JBL SUB 550P Service Manual ▷ View online
Item Part Number
Description
Qty
1 Not for Sale
Drier
2
2 400-000-10403-E
Carton BK (230V)
1
400-000-10404-E
Carton CH (230V)
1
3 Not for Sale
Serial number label
1
4 Not for Sale
Date Label
1
5 430-002-05495-E
EPE bag
1
6 431-000-07533-E
Top-EPE
1
7 431-000-07534-E
Bottom-EPE
1
8 152-V60201A01-E Power cord (230V)
1
9 165-045801100-E Wire CU+PVC RCA
1
10 322-FE-05033-E
Spike
1
11 visit www.jbl.com
Owner's Manual
1
Packaging (BK, CH)
SUB 550P / 230
5
SUBWOOFER REAR-PANEL CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
Phase switch: This switch determines whether the subwoofer driver’s
piston-like action moves in and out in phase with the system’s other
speakers. If the subwoofer were to play out of phase with the other speak-
ers, the sound waves from the other speakers could partially cancel out
the sound waves from the subwoofer, reducing bass performance and
sonic impact. This phenomenon depends in part on the placement of all
the speakers relative to each other in the room.
piston-like action moves in and out in phase with the system’s other
speakers. If the subwoofer were to play out of phase with the other speak-
ers, the sound waves from the other speakers could partially cancel out
the sound waves from the subwoofer, reducing bass performance and
sonic impact. This phenomenon depends in part on the placement of all
the speakers relative to each other in the room.
Input Mode switch: When this switch is in the “Normal” setting, the input
signal from the Line In connectors is active. When this switch is in the
“LFE” setting, the input signal from the LFE In connector is active, and the
subwoofer’s internal crossover is bypassed.
signal from the Line In connectors is active. When this switch is in the
“LFE” setting, the input signal from the LFE In connector is active, and the
subwoofer’s internal crossover is bypassed.
Level control: Use this control to adjust the subwoofer’s volume. Turn the
knob clockwise to increase the volume; turn the knob counterclockwise to
decrease the volume.
knob clockwise to increase the volume; turn the knob counterclockwise to
decrease the volume.
Crossover control: This control determines the highest frequency
at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds. The higher you set the
Crossover control, the higher in frequency the subwoofer will operate and
the more its bass will “overlap” that of the system’s other speakers. This
adjustment helps achieve a smooth transition of bass frequencies between
the subwoofer and the other speakers for a variety of different rooms and
subwoofer locations. NOTE: The Crossover control functions only when
the Input Mode switch is in the “Normal” position. When the switch is
in the “LFE” position the subwoofer’s built-in crossover and Crossover
control are bypassed.
at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds. The higher you set the
Crossover control, the higher in frequency the subwoofer will operate and
the more its bass will “overlap” that of the system’s other speakers. This
adjustment helps achieve a smooth transition of bass frequencies between
the subwoofer and the other speakers for a variety of different rooms and
subwoofer locations. NOTE: The Crossover control functions only when
the Input Mode switch is in the “Normal” position. When the switch is
in the “LFE” position the subwoofer’s built-in crossover and Crossover
control are bypassed.
On/Standby indicator: This LED indicates whether the subwoofer is in
the On or Standby state:
the On or Standby state:
• When the LED glows green, the subwoofer is turned on.
• When the LED glows red, the subwoofer is in the Standby mode.
• When the LED is off, the subwoofer’s Power switch is set to “Off.”
Line In connectors: The signals from these connectors pass through
the subwoofer’s internal low-pass crossover. When you’re connecting the
subwoofer to the preamp or subwoofer outputs of a receiver/processor
that does not have its own low-pass crossover network, use both Line In
connectors. IMPORTANT: You must also set the Input Mode switch in
the “Normal” position. If your receiver/processor has only one subwoofer
output, you can use either the L or R connector.
the subwoofer’s internal low-pass crossover. When you’re connecting the
subwoofer to the preamp or subwoofer outputs of a receiver/processor
that does not have its own low-pass crossover network, use both Line In
connectors. IMPORTANT: You must also set the Input Mode switch in
the “Normal” position. If your receiver/processor has only one subwoofer
output, you can use either the L or R connector.
LFE In connector: The signal from this connector bypasses the subwoof-
er’s internal low-pass crossover. When you’re connecting the subwoofer
to the dedicated subwoofer output of a receiver/processor that has its own
low-pass crossover network, use the LFE In connector. IMPORTANT: You
must also set the subwoofer’s Input Mode switch in the “LFE” position.
er’s internal low-pass crossover. When you’re connecting the subwoofer
to the dedicated subwoofer output of a receiver/processor that has its own
low-pass crossover network, use the LFE In connector. IMPORTANT: You
must also set the subwoofer’s Input Mode switch in the “LFE” position.
Power switch: Set this switch in the “On” position to put the subwoofer in
the Standby mode (the On/Standby LED lights red); set this switch in the
“Off” position to turn the subwoofer off.
the Standby mode (the On/Standby LED lights red); set this switch in the
“Off” position to turn the subwoofer off.
Power Cord connector: After you have made and verified all subwoofer
connections described in this manual, plug the power cord into an ac-
tive, unswitched electrical outlet for proper operation of the subwoofer.
DO NOT plug this cord into the accessory outlet found on some audio
components.
connections described in this manual, plug the power cord into an ac-
tive, unswitched electrical outlet for proper operation of the subwoofer.
DO NOT plug this cord into the accessory outlet found on some audio
components.
Green: On
Red: Standby
Level Control
Crossover Control
On/Standby Indicator
Phase Switch
Input Mode Switch
LFE In Connector
Line In Connectors
Power Switch
Power Cord
Connector
Connector
SUB 550P / 230
6
PLACING THE SUBWOOFER
The performance of a subwoofer is directly related to its placement in the
listening room and its physical position relative to the other speakers in the
system.
listening room and its physical position relative to the other speakers in the
system.
While it is true that in general our ears do not hear directional sounds at the
low frequencies where subwoofers operate, when installing a subwoofer
within the limited confines of a room, the reflections, standing waves and
absorptions generated within the room will strongly influence the perfor-
mance of any subwoofer system. As a result, the specific location of the
subwoofer in the room does become important to the amount and quality
of bass that is produced.
low frequencies where subwoofers operate, when installing a subwoofer
within the limited confines of a room, the reflections, standing waves and
absorptions generated within the room will strongly influence the perfor-
mance of any subwoofer system. As a result, the specific location of the
subwoofer in the room does become important to the amount and quality
of bass that is produced.
For example, placing the subwoofer next to a wall generally will increase
the amount of bass in the room; placing it in a corner (1) generally will
maximize the amount of bass in the room. However, corner placement can
also increase the destructive effect of standing waves on bass perfor-
mance. This effect can vary depending on the listening position – some
listening positions may yield very good results while others may have far
too much (or too little) bass at certain frequencies.
the amount of bass in the room; placing it in a corner (1) generally will
maximize the amount of bass in the room. However, corner placement can
also increase the destructive effect of standing waves on bass perfor-
mance. This effect can vary depending on the listening position – some
listening positions may yield very good results while others may have far
too much (or too little) bass at certain frequencies.
In many rooms, placing the subwoofer along the same plane as the left
and right speakers (2) can produce the best integration between the sound
of the subwoofer and that of the left and right speakers. In some rooms,
the best performance could even result from placing the subwoofer behind
the listening position (3).
and right speakers (2) can produce the best integration between the sound
of the subwoofer and that of the left and right speakers. In some rooms,
the best performance could even result from placing the subwoofer behind
the listening position (3).
We strongly recommend that you experiment with placement before choos-
ing a final location for your subwoofer. One way you can determine the best
location for the subwoofer is by temporarily placing it in the listening posi-
tion and playing music with strong bass content. Move around to various
locations in the room while the system is playing (putting your ears where
the subwoofer would be placed), and listen until you find the location where
the bass performance is best. Place the subwoofer in that location.
ing a final location for your subwoofer. One way you can determine the best
location for the subwoofer is by temporarily placing it in the listening posi-
tion and playing music with strong bass content. Move around to various
locations in the room while the system is playing (putting your ears where
the subwoofer would be placed), and listen until you find the location where
the bass performance is best. Place the subwoofer in that location.
CONNECTING THE SUBWOOFER
TO A RECEIVER OR PREAMP/PROCESSOR WITH A LOW-PASS
FILTERED DEDICATED SUBWOOFER OUTPUT
FILTERED DEDICATED SUBWOOFER OUTPUT
Receiver or
Amplifier
SUB 550P
Subwoofer
Mono RCA Cable
(supplied)
Input Mode Switch
in “LFE” Position
TO A RECEIVER OR PREAMP/PROCESSOR WITH LINE OUTPUTS
Receiver or
Amplifier
SUB 550P
Subwoofer
Stereo
RCA Cable
(not supplied)
RCA Cable
(not supplied)
Input Mode Switch
in “Normal” Position
Front Left
Speaker
TV
Center
Speaker
Front Right
Speaker
Surround Left
Speaker
Speaker
Surround Right
Speaker
1.
2.
3.
SUB 550P / 230
7
TURNING THE SUBWOOFER ON AND OFF
Set the subwoofer’s Power Switch to the “On” position. The subwoofer will
automatically turn itself on when it receives an audio signal, and it will go
into Standby mode after it has received no audio signal for approximately
10 minutes. The subwoofer’s LED will glow green when the subwoofer is
on and will glow red when the subwoofer is in Standby.
automatically turn itself on when it receives an audio signal, and it will go
into Standby mode after it has received no audio signal for approximately
10 minutes. The subwoofer’s LED will glow green when the subwoofer is
on and will glow red when the subwoofer is in Standby.
If you will not be using the subwoofer for an extended period – for
instance, if you’re going on vacation – set the Power Switch to the “Off”
position.
instance, if you’re going on vacation – set the Power Switch to the “Off”
position.
SUBWOOFER ADJUSTMENTS: CROSSOVER CONTROL
NOTE: The Crossover control functions only
when the Input Mode switch is in the “Normal”
position.
when the Input Mode switch is in the “Normal”
position.
The Crossover control adjusts the subwoofer’s
built-in low-pass filter crossover between 50Hz
and 200Hz. The higher you set the Crossover
control, the higher in frequency the subwoofer
will operate and the more its bass will “overlap” that of the satellite speak-
ers. This adjustment helps achieve a smooth transition of bass frequencies
between the subwoofer and the satellites for a variety of different rooms
and subwoofer locations.
built-in low-pass filter crossover between 50Hz
and 200Hz. The higher you set the Crossover
control, the higher in frequency the subwoofer
will operate and the more its bass will “overlap” that of the satellite speak-
ers. This adjustment helps achieve a smooth transition of bass frequencies
between the subwoofer and the satellites for a variety of different rooms
and subwoofer locations.
To set the Crossover control, listen for the smoothness of the bass. If the
bass seems too strong at certain frequencies, try a lower Crossover con-
trol setting. If the bass seems too weak at certain frequencies, try a higher
Crossover control setting.
bass seems too strong at certain frequencies, try a lower Crossover con-
trol setting. If the bass seems too weak at certain frequencies, try a higher
Crossover control setting.
SUBWOOFER ADJUSTMENTS: VOLUME
Use the Level control to set the subwoofer’s
volume. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the
subwoofer’s volume; turn the knob counterclock-
wise to decrease the volume. Once you have
balanced the subwoofer’s volume with that of
the other speakers in your system, you shouldn’t
have to change the Level control setting.
volume. Turn the knob clockwise to increase the
subwoofer’s volume; turn the knob counterclock-
wise to decrease the volume. Once you have
balanced the subwoofer’s volume with that of
the other speakers in your system, you shouldn’t
have to change the Level control setting.
Notes on Setting Subwoofer Volume:
s
for films, while the ideal setting for films is too quiet for music. When
setting the subwoofer volume, listen to both music and films with
strong bass content and find a “middle ground” volume level that
works for both.
setting the subwoofer volume, listen to both music and films with
strong bass content and find a “middle ground” volume level that
works for both.
s
to place it in a different location. Placing the subwoofer in a corner will
tend to increase its bass output, while placing it away from any walls
or corners will tend to lessen its bass output.
tend to increase its bass output, while placing it away from any walls
or corners will tend to lessen its bass output.
SUBWOOFER ADJUSTMENTS: PHASE
The Phase switch determines whether the subwoofer
driver’s piston-like action moves in and out in phase
with the satellite speakers. If the subwoofer were to
play out of phase with the satellite speakers, the sound
waves from the satellites could partially cancel out the
waves from the subwoofer, reducing bass performance
and sonic impact. This phenomenon depends in part on the placement of
all the speakers relative to each other in the room.
driver’s piston-like action moves in and out in phase
with the satellite speakers. If the subwoofer were to
play out of phase with the satellite speakers, the sound
waves from the satellites could partially cancel out the
waves from the subwoofer, reducing bass performance
and sonic impact. This phenomenon depends in part on the placement of
all the speakers relative to each other in the room.
Although in most cases you should leave the Phase switch in the “Normal”
position, there is no absolutely correct setting for the Phase switch. When
the subwoofer is properly in phase with the satellite speakers, the sound
will be clearer and have maximum impact, and percussive sounds like
drums, piano and plucked strings will sound more lifelike. The best way
to set the Phase switch is to listen to music that you know well and to set
the switch in the position that gives drums and other percussive sounds
maximum impact.
position, there is no absolutely correct setting for the Phase switch. When
the subwoofer is properly in phase with the satellite speakers, the sound
will be clearer and have maximum impact, and percussive sounds like
drums, piano and plucked strings will sound more lifelike. The best way
to set the Phase switch is to listen to music that you know well and to set
the switch in the position that gives drums and other percussive sounds
maximum impact.
OPERATING THE SUBWOOFER
SUB150P
SUB 550P / 230
8
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