Velodyne Acoustics Speaker FSX 12 User Manual

"If you know subwoofers, you know about Velodyne."  
-Corey Greenberg  
Home Theater Technology/February 1995  
Face Off: Comparison of five subwoofers  
FSX-12  
Owner's Manual  
"... the clean, full, and extended quality of the F-1800R's bass caused me  
to gasp with the recognition that I was finally listening to a real subwoofer."  
"... our entire listening room swelled with solid, satisfying bass, as if both  
musician and instrument were in the room."  
"...scenes such as the pre-battle sequence in Braveheart ... may very well  
have threatened the room's structural integrity had we not backed off the  
volume a bit..."  
-Al Griffin  
Home Theater/December 1996  
Gear Guide  
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Velodyne Acoustics, Inc.  
1070 Commercial St. Suite #101  
San Jose, CA 95112  
408.436.7270 voice  
408.436.7276 fax  
Audio/Video Subwoofer System  
Printed on recycled paper.  
8-97, #63-FSX12  
 
Troubleshooting & Service  
Congratulations!  
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If you should experience a problem with the operation of your subwoofer, please check all  
of the following before seeking service. Following is a simple troubleshooting guide to  
assist you.  
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Congratulations on your purchase of a Velodyne servo controlled subwoofer  
system. This system represents the state of the art in accurate low frequency  
reproduction. We believe these units to be some of the finest sounding subwoofers  
available. When properly cared for, this exceptional subwoofer will provide you  
with years of unparalleled listening pleasure. Enjoy!  
1. Verify unit is plugged in and power outlet used is active.  
2. Is power switch on?  
3. Is auto turn on/off set properly?  
4. Is unit receiving an input signal from your source?  
5. Have all controls on subwoofer (volume, crossover, phase, etc.) been properly set?  
6. Is the mute on the remote control engaged?  
7. Are both volume controls properly set?  
8. If unit has been running at high levels for an extended period of time, one of the  
protection circuits may be engaged.  
Caution!  
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Please observe the following instructions to insure safe and proper system  
operation.  
Warning!  
Has the built-in amplifier overheated?  
• Is your power line voltage sagging under heavy use?  
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture.  
To avoid electrical shock, do not open speaker enclosure or amp chassis cover.  
Please observe all warnings on the equipment itself. There are no user serviceable  
parts inside. Please refer all service questions to your authorized Velodyne dealer.  
If the protection circuitry is active, the unit may cycle on and off until operating parameters  
return to normal. Protection circuit operation is usually indicated by a blinking power led.  
Under more serious conditions, the unit may shut off completely. Normal operation will  
return upon cooling, but you may be required to turn the power off and then on again to  
reset the unit.  
Prior to installation  
Please unpack the system carefully! This unit is extremely heavy. Use caution when  
lifting of moving to avoid injury. Remove all staples used to seal the carton as they  
can scratch the cabinet. Please save the carton and all packaging materials for  
future use. Packing this unit in any other carton may result in severe damage when  
shipping. Please take a moment to record the serial number and date/location of  
purchase in the space provided on the warranty card for future reference.  
The following conditions require service by a qualified technician:  
1. The power cord has become damaged.  
2. The unit does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in  
performance.  
3. The unit has been exposed to water.  
4. Some part of the cabinet or circuitry is physically damaged.  
Note: Do not move unit while power is on. You may damage the Servo  
Control circuitry!  
Thank you for purchasing a Velodyne!  
continued. . .  
2
13  
 
Product Features & Controls  
Care of your subwoofer  
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• 12" subwoofer with 2 1/2" voice coil & 75oz. magnet  
• Built-in 120 watt (RMS) class AB amplifier  
• Accelerometer based servo control system for extreme accuracy  
• Adjustable (40 to 120Hz) low-pass crossover (defeatable)  
• 85Hz high-pass crossover outputs  
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Do not use any harsh detergents or chemicals to clean the cabinet. Abrasives, detergents,  
or cleaning solutions may damage the finish on the cabinet. We recommend using a damp  
cloth to clean the cabinet.  
During normal conditions, your new subwoofer may be left on continuously without any  
problems. The unit is equipped with a signal-sensing turn on/off that will automatically turn  
on the unit when a signal is present at the inputs and turn off the unit after several minutes  
when there is no longer any signal at the inputs. If you plan to leave the subwoofer unused  
for an extended period of time, we recommend that you turn off the master power switch  
on the rear panel.  
• Line-level (RCA) inputs & outputs  
• Speaker-level inputs & outputs  
• Signal sensing auto turn on/off (defeatable)  
• Variable volume control  
• Selectable phase control (0˚ or 180˚)  
• Frequency response of 20Hz - 120Hz +/- 3dB  
• Multiple staggered low-pass crossovers; 12dB/octave initial,  
48dB/octave ultimate  
• Gain compression circuit prevents over excursion & amp clipping  
• Power on & protection indicator LED (green)  
Installation  
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Your new Velodyne servo subwoofer provides for a number of installation options. Read  
all the installation information below in order to determine which installation option is best  
for your system. Remember to perform all installation procedures with system  
power turned off!!!  
Inputs  
Your new subwoofer is equipped with speaker-level and line-level inputs. Use the LINE  
LEVEL jacks when connecting your subwoofer to a pre-amp, signal processor, line-level  
crossover, or receiver with pre-amp level outputs. The SPEAKER LEVEL jacks connect  
directly to the speaker outputs of any amplifier, integrated amplifier or receiver. Your  
amplifier section will notice no additional loading effects when you use these inputs due  
to their very high impedance.  
continued. . .  
3
12  
 
woofers actually add to the bass spectrum making it appear louder than recorded. This is  
due to the additional and unwanted harmonics (distortion) of the fundamental signal.  
While conventional subwoofers offer little to combat distortion products, we at Velodyne  
have developed another way. . .  
Important!!!  
Do not use both LINE LEVEL and SPEAKER LEVEL connections simultaneously!  
Volume control  
This control allows you to balance the output from the subwoofer to the main speakers/  
amplifier in your system. This control should be set to achieve similar output level from  
both the main speakers and subwoofer when listening to music. The remote may then be  
used for minute/temporary adjustments, such as increasing the volume for home theater  
usage. A good starting point for the volume control is 3 or 4 dots from minimum.  
The Velodyne servo-control solution  
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The Velodyne FSX-12 produces sound in the same manner as conventional loudspeakers:  
a cone-shaped piston is forced to move by means of a linear motor composed of a coil  
situated between the poles of a very strong permanent magnet. In our F-series products  
however, a feedback mechanism is provided to link the driver to the amplifier creating a  
control system loop.  
Low-pass crossover- 40 to 120Hz  
All inputs sum the left and right channels together, with the resulting signal passing  
through an adjustable low-pass crossover before being amplified. The crossover control  
allows you to adjust the upper limit of the subwoofer's frequency response from 40 to  
120Hz. The subwoofer's response will begin rolling off above the frequency you set this  
control to. You should set the crossover frequency to obtain a smooth and seamless  
transition from the subwoofer to the main speakers in your system. If your main speakers  
are smaller units with limited low frequency output, you may wish to choose a higher  
frequency (such as 100-120Hz) than you would with larger speakers which have greater low  
frequency output. With larger speakers, you might start with this control set lower, such  
as 80Hz.  
At the heart of this control system is a low mass accelerometer rigidly attached to the voice  
coil. The accelerometer continuously monitors cone motions, providing us with a feedback  
signal for the servo control circuitry. This high-gain system is designed to improve linearity  
and reduce distortion approximately 30 times over conventional non-servo systems. While  
the input signal is being sent to the class AB amplifier which powers the driver, a continuous  
signal representing cone motion is sent back to a comparator circuit. This circuit constantly  
adjusts for any deviation between the input signal and the subwoofer's output. This self  
regulation results in extreme control over cone movement, and very accurate low  
distortion sound.  
A bypass switch is also provided if you wish to use an external crossover. If you are not  
using an external crossover, we recommend that you use the one provided  
within the unit for optimum performance!  
At typical listening levels, these servo controlled units produce less than 1% harmonic  
distortion with input signals extending to 20Hz and below. Far better than conventional  
designs currently on the market. This combination provides you with the best combination  
of clean, deep, accurate bass, without making any sacrifice to distortion.  
Phase adjustment- 0˚ /180˚  
This control allows you the "reverse" the phase of the subwoofer's output signal 180˚ to  
correct for any possible mismatch & resulting cancellation between the subwoofer and  
your main speakers/amplifier. To adjust, simply listen to the system with music playing.  
Then move the switch from one position to the other and listen for a change in low  
frequency output. The correct position will have a greater amount of apparent low  
frequency output.  
continued. . .  
11  
4
 
Subwoofer Direct switch- In/Out  
This switch allows the electronic crossover circuitry to be removed from the signal path.  
This is required in certain installations which route the signal through external processors  
with a crossover circuit of their own, such as the new digital units. Simply move the switch  
to OUT to disengage the built in crossover. For all other installations which do not have  
a separate electronic crossover we recommend you leave the internal crossover IN to  
provide optimum performance.  
The first type of protection circuitry which prevents overdriving of the speaker or amplifier  
operates constantly without being audible under most situations. In some extreme  
situations (sustained high output levels), the unit may shut down momentarily. The green  
power led may also blink rapidly. This indicates operation of the thermal protection  
circuitry. If this should happen, you should reduce the volume setting or shut the unit off  
until normal operating conditions return. You may also want to plug the unit into a different  
wall outlet, as dropping power line voltage will be most noticeable under strenuous  
conditions.  
Auto turn on switch- Auto/On  
The auto turn on switch allows the user to utilize or bypass the automatic signal sensing  
circuitry. When set in the AUTO mode with main powerON, the subwoofer will turn itself  
on when an input signal is present. If no signal is present, after several minutes the unit will  
shut itself off. When set in theON mode, the auto turn on/off function is bypassed and the  
unit will be on whenever the main power switch is on.  
Distortion in loudspeakers  
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Nonlinear distortion is a problem which plagues all speakers. This particular type of  
distortion is a common problem in subwoofers, which must move large amounts of air to  
produce adequate levels of deep bass. Nonlinear distortion is defined as any form of  
distortion that moves energy from one portion of the audio frequency spectrum to  
another. When a single tone is applied to a nonlinear system, the result is harmonic  
distortion. In which some of the energy leaves the system at multiples of the original  
frequency. When multiple tones are applied, intermodulation tones are produced, usually  
as simple combinations of the input frequencies. Generally, 3% distortion is considered a  
reasonable amount for speakers. This means that 3% of the total energy leaving the speaker  
is at frequencies other than the intended input signal.  
Power switch  
The master power switch is located on the right half of the unit. This rocker style switch is  
the main on/off for the unit. This switch should be set to position 1 (up) for on, and 0  
(down) for off. If the unit is to be left unused for an extended period of time, the master  
power switch should be turned off.  
Line-level connection  
Most subwoofers on the market today however, produce much more than 3% distortion  
at common listening levels. Many models we have tested produce greater than 20%  
distortion @ 20Hz when driven to 100dB. This is a typical output level obtained in many  
systems, particularly home theater systems. Even at 1 watt, many conventional units  
produce several percent distortion. Secondly, the odd order, higher harmonics are much  
more offensive to the human ear than the closer 2nd harmonic.  
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Figure 1 shows connection to a pre-amplifier's main outputs and returning them to your  
amplifier inputs.  
When installed in this fashion, your satellite speakers will be crossed over at 85Hz which  
removes the lower bass from your amplifier and speakers, enabling them to do a better job  
reproducing high frequencies. By utilizing this method, you will have a bi-amplified system,  
gaining improved power and headroom for your system.  
An interesting result of this reduced distortion is that some of the bass, when played over  
an extremely accurate subwoofer system, seems to actually be missing. The truth, however,  
is that the "missing" bass was never there to begin with! Distortion products of conventional  
continued. . .  
5
10  
 
locations when possible. When using a pair of Velodyne subwoofers in stereo, it is  
preferable to place each subwoofer by the satellite of the same channel.  
Subwoofer outputs  
The Velodyne subwoofer is designed to operate using the full range audio signal for input  
when using the built-in crossover. Some processors/receivers, have a "subwoofer out" jack  
that is internally filtered and designed to be used with a conventional amplifier and speaker.  
In some rare cases, combining both an external crossover and the one internal to the  
subwoofer may result in low output and increased noise. In these installations you may  
need to bypass the internal crossover in either the processor or Velodyne subwoofer. In  
some installations, simply setting one crossover to a higher frequency (such as 120 Hz) will  
restore maximum performance.  
Caution!  
This subwoofer has electronics built into the cabinet. Do not place the cabinet  
next to sources of heat such as furnace registers, radiators, etc. Do not place  
the unit near sources of excessive moisture, such as evaporative coolers,  
humidifiers, etc. The power cord should be routed in such a way that it will not  
be walked on, pinched, or compressed in any way that could result in  
damaging the insulation or wire.  
To bypass the subwoofer's internal crossover when the unit is being fed a low pass signal  
from another crossover, simply locate the switch marked X-over, OUT - IN on the rear panel  
of the subwoofer and set to the OUT position. This will eliminate the internal crossover  
from the signal path.  
Regardless of where you install your Velodyne subwoofer, it must remain in an upright  
position (woofer facing forward). Using, shipping, or otherwise storing the subwoofer in  
any other position for an extended period of time may result in damage to the unit not  
covered by warranty.  
The FSX-12 subwoofer is not magnetically shielded. When installing near television  
monitors, test placement with the monitor operational to observe any change in colors.  
Certain types of televisions are particularly sensitive to stray magnetic fields. If your  
television produces distorted colors after installing your subwoofer, simply increase the  
distance between your television and the subwoofer, until normal color and operation is  
returned.  
Fig ure 1: Insta lla tio n using line -le ve l inp uts  
POWER  
LOW-PASS  
CROSSOVER  
VOLUME  
CAUTION!  
Serial  
#
Label  
TO SPEAKERS  
RIGHT LEFT  
FROM AMPLIFIER  
LEFT  
MADE IN USA  
~
RIGHT  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
IN  
OUT  
Protection circuitry  
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Your new subwoofer is equipped with special protection circuitry to provide maximum  
performance with greatest reliability.  
PRE-AMP  
AMPLIFIER  
MAIN OUTPUTS  
MAIN OUTPUTS  
MAIN INPUTS  
RIGHT LEFT  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
LEFT  
The unit is protected against:  
1)Overdriving the speaker or amplifier.  
2)Overheating the amplifier.  
3)Excessive drop in power line voltage.  
TO SATELLITE SPEAKERS  
continued. . .  
9
6
 
Fig ure 2: Insta lla tio n using sp e a ke r-le ve l (fro m a m p lifie r) inp uts  
Note. . . .  
If not using an external crossover, you should use the built-in crossover for  
optimal performance.  
POWER  
LOW-PASS  
CROSSOVER  
VOLUME  
CAUTION!  
Serial  
#
Label  
TO SPEAKERS  
RIGHT LEFT  
FROM AMPLIFIER  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
MADE IN USA  
~
Speaker-level connection  
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Figure 2 shows an easy way to connect your Velodyne subwoofer directly to your receiver  
or integrated amplifier.  
LEFT  
RIGHT  
IN  
OUT  
MAIN OUTPUTS  
(speaker-level)  
When connected in this fashion, your satellite speakers will be crossed over at 85Hz, which  
removes the lower bass from your speakers, enabling them to do a better job reproducing  
high frequencies.  
INTEGRATED AMP / RECEIVER  
SATELLITE  
SPEAKERS  
You may also connect your satellites directly to your receiver or amplifier along with the  
subwoofer if you wish to bypass the internal high-pass crossover.  
When using speaker level connections, use a decent quality speaker cable that mates well  
with the connectors. Be very careful to avoid any loose strands or frayed wires which may  
result in a short, which may damage your equipment. Cables of extremely large size are  
typically not required. Extremely large gauge wire may not properly fit in the binding posts,  
resulting in a poor connection and possible short circuits.  
Caution!!!  
To avoid damage to your main amplifier, be sure to maintain correct polarity  
when making all connections. Red (positive) to red, and black (negative) to  
black. Be sure that all connections are tight, and that there are no loose strands  
or frayed wires.  
Placement  
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True subwoofers operate at extremely low frequencies which are primarily omni-directional.  
While it is recommended that the subwoofer be placed on the same plane as the satellite  
speakers, room and system conditions often dictate otherwise. Keep in mind that frequency  
response and output level can bedrastically influenced by placement, depending on the  
acoustic properties of the listening room. Typically, the optimum location for a subwoofer  
is tucked away in a corner of your listening room. This location will usually offer the greatest  
output levels and optimum low frequency extension. The worst location for a subwoofer  
it typically far away from any walls, and close to the center of your room. Avoid these  
Interconnect cables  
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When installing your new Velodyne subwoofer using the line level connections, you should  
always use shielded phono cables. There are many decent cables available today, most any  
of which will work perfectly well. We do recommend that you keep the length of cable as  
short as possible to avoid any potential noise problems.  
continued. . .  
7
8
 

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