Thiel Audio Products SS2 User manual

THIE L

SmartSub

SS2 Subwoofer

SW1 Subwoofer

Owner Information

®

Thank you for purchasing the THIEL SS2 subwoofer system. It has been engineered to provide a very

high level of performance and also incorporates innovative (patent pending) concepts in its design to solve

the several special problems subwoofer systems usually exhibit. Consequently, it performs at a very high level

with a wide variety of speakers and room locations.

You are welcome to contact our Customer Service department with any questions or for help in setting

up this system. Our contact information is:

Tel: 859-254-9427 Fax: 859-254-0075 Email: [email protected]

Contents

Caution............................................................................................................................................................... 3

Product Features................................................................................................................................................ 4

System Configurations ....................................................................................................................................... 6

Crossover Use ................................................................................................................................................... 8

Do you require a crossover? .............................................................................................................................................. 8

Processor Bass Management ............................................................................................................................................ 8

THIEL Passive Crossovers ................................................................................................................................................ 8

THIEL SmartSub Integrator................................................................................................................................................ 8

Subwoofer Placement........................................................................................................................................ 9

Setting up the Subwoofer................................................................................................................................. 10

Hookup............................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Setting the Surround Processor ....................................................................................................................................... 10

Control Settings................................................................................................................................................................ 10

Pilot light........................................................................................................................................................................... 10

Auto shutdown ................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Feet ...................................................................................................................................................................................11

Setup and Adjustment Flow Chart.................................................................................................................... 12

Fuse Replacement ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Specifications ................................................................................................................................................... 14

Warranty........................................................................................................................................................... 14

Caution

The SS2 has built-in electronics

• Do not pla• Do not pla

• Do not pla

cc

c

e the th

e th

e ce c

e c

abinet neaabinet nea

abinet nea

r sour sou

r sou

rcrc

rc

ee

e

s of hs of h

s of h

eat such as fueat such as fu

eat such as fu

rr

r

nana

na

cc

c

e re r

e r

egistegist

egist

ee

e

rs or rrs or r

rs or r

aa

a

diatorsdiators

diators

..

.

• Do not allow w• Do not allow w

• Do not allow w

atat

at

ee

e

r or othr or oth

r or oth

ee

e

r lir li

r li

quiqui

qui

ds into thds into th

ds into th

e ue u

e u

nitnit

nit

..

.

• •

•

AA

A

llow some air circulation at thllow some air circulation at th

llow some air circulation at th

e re r

e r

eaea

ea

r of thr of th

r of th

e ue u

e u

nitnit

nit

..

.

The SS2 is a very high performance, innovative subwoofer

system that provides exceptionally deep, uniform, dynamic

and low distortion bass reproduction. In addition, it will

provide near-ideal performance with any room placement

and when used with any type of main loudspeaker. These

performance abilities are the result of new (patents pending)

technology developed to overcome the major problems that

subwoofers typically exhibit: poor integration with the

main speakers and altered response due to nearby walls.

The SS2 can be used as a stand-alone unit, with

a THIEL passive crossover or with the SmartSub

Integrator, depending on your requirements. Here

is a brief description of some of the unusual

performance features this subwoofer system

provides.

Very High Output, Very Low Distortion Woofers

The SS2 uses two very high output, very low

distortion 10" drivers that utilize aluminum

diaphragms, heavy cast chassis and THIEL’s short coil/

long gap, copper stabilized motor systems powered by

10 lb magnets in structures with a total weight of 20 lbs.

The short coil/long gap design results in very low

distortion levels that are only one-tenth that of typical

drivers with the same excursion rating. This magnet

system’s very long magnetic gap, along with the very high

excursion suspension, allows each driver to move a very large

amount of air (65 in

3

) – as much as many 15" woofers. By

using two of these drivers the SS2 can effortlessly reproduce

even demanding sources at high volume levels.

4

Product Features

One of two SS2 drivers

SS2 1000 watt amplifier

1000 Watt Amplifier

The SS2 is powered by a Class D, switching-mode 1000

watt RMS amplifier.

The amplifier’s very high power ensures that the woofers

can provide all the output they are capable of without power

compression or limiting.

Since switching amplifiers are very high efficiency, about

92% in this case, very high power and currents can be

delivered without large heat sinks, fans or additional power

supply capacity for large amounts of waste heat. This type of

amplifier is ideal for subwoofer applications since the

amplifier does not have to deliver significant power at high

frequencies.

Placement Correction

Placement controls

(patent pending) on the SS2

match the unit’s

performance to its

environment, whether away

from walls, in a corner or

anything in-between. These

controls correct for both

the general increase in level

and for the partial

cancellation of certain

frequencies caused by a

nearby wall. By providing

correction of these effects

for both the side and rear

walls, the SS2 can provide

accurately balanced,

uniform response with

virtually any room

placement.

5

Temperature Correction

The SS2 electronics contains unique circuitry (patent

pending) that corrects for compression distortion due to

heating of the drivers’ voice coils. Without this correction

subwoofer output levels could decrease by as much as 5 dB

and the response altered at times of high demand. The

correction allows the subwoofer to provide more accurate,

uncompressed and dynamic reproduction.

A thermistor is mounted to the woofer’s voice coil so that

the amplifier can continuously measure the voice coil’s

temperature. Knowing this, circuitry automatically adjusts

both frequency response and level of the signal to accurately

compensate for all effects of temperature on performance.

This compensation ensures that the subwoofer’s response

and sensitivity don’t change with temperature.

Protection from overheating

An automatic shutdown feature is included that protects

the drivers from excessive heat produced by input levels that

are excessively high. By knowing the temperature of the

voice coil at all times, a shutdown is automatically executed

if temperatures ever reach levels that could cause damage.

The unit continues to monitor the temperature and is

automatically restarted when the temperature falls to a safe

level.

Accurate Matching to Main Speakers

Rather than providing generic built-in crossover controls

that can rarely achieve high quality blending of the

subwoofer with main speakers, the SmartSub can be used

when needed with a separate unit, either a dedicated passive

crossover or the universal SmartSub Integrator.

The passive crossovers provide perfectly blended

augmentation of the main speakers, allowing the

combination to provide very accurate reproduction of the

entire sonic spectrum, to below the audible range.

The SmartSub Integrator provides unprecedented ability

to perfectly match any main speakers and provide total

system performance that is as well integrated and balanced as

a full range speaker. This superior performance is achieved by

innovative circuitry (patents pending) that automatically

calculates the ideal subwoofer response to perfectly match

the characteristics of the main speakers. Therefore, instead

of the usual crossover controls that tell the subwoofer how to

perform, the SmartSub Integrator has settings for the

characteristics of the main speakers you are matching, the

configuration of your system and the performance you

desire. This information is then used to automatically

calculate and implement the ideal subwoofer response. In

addition, the unit enables the total system to operate in

either augment or crossover system mode and can control up

to 16 subwoofer units in either mono or stereo configuration.

Passive Crossover

SmartSub Integrator

Heat sensor on voice coil

LFE Configuration

The SS2 can be used in four ways depending on your

requirements:

1. As a stand-alone unit.

2. With a passive crossover.

3. With the SmartSub Integrator in augment mode.

4. With the SmartSub Integrator in crossover mode.

The configuration chosen will determine your required

equipment, hookup connections and processor settings.

Which system configuration is best for you depends mainly

on the capabilities of your main left/right speakers.

Additional discussion of these options can be found in

the section Crossover Use. In addition, there is a

comprehensive flow chart for your reference on pages 12 and

13 that guides you through all aspects of system

configuration, hookup, and adjustment. More information

on Integrator hookup and adjustment can be found in that

product’s manual.

System Configurations

6

In this configuration the subwoofer is used only for reproduction of

the ‘point one’ subwoofer channel and is driven by the processor’s

subwoofer output connected to the subwoofer’s LFE input.

This configuration is a good choice when the main speakers play

sufficiently loud and their bass is satisfactory for applications other

than movie effects.

L

E

F

T

R

I

G

H

T

C

E

N

T

E

R

L

R

E

A

R

E

A

R

S

U

B

L

F

E

L

e

v

e

l

R

e

a

r

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

S

i

d

e

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

L

F

E

I

n

p

u

t

L

F

E

O

u

t

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

T

r

i

g

e

r

O

n

F

u

s

e

A

u

t

o

O

n

W

A

R

N

IN

G

T

O

P

R

E

V

E

N

T

F

I

R

E

O

R

S

H

O

C

K

H

A

Z

A

R

D

O

N

O

T

E

X

P

O

S

E

T

H

I

S

U

N

I

T

O

R

A

I

N

O

R

M

O

I

S

T

U

R

E

N

O

U

S

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

B

L

E

P

A

R

T

S

I

N

S

I

D

E

R

E

F

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

I

N

G

T

O

Q

U

A

L

I

F

I

E

D

P

E

R

S

O

N

E

L

R

E

P

L

A

C

E

F

U

S

E

O

N

L

Y

W

I

T

H

S

A

M

E

R

A

T

I

N

G

A

TT

E

N

TION

P

O

U

R

E

V

I

T

E

R

T

O

U

S

R

I

S

Q

U

E

S

D

E

F

E

U

O

U

D

E

C

H

O

C

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

Q

U

E

N

'

E

X

P

O

S

E

Z

P

A

S

C

E

T

A

P

A

R

E

I

L

A

L

'

H

U

M

I

D

I

T

E

A

U

C

U

N

C

O

M

P

O

S

A

N

T

N

E

P

E

U

T

E

T

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

P

A

R

L

'

U

T

I

L

I

S

A

T

E

U

R

V

E

U

L

E

Z

C

O

N

T

A

C

T

E

R

L

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

P

R

E

S

V

E

N

T

E

A

G

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

R

L

E

F

U

S

I

B

L

E

P

A

R

U

N

A

U

T

R

E

D

E

L

A

M

E

M

E

V

A

L

E

U

R

C

A

U

T

I

O

N

R

ISK

O

F

EL

E

C

TR

IC

S

H

OC

K

D

O

N

O

T O

PE

N

A

V

IS:

R

IS

Q

U

E

D

E

C

H

O

C

E

LEC

T

R

IQ

U

E

- N

E P

A

S O

U

VR

IR

!

T

H

I

E

L

Sm

a

rtSu

b

®

P

a

t

e

n

t

s

P

e

n

d

i

n

g

M

o

d

e

l

S

e

r

N

o

V

o

l

t

a

g

e

T

H

I

E

L

A

u

d

i

o

•

1

0

2

6

N

a

n

d

i

n

o

B

o

u

l

e

v

a

r

d

•

L

e

x

i

n

g

t

o

n

,

K

e

n

t

u

c

k

y

•

U

S

A

•

w

.

t

h

i

e

l

a

u

d

i

o

.

c

o

m

O

n

1

2

0

v

8

A

2

4

0

v

4

A

S

l

o

-

b

l

o

w

S

e

l

e

c

t

D

e

c

r

e

a

s

e

I

n

c

r

e

a

s

e

m

e

t

e

r

s

m

e

t

e

r

s

O

f

®

C

U

S

R

i

g

h

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

e

f

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

+

L

–

R

–

R

+

IN

P

U

T

O

U

T

P

U

T

Power Amplifier

for main speakers

Preamp or Processor

Left/Right

outputs

Sub

output

Main Left/Right speakers

Subwoofer

LEFT

RIG

HT

CEN

TER

L RE

AR

R R

EAR

SU

B

L

F

E

L

e

v

e

l

R

e

a

r

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

S

i

d

e

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

L

F

E

I

n

p

u

t

L

F

E

O

u

t

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

T

r

i

g

e

r

O

n

F

u

s

e

A

u

t

o

O

n

W

A

R

N

I

N

G

T

O

P

R

E

V

E

N

T

F

I

R

E

O

R

S

H

O

C

K

H

A

Z

A

R

D

O

N

O

T

E

X

P

O

S

E

T

H

I

S

U

N

I

T

O

R

A

I

N

O

R

M

O

I

S

T

U

R

E

N

O

U

S

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

B

L

E

P

A

R

T

S

I

N

S

I

D

E

R

E

F

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

I

N

G

T

O

Q

U

A

L

I

F

I

E

D

P

E

R

S

O

N

E

L

R

E

P

L

A

C

E

F

U

S

E

O

N

L

Y

W

I

T

H

S

A

M

E

R

A

T

I

N

G

A

T

E

N

T

I

O

N

P

O

U

R

E

V

I

T

E

R

T

O

U

S

R

I

S

Q

U

E

S

D

E

F

E

U

O

U

D

E

C

H

O

C

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

Q

U

E

N

’

E

X

P

O

S

E

Z

P

A

S

C

E

T

A

P

A

R

E

I

L

A

L

’

H

U

M

I

D

I

T

E

A

U

C

U

N

C

O

M

P

O

S

A

N

T

N

E

P

E

U

T

E

T

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

P

A

R

L

’

U

T

I

L

I

S

A

T

E

U

R

V

E

U

L

E

Z

C

O

N

T

A

C

T

E

R

L

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

P

R

E

S

V

E

N

T

E

A

G

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

R

L

E

F

U

S

I

B

L

E

P

A

R

U

N

A

U

T

R

E

D

E

L

A

M

E

M

E

V

A

L

E

U

R

C

A

U

T

I

O

N

R

I

S

K

O

F

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

C

S

H

O

C

K

D

O

N

O

T

O

P

E

N

A

V

I

S

:

R

I

S

Q

U

E

D

E

C

H

O

C

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

Q

U

E

-

N

E

P

A

S

O

U

V

R

I

R

!

TH

IEL

SmartSub

®

P

a

t

e

n

t

s

P

e

n

d

i

n

g

M

o

d

e

l

S

e

r

N

o

V

o

l

t

a

g

e

T

H

I

E

L

A

u

d

i

o

¥

1

0

2

6

N

a

n

d

i

n

o

B

o

u

l

e

v

a

r

d

¥

L

e

x

i

n

g

t

o

n

,

K

e

n

t

u

c

k

y

¥

U

S

A

¥

w

.

t

h

i

e

l

a

u

d

i

o

.

c

o

m

O

n

1

2

0

v

8

A

2

4

0

v

4

A

S

l

o

-

b

l

o

w

S

e

l

e

c

t

D

e

c

r

e

a

s

e

I

n

c

r

e

a

s

e

m

e

t

e

r

s

m

e

t

e

r

s

O

f

¤

C

U

S

R

ig

h

t B

a

l

In

p

u

t

L

e

ft

B

a

l

In

p

u

t

L

+

L

—

R

—

R

+

I

N

P

U

T

O

U

T

P

U

T

Power Amplifier

for main speakers

Preamp or Processor

SmartSub

Passive

Crossover

Left/Right

outputs

Sub

output

Main Left/Right speakers

Subwoofer

P

o

w

e

r

P

o

i

n

t

P

o

w

e

r

P

l

a

n

e

T

H

I

E

L

A

u

d

i

o

¥

L

e

x

i

n

g

t

o

n

,

K

Y

¥

U

S

A

w

.

t

h

i

e

l

a

u

d

i

o

.

c

o

m

O

u

t

p

u

t

o

S

u

b

w

o

f

e

r

L

e

f

t

c

h

a

n

e

l

s

p

e

a

k

e

r

l

e

v

e

l

i

n

p

u

t

R

i

g

h

t

c

h

a

n

e

l

s

p

e

a

k

e

r

l

e

v

e

l

i

n

p

u

t

T

h

i

s

u

n

i

t

m

a

t

c

h

e

s

p

e

a

k

e

r

m

o

d

e

l

+ —

+

—

M

o

d

e

l

P

X

O

2

s

/

n

Passive Crossover Configuration

1 If your main speakers play sufficiently loudly for all

your uses and they reproduce the bass with satisfying

completeness, then the subwoofer is only needed to

reproduce the LFE (low frequency effects, or subwoofer)

channel and it can be used in the LFE configuration

without a crossover or Integrator.

If your main speakers play sufficiently loudly for all your

uses but do not reproduce the full low frequency range of the

left/right channels, you should also use the subwoofer to

augment the bass response of your main speakers. This can

be accomplished without altering the signal or wiring to your

main speakers by using one of the next two configurations.

2 A SmartSub Passive crossover can be used if one is

available to match your main THIEL speakers and low

frequency adjustments are not required.

This configuration has connections and benefits identical to the

following one except the passive crossover provides no adjustments

and is available for only selected THIEL model main speakers.

7

In this configuration the subwoofer is used to reproduce both the

subwoofer channel and the deep bass portion of the left and right

channels and achieves near-perfect blending of the main channel

bass with the main speakers.

Tell the processor the main speakers are large, even if they are not.

This configuration can be ideal if the main speakers play loudly

enough. It’s also perfect for audio systems where the subwoofer is

used to extend the bass range.

Connecting the SmartSub Integrator between the processor and the

main speaker power amp allows the Integrator to be used in

crossover mode so that bass can be kept from the main speakers

and reproduced by the subwoofer instead. This usually allows the

main speakers to play more loudly than otherwise so that the bass

range

and

the output of the system are enhanced.

Tell the processor the main speakers are large, even if they are not.

Integrator Augment Configuration Integrator Crossover Configuration

3 The SmartSub Integrator in augment configuration

should be used if a passive crossover is not available

for your main speakers, you desire adjustability of the main

channel bass level or extension, or if you desire more than

one subwoofer in your system, or two stereo subwoofers.

4 If your main speakers do not play sufficiently loudly

due to bass overloading, then the Integrator should

be used in crossover mode to allow the transfer of low

frequency energy from the main speakers and into the

subwoofer.

L

E

F

T

R

I

G

H

T

C

E

N

T

E

R

L

R

E

A

R

E

A

R

S

U

B

U

n

b

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

R

i

g

h

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

e

f

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

F

E

I

n

p

u

t

R

i

g

h

t

B

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

L

e

f

t

B

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

S

p

e

a

k

e

r

l

e

v

e

l

I

n

p

u

t

s

P

o

w

e

r

L

R

U

n

b

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

L

R

L

+

L

—

R

—

R

+

I

N

P

U

T

S

O

U

T

P

U

T

S

R

i

g

h

t

S

u

b

O

u

t

p

u

t

R

e

m

o

t

eL

e

f

t

S

u

b

O

u

t

p

u

t

R

i

g

h

t

B

r

i

d

g

e

I

n

L

e

ft

B

r

i

d

g

e

I

n

S

/

N

M

o

d

e

l

S

I

1

T

H

I

E

L

A

u

d

i

o

L

e

x

in

g

t

o

n

,

K

e

n

t

u

c

k

y

U

S

A

w

.

t

h

i

e

la

u

d

i

o

.

c

o

m

L

F

E

L

e

v

e

l

R

e

a

r

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

S

i

d

e

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

L

F

E

I

n

p

u

t

L

F

E

O

u

t

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

T

r

i

g

e

r

O

n

F

u

s

e

A

u

t

o

O

n

W

A

R

N

I

N

G

T

O

P

R

E

V

E

N

T

F

I

R

E

O

R

S

H

O

C

K

H

A

Z

A

R

D

O

N

O

T

E

X

P

O

S

E

T

H

I

S

U

N

I

T

O

R

A

I

N

O

R

M

O

I

S

T

U

R

E

N

O

U

S

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

B

L

E

P

A

R

T

S

I

N

S

I

D

E

R

E

F

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

I

N

G

T

O

Q

U

A

L

I

F

I

E

D

P

E

R

S

O

N

E

L

R

E

P

L

A

C

E

F

U

S

E

O

N

L

Y

W

I

T

H

S

A

M

E

R

A

T

I

N

G

A

T

E

N

T

I

O

N

P

O

U

R

E

V

I

T

E

R

T

O

U

S

R

I

S

Q

U

E

S

D

E

F

E

U

O

U

D

E

C

H

O

C

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

Q

U

E

N

’

E

X

P

O

S

E

Z

P

A

S

C

E

T

A

P

A

R

E

I

L

A

L

’

H

U

M

I

D

I

T

E

A

U

C

U

N

C

O

M

P

O

S

A

N

T

N

E

P

E

U

T

E

T

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

P

A

R

L

’

U

T

I

L

I

S

A

T

E

U

R

V

E

U

L

E

Z

C

O

N

T

A

C

T

E

R

L

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

P

R

E

S

V

E

N

T

E

A

G

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

R

L

E

F

U

S

I

B

L

E

P

A

R

U

N

A

U

T

R

E

D

E

L

A

M

E

M

E

V

A

L

E

U

R

C

A

U

T

I

O

N

R

I

S

K

O

F

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

C

S

H

O

C

K

D

O

N

O

T

O

P

E

N

A

V

I

S

:

R

I

S

Q

U

E

D

E

C

H

O

C

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

Q

U

E

-

N

E

P

A

S

O

U

V

R

I

R

!

T

H

I

E

L

S

m

a

r

t

S

u

b

®

P

a

t

e

n

ts

P

e

n

d

in

g

M

o

d

e

l

S

e

r

N

o

V

o

l

t

a

g

e

T

H

I

E

L

A

u

d

i

o

¥

1

0

2

6

N

a

n

d

i

n

o

B

o

u

l

e

v

a

r

d

¥

L

e

x

i

n

g

t

o

n

,

K

e

n

t

u

c

k

y

¥

U

S

A

¥

w

.

t

h

i

e

l

a

u

d

i

o

.

c

o

m

O

n

1

2

0

v

8

A

2

4

0

v

4

A

S

l

o

-

b

l

o

w

S

e

l

e

c

t

D

e

c

r

e

a

s

e

I

n

c

r

e

a

s

e

m

e

t

e

r

s

m

e

t

e

r

s

O

f

¤

C

U

S

R

i

g

h

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

e

f

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

+

L

—

R

—

R

+

INPUT

OUTPUT

Power Amplifier

for main speakers

Preamp or Processor

SmartSub Integrator

Left/Right

outputs

Sub

output

Main Left/Right speakers

Subwoofer

L

E

F

T

R

I

G

H

T

C

E

N

T

E

R

L

R

E

A

R

E

A

R

S

U

B

U

n

b

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

R

i

g

h

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

e

f

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

F

E

I

n

p

u

t

R

i

g

h

t

B

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

L

e

f

t

B

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

S

p

e

a

k

e

r

l

e

v

e

l

I

n

p

u

t

s

P

o

w

e

r

L

R

U

n

b

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

L

R

L

+

L

—

R

—

R

+

I

N

P

U

T

S

O

U

T

P

U

T

S

R

i

g

h

t

S

u

b

O

u

t

p

u

t

R

e

m

o

t

e

L

e

f

t

S

u

b

O

u

t

p

u

t

R

i

g

h

t

B

r

i

d

g

e

I

n

L

e

f

t

B

r

i

d

g

e

I

n

S

/

N

M

o

d

e

l

S

I

1

T

H

I

E

L

A

u

d

i

o

L

e

x

i

n

g

t

o

n

,

K

e

n

t

u

c

k

y

U

S

A

w

.

t

h

i

e

l

a

u

d

i

o

.

c

o

m

L

F

E

L

e

v

e

l

R

e

a

r

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

S

i

d

e

W

a

l

D

i

s

t

a

n

c

e

L

F

E

I

n

p

u

t

L

F

E

O

u

t

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

N

o

r

m

a

l

O

u

t

p

u

t

T

r

i

g

e

r

O

n

F

u

s

e

A

u

t

o

O

n

W

A

RN

IN

G

T

O

P

R

E

V

E

N

T

F

I

R

E

O

R

S

H

O

C

K

H

A

Z

A

R

D

O

N

O

T

E

X

P

O

S

E

T

H

I

S

U

N

I

T

O

R

A

I

N

O

R

M

O

I

S

T

U

R

E

N

O

U

S

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

B

L

E

P

A

R

T

S

I

N

S

I

D

E

R

E

F

E

R

S

E

R

V

I

C

I

N

G

T

O

Q

U

A

L

I

F

I

E

D

P

E

R

S

O

N

E

L

R

E

P

L

A

C

E

F

U

S

E

O

N

L

Y

W

I

T

H

S

A

M

E

R

A

T

I

N

G

A

TT

EN

T

ION

P

O

U

R

E

V

I

T

E

R

T

O

U

S

R

I

S

Q

U

E

S

D

E

F

E

U

O

U

D

E

C

H

O

C

E

L

E

C

T

R

I

Q

U

E

N

’

E

X

P

O

S

E

Z

P

A

S

C

E

T

A

P

A

R

E

I

L

A

L

’

H

U

M

I

D

I

T

E

A

U

C

U

N

C

O

M

P

O

S

A

N

T

N

E

P

E

U

T

E

T

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

P

A

R

L

’

U

T

I

L

I

S

A

T

E

U

R

V

E

U

L

E

Z

C

O

N

T

A

C

T

E

R

L

E

S

E

R

V

I

C

E

A

P

R

E

S

V

E

N

T

E

A

G

R

E

R

E

M

P

L

A

C

E

R

L

E

F

U

S

I

B

L

E

P

A

R

U

N

A

U

T

R

E

D

E

L

A

M

E

M

E

V

A

L

E

U

R

C

A

U

T

I

O

N

R

IS

K OF E

LEC

T

RIC S

H

OC

K

D

O

N

O

T O

PEN

A

VIS

: R

ISQ

U

E

D

E

C

H

O

C

ELE

C

TR

IQ

U

E - N

E

PA

S

O

UV

R

IR

!

TH

IEL

SmartSub

®

P

a

t

e

n

t

s

P

e

n

d

i

n

g

M

o

d

e

l

S

e

r

N

o

V

o

l

t

a

g

e

T

H

I

E

L

A

u

d

i

o

¥

1

0

2

6

N

a

n

d

i

n

o

B

o

u

l

e

v

a

r

d

¥

L

e

x

i

n

g

t

o

n

,

K

e

n

t

u

c

k

y

¥

U

S

A

¥

w

.

t

h

i

e

l

a

u

d

i

o

.

c

o

m

O

n

1

2

0

v

8

A

2

4

0

v

4

A

S

l

o

-

b

l

o

w

S

e

l

e

c

t

D

e

c

r

e

a

s

e

I

n

c

r

e

a

s

e

m

e

t

e

r

s

m

e

t

e

r

s

O

f

¤

C

U

S

R

i

g

h

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

e

f

t

B

a

l

I

n

p

u

t

L

+

L

—

R

—

R

+

I

N

P

U

T

O

U

T

P

U

T

Power Amplifier

for main speakers

Preamp or Processor

SmartSub Integrator

Left/Right

outputs

Sub

output

Main Left/Right speakers

Subwoofer

Do you require a crossover?

Without a crossover the subwoofer will provide very high

quality reproduction of the Low Frequency Effects (LFE), or

“point 1”, channel of a multi channel sound system.

When used with a crossover, the subwoofer can, in

addition, also reproduce the low frequency part of the left

and right channels in a 2 channel or multi channel music or

video sound system. It is desirable to use the subwoofer in

this capacity if the main speakers do not reproduce the

entire bass range or if the main speakers cannot play at the

volume level desired without distortion. Depending on your

requirements, the crossover can be either the bass

management capabilities of a sound processor, one of our

dedicated passive crossovers, or the SmartSub Integrator.

Here is a description of each of these with their advantages.

Processor Bass Management

Surround sound processors have the ability to redirect

the bass energy away from your main speakers and into the

subwoofer channel where it is reproduced by the subwoofer,

with the benefits of allowing the main speakers to play

louder than they otherwise would, and the bass to be

reproduced better. This is implemented by telling the

processor that your main speakers are “small”.

The limitation of this bass management approach is the

poor balance and integration between the subwoofer and the

main speakers that the processor’s generic filters provide. It

may be suitable for low standard video systems and will

seldom be suitable for music.

THIEL Passive Crossovers

There are several passive crossovers available that match

a THIEL subwoofer to various THIEL speaker models.

Since they are designed for specific models, they achieve very

good integration and balance between the subwoofer and the

main speakers. Also, being passive, they are of quite

reasonable cost. They allow the subwoofer to augment the

main speakers in the precise way that will enable the

combination of main speaker and subwoofer to produce

perfectly balanced and blended sound with the bass range

extended to below 20 Hz. Two passive crossovers can be

used with two subwoofers to provide stereo bass

reproduction.

A limitation is that these crossovers do not redirect bass

energy away from the main speakers and so the main

speakers will not play any louder than otherwise.

This is often an ideal system for music systems and a

good approach for video systems when the main speakers

play sufficiently loud but do not have extended, deep bass

response.

THIEL SmartSub Integrator

The SmartSub Integrator provides a high level of

flexibility, universality, and functionality. It provides near-

perfect integration with any main speakers, regardless of

brand. It can be used both in augment mode, where the

subwoofer extends the bass range of the main speakers, and

in crossover mode. In crossover mode the built-in high pass

filter transfers bass energy away from the main speakers and

redirects it to the subwoofer, so that the main speakers are

able to play louder. The Integrator also allows adjustment of

crossover frequency, LFE level and separate adjustment of

main channel bass extension and low frequency level. In

addition, it can control stereo subwoofers, and be used to

control systems with up to 16 subwoofers.

This is a complete, no-compromise approach with no

limitations.

Crossover Use

8

Crossover type Integration Flexibility XO mode?

Processor Poor Low Yes

Passive XO Very good Low No

Integrator Excellent High Yes

Crossover Types Compared

If the subwoofer is used only for LFE reproduction, it

can be placed almost anywhere. If more than one subwoofer

is used, placing them in different locations tends to even out

possible room resonance irregularities.

If the subwoofer is used with a crossover or Integrator to

reproduce the low frequency portion of the main channels

then placement is a little more important. The subwoofer(s)

preferably should be approximately the same distance from

the main listening area as the main speakers. With one

subwoofer the best position is usually somewhere between

the main speakers but behind them a few feet if possible in

order to maintain good stereo imaging.

The use of two subwoofers allows the low frequency

signal to be processed in stereo by the crossover unit, and,

therefore to provide the best possible imaging. In this case,

it is preferable that the subwoofers be placed somewhat near

each main speaker. Good placement is anywhere from

between the speakers, near each speaker, or at the side walls.

Subwoofer Placement

9

For LFE (“point 1”) channel use, corner placement is often ideal,

providing maximum output.

Center placement against the front wall is often optimum for music or

movie systems where the subwoofer is used to reproduce left/right

channel bass. It provides high output and good “imaging”.

Dual corner placement provides maximum output from each sub,

higher total output, good “imaging” and more even room response.

Dual subs near the main speakers provide the higher output of dual

subs combined with the best “imaging” and most even room

response.

Dual subs at the side walls provide the higher output of dual subs,

high output from each sub, good “imaging” and even room response.

CC

C

aa

a

ution! ution!

ution!

ThTh

Th

e subwoofee subwoofe

e subwoofe

r hr h

r h

as buias bui

as bui

lt-in electronicslt-in electronics

lt-in electronics

..

.

• Do not pla • Do not pla

• Do not pla

cc

c

e the th

e th

e ce c

e c

abinet neaabinet nea

abinet nea

r sour sou

r sou

rcrc

rc

ee

e

s of hs of h

s of h

eat such aseat such as

eat such as

fufu

fu

rr

r

nana

na

cc

c

e re r

e r

egistegist

egist

ee

e

rs or rrs or r

rs or r

aa

a

diatorsdiators

diators

..

.

• Do not allow w• Do not allow w

• Do not allow w

atat

at

ee

e

r or othr or oth

r or oth

ee

e

r lir li

r li

quiqui

qui

ds into thds into th

ds into th

e ue u

e u

nitnit

nit

..

.

• •

•

AA

A

llow some air circulation at thllow some air circulation at th

llow some air circulation at th

e re r

e r

eaea

ea

r of thr of th

r of th

e ue u

e u

nitnit

nit

..

.

Higher output is achieved when the subwoofer is placed

near a wall and even more output is available when placed

near a corner of the room. If very high output is desired in

large rooms corner placement can be used with little trade-

off in sound quality. For use in very large rooms, greater than

4,000 ft

3

, more than one SS2 may be required if very high

playback levels are desired.

Hookup

If the subwoofer is being used with a passive crossover or

SmartSub Integrator, a balanced XLR interconnect cable is

connected from the unit’s subwoofer output to the

subwoofer’s Normal Input. If more than one subwoofer is

used, they are “daisy-chained” by connecting an additional

XLR interconnect cable from the Normal Output connector

of the first subwoofer to the Normal Input of the next

subwoofer.

If the Integrator is not being used, then an RCA

interconnect cable is connected from the processor’s

subwoofer output jack to the subwoofer’s LFE Input. If more

than one subwoofer is used, an additional cable is connected

from the LFE Output connector of the first subwoofer to the

LFE Input of the next subwoofer.

The subwoofer’s power cord must be plugged into an AC

outlet and the power switch turned to the “on” position.

Setting the Surround Processor

Te ll the processor that you have a subwoofer.

If you are using a Passive Crossover or the Integrator

then the surround processor should be set to deliver the left/

right channel bass to the main speaker channels by telling it

that the main speakers are full-range (even if they are not).

If you are not using a Passive Crossover or Integrator and

the main speakers are not able to reproduce deep bass, you

can tell the processor that the front speakers are “small” so

that the main channel bass is redirected to the subwoofer.

If you are using the Integrator set the subwoofer channel

level in the processor to the same level as the left and right

channels and use the Integrator to adjust the LFE level. If

you are not using the Integrator use the processor’s

subwoofer level setting to adjust the LFE level.

Control Settings

There are three adjustments which are made by using the

three buttons below the numeric readout. Use the Select

button to select which adjustment will be active, indicated by

which light is lighted. The setting of the active adjustment is

displayed in the readout for 10 seconds after any of the

buttons is pressed. Adjust the active setting by using the

Increase and Decrease buttons.

The LFE Level is functional only for the LFE input.

II

I

ff

f

yy

y

ou arou ar

ou ar

e not using the LFE input, set this te not using the LFE input, set this t

e not using the LFE input, set this t

o minimumo minimum

o minimum

(OFF).(OFF).

(OFF). If you are using the LFE input then the subwoofer

level must be adjusted to achieve the proper balance with the

other speakers. It is usually more convenient to adjust the

subwoofer level with the processor’s subwoofer level control,

and in this case a good starting point for the level setting is

90. If the system’s processor cannot control subwoofer level,

then the subwoofer’s level adjustment is used. The level can

be adjusted “by ear” to achieve a pleasing balance so that the

low frequency sound effects are not too weak or too strong.

UU

U

nfornfor

nfor

tunattunat

tunat

elel

el

yy

y

, ,

,

aa

a

n SPL metn SPL met

n SPL met

ee

e

r cr c

r c

aa

a

nnot bnnot b

nnot b

e used toe used to

e used to

aa

a

ccuccu

ccu

rr

r

atat

at

ely aely a

ely a

djust subwoofedjust subwoofe

djust subwoofe

r levelr level

r level

due t due t

due t

o differo differ

o differ

encenc

enc

es ines in

es in

bandwidth betwbandwidth betw

bandwidth betw

een the subween the subw

een the subw

oofer and the mainoofer and the main

oofer and the main

speakspeak

speak

erer

er

s.s.

s.

The placement settings should be adjusted to correspond

to the placement of the subwoofer. Set the Side Wall Distance

to the distance from the side of the subwoofer to the side

wall and the Rear Wall Distance to the distance from the rear

of the subwoofer to the rear wall. The distance is displayed

in meters, which is the distance in feet divided by 3.3. If a

distance is greater than 2.5 meters (or 8 feet) set the control

to maximum (OFF). If the subwoofer is placed in a cabinet

the settings should correspond to the room wall distances,

not the distances to internal cabinet walls. If the subwoofer

is recessed into the wall so the front is flush with the wall,

then the rear control should be set to -0.5.

If the norm/auto switch is turned to the “On” position

the subwoofer is always on, ready to reproduce a signal. If the

switch is set to the “Auto” position, the subwoofer’s amplifier

will automatically turn on when it detects a signal to

reproduce and stay on for approximately 1/2 hour after a

signal.

The unit is equipped with a control input that will turn

the unit on when a DC voltage between 5 and 25 volts is

applied, if the Auto/On switch is set to the “Auto” position.

Pilot light

The pilot light on the back panel and the front of the

subwoofer glows green during normal operation. This green

light can be turned off if you desire by pressing both the

increase and decrease buttons simultaneously when the

numeric display is not on. The light can be turned back on in

the same way.

Auto shutdown

The subwoofer is equipped with an automatic shutdown

feature that will turn off the output of the subwoofer if the

drivers, amplifier or rear panel get too hot or if the line

voltage is too low. This can occur if a very high input level

lasts too long or if the subwoofer has insufficient ventilation.

If the automatic shutdown is activated, subwoofer output

will be interrupted and the light on the input panel will flash.

The unit will resume operation when conditions return to

safe levels. Here is a list of the light flash modes and the

conditions they indicate.

Green / Red Hot drivers

Red long / Green short Hot rear panel

Red / Yellow Hot amplifier

Ye l low blinking Low line voltage

If the unit shuts down often, this indicates that you

should improve its ventilation, turn down the system’s

volume control, turn down the subwoofer’s level control or

add an additional subwoofer.

Setting up the Subwoofer

10

LFE Level

Rear Wall Distance

Side Wall Distance

LFE Input

LFE Output

Normal Input

Normal Output

Trigger OnFuse

Auto

On

WARNING

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

REPLACE FUSE ONLY WITH SAME RATING

ATTENTION

POUR EVITER TOUS RISQUES DE FEU OU DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET APPAREIL A L'HUMIDITE

AUCUN COMPOSANT NE PEUT ETRE REMPLACE PAR L'UTILISATEUR

VEULLEZ CONTACTER LE SERVICE APRES VENTE AGREE

REMPLACER LE FUSIBLE PAR UN AUTRE DE LA MEME VALEUR

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR

!

THIEL

SmartSub

®

Patents Pending

Model

Ser N

o

Voltage

THIEL Audio • 1026 Nandino Boulevard • Lexington, Kentucky • USA • www.thielaudio.com

On

120v 8A

240v 4A

Slo-blow

Select

Decrease

Increase

meters

Off

Power cord plugs here Turn power on here

This light and the one on the front of the

subwoofer will glow green if the

amplifier is currently operational, and

red for 5 seconds during start-up or if

the amplifier is set for auto-on that is

not currently activated. It will flash in

various colors and patterns when heat

or line voltage is a problem.

Set this adjustment to match the

distance from the side of the subwoofer

to the side wall of the room (in meters).

Set this adjustment to match the

distance from the rear of the subwoofer

to the rear wall of the room (in meters).

This level adjustment functions only for

the LFE input. If you are not using the

LFE input, set this to minimum

(OFF). If the subwoofer volume is set

by the processor then a good starting

point is 90.

This displays the current setting of the

adjustment designated by the light

above.

This button increases the active setting.

This button selects which setting is

active.

This button decreases the active

setting.

Connect an input cable to this connec-

tor if the subwoofer is being used for

the processor’s subwoofer output.

If the LFE input is used, this connector

can connect to an additional subwoofer.

Connect an input cable to this connec-

tor if the subwoofer is being driven by a

crossover or Integrator.

If the Normal input is used, then this

connector can be used to connect to an

additional subwoofer.

DC voltage (5-25 volts) to this jack will

turn the amplifier on if the auto/on

switch is set to auto. Removing the

voltage turns the amp off.

Setting this switch to On turns the

amplifier on (after a 3 second start-up

delay) provided that the main power

switch is on. The Auto position allows

the amplifier to automatically turn on

when it detects an input or a trigger.

11

See page 14 for fuse replacement

Feet

The subwoofer is supplied with four pointed, screw-in

feet that can be used to provide firmer coupling to the floor

for slightly better sound quality and to prevent the unit from

moving during use. Please be advised that their use can put

dents in hardwood floors. They are screwed into the bottom

of the unit, and should be individually adjusted until the unit

is firmly seated onto the floor without rocking. Then tighten

each of the back-nuts to lock the feet in place.

Setup and Adjustment Flow Chart

12

Crossover not required

Do main

speakers produce bass deep

enough and play loudly

enough?

Connect processor s

subwoofer output to

subwoofer LFE input

Is poor sonic

match of subwoofer

acceptable?

Tell processor main

speakers are small

Tell processor main

speakers are large

Crossover

decision

Processor

Setup

Y

N

Does your

system have a multi-channel

processor with a subwoofer

output?

Y

N

Hookup

Is a passive

crossover available for your

model of THIEL main

speakers?

Use IntegratorUse passive crossover

If you have a processor

tell it main speakers are large

Do main

speakers play loudly

enough?

Is correct, fixed

main channel bass

level acceptable?

Y

N

Y

N

If you have one, connect

processor’s LFE output

to Integrator’s LFE input

If you have one, connect

processor’s LFE output

to subwoofer LFE input

You can always take the No path

but you may take the Yes path

if the answer is yes.

Do main

speakers play loudly

Subwoofer will be

used only for

reproduction of

Special effects

channel.

Subwoofer will be

used to reproduce all

low frequency signals

in all channels but

balance and integration

will not be good.

Subwoofer will be

used for effects channel

and enhancing bass of

main channels with very good

blending.

Subwoofer will be

used for effects channel

and main channel bass.

Can provide enhancement

or transfer of bass from

main channels. Provides

excellent blending and

flexible adjustment of all

system parameters.

Set subwoofer channel to "On" or "Yes". Set subwoofer level to same as left/right channels.

13

Connect subwoofer power cord, set On switch, auto on switch, set position controls

Subwoofer

Setup

integrator

Adjustment

Is effects channel

level balanced?

Adjust subwoofer

level

Add subwoofer

Finished

Does

subwoofer play

loudly enough?

Does

subwoofer play

loudly enough?

Listen

Y

N

Y

N

Set Integrator to

Crossover mode

If LFE input not used set subwoofer s

LFE level control to minimum

Set Integrator to

Augment mode

Set Main speaker amp gain.

Set crossover frequency

as low as it will go.

Set four Main Speaker,

# of subwoofers,

# of channels parameters

Connect additional cables

from main speaker amplifier

outputs to crossover s

speaker level inputs

Connect processor or preamp

outputs to controller inputs.

Connect Integrator outputs to

main speaker amplifier inputs

Connect crossover s or Integrator s subwoofer

output to subwoofer s Normal input

YN

If LFE input is used

set main speaker

Amp Gain

Is main

channel bass level

correct?

Adjust Low

Frequency Level

Finished

Increase crossover

frequency

Increase Low Frequency Extension

setting, decrease LFE Level setting

or add subwoofer

Y

N

Is effects

channel correct

loudness?

Adjust LFE Level

Y

N

Y

N

Y

N

Do main

speakers play

loudly enough?

Listen

enough with

demanding bass?

Specifications

Subwoofer cabinet Response...................... Normal input: 12 Hz–300 Hz, ±0.5 dB; LFE input 17 Hz–300 Hz, ±0.5 dB

Bandwidth ...................................... Normal input 10-800 Hz, ±3 dB; LFE input: 16–800 Hz, ±3 dB

Size ........................................................11" wide, 20" deep, 23

1

/2" high, plus 1

1

/2" clearance at rear

Weight.................................................................................................................................... 108 lbs

Driver description ......... Two, 10" with 20 lb magnet structure, 2.5" voice coil, aluminum diaphragm

Driver output .................................................. ±16 mm linear excursion, 130 in

3

linear displacement

Acoustic output .....................depending on placement, up to 105 dB @ 20 Hz or 112 dB @ 30 Hz

Sensitivity..................................................................................................... 1 volt for 120 dB @ 1 m

Amplifier Type ..................................................................................................................... Switching, Class D

Power output (at 120 or 240 line voltage) ...............................................................1000 watts, RMS

Line voltage.......................................................................................................... 90-130 or 180-260

14

Fuse Replacement

If the subwoofer is completely dead, with no indicator lights on, the main fuse has probably blown and will need to be

replaced. The fuse should be replaced only with an equivalent type. The fuse type is 5 x 20 mm size, slo-blow or time delay

type, with a rating of 4 amp for 230 volt units and 8 amp for 115 volt units. The BUSS number is GMC-4A or GMC-8A,

respectively. Littlefuse numbers are 232004 or 218008. Or contact THIEL for a replacement fuse.

Warranty

THIEL warrants every THIEL model SS2 system against defects in materials and workmanship to the original owner for

a period of ten years from the date of purchase. THIEL will, at no charge, replace any defective part and make any repairs

necessary to ensure its proper performance when the defective unit is returned to us postpaid.

This warranty does not cover damage due to accident or abuse and is void if the unit has been tampered with.

This warranty is automatic and no registration is required. This warranty gives you specific legal rights. You may also

have other rights which are particular to your state.

THIEL

1026 Nandino Blvd., Lexington, KY 40511, USA

www.thielaudio.com

6/04

Thiel Audio Products SS2 User manual

Thiel Audio Products SS2 User manual

Related papers

Other documents