Sonance Impact Subwoofer Instruction Manual
Models: i12 | i10 | i8
Safety Information
IMPORTANT: READ ALL OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE YOU INSTALL OR OPERATE YOUR SUBWOOFER AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR LATER USE.
- Read Instructions: All safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the unit.
- Retain Instructions: Keep these safety and operating instructions for future reference.
- Heed Warnings: Adhere to all warnings on the unit and in the operating instructions.
- Follow Instructions: Follow all operating and use instructions.
- Water and Moisture: Do not use the unit near water (e.g., bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, wet basement, swimming pool).
- Carts and Stands: Use only with a cart or stand recommended by the manufacturer. Move with care; quick stops, excessive force, or uneven surfaces may cause overturn.
- Caution: Electric Shock: Do not use the subwoofer's polarized plug with an extension cord, receptacle, or other outlets unless blades can be fully inserted to prevent blade exposure.
- Ventilation: Ensure the unit is situated so its location does not impede proper ventilation. Avoid built-in installations (like cabinets) that may block airflow to the back plate.
- Heat: Position the unit away from heat sources like radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-producing appliances.
- Power Sources: Connect only to the power supply type described in the instructions or marked on the unit.
- Accessories and Attachments: Use only manufacturer-specified accessories and attachments.
- Grounding or Polarization: Ensure the unit's grounding or polarization means are not defeated.
- Power Cord Protection: Route power cords to prevent them from being walked on or pinched. Pay attention to cords at plugs, receptacles, and where they exit the controller.
- Cleaning: Clean the unit only as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Non-Use Periods: Unplug the power cord from the outlet when the unit is left unused for extended periods.
- Object and Liquid Entry: Prevent objects from falling and liquids from spilling into the enclosure through openings.
- Damage Requiring Service: Service by qualified personnel is required when:
- The power cord or plug is damaged.
- Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into the unit.
- The unit has been exposed to rain.
- The unit does not operate normally or shows a marked change in performance.
- The unit has been dropped or the enclosure is damaged.
- Servicing: Do not attempt to service the unit beyond instructions. Refer all other servicing to qualified personnel.
Caution Symbols: The lightning flash symbol indicates dangerous voltage. The exclamation point symbol indicates important operating and maintenance instructions.
Compliance: This product complies with FCC Standards for home or office use. It also complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules, subject to conditions that it does not cause harmful interference and accepts any received interference. Standard electrical compliance statements are also present in Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish.
Design and Features
The Sonance Impact Wireless Subwoofer delivers powerful, low-distortion bass and fits seamlessly into any room's décor. Its ultra-long throw, glass fiber cone, advanced port design, and sealed amp plate enclosure provide room-shaking bass from a compact cabinet, offering numerous installation options.
Key Features:
- Piano Black Finish with Black Cloth Grille for an elegant and minimalistic aesthetic.
- Sealed Amp Plate.
- Wireless and Hard Wired Connection Options.
- Optimized for Music and Movies.
- Built-in Wireless Receiver.
- 16 Bands of Adjustable Equalization.
- Advanced Tuned Port Design.
- Woven Glass Fiber Cone.
- App Controlled SonARC Room Correction and Setup.
Box Contents
- (1) Sonance Impact Subwoofer
- (4) Removable rubber feet
- (1) IEC power cord (115V versions only)
Subwoofer Placement
Sonance Subwoofers feature app-driven room correction, allowing flexible placement. Since directional cues are less pronounced at deep bass frequencies, subwoofer placement is less critical than for other speakers. Follow these guidelines and experiment for optimal performance in your listening environment.
Recommended Starting Point: Place the subwoofer in line with your left and right speakers, positioned between a speaker and the side wall (see Figure 1).
Figure 1: Diagram showing ideal subwoofer placement between a main speaker and the side wall.
Subwoofer placement relative to walls affects bass output: placing it near a wall increases bass, while a corner maximizes it. Corner placement can, however, lead to standing waves (uneven bass response). Experiment with different locations to find a spot that provides strong, clear bass without boominess at your seating positions.
Consult your local authorized Sonance dealer for expert audio/video system planning and installation advice.
Note: These subwoofers can produce bass energy strong enough to cause objects in the room to rattle or buzz. If this occurs, try relocating the items. If rattling persists, secure or remove the items.
Installing the Subwoofer Flush to a Wall or Cabinet
For proper ventilation when installing flush, maintain at least 1" (2.5 cm) clearance around the top and sides, and 1" (2.5 cm) behind the subwoofer. If clearance is limited, install a fan to provide cooling air to the rear compartment.
Subwoofer Rear Panels
Figure 2 illustrates the controls and connections on the subwoofer's rear panel.
Figure 2: Diagram of the Sonance Impact Subwoofer rear panel, illustrating controls and connections such as Status, Volume, Crossover, Phase, Wireless Sync, Line Level Input, Speaker Level Input, Input Select, Fuse, Power Switch, Power Cord Connection, and Ground Lift.
Subwoofer Connections
Power Connection
Connect the removable IEC power cord to the subwoofer's rear panel and plug the other end into a grounded wall socket. Do not plug into a convenience outlet on another audio/video component.
IMPORTANT: Do not plug the power cord into the wall outlet until all system connections are made and verified.
Note: If using an extension cord, use a heavy-duty (14-gauge or larger) cord to ensure adequate current for full-power operation. Do not plug into a power conditioner or UPS system.
Audio Connections
The Impact Subwoofer offers flexible connections for various audio system configurations.
Line Level:
Connect to a surround processor/receiver's dedicated subwoofer LFE output or a stereo preamp/integrated amplifier's left and right variable main outputs. Use the LEFT/LFE input if your receiver has a subwoofer output jack.
Speaker Level Input:
Connect to the speaker outputs of a receiver or integrated amp lacking line-level outputs or a dedicated subwoofer output. Recommended minimum speaker wire sizes: 16-gauge for up to 500' (152m) total wire length, and 14-gauge for up to 1,000' (305m).
Wireless Input:
Link the subwoofer with the optional Sonance Wireless Transmitter (SKU 93360). Connect line-level inputs from the transmitter to your processor/receiver. Power on both devices. Press and hold the PAIR button on the transmitter until its LED blinks blue. Within 30 seconds, press and hold the SYNC button on the subwoofer until its front LED turns solid blue. The devices are now paired.
Note: The wireless transmitter has a range of 30' (9m) in standard residential construction.
Connection Examples
Follow the example that best suits your audio system. Preference is given to the most ideal method.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect both Line Inputs and Speaker Inputs simultaneously.
Option 1: Surround Sound Processor/Receiver/Stereo Preamp with Subwoofer Output
Connect the processor's dedicated subwoofer output to the subwoofer's LEFT/LFE input. Use a 'Y' connector if connecting two subwoofers.
Figure 3: Diagram showing connection to a surround processor's subwoofer output.
Option 2: Stereo Preamp/Power Amp/Integrated Amplifier with Pre Out and Line Level Inputs
Connect the preamp/integrated amplifier's left and right main outputs to the subwoofer's line level input jacks.
Figure 4: Diagram showing connection between a stereo preamp/integrated amp and the subwoofer.
Option 3: Integrated Amplifier with Line Outputs
Use a stereo audio cable to connect the integrated amplifier's left and right line outputs to the subwoofer's left and right line input jacks. For two subwoofers, connect the amp's left output to the first subwoofer's left input, and the right output to the second subwoofer's right input.
Figure 5: Diagram showing connection to an integrated amp with line output.
Option 4: Receiver/Integrated Amplifier with No Line-Level Outputs
Use speaker wire to connect the receiver/integrated amplifier's left and right speaker outputs to the subwoofer's left and right speaker inputs.
Figure 6: Diagram showing connection to a receiver or integrated amp with no line-level outputs.
Option 5: Wireless Connectivity with Sonance Wireless Transmitter
Follow the pairing procedure described in the "Wireless Input" section.
Figure 7: Diagram showing wireless connectivity using the Sonance Wireless Transmitter.
Input Select
Ensure the input select toggle is set to the appropriate input for your connection type (see Figure 8).
Figure 8: Diagram of the subwoofer's Input Select toggle and Volume control.
IMPORTANT: No signal will pass if the input select button is not properly selected.
Subwoofer Adjustments
SonARC For Subwoofers
All Sonance subwoofers include SonARC, an app-driven room correction software. Download the free app from the Apple App Store for any iOS device to tune your subwoofer to your environment. Visit www.sonance.com/sonarc for more information.
Note: If using third-party room correction software, perform SonARC adjustments first.
Volume Adjustments
The VOLUME control adjusts the subwoofer's output level. Set by ear by listening to music and film soundtracks with strong bass passages. Aim for a balanced sound that doesn't over-emphasize or weaken the bass (see Figure 9).
For precise setting, use calibrated test tones and an SPL meter or real-time analyzer. Adjust the VOLUME control so the subwoofer plays at the same volume as the system's other speakers.
Figure 9: Diagram of the subwoofer's Volume, Crossover, and Phase controls.
Crossover Adjustments
The crossover control adjusts the subwoofer's internal crossover frequency between 50Hz and 250Hz, with an 18dB/octave slope. A higher setting means the subwoofer operates at higher frequencies. Use this to achieve a smooth bass transition with your main speakers. Generally, set a lower frequency if your main speakers have larger woofers, and a higher frequency if they have smaller woofers.
Listen for bass smoothness. If bass is too strong at certain frequencies (especially with larger main speakers), try a lower crossover setting. If bass is too weak, try a higher setting. Ideally, set the crossover to the frequency where your main speakers' low-frequency response rolloff is -3dB.
Phase Adjustments
The PHASE switch controls the woofer cone's movement relative to the input signal. The '0' position causes outward movement for positive voltage; the '180' position causes inward movement.
There is no single correct setting. Experiment with both positions (0 and 180 degrees) while listening to music with significant bass. Sit in the listening position and have someone else change the switch. Choose the position that yields audibly louder bass with more impact.
Ground Lift
The ground lift switch helps eliminate grounding issues and induced noises. Switch from 'Isolated' to 'Grounded' to reduce noise. Safety is not affected (see Figure 10).
Replacing the AC Fuse
Your subwoofer is factory-equipped with an AC fuse. Refer to the specifications for the correct fuse rating based on voltage (115V or 230V) and model (i12, i10, i8).
To replace the fuse, unplug the power cord and use a screwdriver to remove the fuse holder (see Figure 10).
Figure 10: Diagram of the power cord connector and fuse holder.
Caution: For fire protection, replace the fuse only with the same type and rating.
Power Connection (Repeat from above, but contextually here for adjustments)
Connect the removable IEC power cord to the subwoofer's rear panel and plug the other end into a grounded wall socket. Do not plug into a convenience outlet on another audio/video component.
IMPORTANT: Do not plug the power cord into the wall outlet until all system connections are made and verified.
Note: If using an extension cord, use a heavy-duty (14-gauge or larger) cord to ensure adequate current for full-power operation.
Specifications
Detailed specifications for the Sonance Impact Subwoofer models i12, i10, and i8 are provided below.
Sonance Impact i12
| Model: | i12 |
|---|---|
| SKU: | 93358 |
| Woofer: | 12" (305mm) ultra long throw, glass fiber cone, rubber surround |
| Frequency Response: | 22Hz - 250Hz +/-3dB |
| Enclosure Material: | MDF with high-gloss black finish |
| Power Output: | 400 watts RMS (800 watts peak) |
| Inputs: | Line-level, speaker-level, and low latency wireless |
| Controls: | Crossover, phase, and bypass |
| In Room EQ: | App controlled DSP Room Correction |
| Cabinet Dimensions (W x H x D): | 16" x 18" x 16" (407mm x 457mm x 407mm) |
| Height with Feet: | 18.5" (470mm) |
| Grille Material: | Black cloth |
| Shipping Weight: | 70 lbs. (31.5kg) |
Diagrams showing the front and rear of the i12 model are available for download at www.sonance.com/impact/subwoofers.
Sonance Impact i10
| Model: | i10 |
|---|---|
| SKU: | 93357 |
| Woofer: | 10" (254mm) ultra long throw, glass fiber cone, rubber surround |
| Frequency Response: | 24Hz - 250Hz +/-3dB |
| Enclosure Material: | MDF with high-gloss black finish |
| Power Output: | 300 watts RMS (600 watts peak) |
| Inputs: | Line-level, speaker-level, and low latency wireless |
| Controls: | Crossover, phase, and bypass |
| In Room EQ: | App controlled DSP Room Correction |
| Cabinet Dimensions (W x H x D): | 14" x 16" x 14" (356mm x 407mm x 356mm) |
| Height with Feet: | 16.5" (419mm) |
| Grille Material: | Black cloth |
| Shipping Weight: | 60 lbs. (27kg) |
Diagrams showing the front and rear of the i10 model are available for download at www.sonance.com/impact/subwoofers.
Sonance Impact i8
| Model: | i8 |
|---|---|
| SKU: | 93356 |
| Woofer: | 8" (203mm) ultra long throw, glass fiber cone, rubber surround |
| Frequency Response: | 30Hz - 250Hz +/-3dB |
| Enclosure Material: | MDF with high-gloss black finish |
| Power Output: | 200 watts RMS (400 watts peak) |
| Inputs: | Line-level, speaker-level, and low latency wireless |
| Controls: | Crossover, phase, and bypass |
| In Room EQ: | App controlled DSP Room Correction |
| Cabinet Dimensions (W x H x D): | 12" x 14" x 12" (305mm x 355mm x 305mm) |
| Height with Feet: | 14.5" (368mm) |
| Grille Material: | Black cloth |
| Shipping Weight: | 40 lbs. (18kg) |
Diagrams showing the front and rear of the i8 model are available for download at www.sonance.com/impact/subwoofers.
Limited Five (5) Year Warranty
Sonance warrants this product to the first end-user purchaser, when bought from an authorized dealer/distributor, to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for the period stated. Sonance will, at its option and expense, repair or replace the product with a new or remanufactured unit or a reasonable equivalent.
Exclusions:
This warranty is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, express or implied, including implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for use, and fitness for a particular purpose. No one is authorized to modify these warranties. Sonance shall not be liable for consequential, incidental, economic, property, bodily injury, or personal injury damages arising from the product or breach of warranty.
This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by state. Some states do not allow exclusion of implied warranties or remedy limitations.
Product Model: Sonance Impact Subwoofer
Warranty Period: Five (5) years from the original sales receipt or invoice.
Additional Limitations: Warranty is non-transferable, applies only to the initial installation, and does not cover damage to allied equipment, or issues arising from accident, disaster, negligence, improper installation, misuse (e.g., overdriving, extreme temperatures, humidity), or unauthorized service/repair.
Obtaining Authorized Service: Contact your authorized Sonance Dealer/Installer or Sonance Customer Service at (949) 492-7777 within the warranty period. Obtain an RMA number and ship the product prepaid with proof of purchase.
©2018 Sonance. All rights reserved. Sonance is a registered trademark of Dana Innovations. Features and specifications are subject to change without notice. For the latest information, visit www.sonance.com.
Sonance Contact: 991 Calle Amanecer, San Clemente, CA 92673 USA. Phone: (949) 492-7777. Fax: (949) 361-5151. Technical Support: (949) 492-7777.
