Emotiva Airmotiv RS13 - User Manual

The Emotiva Airmotiv Reference Subwoofer is a high-performance audio device designed to reproduce the lowest frequencies in the audio spectrum with precision, accuracy, and authority. It's engineered to deliver both the powerful dynamics required for modern movie soundtracks and the superb musicality essential for well-recorded music. The Airmotiv Reference Subwoofers aim to provide an uncompromising bass experience, ensuring that users can "have it all" in terms of sound quality.

One of the primary usage features of the Airmotiv Reference Subwoofer is its ability to deliver exceptionally low distortion, even at high listening levels. This ensures that the bass remains clean and articulate, whether you're experiencing the rumble of a movie explosion or the subtle nuances of a pipe organ. The subwoofers are designed to be flat within +/- 3 dB down to very low frequencies, allowing users to feel the sound effects and the deepest musical tones.

The subwoofers incorporate ultra-high-performance forward-firing drivers. These drivers are built with robust components, including non-magnetic cast aluminum frames, large voice coils, and massive double-stacked Strontium Ferrite magnet structures. The moving systems of the drivers are optimized for both strength and low mass, contributing to excellent linearity, superb transient response, and very low distortion. The cones are made from long fiber treated paper with oversized inverted dust caps, and they feature high-profile double-roll NBR surrounds, allowing for significant linear and peak excursion.

Powering these impressive drivers are efficient, audiophile-quality Class D amplifiers. These amplifiers provide substantial continuous and peak power, ensuring that the subwoofer never runs out of headroom, even during demanding audio passages. This ample power allows the Airmotiv Reference Subwoofers to deliver prodigious amounts of bass.

A key aspect of the Airmotiv Reference Subwoofer's design is its convenient top-mounted control panel. All operating controls and status indicators are located under a removable, magnetically attached, smoked plastic cover, making adjustments easily accessible. This thoughtful placement enhances the user experience by simplifying configuration.

The subwoofers feature flexible DSP-based crossover and EQ controls, implemented by a powerful dual-core 48-bit DSP audio processor. This advanced processing allows for optimum precision and flexibility in sound customization. Users can adjust parameters such as Phase (from 0 to -180 degrees), Level (from -20 dB to +15 dB), and Crossover Frequency (from 40 Hz to 160 Hz). Separate switches are provided to bypass the internal crossover, select between two different Bass response profiles (Deep and Flat), and choose between always-on and auto-on operation. The Deep profile offers the flattest overall performance, while the Flat profile introduces a slight rolloff at the lowest subsonic frequencies for slightly more maximum output at higher frequencies.

To prevent accidental overload and maintain sound quality, the Airmotiv Reference Subwoofers include transparent limiter circuitry. This limiter is designed to be inaudible during normal operation, ensuring that the subwoofer always sounds its best.

Connectivity options are plentiful, with both balanced monaural audio input and loop output, as well as a pair of stereo unbalanced inputs. These inputs and outputs are conveniently located on the rear panel. The loop output allows for easy connection of additional subwoofers, should the user desire even more bass. The subwoofer intelligently detects which audio input is being used upon power-on and temporarily disables the other input to minimize noise. If you wish to change the active input, you must power cycle the subwoofer.

The cabinet design is heavy-duty and furniture-grade, constructed from acoustically inert HDF (High-Density Fiberboard). It features a thick front baffle and side walls, along with extensive internal bracing to ensure rigidity and minimize unwanted resonances. A low-noise, front-firing slot-loaded port is precisely contoured to avoid any port chuffing or other unwanted noise. The cabinets are finished on all sides with either furniture-grade flat black lacquer or a high-gloss piano black finish. An attractive sculpted fabric grill, held firmly in place by powerful magnets, protects the driver and can be easily removed. The subwoofers also come with permanently attached non-slip rubber feet.

For power, the rear panel includes a main AC Power switch, a receptacle for a heavy-duty IEC power cable (one is included), and an access panel for the user-replaceable main AC power fuse. The subwoofer automatically detects the local line voltage (120/230 VAC at 50/60 Hz) and configures itself accordingly.

Regarding maintenance, the Airmotiv Reference Subwoofer requires no periodic maintenance or calibration. Cleaning the cabinet and baffle should be done with a rag dampened with plain water, avoiding abrasive or chemical cleaners. For stubborn marks, a mild detergent can be used, followed by a rinse with plain water and a soft dry rag. The grill cloth can be carefully vacuumed to remove dust or hair, or a lint remover or soft brush can be used for animal hair. It is crucial not to use any liquid or wet cloth on the woofer cone, grill, or control panel.

In the unlikely event that the main AC line fuse needs replacement, the process is straightforward: turn off the subwoofer, disconnect the IEC power cable, and gently pry out the fuse holder located beneath the IEC power receptacle. Replace the fuse with one of the same size and rating, then carefully snap the holder back into place and reconnect the power cable. If the fuse blows repeatedly, it indicates a potential electrical fault, and Emotiva Technical Support should be contacted.

The Status LED on the subwoofer provides important operational information: an unlit LED means the main AC power switch is off or there's no power; a red LED indicates standby mode; a flashing blue LED means the subwoofer is on but no input signal is detected; and a solid blue LED means the subwoofer is on and playing or ready to play. During power-on and power-off sequences, the LED will blink to indicate normal startup and shutdown processes.

Proper placement and configuration are crucial for optimal performance. The best location depends on room acoustics, main speaker characteristics, and practical considerations. Common locations include between front speakers, in a front or rear corner, or in the center of a side or rear wall. A "subwoofer crawl" method is suggested for finding the ideal spot: place the subwoofer in the listening position, play bass-heavy music, and crawl around to find where the bass sounds best, then switch the subwoofer to that location. The subwoofer's front-firing port and lack of extensive rear vents allow for placement close to walls or in corners without special ventilation.

The subwoofer's internal DSP-based crossover system offers flexible configuration. When connected to a system with bass management (e.g., an AVR or pre/pro with an LFE or subwoofer output), the X-Over Switch should be set to "Out" to bypass the internal crossover. If connected to a full-range output, the X-Over Switch should be set to "In" to enable the internal crossover. The X-Over and Phase controls only affect the subwoofer's output when the X-Over Switch is "In" and do not affect the Loop output. After initial setup and room correction, it's recommended to avoid changing the subwoofer's location or the Crossover and Phase Control settings, as this will alter the sound. However, the Volume Control can be adjusted to suit personal bass preferences.

The Airmotiv Reference Subwoofer is designed to integrate seamlessly into various audio systems, adding depth and a solid foundation to the listening experience without being audibly detectable as a separate sound source. The goal is for the visceral low bass to simply fill the listening area.