REL
Operating Instructions
for the
STORM
Sub-Bass System
REL Acoustics Ltd
North Road, Bridgend Industrial Estate
Bridgend, Mid-Glamorgan, CF31 3TP
United Kingdom
Telephone: 01 656 768 777;
International: +441 656 768 777
Fax: 01 656 766 093; International: +441 656 766 093
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CONNECTING UP
Always switch off your system before disconnecting any wires.
To increase the versatility of the choice of connecting up, Storm has three
entirely separate sets of input sockets, two Neutrik and one pair of phonos.
The first Neutrik is a dual channel (stereo) unbalanced input at high level
designed to accept the much higher level signals from the speaker
terminals of the power amplifier. This does have the advantage of ensuring
that your STORM 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 STORM's Active Bass Controller (ABC), ensures far superior system
integration of the sub-bass with the main system. So far as we are aware,
REL are the only sub-bass manufacturer to take this aspect of performance
sufficiently seriously to offer the listener this level of sophisticated control.
The second Neutrik is a single channel high level balanced input designed
to take the high level output again from the speaker terminals of bridged
monoblocks. (Two Storm subwoofers required, one for each channel).
The low level unbalanced phono inputs would normally be used to source
the signal from the "Sub-woofer Output” sockets, where available, from the
preamp or Dolby surround sound processor.
Screw the spikes into the feet of the sub-woofer, level them up or if
necessary compensate for an uneven floor. It is important that all 4 spikes
are located securely and that there is no tendency for STORM to rock. If it
does rock, simply adjust one (or more) of the spikes until it fits securely.
To Connect to the Power Amplifier:
See Fig. 1
1. Use your existing plugs or connect the STORM Neutrik interconnect to a
spare set of speaker terminals. In effect the STORM is bi-wired from
your power amplifier. However, note that there are only three
connections to STORM. This is deliberate and helps preserve the
existing star earthing of your system (assuming it has a star earth
arrangement). Connect the Red coloured wire from the Storm Neutrik
interconnect to the RED speaker terminal of the right channel of your
power amp. Then connect the yellow coloured wire to the RED coloured
terminal of the left channel on your power amp. The BLACK wire is
connected to either one of the Black terminals of your power amp. Do
not connect this black wire to both black terminals - this is important as
some amplifiers do not like having their black terminals joined. Connect
the Neutrik plug to the high level input on STORM.
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R/H
R B
L/H
R B
Amplifier Speaker
Outputs
Red
Yellow
Neutrik Speakon
(Supplied)
Interconnect
Black
To Subwoofer
High Level Input
Fig. 1
2.
Connect the Mains lead to STORM and to the mains and switch ON.
To Connect to a Dedicated Sub-woofer Output:
See Fig. 2
1. For this connection it will be necessary to use whatever type of
connector is needed by this output. Normally it would be a phono type
connector. For this method of connection a phono to phono type
interconnect is required, available from your dealer.
Note:- If only a single phono subwoofer output is available, either use a ”y”
splitter to connect the two phono plugs from the REL or use a single
phono to phono interconnect. This will reduce the volume by 6db.
R/H
L/H
Amplifier Dedicated
Subwoofer Outputs
Phono to Phono Interconnect
(Optional Extra)
To Subwoofer
Low Level Input
Fig. 2
2.
Plug one end of the phono to phono interconnect into the dedicated
sub-woofer outputs on your power amplifier or surround processor
and the other end into the line level input on STORM.
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3. Connect the Mains lead to STORM and to the mains and switch ON.
To Connect to Bridged ( Monoblock) Amplifiers:
See Fig. 3
1.
Connect to the amplifier using the Neutrik interconnect supplied with
Storm. Connect the RED and YELLOW cores to each of the positive
terminals of the amplifier, ( It does not matter which way around the
red and yellow are connected ). Connect the BLACK core to ground.
(See your amplifier manual for this ground connection)
Bridged Monoblocks
(One channel shown)
Amp 1
Left Speaker
+VE
(Left)
Red
Neutrik Speakon
Interconnect (Supplied)
0V
Black
To Storm Balanced Input
Yellow
(Right)
Amp2
Right Speaker
+VE
Fig.3
Note:-
Two Storm units are required with Monoblocks. Each Storm will
sense one channel only.
2.
3.
Plug the Neutrik plug into the balanced high level input of Storm.
Connect the Mains lead to STORM and to the mains and switch ON.
SETTING UP
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Initially, test the effect of the controls with STORM sited in any convenient
position in your listening room. Check that the phase switch is in the
Normal position. Turn the two filter controls fully clockwise (maximum
bandwidth) and the gain to minimum. Play some music with known bass
content, then adjust the gain control for similar sound levels from your main
system and your STORM. Now reduce both filter controls to minimum.
Notice that the level of the bass has almost disappeared. This is because
these very low frequencies are not being boosted by your room Without the
ABC you would never be able to hear them properly in your room. Increase
the Gain control until this deep bass is heard. Slowly increase the coarse
control one step at a time. If one position appears too much, reduce to the
lower setting then increase the Fine control a notch at a time until there is
a good match between the two systems. It may be necessary, also, to
readjust the Gain control.
Do not worry if it is not immediately obvious which setting is correct. It is
sufficient at this stage that you perceive that there are differences and that
one is too extreme in each direction ,i.e. on maximum settings there is too
much bass and at minimum settings there is too little. It will be necessary
to test with different types of music with different instruments. At this stage
try and get a roughly correct setting.
STORM has a phase reversal switch to allow partial cancellation of the
frequencies around the crossover point between the two systems. Listen to
the quality of the bass with the phase normal and reversed. Choose the
position which subjectively offers the tightest and cleanest bass.
It may take several days before you are completely satisfied that you have
found the final best setting. Your acuteness and ability to perceive very
subtle differences will improve over these days, possibly because you may
not have previously had the opportunity to hear very deep bass in your
room. With the ABC you can site STORM almost anywhere you choose. If
the bass sounds too prominent, simply reduce one of the filter controls a
notch. If there is a "hole", increase one of the filter controls until it is filled
in. It is often surprising just how much effect the room is having on the
bass response. Sometimes even quite small speakers appear to need very
low settings of the ABC. If this is the case, accept it and feel pleased that
your stereo imaging extends down so far. It is always better to try and set
up for a subtle, rather than an overblown effect if possible. However,
personal taste is the over-riding factor here. If it suits your ears, it is
correct.
STORM is designed as a true sub-bass speaker. It is designed to
reproduce those exceptionally deep notes that are felt rather than heard.
This it will attempt to do at whatever volume you set on the gain control on
its panel. If set too high the driver cone will simply run out of movement
with the lowest notes, causing a "crack" to be heard. If this warning is not
heeded and the unit is continuously played in this manner, permanent
damage will be done to the driver. This damage is NOT covered by
Warranty. Please remember, STORM is there to supplement your main
system, not overwhelm it!
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ADVANCED SETTING UP
It is an unfortunate fact that most listening rooms are not perfect. Most
suffer from various problems, particularly in the bass. This is why the
majority of sub-woofers will not work effectively in most systems - they
simply overwhelm the system, causing boom and a poor bass
performance. All REL sub-bass systems incorporate special circuitry which
we call the Active Bass Controller, or more simply the ABC. The ABC will
ensure, when set up accurately, that a REL sub-bass matches into your
system precisely. Of course, should you choose to set the controls for a
more fulsome bass, or even a totally overwhelming bass, so be it. The REL
will oblige!
If your listening room has a rather boomy bass, it may be advantageous to
deliberately reverse the phase control on Storm so that partial cancellation
of the bass occurs around the crossover frequency between the REL and
your main speakers. This will require some patience and care over setting
up. But many listeners have reported that what was previously a lost
cause, has been totally cured by this simple expedient. Listeners who have
had to make do with very small main speakers with a deliberately tapered
bass response to offset their poor listening rooms are the ones most likely
to benefit from this option. It is impossible to predict the sound experience
within a room. We at REL realize this and go to great lengths to offer you,
the customer, the means to control the sound within your system. Bass
frequencies are often the most troublesome to predict and control. It is one
of the reasons why some audiophiles have either given up on trying to
reproduce very deep bass within their system or put up with an overblown
bass. REL offers the listener the means to control their system sound.
If you are one of the very fortunate few with a superb listening room, then
keep your phase switch in its normal position and ignore this advice.
However, this switch also allows you to ensure that any phase reversal
within your power amp can be corrected (where the main speakers should
then be connected deliberately in reversed phase). Doing this will ensure
correct absolute phase of your system.
One of the most frequently reported benefits of owning a REL is the
improvement in imaging and depth at ALL frequencies. Many theories exist
as to why this should be, but with many listeners, this has been their most
pleasing and substantial benefit of owning a REL. Strangely, it often occurs
most obviously with those listeners who previously have had the least
interest in deep bass! This effect is most pronounced when the REL has
been adjusted for the flattest, i.e. not a pronounced bass. It certainly
disappears where the listener has it set up to give a deliberately over-blown
or boomy bass.
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POSITIONING STORM WITHIN YOUR ROOM
Ideally, STORM should be positioned mid-way between your main
speakers but pushed back as far against the wall as possible. This will
help with sound integration between the two different sources. It seems
that we humans prefer to listen to plane waves rather than spherical.
Waves become planar as they travel away from the source, just like waves
expanding from a stone dropped in a pond. The further the waves travel,
the more planer they become. Perhaps it is because we tend to hear plane
waves at a concert or in a Cathedral or any large building, but whatever the
reason a more distant source, particularly of low frequencies, appears
more interesting. It follows that the very worst place to position a sub-
woofer would be just behind the listening chair. Because of the Haas effect
(precedence effect of two similar frequencies) we would find such a position
very fatiguing if not downright offensive. Fortunately, in the preferred choice
of position even with surround sound, very acceptable results can be
obtained with a single very low frequency source. Note that these
comments apply here because all REL sub-woofers are integrated into the
main system by means of the ABC. Thus only very low bass is being
generated by the sub-woofer. Such very low frequencies are truly omni-
directional. Unfortunately, with many sub-woofers which cross-over up
around 100 Hz, there will be problems because the crossover has a roll-off,
it is not a brick wall! Therefore there will be some radiation from such sub-
woofers even at 200 to 300 Hz. At these frequencies we can detect their
source.
If the preferred position is not possible, try moving the sub-woofer to one
side or the other. Possibly for a Classical music lover the right hand side
may be preferred because the double basses are generally on that side.
(This is being very purist of course).
Note that a subtle effect is far more effective at improving imaging and
depth than an up front, overblown bass. Tests appear to show that when
the bass is made too prominent, the subtle effect of stage depth
improvements are completely masked. This may mean a much lower
setting of both the filter controls and the gain than might at first have been
thought necessary. It is necessary to emphasise that manufacturer's
claims for their speaker’s in-room low frequency responses should be
treated with care. It is far better to trust the results you are getting in the
room with your own ears rather than someone else's in their room.
When the final position has been settled, it is better to shorten the signal
lead to the ideal length, rather than coiling it up. Although most modern
amplifiers are usually exceptionally load tolerant, it is foolish to tempt fate
by inviting trouble with a coiled up speaker lead (which is what it is in
effect). A shorter lead also minimises the risk of RFI (Radio Frequency
Interference). This is more likely than instability today with so many CB
enthusiasts around. STORM has internal circuitry designed to reduce the
possibility of RFI to almost zero. Unfortunately, many power amps do not.
The pick up on the speaker leads (any speaker leads, not just STORM's )
can be fed back on the amplifier's internal negative feedback circuit to
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provoke trouble through the main speakers. Where this occurs, shortening
the signal leads will usually effect the cure.
RUNNING-IN
Care taken over running-in will be rewarded by many years of pleasurable
use. Both the electronics and the drive units will benefit from an initial
period of carefully controlled use. During this period, permanent damage
can be sustained by running the unit at too high a volume setting. 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 high quality finish is best cared for by using a dampened lint free cloth.
Alternatively, a soft bristled brush may be used to sweep off any dust
falling on the surface. If objects are to be placed upon the top, it is
advisable to use a small mat to protect the surface and to avoid risk of any
rattles.
Everything about STORM has been designed and engineered to last a
lifetime.
SOME DO'S AND DONT'S
1. Always protect the sub-woofer from getting wet.
2. Always ensure that the panel is correctly earthed via the three core
mains cable - it is not sufficient to rely on the earth being made via the
signal ground.
3. If the mains lead is lengthened (or shortened) make absolutely certain
that the wires are correctly terminated before switching on.
4. In the unlikely event of a fuse failure, always replace by an identical fuse
of the same rating and characteristics. A spare mains fuse is located in
the sliding drawer of the mains input socket. Further replacements are
available from your supplier.
5. Do not attempt to remove the panel or the drive unit from the enclosure -
all Warranties become null and void if the seals are broken.
6. Never try to force the switches or the Gain control around further than
their normal stops.
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7. Do not try to modify or "improve” the design by putting things into the
reflex port.
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 state is negligible.
It is perfectly safe under all normal domestic circumstances as it is fully
protected.
ACTIVE BASS CONTROLLER SWITCH versus CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY
These settings determine the commencement of the upper frequency limit
of the sub-woofer. The lowest operating frequency is totally unaffected by
these switches.
The 4 steps on the Fine control equal 1 step on the Coarse control
Switch Positions
Coarse Fine
Frequency
Hz
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
30
33
36
39
43
47
52
57
62
67
73
80
88
98
108
120
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SPECIFICATION
Type
Linkwitz-Riley Loading
40 litres
Two Neutrik Speakon and one pair phono
40dB
Enclosure volume
Input connectors
Gain control range
Amplifier type
DC coupled complementary MOSFET
Input impedances:
High Level Unbalanced
Two Channel
100K Ohm
High Level Balanced
One Channel
Low Level
Power output
Drive Unit
100K Ohm
10K Ohm unbalanced
100W RMS, 200W Peak
Heavy duty Cast chassis 26cm
18 - 120 Hertz
Frequency Range
(Upper frequency dependent on user setting of ABC)
Phasing
Mains input Voltage
Positive or reversed
220-240 or 110-120 V AC to order, via fused I E.C.
standard socket with spare fuse in drawer
415mm x 620mm x 330mm (WxHxD) (22.5 x 20.5 x
14 inches approx.)
Dimensions
Weight
Protection
Fuses
30 Kg (66 lbs approx.)
Internal electronic self-resetting
1 x 1.6 Amp semi delay, 240V operation 1 x 3.15
Amp semi-delay, 120 V operation
(Factory selected - do not change without seeking expert advice)
Supplied accessories: 1.
Mains lead
10 metre Neutrik Speakon Interconnect
Operating Manual
2.
3.
4.
Set of 8 mm spikes
In the interest of product development, REL ACOUSTICS LTD
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reserves the right to vary this specification without notice.
Please Note
This apparatus is designed to Class II specification
and is double insulated, therefore it does not
require to be earthed.
UK OPERATION
This apparatus is supplied with a fitted three pin mains plug. A 5 amp fuse
is fitted in the plug. Should the fuse need to be replaced, use a 5 amp fuse
approved to ASTA or BSI 1362. Do not use without the fuse cover in
place. Replacement fuse covers are available from your dealer.
If for any reason the plug is cut off it must NOT be re-used. Please
dispose of any such plug safely. There is a danger of electric shock if the
cut-off plug is inserted into a 13A mains socket.
IMPORTANT
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following
code:
Green and Yellow -
Earth
Neutral
Live
Blue
-
-
Brown
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the
markings identifying the terminals in the replacement mains plug, proceed
as follows:
-
the wire coloured Green and Yellow must be connected to the
terminal marked with the letter "E" or with the earth symbol
coloured Green or Green and Yellow.
or
-
the wire coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal
marked with the letter "N" or coloured Black.
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-
the wire coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal
marked with the letter "L" or coloured Red.
Revised July 9rd 1997, Nov 11th 1997
This product is CE marked and has been tested to ensure it satisfies all
relevant standards for EN 50081-1 using the limits of EN 55022 class B
and IEC 801 - 4 wherever relevant.
It satisfies all tests for Conducted Emissions, Radiated Emissions,
Susceptibility and Immunity.
It also complies with the requirements relating to class II construction
detailed in clauses 9 & 10 of BS EN 60065 1994.
It also satisfies all relevant safety tests for consumer use provided it is
used within the guidelines of this manual.
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