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SB 30

Stereo: The Stereo mode reproduces the input signal in conventional two-channel stereo, 

utilizing the soundbar’s left and right speakers. Digital equalization and digital crossover 

filters help achieve accurate performance for listeners in a variety of seating positions, 

not just those directly on the speaker’s center line.

Stereo Mode

Virtual: The Virtual mode utilizes sophisticated digital signal processing and an additional 

four transducers to simulate the reflected sounds that would be created by the rear-

channel speakers in a room with a dedicated surround-sound system. The soundbar’s 

digital signal processing is specifically designed to maximize the useful listening area while 

reducing sonic colorations. This digital processing also enhances conventional stereo and 

MP3 sources by creating rear ambience that adds depth to the sound presentation.

Virtual Mode

This mode achieves the best surround sound effect for listeners who are sitting along the 

soundbar’s center line, from 3 ft – 10 ft (1m – 3m) away from the speaker.
HARMAN Wave: The HARMAN Wave mode utilizes all 13 of the soundbar’s transducers 

to create both left and right surround sound fields, in addition to using the left and 

right transducer groups to reproduce the front left and right stereo signals. Extremely 

sophisticated digital signal processing uses wave field synthesis to separately control 

direct and indirect sound fields, creating an impressive surround sound sensation in even 

a large room and for many listeners seated over a large listening area.

HARMAN Wave Mode

The HARMAN Wave mode features a Room Size adjustment that allows you to tailor the 

soundbar’s energy field to match the size of your listening room. Press the Room Size 

button on the remote

Room Size 

Button

The soundbar’s Status LEDs glow green to indicate the active Room Size setting:

Small Room

Medium Room

Large Room

Feel free to experiment with this adjustment to find the effect that works best for your 

particular listening room and seating arrangement.
As with the Virtual mode, in the HARMAN Wave mode the soundbar’s digital signal 

processing also creates rear ambience that adds depth to the sound presentation for 

conventional stereo and MP3 sources.

Your soundbar implements Dolby Volume processing, which can improve the audio 

performance of the system by revealing subtle details in the sound, even at normal 

home-listening volumes.
One concern of the typical home theater listener is that volumes can vary widely for 

different programs played by a source (e.g., television commercial advertisements are 

often much louder than the main program). Another is that details heard in the recording 

studio at typically high reference volumes are lost at the lower volumes used by many 

listeners at home.
The soundbar uses two Dolby Volume techniques to address these issues. The Leveler 

module maintains a consistent listening volume within a source (e.g., commercial 

television or different tracks on a mix CD). The Modeler module endeavors to re-create 

the reference presentation that was heard in the recording studio without losing portions 

of the program at the typically lower volume levels often used in the home. When the 

Modeler module is active, you may notice details of the performance that were hidden 

when the program was played on other equipment.
Press the Dolby Volume button on the remote to adjust the Dolby Volume setting. 

Dolby Volume 

Button

The soundbar’s Status LEDs glow red to indicate the active Dolby Volume setting:

Dolby Volume Off

Dolby Volume High

Dolby Volume Low

Off: No Dolby Volume processing.
Low: Dolby Volume Modeler module is active.
High: Dolby Volume Modeler and Leveler modules are active.

Using Your Soundbar Speaker System

Harman Kardon

SB 30 / 230V Service Manual

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SB 30

ENGL

IS

H

Specifications

Frequency response:

40Hz – 20kHz

Low-frequency transducers:

Six x 2" (51mm) cones

High-frequency transducers: 

Seven x 1" (25mm) domes

Amplifier power:

40 watts x 4; 10 watts x 7

Power requirement:

110V – 120V AC, 60Hz (USA); 

220V – 240V AC, 50Hz (EU), selectable

Power consumption :

<0.5W (standby); 230W (maximum)

Dimensions (H x W x D):

3-15/16" x 45-11/16" x 3-1/8" 

(100mm x 1160mm x 80mm)

Weight:

8.4 lb (3.8kg)

Low-frequency transducer:

8" (200mm) down-firing cone

Amplifier power:

100 watts

Frequency response:

40Hz – 160Hz

Controls:

Volume, phase

Enclosure type:

Sealed

Power requirement:

120V, 60Hz (USA); 

220V-240V, 50Hz/60Hz (EU)

Power consumption:

<0.5W (standby); 100W (maximum)

Dimensions (H x W x D):

13-29/32" x 10-1/2" x 10-1/2"; 

(353mm x 267mm x 267mm)

Weight:

19.2 lb (8.7kg)

Harman Kardon

SB 30 / 230V Service Manual

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SB 30

If your SB 30 system isn’t performing the way you think it should, check to see if the problem is covered in this section before calling your dealer or contacting a Harman Kardon 

representative.

The soundbar does not turn on (the Power LED is off):

•  Check that the soundbar’s power cord is plugged into a working AC outlet.
•  Check that the soundbar’s Power switch is in the “On” position.
•  Check if the soundbar’s AC fuse has blown. See 

Soundbar Rear-Panel Controls 

and Connections: AC Fuse Holder, on page 4, for instructions on checking and 

changing the fuse.

•  Check if the soundbar’s voltage selector switch is set in the incorrect position for 

the AC voltage in your area. CAUTION: If the switch 

is set in the incorrect position, 

Unplug the soundbar from the wall outlet and take it to an authorized Harman 

Kardon service center.

The subwoofer does not turn on (the Power LED is off):

•  Check that the subwoofer’s power cord is plugged into a working AC outlet.
•  Check that the subwoofer’s Power switch is in the “On” position.

There is no sound coming from both the soundbar and the subwoofer 

(their Power LEDs are amber or blue):

•  Check that the soundbar is on (the Power LED is blue).
•  Check that the cable connecting the TV or other source component to the soundbar 

is properly connected at both ends.

•  Check that the soundbar is set to the correct input source (one white Status 

LED glows for optical digital, two white Status LEDs for coaxial digital, and three 

white Status LEDs for analog) and that the input source device is playing an audio 

signal.

•  Check that the system is not muted (when the system is muted, the soundbar’s 

Power LED flashes blue). If the system is muted, press the remote control’s Mute 

button to un-mute the system.

•  Check that the soundbar’s volume is not turned all the way down.

There is no sound coming from just the subwoofer (the Power LED is amber or blue):

•  Check that the Subwoofer Volume control is not turned all the way down (fully 

counterclockwise).

•  Check that the Wireless Code switches on the subwoofer and soundbar are both 

set to the same setting number.

•  Move the subwoofer closer to the soundbar. The maximum wireless operation 

distance is 50 feet (15.3m).

The soundbar’s sound is distorted:

•  Check the source device to see if the distortion is coming from it and not from 

the soundbar.

The system’s sound is too quiet, even when the soundbar’s volume is turned all 

the way up:

•  If the TV or source component is connected via a variable analog output, check its 

instructions to be sure that the output is not turned down too low.

The bass output is not loud enough:

•  Turn up the subwoofer’s Volume control.
•  Move the subwoofer into a corner of the room.
•  Move the subwoofer closer to the seating location.

You can find additional troubleshooting information in the FAQs link on the Support page at www.harmankardon.com.

Troubleshooting

Harman Kardon

SB 30 / 230V Service Manual

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www.harmankardon.com

HARMAN Consumer, Inc. 
8500 Balboa Boulevard, Northridge, CA 91329 USA

© 2011 HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.

Harman Kardon is a trademark of HARMAN International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the United States and/or other countries. 

Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Dolby, Pro Logic and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby 
Laboratories. MLP Lossless is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.

Manufactured under license under U.S. Patent Nos: 5,956,674; 5,974,380; 6,487,535 & other U.S. and worldwide patents issued & 
pending. DTS, the Symbol, & DTS and the Symbol together are registered trademarks & DTS Digital surround and the DTS logos are 
trademarks of DTS, Inc. Product includes software. © DTS, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.

Part No. 950-0357-001

Harman Kardon

SB 30 / 230V Service Manual

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