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Atlantic Technology Debuts SP-8000 Subwoofer Tuning Device (8/1/2004)

Subwoofer Controller and Parametric EQ can make any subwoofer sound better in any room

Atlantic Technology, one of the first manufacturers of loudspeaker systems specifically designed for home theater, has introduced a device that can dramatically improve the sound quality of any subwoofer by fine-tuning its interaction with the acoustic characteristics of the listening room. Most acousticians consider this the single most influential element in any sound system. The SP-8000 also addresses problems caused by large sonic differences between music and movies as well as listening at different volume levels.

The new Atlantic Technology SP-8000 is a standalone processor that is based upon circuitry developed to control the subwoofers used in the company's flagship $23,000 System 8200 THX Ultra2 home theater systemÉarguably one of the world's best home theater speaker systems.

The SP-8000 employs a combination of parametric equalization, precision level trim adjustments, phase correction, and crossover controls to achieve these results. When used in conjunction with a supplied diagnostic and test CD, these controls allow consumers or professional installers to optimize the subwoofer's output so it complements the acoustic characteristics of the room itself by eliminating objectionable room resonances caused by standing waves.

No matter how powerful or accurate the subwoofer, the limitations of the room's acoustics will have an inevitable-and almost always negative- impact on the sound. The SP-8000's comprehensive, flexible controls allow the subwoofer and room to function together as a system, instead of working against each other.

Using the included diagnostic test disc, developed in conjunction with the world-renowned test instrument company, Sencore, accurate identification of the predominant, most objectionable room mode can easily be accomplished. Once this frequency is identified, the SP-8000's parametric equalizer can be adjusted to attenuate the problem frequency. The center frequency, "Q", or width of the EQ band, and degree of attenuation can all be adjusted to produce markedly cleaner sound without the "one note" resonant boom that plagues most real-world installations.

Because the subwoofer settings appropriate to special-effects laden films almost never sound right with music-only recordings, the SP-8000 has four pre-set EQ curves that have been carefully chosen to enhance the reproduction of both music and movies. One is designed to enhance low level listening by gently boosting the mid bass to compensate for the ear's relative insensitivity to low bass at low volumes. The others are optimized for music, movies, and movies with extensive special effects. In addition, there's a dedicated Level Trim that can be adjusted +/-10dB in 1dB increments. Both the preset EQs and the Level Trim can be easily adjusted from the listening position with the included handheld IR remote control.

The SP-8000's 18 dB/octave low pass crossover is continuously adjustable from 50 Hz to 150 Hz using a front panel control. A four-position phase control (0, 90, 180, and 270 degrees), is used to further deal with interactions between the sub-woofer(s), the satellites, and the room.

The SP-8000 includes both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA low-level inputs and outputs, for ideal compatibility with nearly any equipment. In addition, there are rear-panel inputs and outputs for 3.5 mm IR connectors, as well as command ports for external IR receivers or whole-home control systems.

The Atlantic Technology SP-8000 is currently available at a suggested retail price of $600.

www.atlantictechnology.com