Serie R Manual - REL Acoustics
Contents
1. if it truly locks on to the room and is fully pressurizing it the air around the REL will seem to be energized stop right there This is the correct position from the corner for the REL 5 Orientation Once the position from the corner has been established the orientation of the woofer must be determined by rotating the REL from an imagined centre point at the rear of the REL As the REL is moved from one side to the other listen for the greatest level of output and bass linearity In effect the REL should be left in the position where it is playing the loudest and lowest 6 Crossover and Level Settings To determine the crossover point take the volume of the REL using the HI LO Level control all the way down and put the crossover to 30Hz minimum At this point bring the REL s volume back up slowly to the point where you have achieved a subtle balance i e the point at which you can hear the REL even with the main speakers playing Now bring the crossover point up until it is obviously too high at this point bring it down to the appropriate lower setting For all intents and purposes this is the correct crossover point Once this stage has been reached subtle changes to volume and crossover can be accomplished to provide the last bit of complete and seamless integration With that set up is complete Hint There may be a tendency to set the crossover point too high and the volume of the Sub Bass System too low when first learning how to2. REL circuitry is designed for power starvation operation under no signal conditions This means that immediately when there is a gap in the signal the REL is instantly at maximum power saving efficiency yet remains at maximum readiness to respond immediately to a sudden transient signal such as an explosion in a movie even after a long quiet period and regardless of level This compares to some auto power on off systems which remain powered up for a set period of no signal condition up to 10 15 minutes and which need to power up on receipt of a sudden transient thus failing to catch the start of that transient There is also the possibility of the unit remaining inoperative during listening sessions where the overall volume is low It is not necessary to switch off between listening sessions it will not significantly shorten its life by leaving it switched on On the other hand it will not harm sound quality if it is always switched off The power consumption in the quiescent no signal state is negligible It is perfectly safe under all normal domestic circumstances as it is fully protected by internal fuses and an external mains fuse in the fuse holder of the mains input socket with a spare inside this holder R 528 Specifications Type Active Drive Unit Passive Radiator Lower Frequency Response in Room Input Connectors Gain Control Range Power Output Phase Switch Amplifier Type Protection System F
3. REL refers to this progressive driver size as VariCone Finally due to the improved driver amplifier power is upgraded to 350 watts R 528 represents the final step up in the Serie R platform and as is REL tradition imbues the largest model in the range with superlative depth and scale Numbers do not tell the full story here as the weight and power of R 528 at full song is prodigious indeed R 528 receives a Heavy 12 active bass engine coupled to a VariCone 12 carbon fibre ABR passive radiator producing the equivalent of a 16 driver in a larger cabinet than its smaller brother A digital power amplifier that produces an effortless 500 watts with the aforementioned components means R 528 is capable of underpinning speakers that cost ten times its own price R 528 is about speed and detail as well as the Heavy 12 which is actually the fastest diver in the series with the best impulse response Naturally its capabilities suggest careful pairing is in order but although it is less than a 16 cube it is up to filling even grand salons with powerful clean and fast extended low bass Serie R is the best we can possibly offer at this price point The cabinets are beautifully braced more like fine instruments or a fine boat than a normal subwoofer The amplification is powerful clean efficient and reliable and the drivers are robustly built Quality details exist throughout and we expect the Serie R owner to be very pleased with their de
4. integrate a REL with the system the fear being one of overwhelming the main speakers with bass But in doing so the resulting set up will be lacking in bass depth and dynamics The proper crossover point and volume setting will increase overall dynamics allow for extended bass frequencies and improve soundstage properties Note Volume must be adjusted in conjunction with crossover changes In general when selecting a lower crossover point more volume may need to be applied Home Cinema Applications For Dolby Digital AC 3 or other 5 1 theatre systems once the standard set up for two channel outlined above is complete the LFE output from the processor or receiver should be connected to the 1 LFE INPUT and appropriate volume adjustments made using the 1 LFE level control For this configuration you must set the processor to the large or full range setting for the left and right speakers in order for the REL to receive the bass signal via the high level cable In this configuration the REL provides support for both the left and right speakers for two channel listening and support for the LFE when movies are playing Most processors will allow you to defeat the subwoofer output when listening in the two channel mode The effect of this set up is one of greatly increased dynamics in the mid bass range no bass bloat and a greater degree of space and timing from the special audio effects For an even greater sense of space and impact a
5. low bass capability Basic set up should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish once connected Two Things Before You Begin 1 It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL using the input on the rear panel labeled HIGH LEVEL INPUT This connection is made using the supplied 34 10 10 meters cable the bare leads of which connect to the speaker output terminals of the power amplifier The easy and foolproof connection at the REL is done with a Neutrik Speakon connector The purpose of connecting to the speaker output terminals is one of the unique secrets of REL s success By connecting to the high level input on the REL from the amplifier you build forward the sonic signature of your main system including the tonal balance and timing cues of the entire electronics chain In this way the REL is fed the exact signal that is fed to the main speakers 2 When possible the REL should be placed in one of the corners behind the speakers Remember we are dealing with true LOW bass pressurization with RELs Low bass pressurization below 40Hz is best derived from corner placement where the most linear and efficient low bass can be produced Connecting and Setting Up High level connection using the enclosed cable with the Neutrik Speakon connector is always the first choice This connection can be made without affecting the performance of the amplifier because the REL s amplifier input impedance is 1
6. second REL connected in parallel to the centre channel will prove to be a dramatic improvement as well And if that is not enough fun a rear REL both to support the rear channel speakers as well as to evenly distribute LFE through the room truly completes the full range sonic picture for state of the art film reproduction Running In Care taken over running in will be rewarded by many years of pleasurable use Both the electronics and the drive unit will benefit from an initial period of carefully controlled use Possible damage may be sustained by running in the unit at too high a volume setting over an extended period On the other hand by taking a little care over this initial period about 24 hours of actual use a longer life with a higher potential eventual performance is assured Care and Polishing The cabinets are best maintained by using a spray on wax such as an automobile wax made by a company called Griot s If objects are to be placed upon the top it is advisable to use a small mat to protect the surface and to avoid the risk of rattles Technical The Serie R models use an unusual method of bass loading It is designed to operate below normal system resonance This has been achieved without the normal form of bass boost or electronic equalization Instead of a constantly increasing bass equalization response we simply ensure there is sufficient amplifier gain to drive the speaker unit to its maximum excursion level at whatever
7. the bass drum and its effect on the listening room 3 Phase Orientation Once in the corner we need to adjust for phase This may be the single most critical step and because it really is quite simple it is often over thought Keep in mind the right phase is whichever position is the loudest or fullest While playing music with true low bass adjust the crossover to a point where the REL and the speaker are sure to share frequencies about halfway up or at 12 o clock on the crossover control or slightly higher for smaller speakers At this point turn the hi lo level control up so that both the REL and speaker are roughly equal in volume and then switch using the phase switch from 0 to 180 phase positions Again whichever position is loudest or fullest is the correct position That is when the position is working in harmony with your main speakers reinforcing bass and not canceling it 4 Placement The next step is to determine precisely how far out from the corner the sub should be placed to achieve the most efficient output as well as the lowest frequency extension With the REL fully into the corner and pointing straight out along the diagonal coming out of the corner continuing to play the music slowly pull the REL from the corner on the diagonal equidistant from both side and rear wall At a certain point Sometimes a matter of only a few inches in rare cases a foot or more the REL will audibly go lower play louder and
8. the designated lowest operating frequency is and then cut the bass at acontrolled rate of 12 dB per octave above this frequency Although this may at first seem identical to boosting the bass it is actually quite different and ensures that the timing of transients is far improved compared to the usual bass equalization used Bass will sound cleaner and faster The amplifier is fully DC coupled to avoid phase shifts and compromises in its low end performance It is inherently stable and will retain its characteristics over very long periods of time important in a unit designed for an exceptionally long working life These amplifiers are designed to withstand reasonable abuse and overloads If in doubt please contact your dealer We believe that the importance of the electronics cabinet and drivers being designed to work in harmony is paramount This belief allows the Serie R to achieve the highest possible level of fidelity Overload Protection All REL Sub Bass Systems are designed as true sub bass speakers They are designed to reproduce those exceptionally deep notes that are felt rather than heard This it will attempt to do at whatever volume level you set If set too high no damage should result because the built in electronics will limit the cone movement This electronic control is called Set Safe It constantly and instantaneously monitors the output from the power amplifier and is totally transparent in operation until required This
9. 50 000 ohms in effect not producing any additional demand whatsoever on the rest of your system This scheme also avoids adding any detrimental effects by not interposing any additional electronics into the amplification chain e The standard high level hook up procedure is attach the red wire to the amplifier s right positive speaker output terminal attach the yellow wire to the amplifier s left positive speaker output terminal attach the black wire to whichever of the amplifier s ground output terminals is convenient plug the Speakon connector into the Sub Bass System s HIGH LEVEL INPUT o For differential i e fully balanced amplifiers using one REL simply use the standard connecting scheme with the exception of connecting the black wire to chassis ground i e a metal bolt or screw preferably not painted or anodized on the chassis of the power amp or receiver not to a negative speaker terminal and then connecting into the HIGH LEVEL INPUT on the REL Please contact your dealer should there be any questions concerning this or any other hookup procedure Low level connection via phono connectors is always an option if high level connection is not possible When connecting to the low level inputs in a system in which high level connection is not possible connect a single phono cable to the LOW LEVEL INPUT jack If you are connecting two channels of stereo output from a pre amplifier simply use a high quality y adapter to sum the
10. Sel Operating Instructions for the Serie R Sub Bass System REL Acoustics Limited North Road Bridgend industrial Estate Bridgend CF31 3TP United Kingdom Telephone 44 0 1 656 768 777 Fax 44 0 1 656 766 093 Web www REL net Important Safeguards 1 Read all of these instructions 2 Save these instructions for future use Unplug from the wall socket before cleaning Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners Use a damp cloth for cleaning a wo Keep away from water or other liquids Do not rest drinks vases or other liquid filled items on the unit 5 Donot place on a stand or table it may fall causing injury to a child or adult and damage to the unit 6 The unit should only be operated from the power source indicated on the panel of the amplifier 7 Only use the power cord supplied 8 Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord Position the power cord such that it cannot be walked on 9 For added protection during a lightning storm or when not in use for long periods of time unplug it from the wall socket 10 Do not attempt to service the unit yourself as removing the amplifier may expose you to dangerous voltages Refer all servicing to your dealer 11 Unplug the unit from the wall socket and refer servicing to your dealer under the following conditions a When the power cord or plug is damaged b If liquid has been spilled onto the unit c If the unit does not operate properly by following the
11. age of ensuring that your subwoofer receives exactly the same signal as the main speakers which means that the character of the bass from the main system is carried forward into the Sub Bass System This is a very important point and together with REL s Natural RollOff Circuitry ensures far superior system integration of the Sub Bass System with the main system High Level Input Connections should be made to the same binding post on main amplifier as the main speakers Connect as shown above Red to amplifier main right speaker red terminal yellow to amplifier main left speaker red terminal and black to amplifier main speaker black terminal right or left but not both Plug the Neutrik Speakon plug into the HI LEVEL Neutrik socket Supplied Neutrik Speakon High Level Interconnect High Level Input Release Lever L R Amplifier Main Speaker Outputs Using the Low Level Inputs 1 Input This requires a phono to phono cable and is a dedicated true 1 channel This circuit therefore eliminates the normal Natural RollOff Crossover and passes the 1 low level signal through with only the required 120Hz 4th order crossover 1 LFE Input Preamp Output or Sub LFE Output Phono Interconnect Low Level Input This single channel phono input allows for conventional connection to a preamplifier and should be used in the rare event that a high level connection proves incompatible Connect as shown below Plug one end into
12. cision for years to come REL Serie R Rear Panel Connection Legend REL THEATER REFERENCE 1 Crossover Used to select crossover frequency Variable between 32 120Hz 2 Volume Control for HI LO input Use to adjust output when using either HI Level or LO Level input Do not use both simultaneously 3 Volume Control for 1 LFE Input Use to adjust output level when using 1 LFE input from a 5 1 amplifier or processor 4 Phase Used to set phase 0 180 degrees o1 Low Level Phono Input Used to connect low level to the subwoofer output of a preamplifier integrated amplifier or receiver For home cinema use use 1 LFE input 1 LFE Phono Input Used to connect to the 1 LFE output from a 5 1 amplifier of processor High Level Neutrik Speakon Socket Used to connect high level to the main front amplifier speaker terminals Power ON OFF Switch Used to turn unit on or off oO ao N OD IEC Mains Socket Fused mains AC input socket that accepts a detachable power cord Connecting Up Always switch off your system before connecting or disconnecting any wires To increase the versatility of connecting up each Serie R model is equipped with two separate inputs A Neutrik Speakon socket and a single phono socket This is to facilitate use with both two channel stereo systems and AV surround sound systems The high level unbalanced dual channel stereo input is via a Neutrik Speakon connector which is connected to the po
13. el Neutrik Speakon Lo Level single phono LFE phono 80 dB 350 watts RMS Yes 0 or 180 degrees Class D Yes Yes Yes 220 240 volts 110 120 volts for certain markets 4 Amp semi delay 230 volts operation 8 Amp semi delay 115 volts operation 13 5 x 15 1 x 15 2 in 343 x 384 x 385 mm 45 Ibs 20 4 kg Gloss Piano Black Lacquer Yes Yes Yes R 218 Specifications Type Active Drive Unit Lower Frequency Response in Room Input Connectors Gain Control Range Power Output Phase Switch Amplifier Type Protection System Fully Electronic with SET SAFE D C Fault Output Short Mains Input Voltage Fuses Dimensions W x H x D Including Feet and Rear Panel Controls Net Weight Finish Supplied Accessories Mains Lead Neutrik Speakon Interconnect 10 Metres Nominal Users Manual Down firing active woofer 10 in 250mm long throw steel chassis 25Hz at 6 dB Hi Level Neutrik Speakon Lo Level single phono LFE phono 80 dB 250 watts RMS Yes 0 or 180 degrees Class D Yes Yes Yes 220 240 volts 110 120 volts for certain markets 3 15 Amp semi delay 230 volts operation 6 3 Amp semi delay 115 volts operation 12 x 13 6 x 12 5 in 305 x 346 x 318 mm 29 Ibs 13 2 kg Gloss Piano Black Lacquer Yes Yes Yes In the interest of product development REL Acoustics Limited reserve the right to vary these specifications without notice 11
14. ing remarkably fast rhythmic bass this amplifier is extremely energy efficient an aspect of REL designs that has always been a strength We chose a down firing orientation for two reasons firstly it allows for beautiful simple and harmonious styling As much as or more so than any other product category sub bass systems come under scrutiny for their size and styling REL s designers have striven to achieve a very quiet visual design that is understated and elegant making it in effect an exceedingly polite houseguest Secondly the down firing design is a classic favorite what it lacks sonically in projection of bass into the listening area and leading edge attack it gives back in rich warm room filling bass R 328 represents a serious step up in performance as it upgrades the active main drive unit to a more potent Heavy 10 a driver capable of handling sixty percent greater power and offering superior dynamics and speed Added to this is a new lightweight stiff carbon fibre 12 ABR passive radiator that is pitched quite low and thereby avoids the normal slow plumy quality of typical ABR design The additional driven surface area that predominantly comes into play at very low frequencies and high amplitudes has the effect of creating a variable cone surface capable of acting like a fast 10 driver for smaller more delicate material then transforming into the equivalent of a 15 driver when demand calls for it Internally
15. means it has absolutely no effect on the sound quality of your REL until an overload is detected Ordinarily an overload would cause the power amplifier to go into clipping with resultant loss of control over the drive unit This can cause drive unit damage and always sounds nasty Set Safe detects the point of incipient clipping and gently soft clips the waveform of the signal to ensure actual clipping does not occur This is a necessarily simplified description of what actually happens but in effect Set Safe controls the amplifier and ensures there is minimum risk of amplifier and driver damage caused by over driving A thermal overload device is fitted to all R Series Sub Bass Systems If the unit is deliberately overdriven this device will sense the temperature rise and cut the output recovery time is approximately five minutes If this happens it is a warning that the unit is being overdriven and the volume level control should be reduced to a safe level Although everything possible has been done to minimize risk of thermal overload failure there can be no defense against those individuals who deliberately abuse the device Such damage is NOT covered by warranty Please remember your REL is there to supplement your main system not overwhelm it Power Saving Efficiency All REL Sub Bass Systems are designed for maximum power efficiency both when passing a signal through to its resultant output sound into the room and also when silent
16. operating instructions d If the unit has been dropped and damaged e When the unit exhibits a drastic change in performance 12 Ensure that the mains plug and mains switch used as disconnect devices are easily accessible and readily operable This item is heavy To avoid risk of injury take care when handling Thank you for buying a REL Serie R Sub Bass System Each Serie R model is carefully hand built using the finest materials available and is designed for maximum performance This manual contains important safety information as well as helpful advice and should be carefully studied before connecting your unit Service After Warranty All service must be arranged through an authorized REL dealer Should the unit need to be returned for any reason all carriage costs will be payable by the customer Losses or damage caused during transit are the customer s risk Design Safety This apparatus is supplied with a detachable mains cord For North American UK and all other markets a fuse is fitted in the plug Should the fuse need to be replaced use the same rated fuse approved to ASTA or BSI 362 fuse value is indicated on rear panel of each unit Do not use without the fuse cover in place Replacement fuse covers are available from your dealer or distributor About the Serie R Sub Bass Systems Many or most loudspeakers emphasize the mid bass This is the range from 50 90Hz We at REL believe this is an incomplete approach and tha
17. t loudspeakers need to be supplemented in the lower frequencies for true full range reproduction All of our designs are true Sub Bass Systems meaning they are designed to reproduce very low frequencies below 30 Hz that are felt rather than heard This is because we believe that music is full range as are sound effects on movies and we intend for our products to reproduce all of these sounds not just a narrow band The Serie R is equipped to allow you to take full advantage of AC3 Dolby Digital DTS MPEG 2 and any other digital sound format that includes a dedicated Low Frequency Effects LFE channel The dedicated LFE input meets the tough specification laid down for digital 3 2 1 channels usually known as 5 1 The output is nominally flat from 35 90Hz It has a dedicated input level control which enables users to set the LFE level independently of the processor This is important because not all processors offer control over this significant parameter The LFE channel is frequently outputting at 10 dB higher levels than the other channels The Serie R also has high level speaker level inputs with their own input level control Uniquely both the speaker level and the LFE input can be used simultaneously This means you may set it up for an audiophile sound with your CD s or other stereo signals and instantly revert to using the Sub Bass System as the dedicated LFE component when watching movies This is a feature of real benefit if you wish
18. the preamplifier output and the other into the low level input on the sub bass system To obtain signal from both channels requires purchase of a Y adaptor that is available from most parts stores Low Level Input To low level output of the amplifier processor Right lt i O Phono Interconnects Left E s D Phase Switch Phase reversal can be useful as explained in SETTING UP PHASE SWITCH Used to set phase Position 0 High Level or LFE 0 degrees phase Position 180 High Level or LFE 180 degrees phase PHASE SELECTION AFFECTS BOTH HI AND LO LEVEL INPUTS REL Set Up Made Simple REL products are not traditional subwoofers but true Sub Bass Systems A REL is designed to augment the performance of full range speaker systems in order to provide in certain cases linear response down to below 12Hz Therefore for the moment set aside everything you ve been taught about subwoofers and how they are integrated into a stereo or home cinema system REL Sub Bass Systems set up and positioning differs from conventional subwoofers A REL will take advantage of physics and room acoustics to provide deep pressurization as no traditional subwoofer can It s important that you bring to the set up process a willingness to do things a little differently in order to obtain these superior results The end result of your labours will be an utterly seamless integration of true deep bass to a sound system regardless of the main speakers
19. to play music in stereo mode in the purist audiophile way and in full 5 1 digital mode True flexibility Introduction to the Design of the REL Serie R Sub Bass Systems Serie R is conceived as the ultimate value proposition in the REL line possessing many of the performance attributes of our legendary Reference products yet remaining much more compact and affordable Compared with the original R Series that debuted in 2006 this fresh approach offers superior performance in all regards through improved amplification vastly superior filter networks and upgraded cabinet and driver designs Additionally the Model s R 528 and R 328 feature a down firing carbon fibre ABR passive radiator that vastly increases the driven surface area while adding very little additional mass The performance leap is substantial not just in sheer output where they excel but also in drive ease and musicality The additional speed mixes with the greater body and heft to produce an altogether more impressive musical event Note Serie R model designations are arrived at in the following manner The first digit 2 3 or 5 signifies model with performance increasing numerically The second digit signifies total driver count active and ABR The final and third digit is year design commenced 2008 R 218 features a single down firing 10 driver in a beautiful high gloss lacquered cabinet driven by a brand new state of the art digital amplifier In addition to produc
20. two signals together When connecting to a home cinema system where there is a 1 LFE channel output connect a single phono cable between the sub out of the processor receiver and the 1 LFE INPUT jack on the REL 1 Positioning The optimal position for a REL is in one of the corners behind the main speakers This position provides 9 dB of mechanical amplification and allows for the most linear true low bass wave launch owing to the ability to tune the REL to the longest distance in the room in order to produce the longest therefore lowest bass waves 2 The Process To begin the set up process choose a piece of music that has a repetitive bass line that is very low in frequency We recommend track 4 from the soundtrack to Sneakers Columbia CK 53146 This has a repetitive bass drum throughout that gives you plenty of time to move the woofer around but more importantly the recording venue was quite large for this recording and therefore it has a very deep and large scale bass signature This type of track is perfect for the set up process and should be played at the highest reasonable level expected for system playback Working with a partner one in the listening position and one at the REL manipulating the controls is the most effective and efficient way to set up the REL If working alone the initial steps in the set up can be very effectively carried out from the location of the REL Trying to ignore all other music in the track listen for
21. ully Electronic with SET SAFE D C Fault Output Short Mains Input Voltage Fuses Dimensions W x H x D Including Feet and Rear Panel Controls Net Weight Finish Supplied Accessories Mains Lead Neutrik Speakon Interconnect 10 Metres Nominal Users Manual Passive Radiator front firing active woofer down firing passive radiator 12 in 300mm long throw steel chassis 12 in 300mm 21Hz at 6 dB Hi Level Neutrik Speakon Lo Level single phono LFE phono 80 dB 500 watts RMS Yes 0 or 180 degrees Class D Yes Yes Yes 220 240 volts 110 120 volts for certain markets 5 Amp semi delay 230 volts operation 9 Amp semi delay 115 volts operation 15 5 x 17 5 x 17 2 in 394 x 445 x 436 mm 58 Ibs 26 3 kg Gloss Piano Black Lacquer Yes Yes Yes R 328 Specifications Type Active Drive Unit Passive Radiator Lower Frequency Response in Room Input Connectors Gain Control Range Power Output Phase Switch Amplifier Type Protection System Fully Electronic with SET SAFE D C Fault Output Short Mains Input Voltage Fuses Dimensions W x H x D Including Feet and Rear Panel Controls Net Weight Finish Supplied Accessories Mains Lead Neutrik Speakon Interconnect 10 Metres Nominal Users Manual 10 Passive Radiator front firing active woofer down firing passive radiator 10 in 250mm long throw steel chassis 12 in 300mm 22Hz at 6 dB Hi Lev
22. wer amplifier s left and right channel speaker terminals This has the advantage of ensuring that the REL receives exactly the same signal as the main speakers This means that the character of the bass from the main system is carried forward into the sub bass This is a very important point and together with the REL s Active Bass Controller ABC ensures far superior system integration of the sub bass with the main system The low level input is via two separate phono jacks that connect to either the 1 LFE output of a home cinema amplifier processor or to the subwoofer output of a stereo preamplifier HI LEVEL and 1 LFE inputs can be used simultaneously The benefits are two fold when used with a home cinema system The low level input reproduces the 1 Sub LFE channel and the high level connection underpins the main front speakers The main front speakers should be set to the large option on the processor See Home Cinema Applications Connecting to a Power Amplifier Using the Neutrik High Level Input To engage the Neutrik Speakon plug insert fully into socket and rotate clockwise until locked To remove the Neutrik Speakon plug grip body of plug place thumb on chrome lever move lever backwards rotate plug anti clockwise quarter turn and withdraw The high level input is designed to accept the stereo two channel signals from the speaker terminals of your receiver integrated amplifier and basic amplifiers This has the advant
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