Soundavo PSB-400DSP Class D Subwoofer
SAFETY WARNINGS AND GUIDELINES
Please read this entire manual before using this device, paying extra attention to these safety warnings and guidelines. Please keep this manual in a safe place for future reference.
- This device is intended for indoor use only.
- Do not expose this device to water or moisture of any kind. Do not place drinks or other containers with moisture on or near the device. If moisture does get in or on the device, immediately unplug it from the power outlet and allow it to fully dry before reapplying power.
- Do not touch the device, the power cord, or any other connected cables with wet hands.
- Do not expose this device to excessively high temperatures. Do not place it in, on, or near heat sources, such as a fireplace, stove, radiator, etc. Do not leave it in direct sunlight.
- This device ventilates excessive heat through the slots and openings in the case. Do not block or cover these openings. Ensure that the device is in an open area where it can get sufficient airflow to keep from overheating.
- Do not place or install this device in an area where it can be exposed to excessive amounts of dust, humidity, oil, smoke, or combustible vapors.
- Prior to operation, check the unit and power cord for physical damage. Do not use if physical damage has occurred.
- Before plugging the unit into a power outlet, ensure that the outlet provides the same type and level of power required by the device.
- This device uses a grounded power cord and requires a ground connection for safe operation. Ensure that the power source has a proper ground connection. Do not modify the plug or use a “cheater” plug to bypass the ground connection.
- Power off and unplug the amplifier from the power source before changing the operating voltage level.
- Disconnect the unit from the power source when replacing the fuse. Replace the fuse only with the same type, unless changing the operating voltage level.
- If the operating voltage level is changed, the fuse must be changed to ensure continued protection.
- Unplug this device from the power source when not in use.
- Take care to prevent damage to the power cord. Do not allow it to become crimped, pinched, walked on, or become tangled with other cords. Ensure that the power cord does not present a tripping hazard.
- Never unplug the unit by pulling on the power cord. Always grasp the connector head or adapter body.
- Ensure that power is turned off and disconnected before making any electrical connections.
- Remove the batteries from the controller if it will go unused for a lengthy period of time.
- Clean using a soft, dry cloth only. Do not use chemical cleaners, solvents, or detergents. For stubborn deposits, moisten the cloth with warm water.
- This device has no user serviceable parts. Do not attempt to open, service, or modify this device.
- In the event of serious operating problem, stop using the unit immediately.
FEATURES
- 400 watts (RMS) / 1000 watts (Peak) power output into a 4 ohm load
- 60 ~ 150 Hz adjustable low-pass filter
- -12dB ~ -48dB adjustable roll-off/crossover slope
- 0 ~ 180° variable phase control in 45° increments
- Built-in thermal protection
- Selectable operating voltage
- Can accept and pass-through line level and speaker level inputs
- Can accept and pass-through 12V trigger signals
- Can be set for 12V trigger, audio sensing, or front panel power switch operation
- Built-in digital signal processor (DSP) with three user-defined memory storage locations
- Includes rack mount ears
PACKAGE CONTENTS
Please take an inventory of the package contents to ensure you have all the items listed below. If anything is missing or damaged, please contact Soundavo Customer Service for a replacement.
- 1x PSB-400 400-watt Subwoofer Amplifier
- 2x Rack Mount Ears
- 6x Rack Mount Ear Screws
- 1x AC Power Cord
- 1x User’s Manual
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
POWER: Press the POWER switch to turn the amplifier on or off.
STATUS DISPLAY MENU: The 16-character, 2-row LCD display shows the amplifier’s status, menus, and settings, and works in conjunction with the NAVIGATION CONTROL.
NAVIGATION CONTROL: Use the push and turn control to scroll through the display menus, change settings, and program the DSP controller.
Rear Panel
- LINE IN/OUT: Two RCA jacks for accepting line level or LFE inputs. The output RCA jacks carry the original input signal for connecting an amplifier or other line level device.
- SPEAKER LEVEL IN/OUT: Speaker wire connectors for accepting a speaker level input. The output connector carries the original input signal for connecting passive speakers or a speaker level input on another device.
- 12V TRIGGER: The TRIGGER switch enables or disables the 12V trigger and the input and output connectors allow you to connect a trigger source and another device that can respond to a 12V trigger signal. When in the MUSIC position, the amplifier will power on when an audio signal is detected on the input. When in the 12V position, the amplifier will turn on and off with an external 6-12 volt trigger signal. Note that once trigger mode is enabled, the amplifier cannot be turned on without a trigger signal. To disable the 12V trigger, ensure that the POWER switch is in the on position, then press and hold the NAVIGATION CONTROL. TRIGGER mode will be disabled and the amplifier will power on.
- SUBWOOFER SPEAKER OUTPUT: 5-way binding posts for connecting a subwoofer. The minimum signal load is 4 ohms. Multiple subwoofers can be connected, as long as the combined load is 4 ohms or greater.
- AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR: The switch allows selection of 110-120 or 220-240 VAC 50/60 Hz. The switch is protected from accidental activation with a plastic cover. To change the voltage, remove the plastic cover, change the switch position, and then reattach the cover. Note that if the voltage is changed, the fuse must also be changed to ensure protection at the new voltage level. See the CHANGING VOLTAGE section for details.
- AC INPUT: IEC 60320 C14 panel connector for attaching the AC power cord.
- FUSE HOLDER: The FUSE HOLDER houses the power fuse, as well as a replacement fuse. See the CHANGING VOLTAGE and SPECIFICATIONS sections for details about the fuse.
SAMPLE CONNECTION DIAGRAMS
CHANGING VOLTAGE
The amplifier features the ability to operate with either 120 or 240 VAC nominal line voltage level. A switch on the rear panel allows you to select which voltage level it operates at.
To change the operating voltage, first power off and unplug the amplifier from the power source. Next, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the plastic cover in place. Slide the switch to the desired position, then reattach the cover to prevent accidental activation.
Next, remove the FUSE HOLDER and replace the fuse with one appropriate for the new voltage level. The following table shows the correct fuse for each voltage level.
RACK MOUNTING
The amplifier includes two rack mount ears and screws to attach them to the sides. Note that, due to the weight of the amplifier, it is recommended that rear supports be secured to the rear rack rails. Hardware to do this is not supplied because it is specific to the type and depth of rack being used.
Note that you can remove the rubber feet from the bottom of the amplifier when mounting it in a rack. To do so, use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws securing the feet to the bottom of the amp.
To operate the DSP menu system, use the NAVIGATION CONTROL on the front panel. When the amplifier is powered on, the LCD screen will display the Home Screen, which is also the Master Volume menu page. While this menu page is displayed, turn the control to change the volume level.
After 30 seconds of inactivity, the menu screen will go dark. After 5 minutes of inactivity, the menu system will return to the Home Page/Master Volume menu page.
Note that you must save the settings to one of the three memory storage locations or they will be lost when the amp is powered off. When the amp is powered on, it will revert to either the last preset or memory setting.
Perform the following steps to navigate the DSP menu system.
- Repeatedly push the NAVIGATION CONTROL to switch to the next menu page until the desired menu page is displayed.
- Turn the NAVIGATION CONTROL to set the parameter to the desired value.
- Push the NAVIGATION CONTROL to switch to the next menu page and save the set value.
Refer to the DSP MENU MAP section below to see a visual representation of the menu pages and parameter options. Refer to the DSP MENU DETAILS section for detailed explanations of each menu page function and parameters.
DSP MENU MAP
The following table shows the various men u optio ns and the available parameters for the DSP menu.
Master Volume: Sets the overall subwoofer output in relation to the main speakers. Values range from -9dB to +9dB, selectable in 3dB increments. The volume should be set to achieve an even balance between full-range program and subwoofer output.
Preset Choose: Selects one of 3 presets. Preset 1 is optimized for 8″ in-wall subs, Preset 2 is optimized for 10″ in-wall subs, and preset 3 is optimized for 12″ subs
Crossover Freq: Selects the highest frequency cut-off point to the subwoofer. If you are using larger main speakers use lower frequencies below 100Hz. A smaller main speaker will require more reinforcement from the subwoofer, so the crossover should be set to higher frequencies above 100Hz. A good starting place is the lower limit of the frequency response of the main speakers.
Crossover Slope: Also known as roll-off, the slope refers to how abruptly the high frequencies are cut off. The PSB-400 offers 4 slopes from -12dB to -48d8. This setting refers to how many decibels above the selected Crossover Freq. are attenuated (turned down) per octave. A gradual slope of -12dB allows more bleed of higher frequencies to pass through the subwoofer. This is useful with smaller or cheaper main speakers that are less efficient at reproducing bass. Higher slopes are more effective when used with high efficiency and bigger main speakers that do produce sufficient bass.
Phase: This puts a slight delay on the signal sent to your subwoofer. Since the main amplifier drives the main speakers with full-range sound, the main speakers are reproducing bass frequencies along with the sub. If you have a front firing sub that is in the same plane as the mains, then the phase can be set to 0°. Down-firing, rear ported, or subs placed away from the mains will smear the bass tones and the frequencies will cancel each other out as they bounce around the room. Try different settings and walk around your listening area for the optimum setting.
Low Cut: Selects the lowest frequency that the amp will reproduce. This is useful for smaller subs, 10″ and below. Since smaller speakers cannot reproduce extreme low frequencies, it is best to limit the system to what they can reproduce. This will maximize the efficiency of the subwoofer system and minimize over-extension and speaker failure. Please check with your subwoofer manufacture’s manual and specs for speaker limitations.
Mode Select: Selects between Sub and LFE modes. The Sub setting is the normal operating mode for the PSB-400. LFE mode bypasses the Crossover Freq function of the
PSB-400: Use this mode if you are connecting the PSB-400 to the LFE output of your amplifier or AV receiver.
Auto Off: If no audio signal is present for an extended period of time, the PSB-400 can be switched into standby mode to conserve electricity. Choose from 5-30 minutes in 5 minute increments or turn the function off.
Memory Store: Once the system is set to your liking, save your settings to one of three memory storage locations. Different settings for music, movies, and night time are a good use for memory storage positions.
Memory Recall: Loads one of the three user-defined memory storage locations.
Software Info: Displays current software version.
SPECIFICATIONS
| Model | PSB-400DSP |
| Maximum Power Output (RMS) | 400 watts @4 ohms |
| Maximum Power Output (Peak) | 1000 watts @4 ohms |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | <1% |
| Adjustable Low-Pass Filter | 60 ~ 150 Hz |
| Adjustable Slope (Roll Off) | -12dB ~ -48dB |
| Line Input Sensitivity | 190mV |
| Phase Control | 0 -180° |
| Auto Power-On Sensitivity | 3mV @50Hz |
| Thermal Protection | Yes |
| Input Power | 110-120 VAC, 50/60Hz or 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 600 watts |
|
Fuse Type |
110-120 VAC: T6.3AL/250V
220-240 VAC: T3.15A/250V |
| Dimensions | 17.1″ x 1.8″ x 9.4″ (435 x 45 x 240 mm) |
| Weight | 7.6 lbs. (3.46 kg) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
There is no sound from any connected subwoofer(s).
Check that the amplifier is plugged into an AC power outlet, has power, and is turned on. Ensure that the subwoofer(s) is/are connected properly. Ensure that there is an audio signal from the pre-amp or receiver.
There is sound from one connected subwoofer, but not from the other.
Ensure that all wires are properly connected. Verify that all connections are complete and secure, with no stray wires contacting other terminals. Check each individual subwoofer.
Does the 400w model have enough power for the Tapco 6918 18-inch passive, huge sub?
The TAPCO 6918 can handle 450W RMS @ 8 ohms compared to the PSB-400DSP’s 200W RMS (or 500W Max) @ 8 ohms. Although it might function rather well, the TAPCO 6918 speaker’s maximum power point won’t be reached.
Will the 8 ohm passive subwoofer speaker work with this amplifier?
Yes, the amp is compatible with one or two passive 8 ohm subwoofer speakers and is steady at 4 ohms.
Does this work with 2 ohm speakers?
With a 2 ohm speaker, it won’t operate.
Should I use a preamp?
Any stereo power amplifier or AVR that includes the “Sub Out” connector, which is very similar to the Preamp/Line Out, will operate with this subwoofer amplifier.
Will there be a two-channel speaker output with this?
It is a subwoofer speaker amplifier.
I’m using an RCA splitter to connect a subwoofer speaker amplifier. Any advice on attaching my dual voice coil subwoofer?
As long as the double voice coils are wired in parallel and the minimum impedance is at least 4 ohms.
What kind of power source feeds the sub? For the PSB400DSP, such as bash, mosfet, etc.
The PSB-400DSP’s power supply is of the Mosfet type.
What is the maximum crossover frequency that this sub amp can adapt to?
From the DSP menu, you may choose a crossover frequency of 60, 80, 90, 120, or 150Hz. You can also choose a crossover slope of 4 slopes, ranging from -12dB to -48dB.
Is Class D good for subwoofer?
Due to its better efficiency and low frequency, Class D sub woofers are the standard since you won’t hear any quality degradation.
What is DSP in subwoofer?
In SVS subwoofers, the digital signal processor (DSP) is the unsung hero who contributes significantly to overall performance. A powered subwoofer is made up of a number of parts, including a driver, amplifier, cabinet, and porting if one is included.
Is Class D amplifier for bass?
Bass players may now experience the loudness and sound quality in a power amplifier that weighs a hundredth of those gigantic forebears of the past thanks to the development of the switch-mode power supply and the most recent and greatest class D amplifiers.
