Mark_Seaton

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Registered: 05/29/07 Posts: 1,490
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Posted 02/22/11
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#1
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I wanted to quickly pull out and pin some quick setup instructions I had posted a few months back. I'll be having James help me pull together similar for other products and integrate it into a more appropriate manual. In the mean time... 
Below are a few pointers based on calls or e-mails I've received that I will add to as I can and see a need:
Connection & Level:
- The blue power connector must be twisted clockwise until metal tab is at 12 o'clock and clicks into place. Power will not flow if the PowerCon connector is not locked in place.
- "VOLUME" knob is labeled as negative dB with 0dB attenuation as maximum gain. Clockwise is louder, counter clockwise is quieter. This is similar to most receiver volume controls which read out negative dB levels (relative to a calibrated reference). For most systems I've found -16 to -10dB a typically useful starting point to adjust from. Your SubMersive can deliver as much output at 0dB as it can at -30dB or lower. -30dB just requires about 30x the input signal level (from preamp or EQ) to produce the same bass output as at 0dB. Some systems require a 0dB setting, others require -36dB, both can be correct for your system.
- An SPL meter or other measurement system is strongly recommended for setting or checking the subwoofer and speaker levels. For any subwoofer you use, it is preferred for the receiver/preamp subwoofer channel levels to be at 0dB or lower. If you start with the SubMersive's Level control at -16dB and find that the matching/preferred subwoofer level in the receiver/preamp's subwoofer channel is higher than zero you can raise the level on the SubMersive and then lower the preamp's level the same amount. i.e. if the preamp needs to be at +6dB for the subwoofer, you can turn the level knob clockwise to -10dB and reduce the preamp level to 0dB and you will observe the same playback levels.
- There is no single correct level setting for all systems! If that were the case we wouldn't have a dial.
Appropriate settings from one room and system to another can easily be 15-30dB apart. - For those using an RCA output from a receiver or preamp see RCA-XLR connection details at the bottom of this post.
Switches and settings (for SubMersives and HP versions with serial numbers starting with SM1H or SM1D):
- There are 2 push button switches to the left of the XLR connectors. These are 2 position switches (IN/OUT). Start with both switches at their IN (depressed) position.
- The top switch/button labeled "MUTE" or "SW1" is available for troubleshooting or setup as a simple MUTE function. This should be set to the IN position for use (OUT mutes the signal to the amplifier module). It is packed with the switch depressed (IN), but can be occasionally pressed while handling or unpacking. This mute switch takes effect AFTER the signal LED.
- The lower switch/button labeled "PGM SEL" or "SW2" allows the selection of DSP program. *Pressing this switch while the sub is already on has no effect.* To eliminate the chance of loading problems the DSP program only loads when the SubMersive is powered on. To select the original frequency response (recommended starting point for most) check the switch/button is at the IN position when you flip the power switch to on. To change to the extended response set the switch/button to OUT, turn the power off for 3-5 seconds and switch it back on.
- PGM SEL/SW2 set to IN (program 1) = original SubMersive response: +/-3dB 19-200Hz
- PGM SEL/SW2 set to OUT (program 2) = secondary, extended SubMersive HP response: +/-3dB 15-200Hz. While at first glance it sounds like this response extends lower, the real difference is a uniform lifting of the response by ~3.5dB below 20Hz tapering to equal response of program 1 above ~50Hz.
- Most rooms under 3500-4000 cu.ft. with solid walls and only hallway/walkway openings will see in-room response extending to 8-14Hz with program 1, and this is the recommended starting point which will also provide greater punch, kick and intensity.
- Program 2 is intended for large and very leaky rooms, and for those who want to add some additional lift to the lowest frequencies. Those who most often listen below a calibrated -10 to -15 dB main volume setting may enjoy the added low frequency energy depending on the interaction with your SubMersive HP's placement and your listening position in the room.
LED indicators:
- PWR (green) LED: Normally green when the amplifier is plugged in and main switch is on. If not coming on, check that the blue power connector is locked in.
- CLIP (amber) LED: With the HP amplifier I don't expect anyone to ever see this light other than possibly a flash at power up.
Flashing will happen at high levels with the original SubMersive. You aren't hurting your SubMersive, but if this is brightly lit, headroom is nearing its limits. - PROT (red) LED (Original SubMersive ONLY): Typically this will engage in cases of over current or over heating. Sound will mute when illuminated. It should reset in a few seconds. If not cycle power. If problems persist, contact for troubleshooting.
- PROT (red) LED (HP Amplifier ONLY)
- 1 Flash (~10x then stops) indicates no connection on the safety ground or a reversed phase/neutral wiring. Check wall outlet wiring.
- 2 Flashes (repeats) indicates a GFI trip.
- 3 Flashes (repeats) indicates Overheating
- 4 Flashes (repeats) indicates an internal fault or DC output protection - contact us to troubleshoot.
- 5 Flashes (repeats) indicates power line over Voltage
- 6 Flashes (repeats) indicates power line under Voltage
5. SIGNAL (green) LED: Indicates input signal (at XLR) before the LEVEL control and mute switch. This allows you to visually confirm the amplifier is receiving a signal, and reads the same with the level at 0dB or -infinity as well as when the mute switch(SW1) is engaged (out). This will flash with the signal under normal operation.
Additions: For those looking for custom length power cords with the blue PowerCon connectors these can be ordered from many different pro audio, studio and broadcast suppliers. Markertek is a good source for these as can be found here:

The XLR cables I use, recommend, and stock for customers to order with their subwoofer or speaker are Markertek's house brand TecNec Premium Canare Star Quad XLR w/black-gold Neutrik connectors. You can find the standard (silver color) connectors for a little less also at Markertek.
RCA-XLR connection: For connection with RCA subwoofer outputs on a receiver, preamp or EQ, I prefer to use the included XLR-RCA adapter at the source (receiver, preamp or EQ) and then run the full length to the SubMersive with an ideally shielded cable. If you ever upgrade to a device with an XLR subwoofer output, you simply remove the adapter and plug in. Other than being less susceptible to noise, this falls in the category of a better connection, not making any huge sonic difference. The adapter supplied can work at either the SubMersive's input or at a receiver's output as needed. When used at the source, simply remove the gold RCA F:F adapter from the RCA plug.
Here is a picture of the adapter we provide with a power cord. This picture shows the Australian power cord, where we do our best to supply a functional power cord for the shipping destination. Here you can see the adapter with the gold RCA F-F already inserted into the RCA Male end. For those plugging directly into the back of a receiver with RCA outputs you can remove the gold end to reveal the conventional RCA male end. This configuration allows us to ship one adapter for either installation situation:
__________________ Mark Seaton
Seaton Sound, Inc.
sales@seatonsound.net
773-290-8436
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hifiaudio2
Registered: 12/23/11 Posts: 131
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Posted 02/02/12
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#2
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Any useability or sonic difference between those two XLR cable types? I need about 65 feet for one of my Submersives, and the black connector one seems to only be available out to 50 feet. Both are almost the same price.
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Mark_Seaton

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Registered: 05/29/07 Posts: 1,490
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Posted 02/02/12
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#3
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Quote: Originally Posted by hifiaudio2Any useability or sonic difference between those two XLR cable types? I need about 65 feet for one of my Submersives, and the black connector one seems to only be available out to 50 feet. Both are almost the same price. One has black barrels on the connectors and has gold plated contact pins, one has silver barrels. The construction is identical beyond that, and I wouldn't worry about using one vs. the other. For the same price I've started switching to the black connectors as I think they look nicer and make labels on them stand out more, and the gold plated pins make us all feel better. They build all of the cables in house and you can often order whatever length cable you need if you give them a call and can wait a couple days.
__________________ Mark Seaton
Seaton Sound, Inc.
sales@seatonsound.net
773-290-8436
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hifiaudio2
Registered: 12/23/11 Posts: 131
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Posted 02/02/12
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#4
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They actually reasponded to my email this very minute as you typed that response. Any reason to worry about 70 feet for the sub cable (has to go all around the corners of the room which is why its so long) - or is that length a great reason for it to be balanced in the first place? Any reason to try to make some way to get the cable where it needs to go in another (much more troublesome) manner?
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Mark_Seaton

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Registered: 05/29/07 Posts: 1,490
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Posted 02/02/12
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#5
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Quote: Originally Posted by hifiaudio2They actually reasponded to my email this very minute as you typed that response. Any reason to worry about 70 feet for the sub cable (has to go all around the corners of the room which is why its so long) - or is that length a great reason for it to be balanced in the first place? Any reason to try to make some way to get the cable where it needs to go in another (much more troublesome) manner?
For subwoofer use I wouldn't worry about a 100' length at all. MarkerTek is pretty nice to deal with on most things.
__________________ Mark Seaton
Seaton Sound, Inc.
sales@seatonsound.net
773-290-8436
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hifiaudio2
Registered: 12/23/11 Posts: 131
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Posted 02/02/12
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#6
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Great, thanks! I may have missed it above, but how long is the standard Submersive power cord that you ship with the units?
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Mark_Seaton

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Registered: 05/29/07 Posts: 1,490
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Posted 02/02/12
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#7
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Quote: Originally Posted by hifiaudio2Great, thanks! I may have missed it above, but how long is the standard Submersive power cord that you ship with the units?
The power cords we ship with any new product are just shy of 10' long.
__________________ Mark Seaton
Seaton Sound, Inc.
sales@seatonsound.net
773-290-8436
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hifiaudio2
Registered: 12/23/11 Posts: 131
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Posted 02/28/12
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#8
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Mark does the sub ever go into standby on its own, or it is just off or on?
It seems to pull about 22w at idle, and I usually turn mine off at the back when I am done with a movie or music session. Is it a bad practice to do this? Does turning it off and on hurt anything over time?
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calentz
Registered: 03/06/09 Posts: 150
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Posted 02/28/12
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#9
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The short answer is that I turn everything off. I use multi-staged contactors. From my Integra, I use the 12v trigger to a solid state relay. The relay controls a 120V contactor. (Power to my back channel amps & to a second 240V contactor) The 240V contactor powers ALL my Seatons. (Three Cat 12Cs & two SubMs) I am waiting on two 240V compatible HP amp upgrades for my subs.
__________________ Carl
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chinito
Registered: 03/09/12 Posts: 15
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Posted 03/11/12
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#10
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Where's the best placement of the Submersive or the recommendation? Should it be in the corner of the room and what angle since there are two woofers? Thank you
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audioguy
Registered: 05/24/09 Posts: 529
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Posted 03/11/12
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#11
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Quote: Originally Posted by calentzThe short answer is that I turn everything off. I use multi-staged contactors. F
And you purchased those where, if I may ask? I turn everything off (3 Cats and 4 Sparks) but the 4 subs are placed such that I have to lean them away from the wall so I can get at the switch -- but don't bother to do so. I guess I could yank the plug out of the wall but that may not be a good idea? Mark?
__________________ Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first!!
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calentz
Registered: 03/06/09 Posts: 150
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Posted 03/12/12
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#12
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Where: A wholesale Elect Supply for the contactors, a metal enclosure for the 240V contactor (Located in the attic) & the 240V cord caps, an Electronics Supply Store for the solid state relay & misc other parts and Markertec for the the Neutrik connector. I used a NEMA size #1 Contactor for the 120V ckt & a NEMA size #3 for the 240V ckt. I mounted the 120V contactor next to the power strip in the bottom of my equipment rack & the 240V contactor in the attic. I brought the 240V in from the attic. (The control was a cord plugged into the power strip [In the equipment rack] ending in the Neutrik plug so there would be no mistaking it's use) Note: A contactor is a load switching relay. Sorry for the pict quality - low light.
Attached Images:

__________________ Carl
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JohnnyV
Registered: 09/18/07 Posts: 143
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Posted 03/12/12
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#13
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as mark already eluded to somewhere else.... I like the xantech ac1 remote triggered outlet. .. AND it's a steal right now at smarthome.
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MikeDuke
Registered: 06/06/07 Posts: 1,013
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Posted 03/12/12
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#14
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Quote: Originally Posted by chinito Where's the best placement of the Submersive or the recommendation? Should it be in the corner of the room and what angle since there are two woofers? Thank you
Truthfully, it all depends on what kind of space constraints you have. I had my SubMersive in the back corner of my room with one driver facing into the room and the other about 7in from the wall. Mark has always said that you don't have to be afraid if you have to put one driver close to the wall. But, a short while ago some friends came over and they move the sub out of the corner so it is about 1/3rd up one of my long walls. So now, no driver is really in a corner. It made setup for me easier and I was able to get a great FR that way. Don't be afraid to experiment just because there are two drivers. So no, a corner is not mandatory for this sub.
__________________ I simply love this stuff.
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chinito
Registered: 03/09/12 Posts: 15
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Posted 03/13/12
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#15
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Hi Mike tnx for the info
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bsoko2
Registered: 09/14/09 Posts: 34
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Posted 05/09/12
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#16
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Mark, Thank you for your help with the Anti Mode Dual Core setup and my Submersives. Once I got it dialed in the way you instructed, I reran MCACC and it was further icing on the cake. No clipping at 108 db for artillary firing. MCACC really likes working with the Dual Core and the Submersives bring alot more to the table for a final SQ in my living room. Others that have MCACC and the Dual Core would benifet from some instructions on setup in this thread.
__________________ Triple Submersive HP's
http://www.avsforum.com/t/1432910/home-theater-room-ii
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Riddick
Registered: 04/19/12 Posts: 1
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Posted 07/16/12
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#17
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Hi, I could also use some help setting up my four submersives with the Antimode Dualcore. My prepro is the Onkyo 5509 (integra 80.3?). I'm running a single xlr cable from the prepro to the antimode (configured as dual mono subs). Two subs are up front daisy-chained as a pair and the other pair is in the back. Connection is all via xlr. The problem is that i have severe clipping with the antimode at louder voume levels. I have already dialed back the subwoofer level -15db on the onkyo so that the input level on the antimode is lower. This helped a lot, but I don't think this can be the solution. I'd like my volume levels from the prepro at around +/- 0db.
And are there any general setup tips for the submersives+antimode that could help with overall performance?
By the way: I have Cat12 LCR up front.
Best regards from Germany
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gpburns
Registered: 07/18/09 Posts: 207
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Posted 09/04/12
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#18
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One thing I just noticed is the gain level is quite different on the last submersive I received - I always assumed they were the same. For example with dial on same spot on each sub - the newer sub has 5-6db less output then my 2 original subs with HP upgrade
be good thing to check for multiple sub users
__________________ Gary
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Mark_Seaton

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Registered: 05/29/07 Posts: 1,490
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Posted 09/04/12
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#19
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Quote: Originally Posted by gpburns One thing I just noticed is the gain level is quite different on the last submersive I received - I always assumed they were the same. For example with dial on same spot on each sub - the newer sub has 5-6db less output then my 2 original subs with HP upgrade
be good thing to check for multiple sub users
They should all be the same. What measurement did you use to determine this difference? The best way to test this would be to set the Omnimic on a stand with the tip 1" from the dustcap of one woofer in the same subwoofer location for both and the same gain settings. Any in-room measurement will be swamped by the room.
I suspect the difference is either the effect of the room with one location being much more efficient, or possibly an XLR cable only having one of the 2 legs driven/connected.
__________________ Mark Seaton
Seaton Sound, Inc.
sales@seatonsound.net
773-290-8436
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gpburns
Registered: 07/18/09 Posts: 207
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Posted 09/04/12
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#20
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I will recheck levels on subs maybe I messed sometime up when I was measuring
__________________ Gary
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