OWNER’S MANUAL
BassX-W10
Powered In-Wall Subwoofer
BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
Page 3
Congratulations on your purchase of the BassX-W10 Powered In-Wall
Subwoofer System!
System Description
The BassX-W10 will provide the excellent performance and reliability that SpeakerCraft products
have been recognized for. To receive the best performance from your BassX-W10 System, please
carefully read the instructions in this manual. For technical inquires, please call 1-800-448-0976 or
e-mail us at [email protected].
Innovation At Its Best...
The BassX-W10 delivers the room-filling, thundering bass demanded by today’s home theater
systems, while remaining completely recessed in the wall behind a flush mounted grille. The
performance of high power, floor standing subwoofers has finally come to architectural speakers.
Flexible Installation Options...
Since every installation is different, we created the BassX-W10 Mounting Bracket to be expandable,
allowing it to fit through the smaller drywall cut-out hole and adjust to various wall stud spacing.
For new construction applications, simply attach the mounting bracket to the studs, then cut the
drywall around it, using the template supplied. The BassX-W10 Enclosure (P/N ASMX3102) is also
available and is recommended for new construction applications.
For retrofit installation, simply cut out the drywall using the template included, adjust the bracket to
it's smallest size allowing it to fit through the hole in the drywall. Now simply mount the bracket to
the studs. BassX-W10 AcoustaCell (P/N ASMX3101) is also available and is recommended for retrofit
installations.
Quality You Can Depend On...
SpeakerCraft is the name you can trust for accurate sound reproduction. We’ve manufactured nearly
four million in-wall speakers, and pledge that every product we build will give you the highest level
of workmanship and sound performance.
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BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
Please use Diagram 1 for a quick installation overview, which will be explored in greater detail throughout this manual.
DIAGRAM 1
Installation Overview
STEP 1:
Cut opening in drywall
per template provided
STEP 2:
Slide bracket through drywall opening.
Expand bracket until contact is made
with inside wall of studs. Secure slide
bracket to studs.
STEP 4:
Bolt speaker to mounting bracket
using machine screws provided
STEP 5:
Install baffle by tightening dogging screws
until baffle gasket contacts face of speaker
CAUTION: Overtightening can cause plastic baffle
to contact speaker and cause vibration noise
STEP 3:
Tighten slide adjustmnent screws
To secure brackets together
CAUTION: Faliure to tighten locking
screws, can result in vibration noise
CAUTION
• The BassX-W10 is designed to work only with the BBXW10 amplifier. To insure maximum sound quality and performance,
use only this amp.
• The installation bracket must be aligned accurately in the center of the cut out hole in the drywall. This is to insure
proper alignment with the woofer and baffle.
• Please follow the instructions below carefully. For technical inquires, please call 1-800-448-0976 or e-mail us at
BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
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SYSTEM COMPONENTS
• Included in this Carton:
• BassX-W10 Subwoofer
• BBXW10 Amplifier
• Installation Bracket
• Baffle
• Grille
• Paint Mask
• Mounting Hardware
• System Options:
• BassX-W10 Enclosure (ASMX3102) for New Construction installations
• BassX-W10 AcoustaCell (ASMX3101) for Retrofit Installations
SYSTEM DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
• The BassX-W10 System provides accurate bass to any audio system, and is designed so that it will work in conjunction
with your other audio components. The BBXW10 amplifier can be connected to any preamplifier or receiver that has low
level (line out), speaker (high level) or LFE outputs. The BBXW10 has a pass-through feature that allows the input signals
to be fed out of the unit to other amplifiers or system components.
• The Subwoofer should be mounted low on the wall, free from obstructions. The lower you mount it, the more bass there
will be.
• Every practical effort should be made to eliminate possible noise on or inside the wall surrounding this
subwoofer. Steps must be taken to ensure that the wall and anything attached to the wall into which the
BassX-W10 is mounted is secure.
We recommend using acoustical spray foam instead of insulation in the bays that surround the BassX-W10.
The foam will be able to get into all those small gaps and will absorb most of the vibration from the subwoofer.
If foam is not available, stuff the wall with as much insulation as possible. Using adhesive foam strips between
the stud and drywall is also an option that could be used to keep the drywall from resonating on the studs. In
addition, extra drywall screws can be used to mount the drywall to the studs.
To reduce vibration even more, we recommend not hanging anything directly over the BassX-W10. If there
is no way around it, steps will need to be taken to ensure that pictures, mirrors, shelves, etc. do not vibrate
on the wall. The use of rubber grommets, adhesive tape, extra mounting screws, foam padding will help in
these types of applications.
• Once connected, use the controls described under “Installation and Operation of the BBXW10 Amplifier” to adjust the
system so that it will blend seamlessly with the other speakers in your system.
INSTALLATION
1. Mounting Bracket Installation - New Construction
• Mounting the BassX-W10 subwoofer requires that you first install the Mounting Bracket and speaker wire that is to be run
to the BBXW10 amplifier's location. NOTE: It is critical to insure that the drywall (or any wall material) is well damp-
ened and tight to avoid resonance.
• The Mounting Bracket has been designed so that it can be screwed between two studs in the wall. As with any in-wall
speaker, be sure the subwoofer does not share any stud bays with electrical outlets or switches. Attach the bracket with
the included drywall screws so that it aligns flush with the front of the studs.
• After installing the mounting bracket and pulling the speaker wire from the BBXW10 amplifier location, you can now
hang the drywall. Keep in mind that the mounting bracket is not a "Pre-Construction Bracket" or drywall ring. Carefully
mark and cut out the hole for the subwoofer before mounting the drywall.
NOTE: It is very important that the mounting bracket aligns exactly in the center of the cut out hole in the drywall,
or the speaker and baffle cannot be connected to the bracket!
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BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
2. Mounting Bracket Installation - Retrofit
• Find the studs in the wall using a good stud finder. Locate the exact center between the studs by drilling a small hole as
close to center as can be determined. Using a stiff wire (a coat hanger works well) bent to 90º feel for both studs through
the hole. By turning the wire around you should be able to determine the middle location between the studs.
NOTE: It is very important that the mounting bracket aligns exactly in the center of the cut out hole in the drywall, or
the speaker and baffle cannot be connected to the bracket!
• Once the center has been determined, use the cut-out template supplied with the subwoofer to mark and cut out the
hole in the drywall.
3. Wiring
• Connect the speaker wire to the woofer, be sure to connect the "Positive" wire to the terminal marked ( + ) and the nega-
tive wire to the terminal marked ( --- ). NOTE: Make sure the binding posts (wire connectors) are tightened firmly or
they may rattle. The other end of the wire should be connected to the amplifier in the same manner to the 3-way binding
posts marked "SUBWOOFER OUT". Make sure that the amplifier is unplugged when connecting any wires or cables to it.
4. Installing the Subwoofer
• Line up the woofer with the corresponding hole in the mounting bracket and secure the woofer to the bracket
using the hardware supplied. CAUTION: DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS OR THEY MAY STRIP.
5. Mounting the Baffle
• The baffle has been specifically designed to mount to the drywall. Place the baffle into the drywall cut-out and position
it. As you tighten the screws, the mounting tabs (dogs) turn out behind the drywall and clamp the baffle to the drywall.
CAUTION: BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVER TIGHTEN THE SCREWS OR THE BAFFLE WILL WARP, AND THE DOGS MAY
BREAK OFF.
• Once the baffle is in place, you can gently push the grille into the slot on the baffle. Due to the nature of the system, the
grille is designed to fit very tightly.
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF THE BBXW10 AMPLIFIER
1. Placement
DO:
• Place the amplifier with the feet resting on a solid flat level surface.
• Place the amplifier in a well-vented area to provide proper cooling. In areas that lack proper ventilation, such as tight
cabinets or racks, it may be necessary to install small fans to create air movement.
DON’T:
• Don’t block the ventilation holes on the top or bottom of the amplifier. Never place it on carpeting or similar material.
• Don’t place the amplifier in any other position other than horizontal with the feet down. Never place on its side or
resting on the back where the terminals are located.
• Don’t place the amplifier near heat sources, or in an area that it would be exposed to moisture.
YOU SHOULD KNOW
• The power supply may cause a hum to be heard in some components if they are placed very close to the amplifier.
BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
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2. Installation of BBXW10
Please use Diagram 2 to familiarize yourself with the rear panel of the BBXW10.
DIAGRAM 2
BBXW10 Rear Panel
Serial Number
Phase Switch
Fuse
Power Switch
Low Pass
Crossover
Control
Bass
Boost
Control
Subwoofer
Outputs
Speaker Outputs
Speaker Inputs
Line
Outputs
LFE Input
Volume Limit
Control
Line Inputs
AC Plug Cord
a. Auto Sense Power On
• The amplifier is turned on and off by sensing audio signals coming from the receiver or pre-amp through the input
connections.
• NOTE: The amplifier’s front power switch must be turned on for the Audio Sense mode to operate. Once the power
is switched on, the auto sense mode automatically is activated. The “Active” LED on the front of the amplifier will
not light up until an audio signal is sensed. The amplifier will then be operating. At the moment that either the
Left, Right line level input jacks, the speaker input connectors or the LFE input jack receive a signal, the amplifier will
then turn on. Once the signal stops, the amplifier will turns off in a few minutes. If you will be away for a long period
of time, you may wish to turn off the main power switch or unplug the unit from the outlet.
b. Connecting the Subwoofer to the Amplifier
• CAUTION: Only make connections when the amplifier is turned off.
• You MUST use a minimum of 14 gauge speaker wire. There are 2 outputs on the amplifier, one positive and one
negative outputs. The 3-way binding post outputs on the back of the amplifier allow for a variety of ways to connect
your subwoofer to the amplifier, including stripped wire, spade connectors, etc.
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BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
c. Connecting the Audio Inputs
• CAUTION: Only make connections when the amplifier is turned off.
• Line Level Inputs (Left & Right) - The line outputs from a preamplifier or receiver can be connected to the line
level inputs of the BBXW10 with RCA cables. If your system has only one subwoofer output, you can plug it into
either the left or right line inputs. Using these inputs will crossover the audio signals that are sent to the Line outputs
at a fixed high pass of 75Hz.
• LFE (Low Frequency Effects) Input - If your preamplifier or receiver has an LFE output, you can use the LFE input.
Be aware that using the LFE input bypasses the amplifier’s low frequency adjustable (low pass) crossover.
• Speaker Level Inputs (Left & Right) - These inputs can be used if your preamplifier or receiver does not have a
subwoofer or set of line output jacks. Connect the left and right pair of main speaker output wires from you amplifier
or receiver to the speaker level input connectors of the BBXW10 amplifier. Then connect a left and right pair of speaker
wires from the BBXW10 speaker output connectors to you main speakers.
d. Connecting the Audio Outputs
• Line Level Outputs (Left & Right) - Sources connected to the line level inputs can be forwarded to other receivers or
amplifiers line level inputs. By doing this you can pass-on the audio signal for use by another component. Connect RCA
cables to the line level output sections of the BBXW10 and the Line level inputs of a receiver or amplifier. Please note
that the BBXW10's high pass crossover will be in effect removing the audio below 75Hz to the connected component.
• Speaker Level Outputs (Left & Right) - Connect a left and right pair of speaker wires from the BBXW10 speaker
output connectors to you main speakers. This method will filter out the low frequencies below 75Hz and send them
to the subwoofer. The high frequencies above 75Hz will be sent to your main speakers. The main speakers will still be
powered by your system's amplifier or receiver.
e. Connecting the AC Power
• Plug the 3-prong plug directly into a 120V AC 60Hz wall outlet. If you wish to plug the amplifier into a preamplifier
or receiver’s switched outlet, make sure it is rated at least 600 watts. However, it is always safer to plug the BBXW10
directly into an AC outlet.
DIAGRAM 3
BBXW10 Front Panel
Active LED
Volume Control
BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
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3. Amplifier Operation
Please use Diagrams 2 & 3 to familiarize yourself with the front and rear panels of the BBXW10.
CAUTION: Please read all the following instructions, otherwise damage may be caused to your system.
a. Protection Circuitry
• If the “Protection” circuit in the amplifier is activated, it indicates one of the following situations has occurred:
i. The amplifier detects that the subwoofer is in danger of overheating and has temporarily shut down to protect
the woofer. The amplifier will return to “Active” without any intervention necessary.
ii. A fault in the wiring, the speaker, or the amplifier. If the amplifier remains off, turn the power button off and then
on. If the amplifier returns to the protection mode, turn the amplifier off and refer to the troubleshooting section
of this manual.
b. Front Panel Controls
i. Volume Control
Use this to match the output of the subwoofer to that of the main speakers in the system. We recommend that
you play a variety of material before selecting a setting. Start with the control in the “Off” position (completely
counterclockwise) and slowly turn it up. NOTE: Turning the volume up slowly will prevent possible damage to
the woofer from the system being run too “hot”. Very little movement of the knob is needed. CAUTION: If a
popping sound (clipping) is audible through the subwoofer, it is being over driven, reduce the volume of the
amplifier, or speaker damage may occur!
c. Rear Panel Controls
• The following controls allow you to blend the sound wave output of the BassX-W10 to the output of the main speak-
ers in your system.
i. Power Switch
The switch marked “Power” on the rear panel of the amplifier will turn off all amplifier circuitry and override the
auto sense mode in the off position. NOTE: See paragraph v., below, before turning on the amplifier.
ii. Low Frequency (Low Pass) Crossover
Use this control to adjust the upper frequency limit of the BassX-W10. The purpose is to control the overlap of
the BassX-W10’s upper frequencies and the main speaker’s lower frequencies. If the you are using the built-in
high frequency (High Pass) crossover by connecting speakers to the speaker output connectors this control will
not affect the fixed 75Hz setting.
iii. Bass Boost Control
This control allows you to increase bass response between 50 and 100Hz for certain types of audio that lacks in
bass, such as old recordings etc.
vi. Polarity Control
This control allows you to match the arrival times of the sound waves of the BassX-W10 and the main speak-
ers to your listening area. While the system is playing, flip the switch to the 180º and back to 0º until the bass
sounds louder or less boomy. Depending on placement and room acoustics, this control may or may not have
any affect.
v. Volume Limit Control
Use this control to adjust the maximum volume setting for your BassX-W10 system. With the Volume Limit con-
trol and front mounted volume control turned all the way down (counterclockwise), turn on the subwoofer
and start playing audio through your system. Turn the system up to the highest comfortable level – WITHOUT
DISTORTION. Now turn up the sub woofer volume on the front panel of the BBXW10 subwoofer amplifier all
the way. No bass should play. Next SLOWLY turn up the volume limit control until the subwoofer is playing at its
loudest level WITHOUT DISTORTION. Return levels to normal. Now anyone can safely turn up the subwoofer all
the way without damaging the system.
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BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
TROUBLESHOOTING
The BassX-W10 Subwoofer System is designed to function trouble-free. Most problems occur because of operating errors. If you
have a problem, please check the troubleshooting list first. If the problem persists, contact Tech Support at 1-800-448-0976 or
e-mail us at [email protected].
The Problem
Possible Causes and Solutions
No sound is heard.
Audio cable to the amplifier is not connected properly or the
cable is bad. Use another cable that you know is good.
Check all speaker wire connections and plugs.
Rear Volume Limit Control is set to 1/2 way or 12 O'clock
The sound may be caused by a ground loop in the system.
Try to eliminate this by reversing the AC plugs of other compo-
nents in the system.
A hum or buzzing sound is heard.
Try plugging the amplifier into another outlet.
Other causes may include faulty cables.
The amplifier will not turn on.
The amplifier must be plugged into a live outlet. The power
switch on the rear panel must be on. A signal must be playing
into the input jacks, or speaker inputs.
The Protection Circuit cuts in momentarily and then
turns off.
The circuitry in the amplifier has detected that the amplifier or
subwoofer is in danger of overheating. Normally, this would
happen infrequently and momentarily. If it persists, the amplifier
may not be ventilated appropriately.
Move the amplifier to a better ventilated and/or cooler loca-
tion. NOTE: The amplifier may feel cool at the top, but still be
overheating. Do not use the temperature at the top of the
cabinet as a gauge for amplifier temperature.
The Protection Circuit cuts in and does not turn off.
There may be a fault in the wiring, the speaker, or the ampli-
fier. Turn the power switch off and then on again. If the ampli-
fier immediately returns to the Protection mode, turn it off and
check all of the wiring, including all connections at the amplifier,
at the subwoofer, and any connections made to the wall.
SPECIFICATIONS – BassX-W10 Subwoofer & Baffle
Driver:
10" Long Throw Woofer, Treated Pulp Cone with Butyl Rubber Surround
Type:
Cast frame reverse magnet
Impedance:
SPL:
4 ohms
86 dB
Frequency Response:
Baffle & Grille Color:
Cut-Out Dimensions:
Dimensions:
Weight:
20 Hz
White
W 111⁄4" x H 111⁄4" (for baffle)
W 131⁄32" x H 131⁄32" (includes subwoofer & baffle)
6 lbs. (subwoofer only)
BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
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SPECIFICATIONS – BBXW10 Amplifier
Type:
Mono Class A-B dedicated subwoofer amplifier
Power Output:
Crossovers:
250 watts per channel
Variable Low Pass Crossover 35Hz to 150 Hz, Fixed High Pass Crossover at 75Hz
THD @ 10 Watts:
Input Sensitivity:
Input Impedance:
Auto Off Time:
Auto On Sensitivity:
Signal to noise ratio:
Dimensions:
0.1%
8.6 mv
33 kOhms
> 15 minutes
2.5 mv
> 70dB
H 33⁄8" x W 17" x D 111⁄2" (add 3⁄4" for feet & 4" for rear panel connectors)
16 lbs.
Weight:
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY – BassX-W10 Subwoofer
SpeakerCraft Inc. warrants to the original retail purchaser only that the BassX-W10 Subwoofer will be free from defects in materi-
als and workmanship, provided the speaker was purchased from a SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer.
Defective products must be shipped, together with proof of purchase, prepaid insured to the SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer
from whom they were purchased, or to the SpeakerCraft factory at the address listed on this installation instruction manual.
Freight collect shipments will be refused. It is preferable to ship this product in the original shipping container to lessen the
chance of transit damage. In any case, the risk or loss or damage in transit is to be borne by the purchaser. If, upon examina-
tion at the Factory or SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer, it is determined that the unit was defective in materials or workmanship at
any time during this warranty period, SpeakerCraft or the SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer will, at its option, repair or replace this
product at no additional charge, except as set forth below. If this model is no longer available and can not be repaired effective-
ly, SpeakerCraft, at its sole option, may replace the unit with a current model of equal or greater value. In some cases where a
new model is substituted, a modification to the mounting surface may be required. If mounting surface modification is required,
SpeakerCraft assumes no responsibility or liability for such modification. All replaced parts and product become the property of
SpeakerCraft Inc. Products replaced or repaired under this warranty will be returned to the original retail purchaser, within a rea-
sonable time, freight prepaid.
This warranty does not include service or parts to repair damage caused by accident, disaster, misuse, abuse, negligence, inad-
equate packing or shipping procedures, commercial use, voltage inputs in excess of the rated maximum of the unit, or service,
repair or modification of the product which has not been authorized or approved by SpeakerCraft. This warranty also excludes
normal cosmetic deterioration caused by environmental conditions. This warranty will be void if the serial number on the prod-
uct has been removed, tampered with or defaced.
This warranty is in lieu of all other expressed warranties. If the product is defective in materials or workmanship as warranted above,
the purchaser’s sole remedy shall be repair or replacement as provided above. In no event will SpeakerCraft be liable for any inci-
dental or consequential damages arising out of the use or inability to use the product, even if SpeakerCraft Inc. or a SpeakerCraft
Inc. Authorized Dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. Some states do not
allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages, so the above limitation and exclusion may not apply.
All implied warranties on the product are limited to the duration of this expressed warranty. Some states do not allow limitation on
the length of an implied Warranty. If the original retail purchaser resides in such a state, this limitation does not apply.
LIMITED TWO YEAR WARRANTY – BBXW10 Amplifier
SpeakerCraft Inc. warrants to the original retail purchaser only that the SpeakerCraft BBXW10 Amplifier will be free from defects in
materials and workmanship for a period of two years, provided the product was purchased from a SpeakerCraft Authorized Dealer.
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BassX-W10 Owner’s Manual
940 Columbia Avenue, Riverside, CA 92507
(800) 448-0976 Fax (951) 787-8747
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