Harman-Kardon SB 16 - Manual (Page 10)

Operation
SB 16
10
Subwoofer Volume Knob
Use the subwoofer’s Volume knob to balance the bass with the rest of the sound. Play
music or movies that you are familiar with and adjust the subwoofer’s Volume knob so
the bass sounds balanced on both music and films. Listen to several different music
recordings and film soundtracks that contain strong bass passages, and find a setting for
the Volume knob that doesn’t over-emphasize the bass or make it sound weak.
0
180
VOLUME
MIN MAX
CROSSOVER
PHASE
Volume
Knob
Once you find a setting for the subwoofer’s Volume knob that balances the bass with the
rest of the sound, you shouldn’t have to change it.
Soundbar Trim Switch
This switch adjusts the soundbar’s audio input sensitivity so it will work with TVs that
have different audio signal output levels. If your TV’s audio signal output is low, the
soundbar may not play loud enough. In this case, set the Trim switch to position 3 so the
soundbar will play louder. If your TV’s audio signal output is high, you may hear distortion
in the soundbar at normal listening volumes. In this case, set the Trim Switch to position
1 to reduce the distortion and improve the sound.
Trim
Wireless Code Switches
In the unlikely event that you encounter interference when operating the system, or
if you have more than one SB 16 system in operation, you may change the wireless
channel at which the system operates. There are four-position Wireless Code switches
on both the soundbar and subwoofer. To change the wireless channel, simply set each
of the switches to one of the other three positions. IMPORTANT: The switches on the
soundbar and the subwoofer must be set to the same position for the wireless
system to work properly.
Wireless Code
Switch
Wireless Code
Switch
NOTE: The maximum wireless operating distance between the soundbar and subwoofer
is approximately 50 feet (15.3m).
Subwoofer Crossover Knob
The subwoofer’s Crossover knob adjusts the subwoofer’s crossover between 50Hz and
150Hz. The higher you set the Crossover knob, the higher in frequency the subwoofer
will operate and the more its bass will “overlap” that of the soundbar. This adjustment
helps achieve a smooth transition of bass frequencies between the subwoofer and the
soundbar for a variety of different rooms and subwoofer locations.
0
180
VOLUME
MIN MAX
CROSSOVER
PHASE
Crossover
Knob
To set the Crossover knob, listen for the smoothness of the bass. If the bass seems too
strong at certain frequencies, try a lower Crossover knob setting. If the bass seems too
weak at certain frequencies, try a higher Crossover knob setting.
Subwoofer Phase Switch
This switch determines whether the subwoofer’s piston-like action moves in and out
in phase with the speakers in the soundbar. If the subwoofer were to play out of phase
with the soundbar speakers, some of the sound waves produced by the soundbar and
subwoofer could be canceled out at some frequencies, reducing bass performance and
sonic impact. This phenomenon depends in part on the relative placement of all the
speakers in the room.
0
180
VOLUME
MIN MAX
CROSSOVER
PHASE
Phase
Switch
Although there is no absolutely correct setting for the Phase switch, in most cases
it should be left in the 0° position. When the subwoofer is properly in phase with the
soundbar speakers, the sound will be clearer and have more impact. This will make
percussive sounds like drums, piano and plucked strings sound more lifelike. The best
way to set the Phase switch is to listen to music that you are familiar with and adjust the
switch so that drums and other percussive sounds have maximum impact.
Volume Knob
Crossover Knob
Phase Knob
Trim Switch
Soundbar
Wireless Code
Switch
Wireless Code
Switch
Subwoofer