Owner’s Manual
Seismix 3 and Seismix 5
features
Automatic on / off circuit
Standby Mode
Warning: it is recommended that the unit
is turned off at the mains power if being
left unattended for any extended periods.
Fault Protection
The mains fuse protects against any
major electrical faults or short circuits
and incorporates an inrush current limiter
to eliminate power surges when using the
main on / off switch. The Seismix uses an
Symetrix Vent
Standby Mode
Clipping protection
Krix have included an energy saving device
when the unit is in Standby mode, meaning
the Seismix draws a meagre 3 watts (costing
approximately AUD$5.00 for 1 year to run).
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Opto-compressor with fast attack
to prevent overload
®
ATMEL MEGA16 microcontroller which is
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Soft limiting to prevent amplifier clipping
the integrated circuit responsible for the
advanced fault protection features of the
Seismix amplifier. A microcontroller is a small
single chip computer optimised for hardware
control that runs a program stored in flash
memory on the chip. The construction of
the Seismix amplifier utilises surface mount
technology (SMT), which results in a more
compact design, high resistance to mechanical
vibration and higher circuit performance. The
filter capacitor bank present in the Seismix
amplifier features many low Equivalent Series
Resistance (ESR) capacitors allowing lower
supply impedance and greater instantaneous
power delivery to the loudspeaker load.
Multi-layered fault protection
-
-
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DC Detect Sensor
Thermal Sensor
Mains Fuse
Symetrix Vent
The Seismix subwoofer enclosure features
Symetrix bass reflex venting, with the vent
exhibiting the same flare radius both internally
and externally. This lowers subwoofer distortion
and serves to reduce vent turbulence or
“chuffing” at high drive levels.
Electronic filtering
-
-
Earth lift switch to eliminate ground loops
2nd order low pass filter adjustable
from 60Hz to 150Hz
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-
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Adjustable Hi / Lo gain setting
0°/180° phase switch
Fixed 2nd order high pass filter to
reduce driver excursion below 30Hz
Clipping Protection
There are several layers of protection in
the electronics of the Seismix to prevent
clipping damage.
Independent adjustable gain control
Opto-compressor: When faced with a signal
peak which is in excess of what the Seismix
can accurately reproduce, a compressor circuit
activates to reduce the level of the signal once
it passes the preset threshold. This permits the
Seismix to perform at high level with only a
mild reduction in the signal’s dynamic content.
Heavy duty, high efficiency long throw
paper cone drivers designed for high level
sound reinforcement
DC Detect Sensor: Clipping is severe square
wave distortion that contains a direct
current (DC) component often responsible
for loudspeaker damage. In the event of an
abnormal function the amplifier will not only
shut down, but all LED’s will flash. If this
happens turn the subwoofer off and contact
your nearest Krix retailer for further assistance.
High current low noise amplifier
Automatic On / Off Circuit
For the auto circuit function to operate, the
power switch on the back of the subwoofer
needs to be left on (and can be done so safely,
see figure 1). The Auto Circuit monitors both
the speaker level or line level inputs and powers
the amplifier in the subwoofer. When a signal
is present the blue Power / Standby LED at
the top of the rear panel will remain lit. When
a signal is not present, the power will remain
on for approximately 15 minutes and will then
automatically switch itself to standby mode.
In standby mode the blue Power / Standby
LED will flash.
Soft Limiter: If severe overdriving of the
amplifier continues to place a strain on the
compressor circuit, a soft limiting circuit
activates. The soft limiter circuit monitors
the Seismix’s amplifier power supply voltage
and prevents a direct current (DC) signal from
reaching the bass driver, causing damage.
Thermal Sensor: The Seismix has a generously
sized heat sink, permitting normal operation
in high ambient temperatures. A thermal
sensor internally connected to the heat
sink is monitored every 20 seconds by the
microcontroller. In the unlikely event that
the amplifier’s temperature reaches above
65 degrees celsius the microcontroller
will reduce output by 1dB every 20 seconds
until the temperature is 65 degrees celsius
or below. The microcontroller will return
the amplifier to normal operating settings
by increasing the output by 1dB every
20 seconds.
Earth Lift
Hi / Lo Gain
To get the most from all of your speakers they
must be operating in Phase. That is the signals
must all be positive going or negative going
simultaneously. If this is not the case and one
signal is positive going and the other is negative
going the result will be a cancellation of signal
and the sound at those particular frequencies
will be perceived as quite 'empty' sounding
and lacking potential impact.
The Earth Lift button ensures the Seismix
can be connected to a wide range of stereo
amplifiers / AV receivers. Should a humming
noise be evident when the Seismix is connected,
push the Earth Lift button (see figure 1) which
The Hi / Lo Gain button (see figure 1) is
positioned below the blue Power / Standby
LED, this button allows you to increase or
decrease the sensitivity of the subwoofer
without adjusting other settings. In the ’Lo’
interrupts the current that may be circulating from gain position, a much higher input signal is
the subwoofer’s signal ground through the mains
earth wiring (see figure 4). Note: The Earth Lift
button does not break the mains earth connection
to the subwoofer, only the connection between
the subwoofer’s signal ground and the mains
earth. To guard against electric shock NEVER
disconnect the mains earth from any appliance.
required, and you will need to increase the
main volume control to reach maximum output.
The setting of the Phase button (ie. 0° or
180°) and the resulting sound is dependant
on where the subwoofer is positioned in
relation to the main speakers. The best way
to find the correct setting is through trial and
error during set up by comparative listening
tests. In most cases the effect will be subtle
and there won't be a complete lack of bass.
If no difference can be heard, the position
of the button is not crucial.
In the ’Hi’ gain position the output of the
subwoofer is increased by approximately 20dB,
requiring a lower input signal, meaning you will
not need to increase the main volume control
to achieve the same amount of output.
Low Pass (Hz)
Phase
The Low Pass control (see figure 1) adjusts
the total bass content from the Seismix. This
control allows you to adjust the upper limit of the
Seismix’s frequency range between 60 –150 Hz.
The higher the selection, the broader the range
of bass information heard. This setting can be
adjusted for personal taste and integration with
your main speakers.
Signal phase can be left at '0°', or shifted
180° (inverted), by pressing the Phase button
(see figure 1). This applies to the output of
the subwoofer compared to its input.
The effect of phase can best be shown with
the representation of a sine wave (see figure
5). The effect shown in the lower diagram is
with the signals 'out of phase' and this can be
rectified by changing the position of the Phase
button. This will invert the negative going
signal and the result will be the same as
the first, 'In Phase', example.
Figure 4 Earth lift button
Mains power outlets
Line Level Inputs
Denotes chassis Earth
Denotes signal ground
Line level inputs (see figure 1 or 2) need to
be connected to the ‘PRE OUT’ or 'SUB OUT’
from your stereo amplifier / AV receiver.
The line level stereo input performs a summing
function adding the left and right signals where
applicable, to give a mono (L+R) signal. This
mono signal is filtered and then amplified
before being sent to the subwoofer driver.
Circulating ground currents
Earth lift button
Signal connection
Subwoofer
Receiver / Amplifier
Speaker Level Inputs
Figure 5 Phase
The speaker level stereo inputs combine
the signal going to the main left and right
speakers providing a mono (L+R) signal to
the subwoofer driver. This mono signal is
filtered and then amplified in the same
way as the line level input signal before being
sent to the loudspeaker. Two pairs of terminals
are provided so that the speaker level signals
can “pass through” the subwoofer on the way
to the main speakers (see figure 1 or 3).
2
1
2
1
2
1
In Phase
0
0
0
+
=
=
=
-1
-1
-1
-2
2
-2
2
-2
2
Positive going
Negative going
1
0
1
0
1
0
(No output)
180° out
of phase
+
=
-1
-2
-1
-2
-1
-2
trouble shooting
Symptom
Volume
Probable Cause
Treatment
The volume control will adjust the volume
of the subwoofer only. The control can be
set for the subtleties of the lower octaves
in musical performances or increased for
the earth shattering explosions and effects
on movie sound tracks. The volume control
on your main amplifier / AV receiver controls
volume for your overall system (see figure 1).
No noise from the
subwoofer when
main power is on
Auto switch circuit has not
operated due to no signal
Play source material and
gradually increase the volume
from the main Hi-fi amplifier
Volume turned down
Increase Volume on the sub
Signal has no bass content
Play source material with
sufficient bass content
positioning
Very little bass coming
from the subwoofer
Apart from the source
Increase setting of the
Low Pass (Hz) control
material having little bass
content, the settings on the
sub may need adjustment
The procedure for setting up any subwoofer
can be time consuming, requiring numerous
minor adjustments to get the desired result.
There is no definitive 'correct' way to set up a
subwoofer. Given different listening environments
different people’s tastes and different speakers,
there are a number of variables that have to be
taken into consideration.
Try changing position of
the Phase button
Increase Volume on the sub
Change gain button from
‘Lo’ to ‘Hi’
Bass content is
too strong and
uncomfortable
to listen to
Settings on the subwoofer
may need adjustment
Decrease the setting of
the Low Pass (Hz) control
It is up to the individual listener to adjust
the Seismix for the character and strength
of bass that is preferred for whatever type
of source material is being reproduced.
Decrease the Volume on
the subwoofer
Subwoofer emits
a humming sound
Current may be circulating
from the subwoofer’s signal
ground through the mains
earth wiring.
Activate the Earth Lift by
pushing the button which
will break the current loop
It is beneficial to select music that is familiar
to you when carrying out listening tests and
setting up procedures and as a suggestion
play recordings that use wooden instruments
such as acoustic guitars, oboes, cello etc.
These instruments exhibit a strong resonant
characteristic in the low to mid bass region
and will highlight unpleasant ‘woody’ or ‘chesty’
sound qualities suggesting there is too much
overlap in the bass information between the
subwoofer and main speakers.
If you have any queries regarding the Seismix, the set up procedure or any other KRIX
product, please contact your nearest Krix retailer or Krix direct. Contact details are on
the back cover of this booklet.
warranty
To fine tune the integration of the Seismix into
your Hi-fi system, start with both the Low Pass
(Hz) and Volume at the middle setting. Gradually
adjust the setting of the Low Pass (Hz) either
up or down (see figure 1). This will vary the
amount of overlap from the sub to the main
speakers and increase or decrease the level at
those frequencies. The effect is a strengthening
or weakening of the upper bass region. You might
reach a point where the sound develops a 'boxy'
or 'chesty' quality which is not desirable. This
could indicate there is too much overlap from
the sub to the main speakers and is remedied
by turning the Low Pass (Hz) back. Adjust the
Volume level to suit your personal taste.
5 years warranty applies to the cabinet and speaker
1 year warranty applies to the amplifier and related internal electronics
(Refer to the details on the warranty card supplied)
Seismix 3: specifications
Drivers
Bass Driver
Nominal 255mm (10”) diameter paper cone driver developed for
high level, low frequency reinforcement
Electronics
Amplifier Power
200 watts RMS into the nominal 4 ohm driver
Maximum instantaneous power 400 watts
>70dB
Amplifier S/N
Distortion - Input to Speaker <0.1% - @ 80 watts RMS
Line Level Inputs
Left Input (mono)
Lo – 900mV RMS for maximum output
Hi – 100mV RMS
Left + Right Input (stereo) Lo – 450mV RMS for maximum output
Hi – 50mV RMS
General
Frequency Range
Output
22Hz - 150Hz (-6dB) in room response
120dB maximum SPL in room response
Auto Power On / Off
Phase Select
15 minute delay before switching to standby after no input signal
0° or 180° (relative to input signal)
Cabinet
Enclosure Type
Dimensions
Material
Bass reflex, front vented
415mm high x 360mm wide x 390mm deep
17mm MDF
Finish
Weight
Vinyl or lacquered timber veneer
18kg
Due to continued development specifications may change without notice
Seismix 5: specifications
Drivers
Bass Driver
Nominal 305mm (12”) diameter paper cone driver developed for
high level, low frequency reinforcement and large linear cone travel
Electronics
Amplifier Power
400 watts RMS into the nominal 4 ohm driver
Maximum instantaneous power 800 watts
>70dB
Amplifier S/N
Distortion - Input to Speaker <0.1% - @ 80 watts RMS
Line Level Inputs
Left Input (mono)
Lo – 900mV RMS for maximum output
Hi – 100mV RMS
Left + Right Input (stereo) Lo – 450mV RMS for maximum output
Hi – 50mV RMS
General
Frequency Range
Output
16Hz - 150Hz (-6dB) in room response
122dB maximum SPL in room response
Auto Power On / Off
Phase Select
15 minute delay before switching to standby after no input signal
0° or 180° (relative to input signal)
Cabinet
Enclosure Type
Dimensions
Material
Bass reflex, front vented
460mm high x 395mm wide x 440mm deep
19mm and 25mm MDF
Finish
Weight
Vinyl or lacquered timber veneer
30kg
Due to continued development specifications may change without notice
Krix Loudspeakers Pty Ltd
14 Chapman Road
Hackham SA 5163
Australia
T 61 8 8384 3433
F 61 8 8384 3419
krix.com
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