FAQ

Q: The size of the stand adapters on my new Bag End loudspeakers are different than my old ones. What can I do to match all of them?

A: Current Bag End loudspeakers use a 1 3/8″ (35 mm) stand adapter, whereas, older models use a 1 1/2″ (38 mm) adapter. The one mounted on ELF subwoofers is sealed with silicone to prevent air leaks. Needless to say, attempting to replace it would be difficult and involve removing the grille and driver to reseal the new stand adapter. We do not recommend changing the stand adapter on the subwoofer. Instead, we recommended changing the stand adapter on the upper range enclosure to match the one on the subwoofer. It is a simple retrofit and enables pole mounting between the two loudspeakers. For TA series upper range loudspeakers, simply remove the three mounting screws and replace the stand adapter with either the 1 3/8″ (Bag End part number SSD-35) or 1 1/2″ (Bag End part number SSD-1) model, whichever size you decide is more practical for your system. Both models are available for purchase from any Bag End authorized dealer.

Q: How long is the Bag End warranty period?

A: Bag End loudspeakers are warranted against defects in materials or workmanship for a period of 6 years from the original date of purchase. Bag End electronic products are warranted for 2 years. The Bag End Infrasub-18 is warranted for 1 year.

Q: I have misplaced the power supply unit for my Bag End ELF-M/M2. How do I get a replacement?

A: Both the ELF-M and ELF-M2 processors use the Bag End MPS-120 external power supply unit. This may be purchased from any Bag End authorized dealer. In the event that the MPS-120 is practically unobtainable, an equivalent power supply unit may be used. The ELF-M and ELF-M2 will operate on an input voltage between 10.5 and 18.5 VDC with a required current of 100 mA. A miniature DC 2.5 mm connector wired with the center pin positive (+) should be used to connect to the processor. WARNING: The polarity is critical! If the center pin is wired negative (-), the processor will be damaged and need to be returned to the factory for non-warranty repair!

Q: How do I determine which Bag End ELF processor is right for my application?

A: There are three ELF processors to choose from: the ELF-M, the ELF-M2 and the ELF-1. The ELF-M is designed for stereo 2-way operation with a mono sum ELF low frequency output. It has balanced XLR inputs, unbalanced XLR outputs and operates down to 18 Hz. It provides rotary controls for the ELF low frequency output level and Concealment(tm) threshold level. It is designed for musical instrument systems, theaters and cinemas, recording studios, and home theater/stereo systems. The ELF-M2 has the same features as the ELF-M plus the capability for 3-way mono operation, CVR(tm) limiters for the mid and hi pass sections, and rotary controls for mid and hi pass output levels as well as CVR limiter threshold levels. The ELF-1 is designed for either stereo or two independent channel operation. It has balanced XLR inputs and outputs and operates down to 8 Hz. It provides advanced control of system parameters via a series of front panel DIP switches. It is designed for applications including concert sound reinforcement, recording studios, theaters and cinemas, laboratory reference and critical home theater/stereo systems.

Q: I am experiencing a hum through my Bag End ELF subwoofer. Does my ELF processor need repair?

A: Remember the ELF processor boosts low frequencies, so a low frequency hum coming into the processor will be boosted, making it louder and more noticeable. This does not mean the ELF processor is malfunctioning, it is actually doing its job. First, determine the origin of the hum. The best way to find the hum is to start at the end of the chain and work backwards, checking one component at a time until the culprit is found. For detailed information, see the Bag End Guide to ELF Systems.

Q: Can the crossover point of a Bag End ELF system be changed?

A: No. The crossover point cannot be changed since it depends on the resonant point of the ELF subwoofer system. The ELF processors allow altering the hi pass filter frequency by changing plug-in resistors inside the unit (ELF-M and ELF-M2) or by changing front panel switches (ELF-1). However, this does not change the true crossover point of the system and will, in fact, create either a gap or an overlap in the frequency response of the bi-amplified system depending on the filter frequency chosen. For detailed information, see the Bag End Guide to ELF Systems.

Q: I lent my Bag End loudspeaker to a friend and he blew it? How do I get it repaired?

A: Determine the extent of the damage and what caused it. Locate the model number and serial number on the jackplate of the unit. Call Bag End Service Manager at (847) 382-4550. You will be issued a Return Authorization number and instructed on packaging and shipment to our Service Department. Please include a copy of your receipt and any additional information about repairing the product when shipping.

Q: My Bag End Infrasub-18 shuts off for a few seconds during certain passages of movies and music. Why does this happen?

A: The Bag End Infrasub-18 has a built-in thermal shutdown circuit which engages when the amplifier panel reaches a specific temperature. Dense bass tracks and/or very low frequency information cause the amplifier to work hard and heat up. The amplifier is able to dissipate the heat if these conditions occur for a moderate period. However, a long or continuous duration will cause the amplifier to heat up and, eventually, shut down until the heat can be dissipated.

Q: My Bag End Infrasub-18 makes a “pop” noise when I shut it off. Is this normal?

A: Yes. The noise is due to discharging capacitors in the amplifier. It will not harm the unit in any way. To avoid the noise, the Bag End Infrasub-18 may be left on at all times. This, also, will not harm the unit and power consumption, when not in use, is negligible.

Q: How do I hook up a Bag End Infrasub-18 to my Digital 5.1 Surround system?

A: Using the “Bass Management System” on your surround processor, set the front Left and Right speakers to “large” (full range). Connect the Left and Right outputs on the processor to the Left and Right inputs on the Bag End Infrasub-18, respectively. Now, connect the Left and Right hi pass outputs on the Bag End Infrasub-18 to the Left and Right inputs on your amplifier (which powers the front Left and Right speakers), respectively. This method provides the highest quality bass reproduction from the Bag End Infrasub-18. For additional information, including the use of a “subwoofer” or “LFE” output, see the Bag End Infrasub-18 Manual.

Q: Can I use my Bag End ELF subwoofer without the ELF processor?

A: Yes, but you won’t have ELF. For detailed information, see the Bag End Guide to ELF Systems.

Q: My Bag End ELF subwoofer has both “Low” and “High” banana jack inputs. Is there a crossover inside?

A: The “Low” pair of banana jacks are wired in parallel with pin 1+ and pin 1- of the Neutrik Speakon connectors and connect to the driver(s) in the enclosure. The “High” pair of banana jacks are wired in parallel with pin 2+ and pin 2- of the Neutrik Speakon connectors. This allows the use of a short “jumper” between the subwoofers and the mid/high speakers in a bi-amped system. ELF subwoofers require the use of an external ELF processor, which acts as the crossover for the system. ELF subwoofers do not include or require an internal crossover.

Q: I would like to use the Neutrik Speakon connectiors on my Bag End speakers. How should the cables be wired?

A: The Neutrik Speakon NL4MP connector is a kayed, high current, four conductor device wich allows both the high and low frequency signals for bi-amped loudspeaker system to run through the same 4-conductor cable. Bag End uses pin 1+ and pin 1- for connection to ELF subwoofers. Pin 2+ and pin 2- are used for mid/high loud-speakers . All four conductors on both Speakon connectiors are wired in parallel, but only two conductors are connected to the driver(s) in the enclosure. This permits an easy parallel conncection to other similar loudspeakers (if your amplifier can handle the lower impedance load) and allows the use of a short “jumper” between the subwoofers and the mid/high speakers in a bi-amped system Banana and 1/4″ phone jacks are also provided on mid/high loud-speakers ELF subwoofers include banana jacks on each circuit (“Low” and “High”).