If you’ve purchased a REL subwoofer, before you connect it, you need to know what type of connection to use. The short answer? Use High Level whenever possible. Choose Low Level only if you lack speaker outputs or run monoblocks. Add .1/LFE for surround sound. For more details, read on!
This blog is the second installment in a three part series, each titled “Before Connecting a REL.” While the first article was about subwoofer placement, this article is about determining which type(s) of connection to use for your REL, along with how to set it up. The video above is a guide for determining whether to use High Level, Low Level, and/or LFE connection, and how to connect them.
High Level Input:
Using the “High Level” input is always the best option. Using the High Level input, instead of the Low Level input, and connecting to the speaker output terminals of your amplifier is one of the unique secrets of REL’s success. When using the High Level input, your REL is fed the same signal that your main speakers are receiving. When connecting from the amplifier to the High Level input on your REL, you capture the sonic signature of your main system, including the tonal balance and timing cues of the entire electronics chain. These connections, working together with REL’s Active Bass Controller (ABC), ensure a far superior system integration of the sub-bass with the main system.
Low Level Input:
While the “Low Level” input is rarely recommended over a High Level input, this connection method still produces amazing low-end and seamless integration. Occasionally, some systems are not compatible with the High Level input, or the necessary speaker outputs are unavailable. There are really only two scenarios when we recommend using the Low Level input rather than the High Level input.
- The Low Level input is recommended when users do not have access to speaker outputs, such as when connecting directly to TV or computer.
- The Low Level input is recommended when using a single REL with Monoblock Amplifiers. When integrating a REL Sub-Bass system with Monoblock amplifiers, REL recommends using a stereo pair of RELs as left and right subwoofers.
LFE/.1 input:
The .1/LFE input is only used when connecting your REL to a surround sound system. The .1/LFE input can be used simultaneously with the High Level or Low Level input to create a seamless transition from stereo to surround sound.
Check out the final installment of the "Before Connecting a REL" series here: Identify Your Amp For High Level Connectivity.
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