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Rel Quick Set-Up Guide


REL Series Set-Up Made Simple

RELs are not traditional subwoofers, but true sub-bass systems. A REL is designed to augment the performance of “full range” speaker systems, to provide linear response down to as low as 9 Hz (Studio III). Therefore, for the moment, set aside everything you’ve been taught about subwoofers and how they are integrated into a stereo or theatre system. RELs set-up and position differently from other subwoofers. A REL will take advantage of physics and room acoustics to provide deep pressurization as no other sub-woofer can. It’s important that you bring to the set-up process a willingness to do things a little differently in order to obtain these superior results. The end result of your labours will be an utterly seamless integration of true deep bass to a sound system, regardless of the main speaker’s low bass capability.

Two things before you begin

A. It is helpful to know that you will almost always connect the REL to the input on the rear panel labelled “High Level”. This connection is made using the supplied 34 foot (10 m) cable, the bare leads of which connect to the speaker output terminals on the rear of the power amplifier. The easy and foolproof connection at the REL is done with a Neutrik Speakon connector. The purpose of connecting to the speaker output terminals is one of the unique secrets of REL’s success. By connecting to the high level input on the REL from the amplifier, you build forward the sonic signature of your main system, including the tonal balance and timing cues of the entire electronics chain. In this way, the REL is fed the exact signal that is fed to the main speakers.

B. When possible, the REL should be placed in one of the corners behind the speakers. Remember, we are dealing with true LOW bass pressurization with RELs, not the mid-bass that most competitors settle for. Low bass pressurization below 40 Hz is best derived from corner placement, where the most linear and efficient low bass can be produced. Basic set-up should take no more than ten to fifteen minutes to accomplish.

The Process

To begin the set-up process, choose a piece of music that has a repetitive bass line that is very low in frequency. We recommend cut 4 from the soundtrack to Sneakers (Columbia CK 53146). This has a repetitive bass drum throughout that gives you plenty of time to move the sub-bass around, but more importantly, the recording venue was quite large for this recording, and therefore it has a very deep and large-scale bass signature. This type of cut is perfect for the set-up process, and should be played at the highest reasonable level expected for system play back.

We call the setup procedure "POPI". This is an acronym for Phase, Orientation, Placement, Integration. These are the four steps that are necessary to achieve the best results from a REL. Note: other so-called subwoofers will almost certainly not benefit from this level of attention and are best considered as just simple boom boxes for those that just want oodles of boomy bass.

Working with a partner (one in the listening position and one at the sub-bass system manipulating the controls), is the most effective and efficient way to set up the sub-bass system. If working alone, the initial steps in the set-up can very effectively be carried out from the location of the woofer. Try to ignore all other music in the cut, listen for the bass drum and its effect on the listening room.

1. Phase: Upon plugging the REL in and hooking it up, set the crossover “Coarse” setting to position “2” and raise the gain control to the 12 o’clock position. Start with the speakers cut and move over to the corner where the REL is placed. Switch back and forth between the two phase settings. Whichever setting yields a louder output is the “correct” one. It means this position is working in harmony with your main speakers, reinforcing the bass; not cancelling it.
2. Orientation: Next, if space allows, try two different orientations of the woofer relative to the wall. First, place the REL with the connection panel parallel with the rear wall. Second, place the REL with the connection panel parallel with the sidewall. The orientation which yields the most output is the best position for that room.
3. Placement: To unlock the magic of REL, place the REL as far into the corner as possible. Then, slowly pull the REL out from the corner, just one inch at a time, listening for the point at which it exhibits increased output and the lowest bass extension. Being careful not to significantly alter the relationship of the cabinet sides to either wall. Simply draw it out on a diagonal from the corner. There is a point, which will vary for each room, wherein the REL will “unlock”. That point will likely be only a few inches from the corner, but in very rare occasions, as far as a foot. It is at this point where the REL is working with the room to provide the most efficient pressurization and the lowest possible frequency response. It will sound as if the REL has actually released more information from the recording.
4. Integration: You now have the REL properly sited and the phase correctly set. Working with both “Coarse” and “Fine” controls, you will now find a setting with which the REL and the main speakers integrate seamlessly. We suggest that you begin the adjustment process by starting with the gain at the 9 o’clock position and the lowest crossover setting. Then, raise the crossover point until the REL begins to intrude on the sound of the main speakers. At this point gain level and crossover point are each subtly adjusted up or down to reach the proper balance between the main speaker and the REL. Hint: There is a tendency among audiophiles to set the crossover point too high and the gain too low when first learning how to integrate a REL with the system, the fear being one of overwhelming the main speakers with bass. But in doing so, the resulting set-up will be lacking in bass depth and dynamics. The proper crossover point and gain setting will increase overall dynamics, allow for extended bass frequencies, and improve soundstage properties. Note: gain must be adjusted in conjunction with crossover changes. In general, when selecting a lower crossover point, more gain may need to be applied. The vast majority of installations will have the Coarse on A (the lowest setting) anf the Fine on 3 or 4. Only very occasionally is it necessary to go much higher.

Theatre and Film Applications: For Dolby Digital AC-3® or other 5.1 theatre systems, please use the supplied cable connected from the left and right amplifier outputs (as in a standard two channel system) to the ABC™ high level inputs. For this configuration, you must set the processor to the “large” or “full range” setting for the left and right speakers in order for the REL to receive the bass signal. In addition to the high-level cable coming from the amplifier, you will run a low-level phono cable from the .1 LFE output from the processor. It is important to provide low frequency support to the full range left and right channel speakers, in addition to pressurizing the room from the LFE track. In this configuration, the REL provides support for both the left and right speakers for two-channel listening, and support for the LFE when movies are playing. Most processors will allow you to defeat the subwoofer output when listening in the two-channel mode, which is appropriate to do for this set-up. The effect of this set-up is one of greatly increased dynamics in the mid-bass range; no bass bloat; and a greater degree of space and timing from the Foley effects. For an even greater sense of space and impact, a second REL connected in parallel to the centre channel will prove to be a dramatic improvement as well.

Assuming you will be using the built-in software filtering within the processor, remember to set the Mode switch on the REL to position 2 (or 4, if you needed to use reverse phase).

Other Tips: Generally speaking, do not use the supplied spikes. RELs work on the principle of the driver in a high-pressure zone relative to the floor. Spiking the REL will decouple the woofer from the floor, which will lean out the bass response. If the floor is older, very “springy” floor, spikes can be useful in reducing the influence of the REL on the floor. But better yet, a heavy stone slab placed under the REL will work better. Even if you intend to use the spikes, do NOT insert them until completion of the set-up process.

This set-up procedure courtesy of Sumiko, REL's American distributor who developed this method over a period of years.