TM

PowerBass Series
PB10 Subwoofer
SERVICE MANUAL

JBL Incorporated
250 Crossways Park Dr. REV 0 7/00
Woodbury, New York 11797
PB10

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Basic Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Detailed Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Controls and their Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Speaker Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Test Setup and Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Exploded and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Amplifier Exploded View . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Amplifier Faceplate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Integrated Circuit Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Testing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Electrical Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Printed Circuit Boards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

2
PB10

SAFETY INFORMATION

3
PB10

BASIC SPECIFICATIONS PB10 Subwoofer

4
PB10

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS PB10 Subwoofer

5
PB10

PB10 Subwoofer Controls and their Function

1. Power - These lights will be red when the unit is
plugged in and not receiving a signal; when the PB10
Front Panel
receives a signal, the lights will cycle to GREEN. If no
signal is received after 10-15 minutes the lights will
cycle back to RED (standby) until a signal is present
again.
2. Level Control - The subwoofer Level Control, PB10,
(located on the rear panel) adjusts the volume of the
subwoofer relative to the rest of the system.
3. LFE/Normal Switch - Ordinarily placed in the Normal
position - but switch to LFE when playing Dolby
DigitaL, DTS or other digital surround modes - see
page 9.
4. Phase Switch - Changes the subwoofer’s output to
be in phase or 180 degrees out of phase with the
program material. Rear Panel
5. Crossover Frequency - Sets the highest frequency
the subwoofer will reproduce.
6. Line Input - Main Input connection to subwoofer
(preferred).
7. Speaker In Jacks - Main Input connection to
subwoofer when line level, subwoofer, or pre-amp
output connectors are not available, or when a high
pass filter (set at 150Hz to main loudspeakers is
desired through the Speaker Output Jacks.
8. Speaker Out Jacks - Connected to main
loudspeakers when the Speaker Input Jacks are used.

6
PB10

Speaker Connection
When we designed the PB10 examples to determine which the hole through the
and PB12 powered description best matches your centerpost is visible under the
subwoofers, our goal was to system and follow the collar.
offer the user the best possible corresponding hookup
Insert the bare end of the wire
performance combined with instructions.
through the hole in the post,
the most flexible and complete
To use the binding-post then screw the collar back
installation options. Please
speaker terminals with bare down until the connection is
look over the following three
wire, unscrew the collar until tight. The holes in the center
of the collars are intended for
banana-type connectors.

Dolby Pro Logic (Non-Digital)-Speaker Level

Use this installation method for back of your front left and right
Dolby Pro Logic applications speakers.
(not Dolby Digital, DTS or Connect your receiver or
other digital processing), amplifier’s center, left and right
where the receiver/processor surround-speaker terminals to
does not have a subwoofer the corresponding terminals on
output or a volume-controlled the back of your center, left
preamp (line-) level output: and right surround speakers.
Connect your receiver or
amplifier’s front left and right
speaker terminals to the left
and right terminals on the
subwoofer that are marked
“High Level In.” Connect the
left and right terminals on the
subwoofer that are marked
“High Level Out” to the
corresponding terminals on the

7
PB10

Dolby Pro Logic (Non-Digital)-Line Level

Use this installation method for position with Dolby Pro Logic- Make sure your receiver or
Dolby Pro Logic applications only processors. processor is configured
(not Dolby Digital, DTS or correctly; Make sure that the
Note: If your receiver or
other digital processing), subwoofer is configured as
amplifier only has one
where the receiver/processor is “On.”
subwoofer output jack, then
equipped with a subwoofer
you may connect the Note for advanced users: If
output or a volume-controlled
subwoofer output on your your receiver/processor has a
preamp (line-) level output:
receiver/preamplifier to either built-in low-pass crossover
Use RCA-type patch cords to the left or right line-level input filter for the subwoofer output,
connect the line-level on the subwoofer. It makes no then the LFE switch should be
subwoofer outputs on your difference which jack you set to the “LFE” position to
receiver or amplifier to the line- choose. bypass the subwoofer’s
level inputs on the subwoofer. internal crossover.
Connect each speaker to the
IMPORTANT: Make sure that
corresponding speaker
the LFE toggle switch on the
terminals on your receiver or
subwoofer is in the “Normal”
amplifier.
position. Do not use the “LFE”

8
PB10

Dolby Digital or DTS (or Other Digital Surround Mode) Connection

Use this installation method for you may connect the The front left, front right, center
Dolby Digital, DTS or other subwoofer output on your and rear speakers should be
digital surround processors: receiver/preamplifier to either set to “Small” or “Large”
the left or right line-level input depending on their size and
IMPORTANT: Make sure that
on the subwoofer. It makes no frequency response. Consult
the LFE toggle switch on the
difference which jack you your receiver’s or processor’s
subwoofer is in the “LFE”
choose. owner’s manual.
position. Use the line-level
input jacks for the low- Connect each speaker to the
Frequency Effects channel. corresponding speaker
Connect these jacks to the LFE terminals on your receiver or
output or subwoofer output on amplifier.
your receiver or amplifier.
Make sure that you have
Note: If your receiver or configured your surround-
amplifier only has one sound processor for
subwoofer output jack, then “Subwoofer On”or “LFE On.”

9
PB10

OPERATION
Power
When the unit is plugged in from green to red after the must be unplugged if you do
and the LEDs on the front of input signal to the subwoofer is not wish to leave it in auto
the unit will turn red. When a removed. Due to JBL’s (standby) mode.
signal is present, the LEDs will unique, high-output, high-
turn green. efficiency amplifier design,
power consumption is minimal
Note: It will take several
when the subwoofer is not
minutes for the LEDs to turn
receiving a signal. The PB10

Level Control
The subwoofer Level Control room size, subwoofer
adjusts the volume of the placement, type of main
subwoofer relative to the rest speakers and listener position.
of the system. Proper level Adjust the subwoofer level so
adjustments depends on that the volume of the bass
several variables such as information is pleasing to you.

Crossover Adjustments
The Crossover Frequency
Control determines the highest
frequency at which the
subwoofer reproduces sounds.
If your main speakers can
comfortably reproduce some
low-frequency sounds, set this
control to a lower frequency
setting, between 50Hz-100Hz.
This will concentrate the
subwoofer’s efforts on the
ultradeep bass sounds required
by today’s films and music. If
you are using smaller bookshelf
speakers that do not extend to
the lower bass frequencies, set
the low-pass crossover control
to a higher setting, between
120Hz-150Hz. This control is
not used when the LFE switch
is in the “LFE” position.

10
PB10

Phase Control

The Phase Control determines bass output at the listening If at some time in the future
whether the subwoofer’s position. you happen to rearrange your
piston-like action moves in and listening room and move your
Remember, every system,
out in phase with the main speakers, you should
room and listener is different.
speakers or opposite the main experiment with the phase
There are no right or wrong
speakers. There is no correct switch in both positions, and
settings; this switch offers the
or incorrect setting. Proper leave it in the position that
added flexibility to adjust your
phase adjustment depends on maximizes bass performance.
subwoofer for optimum
several variables such as
performance for your specific
subwoofer placement and
listening conditions without
listener position. Adjust the
having to move your speakers.
phase switch to maximize

TROUBLESHOOTING
If you used the high-level If there is low (or no) bass If you used the line-level
(speaker) inputs and there is output: inputs and there is no sound
no sound from any of the from the subwoofer:
•Make sure the connections to
speakers:
the left and right “Speaker •Check that receiver/amplifier
•Check that receiver/amplifier Inputs” have the correct is on and a source is playing.
is on and source is playing. polarity (+and-).
•Check that powered
•Check that powered •Make sure that the subwoofer subwoofer is plugged into an
subwoofer is plugged into is plugged into an active active electrical outlet and is
and active electrical outlet electrical outlet and (PB12 switched on.
and is switched on. only) switched on.
•Check all wires and
•Check all wires and •Adjust the crossover point. connections between
connections between •Flip the Phase Control switch receiver/amplifier and
receiver/amplifier and to the opposite position. subwoofer. Make sure all
speakers. Make sure all wires are connected. Make
wires are connected. Make •If you are using a Dolby sure none of the wires are
sure none of the speaker Digital/DTS receiver or frayed, cut or punctured.
wires are frayed, cut or processor, make sure that the
subwoofer adjustments on •Review proper operation of
punctured.
the receiver/processor are set your receiver/amplifier.
•Review proper operation of up correctly. •Slowly turn the Level Control
your receiver/amplifier.
•Slowly turn the Level Control clockwise until you begin to
clockwise until you begin to hear the desired amount of
hear the desired amount of bass.
bass. •Make sure that you have
configured your
receiver/processor so that the
subwoofer/LFE output is on.
11
PB10
PB10 TEST SET UP AND PROCEDURE
AC VOLT
METER (6V)
LEVEL

FROM Min Max

LINE LEVEL LINE-LEVEL

CD PLAYER LFE NORMAL

SOURCE PHASE 0 180

CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY

50 Hz 150 Hz

PRE AMP
L R
PB10 or PB12
LINE LEVEL IN
UNDER TEST
FOR LFE USE L or R

L
AMPLIFIER HIGH
LIVEL
IN

HIGH
SPEAKER SPEAKER LIVEL
OUT
LEVEL OUTPUT
R
FROM

00229
AMPLIFIER

General Function
UUT = Unit Under Test
1. Connect one line level input cable (RCA) from signal generator to either Right or Left Level input on UUT. VOLUME
control should be full conterclockwise.
2. Turn on generator, adjust to 100mV, 50 Hz.
3. Plug in UUT; LED’s on the front panel may be either Red or Green. Turn VOLUME control full clockwise. Low Pass
control should be set fully clockwise (150°).
4. LED should turn Green; immediately bass response should be heard and felt from port tube opening.
5. Turn off generator, turn VOLUME control fully counterclockwise, disconnect RCA cables.
6. Connect one pair of speaker cables to either high level input terminal on UUT. Cables should be connected to an
integrated amplifier fed by the signal generator.
7. Turn on generator and adjust so that speaker level output is 1.0V, 50 Hz. Turn VOLUME control full clockwise.
8. Green LED should light, immediate bass response should be heard and felt from the port tube opening.
Sweep Function
1. Follow steps 1-4 above, using a sweep generator as a signal source.
2. Sweep generator from 20Hz to 300Hz. Listen to the cabinet and drivers for any rattles, clicks, buzzes or any other
noises. If any unusual noises are heard, remove driver and test.
Driver Function
1. Remove driver from cabinet; detach + and - wire clips.
2. Check DC resistance of driver; it should be 5.8 ohms.
3. Connect a pair of speaker cables to driver terminals. Cables should be connected to an integrated amplifier fed by
a signal generator and adjust so that speaker level output is 5.0V.
4. Sweep generator from 20Hz to 1kHz. Listen to driver for any rubbing, buzzing, or other unusual noises.

12
PB10

Exploded and Packaging Views

00223
4

MECHANICAL & PACKING PARTS LIST

1 10” Woofer 203400
2 Foot 203410
3 Outer Carton 203420
4 Owner’s Manual 120V 203430
5 Amplifier Complete 203450
3
6 Foot Screw 203411
Foam corners (package drawing):
7 Top Corner 4/carton 203460
8 Bottom Corner 4/carton 203470
(IMAGE REDUCED)

13
PB10

Amplifier Exploded View

2 3

00225

LEGEND
1 Dual RCA jack 108324
2 Power Transformer 80135
3 Level Pot 40402
4 Low Pass Filter Pot 40707
5 Fuse Clips (2) 70323
6 1.25A SLO-BLO Fuse (3ag) 80114

14
PB10

Amplifier Faceplate Parts

LEVEL KNOB
70313

LFE DEFEAT
SWITCH PHASE
70150 SWITCH
70150
LEVEL

Min Max
CROSSOVER
PB10 FACEPLATE LFE NORMAL FREQUENCY KNOB
70325 70313
PHASE 0 180

CROSSOVER
FREQUENCY

50 Hz 150 Hz

HI LEVEL I/O L R
IN
LINE LEVEL IN
108116
FOR LFE USE L or R

HIGH
LIVEL HI LEVEL I/O
IN OUT
R 108116

L
STRAIN RELIEF
HIGH 70305
LIVEL
OUT

R
LR 110113

CSA 22-2 R
120V
UL 1490 60 Hz,
NRTL/C 180W POWER CORD
80105

JBL INC. NORTHRIDGE, CA, USA

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
00239

15
PB10

Integrated Circuit Diagrams

S53AMI/S64AMI - Power Amp module SAFETY PART

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES MUST BE

FOLLOWED WHEN INSTALLING NEW S53AMI/S64AMI
+6V 15 1 +6V AMP MODULES:
FAILURE TO FOLLOW ONE OR MORE OF THESE STEPS
16 2 MAY RESULT IN THE INSTANT DESTRUCTION OF THE
MODULE WHEN POWERED UP.
V+ 17 3 V+
1. Align white indent marker on Amp Module with indent
18 4 marker on main PCB; alternately observe position of label
on top of the module; incorrectly replacing the Module
O/P 19 5 O/P 180° in the PCB slot will result in its destruction.
2. All AC powered test instruments (meters, oscilloscopes,
20 6 etc.) must have a floating ground, i.e., be connected to an
isolation transformer.
V- 21 7 V-
3. Align and position the Amp Module before soldering.
22 8
4. Attach the amp Module with the mounting screws before
soldering or powering up.
+15V 23 9 +15V
5. Use only rosin-core or non-acid core solder; thoroughly
SD 24 10 SD de-flux the surfaces after soldering.

FR 25 11 FR If the new S53AMI/S64AMI Amp Module has larger mounting

hole(s) in the case, and the stock screws no longer will fit,
I/P 26 12 I/P and screws of the proper type cannot be obtained locally
order:
GND 27 13 GND (2) part# 60301S (screws)
00228

-15V 28 14 -15V (2) part# 60301N (nuts)

N-Chan JFET Q1 Q10,Q11 (MPSA56) Q12 (2N4401)

U1,U2 (Lm324, TLO64))

3 Collector 3 Collector

2 2
Base Base

D 1
1 Emitter
1
1 Emitter
S 2 2
3 3
00227

16
PB10

PB10 Testing Procedure

17
PB10

PB10 Testing Procedure (Cont.)

18
PB10

PB10 Testing Procedure (Cont.)

19
PB10

PB10 Electrical Parts List

PB10 POWER AMP section of PCB Version 6.3.

Part # Designator Description

20
PB10

PB10 Electrical Parts List (Cont.)

PB10 POWER AMP section of PCB Version 6.3.

Part # Designator Description

21
PB10

PB10 Electrical Parts List (Cont.)

PB10 POWER AMP section of PCB Version 6.3.

Part # Designator Description

22
PB10

PB10 Electrical Parts List (Cont.)

PB10 PREAMP section of PCB Version 6.3.

Part # Designator Description

23
PB10

PB10 PCB’s

24
PB10

PCB’s (Cont.)

25
PB10

PCB’s (Cont.)

26
PB10

Schematics

27
PB10

Schematics (Cont.)

28