacking
The carton and packing materials used in shipping your new subwoofer were
specially designed to cushion it from the shocks and vibrations of shipping. We
stronglysuggestthatyousavethecarton andpackingmaterialstouseif you move,
or if the unit ever needs to be shipped back to us for any reason.
Tominimizethe sizeofthe cartoninstorage,youmay wishtoflatten itbycarefully
opening the top and bottom flaps and folding the carton. Packing materials that
cannot be collapsed should be saved along with the carton in a plastic bag.
Accessories
After unpacking your LFM series subwoofer please confirm that the following
accessories have been included.
■AC Power Cord
■4 Black (Metal) Carpet Spikes
■4 Black (Metal) Dimpled Discs
■This Owner’s Manual
If any of the above is missing from your shipment, please contact Outlaw Audio
immediately.
LFM Series Low Frequency Modules

4
Outlaw Audio
Owner’s Manual
Before You Begin
Beforeproceedingwiththeintegration oftheLFMinto yoursystem,pleaseobserve
the following precautions and suggestions.
■ Do not plug the power cord into the LFM until all other connections have
been made.
■ Always refer to the instructions that came with your receiver or processor for
specific procedures, warnings and options.
■ Donot attempt tooperatetheLFMunlessthefeet havebeenproperlyinstalled.
This may restrict driver movement and will cause damage to your LFM that
is not covered by the warranty.
■ When using the subwoofer on surfaces such as wood floors and certain tight
weave rugs, be sure to use the supplied dimpled discs to prevent damage to
thefloor’s surface.Youare responsiblefor determining when theuseofthese
discs is required.
■ Make sure to insert all plugs and connectors securely. Improper connections
can result in noise, poor performance, or damage to the equipment.
■ Do not bundle the subwoofer cable or speaker wire with the power cord. This
may adversely affect the sound quality and introduce unwanted hum into
your system.
Installing Subwoofer Feet
Proper installation of the supplied feet/carpet spikes is necessary for ALL LFM
subwoofer setups. These spikes provide the ground clearance that is required for
optimal performance and safety. Failure to use the feet provided will result in
damage not covered under the Outlaw Audio Warranty. For your convenience
we have provided “dimpled discs“ that may be used when the LFM is placed on
surfacesotherthancarpet,suchaswood,tile,certainrugsandlinoleumsurfaces
to prevent damage to the floor or floor covering.
To install the spikes, follow these steps:
1. Carefully turn the subwoofer upside down.
2. Screw a foot/carpet spike into the threaded hole in each corner of the
LFM subwoofer.
Tighten the spike by hand until no threads are showing and the base of
the foot is flush with the bottom of the cabinet.
NOTE: If the LFM is being placed on a surface that may be damaged
by the carpet spikes, place one of the black, dimpled discs that is sup-
plied with the LFM subwoofer on the floor surface in each corner of
the location where the LFM will be placed.
3. After all four carpet spikes have been installed, turn the LFM over so
that it is upright.
We recommend that this be done by two people due to the weight of the
unit, and to make certain that the floor surface is not damaged while the
unit is being turned back to the upright positions.
Before You Begin
LFM Controls and Connections
AHIGH LEVEL Inputs
When your receiver does not have line level outputs available for a subwoofer
connection, connect the speaker outputs of the receiver here.
BPOWER INDICATOR Light
This indicator is green when the LFM is on and red when power is applied,
but the unit is in the standby mode.
CAUTO Power Switch
Enables the LFM’s signal sense mode so that the unit turns on automatically
when an audio signal is present.
DPHASE Switch
Switches the phase of the LFM subwoofer with respect to the main speakers.
FVOLUME Control
Use this knob to control the output level of the LFM.
FCROSSOVER FREQUENCY Control
Sets the frequency of the built in variable low pass crossover.
LFM-1 Compact

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LFM Series Low Frequency Modules
Owner’s Manual
Setup Guide
GSUB IN Jack
Connect the subwoofer output of your receiver, processor or other source
device or accessory to this jack.
HCROSSOVER Switch
When an external crossover such as the Outlaw Audio ICBM is used, use this
switch to bypass the LFM’s internal crossover.
IPower Cord Jack
ConnectthesuppliedACpower cordhere,andthenconnectthe plugend toan
un-switched AC wall output. Should the power cord need replacement, make
certain it is replaced with a cord having the identical power rating.
JFuse Housing
Contains a 20mm 2.5A slow blow fuse (LFM-1 Compact), or 20mm 1.6A slow
blow fuse (LFM-2) that protects the subwoofer. In the event that it must be
replaced, be certain that a fuse with the same rating is used.
KHIGH LEVEL Outputs
When using speaker level inputs, connect main speakers to these terminals.
Subwoofers, Bass and
Overall System Performance
The goal of an audio system is to recreate the source material as accurately as
possible. The components needed to perform this task are an audio source, a
receiver or processor/amplifier combination, and speakers.
Intheeraofdigital,multi-channelsound,manylistenershavechosentousefrequency-
limited“satellite”speakersforthefront,centerandsurroundchannels.Bylimitingtheir
frequency range, these speakers may be made smaller, to more easily fit into a wide
rangeofspaces.However,byeliminatingthecapabilitytoreproducebassfrequencies,a
separate speakerthatiscustom designedtodealwithsignals below200Hzis required.
That speaker, along with its companion, built-in amplifier is a powered subwoofer.
Even in two-channel systems with traditional bookshelf or tower speakers the
bottom two octaves of sound (20 Hz to 80 Hz) are frequently rolled off or not
reproduced at all. Here, too, a specialized speaker/amplifier combination is
required to deliver the full spectrum of sound from a system.
Finally, manymulti-channeldigitalsoundtracks containa special audiochannel
devoted specifically to extreme low frequency extension. This signal is the “.1” in
5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 systems and is sometimes referred to as the LFE channel.
Regardless of which of these situations create the need, a subwoofer is absolutely
essential for accurate audio reproduction of both movies and music. A properly
designed subwoofer such as an Outlaw LFM Series Sub can provide a visceral
impact that most speakers are not able to provide on their own. No matter what
type of speakers comprise the rest of your system or what your favorite movie or
music is, the LFM series subwoofers complete the sonic presentation by providing
the impact that only a subwoofer can deliver.
Setup Guide
Connecting to Your System
To get the maximum performance from your new LFM subwoofer it must be
connected and positioned properly within the room and configured to match
your speakers. To connect an LFM Series Subwoofer you will need either a single
audio interconnect cable (in the case of systems with a subwoofer output) or ad-
ditional speaker wire. We recommend the Outlaw Audio PCA SUB cable, but any
high quality, shielded audio interconnect will work properly.
Connecting to a System with a
Subwoofer Preamp Output
If a low-level subwoofer output is available, use this jack to connect your LFM
subwoofer to your Preamp or Receiver. See Diagram 1 on page 6.
To connect the LFM to a subwoofer preamp output:
1. Turn off all system components and unplug the processor or receiver
and the LFM from their AC power source.
2. Locate the “Subwoofer/LFE Output“ on the rear panel of your receiver
or processor.
Any audio product that decodes Dolby Digital or DTS soundtracks will have
this type of jack. Depending on the particular brand or model, this RCA jack
maybelabeled“Sub,”“Subwoofer,”or“LFEOut.”Ifyourreceiverorprocessor
doesnothavethistypeofoutput youwillneedtofollowthe “Connecting toa
System with No Preamp Outputs“ instructions that follow this section.