MartinLogan Dynamo Outdoor SUB 100 & SUB 120 User Manual

Overview

Subwoofer

The MartinLogan Outdoor Living Series subwoofers are weatherproof and designed to be buried at a depth of 2 feet. The use of multiple subwoofers is recommended for larger yards. Made of durable ABS plastic, these subwoofers can endure the elements and provide years of trouble-free service. While installation is relatively easy, the Garden Oasis series is designed for installation by an authorized MartinLogan dealer.

Note on Contents: The DYNAMO™ OUTDOOR SUB 100 is shipped in two cartons. Ensure you have both cartons before starting, labeled "1 of 2" and "2 of 2". The contents are the same for both the SUB 100 (10" Subwoofer) and SUB 120 (12" subwoofer).

Contents of SUB 100 and SUB 120 (Box 1 of 2):

• (1) Subwoofer Body with Attached Cable
• (2) Silicone-Filled Wire Connectors

Contents of Box 2 (SUB 120 only):

• (1) Subwoofer Canopy
• (1) Port Tube with Compression Clamps

Diagram: Illustrations show the DYNAMO™ OUTDOOR SUB 100 and DYNAMO™ OUTDOOR SUB 120 units. The SUB 100 is a compact cylinder with a domed cap on top. The SUB 120 is a larger cylinder with a domed cap connected via an elbowed tube.

Required Tools:

• Shovel
• Cable Strippers
• Phillips Screwdriver
• Wrench

Power

Your MartinLogan Outdoor Living Series subwoofers are optimized for use with the Crown CDi 1000 amplifier, which can be programmed with customized DSP settings. See the 'Audio Settings Chart' on page 11.

8-ohm amplifiers can also be used, but will not support the proprietary MartinLogan DSP presets. For 8-ohm amplifier use with subwoofers and satellite speakers:

• Subwoofer: Wire only one subwoofer per amplifier channel.
• Satellite Speakers: Wire only one speaker per amplifier channel and set the tap on each speaker to the 8-ohm setting. Do not wire more than one satellite per amplifier channel in 8-ohm mode.

Warnings:

• ⚠️ ACCOUNT FOR POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL, GAS, BURIED CABLES, PLUMBING OR OTHER OBSTACLES BEFORE INSTALLING GROUND STAKES.
• ⚠️ MANY LOCALITIES FORBID DIGGING WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION. CONTACT LOCAL AUTHORITIES BEFORE INSTALLATION.
• ⚠️ READ AND FOLLOW all instructions before beginning installation.

Planning the Install

Identify locations and determine the positioning of subwoofer(s) and satellite speakers. Distribute them evenly throughout the space.

Dig the trench for speakers and accessories. The trench should be 6"-8" deep.

Amplifier Configuration Options (with Crown CDi 1000):

• 1 to 3 subwoofers on channel 1 of the amplifier.
• 1 to 100 satellite speakers on channel 1 or 2 if running 70V.
• 1 to 4 satellite speakers on channel 1 or 2 if running 8 Ohm.

Diagram: An overhead view of a garden area shows suggested placement for Outdoor SAT 40/60 satellite speakers (green circles) and Dynamo Outdoor SUB 100/120 subwoofers (larger green circles). Dotted lines illustrate coverage zones. A separate diagram shows a Crown Amplifier connected to multiple speakers and subwoofers using 4-conductor burial wire. Speaker connections are indicated as Black (Red +) and Red (Black -). Subwoofer connections are Green (White +) and White (Green -).

Installation Considerations

Before digging, consider the following:

• Test the subwoofer (paired with speakers) before digging trenches for wiring.
• Optimize Sound: Both SUB 100 and SUB 120 enhance speaker performance, each covering approximately 1,000 to 2,000 square feet.
• Accessible Location: Ensure the area is easily accessed, not prone to flooding or standing water, and that the subwoofer canopy cannot be easily damaged, kicked, or struck.

Digging the Hole

Before placing the subwoofer, use the packing carton to gauge the hole depth. For the SUB 120 carton, account for the port elbow's extra width.

NOTE: In areas with clay or drainage issues, place 1" of pea gravel underneath the subwoofer for proper drainage.

NOTE: The subwoofer can be positioned and operated above ground. Stabilize it before use.

Approximate Hole Dimensions:

• Dynamo™ Outdoor SUB 100: 26"(W) x 20"(L) x 18"(H)
• Dynamo™ Outdoor SUB 120: 30"(W) x 25"(L) x 24"(H)

Diagram: A 3D representation of a rectangular hole with labels for Width (W), Length (L), and Height (H), illustrating the approximate dimensions.

Subwoofer Assembly

Dynamo™ Outdoor SUB 100

To assemble, place the canopy into the port tube and tighten the compression clamp for a water-tight seal.

Dynamo™ Outdoor SUB 120 (See diagram)

The port elbow is marked "To Canopy" and "To Subwoofer".

Step 1: Insert the canopy onto one end of the port elbow until seated. Fully tighten the compression clamp.

Step 2: Attach the assembled canopy and elbow port to the subwoofer, ensuring no dirt or debris enters the port tube. Do not fully tighten the compression clamp holding the elbow port to the subwoofer.

Diagram: Illustrations show the assembly of the port tube, canopy, and elbow for the SUB 120. Step 1 shows inserting the canopy into the elbow. Step 2 shows attaching the assembled unit to the subwoofer body.

Subwoofer Positioning

Dynamo™ Outdoor SUB 100

Place the subwoofer in the hole, ensuring approximately 5" between the ground level and the bottom of the canopy.

Dynamo™ Outdoor SUB 120 (See diagram)

Place the assembled subwoofer into the hole, then rotate the cabinet until approximately 5" separates the ground level from the bottom of the canopy. Once positioned, tighten the compression clamp holding the elbow port to the subwoofer.

IMPORTANT! Do not backfill the hole until the system is fully WIRED/tested.

Diagram: Shows three examples (Example 1, 2, 3) of a subwoofer installed in a hole, with a dotted line indicating the ground level and a measurement showing approximately 5 inches of clearance from the ground to the bottom of the canopy.

Quantity Recommendations

Usage Chart

Wiring Recommendations

Use burial-rated cable (not included) for installing Outdoor Living Series subwoofers. Using the proper speaker cable gauge is critical.

Avoid high gauge wires, as performance may be compromised.

Cable Gauge Chart

Wiring & Subwoofer Installation

Mono Setup Using 4 Conductor Burial Cable & Crown Amplifier

Speakers and subs should be wired in parallel, not series.

Diagram: Illustrates a mono setup with a Crown Amplifier connected to multiple SUB 100/120 subwoofers and SAT 40/60 satellite speakers using 4-conductor burial wire. The wiring shows parallel connections.

Preparing the 4 Conductor Burial Cable

1. Starting with the first speaker and every subsequent speaker/sub, create a loop approximately 6" in length.
2. Recommended: Use a wire tie (not included) to keep the wire loop intact and act as a strain relief.
3. Use a Round Cable Stripper to remove the outside protective cable jacket, exposing the four color-coded wires. Separate the wire loops as shown.
4. Cut the white (+) and green (-) wires with cable strippers and strip off 1 inch (25.4mm) of insulation from the ends to expose the copper conductor.

Diagrams: Series of illustrations showing the steps for preparing the 4-conductor burial cable: creating a 6" loop, securing it with a wire tie, stripping the outer jacket to reveal colored wires (red/black for speakers, green/white for subwoofers), and stripping insulation from the green and white wires.

Wiring & Speaker Installation (CONT'D)

Subwoofer & Burial Cable Connections

Combine and twist (clockwise) the red wires (from the amplifier, subwoofer, and adjoining speaker) and secure them with the provided silicone-filled wire connectors. Repeat for the Black wires.

NOTE: You may need to cut some of the speaker cable from the subwoofer for easier management.

Diagram: Shows how to connect wires from the amplifier, subwoofer, and next speaker together using silicone-filled connectors. Wires are shown twisted together.

Test System

After all subwoofer and satellite connections are completed, connect the wires to your receiver or amplifier.

IMPORTANT! Be sure not to let any stray '+' and '-' strands touch each other. Touching strands can cause a short circuit and damage your amplifier.

Turn your receiver or amplifier 'On' and test the system with your favorite music. If the speakers are operating properly, refill the wire trench and enjoy your new subwoofers.

Using Multiple Subwoofers

The Crown CDi 1000 amplifier can power up to three SUB subwoofers connected in parallel to a single amp channel. To expand from one to two or three subwoofers, run additional speaker cable from the first to the second, and from the second to the third subwoofer.

To Avoid Subwoofer Damage

Do not be misled by your amplifier's volume control; it adjusts listening level, not power output. If your subwoofer(s) sound harsh or grating, or if the bass breaks up, turn the volume down immediately to prevent damage. This type of damage is considered abuse and is not covered by the warranty.

Tone controls and equalizers can increase amplifier power demand, lowering the point of clipping distortion. Use them sparingly and avoid using them at loud listening levels.

Listening Outdoors

Outdoors, sound is not contained by walls. Background noise is louder, and listeners are typically farther away, making it harder to achieve a reasonable listening level. While the tendency is to turn up the volume, this can disturb neighbors and potentially damage the subwoofer(s) or amplifier.

Solution: For larger areas, use multiple MartinLogan Outdoor Living Series subwoofers. This distributes sound evenly, allowing for reasonable listening levels at lower volumes and reducing demand on the amplifier. Think of it like using multiple dimmable floodlights for an outdoor area instead of one high-powered floodlight.

Audio Settings Chart

Large System Installation (8 Ohm SUBS with 70 Volt SATS)

* Using a large number of speakers per amplifier channel will result in lower overall system volume. Large systems may benefit from multiple amplifiers.

** The wiring harness provided with the MartinLogan sourced Crown CDi 1000 amplifier is configured for mono. To convert this wiring harness for stereo, cut the blue wire on the harness.

Compact System Installation (8 Ohm SUBS with 8 Ohm SATS)

* Using a large number of speakers per amplifier channel will result in lower overall system volume. Large systems may benefit from multiple amplifiers.

** The wiring harness provided with the MartinLogan sourced Crown CDi 1000 amplifier is configured for mono. To convert this wiring harness for stereo, cut the blue wire on the harness.

Warranty

MartinLogan offers online warranty registration at www.martinlogan.com.

Your subwoofer is provided with an automatic Limited 90 Day Warranty coverage.

You have the option, at no additional charge, to receive a Limited 3 Year Warranty coverage. To obtain the Limited 3 Year Warranty coverage, register your subwoofer at www.martinlogan.com. Save a copy of your dealer receipt as it may be requested if service is required.

MartinLogan may not honor warranty service claims unless we have a completed Warranty Registration on file at www.martinlogan.com!

Service

If you are using your MartinLogan product in a country other than the one in which it was originally purchased, please note the following:

1. The appointed MartinLogan distributor for any given country is responsible for warranty servicing only on units distributed by or through it in that country, in accordance with its applicable warranty.
2. Should a MartinLogan product require servicing in a country other than the one in which it was originally purchased, the end user may seek to have repairs performed by the nearest MartinLogan distributor, subject to that distributor's local servicing policies, but all costs of repairs (parts, labor, transportation) must be borne by the owner of the MartinLogan product.
3. If, after owning your subwoofer for six months, you relocate to a country other than the one in which you purchased your subwoofer, your warranty may be transferable. Contact MartinLogan for details.

Specifications

Dimensional Drawings

Detailed dimensional drawings of the entire Outdoor Living Series are available for download from MartinLogan.com.