Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer is an 8-inch, 250-watt down-firing subwoofer designed to deliver robust and immersive bass for various audio setups. It is compatible with PC, home theater systems, and studio environments, enhancing your listening experience with deep, resonant low frequencies. The S8 features a convenient sleep mode for energy efficiency and is wireless-ready for flexible placement.

Figure 1: Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer, front view. A sleek black Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer, showcasing its compact design and front-facing port.

2. What's in the Box

Your Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer package includes the following items:

• Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer
• Quick Start Guide
• Power Cable
• Warranty Card
• RCA Audio Cable (2 meters / 6.5 ft)
• Mini-jack Audio Cable (2 meters / 6.5 ft)
• Microfiber Cloth Bag

Figure 2: Contents of the Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer box. An image showing the Audioengine S8 subwoofer along with its accessories: RCA audio cable, mini-jack audio cable, AC power cord, and a microfiber cloth bag.

3. Setup

3.1. Placement

For optimal performance, place the S8 subwoofer on the floor in a corner or near a wall. Its down-firing design ensures deep bass tones regardless of precise orientation. Experiment with placement to find the best sound for your room.

3.2. Wired Connection

1. Power Connection: Connect the provided power cable to the AC inlet on the rear panel of the S8 subwoofer and then to a wall outlet.
2. Audio Input: Connect your audio source (e.g., stereo receiver, computer, speakers with audio output) to the S8 subwoofer using either the RCA audio cable or the mini-jack audio cable. Use the 'Input' jacks on the rear panel.
3. Power On: Flip the power switch on the rear panel to the 'On' position. The power indicator will illuminate.

Figure 3: Rear panel of the Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer. The rear panel displays input and output ports, volume, crossover, and phase controls, along with the power switch.

3.3. Wireless Setup (with Optional W3 Receiver)

The Audioengine S8 is wireless-ready and can be paired with an optional Audioengine W3 Wireless Audio Adapter for wireless connectivity. Follow these steps for wireless setup:

1. Connect W3 Receiver: Plug the W3 Receiver into the 5VDC USB power port on the rear of the S8 subwoofer. Connect the W3 Receiver's audio output to the S8's audio input using the appropriate cable (e.g., mini-jack to RCA adapter).
2. Connect W3 Sender: Connect the W3 Sender to your audio source (e.g., computer, stereo system) via USB for power and audio output.
3. Pair Devices: Ensure both the W3 Sender and Receiver are powered on and within range. They should automatically pair. Refer to the W3 Wireless Audio Adapter manual for detailed pairing instructions if needed.

4. Operating the S8 Subwoofer

The Audioengine S8 features several controls on its rear panel to fine-tune its performance:

• Volume Control: Adjusts the overall output level of the subwoofer. Start with a low setting and gradually increase until the bass blends seamlessly with your main speakers.
• Crossover Control (50Hz - 130Hz): This knob sets the upper frequency limit for the subwoofer. Frequencies above this setting will be sent to your main speakers. Adjust this to match the low-frequency capabilities of your main speakers. A common starting point is around 80Hz.
• Phase Switch (0°/180°): This switch adjusts the phase of the subwoofer's output relative to your main speakers. Experiment with both settings to find the one that produces the most impactful and coherent bass. This often depends on the subwoofer's placement relative to your listening position and main speakers.
• Sleep Mode: The S8 subwoofer includes an automatic sleep mode. When no audio signal is detected for a period, the subwoofer will enter a low-power standby state. It will automatically wake up when an audio signal is detected again. The standby indicator light will change from green (on) to amber (standby).

Figure 4: Front view of the Audioengine S8 subwoofer. A close-up front view of the Audioengine S8 subwoofer, highlighting its distinctive front port design.

5. Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Audioengine S8 subwoofer, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the subwoofer. Avoid using liquid cleaners or solvents, as they may damage the finish.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow around the subwoofer. Do not block the rear heat sink or place the unit in an enclosed space without proper ventilation.
• Environment: Avoid exposing the subwoofer to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight. Keep it away from sources of heat and moisture.
• Cable Management: Periodically check all cable connections to ensure they are secure and free from damage.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Audioengine S8 subwoofer, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

6.1. No Sound

• Ensure the subwoofer is powered on and the power indicator is lit.
• Check all audio cable connections between your source and the subwoofer.
• Verify that the volume control on the subwoofer is not set to minimum.
• Confirm that your audio source is playing and its volume is adequately set.

6.2. Distorted Sound

• Reduce the volume on both your audio source and the subwoofer.
• Check for damaged audio cables.
• Ensure the subwoofer is not placed too close to other electronic devices that might cause interference.

6.3. Hum or Buzzing Noise

• Try connecting the subwoofer to a different electrical outlet.
• Ensure all audio cables are securely connected and not running parallel to power cables.
• If using a wireless adapter, ensure it is properly paired and free from interference.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty & Support

The Audioengine S8 Powered Subwoofer comes with a 3-Year Limited Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. For detailed warranty terms and conditions, please refer to the included Warranty Card or visit the official Audioengine website.

For technical support, troubleshooting assistance, or any other inquiries, please contact Audioengine LLC directly. You can find their contact information on the official Audioengine website or through the provided Quick Start Guide.

Online Resources:

• Audioengine Official Website