14 REL R-Series Owner’s Manual
The Process
To begin the set-up process, choose a piece of music that has a repetitive bass line
that is very low in frequency. We recommend track 4 from the soundtrack to Sneakers
(Columbia CK 53146). This has a repetitive bass drum throughout that gives you plenty
of time to move the woofer around, but more importantly, the recording venue was
quite large for this recording, and therefore it has a very deep and large-scale bass
signature. This type of track is perfect for the set-up process, and should be played
at the highest reasonable level expected for system playback.
Working with a partner, one in the listening position and one at the REL manipulating
the controls, is the most effective and efficient way to set up the REL. If working alone,
the initial steps in the set-up can be very effectively carried out from the location of
the REL. Trying to ignore all other music in the track, listen for the bass drum and its
effect on the listening room.
1 Phase Orientation: Once in the corner we need to adjust for phase. This may be the
single most critical step, and because it really is quite simple, it is often over-thought.
Keep in mind; the right phase is whichever position is the loudest or fullest. While
playing music with true low bass, adjust the crossover to a point where the REL and
the speaker are sure to share frequencies (about halfway up, or at 12 o’clock on the
crossover control, or slightly higher for smaller speakers). At this point turn the HI/LO
Level control up so that both the REL and speaker are roughly equal in volume and then
switch, using the phase switch, from “0” to “180” phase positions. Again, whichever
position is loudest or fullest is the correct position. That is, when the position is working
in harmony with your main speakers, reinforcing bass, and not cancelling it.
2 Placement: The next step is to determine precisely how far out from the corner the sub
should be placed to achieve the most efficient output, as well as the lowest frequency
extension. With the REL fully into the corner, and pointing straight out along the diagonal
coming out of the corner, continuing to play the music, slowly pull the REL from the
corner on the diagonal, equidistant from both side and rear wall. At a certain point
(sometimes a matter of only a few inches, in rare cases a foot or more) the REL
will audibly go lower, play louder, and, if it truly locks on to the room and is fully
pressurizing it, the air around the REL will seem to be energized, stop right there!
This is the correct position from the corner for the REL.
3 Orientation: Once the position from the corner has been established, the orientation
of the woofer must be determined by rotating the REL from an imagined centre
point at the rear of the REL. As the REL is moved from one side to the other listen
for the greatest level of output and bass linearity. In effect, the REL should left in
the position where it is playing the loudest and lowest.
4 Crossover and Level Settings: To determine the crossover point, take the volume
