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.
Phase Orientation: Once in the corner phase can be adjusted. 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/LOW 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, not cancelling it.
Placement: The next step is to determine precisely how far 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 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.
Crossover and Level Settings: To determine the crossover point, take the volume of the REL (using the
HI/LOW LEVEL control) all the way down, and put the crossover to 30 Hz. At this point, bring the REL’s volume
back up slowly to the point where you have achieved a subtle balance, i.e. the point at which you can hear
the REL even with the main speakers playing. Now, bring the crossover point up until it is obviously too high;
at this point bring it down to the appropriate lower setting. For all intents and purposes, this is the correct
crossover point. Once this stage has been reached, subtle changes to volume and crossover can be
made to
provide the last bit of complete and seamless integration. With that, set-up is complete.
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