ProSub 800/1000

PowerField® Subwoofer with

Active Crossover & Power Amplifier

Owner’s Manual

Congratulations
Congratulations on your purchase of a Definitive Technology ProSub
Subwoofer. This revolutionary subwoofer utilizes state-of-the-art components,
a non-resonant monocoque cabinet and low diffraction construction in order to
achieve the most lifelike sound possible in your listening room for many years
to come. The ProSub is a compact, high quality powered speaker system
intended primarily for use as a subwoofer in superior quality music or home
theater systems.
This ProSub powered subwoofer incorporates a high current power
amplifier, electronic crossover and precise equalization in order to achieve the
highest possible level of low frequency performance. The amplifier and elec-
tronic crossover are completely self-contained modules which are housed in
the subwoofer. The ProSubs incorporate Definitive’s proprietary PowerField®
technology, by which the amplifier is specifically engineered in conjunction
with the driver for optimum load matching and power transfer characteristics.
The integrated electronic crossover incorporates high level inputs and outputs
as well as a low level input, precise equalization, continuously variable low pass
filter (between 40 and 150 Hz), fixed speaker level high pass filter (to match
the ProMonitors) and a precision volume control. The tremendous built-in
flexibility allows easy, seamless integration with all main speaker systems and
optimum performance in any room. The crossover incorporates circuitry which
allows for exceptional performance as either a single subwoofer or when two
subwoofers are used.
Our engineers have spent many years in developing this product. To ensure
that you only experience the finest performance possible from your subwoofer,
we encourage you to take a moment with this owner’s manual and familiarize
yourself with the proper installation and setup procedures for your subwoofer.
 Safety Precautions

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electric shock and fire, do not remove the cover or back
plate of this device. There are no user serviceable parts inside. Please refer all servicing to
licensed service technicians. Avis: Risque de choc electricque, ne pas ouvrir.
CAUTION! The international symbol of a lightning bolt inside a triangle is intended to alert
the user to uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the device’s enclosure. The international
symbol of an exclamation point inside a triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence
of important operating, maintenance and servicing information in the manual accompanying
the device.
CAUTION! To prevent electrical shock, match wide blade of plug to wide slot, fully insert.
Attention: Pour eviter les chocs electriques, introduire la lame la plus large de la fiche dans
la borne correspondante de la prise et pousser jusqu'au fond.
CAUTION! To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not expose this equipment to rain
or moisture.
1. Read Instructions—All safety and operating instructions should be read before operating the device.
2. Retain Instructions—The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings—All warnings on the device and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions—All operating and safety instructions should be followed.
5. Water & Moisture—The device should never be used in, on or near water for risk of fatal shock.
6. Carts & Stands—The device should only be used on carts or stands recommended by the manufacturer.
7. Wall & Ceiling Mounting—The device should be mounted on a wall or ceiling only as recommended
by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation—The device should always be located in such a way that it maintains proper ventilation. It
should never be placed in a built-in installation or anywhere that may impede the flow of air through its
heat sink.
9. Heat—Never locate the device near heat sources such as radiators, floor registers, stoves or other
heat-generating devices.
10. Power Supply—The device should only be connected to a power supply of the type described in the
operating instructions or as marked on the device.
11. Power Cord Protection—Power cables should be routed so they are not likely to be stepped on or
crushed by items placed on them or against them. Special attention should be paid to areas where the
plug enters a socket or fused strip and where the cord exits the device.
12. Cleaning—The device should be cleaned in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
13. Periods Of Non-Use—The device should be unplugged when not being used for extended periods.
14. Dangerous Entry—Care should be taken that no foreign objects or liquids fall or are spilled inside
the device.
15. Damage Requiring Service—The device should be serviced by licensed technicians when:
• The plug or power supply cord has been damaged.
• Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled inside the device.
• The device has been exposed to moisture.
• The device does not appear to be operating properly or exhibits a marked change in performance.
• The device has been dropped or the cabinet becomes damaged.
16. Service—The device should always be serviced by licensed technicians. Only replacement parts
specified by the manufacturer should be used. The use of unauthorized substitutions may result in
fire, shock, or other hazards.
2
 Subwoofer Installation
Your new ProSub Subwoofer contains a built-in amplifier and sophisticated
electronic crossover. There are several ways to install your subwoofer.
One setup is not considered “better” than another; rather, each is a function
of what type of entertainment system you own and how you plan to
integrate your components. Read the installation suggestions below to
determine which options best suit your needs. Please take care to perform
all wiring procedures with your system
completely powered down.

Unpacking

Each loudspeaker leaves our plant in perfect condition. Any visible or

concealed damage most likely occurred in handling after it left our plant, and
should be reported at once to your Definitive dealer or the delivery company
that delivered your loudspeaker. Please unpack your system carefully. Save all
cartons and packing material in case you move or need to ship your system.
Record the serial number found on the back of the subwoofer in the appropriate
place on your warranty card.

Inputs/Outputs

Your Definitive Technology ProSub subwoofer operates from either

high level (speaker-type) or low level (RCA-type) outputs on your
electronics. Use the low level jack when connecting the subwoofer to
the LFE output jacks of a receiver, a preamp or a signal processor.
Use the high level speaker terminal inputs to connect the subwoofer
to the amplifier output (speaker) jacks of your receiver or amplifier.
Use the high level output jacks to connect the subwoofer to a pair of
left and right main speakers. (See wiring diagrams.)
When connecting the subwoofer to your system, it is recommended
that you use high quality speaker cable and try to maintain cable runs
of the same length for the left and right channels. Should you perchance
experience any level of ground hum or noise, try plugging the
subwoofer into the same circuit as your amplifier. Also, consult the
“Troubleshooting” section of this manual. To prevent accidental damage
to your subwoofer from overdriving the system, the subwoofer features
an internal overload protection circuit.

3
 Subwoofer Placement

Your Definitive Technology subwoofer has been designed to operate

at frequencies generally below 150 Hz. Because low-frequency infor-
mation in this range essentially is non-directional, your subwoofer can
be located anywhere in your listening room that is most convenient.
Also, the continuously variable low pass filter operates at a very fast
roll-off, ensuring great performance wherever you place your subwoofer.
There are, however, some general rules that you should bear in mind
when locating your subwoofer:
1. For maximum output the subwoofer should be placed in a corner or
against the wall.
2. Corner placement will increase the subwoofer’s efficiency, which in
turn will increase your system’s maximum output and improve the
dynamic capability of the subwoofer.
3. While one Definitive Technology subwoofer will always sound great,
the use of two subwoofers will definitely enhance your system’s
performance by providing a smoother and more consistent response
pattern. Here, it is recommended that you locate the subwoofers on
the same side of the room as the main speaker of the same channel
(if you are feeding them discrete left and right channel signals).
4. When using the ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors, consult the
ProMonitor instruction manual for other placement tips.

Wiring Diagrams

Low Level LFE Connections

Most new model receivers, preamps and decoders feature a mono
(line level) output intended to be used with subwoofers. This is the
simplest connection method to use. You can feed the mono or LFE
subwoofer output of your receiver or decoder to the LFE low level
input on the subwoofer and achieve full performance. Usually, if your
receiver or decoder already has a built-in low pass crossover, you should
turn the low pass control on your ProSub to 150. Also, these subwoofer
outputs tend to have less gain than main line level outputs, thus the gain
control on your subwoofer may need to be adjusted accordingly for
proper balance. Use the LFE input on the subwoofer to hook the sub-
woofer up to the LFE (low frequency effects) output on Dolby Digital
AC-3* decoders, receivers, etc.

4
High Level Speaker Wire Connections
Your Definitive Technology ProSub subwoofer can also be hooked up
via high level connections. In this situation, you have the option of running
your main speakers “full range” or rolling off the low end by using the high
pass filter built into the subwoofer. For high level wiring, your interconnects
are simply equal distance lengths of high quality speaker cable.
To hook up your ProSub subwoofer via the high level connections,
simply run speaker cable from the right channel high level connector on
the subwoofer to the right channel speaker connector of your receiver or
amplifier. Repeat this process for the left channel. Please take care that
the red (“+”) terminal on the subwoofer is connected to the red (“+”)
terminal on your receiver or amplifier, and that the black (“-”) terminal
on your receiver or amplifier is connected to the black (“-”) terminal on
the subwoofer. This will ensure absolute phase throughout your system.

Your main speakers can now be connected in one of two ways. If you
wish to utilize the high pass filter built into your subwoofer, simply
connect your main speakers to the high level out terminals on the
subwoofer. Again, take care to make red to red (“+”) and black to black
(“-”) terminal connections. This connection will provide a smoothly
contoured roll-off of the low frequencies going to your main speakers.
We recommend this hook-up (wiring the main speakers through the
crossover in the subwoofer) when using ProMonitors. For more overall 5
 bass output when using full range main speakers, run the main speakers
full range by hooking them up directly to the amp. In many systems, if
your speakers are true full range systems, you may find that you get a
more satisfying sound by running the speakers full-range and crossing
your subwoofer in fairly low (40-70 Hz). On the other hand, if you find
that you are overdriving your main speakers, you will clearly be able to
play your system louder by using the built-in high pass crossover for
your main speakers.

AMPLIFIER OR RECEIVER

*NOTE: If you
wish to run your
main speakers
full range with
no low frequency
roll-off, hook
them directly to
the main speaker
output terminals
or your receiver
or amplifier as in
any normal hi-fi
system.

The Advantages of Multiple Subwoofers

Definitive’s ProSub subwoofers are engineered to be used singly or in
pairs. With a single subwoofer, both left and right signals are sent to the
subwoofer wherein they are combined via the electronic crossover into
one composite signal. With two subwoofers, the left and right low fre-
quency signals can be reproduced by their own individual subwoofers or
two subwoofers can be just doubled up on the LFE channel with a Y con-
nector. The use of one subwoofer achieves outstanding performance;
however, the addition of a second subwoofer clearly offers the highest
level of performance achievable for both movies and music. The use of
stereo subwoofers smoothes out the peaks and dips which result from the
eigenmodes in your room. Two subwoofers couple much better to the air
6
in your room (four times better) and of course offer double the power. In
addition, some state-of-the-art home theater installations have begun
to use a separate subwoofer hooked up to the rear (surround) chan-
nels and we recommend this for the absolute ultimate in performance.
Dual Subwoofer Connections
When hooking up a stereo pair of subwoofers, wiring is quite similar to
traditional high level connections. Here, instead of running both speaker
cables from your receiver or amplifier to the left and right high level terminals
on the subwoofer, you will run the left channel to the left channel subwoofer
and the right channel to the right channel subwoofer. Again, take care to make
red to red (“+”) and black to black (“-”) terminal connections.
Don’t worry that on your left subwoofer the right channel terminals
will be empty and that on the right channel subwoofer the left channel
terminals will be empty—both channels are combined at the subwoofer’s
input stage. There is a possibility that with this type of wiring you may
need to increase your gain a little bit for proper balance.
A dual subwoofer system using low level connections is equally
simple, just put a Y connector on your LFE output and run one cable
to each subwoofer.

Critical Bass Management Settings

Your receiver or decoder has a bass management system which
ABSOLUTELY must be set for you to get proper performance from
your system. This is not something that is subtle in its importance.
It is absolutely critical. In general if you are setting up a ProCinema
System using our ProSubs, ProMonitors and ProCenters, follow these
simple instructions:
• If you are hooking up the sub with the low level LFE connection,
set your receiver/decoder bass management to “Sub – Yes” and set
left main, right main, center, left rear and right rear to “Small.”
• If you have a choice of crossover frequency, choose the highest
one available.
• If you use a speaker level connection where you run the speaker
wire from the receiver to the sub adn then from the sub to the left
and right mains, set “Sub – No,” left main and right main to
“Large,” and center, left and right rear to “Small.”
• Also make sure you properly set the channel balance as outlined
in your receiver/decoder manual. There is also more detailed
information in your ProMonitor manual.
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 Operating Controls

Your Definitive Technology ProSub subwoofer is equipped with a

full complement of operating controls to ensure complete flexibility and
maximum performance in any installation. Most of them basically are the
“set and forget” type, although occasionally certain controls will require
minor adjustments.
Gain Control
On the back panel of your subwoofer is a gain (volume) control.
This control is used to raise or lower the output level of your subwoofer
in relation to the other speakers in your system.
Low Pass Filter
Your subwoofer’s back panel features a continuously variable low pass
filter. This filter is continuously variable between 40 and 150 Hz. This
low pass filter control is used to obtain the optimum transition between
the subwoofer and your main speakers. This control should be set by ear
for best performance in your room. Set it to where it sounds best to you.
If you are running your main speakers full range, we would generally
recommend setting the low pass filter fairly low (40-70 Hz). If you are
connecting your ProSub using the the LFE in, turn the low pass filter all
the way up in order to get optimal impedence matching. When using the
ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors, please consult the instruction
manual section “Using the ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors.”

Powering Up Your Subwoofer

Your subwoofer contains a built-in, active powered subwoofer section
as well as an electronic crossover and so each subwoofer must be plugged
into an electrical socket of the appropriate voltage (as indicated on the
back of your unit) using the plug on the end of the black cord attached to
the electronics module on the back of the loudspeaker. The subwoofer has
a special circuit which automatically turns the powered subwoofer section
on when a signal is fed to the loudspeaker and does not require an on-off
switch. The red LED on the back panel will light up when a signal is
sensed and the amplifier turns on. It will automatically turn off a little
while after the signal is discontinued.
The ProSub has a special circuit which automatically turns the pow-
ered subwoofer section on when a signal is fed to the loudspeaker and
does not require an on/off switch. We suggest plugging the ProSub into a
circuit which is on all the time and not into a switched outlet. When the
ProSub is plugged into a circuit and receives AC current, initially you
will hear a relatively loud pop which is completely normal as the system
first activates itself to stand-by mode. Then, when a program signal is fed
to the speaker it will fully activate itself with a lower level pop which is
normal. If you unplug the speaker or turn off the AC current going to it,
8
current going to it will reactivate itself with a pop when AC current is
restored, which is normal.
Please note that after the cessation of a signal, it may take up to an
hour for the amplifier to actually turn off from active to standby mode.
In some instances, because of RF presence in your area, the red LEDs may
not turn off. However, this is nothing to be concerned about as the amplifiers
draw almost no power when they are idling.

Using the ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors

When using the ProSub with Definitive ProMonitors, please consult

your ProMonitor instruction manual for specific information regarding
hookup, wiring and placement.
Setting the Level and Crossover Frequency When Using
the ProSub with ProMonitors
When you have the ProMonitors wired to the speaker level outputs
on your ProSub, the following are our suggestions for starting settings
on your controls. Remember, these are just approximate settings and we
suggest experimenting to determine the best-sounding settings for your
particular set-up.
1. Set the variable low pass crossover control on
the back of the ProSub to approximately 2
o’clock. Please note that the exact frequency
will depend on many factors including specific
positions of the speakers in the room, so you
might experiment with a slightly higher or
lower setting to achieve ideal blending
between the sub and the satellites for your
particular set-up. Listen to a wide variety of
music to determine the correct setting for this
in your system.
2. Set the subwoofer level control to 12 o’clock.
Please note that the exact level depends on
many factors including your room size,
position of the speakers, etc. as well as your
personal listening taste, so you might
experiment with the subwoofer level while
listening to a wide variety of music until you
achieve the ideal setting for your system.

9
 Troubleshooting
If you experience any difficulties with your subwoofer, try the
suggestions described below. If you are still having problems, please
consult your Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance.
1. Make sure all your system interconnects and power cords are solidly
in their place.
2. Should you experience any level of ground hum or noise, try plugging
the subwoofer into the same circuit as your amplifier. Please note that
some cable TV hookups induce hum into the whole system and
require a special isolation device. Please consult your dealer.
3. The system is provided with sophisticated internal protection
circuitry. If for some reason the protection circuitry is tripped, please
turn down your system’s volume and wait five minutes before trying
the system again. If the amplifier should overheat, the system will
turn itself off until the amplifier cools and resets.
4. Check to be sure that your power cord has not been damaged.
5. Check that no foreign objects or liquid has entered the cabinet.
6. If you cannot get your subwoofer to turn on or if no sound comes out
and you’re sure the system is set up properly, please bring the sub-
woofer to your Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer for assistance.

Technical Assistance

It is our pleasure to offer assistance if you have any questions

regarding your ProSub or its set-up. Please contact your
nearest Definitive Technology dealer or contact us directly at
410-363-7148.

Visit us at www.definitivetech.com
* Dolby Pro-Logic, AC-3 and Dolby Digital are Registered Trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

10
 Service

Service and warranty work on your Definitive loudspeakers will normally

be performed by your local Definitive Technology dealer. If, however, you
wish to return the speaker to us, please contact us first, describing the
problem and requesting authorization as well as the location of the nearest
factory service center. Please note that the address given in this booklet
is the address of our offices only. Under no circumstances should loud-
speakers be shipped to our offices or returned without contacting us first
and obtaining return authorization.
Definitive Technology Offices
11433 Cronridge Drive, Suite K
Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Phone: 410-363-7148

ProSub Specifications

ProSub 1000
Outer Dimensions: 12" W x 17.9" W x 14.4" H
Frequency Response: 18 Hz – 150 kHz
Driver Complement: One 10" woofer with polymer cone coupled to
one 10" infrasonic radiator
Amplifier: 300-Watts RMS
Speaker Level High-Pass Filter: 6 db/octave (80 hz)
Low-Level Low-Pass Filter: 24 db/octave continuously variable
(40 hz – 150 hz) plus unfiltered LFE direct-
coupled input
Fuse Size: 3.2 amp 250 volt slow-blow Littlefuse 313
type for the 110 volt version, and 2 amp 250
volt slow-blow BEL 5ET type for the 240
volt version.
ProSub 800
Outer Dimensions: 10.3" W x 15.8" W x 12.9" H
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 150 kHz
Driver Complement: One 8" woofer with polymer cone coupled to
one 8" infrasonic radiator
Amplifier: 300-Watts RMS
Speaker Level High-Pass Filter: 6 db/octave (80 hz)
Low-Level Low-Pass Filter: 24 db/octave continuously variable
(40 hz – 150 hz) plus unfiltered LFE direct-
coupled input
Fuse Size: 3.2 amp 250 volt slow-blow Littlefuse 313
type for the 110 volt version, and 2 amp 250
volt slow-blow BEL 5ET type for the 240
volt version.
Specifications subject to change

11
 LIMITED USA WARRANTY
5-YEARS FOR DRIVERS AND CABINETS,
3-YEARS FOR ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
DEI Sales Co., dba Definitive Technology (herein “Definitive”) warrants to the original retail purchaser only
that this Definitive loudspeaker product (the “Product”) will be free from defects in material and workman-
ship for a period of five (5) years covering the drivers and cabinets, and three (3) years for the electronic
components from the date of the original purchase from a Definitive Authorized Dealer. If the Product is
defective in material or workmanship, Definitive or its Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace
the warranted product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. All replaced parts and Product(s)
become the property of Definitive. Product that is repaired or replaced under this warranty will be returned to
you, within a reasonable time, freight collect. This warranty is non-transferrable and is automatically void if
the original purchaser sells or otherwise transfers the Product to any other party.
This Warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, misuse, abuse, negli-
gence, inadequate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage in excess of the rated maximum
of the unit, cosmetic appearance of cabinetry not directly attributable to defects in material or workmanship.
This warranty does not cover the elimination of externally generated static or noise, or the correction of
antenna problems or weak reception. This warranty does not cover labor costs or damage to the Product
caused by installation or removal of the Product. Definitive Technology makes no warranty with respect to its
products purchased from dealers or outlets other than Definitive Technology Authorized Dealer.
THE WARRANTY IS AUTOMATICALLY VOID IF:
1) The product has been damaged, altered in any way, mishandled during transportation, or tampered with.
2) The product is damaged due to accident, fire, flood, unreasonable use, misuse, abuse, customer
applied cleaners, failure to observe manufacturers warnings, neglect or related events.
3) Repair or modification of the Product has not been made or authorized by Definitive Technology.
4) The product has been improperly installed or used.
Product must be returned (insured and prepaid), together with the original dated proof of purchase to the
Authorized Dealer from whom the Product was purchased, or to the nearest Definitive factory service center.
Product must be shipped in the original shipping container or its equivalent. Definitive is not responsible or
liable for loss or damage to Product in transit.
THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE ONLY EXPRESS WARRANTY THAT APPLIES TO YOUR
PRODUCT. DEFINITIVE NEITHER ASSUMES NOR AUTHORIZES ANY PERSON OR ENTITY TO
ASSUME FOR IT ANY OTHER OBLIGATION OR LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR
PRODUCT OR THIS WARRANTY. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED
TO EXPRESS, IMPLIED,WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY EXCLUDED AND DISCLAIMED TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT
ALLOWED BY LAW. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES ON PRODUCT ARE LIMITED TO THE
DURATION OF THIS EXPRESSED WARRANTY. DEFINITIVE HAS NO LIABILITY FOR ACTS OF
THIRD PARTIES. DEFINITIVE’S LIABILITY, WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, STRICT
LIABILITY, OR ANY OTHER THEORY, SHALL NOT EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE
PRODUCT FOR WHICH A CLAIM HAS BEEN MADE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL
DEFINITIVE BEAR ANY LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL
DAMAGES. THE CONSUMER AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ALL DISPUTES BETWEEN THE
CONSUMER AND DEFINITIVE SHALL BE RESOLVED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA
LAWS IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CALIFORNIA. DEFINITIVE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MODIFY
THIS WARRANTY STATEMENT AT ANY TIME.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, or implied
warranties, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and
you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
©2008 DEI Sales Co. All rights reserved.

This product complies with the essential requirements of

EMC directives 89/336/EEC and 73/23/EEC (inclusive of
93/68/EEC) and carries the CE mark accordingly.
DMAT 020309