Polk MagniFi Max AX SR User Manual

Table of Contents

This manual covers the following topics:

• Setup
• Product Features
• Settings
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Tips and Troubleshooting
• Trademark Information

Setup

Unpack

Check that the following items are included in the box:

• Sound bar
• Subwoofer
• 2x Wireless surrounds
• Remote control
• Batteries
• Sound bar power cable
• Subwoofer power cable
• 2x Wireless surrounds power supplies
• Wall mount spacers
• HDMI cable
• Literature pack

Place the sound bar

For the best listening experience, place the sound bar centered under your TV and flush with the front edge of your cabinet. If you wish to mount the sound bar to your wall, follow the instructions in the included wall-mount template.

Connect your TV

1. Locate the HDMI port on your TV labeled "ARC" or "eARC". IMPORTANT: Only one port on your TV will be labeled "ARC" or "eARC". You must connect to this specific port to hear TV audio.
2. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the eARC/ARC port on the TV.
3. Plug the other end of the cable into the eARC/ARC port on the sound bar.
4. (Optional): If you are using a Roku TV™, follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If your TV does not have an HDMI port, you can connect the sound bar using an optical cable. However, an optical connection does not support Roku TV Ready™ or Dolby Atmos® and DTS:X® audio formats.

Connect power

Connect the power cable to the sound bar and plug it into a wall outlet.

Set up the subwoofer

1. For best performance, place the subwoofer along the same wall as the TV and as close as possible to it. The distance between the sound bar and the subwoofer should not exceed 30ft (10m), with less distance being preferred.
2. Connect the power cable to the subwoofer and to a wall outlet.

Note: The subwoofer automatically pairs to the sound bar when powered on, and the connection is wireless.

Set up the surround speakers

1. Place the left and right surround speakers as shown in the illustration.
2. Connect the power supplies to the surround speakers and to a wall outlet.

Note: The surrounds automatically pair to the sound bar when powered on, and the connection is wireless.

Set up the remote

1. Turn the remote to view the back.
2. Open the back cover of the remote by sliding the bottom portion downward.
3. Insert two AAA batteries into the remote and replace the cover.

Connect to Wi-Fi® via one of the three options below

Connect your sound bar to Wi-Fi® to complete setup and receive important software updates that improve performance, enable new features, and maintain compatibility with your TV. You can use one of three options to connect to Wi-Fi: the Google Home app, Amazon Alexa app, or directly from an iOS device.

Google Home app setup:

Download the free Google Home app on your Android or iOS device, then follow the instructions in the app to connect the sound bar to your Wi-Fi network.

Amazon Alexa app setup:

Download the free Amazon Alexa app on your Android or iOS device, then follow the instructions in the app to connect the sound bar to your Wi-Fi network.

Apple AirPlay setup:

1. Press and hold the power button ⏻ on the top panel of the sound bar until you hear a beep and “WI-FI SETUP” displays on the sound bar.
2. Confirm that your iOS device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want MagniFi Max AX to join.
3. On your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
4. Scroll down to SETUP NEW AIRPLAY SPEAKER, and tap MagniFi Max AX-XXXX.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Setup is now complete!

Watch TV or play a movie and adjust the sound bar volume and other settings as desired. You can use the sound bar top panel, the sound bar remote, or your TV remote to make adjustments to your listening experience. For more information, see pages 10-33. If you do not hear any sound, or you hear an echo, see "Tips and Troubleshooting" on page 29.

Need more help? Watch the online setup video! Visit www.polkaudio.com/MagnifiMaxAX.

Product Features

Remote control features

The remote control allows you to manage various functions:

• Power ⏻
• TV input
• Bass adjust (using BASS button and +/-)
• Treble adjust (using TREBLE button and +/-)
• Surrounds adjust (using SURR button and +/-)
• Volume and settings adjust (using Volume +/- buttons)
• Sound mode select (using SOUND button)
• Bluetooth input
• Input source select
• Voice Adjust® (using VOICE button and +/-)
• Height adjust (using HEIGHT button and +/-)
• Audio delay adjust (using DELAY button and +/-)
• Mute ?
• Status information (using INFO button)

Sound bar features

Top panel

The top panel includes:

• Power ⏻
• Bluetooth ?
• Volume down/up (- / +)
• Input
• Mute ?

Front panel

The front panel features:

• Status light
• Display (shows volume, mode, etc.)

Back panel

The back panel includes connection ports:

• HDMI inputs
• HDMI eARC/ARC
• Optical
• Connect (for pairing subwoofer/surrounds)
• USB* (for basic MP3 music playback)
• Power
• Wi-Fi status light
• Subwoofer status light
• Surrounds status light

Subwoofer features

The subwoofer has:

• Status light
• Connect button

Surround speaker features

Each surround speaker has:

• Connect button
• Power
• Status Light

Settings

Status indicators

Display

The sound bar display provides status information when you change settings or modes. The display turns off when not actively in use. Press the INFO button on the remote to view current settings like input source, decoder, sound mode, and Wi-Fi, subwoofer, and surround speaker connection states. Each button press cycles through the status items.

Status light

The status light above the display provides visual feedback on sound bar states. It blinks when the bar is muted, booting up, or updating software. The status light can also indicate when the bar is powered on if this feature is enabled. To toggle this feature, press the Mute ? and Volume Up + buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. When enabled, the status light is solid white when powered on and turns off when in standby.

Customize your listening experience

Sound modes

Press the SOUND button on the remote to cycle through available sound modes. These modes adjust audio characteristics based on content type. The selected sound mode is saved for each HDMI input.

Audio delay

If the sound bar audio is out of sync with TV dialogue, you can manually adjust the timing using the audio delay feature:

1. Press the DELAY button on the remote to enter audio delay adjustment mode.
2. Use the + and – buttons to adjust the timing in small steps until the audio is in sync with the video. The sound bar display shows the current setting.
3. When finished, press the DELAY button again or wait 10 seconds to automatically exit audio delay adjustment mode.

Voice Adjust

For clearer dialogue, use the voice controls on the remote to isolate and adjust the dialogue level. Press the VOICE button and then + or – on the remote to increase or decrease the dialogue level.

Height adjust

Use the height-level control to adjust the volume of the up-firing, height-channel speakers. Press the HEIGHT button and then + or – on the remote to increase or decrease the height-channel volume.

Treble adjust

Use the treble control to increase or decrease high-frequency details. Press the TREBLE button and then + or – on the remote to adjust the treble.

Bass control

Use the bass controls on the remote to adjust bass volume. Press the BASS button and then + or – on the remote to increase or decrease the bass.

Surround control

Use the surround controls to adjust the volume on connected surround speakers. Press the SURR button, then + for higher volume or – for lower volume. To adjust the relative balance between surround speakers if one is too loud or quiet: Press and hold the SURR button for 2 seconds, then press + or – to change the relative volume.

Use your TV remote to control the sound bar

You can also use your TV, cable, or satellite remote to control the sound bar's power, volume, mute, and other functions. You may need to teach the sound bar to respond to your TV remote.

Teach the sound bar to respond to your TV remote

Important: For best results, install fresh batteries in both remotes and point them at the sound bar front panel from 1-3 ft (30-90 cm) away.

1. Enter Remote Control Learning mode: On the sound bar top panel, press and hold the Source button (▶️) for about 3 seconds. Release the button when “REMOTE LEARN” appears on the front panel display. The prompt “POLK REMOTE” will appear.
2. Select a button on the Polk remote: Press and release a button you want the sound bar to learn (e.g., Volume Up). The prompt “TV REMOTE” will appear.
3. Select a button on your TV remote: Press and release the button on your TV remote that you want to control the selected sound bar function (e.g., Volume Up). If “TRY AGAIN” appears, repeat steps 2 and 3. “SUCCESS” will appear when the command is programmed.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to program other buttons.
5. Exit Remote Control Learning mode: Press and hold the Source button (▶️) until “EXIT” appears on the display.

Clear learned TV remote control codes

Press and hold the Source button (▶️) on the sound bar for about 10 seconds. You will hear a two-note tone. Continue holding and release after a three-note tone. The message “IR CLEARED” will appear.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth®

Listen with Chromecast built-in™

With Chromecast built-in, you can easily:

• Stream music from your favorite apps over Wi-Fi.
• Create a whole-home audio experience with multi-room sync.
• Stream media from any Google Assistant-enabled speaker using voice commands.
• Receive automatic updates.

To set up Chromecast:

1. Confirm your Android or iOS device is connected to the Wi-Fi network you want MagniFi Max AX to join.
2. Download the free Google Home app on your Android or iOS device.
3. Follow the instructions in the app to connect the sound bar to your Wi-Fi network.

For more information about Google Home and Chromecast built-in for audio, visit support.google.com/googlenest and support.google.com/chromecastbuiltin.

Listen with Apple AirPlay®

AirPlay® is an Apple technology designed to control home audio systems and speakers from iPhone®, iPad®, HomePod®, or Apple TV®. Play music in multiple rooms simultaneously and adjust volume in sync.

To set up Apple AirPlay (if Chromecast is not already set up):

1. Press and hold the power button ⏻ on the top panel of the sound bar until you hear a beep and “WI-FI SETUP” displays.
2. Confirm your iOS device is connected to the desired Wi-Fi network.
3. On your iOS device, go to Settings > Wi-Fi.
4. Scroll down to SETUP NEW AIRPLAY SPEAKER, and tap MagniFi Max AX-XXXX.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: If Chromecast is already set up, AirPlay is ready to use. Tap the AirPlay icon in your music app, then tap MagniFi Max AX.

Listen with Amazon Alexa™

Connect the MagniFi Max AX to your Alexa account and use your Amazon Alexa Built-in or Echo device(s) to play music, adjust volume, set alarms, and more.

Set up with the Alexa app

Download the Alexa app on your mobile device. Follow the on-screen prompts for setup. If a prompt does not appear, manually add the MagniFi Max AX to the Alexa app.

After setup is complete

• Use voice commands on a nearby Amazon Alexa Built-in or Echo device to control the sound bar.
• Play music directly to the sound bar via the Amazon Music, Amazon Alexa, and Spotify apps.
• Receive important software updates automatically.

Listen to music with Bluetooth®

Connect a phone or tablet with Bluetooth

1. Press the Bluetooth ? button on the sound bar top panel or remote. “BT READY TO PAIR” will appear on the display.
2. On your phone or tablet, navigate to Bluetooth settings and select “Polk MagniFi Max AX”. “BT CONNECTED” will appear on the sound bar display upon connection.

Note: You cannot pair a new device if another Bluetooth device is already connected.

Automatic reconnect

Pressing the Bluetooth ? button attempts to automatically reconnect to the most recently connected Bluetooth device.

Disconnect a Bluetooth device

You can disconnect from Bluetooth in your phone or tablet's Bluetooth settings. Alternatively, press and hold the Bluetooth ? button on the sound bar top panel for three seconds. The sound bar will enter pairing mode, and “BT READY TO PAIR” will appear.

Tips and Troubleshooting

I don't have an HDMI port labeled "eARC" or "ARC" on my TV.

1. Use an optical cable to connect the sound bar to your TV.
2. Turn off your TV's internal speakers. Refer to your TV manual for instructions.

There is no sound coming from my sound bar.

• Check that the sound bar is powered on ⏻.
• Check that all cables are connected correctly.
• Press the Volume Up (+) button on the sound bar top panel to increase the volume.

There is no sound coming from my subwoofer.

• Check that the sound bar is powered on and playing audio.
• Check that the “SUB” status light on the back panel of the sound bar is green.
• Check that the status light on the back panel of the subwoofer is green.
• Turn up the bass using the Polk remote.
• Check that the power cable is secure in the subwoofer and the wall outlet.
• Unplug the subwoofer for 30 seconds, then plug it back in.

I hear an echo from my TV or sound bar.

• Check that the TV's internal speakers are disabled. Refer to your TV manual.
• If your TV is connected via HDMI ARC, check that HDMI CEC/ARC is enabled in your TV's Settings menu.

My remote control isn't working.

• Get closer to the sound bar and aim the remote at the front of the sound bar.
• Ensure nothing is blocking the IR receiver on your TV.
• Make sure the batteries are installed correctly.
• Install fresh batteries in the remote.
• To teach your TV, cable, or satellite remote to control the sound bar, see "Use your TV remote to control the sound bar" on page 22.

How do I perform a factory reset?

Note: A reset erases all sound bar settings, including Bluetooth and Wi-Fi settings.

With the sound bar powered on ⏻, press and hold the Power ⏻ and Mute ? buttons on the top panel for 7 seconds. You will see a countdown on the display, followed by “RESET” and a chime. The bar restarts upon completion.

How do I wirelessly connect (pair) my subwoofer or surround speakers?

1. Plug in your subwoofer and/or surround speakers and ensure the sound bar is powered on ⏻.
2. Enter pairing mode on the sound bar by pressing and holding the CONNECT button on the back panel for about 3 seconds. You will hear a confirmation tone.
3. On the subwoofer or surround speaker, press the CONNECT button on the back panel for about 3 seconds until you hear a confirmation tone.
4. Repeat step 3 for other speakers that need pairing.
5. When finished, press the CONNECT button on the sound bar to save pairings and exit pairing mode.

Why do I see a network called Polk MagniFi Max AX?

Your soundbar broadcasts a wireless network for Wi-Fi setup. This network signal turns off once Wi-Fi setup is complete. Connecting to the internet is recommended for software updates. You can also disable Wi-Fi if you do not wish to connect to the internet.

How do I disable Wi-Fi?

To disable Wi-Fi, press and hold the Mute ? and Source ▶️ buttons on the top panel for 5 seconds. Repeat the procedure to re-enable Wi-Fi. Note: Disabling Wi-Fi does not clear connection settings. To clear all settings, perform a factory reset (see page 31).

My sound bar randomly powers on by itself.

Your sound bar is preset to automatically power on when a connected device is used. To disable automatic power on for an input:

1. Press the desired input on the Polk remote control.
2. Press and hold the desired input button on the Polk remote control for 5 seconds.

My sound bar randomly powers off by itself.

Your sound bar is preset to automatically power off after 20 minutes of inactivity. To disable automatic power off, press and hold the Power ⏻ and Volume Down – buttons on the top panel for 5 seconds.

Can I put the sound bar into sleep mode?

You can use Vacation Mode for a deep sleep. To enter Vacation Mode, press and hold the Mute ? and Volume Down – buttons on the top panel for 10 seconds. To exit Vacation Mode, press any button on the sound bar.

Can I play music on the sound bar via a USB flash drive?

Yes. Plug a USB Type-A flash drive into the USB port on the back panel for MP3 music playback. MP3 music files must be on the root of the flash drive. Songs will play automatically when the drive is plugged in. Note: There are no controls to navigate through music tracks on the flash drive.

Trademark Information

Dolby, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and the double-D symbol are registered trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories. Copyright © 2012-2021 Dolby Laboratories. All rights reserved.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, and the HDMI Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc.

For DTS patents, see http://patents.dts.com. Manufactured under license from DTS, Inc. DTS, DTS:X, Virtual:X, and the DTS:X logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of DTS, Inc. in the United States and other countries. © 2020 DTS, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Apple, AirPlay, iPhone, iPad, HomePod, and AppleTV are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Use of the "Works with Apple" badge means an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.

The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED logo is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi Certification provides assurance that the device has passed the interoperability test conducted by the Wi-Fi Alliance, a group that certifies interoperability among wireless LAN devices.

Google, Google Home, and Chromecast built-in are trademarks of Google LLC.

The Bluetooth word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by the Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Polk Audio is under license.

Roku, the Roku logo, Roku TV, Roku TV Ready, and the Roku TV Ready logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Roku, Inc. This product is Roku TV Ready-supported in the United States, Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom. Countries are subject to change. For the most current list of countries in which this product is Roku TV Ready-supported, please email rokutvready@roku.com.

Spotify is all the music you'll ever need. Millions of songs available instantly. Search for music you love, or let Spotify play you something great. Spotify works on your phone, tablet, computer, and home speakers. You can enjoy Spotify with your free or Premium account. Use your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Go to www.spotify.com/connect to learn how. The Spotify software is subject to third-party licenses found here: www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses.

Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.