Aurasound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker Tactile Transducer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Aurasound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker is a tactile transducer designed to enhance your audio experience by converting low-frequency sound waves into physical vibrations. When attached to a surface, such as a chair or floor, it allows you to physically feel the bass from your music, movies, or video games, adding a new dimension to your entertainment. This manual provides detailed instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your AST-2B-4 Bass Shaker.

Figure 1: Top view of the Aurasound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker, showing the heat sink fins and gold-plated speaker terminals.

2. What's in the Box

Upon unpacking your Aurasound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker, please ensure all components are present and in good condition.

• Aurasound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker Tactile Transducer
• Mounting hardware (screws, washers)

3. Product Features

• Power Output: 50-Watt Pro Bass Shaker
• Dimensions: 5.4 x 2.2 inches (Frame) / 5.7"D x 5.8"W x 2.5"H (Product)
• Impedance: 4 Ohms
• Resonance Frequency: 40 Hz
• Material: Metal construction for durability and heat dissipation
• Mounting: Flush Mount design

4. Setup Instructions

Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance. Follow these steps carefully.

4.1 Choosing a Mounting Location

Select a sturdy, resonant surface that can effectively transfer vibrations. Common locations include:

• Underneath seating (chairs, sofas)
• On platforms or risers
• Directly to a floor or wall structure (ensure it's not a hollow space)

Important: Avoid mounting to thin or flimsy materials, as this can reduce effectiveness and potentially cause damage.

Figure 2: Bottom view of the Aurasound AST-2B-4 Bass Shaker, showing the mounting plate with four screw holes.

4.2 Mounting the Bass Shaker

1. Position the bass shaker on the chosen surface.
2. Mark the locations for the mounting screws using the shaker's mounting holes as a template.
3. Pre-drill pilot holes if necessary, especially when mounting to wood, to prevent splitting.
4. Secure the bass shaker firmly using the provided mounting hardware. Ensure it is tightly fastened to maximize vibration transfer.

4.3 Wiring and Amplifier Connection

The AST-2B-4 requires an external amplifier capable of delivering 50 watts RMS at 4 ohms. It should be connected to an amplifier output designed for subwoofers or low-frequency effects (LFE).

1. Connect speaker wire (16-gauge or thicker recommended) to the gold-plated terminals on the bass shaker. Ensure correct polarity (red to positive, black to negative).
2. Connect the other end of the speaker wire to the appropriate speaker output terminals on your amplifier.
3. If using multiple bass shakers, consult your amplifier's manual for proper wiring configurations (series or parallel) to maintain a safe impedance load.

Figure 3: Angled view of the Aurasound AST-2B-4 Bass Shaker, highlighting the speaker terminals and model identification.

5. Operating Instructions

Once installed and wired, follow these steps to begin using your bass shaker.

5.1 Initial Power-Up and Testing

1. Ensure all connections are secure.
2. Turn on your audio source and amplifier. Start with the amplifier volume at its lowest setting.
3. Play audio content with significant low-frequency information (e.g., a movie scene with explosions, bass-heavy music).
4. Gradually increase the amplifier volume until you feel the desired level of tactile feedback.

5.2 Adjusting Performance

• Volume/Gain: Adjust the amplifier's volume or gain control to set the intensity of the vibrations.
• Crossover: If your amplifier or audio receiver has a low-pass filter or crossover setting, adjust it to send only the desired low frequencies to the bass shaker (typically below 80-100 Hz). This prevents the shaker from attempting to reproduce higher frequencies, which can lead to distortion and reduced effectiveness.
• Phase: Experiment with the phase setting (0° or 180°) on your amplifier if available. This can sometimes improve the integration of the tactile feedback with your audible subwoofer.

Caution: Do not over-drive the bass shaker. Excessive power can lead to damage or premature failure. If you hear mechanical noise or distortion, reduce the volume immediately.

6. Maintenance

The Aurasound AST-2B-4 Bass Shaker is designed for durability and requires minimal maintenance.

• Cleaning: Periodically wipe the exterior with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Do not use liquid cleaners or solvents.
• Connections: Occasionally check all wiring connections to ensure they remain tight and secure.
• Mounting: Verify that the mounting screws are still tight and the shaker is firmly attached to its surface.

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your bass shaker, refer to the following troubleshooting guide.

7.1 No Vibration

• Check Power: Ensure your amplifier is powered on and receiving an audio signal.
• Check Connections: Verify all speaker wire connections are secure and correctly polarized at both the shaker and the amplifier.
• Amplifier Settings: Confirm the amplifier's volume/gain is turned up and that the correct input is selected. Check crossover settings to ensure low frequencies are being sent.
• Audio Source: Test with different audio content known to have strong bass.

7.2 Weak or Inconsistent Vibration

• Mounting: Ensure the bass shaker is firmly mounted to a solid, resonant surface. Loose mounting will significantly reduce performance.
• Amplifier Power: Confirm your amplifier provides sufficient power (50 watts RMS at 4 ohms) to the shaker.
• Crossover Settings: Adjust the low-pass filter on your amplifier or receiver. If it's set too high, the shaker might be trying to reproduce frequencies it's not designed for, leading to weak output. If set too low, it might miss some relevant bass.
• Room Acoustics/Furniture: The type of furniture or mounting surface can affect perceived vibration. Experiment with different mounting points if possible.

7.3 Distortion or Mechanical Noise

• Over-driving: Reduce the amplifier's volume/gain. The shaker is likely receiving too much power.
• Loose Mounting: Check if the shaker is securely mounted. Loose screws or a vibrating surface can cause unwanted noise.
• Damaged Unit: If distortion persists at low volumes and all other checks pass, the unit may be damaged. Contact customer support.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty Information

The Aurasound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker comes with a Limited Warranty. Please refer to the warranty documentation included with your purchase for specific terms, conditions, and duration. Retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

10. Support

For further assistance, technical support, or inquiries regarding your Aurasound AST-2B-4 Pro Bass Shaker, please visit the official Aurasound store or contact their customer service department.

Aurasound Store: Visit Aurasound on Amazon