Rega Vulcan Active Subwoofer User manual

Vulcan
Active Subwoofer
owners manual
vulcan manual.qxd 28/05/2002 10:47 Page 1

Contents
Introduction........................................................................................1
Connections.......................................................................................2
Setting Up..........................................................................................4
Positioning.........................................................................................4
Phase.................................................................................................5
Frequency Control.............................................................................6
High Level Gain.................................................................................6
Low Level Gain..................................................................................6
Running In.........................................................................................7
Specifications.................................................................................8-9
Owners Log.....................................................................................10
vulcan manual.qxd 28/05/2002 10:47 Page 2

2
Introduction
Your Vulcan sub woofer has been designed to produce true sub bass
frequencies. It will produce exceptionally deep notes which are often
felt as well as heard. You will be able to adjust the settings of your
Vulcan to suit your own personal requirements.
Getting the best out of your Vulcan will take some setting up which
will be explained later in this manual. Essentially the purpose of a sub
woofer is to add dynamic range to your system. Care must be taken
not to overwhelm the accompanying source. Good sound balance is
essential.
Connections
Always switch off your system before any connections are made.
For increased versatility the Vulcan has two separate inputs.
One Professional Switchcraft HPC Series socket and a pair of phono
sockets. This is to facilitate use with both hi-fi and AV surround
systems.
The first is a high level unbalanced, dual channel (stereo) input via
the Professional Switchcraft HPC Series connector. Signals for this
input would normally be sourced from the left and right channel
speaker terminals of the amplifier. This has the advantage of
ensuring that the Vulcan receives exactly the same signal as the
main speakers. This means that the character of the bass is carried
forward into the sub-bass. This will ensure superior system
integration of the sub-bass with the main system. This method of
connection is recommended for a straight forward hi-fi system.
HI LEVEL I/P
Red Black Red Black
R/H L/H
Red Black Yellow
High Level Input Power Amplifier Speaker Outputs
1
vulcan manual.qxd 28/05/2002 10:47 Page 4

3 4
The second of these inputs is a dual channel, unbalanced, low level
input via a pair of phono sockets. Signals for this input would normally
be sourced from a processor. If this is unavailable the source can be
connected via pre amp outputs. i.e. Tape out. This method of
connection is recommended for AV systems.
If your Vulcan will be used with hi-fi and AV systems. Connect both
the high input and the low input for optimum performance. This will
allow you to easily switch between formats without having to adjust
the Vulcan after initial set up.
Setting Up
With the phase switch in position 1 (left) turn the frequency control
to 230 Hz and turn high and low level adjustments too minimum.
play some music with a known bass content. Adjust the high or low
level gain (depending on which input you’re are currently using) until
the level matches your main system output.
If you move the frequency control anticlockwise to minimum you will
notice that the bass will almost disappear because these low
frequencies are not boosted by the room. Once you have adjusted to
a level you are happy with you can then adjust the frequency to the
desired range.
Positioning
The Vulcan has been designed to be compact, stylish and
unobtrusive. It will work well wherever placed and this section will
give you a guideline as to positioning. All rooms have an effect on the
performance of any sub bass system, therefore placing your unit in
several positions initially and deciding on the best sonic and most
convenient position for your environment is recommended. Placing
the unit in a corner or adjacent to a structural wall often gives the best
results. Also please remember that your specialist rega retailer will
always be happy to advise you on the positioning of your Vulcan.
L
R
L
R
L
R
LOW LEVEL I/P
LOW LEVEL I/P: MONO
L
R
Sub or Pre-Amp
Phono Output
Spare Pre-Amp
Phono Output
Sub Woofer
Phono Output
Integrated Amp
Pre-Amp
Processor
Phono to Phono Interconnect
Low Level Input
vulcan manual.qxd 28/05/2002 10:47 Page 6

5 6
Phase.
The Vulcan has a phase reversal switch which allows partial
cancellation of the frequencies around the crossover point between
the two systems. The two settings will be clearly different. The
difference is demonstrated in timing and if set incorrectly the bass will
miss time with the music. In order to gain the correct setting listen to
each phase position and decide which offers the most prominent
clean and tight bass response.
Phase position 1 (left) positive/ forward cone excursion.
Phase position 2 (right) positive/ reverse cone excursion.
Remember, if it sounds correct to you then it probably is.
Frequency Control
The Vulcan carries a unique frequency control designed for ease of
use. The frequencies marked from 30Hz to 230Hz also carry Hi Fi,
AV and FULL RANGE.
The Hi-Fi and AV sections can be used as a guideline for correct set
up as the lower frequencies are ideal for improving the dynamic
range required for two channel hi-fi.
The AV section covers a broader frequency range ideal for sound
effects and higher impact volume. The FULL RANGE setting
(clockwise until a click is heard) by-passes the Vulcan’s crossover.
Most processors have a built in filter to optimise performance of all of
the AV Speakers. This allows the user to adjust the roll off point
through your AV processor to the suggested level.
High Level Gain
The high level gain is the main volume control when using the high
level input (Hi-Fi) This will not operate whilst using low level input.
Low Level Gain
The low level gain is the main volume when using the low level input.
(AV) This will not operate whilst using high level input.
vulcan manual.qxd 28/05/2002 10:47 Page 8

7 8
Running In
Permanent damage may be caused by running the unit at high
volume levels from the start. Both the electronics and the drive unit
will benefit from an initial running in period of around 24 hrs actual
use. This running in period will improve overall performance and
prolong the units life.
Design History
Rega Research has been producing high quality hi -fi equipment for
over 27 years. In order to produce a sub woofer of this quality we
have been working closely with Tom Pearce of BK electronics - one
of the most established sub woofer designers in the country.
The drive unit used in the Vulcan is exclusive to Rega Research and
was specifically designed for use within the 13 litre cabinet design. It
demonstrates an exceptionally long throw and incorporates a double
magnet system which allows such a small unit to produce such a
powerful performance.
Specifications
Type Vulcan
Enclosure Volume 13 Litres Sealed
Drive Unit 200mm long throw magnesium chassis
Input Connectors:
High Level Professional Switchcraft HPC Series
Low Level Gold plated phono
Gain Control Range:
High Level Zero to 37db
Low Level Zero to 57db
Amplifier Power 100 Watts RMS / 200 Watts peak
Protection Systems 1) Output short circuit protection,
2) DC loudspeaker protection,
3) Thermally fused,
4) ASP : Automatically reduces amplifier
gain if amplifier is overdriven.
Input Impedance
High Level 100k Ohms (unbalanced)
Low Level 10K Ohms (unbalanced)
Frequency range 17Hz to 240Hz (Dependant on frequency
setting) Up to 3KHz in processor position
vulcan manual.qxd 28/05/2002 10:47 Page 10

109
Phasing Position 1 (left) Positive Input / Forward Movement
Phasing Position 2 (right) Positive Input / Reverse Movement
Mains Input Voltage 230v AC 50-60Hz (UK)
110v AC 50H-60Hz (US Spec)
Dimensions (Cabinet only) 280 mm x 280 mm x 280 mm
Dimensions (inc feet) 350 mm x 280 mm x 280 mm
Weight 12.2 Kg
Fuses (Spares in fuse holder) 1.6 AT 20mm Glass
3.15 AT 20mm Glass
Supplied Accessories 5m Phono Cable / Mains Lead
Owners Log
(1)
Owner.......................................................................................
Date..........................................................................................
Where Purchased.....................................................................
..................................................................................................
(2)
Owner.......................................................................................
Date..........................................................................................
Where Purchased.....................................................................
..................................................................................................
(3)
Owner.......................................................................................
Date..........................................................................................
Where Purchased.....................................................................
..................................................................................................
vulcan manual.qxd 28/05/2002 10:47 Page 12