REL Predator HT/1510 User manual

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Operang Instrucons for the
Predator
HT/1510
Sub-Bass
System

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Cauon Marking Explanaon
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user to the presence of un-insulated dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may
be of sucient magnitude to constute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamaon point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operang and maintenance (servicing) instrucons in the literature accompanying
the appliance.

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1 Read all of these instrucons.
2 Save these instrucons for future use.
3 Heed all warnings.
4 Follow all instrucons.
5 Do not use this apparatus near water.
6 Clean only with automove polish and micro ber cloth.
7 Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instrucons.
8 Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus
(including ampliers) that produce heat.
9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and
a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not t into
your outlet, consult and electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10 Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched parcularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
11 Only use aachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
12 Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specied by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use cauon when moving the cart/apparatus combinaon to avoid
injury from p-over.
13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of me.
14 Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rail or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
Important Safety Instrucons

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15 Minimum distances 10cm around the apparatus for sucient venlaon.
16 WARNING: The main plug/appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device. The disconnect device
shall remain readily operable.
17 CAUTION: To completely disconnect this product from the mains, disconnect the plug from the wall
socket outlet. The mains plug is used to completely interrupt the power supply to the unit and must be
within easy access by the user.
18 The equipment can be used at the maximum ambient temperature of 86 deg. F (30 deg. C).
19 Class I equipment, Protecve earthing is used as a safeguard, shall require connecon of equipment
protecve earthing conductor to the installaon protecve earthing conductor.
Cauon: Any changes or modicaons not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Warning
To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and no objects lled with liquids, such as vases,
shall be placed on apparatus.
The mains plus is used as disconnect device. The mains plug of the apparatus should not be obstructed OR
should be easily accessed during intended use. To be completely disconnected from the power input, the
mains plug of the apparatus shall me disconnected from the mains.
An appliance with a protecve earth terminal should be connected to a mains outlet with a protecve
earth connecon.
Design Safety
This apparatus is supplied with a detachable mains cord. For 240V operaon an 8A fuse is ed in the
socket, for 120V operaon a 15A fuse is ed. Should the fuse need to be replaced use a similar rated fuse
approved to ASTA or BSI 362 standards. Do not use without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse
covers are available from your distributor.

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Aenon Explicaon Marquage
L’éclair avec le symbole de pointe de èche dans un triangle équilatéral est desné à alerter
l’ ulisateur de la présence de non isolée tension dangereuse à l’intérieur de l’enceinte du
produit qui peut être d’une ampleur susante pour constuer un risque d’électrocuon pour
les personnes.
Le point d’exclamaon dans un triangle équilatéral est desné à alerter l’ulisateur de la
présence d’instrucons dans la documentaon accompagnant l’appareil exploitaon et de
maintenance (entreen).
1 Lisez aenvement ces instrucons.
2 Conservez ces instrucons.
3 Respectez tous les averssements.
4 Suivez toutes les instrucons.
5 Ne pas uliser cet appareil près de l’eau.
6 Neoyez seulement avec du vernis automobile et ssu microbre.
7 Installer conformément aux instrucons du fabricant.
8 Ne pas installer près de sources de chaleur telles que des radiateurs, registres de chaleur, poêles ou
autres appareils (y compris les amplicateurs) qui produisent de la chaleur.
Informaons Importantes Relaves a la Securite

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9 Ne pas contourner le disposif de sécurité de la prise de terre. Une che de terre a deux lames et une
troisième broche de mise à la terre. La troisième broche est fournie pour votre sécurité. Si la che fournie
ne rentre pas dans votre prise, consultez un électricien pour le remplacement de la prise obsolète.
10 Protégez le cordon d’alimentaon ne soit piéné ou pincé, en parculier au niveau des ches, des prises
de courant, et le point de sore de l’appareil.
11 Ulisez uniquement des xaons/accessoires spéciés par le fabricant.
12 Ulisez seulement avec un chariot, stand, trépied, support ou table spécié par le fabricant , ou vendu
avec l’appareil. Lorsque vous ulisez un chariot, soyez prudent lorsque vous déplacez l’ensemble
chariot / appareil pour éviter les blessures en cas de chute .
13 Débranchez cet appareil pendant un orage ou lorsqu’il est inulisé storsm pour de longues périodes
de temps.
14 Conez toute réparaon à un personnel qualié. Une réparaon est nécessaire lorsque l’appareil a été
endommagé de quelque façon que ce cordon d’alimentaon ou la che est endommagé, du liquide a
été renversé ou des objets sont tombés dans l’appareil, l’appareil a été exposé à rail ou à l’humidité,
ne fonconne pas normalement, ou a été échappé.
15 10cm distance minimale autour de l’appareil pour une aéraon susante.
16 AVERTISSEMENT: Le coupleur principal de prise/appareil est ulisé comme disposif de déconnexion.
Le disposif de déconnexion doit rester facilement ulisable.
17 ATTENTION: Pour déconnecter complètement ce produit du secteur, débranchez la che de la prise
murale. La che secteur sert à interrompre complètement l’alimentaon électrique de l’appareil et doit
être facilement accessible par l’ulisateur.
18 L’équipement peut être ulisé à une température ambiante maximale de 86 deg. F (30 deg. C).
19 L’équipement de classe I, la mise à la terre de protecon est ulisée comme protecon, doit nécessiter
la connexion du conducteur de mise à la terre de protecon de l’équipement au conducteur de mise à la
terre de protecon de l’installaon.
Aenon: Tout changement ou modicaon non expressément approuvés par la pare responsable de la
conformité pourraient annuler l’autorité de l’ulisateur à uliser cet équipement.

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Averssement
Cet arcle est lourd. Pour éviter tout risque de blessure, prendre soin lors de la manipulaon.
L’ appareil ne doit pas être exposé à des éclaboussures et aucun objet rempli de liquide, comme des vases,
ne doit être placé sur l’appareil.
Les conduites Plus est ulisé comme disposif de déconnexion. La che de l’appareil ne doit pas être
obstruée OU doit être facilement accessible pendant l’ulisaon. Pour être complètement déconnecté de
l’alimentaon électrique, le cordon d’alimentaon de l’appareil doit me débranché.
Un appareil avec une borne de terre doit être branché sur une prise de courant en étant relié à la terre.
Sécurité Design
Cet appareil est livré avec un cordon amovible cordon. Pour le Fonconnement d’un fusiblede 240V 8A
est montee la douille, pour le fonconnement de 120V un fusible de 15A est monté. Si le fusible doit être
remplacé ulisaon un fusible similaire approuvé pour ASTA ou BSI normes 362. Ne pas uliser sans le
couvercle de fusible en place. Les couvercles de rechange sont disponibles auprès de votre distributeur.
FCC STATEMENT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operaon is subject to the following two condions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operaon.
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 protecon against harmful interference in a residenal installaon.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instrucons, may cause harmful interference to radio communicaons. However, there is no guarantee that the interference will
not occur in a parcular installaon. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television recepon, which can
be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separaon between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit dierent from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

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Dear Predator Owner,
Welcome, and congratulaons on your purchase of a new HT/1510 Predator, the agship of our Home
Theatre HT range of REL’s subwoofers! The original HT/1508 Predator bowed to instant recognion that,
here was a new category of large scale, theatre-busters. For years, that category had been dominated
by loud, heavy, slow subs that fostered the noon that big theatre was nothing more than an excuse to
make loud sounds. Whereas, those of us who have been around theatre sound from the other side of the
mastering console know how much detail and nuance goes into the making of lm sound. Here nally, in
Predator, was a sub that was lightning quick, yet with a large 15” driver and 800 was behind it, could roll
with the best, but had speed, insight, nuance.
And now get ready for something even more remarkable. HT/1510 Predator builds on where the original
le o. We stepped up to a full 1,000 wa amplier because theatre sounds best when amplier and driver
are cruising along eortlessly. The extra power allows for headroom, addional output and the sense that
you’ll likely run out of ears before it runs out of power. Adding to this are new versions of our LimitLess™
max volume limiters. These are now so transparent that it becomes dicult for even seasoned professionals
to detect when they engage. Again, it makes movies at home more relaxing as there’s nary a moment when
the Predator limiters kick in and even when they do, you likely sll won’t detect it.
The CarbonGlas™ 15” driver has been retained with even greater power handling for obvious reasons.
Speed is at the heart of this dreadnaught, but also wide bandwidth since we know that for theatre eects
to sound shaering, the subwoofer, while sll properly crossed over quite low, must be able to permit the
crack at the outset of explosions to emerge unhampered. This necessitates the light weight but also the
upper frequency bass region to be properly handled. True carbon bre holds everything together with a
large, s center cap that adds lile weight but produces the Craack! needed to be convincing.
This new Predator is imbued with elegant proporons and beauful nish treatments, the beer to integrate
into REL 3D and HT/3D systems. These call for powerful HT .1/LFE along with High Level Inputs available in
our tradional model RELs that permit connuous full range bass; this is the missing link in home theatre.
Convenonal home theatre typically delivers cold, arcial vocals followed by loud, even annoying, bass.
REL 3D/HT3D delivers rich, natural dialogue and engaging, spaally-correct Foley Eects, coupled with
prodigious .1/LFE infra-bass.
HT/1510 Predator, welcome to the new era of home theatre.
Dear Friend and Valued Customer

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1 Power Pilot Light: Power On/O indicator.
2 Auto/On Switch: Used to toggle between Auto On mode (le), and Always On (right).
3 Phase: Used to set phase 0-180 degrees.
4 Crossover: Used to adjust crossover frequency. Variable between 30-200Hz.
5 Level: Volume control for Input.
6 XLR Output: Used to connect or “daisy chain” to another REL in tandem.
7 Balanced XLR Input: Used to connect balanced low-level signals to the Predator from the output of a
preamplier, integrated amplier, or receiver.
8 RCA Output: Used to connect or “daisy chain” to another REL in tandem.
9 Le & Right Channel Low-Level RCA Input: Used to connect low-level signals to the sub-bass system
from the output of a preamplier, integrated amplier or receiver (for home cinema use, use .1/LFE input).
10 Mains Select Switch: Slide switch used to set input AC between 120VAC and 230VAC.
11 Power On/O Switch: Use to turn unit on or o.
12 IEC Mains Socket: Fused mains (AC) input socket that accepts detachable power cord.
REL Predator Rear Panel Connecon Legend

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1110

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Always switch o your system before disconnecng any wires.
To simplify and to increase the versality of connecng, the Predator models have two low-level RCA inputs
as well as an XLR input. This is to facilitate ability to use with AV surround sound systems, two-channel
stereo systems and powered speakers.
Low-Level Inputs
.1/LFE Input
There is a single RCA jack labeled .1/LFE for LFE connecon to a processor. Plug one end of the RCA to RCA
cable into the .1/LFE jack of the REL and the other end into the SUB OUT Jack of your processor.
There is also a single XLR .1/LFE input for processors that provide this signal as a balanced output.
Stereo L/R Input
The dual RCA jacks can be used for stereo low-level connecon to the output a stereo processor source or
powered speakers. When using stereo inputs, plug one end of the RCA to RCA cables into both of the LOW
LEVEL INPUT jacks of the REL and the other end into the le and right channel output of your preamplier.
The upper frequency amplicaon of these inputs can be limited using the CROSSOVER control. This
CROSSOVER control is labeled 30Hz at its minimum. Rarely should the CROSSOVER control be set to it’s
maximum 200Hz setpoint when using either LFE or stereo inputs.
Both the RCA and XLR inputs have corresponding output connecons so that mulple RELs can be run in
parallel by connecng the OUT of one the IN of the next. This is what we refer to as “daisy chaining”.
Please note that the type of input must be maintained for daisy chaining. If the input is in the RCA, the XLR
OUT cannot be used to connect to the next amp and vise versa.
Connecng Up

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Phase Switch
The phase control on a REL has two posions, 0 and 180. One of these posions will set the REL in phase
with the speakers, and one will set it out of phase. The labels 0 and 180 are just labels and tell us nothing
about the rest of the system, only if the REL is working with the speakers or not. Whichever posion results
in the loudest and fullest sub bass, is the correct posion.
We want the REL to work in harmony with the speakers, reinforcing bass, not cancelling it. In other words,
we want the drivers in the speakers and the REL to move forward at the same me and move backward at
the same me. When this happens, it results in an increase in sub bass volume and the pressurizaon in the
room and they are in phase. The opposite is if the speakers and REL are working against each other causing
cancelaon of low bass. We call this out of phase

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With the REL Predator, there are two basic ways to connect and setup. The rst is a single channel input
from the sub out of a theater or power speaker system. In this case a single RCA cable is needed. The second
is a stereo input from a stereo preamp or powered speaker system. Here there will be the need for two RCA
cables. In both cases the user can set the upper frequency limit using the CROSSOVER control.
Connecng and Seng Up
Place in desired posion. While your REL has been designed to be extremely easy to posion and achieve
excellent results, careful placement along the same wall as the screen will yield improvements. Listen for
increases in deep bass output as well as precision of bass notes when seng up.
REL Set-Up Made Simple

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1 Theater Connecon (Sub Out Connecton)
• Connect RCA or XLR cable from Sub Out of theater processor to LFE input of Predator.
• Adjust CROSSOVER control to 30Hz (minimum).
• Adjust LEVEL control to 1/4 of the rotaon up from minimum seng.
• Plug in AC cord.
• Power on with switch next to AC input.
• Set toggle below STATUS light to ON.
• Fine tune LEVEL control using a known powerful .1 chapter to make sure your seng is not too high
or damage can occur.
• Adjust CROSSOVER control lower to eliminate upper bass boom.
• DO NOT TURN CROSSOVER UP PAST 1/2 the rotaon. Doing so is unnecessary and may result in
damage to the driver.

2 Stereo Connecon (Powered Speaker Connecon)
• Connect RCA from output to right input for mono or both le and right for stereo.
• Adjust CROSSOVER control to 30Hz (minimum).
• Adjust LEVEL control to 1/4 of the rotaon up from minimum seng.
• Plug in AC cord.
• Power on with switch next to AC input.
• Set toggle below STATUS light to ON.
• Fine tune LEVEL control to blend with powered speakers.
• Fine tune CROSSOVER control to blend.
• Note that CROSSOVER and LEVEL become inverse. Meaning, as you turn up the CROSSOVER, you will
need to turn down the LEVEL.
• DO NOT TURN CROSSOVER UP PAST 1/2 the rotaon. Doing so is unnecessary and may result in
damage to the driver.
• Place carefully: While your REL has been designed to be extremely easy to posion and achieve
excellent results, careful placement along the same wall as the screen will yield improvements.
Listen for increases in deep bass output as well as precision of bass notes when seng up.
15

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3 Phase Orientaon
Once connected, we need to adjust for phase. This may be the single most crical step, and because
it really is quite simple, it is oen over-thought. Keep in mind; the right phase is whichever posion is
the loudest or fullest. While playing music with true low bass, adjust the crossover to a point where the
REL and the speaker are sure to share frequencies at 50Hz on the crossover control, or slightly higher
for smaller speakers. At this point turn the HI/LO LEVEL control up so that both the REL and speaker are
roughly equal in volume and then switch, using the phase switch, from “0” to “180” phase posions.
Again, whichever posion is loudest or fullest is the correct posion. That is, when the posion is working
in harmony with your main speakers, reinforcing bass, not canceling it.
4 Crossover and Level Sengs:
To determine the crossover point, take the volume of the REL (using the Level control) all the way down,
and put the crossover to 1/4 of the rotaon. At this point, bring the REL’s volume back up slowly to the
point where you have achieved a subtle balance, i.e. the point at which you can just hear the Predator
even with the main speakers playing. First, bring the crossover point up unl it is obviously too high;
now gently reduce frequency to the appropriate seng. For all intents and purposes, this is the correct
crossover point. Once this stage has been reached, subtle changes to volume and crossover may be
accomplished to provide the last bit of complete and seamless integraon. With that, set-up is complete.
Hint: There may be a tendency to set the crossover point too high and the volume of the Sub-Bass System
too low when rst learning how to integrate a REL with the system, the fear being one of overwhelming the
main speakers with bass. In making this common error, the resulng set-up will be lacking in bass depth and
dynamics. The proper crossover point and volume seng will increase overall dynamics, allow for extended
bass frequencies, and improve soundstage properes. Note, volume adjustments may need to be made to
oset the eects of crossover changes. In general, when selecng a lower crossover point, more volume may
need to be applied. Higher crossover frequencies will generally necessitate less gain.

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Stacking
The Predator was designed to stack cabinets on top of each other to create a line array. Each foot has a
pad on the boom to protect the vinyl on the top. Please remove the plasc covering on the pad before
stacking and take care to place the second sub on top of the rst carefully to not scratch polished top plate.
Straps are provided to secure the top sub to the boom sub safely. These are made of thick aluminum and
strap the subs together using the hardware provided. The fasteners require a 6mm hex wrench to ghten.

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We strongly advise purchasing furniture restraints from a quality supplier to anchor stacks of Predators to
a wall. Use a quality furniture restraint made of nylon webbing or braided steel cable. Please follow the
instrucons of the restraint you choose and anchor to a structural poron of a wall.
hps://www.consumerreports.org/furniture/how-to-anchor-furniture-to-help-prevent-p-overs-a4328328212/
To operate mulple stacked Predators in parallel, REL has provided duplicate RCA and XLR connectors to go
OUT of the boom sub to the input of the top. This is provided for convenience to simply “daisy chain” from
one sub to the next with RCA or XLR cables rather than employing mulple “Y” cables.
Please note that the type of input must be maintained for daisy chaining. If the input is in the RCA, the XLR
OUT cannot be used to connect to the next amp and vise versa.
Running In
Care taken during run in will be rewarded by many years of pleasurable use. Both the electronics and the
drive unit will benet from an inial period of carefully controlled use. Possible damage may be sustained
by running in the unit at too high a volume seng over an extended period. On the other hand, by taking a
lile care over this inial period, about 24 hours of actual use, a longer life with a higher potenal eventual
performance is assured.
Care and Polishing
The cabinets are best maintained by using only a damp cloth on the vinyl. For the top, please use automobile
polish made by reputable manufacturers. Our favorites are those made by Meguiars and Mother’s. If objects
are to be placed upon the top, it is advisable to use a small mat to protect the surface and to avoid the risk
of rales.

The Predator employs an advanced lter circuit which provides exceponal performance when coupled to
the rest of the signal chain of the Sub-Bass System.
The amplier is inherently stable and will retain its characteriscs over very long periods of me – important
in a unit designed for an exceponally long working life. These ampliers are designed to withstand reasonable
abuse and overloads. If in doubt, please contact your dealer.
We believe that the importance of the electronics, cabinet and drivers being designed to work in harmony is
paramount. This belief allows Predator to achieve the highest possible level of delity.
Overload Protecon
All REL Sub-Bass Systems are designed as true sub bass speakers. They are designed to reproduce those
exceponally deep notes that are felt as well as heard. This it will aempt to do at whatever volume level
you set. If set too high no damage should result because the built-in electronics will limit the cone movement.
This electronic control is called Set-Safe™. It constantly and instantaneously monitors the output from the
power amplier and is totally transparent in operaon unl required. This means it has absolutely no eect
on the sound quality of your REL unl an overload is detected.
Ordinarily an overload would cause the power amplier to go into clipping with resultant loss of control
over the drive unit. This can cause drive unit damage, and always sounds nasty. Set-Safe™ detects the point
of incipient clipping and gently so-clips the waveform of the signal to ensure actual clipping does not occur.
This is a necessarily simplied descripon of what actually happens, but in eect, Set-Safe™ controls the
amplier and ensures there is minimum risk of amplier and driver damage caused by over-driving.
A thermal overload device is ed to all Predator Sub-Bass Systems. If the unit is deliberately over-driven
this device will sense the temperature rise and cut the output; recovery me is approximately ve minutes.
If this happens, it is a warning that the unit is being over-driven and the volume level control should be
reduced to a safe level.
Although everything possible has been done to minimize risk of thermal overload failure, there can be
no defense against those individuals who deliberately abuse the device. Such damage is NOT covered by
warranty. Please remember your REL is there to supplement your main system, not overwhelm it!
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Technical