Peavey Impulse 500 User manual

OPERATING GUIDE
Impulse 500P
®
SUBWOOFER
with
Hypervent
®Techn l gy

Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
CAUTION: isk of electrical shock — DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside. efer
servicing to qualified service personnel.
WARNING: To prevent electrical shock or fire hazard, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. Before
using this appliance, read the operating guide for further warnings.
Este símbolo tiene el propósito, de alertar al usuario de la presencia de “(voltaje) peligroso” que no tiene
aislamiento dentro de la caja del producto que puede tener una magnitud suficiente como para constituir
riesgo de corrientazo.
Este símbolo tiene el propósito de alertar al usario de la presencia de instruccones importantes sobre la
operación y mantenimiento en la literatura que viene con el producto.
PRECAUCION: iesgo de corrientazo — No abra.
PRECAUCION: Para disminuír el riesgo de corrientazo, no abra la cubierta. No hay piezas adentro que el usario
pueda reparar. Deje todo mantenimiento a los técnicos calificados.
ADVERTENCIA: Para evitar corrientazos o peligro de incendio, no deje expuesto a la lluvia o humedad este
aparato Antes de usar este aparato, Iea más advertencias en la guía de operación.
Ce symbole est utilisé pur indiquer à l’utilisateur la présence à l’intérieur de ce produit de tension non-
isolée dangereuse pouvant être d’intensité suffisante pour constituer un risque de choc électrique.
Ce symbole est utilisé pour indiquer à l’utilisateur qu’il ou qu’elle trouvera d’importantes instructions sur
l’utilisation et l’entretien (service) de l’appareil dans la littérature accompagnant le produit.
ATTENTION: isques de choc électrique — NE PAS OUV I !
ATTENTION: Afin de réduire le risque de choc électrique, ne pas enlever le couvercle. Il ne se trouve à l’intérieur
aucune pièce pouvant être reparée par l’utilisateur. Confier I’entretien à un personnel qualifié.
AVERTISSEMENT: Afin de prévenir les risques de décharge électrique ou de feu, n’exposez pas cet appareil à la
pluie ou à l’humidité. Avant d’utiliser cet appareil, lisez les avertissements supplémentaires situés dans le guide.
Dieses Symbol soll den Anwender vor unisolierten gefährlichen Spannungen innerhalb des Gehäuses
warnen, die von Ausreichender Stärke sind, um einen elektrischen Schlag verursachen zu können.
Dieses Symbol soll den Benutzer auf wichtige Instruktionen in der Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam
machen, die Handhabung und Wartung des Produkts betreffen.
VORSICHT: isiko — Elektrischer Schlag! Nicht öffnen!
VORSICHT: Um das isiko eines elektrischen Schlages zu vermeiden, nicht die Abdeckung enfernen. Es befinden
sich keine Teile darin, die vom Anwender repariert werden könnten. eparaturen nur von qualifiziertem
Fachpersonal durchführen lassen.
ACHTUNG: Um einen elektrischen Schlag oder Feuergefahr zu vermeiden, sollte dieses Gerät nicht dem egen
oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt werden. Vor Inbetriebnahme unbedingt die Bedienungsanleitung lesen.
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IMPULSE®500P SUB
Thank you for purchasing the Impulse®500P
Powered Subwoofer. Designed to complement any
system the Impulse®500P Sub works especially well
with its counterpart the Impulse®500P full range
enclosure. The high pass filter/line output of the Sub
provides a line level output to an external full range
sound system. Don’t overlook the groundwork the
Sub handles. The 600 watt peak dynamic internal
amplifier internal amplifier belts out frequencies as
low as 45 Hz – incredible for such a compact cabinet.
Balanced input and chaining jacks allow for low noise
signal transfer even at high levels.
REAR PANEL DESCRIPTION
(1) FUSE
The unit is AC power line fuse protected from
overloads and fault conditions with an ABC-type
fast-blow five amp fuse. In the rare event of a fuse
blowing: first make sure the unit is unplugged and the
power switch is in the OFF position then replace the
blown fuse ONLY with a fast-blow five amp 250V AC
rated fuse. Be sure to fully seat and close the
replacement fuse and fuse holder cap. Reconnect the
unit to the AC power line and with the Volume turned
completely down (fully CCW) turn on the power
switch. If the unit blows the fresh fuse DO NOT
continue to replace fuses but have the unit checked
by a qualified service technician.
(2) IEC POWER CORD CONNECTION
The removable AC power cord plugs into this
socket to supply AC line voltage to the power switch.
(3) ON-OFF SWITCH
This switch supplies AC power to the system
electronics when switched to the ON position.
(4) POWER LED
Illuminates when preamp electronics receive power
and should illuminate when the On-Off Switch is in
the On position and the AC power cord is connected
and plugged in to the wall outlet.
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ENGLISH
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(5) INPUTS
The input jacks are in parallel to allow the audio input signal to be daisy-chained to other
devices. The “output” level is the same as the “input” level and there is no isolation between
the various jacks. The input is of the high impedance balanced type with high CMRR
(excellent hum rejection). One input is a male XLR and the other is a combo female XLR and
1/4" RTS connector.
(6) LE EL
Controls the gain of the Impulse 500P Subwoofer. When used with the Input jacks (5) it is
used to directly set the system output level. It does not affect the level of the signal coming
out of the High Pass Filtered Output jacks. The high frequency levels can be set on that unit
using its volume control.
(7) HIGH PASS FILTERED OUTPUTS
Provide a high pass filtered output to be fed to a powered full range enclosure or what would
nominally be a full range sound system that is a speaker system and a power amplifier. The
output level is not controlled by the volume knob on the Impulse 500P Subwoofer but should
be set using the volume control on the separate powered enclosure used for the highs or the
power amplifier used to power the highs in the separate speaker enclosure.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTIONS
The heat sink on the back plate can become hot to the touch. Do not block or cover the heat
sink from ventilation.
When using the Impulse 500P Subwoofer with a stand be sure to position one of the legs in
the same direction as the rear of the system for maximum stability. Never use stands on
unstable or tilted surfaces!
DO NOT connect the inputs of the Impulse 500P Subwoofer to the output of a power
amplifier. The inputs are meant to be driven from a line level strength signal.
DO NOT remove the protective metal grille.
DO NOT use the INPUT jacks as mixers by trying to run more than one signal source at a
time into them. The INPUT jacks (5) are all hard-wired together to allow use of any of the
connector types as an input and to allow a further send or “daisy-chaining” of the input signal
to some other audio device (such as another Impulse 500P Subwoofer or other powered
speaker). Attempting to run two different source signals directly into the Impulse 500P
Subwoofer could damage the outputs of the source units. Use a mixer to combine two or
more signals into a single signal sent to the Impulse 500P Subwoofer input.
WARNING: The Impulse 500P Subwoofer is extremely efficient and powerful! This
sound system can permanently damage hearing! Use extreme care setting the overall
maximum loudness! The apparent sound level of the Impulse 500P Subwoofer can be
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deceiving due to its clean sound output. The lack of distortion or obvious distress can make
the sound level seem much lower than it actually is. This system is capable of SPL’s in the
bass range in excess of 120 dB at 1 M from the speaker!
USE OF THE IMPULSE 500P SUBWOOFER
GETTING AC POWER TO THE IMPULSE 500P SUBWOOFER
The Impulse 500P Subwoofer comes with an eight-foot IEC connection AC power cord. It is
likely that some sort of extension cord will be used with this powered speaker system so
make sure that the extension cord is no longer than necessary and is of a sufficient current
capacity to maintain safety. Extension cords no longer than necessary and of the largest
current capacity available will maximize the power output capability of the Impulse 500P
Subwoofer’s internal amplifiers. For best results do not power anything else from the
extension cord used to power the Impulse 500P Subwoofer in order to minimize the voltage
drop that all extension cords cause. Running one typical extension cord back to the wall plug
for the entire sound system is not the way to maximize sound system performance.
USE OF A STAND
Use of a stand for the Impulse 500P Subwoofer is not necessary and maximum bass output
will occur when it is close to room boundaries such as a floor; however there a some
instances where stand mounting might be desired. The built-in stand adapter makes use of
the Impulse 500P Subwoofer with a suitable stand easy as long as it has a standard 1 3/8"
diameter pole rated for at least 70 lbs. and has a minimum base equivalent to or broader than
the Peavey S-1 stand. When using the Impulse 500P Subwoofer with a stand be sure to
position one of the legs in the same direction as the rear of the system for maximum stability.
Peavey recommends the use of the Peavey S-1 stand for safety should use of a stand be
desired. Always secure the input cable with tape or a cable guard and leave enough slack at
the Impulse 500P Subwoofer input end to avoid anyone tripping over the cable or pulling the
Impulse 500P Subwoofer over when stand mounted. Also do not overextend the stand the
Impulse 500P Subwoofer is mounted on.
GETTING A SIGNAL TO THE IMPULSE 500P Subwoofer
The Impulse 500P Subwoofer has a variety of ways to input a signal to the system. The
balanced line level input(s) allows the use of a 1/4" phone plug either a standard single-
ended (tip-sleeve) plug or a balanced RTS (ring-tip-sleeve) type plug OR either a male or
female XLR plug.
While the standard single-ended 1/4" phone plug will work well and the balanced input
circuitry will provide some interference rejection a balanced cable using either the balanced
RTS 1/4" phone plug or the XLR plug will provide superior interference rejection and
performance. Sometimes with difficult interference problems it will be helpful to lift the shield
ground on a balanced cable at the Impulse 500P Subwoofer end only. Check any input
changes carefully always turning the volume control down before plugging and unplugging
cables
Use of high-quality premium cables is recommended for the Impulse 500P Subwoofer as
these usually have better shielding and materials and will provide greater long-term reliability.
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It is usually a good idea to leave some slack at the input to the Impulse 500P Subwoofer and
to also tape the cables down or run them under a cable guard to avoid anyone tripping over
them or pulling the Impulse 500P over when stand mounted.
OLUME CONTROL ADJUSTMENT
The Impulse 500P Subwoofer is equipped with a volume control to facilitate use in many
different applications. With the volume control adjusted fully CW gain is at maximum and the
input sensitivity is 0.7 V RMS for full rated output. When driving the Impulse 500P Subwoofer
from a mixer it may be advantageous to reduce the input sensitivity by turning the volume
control to the half-way point. The Impulse 500P Subwoofer will now more closely match a
typical power amp input that the mixer operator is used to.
If the mixer board indicates clipping of its output signals then all of the Impulse 500P
Subwoofer power capability is not being utilized cleanly. Clipping the signal before it gets to
the Impulse 500P Subwoofer is not optimal. In that case reduce the mixer output level and
turn up the volume control on the Impulse 500P Subwoofer.
The amplifier in the Impulse 500P Subwoofer is equipped with DDT™ however there is no
indicator to show DDT™has engaged. If the bass sound seems heavily compressed then the
Impulse 500P Subwoofer is heavily into DDT™compression and the drive level from the
mixer (or the volume control on the Impulse 500P Subwoofer) needs to be reduced.
When first turning on the sound system turn on all upstream electronics first then the
Impulse 500P Subwoofer with its volume control fully CCW (all the way down). If sending a
signal to a full range powered system such as the Impulse 500P turn it on last with its
volume control fully CCW. Begin checking levels with the mixer output level controls all the
way down and bring them up slowly with the Impulse 500P Subwoofer volume control set to
the desired setting (1/2 way up recommended to start).
HIGH PASS FILTERED OUTPUTS
These are low impedance filtered outputs that are provided to send the high frequencies to a
powered speaker enclosure such as the Impulse®500P full range system or to a
conventional power amp and speaker system. The output level is not affected by the volume
control on the Impulse 500P Subwoofer.
The nominal polarity of these outputs is positive and can be run directly into the Impulse
500P®for a nearly perfect mesh of the subwoofer with the full range unit. The polarity should
also mesh with just about any other powered speaker or amplifier and speaker pair as long
as they observe industry standard polarities. In the event they do not the balanced output
can have pins two and three reversed with the use of an XLR or 1/4" phone cable that swaps
these two pins at one end. This will reverse the polarity of the highs coming out of the high
pass filtered output and allow it to be used with equipment that might have polarity reversals.
USE OF MULTIPLE IMPULSE 500P SUBWOOFER’S
(or other Impulse®series powered products)
The provision of multiple parallel high-impedance inputs allows the inputs of the Impulse
500P Subwoofer to be “daisy-chained” from one to the other. Run the first cable from the
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mixer to the first Impulse 500P Subwoofer then hook a cable from one of the first Impulse
500P Subwoofer’s inputs to the second Impulse 500P Subwoofer’s input. This can be
continued for several units depending on how long the cables are and the total capacitance
of all the cables. With a low source impedance such as a typical mixer output and typical
balanced cables three or four Impulse 500P Subwoofer’s can be daisy-chained from one
output using 30- or 40- foot cables without obvious loss of high frequencies.
USE WITH IMPULSE 500P AND A MICROPHONE
When using the Impulse 500P Subwoofer with the Impulse 500P full range speaker system
and it is desired to use the Impulse 500P with a single microphone for karoke or PA
announcements along with music it is recommended that the microphone be connected
directly to the Impulse 500P via the built-in mic input instead of through a mixer microphone
input and to the Impulse 500P Subwoofer’s electronic crossover. While music will often
benefit from the extra low end the subwoofer adds to the pairing vocals do not maintain their
clarity as well when additional bass output is added. By using the mic input on the Impulse
500P the vocals in the mic will not get any additional bass boost and the microphone input
filtering will aid in maintaining vocal clarity. There is less tendency for very low frequency
feedback which could damage the powered subwoofer. See the Impulse 500P owner’s
manual the Rear Panel Description Mic Input portion and the Use of the Impulse 500P
section the Use of the Mic Input with Simultaneous Music playback portion.
If the Impulse 500P Subwoofer is used as part of a full PA sound system and multiple
microphones are run into a mixer and into the Impulse 500P Subwoofer it might be helpful to
make sure that the subwoofer’s output is not set too high so that the vocals are not made to
sound too boomy or muddy. Avoiding bass boost on the mic channels or even using a little
bass cut on each mic might help avoid vocal boominess as well.
APPLICATIONS
The Impulse 500P Subwoofer has a variety of applications when used in conjunction with a
full range system such as sound reinforcement or for musical playback. A typical signal
source for the line level inputs (5) of the Impulse 500P would be a sound reinforcement
mixing console (mixer) or the output from a CD player or tape deck.
TROUBLESHOOTING
No output at all:
First make sure the unit has AC power and is turned on. If so the Power LED (4) should be
illuminated. If it is not check that the On-Off switch (3) is in the “On” position check the IEC
power cord connection (2) making sure it is fully engaged and seated. Make sure the AC line
cord is plugged into a working AC outlet and last check the fuse (1). (See the REAR
PANEL/Fuse section for safety instructions.
Then make sure that the inputs of the Impulse 500P Subwoofer are getting a signal by
plugging the cable run into the Impulse 500P Subwoofer’s inputs to some other device
capable of determining this (for example a power amp and speaker). If there is still no output
then be sure the volume control has been turned up to a reasonable level (1/3 to 1/2 way).
Has the Impulse 500P Subwoofer been in direct sunlight or excessive heat? If so it may have
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triggered the thermal protection. Turn off the unit and cool as best as the situation allows.
(DO NOT use cold liquids for this purpose!) If there is still no output it may help to read the
owner’s manual completely.
Hum or Buzz:
This can be AC outlet related try plugging the Impulse 500P Subwoofer into a different AC
outlet. Sometimes if a different circuit (breaker) is used for the mixer and the Impulse 500P it
can cause hum problems. Check to make sure that shielded cables have been used to get
the signal to the Impulse 500P’s inputs. Speaker cables with 1/4" or XLR plugs will be very
prone to hum.
Check to make sure light dimmers are not on the same circuit as the Impulse 500P or the
mixer (or any source devices). If light dimmers are in use then it may be necessary to turn
them full on or full off to eliminate or reduce hum to tolerable levels. This is an AC wiring/light
dimmer interference problem and not the fault of the Impulse 500P Subwoofer.
Distorted or Fuzzy Sound:
First make sure the mixer (or signal source) is not clipping or being overdriven. This can
sometimes occur when the level control (6) on the Impulse 500P Subwoofer has been set too
low (too far CCW) and it takes a lot of signal to drive the unit to full power.
Make sure the input plugs are fully seated in the input jacks (5) on the rear panel of the
Impulse 500P Subwoofer.
Check to see that the proper inputs are being used (5) and not the high pass filter output (7)
for line level input signals. Make sure that a power amp has not been plugged into the input
jacks of the Impulse 500P Subwoofer.
If an extension cord is being used to provide the AC power to the unit is it of sufficient current
capacity and not also being used to supply power to any other units? See GETTING AC
POWER TO THE IMPULSE 500P Subwoofer for details.
The Impulse 500P Subwoofer has built-in EQ to extend and smooth the natural response of
the speaker in the system. Bass boost and infrasonic roll off have been applied and the
system has a nominally flat response and should require little if any additional EQ. If
excessive additional bass boost or EQ boost have been added externally to the Impulse
500P it may cause premature overload at high SPL’s. Try backing off of any external (mixer
rack Equalizer) EQ and see if that clears up any tendency to distort.
Finally realize that even though the Impulse 500P Subwoofer is an extremely powerful and
high output unit it does ultimately have limits and it may need additional powered units to
provide enough sound output or coverage. In this case try turning the mixer levels down a
little to see if that clears things up.
If after checking all the listed things to check and anything else you can think of to check
safely and the system still exhibits problems carefully note all conditions and check with your
Peavey dealer for advice.
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CARE and MAINTENANCE
Your Impulse 500P Subwoofer is a sturdy and durable product which will provide years of
reliable use if properly cared for. Use common sense and read the safety warnings to avoid
hazardous operating conditions.
Sunlight/Heat
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight as this may cause the unit to overheat and
thermally shut off. Excessively hot operating conditions can also cause a thermal shutdown.
Do not store in extremely hot or cold conditions or extremely high humidity. Always allow unit
to come to room temperature before use.
Cleaning
Never clean the Impulse 500P Subwoofer while plugged in or turned on! When the unit has
been fully disconnected from AC power sources a slightly damp cloth can remove soil or
other dirt. Never use strong solvents on the Impulse 500P Subwoofer as they could attack
the polymer that the cabinet is made from. Do not allow ANY fluids to drip inside the Impulse
500P Subwoofer!
Touchup
If the Impulse 500P Subwoofer cabinet should become scratched or abraded it can be
touched up using a black permanent marker. First if the area to be touched up is larger than
a short scratch rub it lightly with an soapless plastic scrub pad. Wipe the scratched or
abraded area a little at a time with the black permanent marker and immediately wipe away
the surplus with a lint-free cloth. For an overall finish enhancement and protective coating
use gloves to apply either WD-40®or Armour All®protectant to the surface of the plastic
cabinet only. Notice that the cabinet will be slippery after these treatments. Rub them down
vigorously with a dry lint-free cloth to minimize this.
Insert Points (maximum depth of insertion)
The insert points on the top and bottom of the cabinet must only be engaged to a depth of
3/8" or less to prevent air leaks if the mounts/bolts are removed later.
Check for Secure Hardware
After a long period of use check the hardware of the Impulse 500P Subwoofer for tightness
including the rear panel screws and the screws that hold the baffle and rear cabinet together.
The unit is subject to a great deal of vibration and this could cause them to be less than tight
with continued use.
DESCRIPTION
The Peavey Impulse 500P Subwoofer is a powered subwoofer engineered to provide the
highest levels of performance in a compact powered loudspeaker. Capable of over 124 dB
peak SPL’s this subwoofer can pump out a huge amount of bass. The enclosure utilizes
high-impact polypropylene in an injection-molded plastic trapezoidal form with a coated
perforated metal grille to offer a cosmetically elegant yet durable powered subwoofer.
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This powered subwoofer system is comprised of a 600W dynamic peak power amplifier
driving a 15" Black Widow®woofer (1568) with a Kevlar™impregnated cone.
Balanced inputs provided to the preamp/EQ electronics are one 1/4" RTS phone jack one
male XLR and one combo female XLR and 1/4" RTS phone jack all connected in parallel.
The power amplifier providing the amplification is a low-distortion unit providing 300W RMS
into the nominal 8 ohm load of the woofer. The amplifier was selected for its reliability and
superb bass punch. The amplifier features our patented DDT™compression which virtually
eliminates audible power amplifier clipping.
Multiple molded-in handles provide ease of transport while multiple mounting points (top and
bottom) for the Peavey Versamount™ 70 and a molded-in stand adapter provide for maximum
utility.
Armor All®is a registered trademark of The Clorox Company.
WD-40®is a registered trademark of WD-40 Company.
Kevlar®is a registered trademark of DuPont.