Velodyne VA- 12 15X User manual

"If you know subwoofers, you know about Velodyne."
"... it's safe to say that when it comes to woofin' done right,
Velodyne's bigger models are probably the safest bet there is."
n•• • we ju st sat there marvelling at the sheer power and majesty of
this jun ior varsity Velodyne.n
-Corey Greenberg
Home Theater Technology
/Febru ary 1995
Face
Off : Comparison of five sub woofers
Model Tested: VA-1012X
"...Velodyn es VA-12 15X is a great subwoofer. It combines deep,
loud,high-qualityoutputwitha slickstyling, a fairly small cabinet, full
flexibility, it's sure to stand tall next to the very best of its peer s."
-Tom Nousaine
Video/October1995
Model Tested: VA-1215X
Velodyne Aco u sti cs, Inc.
1070 Commercial St. Suite #101
San Jose, CA 95112
408.436.7270 voice
~
408.436.7276 fax
Web Site:
htt p // www.velodyne.com
E-mail: velo
dy ne @earthlink.net
@ Print
ed on recycled paper.
~1 21 5xn
Owner's Manual
Velodyne
Audi olVi deo Su bwo ofer System

A~A
~ ... . ~
Ca utio n
To redocethe riskofelectricshock,00notrermvecover(or back) .No user-serviceablepartsinside.Refer
se rvicing toqualified servicepersonnel.
The lightingflash with arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
'dangerous voltage' withintheprcducl's enclosurethatmay beof sufficient magnitude toccnstitule a risk
of electricshockto persons.
The exclamationpoint symbol is intended to alert the user to the preserce of important operating ard
rnalntsn arc e (servicing)ins tn.x::tions in the Irte ratureaccompanyingthe subwoofer.
1. Read Instructions- All safety and operatinginstructionsshould be read before the subwoofer is operated.
2. Relain Inslructions - The safely and operatinginstructions should be retained for future reference.
3. HeedWarnings - Allwarningson ltle subwoolerand in theoperatinginstructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions- All operatingam use instructions should be followed.
5. Wateram rvIo isture - The subwoofer should notbe used near water - for example, near a bathtub,washbowl,
kitellen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, near a swimming pool or the like.
6. CartsandSlands- The subwootershould be usedonlywitha cartor stand recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Wall or CeilingMounting - The subwoofer shouldbe mounted to a wallor ceiling only as recommended by the
manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The subwoofer should be situatedso that its location or position does not interfere wiltl itsproper
ventilation.Forexarrole,the subwoofershouldnotbe situatedonabed,sofa,rug.orsimilarsurfacethai mayblock
theventilalionopenings;orplacedinam ill·ininslallation suchasa bookcase orcabinetthatmay impedethe flow
ofair ltIrough theventilation opening>.
9. Hea
t- Thesubwoofershouldbe situatedawaytromheatsourcessudlasradiators,heatregisters,stoves,orother
subwoorersthat prodoce heal.
10_ PowerSources- Thesubwootershouldbeconnectedtoapowersupplyonlyollhetypedescnbed intheoperating
instructions or as marked on the subwoorer.
11_ Power-Cord Proteclion-Power-supplycordsshouldbe routedsothatltIeyarenotlikelytobe walkedonorpinched
by items placeduponoragainstthem,payingparticularattentiontocordsatplugs,conveniencereceptades,and
the point at whidl ltley exit from Ule subwoofer.
12. " ca ution:Topreventelectricalshock ,matchwidebladeot plug to wide slot,fullyinserted.' "Attention:pour eviler
leschocs electriques,inlroduirelame IapluslargedelafichedansIabornecorresooooante
de laprtseetpousser
iUsQu' au fo
rd ."
13. Cleaning- The subwoofer should be deaned only as recom mero ed by ltIe manufacturer.
14_ Nonuse Periods - The powercordof the subwoofershould be unplugged from the outlet wtlen left unused for a
long periodof time.
15. Objectand Liquid Entry -
ca re should be taken so thai objectsdo ro t falla rd liquids are not spilledonto the
enclosure. ,-
16. Damage Requirtng Service - The subwoofershouldbe serviced byqualified service personnel when:
a. The power·supply cord or plug hasbeen damaged.
b. Objects have fallen or fiquid has been spilledintothe subwoofer.
c. The subwoofer
has been exposed to rain.
d. The subwoolerdocsnotappear to operate normally or exhibitsa marked change in performance.
e. TIle subwooler has beendrcpped or damaged.
17_ ServOng - The usersboud notatterr
ot 10 service the sLtlwoofer beyond what is descriJedin the operating
instructions.
All other servicing should be refened to qualifiedservice personnel.
Con gr atulation s!
Congratulations on your purchase of a Velodyne VA-1215XII 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 ha zar d, do not expose this equipm ent to
r
ai n or moisture. To avoid electrical shock, do not o pe n sp eak er
enclosureoramp chassis
cov er. Please obs erve all warnings on the
equipment itself. There are no u
ser serviceableparts inside. Please
r
ef er all service questions to your auth ori zed Velod yne dealer.
Prior to installation
Please unpack the system carefully. 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. Record the serial
number in the space provided on the warranty card for future
reference.
Product Featur es & Controls
• 12" forward firing woofer with 2" voice coil & 55 oz. magnet
• 15" downward firing passive radiator
• Built-in 250 watt (RMS) power amplifier
• Adjustable (40 to 120hz) low-pass crossover with bypass option
• Selectable (80 or 100hz) high-pass crossover
• Line-level inputs & outputs
• Speaker-level inputs & outputs with 5 way binding post connec-
tions
• Signal sensing auto turn on/off with bypass option
• Variable volume control
• Variable phase control (0 to 180 degrees)
• Two position audio/video listening selection switch (+3dB, video)
• Response, 22 hz to 120 hz, +/- 3dB
• Detachable power cord (available on some versions)
• 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
• Thermalpower sensingtoprotect woofer'svoicecoil fromburnout
• Power on LED (green)
Installation
Your new VA-1215XII subwoofer system provides for a number of
installation options. Read all the installation information below in
order to determine which installation optionis best for your system.
Remem
ber to pe rform all installation procedures with system
power turned o ff .
Inputs
Your new VA-1215XII subwoofer is equipped with both speaker-
level and line-level inputs. Use the LINE-IN jacks when connecting
your subwooferto a pre-amp, signal processor, or line-level cross-
over. The FROM AMPLIFIER jacks connect directly to the speaker
outputs of a integrated amplifier or receiver. Your amplifier section
will notice no additional loading effects when you use these inputs
because of their high impedance.
Note
00 not use both LINE-IN and FROM AMPLIFIER inputs simuue-
neou sly.
Volume control
This control allows you to balance the output from the subwooferto
the main speakers in your system. This control should be set to
achieve similar volume level from both the main speakers and
subwoofer.
Low-pass crossover
Both sets of inputs sum the left and right channels together and the
resulting signal is passed throughan adjustable low-pass crossover
before being amplified. 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 off 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
yoursystem. Ifyour mainspeakers aresmallerunits withlimitedlow
frequencyoutput,you may wishto choose a highe
rf requency (such
as 100-120hz) than you would with larger speakers which have
greater low frequency output. With largerspeakers,you might start
with this control set lower, such as 80hz.
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 the same time as the sound from the main speakers.
However, ifthe distance from the listeningpositionto thesubwoofer
and the distance from listening position tothemainspeakersdiffers,
the sound from each will reach your ears at
ad ltterent time.
This control allows the signal tobe delayed up to180degrees sothe
output of the subwoofer will blend in to that of your main speakers
without any cancellation.
Vid
eo/Audio sw itch
Many listeners prefer an "emphasized" low end on movie
soundtracks.This switch sets the VA-1215XII for an additional 3dB
of output when in video mode.
Aut o turn on switch
The auto turn on switch allows the user to bypass the auto turn on
function ifdesired. Whenset inthe "auto"modewithmain poweron,
the VA-1215XII will turn itself on when an input signal is present. If
no signal ispresent, afterseveral minutes the unit will shut itself off.
Whenset inthe "on"mode,theauto turnon/off function isbypassed
and the unit will be on whenever the main power switch is on.
High pass
cros s ov er swi tch
This switch selects the frequency for the high pass crossover. This
crossover is functional on both line and speaker-level outputs.
Smaller speakers with limited low frequency output may prefer the
ccatiaued.. . .

higher 100hz setting which will reduce the low frequencies sent to
them. Larger speakers with greater low frequency output may be
able to handle the 80hz selli ng without strain.
Power switch
The master powerswitch 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).
Det
achable po wer cor d (available on some versions)
Allows for easy replacement should the original be damaged.
Line-level connection
Figure 1 shows connection to a pre-amplifier's main outputs and
returning them to your amplifier inputs.
W ~ e n installed in this fashion, your satellite speakers will be
crossed over at 80/1OOhz which removes the lower bass from your
amplifier and speakers, enabling them to do a better job reproduc-
ing high frequencies. By utilizing this method, you will have a bi-
amplified system, gaining improved power and headroom for your
system.
Figure 1: Installation using line-level (line in) inputs
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a. TELLITE SPEAKERS
A wo rd 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 processors/receivers, including the Dolby AC3 sys-
tem with there .1 channel outputs, have a "subwoofer out" jack that
is already crossed overand designed to be used with aconventional
amplifier and speaker.Combining bothanexternalcrossover and the
one internalto the subwoofer may result in low output and increased
noise. In these cases, to optimize your subwoofer performance you
should bypass the internal cross over in your Velodyne subwoofer.
To bypass the crossover within the subwoofer, simply locate the
~
switch marked "normal/bypass" on the back panel of the subwoofer
and set to the "bypass" 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.
Subw oofer o ut 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!'
connectoradapter into both right and left RCA lineinconnectors inthe
back of the subwoofer.
Speaker-lev el connectio
) Figure 2 shows an easy way to connect your VA-1215XII subwoofer
\ directly to your receiver or integrated amplifier.
"
When connected in this fashion, your satellite speakers will be
crossed over at 80/1
OOh z, 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
amplifier along with the subwoofer if you wish to bypass the internal
high-pass crossover. continued. .

Figure 2: Installation using speaker-level (from amplifier) inputs
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MAIN OUTPUTS
(
sp eak er -l ev el)
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INTEGRATED AMP I RECEIVER
SATEL LI TE SPEAKERS
Cauti on !
Toav oid damage toyourmain amplifier, be sure to maintaincorrect
polarity when making a/l connections. Red (positive) to red, and
black (negative) to black.Be sur e that a/l connections are tight, and
that there are no loose strands or frayed wires.
Interconnect cables
When installingyour VA-1215XIIusingthe line-levelinputs/outputs,
you should use standard shielded phono cables. Always keep the
lines as short as practical to minimize noise.
Whe f)..us ing the speaker-level inputs/outputs, use the same quality
speaker cable to your subwoofer as you run to your satellites.
Placement
The VA-1215XII operates at very low freq uen cies which are prima-
rily non-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. See y our dealerfor help
in placement.
When using a pair of VA-1215XII subwoofers in ster eo, it is
preferable to place each subwoofer adjacent to the satellite of the
same channel.
Keep in mind that frequency response and output level can be
drastically influenced by placement depending on the acoustic
properties of the listening room.Typically the VA-121 5XII will sound
louder when placed next to a wall or in a corner.
Caution!
The VA ser ies subwoof ers hav e amplifi er s built into the cabinet. 0 0
not place the cabinet next to sources of heat such as furnace
registers, radiators, etc. The p ower cord should be routed in such
a way that it will not be walked.on, pinched, or compressed in any
way.
Regardless ofwhere youinstallyour VA-1215XII subwoofer,it must
remain in an upright position (passive radiator facing downward).
Using, shipping, or otherwise storing the VA-1215XII subwoofer in
any other position for an extended period of time may result in
damage to the unit not covered by warranty.
The VA-1215XII Subwoofer is magnetically shie lded to reduce
magnetic emission from its cabinet to increase the number of
possible locations available for placement. However, this shielding
may not be adequatefor allinstallations. Certaintypes of televisions
are particularly sensitive to stray magnetic fields. If your television
produces distorted colors after installation of your VA-1215XII .
subwoofer, simply increase the distance between your television
and the VA-1215XII until normal color and operation is returned.
Care 0
ou r subwoofe
Do not use any harsh detergents orchemicals to clean the cabinet.
Abrasives,detergents, or cleaning solutions may damage the finish
on the cabinet. We recommend using a damp cloth to clean the
cabinet.
During normalconditions. the VA-1215XII subwoof ermay be lett on
continued. . .

continu ously without any problems. The unit is equipped with a
signal-sensing turn on/off that will aut
oma tically turn on the unit
when a sign al is present at the inputs and turn off the unit after
sev eral mi nut es when there is no lon ger any signal at the inputs.
If you plan to leave the VA-1215XII unused for an extended period
of time, we recommend that you turn off the unit bythe master
power
switch on the rear panel.
Troubleshooting & Service
Before seeking service for your VA-1215XII subwoofer, please re-
check all systems. Following is a simple troubleshooting guide to
assist you.
1. Verify unit is plugged in and power outlet used is active.
2. Is power switch on?
3. Is auto turn on/off set properly?
4. Is unit receiVing an input signal from your source?
5. Have all controls on subwoofer (volume, crossover, phase,
etc.) been properly set?
6. If unit has been running at high levels, one of the protection
circuits may be engaged.
Has the built-in amplifier overheated?
Has the speaker's voice-coil started to heat up?
Ifthe protectioncircuitry is active, the unit may cycle on and off until
operating para meters return to normal. Under more serious condi-
tions, the unit may shut off completely. Normal operation will return
upon
coo ling,but you may be required to turn the poweroff and then
on again to reset the unit.
The fo) lowing conditions require service by a qualified technician :
1. The power cord has become
dama ged.
2.
The unit does not app ear to operate normally or exhibits a
marked change in performance.
3.
The unit has been exposed to water.
4. S
om e part of the cabinet or circuitry is physically damaged.
Thank you for purchasing a Velodyne!
SPECIFICATIONS VA-1215XII
Cabinet (inc!.legs) 18" x19-1/8" x20" (W,H,O)
Frequency Response 22hz - 120hz +/- 3 dB
High Pass Crossover 80hz or 100hz (6 dB/octave)
Low Pass Crossover 40hz - 120hz (6 dB/octave,
24 dB ultimate)
Amplifier Class AlB, 250 watts, 500 walts
peak
Woofer 12" forward firing
Magnet 55 oz.
Voice Coil 2"
Passive Radiator 15" downward firing
Inputs Line-level & speaker-level
Outputs Line-level & speaker-level
Warranty One year (parts & labor)
Weight 67 Ibs. (approx.)
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
FOR YOUR RECORDS. . .
DATE PURCHASED _
DEALER _
SERIAL# _
'NOTE: Please complete and return your warranty card within ten (10) days.