Monoprice SSW-8 Slim Powered Subwoofer Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Monoprice SSW-8 is an 8-inch, 100-watt powered subwoofer designed for flexible placement in various home audio environments. Its slim, low-profile, ported enclosure allows for discreet integration, such as under furniture or mounted on a wall. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective setup, operation, and maintenance of your subwoofer.

2. Safety Information

• Power Source: Connect the subwoofer only to a power outlet of the type described in this manual or on the unit.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation. Do not block any ventilation openings.
• Water and Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or excessive humidity. Do not place objects filled with liquids, such as vases, on the unit.
• Heat: Do not place the unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
• Cleaning: Clean only with a dry cloth.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service this product yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Placement: Avoid placing the subwoofer in unstable locations where it could fall and cause injury or damage.

3. Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following items:

• Monoprice SSW-8 Powered Slim 8 Inch Subwoofer
• Wall mounting brackets
• Floor stand (if applicable)
• RCA cable (may include 90-degree plugs)
• Power cable
• User Manual

4. Product Features

• Slim, Low Profile Design: The ported cabinet is engineered to deliver ample bass output from a compact enclosure, allowing placement under chairs, sofas, or behind TV stands.
• 8-inch Ported Woofer: Features a full-sized 8-inch woofer in a bass-reflex enclosure, maximizing bass output with a frequency response extending down to 30Hz.
• 100-Watt Amplifier: Equipped with a dedicated 100-watt amplifier for subwoofers, offering controls for volume, low-pass filter, and phase.
• Versatile Inputs: Includes both line-level RCA jacks and speaker-level terminal inputs for broad compatibility with audio systems.
• Mounting Options: Supplied with on-wall mounting brackets for flexible installation.

5. Controls and Connections

The rear panel of the subwoofer houses all controls and connection ports. Familiarize yourself with these components before setup.

Figure 1: Rear panel with controls and connections.

• Volume Level: Adjusts the overall output level of the subwoofer.
• Low-Pass Filter: Controls the upper frequency limit of the subwoofer. This allows you to blend the subwoofer's output with your main speakers.
• Phase Switch: (0°/180°) Adjusts the phase of the subwoofer's output relative to your main speakers. This helps ensure bass frequencies arrive at your listening position in sync.
• Power Mode: Selects between ON, AUTO, and OFF. In AUTO mode, the subwoofer will power on when an audio signal is detected and enter standby after a period of inactivity.
• Line In / Sub In (RCA): For connecting to the LFE or subwoofer output of your receiver/amplifier using an RCA cable.
• Speaker Level In: For connecting to the speaker outputs of your receiver/amplifier if it does not have a dedicated subwoofer output.
• Power Input: Connects the supplied power cable.

6. Setup

6.1 Placement

The slim design of the SSW-8 offers versatile placement options:

• Under Furniture: Slide the subwoofer under a sofa, chair, or behind a TV stand for discreet integration.
• Wall Mounting: Use the included brackets to mount the subwoofer on a wall. Ensure the wall structure can support the weight of the unit.
• Floor Placement: Place the subwoofer on the floor using its integrated feet or the optional floor stand. Experiment with different locations to find the best bass response in your listening area.

Figure 2: Subwoofer placed under a sofa.

Figure 3: Subwoofer with wall mount bracket.

6.2 Connections

Choose one of the following connection methods:

RCA Line-Level Connection (Recommended)

1. Connect an RCA cable from the LFE or Subwoofer Output of your A/V receiver or amplifier to the Line In / Sub In port on the subwoofer.
2. Ensure your receiver's subwoofer output settings are configured correctly.

Speaker-Level Connection

1. Connect speaker wires from the main speaker outputs of your receiver/amplifier to the Speaker Level In terminals on the subwoofer.
2. Connect your main speakers to the corresponding speaker outputs on your receiver/amplifier as usual.

6.3 Power Connection

1. Once all audio connections are made, connect the supplied power cable to the Power Input on the subwoofer.
2. Plug the other end of the power cable into a suitable wall outlet.

7. Operating

7.1 Initial Power On

Set the Power Mode switch to AUTO. The subwoofer will power on when an audio signal is detected and enter standby mode after approximately 15-20 minutes of no signal.

7.2 Adjusting Controls

• Volume Level: Start with the volume knob at its lowest setting. Play audio and gradually increase the volume until the subwoofer blends seamlessly with your main speakers without overpowering them.
• Low-Pass Filter: Adjust this knob to set the crossover frequency. A common starting point is 80Hz, but this may vary depending on your main speakers. If your receiver has a built-in crossover for the subwoofer, set the subwoofer's low-pass filter to its maximum setting (or bypass if available) and manage the crossover through the receiver.
• Phase Switch: Experiment with both 0° and 180° settings. Choose the setting that provides the most impactful and coherent bass response at your listening position. This often involves listening to a bass-heavy track and switching between the two settings to hear which sounds fuller and more integrated.

8. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the subwoofer. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol sprays, as they may damage the finish or internal components.
• Ventilation: Periodically check that the ventilation openings are clear of dust and debris to prevent overheating.
• Cable Connections: Ensure all cables are securely connected. Loose connections can lead to poor sound quality or intermittent operation.
• Storage: If storing the subwoofer for an extended period, disconnect it from power and store it in a cool, dry place.

9. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Monoprice SSW-8 subwoofer, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

• No Sound:
  • Ensure the subwoofer is plugged into a working power outlet and the Power Mode switch is set to ON or AUTO.
  • Check all audio connections (RCA or speaker level) are secure and correctly connected to your receiver/amplifier.
  • Verify that the Volume Level on the subwoofer is not set to minimum.
  • Confirm that your receiver/amplifier's subwoofer output is enabled and its volume is not muted or set too low.
• Distorted or Unclear Bass:
  • Reduce the Volume Level on the subwoofer.
  • Adjust the Low-Pass Filter to find the optimal blend with your main speakers.
  • Experiment with the Phase Switch (0° or 180°) to improve bass coherence.
  • Check for proper placement; moving the subwoofer slightly can sometimes resolve issues.
• Humming or Buzzing Noise:
  • Ensure all cables are securely connected.
  • Try plugging the subwoofer into a different electrical outlet, preferably on a different circuit.
  • If using RCA connections, try a different RCA cable.
  • Disconnect all audio inputs to the subwoofer. If the hum stops, the issue is likely with the source equipment or cabling.
• Subwoofer Does Not Turn On in AUTO Mode:
  • Increase the output level of your receiver's subwoofer channel. The auto-sensing feature requires a sufficient input signal to activate.
  • Ensure the Power Mode switch is firmly set to AUTO.

10. Specifications

The following are the technical specifications for the Monoprice SSW-8 Slim Powered Subwoofer:

Figure 4: Subwoofer dimensions.

11. Official Product Video

Watch this video for an overview of the Monoprice SSW-8 Slim Powered Subwoofer's features and performance.

12. Warranty and Support

12.1 Warranty Information

Monoprice stands behind its products with a 1-year Replacement Warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

12.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting, or warranty inquiries, please contact Monoprice Customer Support through their official website or the contact information provided with your purchase documentation.