Velodyne 8100X User manual

"It delivered ro om-shakingbass and dramaticallydemonstratedthe
effectiveness of a single subw
oofer placed to one side of the room"
-Julian Hirsh
Stereo Review, Janua
ry 1997
" If you want the absolute-de epest , most feel it- in -your-tushy BASS
under a gr a nd , look no farther than the Velodyne . . ."
- Corey Gr eenberg
Home Theater, Februa
ry 1995
63-8100
Rev. B
Velodyne Acoustics, Inc.
1070 Commercial St. Suite #101
San Jose, CA 95112
408.436.7270 voice
408.436.7276 fax
Web Site: http
// www.velodyne.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Printed on recycled paper.
~ 8100X
Owner's Manual
Velodyne
Audi o lVi deo Subw oo fer System

Congratulations!
Congratulations on your purchase of a Velodyne VA-8100X sub-
woofer system. This system represents the state of the art in
accurate low frequency reproduction. Read and follow the instruc-
tions
below to insure safe and proper system operation.
Warning!
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this equipment to
rain
or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do not open speaker
enclosure or amp chassiscover. Pleaseobserveallwarningsonthe
equipment itself. There areno user serviceablepartsinside. Please
refer
all service questions to your authorized Velodyne dealer .
Prior to installation
Please unpack the system carefully. Remove a ll staples used to
seal the carton as they can scratch the cabinet. Please save the
carton and all packaging materials for future use. Record the serial
number in the space provided on the warranty card for future
reference.
Product Features & Controls
• Built-in 100 watt (RMS) power amplifier
• Subwoofer Direct - sw itchable crossover bypass
• Adjustable (40 to 120 Hz) low-pass crossover
• Passive (85 Hz fixed) high-pass crossover
• Line-level inputs & outputs
• Speaker-level inputs & outputs
• Signal sensing auto turn on/off with bypass option
• Variable volume control
• Selectable phase control (0 or 180 degrees)
• Anti-clipping circuitry
• Magnetically shielded for video use
• Dual staggered low-pass crossover ; 12dB/octave initial,
24dB / octave ultimate
• Gain compression circuit to protect woofer from over excursion
• Input overload protection
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<:
'.
Installation
Your new VA-8100X subwoofer system provides for a number of
insta
ll ation options. Read a ll the installation information below in
order to determine which installation option is best
for your system.
Remember to perform all installation procedures with system
power turned off.
;nputs
Your new VA-81 OOX subwooferis equipped with both speaker-level
and line-level inputs. Use the LINE-IN jacks when
connect in g your
subwoofer to a pre-amp, signal processor, or line-level crossover.
The
;'::RO M AMPLIFIER jacks connect directly to the speaker
outputs of a integrated amplifier or receiver.
Your amp lifier section
will no ti ce no additional loading effects when you use these inputs
because of their high impedance.
Note
Do not use both LINE -IN and FROM AMPLIFIER in pu ts simulta-
neously.
Caution!
Polarity is critical when using s peak er level inputs. Reversing th e
pol arity of speaker level inputs can damage th e unit.
Vol u me control
This control a ll ows you to ba lance th e output from the s ulJwoofe~ to
the main speakers in your system. This control should be set to
achieve similar volume level from bo
th th e main speakers and
subw Go fer.
Low-pass crossover
Both sets of inputs sum the left and right channels together and the
resulting signalis passedthrough an adjustable low-passcrossover
before being amplified. The crossover control allows you to adjust
the upp
er limit of the subwoofer's frequency re s ponse fr om 40 to
120 H z. The subwoofer's response will begin ro lling off above the
frequency YO
Ll set this control to .
continued .
2

You should set the crossover frequency to obtain a smooth and
seamless transition from the subwoofer to the main speakers
in
yoursystem. If yourmain speakersaresmaller unitswith limited low
frequency output, you maywish to choose a higherfrequency (such
as 100-120 Hz) than you would with larger speakers which have
greaterlow frequency output. With larger speakers, you might start
with ttlis control set lower, such as 80 Hz.
A bypass switch is also provided if you wish to use an external
crossover. If you are not using an external crossover, we recom-
mend that you use the one provided within the unit for optimum
performance.
Phase adjustment
This control allows you the ability to compensate for having the
subwoofer
in a different location than the main speakers. Ideally,
you will have the sound from the subwoofer reach the listening
position th e same time as the sound from the main speakers.
H
owe ver, if the distance from the listening position to the subwoofer
andthe distancefrom listening position to the main speakers differs,
the sound from each will reach your ears at a different time.
This control allows the signal to be delayed 180 degrees so the
output of the subwoofer will blend in to that of your main speakers
without any cancellation.
Auto turn on function
With this function in the "auto" position, your subwoofer can be
safely left with the main power switch on continuously. The sub-
woofer will turn itself on automatically when an audio signal is
present. If no signal is presentforapproximately 15minutes,the unit
will switchto standbymode. While in standbymode,yoursubwoofer
will draw very minimal power. This function can be disabled by
leaving the switch
in the "on" position.
Power switch
The master power switch is located on the right halfof the unit. This
rocker style switch
is the main on/off for the unit. This switch should
be set to position 1 for on (up), 0 for off (down).
3
1
\
Line-level connection
Figure 1 shows co nn ection to a pre -a mplifier's main outputs and
returning them to your amplifier inputs.
When installed in this fashion, your satellite speakers will be
crossed over at 85Hz which removes the lower bass from your
amplifier and speakers, enabling them to do a better job reproduc-
ing high frequenc
ie s. By utilizing this method, you will have a bi-
arnlJlified system, gaining improved power and headroom for
your
system.
A word about subwoofer outputs
The Velodyne subwoofer is designed to operate using the full range
audio signal for input when using the built-in crossover. Some
surround sound processo
rs /receivers, including the Dolby AC3
system with their .1 channel output. have a "s ubwoofer ou t"ja ck that
Figlil e I: I llstallalion u si ng line-level (line in) input,:
i · ··· .. · 11 " .. I
BBElEl
PRE-AMP
MI.IN OUTP UTS
IlIGHT LEFT
1 ""' '' ' II ," r 1 .-
ElBBB
cr @ - ---
-- -- -- -- - --- -"-'"
Velodyne
.. .
.." R·
AMPLIFIER
MAIN INPUTS
RIGHT L EFT
.. -- ~ -- <?
MAIN OUTPUTS
RIGHT LE FT
TO SATELLITE SPEAKERS
is alreadycrossed overand designed to be used with aconventional
amplifier and speaker. Combining both an external crossover and
the one internal to the subwoofer may result
in low output and
increased noise. In th ese cases, to optimize your subwoofer pertor
4

mance you should bypass the internal crossover in your Velodyne
subwoofer, the Subwoofer Direct feature.
To bypass the crossover within the subwoofer, simply locate the
switch marked "outI
in "on the back panel of the subwoofer and set
to the "out" position. This will eliminate the internal crossover
function.
Note
If not using an external crossover, you should use the built-in
crossover for optimal performance.
Subwoofer out from AN
Processor
From the low pass output of your signal processor Install into right
or left RCA line
in connector in the back of the subwoofer or use a
"Y" connectoradapterinto both right and left RCA line in connectors
in the back of the subwoofer, and switch the crossover switch to
"o ut".
Speaker-level connection
Figure 2 shows an easy way to connect your VA-81 OOX subwoofer
directly to your receiver
or integrated amplifier.
When connected
in this fashion, your satellite speakers will be
crossed
over at 85 Hz, which removes the lower bass from your
speakers thus, enabling them to do a better job reproducing high
frequencies.
You may also connect your satellites directly to your receiver. or
amplifieralong with the subwooferif you wish to bypass the internal
high-pass crossover.
Caution!
To avoid damage to your mainamplifier,be sure to maintaincorrect
polarity when making
all connections. Red (positive) to red, and
black (negative) to black. Be sure that all connectionsare tight, and
that there are no loose strands or frayed wires.
5
.. ' .. J-
.. J
-:- i -
Figure 2: Instal/ation using spe aker -level (from amplifier) inputs
r -, ;: :' :; ;':::" . I , -- @@ 1 '" · ' ~.T
@ @ ~ " ..
on _. ['01 " .1
MAIN OUTPUTS
(s pe a l (er~leve J)
I NTEGRATED AMP I RECEIVER
Velodyne
® •
SAT ELLITE SPEAKERS
Interconnect cables
When installing your VA- 81 OOX using the line-level inputs/outputs,
you should use standard shielded phono cables. Always keep the
li nes as short as practical to minimize noise.
When using the speaker-level inputs/outputs. use the same quality
speaker cab
le to your subwoofer as you run to your satellites.
Placement
True subwoofers operate at extremely low frequencies which are
primarily omnidirectional. While it
is recommended that the sub-
wooferbe placed on the same plane as the satellite speakers,room
and system conditions often dictate otherwise. Keep
in mind that
frequency response and output levels can be drastically influ-
continued ..
6

r enced
by placement, depending on the acoustic properties of the
listening room. Typically, the optimum location for a
subwoofer is
tucked
away in a corner of your listening room. This location will
usually offer the greatest output levels and optimum low frequency
extension. The worst location for a subwoofer is typically far away
from any walls, and close to the center of your room. Avoid these
locations when possible. When using a pair of
Velodyne subwoof-
ers
in stereo, it is preferable to place each subwoofer by the satellite
of the
same channel.
CAUTION!
The VA series subwoofers have amplifiers built into the cabinet. 00
not place the cabinet next to sources of heat such as furnace
registers, radiators, etc. The
power cord shouldbe routed in such a
waythatit will not be walkedon,pinched, or compressedin any way.
Regardless of where you install your VA-81 OOX subwoofer, it must
remain in an upright position (passive radiator facing downward).
Using, shipping, or otherwise storing the VA- 8100X subwoofer in
any other position for an extended period of time may result in
damage to the unit not covered by warranty.
The VA-
81 OOX subwoofer is magnetically shielded to reduce mag-
netic emission from its cabinet to in crease the number of possible
locations available for placement. However, this shielding
may not
be adequate for all installations. Certain types of televisions are
particularly sensitive to stray magnetic fields. If
your television
produces distorted colors after installation of your
VA-8100X sub-
woofer, simply increase the distance between
your television and
the
VA-8100X until normal color and operation is returned.
C ar e of yo ur subwoofer
Do not use any harsh detergents orchemicals to clean the cabinet.
Abrasives, detergents, orcleaning solutions may
damage thefinish
on the cabinet.
We recommend using a damp cloth to clean the
cabinet.
During
normal conditions, the VA-81 OOX subwoofer may be left on
7 "
, .
continuously without any problems. The unit is equi pped with a
sigllal sensing turn on/o ff that will automatically turn on the unit
when a signal is present at the inputs and turn off the unit after
several minutes when there is no longer
any signal at the in puts.
If you plan to leave the VA- 81 OOX unused for an extended period of
time, we recommend that you turn off the unit by the
ma ster power
sw it ch on th e rear pane l.
Troubleshooting & Service
Before seeking service for your VA-8100X s ubw ooler. please
rech eGk a ll systems. Fo ll owing is a simple troubles tl ooting guide to
assist you.
1. Verify unit
is p lu gged in and power outlet lIsed is active.
2. Is power switch on?
3. Is auto turn on/o ff set properly?
4. Is unit receiving an in tJ ut signal from yo ur source?
5. Have a
ll controls on subwoofer (volum e. crossove r. phase.
etc.) been properly se
t?
6. If unit has been running at high levels. one of th e pr otection
circ
ui ts may be engaged.
Has
th e built- in C1 111plifier overheated?
Has the speaker's voice coil started to Ileat up?
il th e protection circuitry is ac ti ve,the unit may cycle on and o ff until
operating parameters return to normal. Under mo re serious condi-
tion
s, th e unit may shut o ff completel y. Normal operation will return
lIponcooting ,but YO
Llll1 ay be required to turn tile poweroff and th en
(o Il agA in to reset th e ulli!.
The fo ll owing conditions require service by a qualified technician:
1. The power cord has become damaged .
2. The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change
in performance.
3. The unit has been exposed to water.
4. So
me part of th e cabillet or circuitry is physically dam aged.
Than/( you for pur chasing a Velodyne!
8

SPECIFICATIONS
VA-8100X
INSTALLATION WORKSHEET
Cabinet -including legs 15.5"x14.5"x14.5"
(H ,W,D)
Frequency Response 35 -120 Hz, +
1- 3 dB Date:
MODEUSERIAL# ._ _ __ _. __ __ _
High Pass Crossover Pass
iv e 85 Hz, 6dB/octave slope
Installed by:
Phone: ___ ._ ___ _. __ .._
L ow Pass C ro ssover 40 -120 Hz, active-adjustable
Amplifier 100 watts, 250 watts peak, Class AlB
Volume Setting: ___ .__ ._
Output Level (dB): __ ._ _ _
Woofer 8" forward firing
Low Pass X-Over: _ .. ___. _. __
Hz Phase Pos.: O'
Passive Radiator 10" downward firing 180' _
__ _
Magnet 55 oz.
Voice Coil 2" diamet
er
Inputs/Outputs Line and speaker level
Warranty Two years (parts & labor)
Output Levels: (Speakers)
Weight 45 Ibs. (approx.) Left Front: dB Right Front: dB
Left Rear: dB
Specifications are subject to change without notice. Right Rear: dB
Center:
dB
FOR 't 'OUR RECORDS ..
DATEPURCHASED _. _ __ _. __ _
DEALER _ _____ . __ ...
SERIAL II ___ . ___ ___ ___ _ _ ___ _ __ ._ __ _. _____ __._ ___ . __ __ _
'NOTE : Please complete and return yow warranty card within tell (10) days.
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