Powered Subwoofer

SW-12
Owner’s Guide
(120V)

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 IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Read First!
used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus 18. An outside antenna system should not be
CAUTION combination to avoid injury from tip-over. located in the vicinity of overhead power lines
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or other electric light or power circuits, or where
or when unused for long periods of time. it can fall into such power lines or circuits. When
DO NOT OPEN
installing an outside antenna system, extreme
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service care should be taken to keep from touching such
do not remove cover (or back). personnel. Servicing is required when the power lines or circuits, as contact with them
No user-serviceable parts inside. apparatus has been damaged in any way, such might be fatal.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the 19. Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords,
CAUTION: To prevent electric shock, or integral convenience receptacles, as this can
do not use this (polarized) plug with apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain
an extension cord, receptacle or other outlet or moisture, does not operate normally, or has result in a risk of fire or electric shock.
unless the blades can be fully inserted to been dropped. 20. Never push objects of any kind into this
prevent blade exposure.
15. Do not use attachments not recommended by product through openings, as they may touch
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol,
the product manufacturer, as they may cause dangerous voltage points or short-out parts that
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated hazards. could result in a fire or electric shock. Never
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s spill liquid of any kind on the product.
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
16. This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the marking 21. Do not attempt to service this product
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the label. If you are not sure of the type of power yourself, as opening or removing covers may
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the supply to your home, consult your product dealer expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.
literature accompanying the appliance.
or local power company. For products intended to Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
operate from battery power, or other sources, 22. When replacement parts are required, be sure
refer to the operating instructions. the service technician has used replacement
1. Read these instructions. parts specified by the manufacturer or that have
17. If an outside antenna or cable system is
2. Keep these instructions. connected to the product, be sure the antenna or the same characteristics as the original part.
cable system is grounded so as to provide some Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire,
3. Heed all warnings. electric shock or other hazards.
protection against voltage surges and built-up
4. Follow all instructions. static charges. Article 810 of the National 23. Upon completion of any service or repairs
5. Do not use this apparatus near water. Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides to this product, ask the service technician to
6. Clean only with a dry cloth. information with regard to proper grounding of perform safety checks to determine that the
the mast and supporting structure, grounding of product is in proper operating condition.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in the lead-in wire to an antenna discharge unit, size
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 24. The product should be mounted to a wall or
of grounding conductors, location of antenna ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as discharge unit, connection to grounding
radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus electrodes, and requirements for the grounding
(including amplifiers) that produce heat. electrode. See Figure A.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding-type plug has two blades and a third Figure A.
grounding prong.The wide blade or the third Example of Antenna Grounding as per
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on Antenna Lead-In Wire
or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience Ground Clamp
receptacles and the point where they exit from the
apparatus. Antenna Discharge Unit (NEC Section 810-20)

11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by Grounding Conductors (NEC Section 810-21)
the manufacturer.
Electric Service Equipment
12. Use only with the cart, stand,
tripod, bracket or table specified Ground Clamps

by the manufacturer or sold with Power Service Grounding Electrode System

the apparatus. When a cart is (NEC Art. 250, Part H)

ii SW-12

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 SW-12 OWNER’S GUIDE
Table of Contents
ii Important Safety Precautions
1 Unpacking the Subwoofer
1 Placement
2 Controls and Connections
3 Connections
4 Operation
5 Bass Optimization System™
6 Maintenance and Service
7 Specifications

SW-12 iii

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 Infinity SW-12
The Infinity SW-12 continues Infinity’s long-standing commitment
to accurate sound reproduction. Our patented Ceramic Metal
Matrix Diaphragm (CMMD™) drivers, high-powered amplifier and
proprietary Bass Optimization System,™ along with a rigid, well-
braced enclosure, combine to deliver uncompromised bass
performance in any stereo or multichannel home theater.

Unpacking the Subwoofer

If you suspect damage from transit, report it immediately to your
dealer. Keep the shipping carton and packing materials for
future use.

PLACEMENT
Since the installation of a subwoofer can be somewhat more
complicated than installing full-range speakers, it is essential
that you read this section very carefully prior to connecting the
subwoofer to your system. Should you have questions relating to SUB
your installation, it is advisable to call either your dealer or
Infinity’s Customer Service Department for advice. RIGHT-
CHANNEL
SPEAKER
The performance of the subwoofer is directly related to its
placement in the listening room and how you align the subwoofer
with its satellite speakers. Setting the volume of the subwoofer in
relationship to the left and right speakers is also of critical
importance because it is essential that the subwoofer integrate
smoothly with the entire system. Setting the subwoofer’s volume
level too high will result in an overpowering, boomy bass. Setting
the volume level too low will negate the benefits of the PRIMARY
subwoofer. LISTENING
AREA
Here are several additional facts on installation that may prove
useful. It is generally believed by most audio authorities that low
frequencies (below 125Hz) are nondirectional and, therefore, Figure 1.This example shows the subwoofer positioned behind
placement of a subwoofer within any listening room is not the right-channel satellite speaker to re-create the actual
critical. While in theory it is true that the larger wavelengths of location of bass instruments in an orchestra and/or add impact
extremely low frequencies are basically nondirectional, the fact to movie soundtracks.
is that, when installing a subwoofer within the limited confines
of a room, reflections, standing waves and absorptions generated
within the room will strongly influence the performance of any
subwoofer system. As a result, the specific location of the
subwoofer becomes important, and we strongly recommend that
you experiment with placement before choosing a final location.

Placement will depend upon your room and the amount and
quality of bass required (for example, whether or not your room
permits placement of the subwoofer near either satellite).

1 SW-12

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 CONTROLS AND CONNECTIONS
Rear Panel

™ £ ¢
BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM

FREQUENCY LEVEL WIDTH

180 Normal ON
¡
∞ PHASE GREEN: ON
RED: STANDBY
0 LFE OFF POWER

§ ¶
• ª
50 150 MIN MAX
CROSSOVER LEVEL

®
‚ LINE LEVEL IN

R L SW-12
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
R DO NOT OPEN

HIGH
⁄ LEVEL
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
POWER
IN
L AVERTISSEMENT: POUR PRÉVENIR LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU ON
DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, ÉVITER D'EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA
PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITÉ. ‹
P/N:352153-001
OFF
R
HIGH
¤ LEVEL
OUT
Infinity Systems
L Northridge, CA USA
AC
_ + 120V ~ 60HZ
500W

Bass Optimization Controls (see page 5) ∞ Phase Switch

¡ Bass Optimization System Selector § Normal/LFE Selector
™ Center-Frequency Adjustment ¶ Power Indicator
£ Bass Optimization System Level Adjustment • Crossover Adjustment
¢ Bass Optimization System Bandwidth Adjustment ª Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control
‚ Line-Level Inputs

⁄ High-Level (Speaker) Inputs

¤ High-Level (Speaker) Outputs
‹ Power Switch

SW-12 2

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 CONNECTIONS
If you have a Dolby* Digital or DTS® receiver/processor If your receiver/amplifier does not have subwoofer
with a low-frequency-effects (LFE) output: outputs for the left and right channels or an LFE
output:
SUBWOOFER OR
LFE OUTPUT
RECEIVER/AMPLIFIER
Front Speaker Output

BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM

FREQUENCY LEVEL WIDTH

180 Normal ON
PHASE GREEN: ON
RED: STANDBY
0 LFE OFF POWER

50 150 MIN MAX BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM

CROSSOVER LEVEL

®
LINE LEVEL IN

R L SW-12 FREQUENCY LEVEL WIDTH

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK 180 Normal ON
R DO NOT OPEN
PHASE 0 GREEN: ON
HIGH RED: STANDBY
LEVEL
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
POWER 0 LFE OFF POWER
IN
L AVERTISSEMENT: POUR PRÉVENIR LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU ON
DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, ÉVITER D'EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA
PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITÉ.
50 150 MIN MAX
P/N:352153-001
OFF CROSSOVER LEVEL
R
®
HIGH LINE LEVEL IN

L
LEVEL
OUT
Infinity Systems R L
SW-12
Northridge, CA USA
CAUTION
AC RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
_ + 120V ~ 60HZ
500W
R DO NOT OPEN

HIGH
LEVEL
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
POWER
IN
L AVERTISSEMENT: POUR PRÉVENIR LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU ON
DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, ÉVITER D'EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA
PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITÉ.

P/N:352153-001
OFF
• Set Normal/LFE Switch to LFE. R
HIGH
LEVEL
OUT
Infinity Systems
L Northridge, CA USA
AC
_ + 120V ~ 60HZ
500W

NOTE: In this case, you do not need to use a Y connector. Simply

connect the LFE output on your receiver/processor to either the left
or right input on the subwoofer.

If your receiver/processor has subwoofer

outputs for the left and right channels:
• Set Normal/LFE Switch to Normal.
RECEIVER/PROCESSOR

RED = +

BLACK = –
BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM

1. LOOSEN TERMINALS
FREQUENCY LEVEL WIDTH

ON
PHASE
180 Normal
GREEN: ON
2. INSERT BARE END;
RED: STANDBY
0 LFE OFF POWER
TIGHTEN TERMINALS

50 150 MIN MAX

CROSSOVER LEVEL

®
LINE LEVEL IN

SW-12 STRIPE = – NO STRIPE = +

R L
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
R DO NOT OPEN

HIGH
LEVEL
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
POWER
IN
L AVERTISSEMENT: POUR PRÉVENIR LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU ON
DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE, ÉVITER D'EXPOSER CET APPAREIL A LA
PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITÉ.

P/N:351153-001
OFF
R
HIGH
LEVEL
OUT
Infinity Systems
L Northridge, CA USA
AC
_ + 120V ~ 60HZ
500W

• Set Normal/LFE Switch to Normal.

NOTE: Some receivers have a single subwoofer output (do not confuse
this with a single LFE output as described below). In that case, it is
recommended that you use a Y connector (not included) to maximize
performance.

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 OPERATION
Power On
Plug your subwoofer’s AC cord into a wall outlet. Do not use the Crossover Adjustments
outlets on the back of the receiver. NOTE: This control will have no effect if the Normal/LFE Selector
Initially set the Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control ª to the Switch § is set to “LFE.” If you have a Dolby Digital or DTS
“min” position. processor/receiver, the Crossover Frequency is set by the
Turn on your sub by pressing the Power Switch ‹ on the processor/receiver. Consult your owner’s manual to learn how
rear panel. to view or change this setting.

Auto On/Standby The Crossover Adjustment Control • determines the highest

With the Power Switch ‹ in the ON position, the Power frequency at which the subwoofer reproduces sounds. If your main
Indicator LED ¶ will remain backlit in red or green to speakers can comfortably reproduce some low-frequency sounds,
indicate the On/Standby mode of the subwoofer. set this control to a lower frequency setting, between 50Hz
RED = STANDBY (No signal detected, Amp Off) and 100Hz.This will concentrate the subwoofer’s efforts on the
GREEN = ON (Signal detected, Amp On) ultradeep bass sounds required by today’s films and music. If you
The subwoofer will automatically enter the Standby mode after are using smaller bookshelf speakers that do not extend to the
approximately 10 minutes when no signal is detected from your lower bass frequencies, set the Crossover Adjustment Control to
system.The subwoofer will then power ON instantly when a a higher setting, between 120Hz and 150Hz.
signal is detected. During periods of normal use, the Power
Switch ‹ can be left on.You may turn off the Power Switch ‹ Phase Control
for extended periods of nonoperation, e.g., when you are away The Phase Switch ∞ determines whether the subwoofer
on vacation. speaker’s piston-like action moves in and out with the main
speakers, 0,˚ or opposite the main speakers, 180˚. Proper phase
Adjust Gain adjustment depends on several variables such as room size,
Turn on your entire audio system and start a CD or movie subwoofer placement and listener position. Adjust the phase
soundtrack at a moderate level.Turn up the Subwoofer Level switch to maximize bass output at the listening position.
(Volume) Control ª about half way. If no sound emanates from
the subwoofer, check the AC-line cord and input cables. Are the
connectors on the cables making proper contact? Is the AC
plug connected to a “live” receptacle? Has the Power Switch ‹
been pressed to the “On” position? Once you have confirmed that
the subwoofer is active, proceed by playing a CD, record or
cassette. Use a selection that has ample bass information.

Set the overall volume control of the preamplifier or stereo to a

comfortable level. Adjust the Subwoofer Level (Volume) Control ª
until you obtain a pleasing blend of bass. Bass response should
not overpower the room but rather be adjusted so there is a
harmonious blend across the entire musical range. Many users
have a tendency to set the subwoofer volume too loud,
adhering to the belief that a subwoofer is there to produce lots
of bass.This is not entirely true. A subwoofer is there to enhance
bass, extending the response of the entire system so the bass
can be felt as well as heard. However, overall balance must
be maintained or the music will not sound natural. An
experienced listener will set the volume of the subwoofer so
its impact on bass response is always there but never obtrusive.

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 BASS OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM™
Infinity’s Bass Optimization System is a simple-to-use, yet To solve a problem, it helps to first identify whether you have
sophisticated, low-frequency calibration system.The subwoofer one and, if so, what it is. First, play a variety of music and
contains a parametric equalizer that you can adjust following the films with energetic bass sounds, like bass guitar, kick drum,
directions below. By following these instructions, you can improve keyboards, etc. A kick drum should produce a tight “thump” , not a
the sound of your system. flabby“boom.” Bass melody or harmony lines should have notes
that are about equally loud. If some notes disappear, or stand out
The Bass Optimization System Goal because they are consistently too loud, there is a problem.
It is a fact of audio that what we hear at low frequencies is Disappearing notes have to be handled by moving the listening
determined as much or more by the listening room than by the position, or the loudspeakers, to slightly different locations.
loudspeaker itself. Placement of the loudspeakers and listeners Often, but sadly not always, this will be enough. Excesses in
and the acoustical characteristics of the room surfaces are all bass tend to be most annoying, and energetic resonances that
important determinants of bass quantity and quality. In most cause “boomy” or “lumpy” bass can be truly aggravating over a
practical situations, there is little that can be done about this, period of time. Infinity’s Bass Optimization System can fix this.
except for patient trial-and-error repositioning of the loud-
speakers and listeners. Usually, the practical constraints of So, the first step is to exercise your music collection, and listen
a living space and the impracticality of massive acoustical for low-frequency problems that crop up in several different
treatment mean that equalization is the only practical solution. recordings. Something that only happens in one recording is
likely to be a problem in the recording – it happens! If you
Professional sound engineers routinely employ sophisticated identify something that is consistently wrong, select a record
measurement systems and equalizers to optimize speakers to the that shows it very clearly, and put your CD/DVD player into a
installation.This was never practical for the home audiophile. repeat mode (A-B repeat is especially helpful, because you can
This is why the Bass Optimization System was created. It isolate a short musical passage).
enables you to identify the dominant low-frequency response
characteristic of your room. Once you know the problem, the Bass Set the Bass Optimization System Bandwidth Adjustment Control
Optimization System provides the tools needed to optimize the ¢ to a middle position (10 clicks from a fully clockwise
low-frequency characteristics of the speakers to the room they position) and set the Level Adjustment £ for a –6dB (8 clicks
are in, exactly as the professional sound engineers do it. from a fully clockwise position).Then, while the music is playing,
sit in your favorite chair and have somebody else slowly adjust
the Center-Frequency control ™ from fully clockwise to fully
Preparations
counterclockwise. At a certain frequency, you should hear the
Before beginning the bass tests, please check the following:
problem lessen and the overall bass performance improve. When
• Make sure all three Bass Optimization System controls on the
you are satisfied that you have found the best frequency, have
subwoofer are turned fully clockwise.
your assistant vary the Level £ slowly up and down until you
• Make sure the loudness contour (if any) on your receiver/
have maximized the improvement. If you have really keen ears,
processor/preamp is turned off.
you can also have the Bandwidth Adjustment control ¢ adjusted
• Set the receiver’s/processor’s tone controls (Bass and Treble)
for maximum benefit.
to their center or flat positions.
• Bypass all surround and effects features of your receiver/ While the Bass Optimization System allows the listener to fine-
processor/preamp or set to Stereo Bypass. tune the bass response to sound best in a particular room, some
• If you are using a multichannel surround processor or listeners don’t have the skill or desire to adjust their system by
receiver, make sure all bass-management features are properly ear. In order to facilitate quicker and more accurate results,
set.The Audio channels should all be set to “Small” or “High- Infinity has developed an optional test and measurement kit that
Pass” and the subwoofer set to “On.” allows the user to perform a series of measurements and aids
• Set the Bass Optimization System Selector ¡ to “On.” him/her in properly setting the Bass Optimization System
controls. With the addition of this kit, the Bass Optimization
For best results, it is recommended that all major furnishings System becomes truly room-adaptive.The kit consists of the
are in place and that all doors and windows in the listening area following: a test CD, a sound-level meter that is specifically
are in their normal positions.That is, if you normally listen to calibrated for low frequencies, and something we call a “Q-Finder,”
music with all doors closed, then this is how they should be a device to help find the width of the measured curve and,
during this procedure. finally, a measurement template. It works as follows.The listener

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 plays the tones from the test CD and records the relative output
level of each test tone, using the sound-level meter, on the
provided measurement template. After all the tones are complete,
the template contains a response curve for the frequencies
below 100Hz.The user simply notes the frequency of the largest
bass peak, calculates the correct amount of attenuation, and
uses the “Q-Finder”to determine the width of the curve.These
three values are dialed into the Bass Optimization System
controls located on the speaker.The entire process takes less
than twenty minutes.

If your dealer does not stock the Bass Optimization System test
and measurement kit, you may purchase it directly from Infinity.
U.S. residents can visit our Web site at www.infinitysystems.com
or call 1.516.674.4INF.

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE

The enclosure and grille may be cleaned using a soft cloth to
remove fingerprints or to wipe off dust.

All wiring connections should be inspected and cleaned or

remade periodically.The frequency of maintenance depends on
the metals involved in the connections, atmospheric conditions,
and other factors, but once per year is the minimum.

If a problem occurs, make sure that all connections are properly

made and clean. In the event that your Infinity SW-12 subwoofer
ever needs service, contact your local Infinity dealer or Infinity
directly at 1.516.674.4INF (USA only) or www.infinitysystems.com
for a service center near you.

SW-12 6

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 SPECIFICATIONS
SW-12
Frequency Response 28Hz – 150Hz (±3dB)

Maximum Amplifier Output 500 watts RMS

(20Hz – 150Hz with
no more than 0.1% THD)

Crossover Frequencies 50Hz – 150Hz, 24dB/octave,

continuously variable

Driver 12" (305mm) CMMD™

Dimensions (H x W x D) 16-3/4" x 14-7/8" x 19-7/8"

(425mm x 378mm x 505mm)

Weight 45 lb (20.5kg)

Optional Accessory
Bass Optimization Test & Measurement Kit
Part Number: 335852-002

Infinity continually strives to update and improve existing products, as well as create new ones.The specifications and construction details in this and related Infinity
publications are therefore subject to change without notice.

7 SW-12

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 NOTES

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 Infinity Systems, 250 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797 USA 516.674.4INF (4463)
www.infinitysystems.com
* Trademark of Dolby Laboratories. DTS is a registered trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.
Infinity is a registered trademark, and CMMD and Bass Optimization System (B.O.S.) are trademarks, of Harman International Industries, Incorporated.
Ceramic Metal Matrix Diaphragm patent nos. 6,327,372 and 6,404,897 Part No. 352614-001
© 2003 Harman International Industries, Incorporated

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