ADAM SUBF (01) PDF Document

Please read and follow these safety instructions carefully before setting up your ADAM SUBF system:

To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not open the loudspeaker. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.

This product must be connected with an IEC 60320 AC mains power cord like the one supplied.

Never replace any fuse with a value or type other than those specified. Never bypass any fuse.

Always switch off your entire system before connecting or disconnecting any cables, or when cleaning any components.

Do not place this unit on an unstable cart, stand, or table. The unit may fall, causing serious injury or damage.

This product is intended for indoor use only. Do not expose it to rain or moisture. Do not put any objects filled with liquids on the speaker.

Check if the mains voltage selector of the product matches your local mains voltage. If not, do not connect the loudspeakers to a power source.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.

Always use fully checked cables. Defective cables can harm your speakers and are a common source of noise, hum, and crackling.

The monitor should be installed near the socket outlet, and disconnection should be easily accessible.

Never use flammable or combustible chemicals for cleaning audio components.

Avoid touching the speaker membranes and do not block the woofer’s ventilation ports.

Never expose this product to extremely high or low temperatures or direct sunlight.

High SPLs may damage your hearing. Do not get close to the loudspeakers when using them at high volumes.

Ensure free airflow behind the speakers to maintain sufficient cooling.

Follow these steps to quickly set up your satellite speakers:

a) Before connecting, ensure both the loudspeakers and your audio source are switched off, and set level controls fully counterclockwise.

b) Connect your sound source to the speakers using either the RCA (unbalanced), XLR (balanced), or 1/4″ TRS (balanced/unbalanced) connectors. Note that on the F5/F7 satellite speakers, the RCA input takes precedence over the XLR/TRS input. If a cable is plugged into the RCA input, the XLR/TRS signal is cut off. It is best practice to connect only one cable to the input you are using.

c) Check that the mains voltage selector matches your local voltage. Use the included power cables to connect the loudspeakers to AC sockets.

d) Make sure the line out level (volume) of your audio source is set low or off. Then, switch on your audio system.

e) On the rear panel of the loudspeakers, set the volume to a low level and switch on the mains switch. Wait for about 5 seconds. The loudspeaker is now in Standby Mode and will automatically switch to Operating Mode when a signal is detected.

f) Turn on your music source and slowly adjust the volume until the loudspeakers switch from Standby to Operating Mode. First, use your source’s volume control. If the audio level is still too low, turn up the speaker’s volume control.

The two LEDs next to the ADAM logo on the front of the F5 and F7 models indicate the following conditions:

GREEN: Operation Mode. Main power is present and the speaker is active.

DIM RED: Standby Mode. The speaker has switched to a low power mode with automatic signal sensing.

BRIGHT RED + GREEN LED: Overtemperature condition. The speaker stops outputting sound and will wait a few minutes until it cools down to resume operation. This thermal protection may engage when using high output levels for extended periods, especially with high room temperatures.

For optimal performance, follow these placement guidelines:

Vertical Set Up: The F-series satellite speakers are designed for vertical setup. Position them on a solid surface or a stand. Ensure there are no vibrating parts of nearby objects that could mask the sound.

Horizontal Set Up: If you use the speakers horizontally, ensure the setup is mirrored/symmetrical, meaning the tweeters both face either outwards or inwards. This is crucial for a precise stereo signal.

Tweeter at Ear Height: The tweeter should be positioned at approximately the height of your ears. If the speaker is significantly lower or higher, it should be angled accordingly.

The Stereo Triangle: For stereo applications, the optimal listening position is at the top of an imaginary equilateral triangle, with the two loudspeakers at the other two points. The loudspeakers should be aligned with the listener’s position.

Surround Placement: For multi-channel setups, positioning is ideally based on a circle with speakers at 0° (Center), 30° (Front Right), 110° (Rear Right), 250° (Rear Left), and 330° (Front Left), with the listener at the center. The distance to surrounding walls should be at least 40 cm to avoid early reflections.

The rear panel of the satellite speakers has controls for fine-tuning the sound to your room acoustics and preferences. Use these controls with care, preferably after several audio tests with familiar recordings.

EQ > 5kHz: This is a shelving filter that progressively raises or lowers frequencies above 5kHz up to ±6 dB (at 20kHz).

Level: This control adjusts the overall volume of the speaker from -∞ dB to +6dB.

EQ < 300Hz: This is a shelving filter that progressively raises or lowers frequencies below 300Hz up to ±6 dB (at 100Hz).

Highpass Filter (80Hz): When using your F-speakers as satellites with the ADAM SUBF, it is advisable to activate this filter. It cuts low frequencies on the monitors, which improves clarity and dynamic range since they no longer have to deliver large amplitudes.

Follow these steps to connect your ADAM SUBF:

a) Before connecting, ensure the subwoofer, loudspeakers, and your audio source are all switched off and level controls are set fully counterclockwise.

b) Choose your preferred connection as described below.

c) Check that the mains voltage selector matches your local voltage and that the correct fuses are installed. Use the included power cable to connect the SubF to an AC socket.

d) Ensure the line out level of your source is low, then switch on your audio system.

e) On the rear panel of the ADAM SUBF, set the volume low, switch on the mains, and wait about 5 seconds. The SubF is now in Standby Mode.

f) Turn on your music source and slowly adjust the volume until the SubF switches into Operating Mode. Adjust the bass level to your liking using the subwoofer’s volume control.

Input Connections:

Connect the left and right line-level signal from your source to the LEFT and RIGHT INPUT jacks. Use either the balanced XLR/TRS combo inputs or the unbalanced RCA input jacks. All four input channels (2x RCA, 2x XLR/TRS) are summed together to form the signal for the subwoofer channel.

Output to Satellite:

Connect the LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUT TO SATELLITE jacks to the inputs of your main powered speakers. The output is a buffered copy of the input, and the satellite signal level is not changed. A switchable 80Hz high pass filter can be engaged for the satellite outputs. Please note the Satellite Outputs are not active when the Subwoofer is in Standby Mode.

While low frequencies are non-directional, the placement of your ADAM SUBF does matter due to room acoustics. Here are some guidelines:

Distance to Satellites: It is advisable to place the subwoofer not too far from the satellites (preferably less than 2 meters) and at about the same distance from the listener. This minimizes the chance of interference (cancellation or enhancement of specific frequencies). Avoid large reflecting surfaces in close range of the subwoofer.

Distance to Walls: Every wall in close distance to the subwoofer enhances its sound pressure by about 6 dB. Placing the subwoofer in a corner can make it about 18 dB louder, which will likely impair the precision of the musical reproduction. Placement can also affect “standing waves,” which are sound waves that create local imbalances of specific frequencies.

Finding the Optimum Position: The best tool for finding the optimal position is your ears. You can either determine your listening spot first and then compare the subwoofer’s sound at different positions, or you can place the subwoofer at your listening position and move around the room. The spot where the bass sounds best is where the subwoofer should be positioned.

The rear panel of the ADAM SUBF has controls for level, low pass frequency, phase, and satellite filtering.

Level: This controls the Input Sensitivity from -∞dB to +12dB. As a starting point, keep the level settings for the subwoofer and satellites at approximately the same indicated scale levels (e.g., if the satellite volume is at “0dB”, set the subwoofer to “0dB” as well).

Low Pass Frequency (Sub Filter): This sets the upper frequency roll-off of the subwoofer’s output and can be set between 50 and 120Hz. For a typical setup with F-Series satellite speakers, set the Low Pass Frequency to 80Hz.

Subwoofer Phase: This switch alters the phase of the subwoofer relative to the satellites (0° or 180°). Depending on the distance between the subwoofer and satellites and room acoustics, one position may sound better. In most cases with F5/F7 speakers, the 0° position is recommended.

Satellite Filter: This slide switch determines if the satellite speakers receive a full-range signal (“Flat”) or a signal with low frequencies cut below 80Hz (“HP 80Hz”). Engaging this filter can improve clarity and dynamic range for the satellites. For a typical setup with F-Series components, both the High Pass switch on the subwoofer and the Highpass Filter on the satellites should be activated.

The two LEDs next to the ADAM logo on the front of the ADAM SUBF indicate the following conditions:

GREEN: Main power is present and the subwoofer is active.

RED: Standby Mode. The subwoofer has switched to a low power mode with automatic signal sensing.

If both speakers are affected, the problem is likely in the signal path. If only one speaker is affected, the problem is likely within that speaker. Follow these steps:

a) Check the wiring. Is the cable defective? Are all cables connected correctly? Remember that on the satellite speakers, a cable plugged into the RCA input switches off the XLR/TRS input.

b) Check the signal path. Swap the cables of both loudspeakers. Does the problem move with one of the cables?

c) Connect the monitor directly to the signal source (mind the volume!). Is another part of the signal path (e.g., mixer, subwoofer) defective?

If the answer to all these questions is ‘no’, the problem is most likely caused by the loudspeaker. If the answer to at least one question is ‘yes’, there is likely another defective device in the signal path.

a) Please disconnect the signal cables. If the noises disappear, check the signal path.

b) If the noises can still be heard, check for other electrical devices close to the speakers (e.g., mobile phones, switching power supplies). If the noise disappears when removing other devices, they are likely the cause.

c) Connect your monitor to a different power socket, if possible with an extra fused phase. If the noise disappears, use a different power source.

If the noise is still audible after performing these tests, it is most likely the speaker causing it.

Please switch the loudspeaker off before cleaning.

Be aware that the diaphragms build up a magnetic field. Do not place magnetic items at close range to the diaphragms.

Ensure that no liquids get inside the cabinet. Do not spray any fluids on the speaker or use a wet cloth.

Do not use flammable or acidic chemicals for cleaning.

Do not touch the membranes of the loudspeakers.

We recommend using a lint-free, damp cloth for cleaning the cabinet.

The loudspeaker membranes may be dusted using a very soft brush.