Monitor Audio CW8/CW10 Custom Subwoofer Series

Introduction

Thank you for your purchase of the CW8 or CW10, which have been designed and constructed using quality systems and materials to provide years of enjoyment, reliability and pride of ownership.

The subwoofers both use our own, proprietary in-house developed DSP and EQ profiles to provide you with the all encompassing Monitor Audio experience. With technology used in the flagship range, the Platinum II Series, these subwoofers will fill the room with ground shaking bass.

Please read through this manual to familiarise yourself with any safety advice and how to set up your subwoofer to achieve the very best listening experience.

Please retain this manual for future reference.

Unpacking

Care must be taken at all times when handling the subwoofer due to the weight and the construction of the product. We recommend a two-person lift wherever appropriate.

The mains power cord(s) and 12 volt trigger cable are contained separately in the packaging and should be removed prior to unpacking the product.

To remove the subwoofer from its carton place some protective material on the floor and having removed any loose items (mains lead(s) and 12 volt trigger lead) from the top of the packaging, carefully invert the carton. Also refer to the icons printed on the carton. Gradually pull the carton upwards to expose the subwoofer, which will be presented with its base uppermost. Remove fixing tape from bag and expose the base/cabinet.

SubConnect

The Monitor Audio SubConnect application is a Windows only application that enables the end user to fully customise and control the advanced features of the subwoofer. The application is downloadable from the Monitor Audio website (www.monitoraudio.co.uk). Here you will find full instructions on how to install and use it.

The application will be required should a firmware update be needed for the CW8 or CW10.

Amp Panel

The amplifier panel features the following controls and connections:

• 1. Volume Control: Controls the master volume. Fine trimming can be achieved via the SubConnect application.
• 2. 12v Trigger - Centre Pin = +12v: For external power control from AV amplifier/ receiver to the subwoofer (cable supplied), and to toggle between different presets depending on how it is set up in the SubConnect application. The default setting is to control the power. This 12 volt signal comes from the source amplifier and supplies the subwoofer with a signal to perform a predetermined action. This is either to turn it on or to switch presets. When used to turn the subwoofer on and off, it is a very energy efficient method of power control. The auto off timer and signal sense features will not operate when the 12v trigger is connected.
• 3. RS232 Control: For use with home automation systems and uses a conventional RJ45 connector. Refer to page 5 for the wiring configuration and set up protocol.
• 4. USB-B Socket: Provided to update the firmware and settings of the subwoofer in conjunction with the SubConnect application. The application must be downloaded from the Monitor Audio website. A USB cable is not included; please use the appropriate USB A - USB B cable.
• 5. Mains Voltage Selector: Factory preset to suit the voltage of the country of origin. This should not be adjusted.
• 6. Mains Power Switch: Mains 'rocker switch' providing overall power off and on/ auto. In the on/auto mode, the unit will turn on when an input signal is sensed or RS232 command and will turn off after 20 minutes (default setting) when the signal is removed (source turned off). Alternatively, using the 12v trigger (see above) to control the power by turning the source on or off.
• 7. IEC Mains Input Socket & Fuse Location: The subwoofer is supplied with a three-pin mains input socket for connection to the mains supply. Use ONLY the appropriate IEC mains lead provided with the product. Also fitted is an external mains fuse. If a fuse blows during operation a spare fuse is provided within the fuse holder for replacement. If you wish to change the fuse, you can do this by removing the IEC mains lead and carefully levering out the original fuse from its holder below the IEC mains input socket (7a, opposite). If the fuse blows again it is advisable to seek help from an authorised service agent. DO NOT attempt to re-fit a further fuse as this could result in serious damage to the amplifier unit.
• 8. Balanced LFE Input: To be used when connecting to the balanced output on the amplifier. This is the best method of connection when using long runs of cables (over 10m upto 100m). A balanced connection provides a much better, almost noise free method of connection over analogue audio type connectors.
• 9. RCA LFE Input: This input is to be used when connecting the subwoofer to an AV amplifier/ receiver. When using the LFE input, the crossover function in the menu/ set-up is not used. This is due to the crossover function being controlled by the source to which it is connected. Input between LFE and Stereo input is switched automatically.
• 10. RCA Stereo Input: For connection to a 2 channel/ stereo amplifier system. Connection should be provided by a pair of high-quality signal cables from the pre-out section of an amplifier. Note: cable lengths should not exceed 10 metres to avoid interference from other electrical appliances.
• 11. Preset LED's: Indicate the selected preset (Music, Movie, Flat, Impact).
• 12. Preset Select Button: Scrolls through the 4 preset EQ profiles. It also wakes the subwoofer from standby without a signal waking it.
• 13. Phase Control: Used to synchronise any delay between the Subwoofer and main speakers. Sit in a normal listening position whilst adjusting the phase settings. When set correctly the location of the subwoofer should be almost undetectable. Experimentation is advisable, however it should be noted that in most cases the phase control should be set to 0 degrees, especially when using a digital AV processor or AV receiver amplifier. The phase can also be adjusted on the Subwoofer itself.
• 14. Crossover Frequency: Adjust the crossover frequency of the subwoofer between 50 – 150Hz in accordance with the main speakers when using the stereo input. When using the LFE input the low pass filter is not active as this is set by the AVR. There is also a LED and infra red receiver on the front of the cabinet. The LED will indicate when it is operational. It will be red when in standby and green when operational. The infra red receiver is there for use with a programmable remote control.

Positioning/Initial Set Up

Leave the subwoofer unplugged from the mains until the installation procedure is completed.

The subwoofer should be sited in the most suitable position, preferably not directly in the corner of a room as this may cause excessive bass boom. The optimum position is next to either of the front left or right speakers. Once a desirable position is achieved it is important to check if the cables are long enough to reach comfortably without being under tension. The optimal control settings will depend entirely on system configuration, room environment and personal tastes. However, for initial trials set the controls as follows:

• Volume Control: Should be set to approximately 12 o'clock.
• Crossover Control: Should be set to the approximate frequency depending on main speakers when using the L & R Line Level Inputs.
• Preset: Should be set to number 1 (Flat).
• Phase Control: Should be set to zero degrees.
• EQ Preset: Should be set to '3' (flat).
• 12v Trigger (optional): Do not connect at this stage.
• Input: Connections from the amplifier can be made at this stage before the power is connected to the subwoofer. Refer to page 2.

Never connect or disconnect the RCA input/ output leads with the subwoofer switched on.

Set Up

With the input cable(s) connected and controls are set in accordance with the initial set-up procedure above, the subwoofer can be connected to the mains power supply and switched on at the mains power switch.

Do not play any music or movies at this stage as the auto set up of the AV amp (if using one) will need to be run. If your amp has an auto set up procedure, run this now. If you do not have an auto set up or are using a stereo amp connected to the left and right inputs, set the crossover in accordance with your main speakers.

When the auto set up is complete, check that the subwoofer settings on the AV amp are correct. The level should be no more/less than +/- 3dB and the crossover frequency for the LFE to be around 60-80hz and roughly in accordance with the table below for the other speakers as well. If not we would suggest adjusting accordingly.

Now play a variety of familiar music/film excerpts and adjust the level of the subwoofer until you are happy it integrates with the rest of the system. The volume of the amp can then be adjusted to an average listening level. Once sure everything is working correctly, double check the subwoofer level settings.

NOTE: It might be necessary to adjust the speaker/ subwoofer settings manually if they are not to your tastes or recommendations in the speaker/ subwoofer manuals.

RS232

The subwoofer can be controlled via the RS232 port on the amplifier panel. The subwoofer can be controlled by sending a string of characters to the RS232 connector.

RS232 Wiring Configuration

The RS232 communication socket uses a standard RJ45 connector. This should be wired as illustrated on the amp panel and below.

Wiring Diagram:

• 1. Ground
• 2. Ground
• 3. Ground
• 4. Ground
• 5. Rx
• 6. Tx
• 7. Not used
• 8. Not Used.

RS232 Communication Set-Up Parameters

• Baud Rate: 57600
• Data Size: 8
• Parity: None
• Stop Bits: 1
• Handshaking/ Flow Control: None

Command Protocol

Each string of commands sent to the Subwoofer must follow the same structural protocol. These commands are detailed in the Command List opposite. To control the Subwoofer using RS232 commands, specific strings of characters (forming a command string) must be sent via a RS232 terminal. Each command string should be terminated by both:

• (the ASCII carriage return character, 13 decimal)
• (the ASCII line feed character, 10 decimal)

These are generally found in the RS232 terminal settings.

The Subwoofer replies to a valid command with the updated information changed by a SET command, or the information that was requested by a GET command. If the Subwoofer receives an invalid command it will reply with ERROR

Note: any SET command other than SET_0 during Standby is deemed invalid.

Command List

EQ Profiles

The CW8 & CW10 feature 4 EQ profiles:

• Flat: The sweet spot between a flat extended response and minimal use of DSP enhancement. A good starting point to create your own custom EQ profiles from.
• Music: Maximum low frequency extension to pick out the fundamental frequencies of every musical instrument.
• Movie: The same flat response with good sensitivity, but a little more extension to create a balance between the explosive and atmospheric moments of a good film.
• Impact: Uses the maximum natural efficiency of the drivers for explosive impact.

Infra Red Remote Codes

The Subwoofer has discreet remote control commands for use with universal remote controls. The commands follow the standard NEC protocol.

Update Firmware on Sub

To update the firmware on the Custom Subwoofer, you will need the SubConnect application. This is downloadable from the Monitor Audio Website. Please follow the installation and setup instructions with the application.

Once the SubConnect app has loaded and established connection with the subwoofer, either by automatic detection or by you manually pressing CONNECT, it will always check for a firmware update. If it finds one, you will see the below image.

Automatic Update:

1. To carry out the update, click on OK. You will then see another pop up showing the product, version number and a brief summary of the changes.
2. Click on Update and you will then see a progress bar showing the status of the update.
3. When it is complete you will get confirmation and the subwoofer will reboot (when you click on OK). If there is a signal going into the subwoofer, it will automatically start up. If there is no signal, the subwoofer will need to be woken up by applying a signal or by pressing the Preset button.

Manual Update:

If the automatic update doesn't work, or you wish to manually check for an update, open the app and with the Subwoofer on and connected, click on Tools > Firmware Update.

1. Click check for update. If the Subwoofer is up to date, you will be informed, likewise, if there is an update available for it you will also be informed.

Bootloader Mode

To get the Subwoofer into bootloader mode, you must first turn the subwoofer off by the mains switch. When it has shut down, (LED on the front has gone off) press and hold the PRESET button while simultaneously turning the subwoofer back on. All 4 preset LED's will be illuminated when it is in Bootloader mode.

Now click on OK on the application. The “Status” will show that it is disconnected. Click on CONNECT and then when reconnected, the pop up showing there is an update available will reappear. Proceed to Automatic Update.

Factory Reset

Sometimes it may be necessary to carry out a factory reset. By carrying out the factory reset, all adjustable parameters on the sub will return to their default values. It is recommended where possible to save your settings within the application before doing the reset.

Where necessary, to perform a factory reset:

1. Enter Bootloader mode (refer to page 6)
2. When in Bootloader mode (illustrated by all preset LED's being illuminated), press and hold the Preset button again.
3. As you are holding the button down, the LEDs will go out one by one. When the last one has gone out, the button can be released.
4. After being reset, the subwoofer will go into standby mode.

Guarantee

Both the craftsmanship and the performance of this product is guaranteed against manufacturing defects for the period of two years from the date of purchase (see conditions in the Important Safety Instructions booklet), provided that the product was supplied by an authorised Monitor Audio retailer under the consumer sale agreement.

To verify your manufacturer's warranty, please visit the online registration form at: www.monitoraudio.com

Specifications

Monitor Audio reserves the right to alter specifications without notice.

Trouble Shooting

My subwoofer will not turn on/ no power.

• Is the LED illuminated on the front of the unit? If not, check your mains lead is properly connected both at the subwoofer and at the mains outlet. Also check the fuse of the amplifier and mains plug (where fitted).
• Is the LED red? If so, you have power going to the unit. It could be that there is no signal, or the 12v trigger is connected and the source not turned on (see below).
• Have you got the 12v trigger connected? If so, the subwoofer will not power up until the source is turned on.
• Is the unit receiving a signal (12v trigger not being used)? Is the signal source turned on and playing something? Try adjusting the volume level of the source.

If it still does not turn on/ power up, please contact your local dealer/ distributor or Monitor Audio immediately.

No sound from subwoofer.

• Is the LED on the front red or green? If it is red, then the unit hasn't actually turned on. See previous suggestions. If it is green, then your unit is powered up and turned on. Check further suggestions below.
• Are the input cable(s) connected correctly? Check these. If possible, check by replacing with a second, working set.
• Is the volume level just very low? Try turning the volume on the source up a bit more.
• Have you tried switching input's? If changing from LFE to Stereo (or vice versa), you need to power down the subwoofer first. It will stay "locked” onto the input that activates it.

If it still does not output a signal, please contact your local dealer/ distributor or Monitor Audio immediately.

Owner Information

Product Details

• Model: CW8/CW10.
• Product Serial No: ........................................
• Amp Serial Number: ........................................
• Date of Purchase: ........................................

Dealer Details

• Dealer Name: ........................................
• Address: ........................................
• e-mail address: ........................................
• Phone Number: ........................................

Monitor Audio Contact Information

Monitor Audio Ltd.
24 Brook Road
Rayleigh, Essex
SS6 7XJ
England

Tel: +44 (0)1268 740580
Fax: +44 (0)1268 740589
Email: info@monitoraudio.co.uk
Web: www.monitoraudio.com

Designed & Engineered in the United Kingdom
Made In China

Version 2. 2016