JL Audio IWS-SYS-1 - Manuals

Page 2 - IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS; ) Heed Warnings — All warnings on the subwoofer and in the operating; DO NOT EXPOSE THIS PRODUCT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.; CAUTION; RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK; CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE; AMP PANEL OR SPEAKER. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER

| Fathom IWS Page 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1) Read the Instructions — All safety and operating instructions should be read before the subwoofer is operated. 2) Retain the Instructions — The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3) Heed Warnings — All warni...

Page 3 - IWS; 2) Cleaning — The subwoofer and amplifier should be cleaned only as; WARNING

Page 3 | Fathom IWS 12) Cleaning — The subwoofer and amplifier should be cleaned only as recommended in the operating instructions. 13) Nonuse Periods — The power cord of the subwoofer amp should be unplugged from the outlet when the subwoofer is left unused for long periods of time. 14) Lightning a...

Page 4 - FCC COMPlIANCE STATEMENT; TABlE OF CONTENTS; As a company, we are intensely committed to core research into; Jl AUDIO TECHNOlOGIES INClUDED; IN Fathom IWS SUBWOOFERS; DMA-Optimized Motor System

| Fathom IWS Page 4 FCC COMPlIANCE STATEMENT NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and...

Page 5 - PRODUCT OVERVIEW; theater or home audio system.; If you require assistance, we urge you to contact your authorized; IMPORTANT

Page 5 | Fathom IWS PRODUCT OVERVIEW JL Audio Fathom IWS subwoofers combine a state-of-the-art JL Audio subwoofer driver and electronics/amplifier package with a highly optimized enclosure to deliver an exceptional listening experience in your home theater or home audio system. The subwoofer driver ...

Page 6 - PlACING YOUR FATHOM IWS CABINETS IN YOUR lISTENING ROOM:; If you are planning to install your Fathom

| Fathom IWS Page 6 PlACING YOUR FATHOM IWS CABINETS IN YOUR lISTENING ROOM: Your listening room or theater is an integral part of your sound reproduction system. The physical dimensions of the room and its furnishings, materials, doors and windows play an important role in defining how your system ...

Page 7 - M O R E I N T E N S E; SMOO; BEST SEATING POSITIONS; COMPROMISED SEATING POSITIONS

Page 7 | Fathom IWS M O R E I N T E N S E RECOMMENDED SUBWOOFER PLACEMENT ZONES (For Single Subwoofer) M O R E I N T E N S E SMOO THER SMOO THER COMPROMISED SEATING POSITIONS (Results in weaker, uneven bass performance) BEST SEATING POSITIONS (Most accurate bass performance) COMPROMISED SEATING POSI...

Page 8 - SPECIAl AMPlIFIER CONSIDERATIONS FOR RACK MOUNTING; connector clearance.; Rack Ears

| Fathom IWS Page 8 SPECIAl AMPlIFIER CONSIDERATIONS FOR RACK MOUNTING OR CUSTOM CABINET INSTAllATIONS Fathom IWS amplifiers are designed to be “built-in” friendly. All typically needed controls are located on the front panel. A Fathom IWS amp can be easily integrated into an equipment rack or custo...

Page 9 - Using Two Fathom IWS Enclosures

Page 9 | Fathom IWS Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Two Fathom IWS boxes Using Two Fathom IWS Enclosures When using two Fathom IWS boxes, try placement along the front wall near the front left and right speakers, or at the center points of opposing walls as shown at right. Experimentatio...

Page 10 - Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Three Fathom IWSs

| Fathom IWS Page 10 1 2 3 1 2 3 Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Three Fathom IWSs 1 2 3 1 2 4 1 2 3 4 3 4 Recommended Subwoofer Placement Options for Four Fathom IWSs Using Three or Four Fathom IWS boxes Research indicates that the smoothest bass response for a large listening area can ...

Page 11 - Rear Controls and Connectors

Page 11 | Fathom IWS Rear Controls and Connectors The labeled Figure below depicts the rear panel of a Fathom IWS subwoofer. Front Control Panel The labeled Figure below depicts the front control panel of a Fathom IWS subwoofer. A.R.O. page 12-13 Power page 12 Input Mode page 13 level Mode page 13 M...

Page 12 - FRONT PANEl CONTROlS IN DETAIl; Power Switch; unplug the Fathom IWS’s AC power cord while the unit is turned on.; The power switch has three positions:; on unless they have been turned off via the “Lights” switch.; “Off ”: The Fathom IWS’s power amplifier is powered down. In this state, a; panel lights are off .; Calibration Mic. Input; microphone is connected or if no microphone is connected.

| Fathom IWS Page 12 FRONT PANEl CONTROlS IN DETAIl Power Switch The “Power” switch determines the operational readiness of the Fathom IWS system and should be the only switch used to turn the Fathom IWS amp on and off. Do not use a power strip switch, switched outlet or any other external switch as...

Page 13 - Demo Button

Page 13 | Fathom IWS Demo Button The Demo button triggers a 20 second long tone sequence that briefly demonstrates the sound of the Fathom IWS subwoofer. The Demo function is useful for showcasing the output capability of the Fathom IWS and to verify that the Fathom IWS (or multiple Fathom IWSs) are...

Page 14 - Master level Knob

| Fathom IWS Page 14 Master level Knob The Master Level Knob is used to control the output level of the Fathom IWS when the Variable Level mode is selected on the front control panel. When rotated fully counter clockwise, the Fathom IWS’s output will be fully muted. When at the “0” or straight up po...

Page 15 - Hz is boosted by 3 dB.; Polarity; control and cannot be replaced by it.; Phase; Phase control beyond 0 degrees.

Page 15 | Fathom IWS E.l.F. Trim The Extreme Low Frequency (“e.l.f. trim”) knob allows the user to apply a certain amount of signal equalization at 23 Hertz (extremely low bass). At full counterclockwise rotation, the signal at 23 Hz is cut by 12 dB. At “0” the equalizer is set flat for zero contrib...

Page 16 - CONNECTING YOUR Fathom IWS; Balanced Inputs; connector for compatibility with a wide range of equipment.; impedance is 10 kohms.; recommendations for balanced signal cables as follows:; XLR Connection; IMPORTANT: IF YOUR RECEIVER OR PREAMPLIFIER/PROCESSOR DOES NOT; HAVE XLR OR 1/4-INCH TRS BALANCED OUTPUTS, PLEASE REFER TO THE

| Fathom IWS Page 16 CONNECTING YOUR Fathom IWS Balanced Inputs If your home-theater receiver or preamplifier/processor provides balanced outputs, the Fathom IWS amp’s balanced inputs are the preferred connection. Balanced connections are used extensively in professional studios and sound reinforcem...

Page 17 - Unbalanced Inputs; For systems with a mono subwoofer or “LFE” channel connection, only; loop induced noise. Unbalanced input impedance is 10 kohms.; IMPORTANT: IF NOISE EXISTS AFTER CONNECTION, Fathom IWS AMPS; ALLOW FOR GROUNDING OR ISOLATION OF THE UNBALANCED INPUTS.

Page 17 | Fathom IWS Unbalanced Inputs The Fathom IWS subwoofer amp features individual left and right unbalanced RCA-type input connectors. These are the most commonly used connectors for home audio applications and must be used if your receiver or preamplifier/ processor does not provide balanced ...

Page 18 - “Grounded / Isolated” Switch; IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE; THAT CHANGING ANY COMPONENT IN THE OPTIMIZED SYSTEM (RECEIVER,

| Fathom IWS Page 18 Input Mode Switches: Two switches are located on the rear panel to control unbalanced signal grounding and master/slave operation. “Grounded / Isolated” Switch The “Grounded / Isolated” Input Mode switch affects only the unbalanced RCA inputs and is designed to facilitate a quie...

Page 19 - “Output to Slave” Connector; IMPORTANT: PLEASE REFER TO THE “SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAMS”; ON PAGES 26-29 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON USING THE INPUT / OUTPUT

Page 19 | Fathom IWS “Output to Slave” Connector If you are operating more than one Fathom IWS subwoofer in one home theater system, you will designate one Fathom IWS as the Master (see page 20), and then feed signal from it to the remaining “Slave” Fathom IWSs via this balanced XLR output. The “Out...

Page 20 - SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 1:; WARNING! TURN OFF THE Fathom IWS AND ALL OTHER EQUIPMENT IN; THE SYSTEM BEFORE MAKING OR CHANGING ANY CONNECTIONS!

| Fathom IWS Page 20 SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 1: One Fathom IWS to Home Theater Receiver or Home Theater Preamp/Processor Most home theater receivers and preamp/processors provide a single (mono) subwoofer output. When connecting a mono subwoofer output to your Fathom IWS, you will only use the Fat...

Page 21 - SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 2:; Connections between the “Master”; WARNING! TURN OFF THE Fathom IWS(S) AND ALL OTHER EQUIPMENT IN

Page 21 | Fathom IWS SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 2: Multiple Fathom IWSs to Home Theater Receiver or Home Theater Preamp/Processor To greatly simplify using multiple subwoofers in a single home theater system, Fathom IWSs incorporate a “Master/Slave” signal distribution system. This allows control of ...

Page 22 - SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 3:

| Fathom IWS Page 22 STEREO ACTIVE CROSSOVER (BALANCED OUTPUTS) LOW OUT (SUB OUT) OR STEREO ACTIVE CROSSOVER (UNBALANCED OUTPUTS) RIGHT LEFT LOW OUT (SUB OUT) FATHOM REAR CONTROLS (MASTER) FATHOM REAR CONTROLS (MASTER) SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 3: One Fathom IWS in Mono to Two-Channel Audio System W...

Page 23 - SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 4:

Page 23 | Fathom IWS SYSTEM CONNECTION DIAGRAM 4: Two Fathom IWSs in Stereo to Two-Channel Audio System When connecting two Fathom IWSs in stereo to a two-channel audio system you will only use the “Left or Mono” inputs of each Fathom IWS. The “Input Mode” switch on each Fathom IWS will be set in th...

Page 24 - RECOMMENDED SETUP PROCEDURES; On your Home Theater Receiver or Preamp/Processor:; Before beginning setup of your Fathom IWS subwoofer system we; Speaker Distance; use that number to set the subwoofer distance.; Subwoofer Level; Set all tone controls to “0” and defeat all equalizer features.; On your Active Crossover or Bass Management Processor:; Set the subwoofer output level to “0” or its middle position.

| Fathom IWS Page 24 RECOMMENDED SETUP PROCEDURES 1) Preparation for Setup Process: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-25 2) Apply A.R.O: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-27 3) Level S...

Page 25 - On the Fathom IWS’s Front Panel:

Page 25 | Fathom IWS On the Fathom IWS’s Front Panel: Please turn off the home theater receiver or preamp/processor to make these adjustm ents. 1. “Power” Switch Flip each Fathom IWS’s “Power” switch to the “On” position. 2. “Lights” Switch Flip each Fathom IWS’s “Lights” switch to the “On” position...

Page 26 - Subwoofer System Setup:; 4-25, you are ready to begin setting up your Fathom IWS for optimum; long enough to perform the Calibration.; once calibration is complete.

| Fathom IWS Page 26 RECOMMENDED SETUP PROCEDURES (continued) Subwoofer System Setup: Once you have set the controls on your home theater receiver or preamp/ processor and on your Fathom IWS(s) to the settings recommended on pages 24-25, you are ready to begin setting up your Fathom IWS for optimum ...

Page 27 - the approximate height of your ears.; stay on, indicating a successful calibration.

Page 27 | Fathom IWS e) Within 5 seconds of pressing the “Calibrate” button, return to your primary listening seat and hold the microphone in your normal, seated head position at the approximate height of your ears. f) A noise sequence will be played through the Fathom IWS that sounds like hashy sta...

Page 28 - ) Polarity and Phase Adjustment; can easily hear the changes from the primary listening seat.; IMPORTANT! IF YOU MOVE YOUR PRIMARY LISTENING SEAT IN THE; CALIBRATION IS UNIQUE TO THAT PARTICULAR SUBWOOFER POSITION; IMPORTANT! WRITE DOWN ALL SETTINGS PERFORMED IN STEPS 2-4 FOR

| Fathom IWS Page 28 3) Polarity and Phase Adjustment It is often helpful to have a second person operating these controls so that you can easily hear the changes from the primary listening seat. Listening to familiar source material (preferably music with good upper bass and midbass response), flip...

Page 29 - FREQUENTlY ASKED QUESTIONS; Is the Fathom IWS magnetically shielded?; When in “Auto” mode, the Fathom IWS amplifier is only powered up when

Page 29 | Fathom IWS FREQUENTlY ASKED QUESTIONS Is the Fathom IWS magnetically shielded? Fathom IWS subwoofers are not magnetically shielded. To avoid magnetic distortion with certain television types, place the Fathom IWS at least 3-4 feet (1 - 1.5m) from your screen. Will my electric bill be high ...

Page 30 - TROUBlESHOOTING; No sound from subwoofer.

| Fathom IWS Page 30 TROUBlESHOOTING No sound from subwoofer. 1. Verify that Fathom IWS amp is plugged in, turned “ON” & that front panel lights are “ON”. If the Fathom IWS amp will not power up, check the circuit breaker that feeds its outlet. 2. Test subwoofer using DEMO button on front panel ...

Page 31 - lIMITED WARRANTY / SERVICE INFORMATION; covered under warranty.; If you need service on your JL AUDIO product:; JL Audio customer service:; International Warranties:; country’s distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.

Page 31 | Fathom IWS lIMITED WARRANTY / SERVICE INFORMATION JL AUDIO warrants this product to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, misuse, abuse, pro...

Page 32 - FEATURES; with included laboratory-grade

Specifications IWS-SYS-1 Fathom IWS home subwoofer IWS-SYS-2 Fathom IWS home subwoofer Enclosure Type: Single Sealed Enclosure Two Sealed Enclosures Driver(s): 13.5-inch (nominal diameter) 13.5-inch (nominal diameter) in each of two enclosures Frequency Response (anechoic): 26 Hz - 101 Hz (+/- 1.5 d...