®
ES SERIES
ES150PW, ES250PW (120V)
OWNER’S GUIDE
INTRODUCTION
ES150PW/ES250PW
Wireless Powered Subwoofers
PLACEMENT
Since the installation of a subwoofer can be somewhat more complicated
than installing full-range speakers, it is essential that you read this section
very carefully prior to connecting the subwoofer to your system. Should you
have questions relating to your installation, it is advisable to contact either
your dealer or the JBL Customer Service Department for advice.
®
For more than 60 years, JBL audio equipment has been used in concert halls,
recording studios and movie theaters around the world, and become the
hands-down choice of leading recording artists and sound engineers.
The performance of the subwoofer is directly related to its placement in the
listening room and how you align the subwoofer with its satellite speakers.
The ES150PW/ES250PW’s wireless capability makes it even easier to properly
locate the subwoofer in your room. Setting the volume of the subwoofer in relation
to the left and right speakers is also of critical importance because it is essential
that the subwoofer integrate smoothly with the entire system. Setting the
subwoofer’s volume level too high will result in an overpowering, boomy bass.
Setting the volume level too low will negate the benefits of the subwoofer.
With the JBL ES Series, innovative technologies such as titanium-laminate-dome
tweeters, Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal (EOS) waveguides and PolyPlas transducer
reinforcement are available to you.
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™
In addition, the ES150PW/ES250PW’s compact enclosure and wireless capability
allow for easy integration into any residential environment. Enjoy!
Unpacking the Subwoofer
Here are several additional facts on installation that may prove useful. It is
generally believed by most audio authorities that low frequencies (below 125Hz)
are nondirectional and, therefore, placement of a subwoofer within any listening
room is not critical. While in theory it is true that the larger wavelengths of
extremely low frequencies are basically nondirectional, the fact is that, when
installing a subwoofer within the limited confines of a room, reflections, standing
waves and absorptions generated within the room will strongly influence the
performance of any subwoofer system. As a result, the specific location of
the subwoofer becomes important, and it is strongly recommended that you
experiment with placement before choosing a final location.
If you suspect damage from transit, report it immediately to your dealer. Keep
the shipping carton and packing materials for future use.
Included
1 x Owner’s manual
1 x USA warranty sheet
1 x Subwoofer
1 x 15' Audio cable, RCA-RCA
1 x Transmitter module
Placement will depend upon your room and the amount and quality of bass
required (for example, whether or not your room permits placement of the
subwoofer near either satellite).
1 x Power supply for transmitter
1 x 120V AC power cord for transmitter power supply
1 x 6' Audio cable, RCA-RCA
SUB
1 x Wall-mount bracket for transmitter (with two pan-head M3 x 4 machine
screws for attaching wall-mount bracket to transmitter)
RIGHT-
CHANNEL
SPEAKER
4 x Small, round, self-adhesive feet – to be attached on transmitter’s
left side panel if transmitter is to be used vertically
PRIMARY
LISTENING
AREA
Figure 1. This example shows the subwoofer positioned behind the
right-channel satellite speaker to re-create the actual location of bass
instruments in an orchestra and/or add impact to movie soundtracks.
3
CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
Rear Panel
¡
™
£
¢
Power Switch
Line-Level Inputs
LFE Input
Low-Pass Selector
(Wireless Input Only)
∞
§
¶
•
ª
ID-Code Selector
Phase
Antenna
Crossover Adjustment Control
Subwoofer-Level (Volume) Control
Phase Switch
•
ª
Level
¶
Wireless Antenna
Transmitter
Crossover
[Hz]
§
∞
‚
⁄
B
‹
Transmitter Antenna
Wireless
Transmitter Power-Supply Input
Transmitter ID-Code Selector
Transmitter Sub Input
Off
On
ID Code
Low-Pass
¢
™
£
LFE
L
R
Sub In
Power
On
Off
¡
AC 120V~60Hz
2A
ID
CODE
DC18V
Sub In
1
2
3
4
‚
⁄
B
‹
4
SYSTEM CONNECTIONS
Choose either Wireless or Wired connection, then follow the appropriate instructions.
WIRED
Connecting the Subwoofer for Wired Applications
WIRELESS
Connecting the Subwoofer for Wireless Applications
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If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS receiver/processor with a low-frequency
effects (LFE) or subwoofer output:
Level
Crossover
[Hz]
ID
CODE
DC18V
Sub In
Wireless
1
2
3
4
O
f
f
O
n
ID Code
1. Connect a subwoofer cable from the subwoofer or LFE output of your receiver
Low-Pass
C
to the Sub In
on the transmitter.
2. Plug the transmitter module’s power supply into the wall outlet, and connect
L
R
LFE
A
the included power cord to the transmitter . Make sure the Transmitter
Sub In
Line In
‚
Antenna
is extended upward.
B
∞
3. Set the ID code on the transmitter and subwoofer ( and ) to the
same position, as described on page 6. When connected properly, the LED
on the top of the subwoofer will be orange.
¢
4. Set the Low-Pass Selector
to the “Off” position.
If your receiver/processor does not contain a Dolby Digital or DTS processor
but has subwoofer outputs:
NOTES:
You may also connect a variable full-range output from an A/V receiver or
processor, such as a preamp output or second-room output. In this case,
set the Low-Pass Selector
¢
to the “On” position and set the crossover
adjustment as described on page 6.
Some receivers have two subwoofer outputs. In that case, use either connector.
Level
Crossover
[Hz]
Wireless
Off
On
Low-Pass
ID Code
L
R
LFE
Sub In
Line In
NOTE: If your receiver/processor has only one sub out, you may use
either the L or R input.
5
that a subwoofer is there to produce lots of bass. This is not entirely true.
A subwoofer is there to enhance bass, extending the response of the entire
system so the bass can be felt as well as heard. However, overall balance
must be maintained or the music will not sound natural. An experienced listener
will set the volume of the subwoofer so its impact on bass response is always
there but is never obtrusive.
OPERATION
Power On
Connect your signal source (such as an A/V receiver or preamplifier) to the
transmitter (if using a wireless connection) or to the subwoofer (if using a wired
connection). Two single-RCA cords are provided. While you would ordinarily
use the short cable to connect to the transmitter or the long one to connect
to the subwoofer, either cable can be used, depending on proximity to the
signal source. There is no need or benefit gained from connecting the same
source to both the transmitter and the subwoofer. However, you could connect
two separate sources to the subwoofer by utilizing both its wired and wireless
connections. Both signals will essentially be mixed and outputted by the
subwoofer. Plug your transmitter’s (if using a wireless connection) and subwoofer’s
AC cord into a wall outlet. Do not use the outlets on the back of the receiver
¶
Phase Control
•
The Phase Switch
determines whether the subwoofer driver’s piston like
action moves in and out with the main speakers, 0˚, or opposite the main speakers,
180˚. Proper phase adjustment depends on several variables such as room size,
•
subwoofer placement and listener position. Adjust the Phase Switch
maximize bass output at the listening position.
to
for the subwoofer. Initially set the Subwoofer-Level Control
to the “Min”
Crossover Adjustment
position. Turn on your sub by pressing the Power Switch ¡ on the rear panel.
Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie soundtrack at a
moderate level.
§
The Crossover Adjustment Control
determines the highest frequency
at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds. If your main speakers can
comfortably reproduce some low-frequency sounds, set this control to a
lower frequency setting, between 50Hz and 100Hz. This will concentrate the
subwoofer’s efforts on the ultradeep bass sounds required by today’s films
and music. If you are using smaller bookshelf speakers that do not extend
§
Auto On/Standby
Transmitter (Wireless Connection Only): The Status LED (not shown) will be
lit in red when the unit is in Standby. When the transmitter receives an audio
signal from the source, it will immediately turn on and the LED will turn to
blinking green or solid green:
RED = STANDBY (No signal detected, transmitter off)
GREEN (BLINKING) = Transmitter is on but has not established a link
with the wireless sub
to the lower bass frequencies, set the Crossover Adjustment Control
a higher setting, between 120Hz and 150Hz.
to
NOTE: This control will have no effect if the LFE Input £ is used (wired
¢
connection) or if the Low-Pass Selector
is in the “OFF” position (wireless
connection). If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS processor/receiver, the low-pass
frequency is set by the processor/receiver. Consult your owner’s manual to learn
how to view or change this setting.
GREEN (SOLID) = Transmitter is on and has already established a link
with the wireless sub
The transmitter will automatically enter Standby mode after approximately
10 minutes when no signal is detected from your system.
ID Codes
In the unlikely event that you experience interference when operating the system,
or if you have more than one set of subwoofer transmitters and receivers in
operation, you may change the channel in which the system operates. On
the transmitter module and the subwoofer, there is a four-position ID-Code
Subwoofer: With the Power Switch ¡ in the “On”position, the Status LED on
the back panel will remain lit to indicate the On/Standby mode of the subwoofer.
RED = STANDBY (No signal detected, amp off)
GREEN = SUB ON (Wired signal detected, amp on)
ORANGE = SUB ON (Wireless link with transmitter active)
B
∞
Selector ( and ). Simply set the selectors to one of the other positions.
B
∞
The transmitter and subwoofer ( and ) selectors must be set to the same
position for the system to function correctly. You can also set up a maximum of
two subwoofers to be receiving from the same transmitter by setting the channel
selector on the transmitter and both of the subwoofers to the same channel.
The subwoofer will automatically enter Standby mode after approximately
10 minutes when no signal is detected from your system. The subwoofer will then
power on instantly when a signal is detected. During periods of normal use,
the Power Switch ¡ can be left on. You may turn off the Power Switch ¡
for extended periods of nonoperation (e.g., when you are away on vacation).
A Word About Wireless Products
The JBL ES150PW and ES250PW wireless subwoofers utilize advanced wireless
transceivers operating in the 2.4GHz frequency band. This is the same frequency
band that is used for wireless home networks and high-quality cordless phones.
It also allows for the transmission of high-performance, full-spectrum sound to
remote locations, wirelessly.
Getting Started
Confirm that the Status LED on the transmitter is on (red or green), the
Status LED on the subwoofer is on (red, orange or green) and an RCA cable is
£
connected from a source unit to either the LFE Input of the subwoofer
or
‹
™
Like all wireless devices, the JBL wireless subwoofer’s operating range may
vary, depending upon variables such as building construction methods and
materials, atmospheric conditions and other sources of interference. Please
information or assistance.
transmitter
or L and R inputs
on the subwoofer. Play a CD or video. Use
a selection that has ample bass information. If using a wireless connection, the
Status LED on the transmitter should be lit in solid green, and the Status LED
on the subwoofer should turn orange if connected wirelessly. If the LED on the
transmitter is blinking in green and the LED on the subwoofer is in red or green,
a wireless link has not been established between the transmitter and the
subwoofer. If connecting directly to the subwoofer without using the wireless
link, the Status LED on the subwoofer should be lit green. If the LED on the
subwoofer remains red, check that the RCA cable from the source to subwoofer
(wired connection) or transmitter (wireless connection) is functioning properly
and that it is fully inserted at both ends, or that the Transmitter ID-Code
Wall-Mounting the Transmitter Module
NOTE: The customer is responsible for the correct selection and use of
mounting hardware (available through hardware stores) that will ensure the
proper and safe wall-mounting of the transmitter.
1. Insert the two M3 x 4 machine
screws through the wall bracket
and into the rear of the transmitter
module, as shown.
B
∞
Selector
and the Subwoofer ID-Code Selector
are set to the same
channel. Once you have a green or orange LED on the subwoofer, turn your
Subwoofer-Level Control ¶ up halfway so that the knob indicator points up.
You should now be hearing bass information coming from the subwoofer.
2. Attach the transmitter module
with wall bracket to the wall,
using suitable hardware and,
if necessary, wall anchors.
Adjust Level
Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a comfortable
level. Adjust the Subwoofer-Level Control
¶
until you obtain a pleasing blend
of bass. Bass response should not overpower the room but rather be adjusted
so there is a harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many users
have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud, adhering to the belief
6
MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE
The enclosure may be cleaned using a soft cloth to remove fingerprints or
to wipe off dust.
The grille may be gently vacuumed. Stains may be removed with an aerosol
cleaner, following its instructions. Do not use any solvents on the grille.
All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or remade periodically.
The frequency of maintenance depends on the metals involved in the connections,
atmospheric conditions and other factors, but once per year is the minimum.
In the event that your subwoofer ever needs service, contact your local JBL dealer,
SPECIFICATIONS
ES150PW
ES250PW
25Hz – 150Hz
400 Watts
Frequency Response
27Hz – 150Hz
300 Watts
Amplifier RMS Power
Amplifier Peak Dynamic Power†
Crossover Frequencies
500 Watts
700 Watts
50Hz – 150Hz; 24dB/octave,
continuously adjustable
when activated
50Hz – 150Hz; 24dB/octave,
continuously adjustable
when activated
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Driver
10" (250mm) PolyPlas
12" (300mm) PolyPlas
Operating Range
RF Operating Frequency
Up to 75' (22m), depending upon conditions
2.4GHz
Up to 75' (22m), depending upon conditions
2.4GHz
Subwoofer Dimensions
(H x W x D)
18" x 13-1/4" x 16-1/8"
(457mm x 337mm x 409mm)
19-3/4" x 15-3/4" x 17-7/8"
(502mm x 400mm x 454mm)
Transmitter Dimensions
(H x W x D)
3-3/4" x 4-7/8" x 3-15/16"
(95mm x 124mm x 100mm)
3-3/4" x 4-7/8" x 3-15/16"
(95mm x 124mm x 100mm)
Subwoofer Weight
Transmitter Weight
39 lb (17.7kg)
0.5 lb (0.2kg)
43 lb (19.5kg)
0.5 lb (0.2kg)
† The Peak Dynamic Power is measured by recording the highest center-to-peak
voltage measured across the output of a resistive load equal to minimum impedance
of the transducer, using a 50Hz sine wave burst, 3 cycles on, 17 cycles off.
Features, specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice.
JBL is a trademark of Harman International Industries, Incorporated, registered in the
United States and/or other countries. Elliptical Oblate Spheroidal, PolyPlas and Pro Sound
Comes Home are trademarks of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Dolby is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories.
DTS is a registered trademark of DTS, Inc.
™
PRO SOUND COMES HOME
Harman Consumer Group, Inc., 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA
© 2008 Harman International Industries, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Part No. 406-000-05852-E 5/08
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