Velodyne SPL-800i User manual

Audio/Video Subwoofer System
USER’S MANUAL

Enjoy.
Thank you for choosing a Velodyne. Our passion for high
performance, low-distortion bass is the driving force behind
our worldwide reputation in audio and technical innovation.
We are pleased to bring the Velodyne sound experience
to your home.

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WWW.VELODYNE.COM SPL-800i User’s Manual - ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Congratulations ........................................................1
Placement of Your Subwoofer.............................................2
Installation ............................................................3
LFE Connection - Option A ...............................................5
MINI-JACK Connection - Option B .........................................6
Speaker-Level Connection - Option C ......................................7
Subwoofer Outlets .....................................................9
Interconnnect Cables ...................................................9
Care of Your Subwoofer .................................................9
Protection Circuitry ....................................................10
Troubleshooting and Service.............................................11
Specications ........................................................12
Velodyne Products ....................................................14

www.velodyne.com SPL-800i User’s Manual - 1
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations on your purchase of a Velodyne subwoofer system. This system represents the state-of-the-
art in low frequency reproduction and will provide you with years of listening pleasure when properly cared for.
Read and follow this instruction manual to insure safe and proper system connection and operation.
Caution!
Please observe the following precautions to insure safe and proper system operation
Note: Do not leave unit in direct sunlight or use in high humidity environments!!!
Warning!
To prevent re or shock hazard, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do
not open speaker enclosure or amp chassis cover. Please observe all warnings on the equipment itself. There are
no user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all service questions to your authorized Velodyne dealer or service
representative.
Prior to Installation:
Please unpack the system carefully. This unit is heavy. Use caution when lifting or moving to avoid injury.
Remove all staples used to seal the carton as they can scratch the cabinet. Please save the carton and all
packaging materials for future use. Packing this unit in any other carton may result in severe damage when
shipping. Record the serial number in the space provided on the warranty card for future reference.
Product Features
• 230V
• 8”(6.5”pistondiameter)driverwith2.5”high-tempvoicecoiland107ouncemagnet/204ouncemotor
structure
• Built-in2000wattsDynamic/1000wattsRMShigheciencyClassDamplier
• Adjustable(40to120Hz)low-passcrossover(defeatable)
• Line-level(RCA)inputsandoutputs
• LFEInput
• Speaker-levelinputswithvewaybindingpostconnections
• Signalsensingautoturnon/o(defeatable)
• Variablevolumecontrol
• Selectablephasecontrol(0°or180°)
• Frequencyresponseof28-120Hz
• Multiplestaggeredlow-passcrossovers;12dB/octaveinitial,48dB/octaveultimate
• DriverDisplacementControlcircuitpreventsoverexcursionandampclipping
• BluepowerindicatorLED
• High-excursionEPDMrubbersurround
• Oversizedspiderforlinearityathighexcursion

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2 - SPL-800i User’s Manual
PREPARE FOR INSTALLATION
Your new Velodyne subwoofer provides for a number of installation options. Read all the installation information
below in order to determine which installation option is best suited for your system. Remember to perform all
installationprocedureswithsystempowerturnedotopreventpossibledamage.
PLACEMENT
True subwoofers operate at extremely low frequencies which are primarily omni-directional. While it is
recommended that the subwoofer be placed on the same plane as the satellite speakers, room and system
conditions often dictate otherwise. Keep in mind that frequency response and output level can be drastically
inuenced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oer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 subwoofers in stereo, it is preferable to place each subwoofer by the satellite of the same
channel.
Caution! This subwoofer has electronics built into the cabinet. Do not place the cabinet next to sources of
heat such as furnace registers, radiators, etc. Do not place the unit near sources of excessive moisture, such as
evaporative coolers, humidiers, etc. The power cord should be routed in such a way that it will not be walked
on, pinched or compressed in any way that could result in damaging the insulation or wire.
RegardlessofwhereyouinstallyourVelodynesubwoofer,itmustremaininanuprightposition(wooferfacing
forward).Using,shippingorstoringthesubwooferinanyotherpositionforanextendedperiodoftimemay
result in damage to the unit not covered by warranty.
Your new Velodyne subwoofer, like any good speaker system, requires proper positioning within the listening
space to provide maximum performance. Improperly placed speakers may degrade the sound quality and
reduceyourlisteningpleasure.Dependingonthesizeandtypeoffurnishingsintheroom,perfectplacement
maynotbepossible.Findingthebestlocationwithinyourenvironmentwilllikelyrequiresomeexperimentation.
Wesuggestyouexperimentwiththelocationduringsetuptondwhatsoundsbesttoyouwhenseatedinyour
typical listening position.

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INSTALLATION
Inputs
Your new subwoofer is equipped with speaker-level and line-level inputs. Use the LINE LEVEL jacks when
connecting your subwoofer to a preamp, signal processor, line-level crossover or receiver with pre-amp level
outputs.TheSPEAKERLEVELjacksconnectdirectlytothespeakeroutputsofanyamplier,integratedamplier
orreceiver.Yourampliersectionwillnoticenoadditionalloadingeectswhenyouusetheseinputsduetotheir
very high impedance.
Important!!! Do not use any of the LINE LEVEL, SPEAKER LEVEL, and MINI-JACK connections
simultaneously!
Volume Control
Thiscontrolallowsyoutobalancetheoutputfromthesubwoofertothemainspeakers/amplierinyoursystem.
This control should be set to achieve similar output level from both the main speakers and subwoofer when
listening to music. A good starting point for the volume control is 3 or 4 dots from minimum.
Low-pass Crossover - 40 to 120 Hz
All inputs sum the left and right channels together, with the resulting signal passing through an adjustable
low-passcrossoverbeforebeingamplied.Thecrossovercontrolallowsyoutoadjusttheupperlimitofthe
subwoofer’sfrequencyresponsefrom40to120Hz.Thesubwoofer’sresponsewillbeginrollingoabovethe
frequency you set this control to. You should set the crossover frequency to obtain a smooth and seamless
transition from the subwoofer to the main speakers in your system. If your main speakers are smaller units with
limitedlowfrequencyoutput,youmaywishtochooseahigherfrequency(suchas100-120Hz)thanyouwould
with larger speakers which have P greater low frequency output. With larger speakers, you might start with this
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 recommend that you use the one provided within the unit for optimum performance!
Phase Adjustment - 0°/180°
Thiscontrolallowsyouto“reverse”thephaseofthesubwoofer’soutputsignal180°tocorrectforanypossible
mismatchandresultingcancellationbetweenthesubwooferandyourmainspeakers/amplier.Toadjust,simply
listen to the system with music playing. Then move the switch from one position to the other and listen for a
change in low frequency output. The correct position will have a greater amount of apparent low frequency
output.
Crossover Switch - INTERNAL X-OVER/SUBWOOFER DIRECT
This switch allows the internal crossover circuitry to be removed from the signal path. This is required in certain
installationswhichroutethesignalthroughexternalprocessorswithacrossovercircuitoftheirown,suchasthe
new digital units. Simply move the switch to SUBWOOFER DIRECT to disengage the built-in crossover. For all
other installations which do not have a separate electronic crossover, we recommend you leave the switch set
to INTERNAL X-OVER to provide optimum performance.

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4 - SPL-800i User’s Manual
Auto Turn on Function
Withthisfunctioninthe“auto”position,yoursubwoofercanbesafelyleftwiththemainpowerswitchedon
continuously. The subwoofer will turn itself on automatically when an audio signal is present. If no signal is
present for approximately 10 minutes, the unit will switch to standby mode. While in standby mode, your
subwooferwilldrawveryminimalpower.Thisfunctioncanbedisabledbyleavingtheswitchinthe“on”position.
Power Switch
Themasterpowerswitchislocatedonthelowerhalfoftheunit.Thisrockerstyleswitchisthemainon/ofor
theunit.Thisswitchshouldbesettoposition1(up)foron,and0(down)foro.Iftheunitistobeleftunused
foranextendedperiodoftime,themasterpowerswitchshouldbeturnedo.
Subwoofer Outputst
The Velodyne subwoofer is designed to operate using the full range audio signal for input when using the built-
incrossover.Someprocessors/receivershavea“subwooferout”jackthatisinternallylteredanddesignedto
beusedwithaconventionalamplierandspeaker.Insomerarecases,combiningbothanexternalcrossover
and the one internal to the subwoofer may result in low output and increased noise. In these installations you
may need to bypass the internal crossover in either the processor or Velodyne subwoofer. In some installations,
simplysettingonecrossovertoahigherfrequency(suchas 120Hz) willrestoremaximumperformance.To
bypass the subwoofer’s internal crossover when the unit is being fed a low pass signal from another crossover,
simply locate the switch marked INTERNAL XOVER/SUBWOOFER DIRECT on the rear panel of the subwoofer
and set to the SUBWOOFER DIRECT position. This will eliminate the internal crossover from the signal path.
NOTE:Ifnotusinganexternalcrossover,youshouldusethebuiltincrossoverforoptimalperformance.

www.velodyne.com SPL-800i User’s Manual - 5
LINE-LEVEL CONNECTION - OPTION A
Figure 1 shows connection from your home theater receiver to the LFE input on the back of your subwoofer.
Whenthesubwooferisinstalledinthisfashion,allofthelowfrequencyinformationfromyour“LFEOut”or
“SubwooferOut”onthebackofyourreceiverwillpassintoyourVelodynesubwoofer.Thisconnectionisthe
mostcommonconnectionmethodwhenusingyoursubwooferwitha5.1receiver.(Cableneeded:1monoRCA
cable.)
NOTE:Ifnotusinganexternalcrossover,youshouldusethebuiltincrossoverforoptimalperformance.When
usinga single channelinput(such as asurroundsoundprocessor’ssubwooferoutor LFE), theautoon/o
circuitsensitivitywillbeaected.Whenoneinputchannelisusedinsteadoftwo,theunitwillseelowersignal
levels present at the inputs. This may cause the unit to turn o when listening at low volume levels. If this
occurs,simplyusea“Y”adapter(availablefrommostdealers)toallowyourprocessor’ssinglesublinetobe
fed into both L&R inputs. This will make the unit turn on at lower signal levels.
Figure 1: Installation using LFE line-level inputs.

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6 - SPL-800i User’s Manual
LINE-LEVEL CONNECTION – OPTION B
Figure2showsconnectionfromapre-amplier’smainoutputstotheleftand rightinputsofyourVelodyne
subwoofer. You will also need to connect a second pair of RCA cables from the outputs on the back of your
subwoofertotheinputson theback ofyour amplier.When thesubwoofer isinstalled inthisfashion,your
satellitespeakerswillbecrossedoverat80Hzwhichremovesthelowerbassfrequenciesfromyourexternal
amplierandspeakers,enablingthemtodoabetterjobreproducingthehigherfrequencies.Byutilizingthis
method, you will have a bi-amplied system, gaining improved power and headroom for your system. This
installationmethodisnotascommonasthemethoddescribedinFigure1.(Cablesneeded:2stereopairof
RCAcables.)
Figure 2: Installation using stereo line-level inputs

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SPEAKER-LEVEL CONNECTION - OPTION C
Figure3showsaneasywaytoconnectyourVelodynesubwooferdirectlytoyourreceiverorintegratedamplier,
ifitlacksline-leveloutputs.Youmayalsoconnectyoursatellitesdirectlytoyourreceiveroramplieralongwith
thesubwoofer.Yourreceiveroramplierwillnotnoticetheadditionalloadofthesubwooferduetothehigh
input impedance.
Caution!!! To avoid damage to your main amplier, be sure to maintain correct polarity when making all
connections. Red (positive) to red, and black (negative) to black. Be sure that all connections are tight, and that
there are no loose strands or frayed wires.
Figure 3: Installation using speaker-level inputs

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8 - SPL-800i User’s Manual
During normal conditions, your new subwoofer may be left on continuously without any problems. The unit is
equippedwithasignalsensingturnon/othatwillautomaticallyturnontheunitwhenasignalispresentatthe
inputsandturnotheunitafterseveralminuteswhenthereisnolongeranysignalattheinputs.Ifyouplanto
leavethesubwooferunusedforanextendedperiodoftime,werecommendthatyouturnothemasterpower
switch on the rear panel.
PROTECTION CIRCUITRY
Yournewsubwooferisequippedwithspecialprotectioncircuitrytoprovidemaximumperformancewithgreatest
reliability.
Theunitisprotectedagainst:
1) Overdrivingthespeakeroramplier
2) Overheatingtheamplier
3) Excessivedropinpowerlinevoltage
Thersttypeofprotectioncircuitrywhichpreventsoverdrivingofthespeakeroramplieroperatesconstantly
withoutbeingaudibleundermostsituations.Insomeextremesituations(sustainedhighoutputlevelssuchas
prosoundusage),theunitmayshutdownmomentarily.Thisindicatesthethermalorunder-voltageprotection
circuitryhasengaged.Ifthisshouldhappen,youshouldreducethevolumesettingorshuttheunitountil
normaloperatingconditionsreturn.Youmayalsowanttoplugtheunitintoadierentwalloutlet,asdropping
power line voltage will be most noticeable under strenuous conditions and may result in the unit shutting down
intermittently.

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SUBWOOFER OUTPUTS
The Velodyne subwoofer is designed to operate using the full range audio signal for input when using the built-
incrossover.Manyhometheaterprocessors/receivers(DolbyDigital®, DTS®,THX™)havea“subwooferout”
jackthatisinternallylteredanddesignedtobeusedwithapoweredsubwoofer.Intheseinstallations,you
may bypass the internal crossover in either the processor or the Velodyne subwoofer. In some installations, it
maybebenecialtohaveasteeperultimatecrossoverslope.Todothis,youcanusebothyourprocessor’s
crossoverandtheoneinternaltotheVelodynesub.Youshouldstaggerthefrequencies,(i.e.,120Hzsub,80
Hzprocessor)forbestresults.
To bypass the subwoofer’s internal crossover when the unit is being fed a low pass signal from another
crossover, simply locate the switch marked INTERNAL X-OVER/SUBWOOFER DIRECT on the rear panel of
the subwoofer and set to the SUBWOOFER DIRECT position. This will eliminate the internal crossover from
the signal path.
INTERCONNECT CABLES
When installing your new Velodyne subwoofer using the line level connections, you should always use shielded
phono cables. There are many decent cables available today, most any of which will work perfectly well. We do
recommend that you keep the length of cable as short as possible to avoid any potential noise problems.
When using speaker level connections, use a decent quality speaker cable that mates well with the connectors.
Be very careful to avoid any loose strands or frayed wires which may result in a short, which may damage
yourequipment.Cablesofextremelylargesizearetypicallynotrequired.Extremelylargegaugewiremaynot
properlytinthebindingposts,resultinginapoorconnectionandpossibleshortcircuits.
CARE OF YOUR SUBWOOFER
Your Velodyne subwoofer does not require any regular maintenance. Normal dusting or cleaning of the surface
for appearance purposes are all that is required. We suggest you avoid any harsh detergents or chemicals when
cleaningthecabinet.Abrasives,detergents,orcleaningsolutionsmaydamagethenishonthecabinet.We
recommend using only a damp cloth to clean the cabinet.

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10 - SPL-800i User’s Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING AND SERVICE
Ifyou should experienceaproblemwiththe operation of yoursubwoofer,pleasecheck all ofthefollowing
before seeking service. Following is a simple troubleshooting guide to assist you.
1. Verify that the unit is plugged in, power outlet used is active and supplying proper voltage.
2. Is the power switch on?
3. Istheautoturnon/osetproperly?
4. Is the unit receiving an input signal from your source?
5. Haveallcontrolsonthesubwoofer(volume,crossover,phase,etc.)beenproperlyset?
6. Ifunithasbeenrunningathighlevelsforanextendedperiodoftime,oneoftheprotectioncircuitsmay
be engaged.
 •Isthebuilt-inamplierextremelyhottothetouch?
 •Isyourpowerlinevoltagesaggingbelowacceptablelevels?
Iftheprotectioncircuitryisactive,theunitmaycycleonandountiloperatingparametersreturntonormal.
Undermoreseriousconditions,theunitmayshutocompletely.Normaloperationshouldreturnuponcooling,
butyoumayberequiredtoturnthepoweroandthenonagaintoresettheunit.
Thefollowingconditionsrequireservicebyaqualied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. Some part of the cabinet or circuitry is physically damaged
Thank You for Purchasing a Velodyne SPL-800i Subwoofer!

www.velodyne.com SPL-800i User’s Manual - 11
SPECIFICATIONS
Specications SPL-800i
Woofer 8” forward firing (6.5” piston diameter)
Amplifier (Class D) 2000 watts Dynamic 1000 watts RMS Power
High Pass Crossover 80 Hz (6 dB/octave)
Low Pass Crossover 40 Hz-120 Hz 12 dB octave initial, 48 dB octave ultimate
Frequency Response 28-120 Hz (+/-3 dB)
Harmonic Distortion <5% (typical)
Magnet Structure 204 oz. (12.7 lbs)
Voice Coil 2.5” Dual Layer inner/outer wind
Inputs Line and Speaker Level
Outputs Line-level, 80 Hz up
Phase 0° or 180°
Video Shielded No
Dimensions (H/W/D) (inc. feet, grill and knobs) 10.063” x 10.375” x 12.75” (27 x 26 x 33 cm)
Cabinet Sealed enclosure
Warranty (parts/labor) Two years
Weight (approx.) 35 lbs. (16 Kgs)
Specications are subject to change without notice.

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12 - SPL-800i User’s Manual
OTHER VELODYNE PRODUCTS
Digital Drive®Series
DD-10
DD-12
DD-15THXUltra2
DD-18THXUltra2
DigitalDrive1812SignatureEdition™
CHT-RSeries
CHT-8R
CHT-10R
CHT-12R
CHT-15R
SPL-R Series
SPL-800R
SPL-1000R
SPL-1200R
VX-10SeriesII

www.velodyne.com SPL-800i User’s Manual - 13
FOR YOUR RECORDS
DATE/PLACEOFPURCHASE: PRODUCTMODEL: PRODUCTSERIALNUMBER:
NOTE:Ifyouneedtoleawarrantyclaimforyourproduct,youwillstillneedtosubmittoVelodynetheoriginal
sales invoice or other proof of ownership and date of purchase.
Pleasevalidateyourproductwarrantybycompletingthewarrantyregistrationonlinewithin30daysat:
velodyne.com/warranty-subwoofers
Fordetailedwarrantyinformation,pleasevisitusonlineat:
velodyne.com/warranty-subwoofers
The warranty information indicated above refers to products purchased in the United States and Canada only.
If you purchased your product outside of the United States or Canada, please consult your local authorized
Velodyne dealer for warranty registration and information.

Velodyne Acoustics, Inc.
345 Digital Drive
MorganHill,CA95037
www.velodyne.com
408.465.2800voice
408.779.9227fax
408.779.9208servicefax
ServiceE-mail:[email protected]
ProductE-mail:[email protected]
TechnicalE-mail:[email protected]
SPL-800i-RevC_MAY2012