6
Initially, test the effect of the controls with STORM sited in any convenient
position in your listening room. Check that the phase switch is in the
Normal position. Turn the two filter controls fully clockwise (maximum
bandwidth) and the gain to minimum. Play some music with known bass
content, then adjust the gain control for similar sound levels from your main
system and your STORM. Now reduce both filter controls to minimum.
Notice that the level of the bass has almost disappeared. This is because
these very low frequencies are not being boosted by your room Without the
ABC you would never be able to hear them properly in your room. Increase
the Gain control until this deep bass is heard. Slowly increase the coarse
control one step at a time. If one position appears too much, reduce to the
lower setting then increase the Fine control a notch at a time until there is
a good match between the two systems. It may be necessary, also, to
readjust the Gain control.
Do not worry if it is not immediately obvious which setting is correct. It is
sufficient at this stage that you perceive that there are differences and that
one is too extreme in each direction ,i.e. on maximum settings there is too
much bass and at minimum settings there is too little. It will be necessary
to test with different types of music with different instruments. At this stage
try and get a roughly correct setting.
STORM has a phase reversal switch to allow partial cancellation of the
frequencies around the crossover point between the two systems. Listen to
the quality of the bass with the phase normal and reversed. Choose the
position which subjectively offers the tightest and cleanest bass.
It may take several days before you are completely satisfied that you have
found the final best setting. Your acuteness and ability to perceive very
subtle differences will improve over these days, possibly because you may
not have previously had the opportunity to hear very deep bass in your
room. With the ABC you can site STORM almost anywhere you choose. If
the bass sounds too prominent, simply reduce one of the filter controls a
notch. If there is a "hole", increase one of the filter controls until it is filled
in. It is often surprising just how much effect the room is having on the
bass response. Sometimes even quite small speakers appear to need very
low settings of the ABC. If this is the case, accept it and feel pleased that
your stereo imaging extends down so far. It is always better to try and set
up for a subtle, rather than an overblown effect if possible. However,
personal taste is the over-riding factor here. If it suits your ears, it is
correct.
STORM is designed as a true sub-bass speaker. It is designed to
reproduce those exceptionally deep notes that are felt rather than heard.
This it will attempt to do at whatever volume you set on the gain control on
its panel. If set too high the driver cone will simply run out of movement
with the lowest notes, causing a "crack" to be heard. If this warning is not
heeded and the unit is continuously played in this manner, permanent
damage will be done to the driver. This damage is NOT covered by
Warranty. Please remember, STORM is there to supplement your main
system, not overwhelm it!
