REVELL Performa B15 User manual

Revel® Performa
™
B15 Subwoofer

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
2
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equi-
lateral triangle, is 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 elec-
tric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important operat-
ing and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please read all instructions carefully and completely before
operating your REVEL®PERFORMA™ B15 subwoofer.
1. Always disconnect ac power before connecting or disconnect-
ing any cables, or when cleaning any component.
2. This product uses a three-conductor power cord, which
includes an earth-ground connection. To prevent shock hazard,
always connect it directly to a grounded outlet.
3. Never use any ac extension cord with this product.
4. Never use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning
audio components.
5. Never operate this product with any covers removed.
6. Never wet the inside of this product with any liquid.
7. Never pour or spill liquids directly onto this unit.
8. Never block air flow through ventilation slots or heatsinks.
9. Never bypass any fuse.
10. Never replace any fuse with a value or type other than specified.
11. Never attempt to repair this product yourself. If a problem
occurs, contact your Revel retailer.
12. Never expose this unit to extremely high or low temperatures.
13. Never operate this product in an explosive atmosphere.
14. Always keep electrical equipment out of the reach of children.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.........................................................5
ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY...................................................5
DESCRIPTION............................................................6
SUBWOOFER ......................................................................................6
ELECTRONICS.....................................................................................7
CABINET.............................................................................................7
UNPACKING..............................................................8
INSPECTING THE REVEL PERFORMA B-15 SUBWOOFER.........................9
INSTALLING SPIKE FEET.......................................................................9
PLACEMENT............................................................11
REAR PANEL LAYOUT...............................................13
CONNECTIONS........................................................14
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER ...............................................................15
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER
USING THE CONTROLLER’S CROSSOVER.............................................16
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER
USING THE REVEL PERFORMA B-15’S CROSSOVER..............................17
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER WITHOUT HIGH-PASS CROSSOVER........18
MULTIPLE OPERATION .......................................................................19
STEREO BASS...................................................................................20
SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION............................................21
CABINET CARE........................................................24
TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................24
OBTAINING SERVICE................................................25
SPECIFICATIONS......................................................26
SUBWOOFER ....................................................................................26
AMPLIFIER........................................................................................27
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
4

INTRODUCTION
The REVEL®PERFORMA™ B15 powered subwoofer system
combines an outstanding 15" subwoofer with a 1,000-watt (rms)
amplifier, capable of 1,400-watt peaks, for stupendous bass output.
Moreover, the REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer’s stylistic form
and compact size provide a surprisingly prodigious output and
unprecedented tonal accuracy, even in the deepest octaves.
Impressive features include a built-in 3-band parametric equalizer
and adjustable crossover so you can customize and adapt this system
in a wide variety of applications.
This tremendous flexibility results in superb integration with any
Revel loudspeakers, or even with other manufacturers’ speakers.
ABOUT THE MANUAL AND WARRANTY
To begin enjoying your REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer, first
read and then perform the instructions in this owner’s manual.
Maximum performance is dependent on following all instructions
described here, as well as those found in the owner’s manuals of asso-
ciated components in your audio system. Save these instructions for
future reference.
The REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer is covered by a limited
warranty, so save the bill of sale to protect your purchase and aid in
any service-related questions.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 5
Figure 1.The REVEL
PERFORMA B15 subwoofer.

Figure 2. Transducer and con-
nection locations for the REVEL
PERFORMA B15 subwoofer.
DESCRIPTION
The REVEL PERFORMA B15 powered subwoofer system features
a unique transducer that combines brute-force capabilities unprece-
dented in home loudspeakers with a new level of low frequency
nuance and refinement. Combined with the huge internal power
capability, the result is a new standard of superb bass performance
and adaptability for home entertainment systems.
SUBWOOFER
To ensure uncompressed dynamic range, each REVEL PERFORMA
B15 features a subwoofer with the following attributes:
• A 3-inch (76 mm) diameter, four-layer voice coil with 23 gauge
copper wire is wound on a dual-laminated Kapton former for
extraordinary power handling and freedom from compression.
• Extremely long-throw voice coil is capable of 2.5 inches (64 mm)
of peak-to-peak linear excursion, and 3 inches (76 mm) of maxi-
mum excursion for uncompressed reproduction of deep sustained
bass notes.
• A massive, 130-ounce (3.7 kg) magnet system produces
1.4 tesla of flux in the gap.
• Ultra-rigid Kevlar®pulp and alloy composite cone with an
inverted metal dome operate as a perfect piston under all
reproduction conditions.
• Modulation rings and a machined “T” pole-piece for extremely
low distortion.
• The heavy wall, cast aluminum frame maintains alignment
between the magnet structure and the moving elements, while
offering excellent rigidity to eliminate basket resonances.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
6
REVEL PERFORMA
B15 Front (without grille) REVEL PERFORMA B15 Rear

ELECTRONICS
Each REVEL PERFORMA B15 contains an electronics section with
the following attributes:
• An extremely low-distortion, 1,000-watt (rms) amplifier with
1,400-watt burst capability produces peak bass output up to
126 dB at 30 Hz in a standard listening room.
• Inaudible protection circuit to guard against thermal overload.
• Three independent parametric equalizers with variable frequency,
bandwidth, and level controls allow you to precisely tailor the
room response and tame unwieldy acoustic anomalies.
• 2-way crossover with variable frequency and phase controls and
selectable slopes allow ideal response matching with other audio
system components.
NOTE: For details on controls and connections, see “Rear Panel Layout”
on page 13.
CABINET
The REVEL PERFORMA B15 cabinet is constructed of 1-inch
(25 mm) thick MDF wall, optimally designed and internally braced
with the aid of laser interferometry, for unshakable performance.
Three cast aluminum feet adorn the cabinet for superior coupling
to any floor. The cabinet is available in wood finishes of Cherry,
Rose, Sycamore, and Black Ash.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 7

Figure 3.The REVEL
PERFORMA B15 subwoofer
with its inner packing materials.
UNPACKING
To avoid personal injury and possible product damage, we strongly
urge you to enlist additional help before unpacking the REVEL
PERFORMA B15 subwoofer. Also, be sure to observe the follow-
ing precautions and procedures:
• Do not attempt to lift the product from its packing carton
alone. To unpack a product properly, at least two strong
people will be needed.
• To avoid injury, use extreme care during unpacking.
• Do not lift a product while bending from the waist.
• Always stand as straight as possible and use leg muscles to
lift a product.
1. At the final placement choice (see Placement on page 11), set
the packaged REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer on a rug
or other soft material in the upright position. Open the top
flaps and set aside the spike foot kit, the power cord, and the
owner’s manual.
2. With the top flaps folded back, roll the carton over onto its
exposed top pad. Open the bottom flaps and fold them back.
Remove the bottom pad.
3. Lift the carton off the subwoofer and set it aside, being careful
not to damage the contents (see Figure 3 below).
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
8
WARNING
Top Pad Warranty Card
and
Owner’s Manual
Power Cord
Spike Foot Kit

4. If you plan to install the spiked feet, perform the instructions in
the section below, Installing Spike Feet.
5. If you don’t use spikes, roll the subwoofer onto its bottom and
remove the top pad. Use caution to avoid scraping the finish or
pulling off the grille.
INSPECTING THE REVEL PERFORMA B15
SUBWOOFER
After unpacking, carefully inspect the REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofer for possible damage due to shipping. If you discover any
damage, immediately contact your Revel dealer for further assistance.
Keep all packing materials for future shipping. In the unlikely
event a product will need repair, Revel will only accept a unit in its
original shipping carton. Using any other packing materials may
result in damage to the product and is not covered by the warranty.
See Obtaining Service on page 25 for additional details.
INSTALLING SPIKE FEET
1. Remove the spike feet, covers, lock nuts, and wrench from the
plastic bag.
2. Remove the three black screws that serve as glides and store
them for future use. Start a set of spikes, as shown in Figure 4
(on the next page). Be sure to thread each spike the same
amount to achieve a level placement.
NOTE: If the subwoofer is to be used on a hardwood or tile floor,
use the round ends with optional supplied covers. Further adjust-
ment of each spike may be necessary due to uneven floors.
3. Using the supplied wrench, tighten a lock nut onto each spike.
4. When finished (see Placement on page 11), turn the REVEL
PERFORMA B15 subwoofer upright and remove the top pad.
Continued on the next page...
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 9

Figure 4. Installing spike feet
onto the REVEL PERFORMA
B15 subwoofer.
UNPACKING (Continued)
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
10
(3) Spikes
(3) Covers
(optional)
(3) Nuts
Lock Nut
CARPETED FLOORS
spike end
Foot
1 1⁄8" max. Spike
7⁄8" max. Lock Nut
HARD FLOORS
round end
or Dome
Cover
Slip
Cover
Foot
Spike

Figure 5. Typical placement of a
REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofer in an average room.
PLACEMENT
Due to the long wavelengths being reproduced, low-frequency bass
response from the REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer is non-
directional. However, optimum results can be obtained by making
in-room measurements to determine the best locations for all of the
speakers in your specific listening room (see System Optimization on
page 21). Consult your Revel dealer for assistance with placement
and try the following ideas to enhance performance:
• Start with a corner placement for the REVEL PERFORMA
B15 subwoofer. This will provide the best results in most
rooms, especially in conjunction with the B15’s unique 3-band
parametric equalizer. If you cannot measure the response (in
order to find the best location), place the subwoofer in a front
corner, as shown in Figure 5.
• If you plan to use two REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofers
(see Figure 6 on next page), and you cannot make high-resolu-
tion measurements (see System Optimization on page 21) place
both subwoofers together in a front corner, side-by-side or
stacked, or place a subwoofer in each of the front corners.
Continued on the next page...
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 11
Listening Position
(e.g., on couch)
B15
L Speaker R Speaker

Figure 6. Preferred placement of
two REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofers in a corner of a
larger room.
NOTE: If the room is
symmetrical and the
L/R speakers and listening
position are also symmetrical
within the room, the REVEL
PERFORMA B15 subwoofers
can be placed in opposite corners
(see alternate placement).
PLACEMENT (Continued)
However, if the room is not symmetrical, and you cannot
make high-resolution measurements, only place the subwoofers
together in one front corner.
NOTE: Using high-resolution measurements, low frequency
performance is often dramatically improved by placing two (or
more) subwoofers in carefully chosen asymmetrical locations.
• For very large rooms (e.g., greater than around 4,000 to
5,000 cubic feet or 113 to 142 cubic meters), consider adding
another REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer for more bass
output (see Figure 6). Consult your Revel dealer for specific rec-
ommendations on your audio system.
• For best results, place the REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer
near solid walls to reinforce bass response, and avoid windows
which can rattle and transmit sound to the outside world.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
12
Listening Position
(e.g., on couch)
B15B15s
L Speaker
(preferred placement) (alternate placement)
R Speaker

Figure 7. The REVEL
PERFORMA B15’s rear panel
layout shows locations of
controls, as well as audio
and power connectors.
REAR PANEL LAYOUT
1EQ1~EQ3 Controls:Three parametric equalizers includes vari-
able controls for FREQ., BANDWIDTH, and LEVEL. Use
these controls to modify the frequency response at three points,
adjustable from 18 to 80 Hz, across a bandwidth from 0.1 to
1.0 octaves, with level boost up to 6 dB or cut down to -14.5 dB.
2Low-Pass/High-Pass Filters:The low-pass filter has an ON/OFF
and 24/48 dB slope switches, and variable controls for frequency,
phase, and level.The high-pass filter is always on and has a vari-
able frequency control and 12/24 dB slope switch. Use the con-
trols to precisely set a two-way crossover point from 30 to 80 Hz,
with symmetrical 24 dB slopes or asymmetrical 24/12 or
48/12 dB slopes, and low-pass phase shift from 0 to 180 degrees.
3INPUT: Use stereo XLR (balanced) connectors or RCA (unbal-
anced) jacks to connect from preamplifier outputs, or front out-
puts of a multi-channel decoder. Both inputs are 0 dBv (nomi-
nal)/+20 dBv (maximum).The XLR input is pin 2 high.
4AUX OUTPUT: Use stereo XLR (balanced) connectors or RCA
(unbalanced) jacks to loop input audio signals to additional
REVEL PERFORMA B15s (if present). Both outputs are 0 dBv
(nominal)/+20 dBv (maximum).The XLR input is pin 2 high.
5HIGH PASS OUTPUT: Use stereo XLR (balanced)
connectors or RCA (unbalanced) jacks for (high-pass) connection
to the main amplifier’s left input. Both outputs are 0 dBv
(nominal)/+20 dBv (maximum).The XLR input is pin 2 high.
Continued on the next page...
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 13

REAR PANEL LAYOUT
(Continued)
6Fused power connector for (enclosed) detachable IEC power
cord. If needed, replace the fuse with same type, as follows:
• For 120 V units, use a 10 A fast-blow fuse.
• For 220 V units, use a 5 A fast-blow fuse.
7POWER Switch: Press OFF to completely turn off power to
the REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer system. Press AUTO
ON to turn on automatic power. Internal sense circuits will
continually detect the presence of audio signals and will fully
turn on the power supply when needed. After some time, when
audio is no longer present, the same circuits will instruct the
power supply to enter the standby mode to conserve energy.
CONNECTIONS
Audio interconnection to your main amplifier or home theater
controller can be any combination of unbalanced or balanced
terminations, with full balanced connections offering the best
noise suppression.
Please read the following six applications (starting on the next page)
before proceeding with the actual connections. For clarity, power
connections are not shown. Also, be sure to observe the following:
• Turn off all audio system power before making any connections.
• Read the owner’s manuals that were included with your audio
components to confirm their connection procedures.
• Verify correct polarities (i.e., + to + and - to -) when making
connections, as shown in Figures 8 through 13 starting on the
next page. Failure to do so will cause poor imaging and dimin-
ished bass response.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
14

Figure 8. How to connect the
REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofer to a stereo
preamplifier and the main
power amplifier.
REVEL PERFORMA B15 SUBWOOFER AND A
STEREO POWER AMPLIFIER
The most common application is interconnecting the REVEL PER-
FORMA B15 subwoofer between a stereo preamplifier and the main
power amplifier, as shown in Figure 8.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 15
B15 Rear Panel
(split view)
Preamplifier
(rear)
Left Output Right Output
Main Amplifier
(rear)
To Main Speakers
Left Input
Left Right
Right Input
or or
oror

Figure 9. How to connect the
REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofer to a home theater
multi-channel controller using
the controller’s crossover.
CONNECTIONS (Continued)
REVEL PERFORMA B15 SUBWOOFER AND A
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER USING THE
CONTROLLER’S CROSSOVER
In this application, the REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer’s
internal low-pass filter is bypassed and the multi-channel con-
troller’s crossover is used instead, as shown in Figure 9.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
16
B15 Rear Panel (split view)
*To SUB/LFE Output
(if using optional Y-adapter)
*To SUB/LFE Output
(if using optional Y-adapter)
Use L or R Input and
Increase Low Pass Level;
*Or Use Optional
Y-adapter, If Desired. NOTE: Use AUX OUTPUT to
connect to INPUT on another B15.
Also see Figure 12 on page 19.
Multi-Channel Controller (Decoder)
(rear)
Left Output
FRONT/MAIN
Right Output
Left Output
REAR
Right Output
Left Output
SURROUND/SIDE
Right Output
CENTER Output
SUB/LFE Output
NOTE: Set Controller to
SUB “On” and all speakers
to cross over at 80 Hz. Main Amplifier
(rear)
To Main Speakers
Left Input
Left Right
Right Input
or or
or
or or

Figure 10. How to connect the
REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofer to a home theater
multi-channel controller using
the REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofer’s internal crossover.
REVEL PERFORMA B15 SUBWOOFER AND A
MULTI-CHANNEL CONTROLLER USING THE B15’S
INTERNAL CROSSOVER
In this application, the REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer’s
internal crossover is used to interconnect a home theater multi-chan-
nel controller, as shown in Figure 10.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 17
B15 Rear Panel
(split view)
Main Amplifier
(rear)
To Main Speakers
Left Input
Left Right
Right Input
Multi-Channel Controller (Decoder)
(rear)
Left Output
FRONT/MAIN
Right Output
Left Output
REAR
Right Output
Left Output
SURROUND/SIDE
Right Output
CENTER Output
SUB/LFE Output
NOTE: Set Controller outputs to full-
range L/R Front and no SUB.
If applicable, set all other channels
to pass 80 Hz and above. Below
80 Hz, signals will route to B15.
or or
or
or

Figure 11. How to connect the
REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofer without a high-pass
crossover.
CONNECTIONS (Continued)
REVEL PERFORMA B15 SUBWOOFER WITHOUT
HIGH-PASS CROSSOVER
Revel strongly recommends using both a low-pass and high-pass
crossover with any “main” left and right loudspeakers of any size.
The use of a high-pass crossover greatly reduces distortion, increases
dynamic range, and optimizes the transition from the REVEL
PERFORMA B15 subwoofer to the main loudspeakers. If needed,
your Revel dealer can help with the proper crossover settings.
If the REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer will be used without a
high-pass crossover (see Figure 11), contact your Revel dealer for
help in setting the crossover controls so the main speakers and the
REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofer(s) will produce an optimum
combined response.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
18
NOTE: Use Y-adapters or
Sub Outputs on Preamplifier
(if available) to drive the B15.
Preamplifier
(rear)
Left Output Right Output
Main Amplifier
(rear)
To Main Speakers
Left Input
Left Right
Right Input
B15 Rear Panel
(split view)
oror
Y-adapter
Y-adapter
Y-adapter
Y-adapter
NOTE: Adjust for optimum
blend with front speakers.
or

Figure 12. How to connect
multiple REVEL PERFORMA
B15 subwoofers.
REVEL PERFORMA B15 SUBWOOFERS IN
MULTIPLE OPERATION
Multiple REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofers (using their own
crossovers) can be connected in a “daisy-chain” with a multi-channel
controller and power amplifier, as shown in Figure 12. If all sub-
woofers are placed next to each other or in symmetrical room loca-
tions, set all level and phase controls for the same respective values.
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual 19
#1 B15 Rear Panel
(split view)
#2 B15 Rear Panel
(split view)
Main Amplifier
(rear)
To Main Speakers
Left Input
Left Right
Right Input
Multi-Channel Controller (Decoder)
(rear)
Left Output
FRONT/MAIN
Right Output
Left Output
REAR
Right Output
Left Output
SURROUND/SIDE
Right Output
CENTER Output
SUB/LFE Output
NOTE: Set Controller outputs to full-range L/R Front and no SUB.
If applicable, set all other channels to pass 80 Hz and above.
Below 80 Hz, signals will route to the B15s. Alternately, if Controller’s
crossover is used (i.e., SUB/LFE Output) set Low Pass Filter to
OFF on all B15s.
or or
or
or
RCA cables
to #2 B15
INPUT
or
RCA cables
to #3 B15
INPUT
(Optional)
XLR cables
to #3 B15
INPUT
or
RCA cables
to #1 B15
AUX OUTPUT
or

Figure 13. How to connect two
REVEL PERFORMA B15
subwoofers for stereo bass.
CONNECTIONS (Continued)
REVEL PERFORMA B15 SUBWOOFER S AND
STEREO BASS
Two REVEL PERFORMA B15 subwoofers can be interconnected
with a preamplifier and power amplifier for stereo bass (see Figure 13).
NOTE: Although stereo bass requires symmetrical placement, asym-
metrical placement also has advantages (see “Placement” on page 11).
REVEL PERFORMA B15
Owner’s Manual
20
Right B15 Rear Panel
(split view)
Left B15 Rear Panel
(split view)
Main Amplifier
(rear)
To Main Speakers
Left Input
Left Right
Right Input
Multi-Channel Controller (Decoder)
(rear)
Left Output
FRONT/MAIN
Right Output
Left Output
REAR
Right Output
Left Output
SURROUND/SIDE
Right Output
CENTER Output
SUB/LFE Output
NOTE: Set Controller outputs to full-range
L/R Front and no SUB.If applicable, set all
other channels to pass 80 Hz and above.
Below 80 Hz, signals will route to the B15s.
or or
or
or
(Optional)
To SUB/LFE Output
(use Y-adapter)
(Optional)
To SUB/LFE Output
(use Y-adapter)