Page 2 - Two people are required to move
Serial Number ___________________________________ Record your serial numbers here for easy reference. You will need this information when filling out your warranty registration. Descent i’s serial number is located near the bottom of the backplate and also on the shipping container. Descent i Settin...
Page 4 - ONTENTS
4 Contents & Introduction Contents & Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Installation in Brief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Controls and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Accessing the Control Panel Control P...
Page 5 - NSTALLATION
Installation in Brief 5 We know you are eager to hear your new MartinLogan subwoofer, so this section is provided to allow fast and easy set up. Once you have your subwoofer operation-al, please take the time to read, in depth, the rest of the information in this manual. It will give you perspective...
Page 6 - Introduction; ONTROLS; Control Panel; Level; Accessing the Control Panel
6 Introduction C ONTROLS AND C ONNECTIONS Figure 1. Top control panel. The control panel is located behind the inset metal plate located on top of the subwoofer. To access the control panel, gently press the area above the MartinLogan logo. When the spring releases gently pull the metal plate away f...
Page 8 - Rear Connection Panel
8 Controls and Connections Sub Out For systems utilizing multiple subwoofers. Connect Sub Out to the LFE Input or Right In / Left In on additional sub(s). Right Out / Left Out Should only be used if con-n e c t i n g t h i s s u b b e t w e e n a p r e - a m p a n d a m p l i f i e r . Connect to th...
Page 9 - Controls and Connections 9
WARNING! Turn the Master Power switch Off and unplug it before making or breaking any signal connections! 2-Channel Mode This setup is recommended if your subwoofer will be used in a 2-channel only system. When a signal is connected to the subwoofers Left In/Right In, the Low Pass Filter control is ...
Page 10 - 0 Controls and Connections
Multi-Channel Mode This setup is recommended if you will use your subwoofer in a dedicated home theater or multi-channel system. When a signal is connected to the subwoofer’s LFE In, the Low Pass Filter control is NOT active. Your processor handles most of the bass management. Signal Connection (see...
Page 11 - Controls and Connections 11
T h i s s e t u p i s r e c o m m e n d e d i f y o u r s u b w o o f e r w i l l be used in both 2-channel mode and as a LFE chan-nel in a multi-channel system. By following this setup, you will allow your processor to handle most of the b a s s m a n a g e m e n t w h i l e r u n n i n g i n m u l...
Page 12 - -Channel Mode Using Speaker Level Inputs; 2 Controls and Connections
This setup is recommended if your subwoofer will be used in a 2-channel only system with full-range front loudspeakers.When a signal is connected to the subwoofer’s Left In/Right In subwoofer’s Low Pass Filter control is active. Signal Connection (see figure 10): 1 Connect the left and right outputs...
Page 13 - Recommended Control Settings:; Why the Filters Are Not Equal; Controls and Connections 13
This setup is recommended if your subwoofer will be used in a 2-channel only system. Signal Connection (see figure 11): 1 Connect the left out/right out from your preamplifier to the Left In/Right In of the subwoofer. Use quality RCA interconnects. 2 Connect the Left Out/Right Out of your subwoofer ...
Page 14 - Sub Out—Using Multiple Subwoofers; 4 Controls and Connections
Using Sub Out offers an easy way to implement multiple subwoofers in your audio/video system. Note: Additional subwoofers must run as either dedicated 2-channel (stereo) or multi-channel (LFE) subwoofers, but not both. Signal Connection: 1 Connect the first subwoofer to your system using one of the ...
Page 15 - AC Power Connection; Replacing the Fuse; The power cord should not be; FUSE
AC Power Connection Figure 15. Descent i’s Master Power switch, Fuse, and AC Power receptacle. Replacing the Fuse WARNING! The power cord should not be installed, removed, or left detached from the subwoofer while the other end is connected to an AC power source. The IEC cord should be firmly insert...
Page 16 - 6 Placement; LACEMENT
Listening Position Generally, subwoofers have the most output when placed in the corner of a room. However, this can also exagger-ate the subwoofers output making blending difficult. We recommend starting by placing the subwoofer in a corner. It should be placed in such a way that there are 2 inches...
Page 17 - Standing Waves; OOM
Your Room This is an area that requires both a little background to understand and some time and experimentation to attain the best performance from your system. Your room is actually a component and an important part of your system. This component is a large variable and candramatically add to or s...
Page 18 - Solid Footing; Spike Installation Instructions:
Solid Footing After living and experimenting with your subwoofer, you may want to use ETC (energy transfer coupler) spikes sup-plied with the subwoofer (see figure 18). With the use of these spikes, the subwoofer will become more firmly planted on the floor and, consequently, bass will tighten and i...
Page 19 - Home Theater 19; OME
It had long been the practice of stereo buffs to connect their television to the stereo system. The advantage was the use of the larger speakers and more powerful amplifier of the stereo system. Even though the sound was greatly improved, it was still mono and limited by the broadcast signal. In the...
Page 20 - 0 MartinLogan Exclusives; ARTIN; BalancedForceTM For Cleaner Bass
Resulting from an equal and opposite reaction to the cone's movement, strong bass causes all traditional subwoofer enclosures to generate acoustic vibrations. You feel this by touching the cabinet. Although the "physics" of this phe-nomenon actually cause a subwoofer cabinet to resonate or e...
Page 21 - Frequently Asked Questions; Frequently Asked Questions & Troubleshooting 21
How do I clean my subwoofer? Use a dust free cloth or a soft brush to clean your subwoofer. We recommend a specialty cloth (available through the Xtatic shop at www.martinlogan.com) that cleans better than anything else we have tried. Is it safe to set things on my subwoofer? While your subwoofer is...
Page 22 - Front Elevation
D IMENSIONAL D RAWINGS Plan View (Top) Front Elevation Back Elevation 22 Dimensional Drawings Side Elevation
Page 23 - Serial Number; ENERAL; Warranty and Registration
General Information 23 System Frequency Response 18–120 Hz ± 3 dB. Anechoic through the LFE effects input. Low Pass Filter Frequencies 30, 35, 45, 55, 65, 80Hz High Pass Filter Frequencies Bypass, 40Hz, 70Hz Phase 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° 25Hz & 50Hz Level ±10dB Power On, Auto, Standby Components 3 ×...
Page 24 - LOSSARY
24 Glossary of Audio Terms AC. Abbreviation for alternating current. Active crossover. Uses active devices (transistors, IC’s, tubes) and some form of power supply to operate. Amplitude. The extreme range of a signal. Usually measured from the average to the extreme. Arc. The visible sparks generate...
Page 26 - OTES