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Page 15 | Fathom IWS
E.L.F. Trim
e Extreme Low Frequency (“e.l.f. trim”) knob allows the user to apply a
certain amount of signal equalization at 23 Hertz (extremely low bass). At full
counterclockwise rotation, the signal at 23 Hz is cut by 12 dB. At “0” the equalizer is
set at for zero contribution to the signal. At full clockwise rotation, the signal at 28
Hz is boosted by 3 dB.
e E.L.F. Trim feature is useful for tailoring the Fathom IWS’s very low
frequency output for your particular room. Adding some boost can make certain
material more exciting. Using the cut function can help to compensate for room
or boundary gain in the low frequencies. Room boundaries and the room’s nite
(limited) size naturally cause very low frequencies to be boosted relative to other parts
of the signal. As such, using the E.L.F. Trim feature to cut the lowest frequencies can
help to tame “bloat” or unnatural sounding low bass in small to medium sized rooms
(and can also reduce unwanted vibrations in the room or throughout the house).
e E.L.F. function aects frequencies 2 to 3 times higher than the 23 Hz
specication. is frequency tapering eect may reduce the overall output of the
subwoofer and require the user to increase the Main Level control aer adjusting the
E.L.F. Trim.
Polarity
e Polarity switch allows the user to select between normal (0 deg) and reversed
(180 deg) signal polarity. e Polarity switch will primarily aect the small frequency
range around the crossover point between your subwoofer and satellite speakers.
Unlike the Phase control, which eectively adds time delay, the Polarity switch
produces an instantaneous reversal of the signal’s amplitude peaks. For example, if
at a given reference point a sine wave has an amplitude peak, by ipping the phase
switch you instantly convert that peak into a trough or amplitude dip. Because the
eect of the Polarity switch is immediate, it compliments the operation of the Phase
control and cannot be replaced by it.
When placing your Fathom IWS in the room, experiment with the Polarity switch
before adjusting the “Phase” control. Either position of the Polarity switch may
provide a smoother transition between your Fathom IWS subwoofer and the satellite
speakers. Use source material with good mid and upper bass content for evaluation.
Phase
e Phase control knob allows the user to adjust the “timing” of the subwoofer
output relative to the main speakers. e Phase control will primarily aect the small
frequency range around the crossover point between your subwoofer and satellite
speakers. e Phase control’s labels are referenced to 80 Hz since this is the most
common crossover point between satellite speakers and a subwoofer. Phase settings
between 0 degrees (full counter-clockwise rotation) and 270 degrees (full clockwise
rotation) are possible.
Speaker, subwoofer, and listening seat positions vary greatly in home theater
installations. Since physical positioning of speakers relative to the room boundaries
and each other greatly aects the perceived quality of sound output, sometimes it is
helpful to delay the subwoofer output. is is exactly what occurs when you turn the
Phase control beyond 0 degrees.
Once your Fathom IWS has been placed in your listening room to give you the
smoothest overall sound and aer you have determined the optimum “Polarity”
switch position (see preceding section), experiment with the position of the Phase
control. Using familiar source material with good mid and upper bass content, adjust
the Phase control and listen for better dened mid-bass and a smoother transition
between the subwoofer and satellite speaker systems. If no single setting sounds
better than another, leave the Phase control at 0 degrees.