PDF User Manual

  1. Home
  2. Manuals
  3. Orb Audio High fidelity speaker system Quick Start Manual

Orb Audio High fidelity speaker system Quick Start Manual

Made by: Orb Audio
Type: Quick Start Guide
Category: Speaker System
Pages: 24
Size: 1.49 MB

 

Download PDF User Manual



Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual



background image

Quick Start Guide

Contents

Welcome……………………………………………………

2

Setup …………………………………………….…………

4

Home Theater Setup ……………………..………………

5

Stereo Setup ………………………………..……...………  

9

Mod2 Assembly ………………………….……………….        11
Stud Zero & Stud Thirty Wall Mounts………………...

14

MultiMount & MultiPlate Wall/Ceiling Mounts…….

17

BOSS Table Stands ………………………………………

21

BOSS Wall Mounts…..……………………………….…..

24

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 2 of 24   

 Welcome     

Congratulations  on  your  purchase  of  our  state  of  the  art  high  fidelity  speaker  system  and  a 

VERY BIG WELCOME to the Orb Audio family.  Our company is different from most others

because  -- we  are  a  small,  independent  operation and  we  take  great  pride  in  providing  a 

superior,  handmade  product  and  great,  intelligent  service.    Orb  was  created  by  audio 

professionals who  were tired  of  the status quo  in  the industry, where it is  not uncommon to 

spend more on marketing speakers than it costs to make them!  You can be assured that your 

Orb speakers feature only the highest quality components, design and craftsmanship.  Thank 

you very much for your purchase and trust in us.  

Your  new  speaker  system  is  not  some  mass-produced  system  that  you  will  see  everywhere, 

knowing  that  you  paid  hundreds  or  thousands  of  dollars  in  advertising  costs  and  retail 

markups.    Your  speakers  are  not  made  of  plastic,  all  Orb  satellites  are  made  in  the  USA  by 

skilled craftspeople using only audiophile quality components.  Our innovative business model 

allows  us  to  design  and  manufacture  extremely  high  quality  speakers  and  avoid  the 

tremendous markups and other pitfalls prevalent in the retail consumer electronics industry.  In 

short, your system has been designed in the United States by people that are passionate about 

home audio and who started their own company to make the speaker systems that they have

always dreamed of.

We  choose  to  sell  our  products  primarily  over  the  internet  because  it  allows  us  to  reach  our 

design goals without compromise and without our products becoming overly expensive.  It is 

more difficult to get exposure this way, but we are a small, employee-owned company and we 

prefer to sell a manageable number of speaker systems each month directly to our customers, 

rather  than  use  traditional  retail  distribution  that  would  double  or  triple  the  price  of  our 

speakers without making them any better.  In addition to making great speakers, we also pride 

ourselves  on  providing  great  service,  and  this  means  that  you  will  talk  to  knowledgeable 

decisionmakers every time you call or email us.  We are happy to try and meet the individual 

needs of all of our clients, and our nimble size allows us to do this with great success.  We are 

Small Speakers For Smart People, and you are a smart person for choosing Orb.  

You will be rewarded for your choice with a system that we have designed to:

* Produce the richest and fullest sound from a compact satellite/subwoofer system.  This 

means your speaker system will  sound like large speakers, but will fit  in the décor of 

any  room.      Your  system  will  sound  integrated  and  complete,  and  you  will  not  be 

plagued by the "boom and sizzle" of inferior speakers systems.

* Reproduce  an  audio  signal  with  amazing  clarity  and  detail,  and  with  astonishing 

imaging and soundstage.   You will likely notice for the first time nuances in music that 

you have heard many times and with which you thought you were completely familiar.  

Our  state  of  the  art  drivers  and  speaker  design  are  changing  the  price/performance 

expectations of audio consumers all over the world.

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 3 of 24   

*  Produce massive, yet tight and musical bass from small, attractive subwoofers.  After all, 

what would be the point of selling small speakers if our subwoofers ate up all of your 

floor space?  If the Super Eight were sold in stores, it would be more expensive than our 

Mod1 system that includes 5 speakers & the subwoofer!  Many speaker systems skimp 

on the subwoofer, while we have designed an instant classic that excels at both movies 

and  music  and provides tight,  accurate bass  under all  conditions.     Don’t  even get  us 

started on the Uber Ten...

* …and lastly, you have chosen a system designed to carry itself with the style demanded 

by the high performance of it's design.  Our speakers just don't sound good, they look 

great, too.  Say goodbye to plastic cubes and boxy, ugly speakers.  Our round speakers, 

stylish  subwoofers  and  designer  accessories  ensure  that  your  Orb  system  will  be 

something you are glad to welcome into your home.

If you have had the chance to listen to other speaker systems, you will find that our speakers 

can outperform most systems substantially above our price range.  We are not geniuses, we are 

simply doing what you would do if you were able to design your own speaker from scratch --

we  are  cutting  out  the  middlemen  and  markups  and  spending  your  money  on  quality 

components, assembly and cutting edge industrial design.  Selling direct is not a complicated 

idea,  but  it  works,  and  it  means  you  get  a  better  product  for  your  money,  and  we  can  keep 

designing our speakers with performance and design as our only two concerns.

A Word About Break-In

Like all speaker systems, our speakers require a little time to break in.  They will 

sound great out of the box, but even better as they play for a couple of hours over 

the first few days.  Use the speakers normally during the break in period.  There 

is no need to break in the speakers any other way.  As you play them, you will 

notice  that  the  output  from  the  satellites  becomes  more  well-rounded  and  the 

output  from  the  subwoofer  becomes  tighter  and  louder.      You  will  also  notice 

that the overall integration between the satellites and subwoofer improves as the 

speakers break in.  You might have to adjust the volume of the subwoofer during 

the  break  in  period  to  best  match  the  satellites.    Once  a  balance  has  been 

achieved,  you  will  probably  not  have  to  make  many  changes  unless  there  are 
differences in the dynamic range or recording of your various audio sources.

WARNING:    AS  WITH  ALL  ELECTRONICS,  THE  WIRING  OF  SPEAKERS  MUST  BE 
DONE  CORRECTLY  OR  CAN  CAUSE  PHYSICAL  INJURY  OR  HARM  TO  PROPERTY, 
INCLUDING  ELECTRICAL  SHOCK.    PLEASE  FOLLOW  ALL  INSTRUCTIONS  AND 
WARNINGS IN THE MANUAL FOR YOUR AMPLIFIER/RECEIVER OR CONTACT YOUR 
MANUFACTURER IF NECESSARY.  THIS QUICK START GUIDE IS NOT INTENDED TO 
BE  A  SUBSTITUTE  FOR  CONSULTING  THE  MANUALS  THAT  CAME  WITH  YOUR 
AMPLIFIER/RECEIVER  OR  CONTACTING  THE  MANUFACTURER  OF  YOUR 
ELECTRONICS COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY.

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 4 of 24   

 Setup

    

If you are using a home theater receiver with a subwoofer output (most people), please 

follow the home theater instructions below, in conjunction with the directions that came 

with your receiver.   If you are setting up a Classic One or Classic Two stereo system, 

without using a subwoofer cable only, see the STEREO SETUP instructions on page 13.

Most  speaker  systems  do  not  come  with  instructions  because  setup  is  largely 

determined by the amplifier or receiver you will be using.  To setup our speakers, you 

must  also  consult  the  manual  for  your  amplifier/receiver.    To  help  you  better 
understand  most  manuals,  which  can  vary  greatly  in  quality  and  detail,  we  have 

included a basic description of how our speakers are generally set up on most systems.  

Do not use this as a substitute for the instructions provided by the manufacturer of your 
audio equipment, but rather as a supplement to point you in the right direction.

We try to set ourselves apart with service as much as we do with great speakers.  We 

are available to assist you via email at support@orbaudio.com or via phone at (877) 672-
2834 (877-ORB-AUDIO).  

Quick Tips

Auto  Setup:   

If  your  receiver  has  an  auto  setup  program,  it  is  OK  to  use  it.  

However,  we  also  recommend  checking  each  of  the  settings  it  has  selected,  as 

receivers  have  been  known  to  do  some  crazy,  inexplicable  things. The  most 

important of these is the individual volume settings for each speaker.  

Verify that no 

individual speaker (or the subwoofer) has been set to more than +/- 1 or 2 dB by 
the  auto  setup.

    Small  changes  to  volume  settings  go  a  long  way  and  settings  of 

more than +1 or +2 can increase the likelihood of damage to your speakers.  Settings 

of more than +/– 2 dB are RARELY required and should be reduced to +/- 2 dB.

Receiver  Mode:

    Dolby  Digital  and  DTS  sound  great  if  your  source  material  is 

mastered  (well)  in  5.1,  such  as  DVDs.    Most  other  times,  we  recommend  “ALL 

CHANNEL STEREO” mode or similar mode, especially for CDs and most TV.

Wire  &  Cables:   

Red  and  white  RCA  cables  connecting  your  components  will  no 

longer  cut  it:    your  DVD,  cable  TV,  etc.  must  be  connected  to  the  receiver  with  a 
digital cable (HDMI, optical or coaxial) to transmit Dolby Digital or DTS.

Upgrading:

    If you  want to  upgrade  to  Mod2  or  Mod4  speakers, it  is  very  simple 

and can be done in minutes.   Also, we don’t charge you a penalty for upgrading or 
adding to your system, you will get the full benefit of our best package pricing.

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 5 of 24   

 Home Theater Setup     

(All Receivers With Subwoofer Output)

Most  home  theater  installations  are  pretty  straightforward.    Before  we  get  into  the  specifics, 

simply  remember  this:    all  you  have  to  do  is  connect  your  subwoofer  and  Mod1  or  Mod2 

satellite  speakers  to  your  receiver  or  amplifier,  then  adjust  the  settings  on  your  receiver  and 

subwoofer.  

Nearly every home theater receiver has a “subwoofer out,” “subwoofer,” or “LFE” output jack

and you will connect your subwoofer using this dedicated output.  Your satellite speakers will 

then  connect  directly  to  your  receiver,  with  each  speaker  being  connected  to  the  appropriate 

output (left  front, center front, right front, right surround, left  surround,  right surround rear, 

left surround rear, etc.) using speaker wire.   For most people, setup will be this simple.  

If you 

have  different  components,  such  as  a  2  channel  stereo  receiver  or  amplifier  without  a 
subwoofer output, we have included alternative setup instructions later in this guide.

If you have experience setting up home theaters, here is a very simplified checklist of what you 

need to do:

1. Assemble your speakers (Complete directions for Mod2, BOSS stands, wall mounting, 

etc. begin on p. 11).  You must assemble each speaker before wiring.

2. Connect your speakers to speaker outputs on receiver using speaker wire.  

Each Mod2 

or  Mod4  speaker  only  requires  one  regular  run  of  speaker  wire  from  the  receiver.

  

Make sure you maintain polarity on every connection (Red to Red, Black to Black).

3. Connect subwoofer from SUB OUT on receiver to LINE IN on subwoofer.

4. Set  up subwoofer (master power ON, power mode toggle  switch to  ON or AUTO, X-

OVER DISABLED, PHASE to zero (front of room) or 180 (elsewhere).

5. Set audio settings on receiver (small speakers, crossover 100-120hz, individual volume 

on speakers and sub not to exceed +/- 1 or 2 dB).

DIRECTIONS TO CONNECT TO HOME THEATER RECEIVER

1.  Assemble Your Speakers

Assemble  all  of  your  speakers  and  then  continue  with  system  setup.      Each  speaker  will 

screw onto a wall mount, desk stand, floor stand or Mod2 COZY bracket.  If you have Mod1 

speakers, simply attach them to the included desk stands using our Easy Turn thumbscrew.  

If you have Mod2 or Mod4 speakers, or are using wall mounts or specialty BOSS or HOSS 

stands, you must assemble them before proceeding.  Instructions for Mod2 assembly, wall 

mounts  and  BOSS  stands begins  on  page  11  of  this  manual.    Assemble each  speaker  and 

then return here to begin connecting them to your receiver.

2.  Connect Your Satellite Speakers To Your Receiver

Your next step is to connect your satellite speakers directly to the speaker outputs on your 

receiver,  using  speaker  wire.    Each  speaker  will  connect  to  the  positive  and  negative 

terminals on one speaker output on your receiver.  

Mod2 and Mod4 speakers only require

one normal run of speaker wire to the receiver.

  

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 6 of 24   

Connect  each  Mod1,  Mod2  or  Mod4  speaker  to  your  receiver by 

depressing  the  custom 

binding  post  on  the  satellite  speaker

  and  inserting  the  speaker  wire  into  the  holes  that 

open up.  You will notice that each binding post has a hole for speaker wire on the top and 

on  the  bottom.    With  a  Mod1  speaker,  you  may  insert  the  speaker  wire  into  either  hole.  

With a Mod2 or Mod4 speaker, you will insert the speaker wire into the bottom hole of the 

lower  speaker,  and  then  use  the  included  black  or  white  jumper  wire  to  connect  each 

additional sphere to the one that is connected to the receiver with speaker wire.  Detailed 

instructions and photos relating to Mod2 and Mod4 assembly are available in our detailed 

Mod2  and  Mod4  guides,  including  instructions  on  how  to  assemble  a  horizontal  Mod2 

center channel.

It is very important to maintain polarity.

  Make sure that each positive (red) and negative 

(black)  terminal  on  your  receiver  is  connected  to  the  corresponding  positive  (red)  and 

negative (black) binding posts on your Orb speakers.  Almost all speaker wire has some sort 

of indication to allow you to identify each side of the wire (typically one copper and one tin 

wire, or printing on one side of the wire only).  It does not matter which side of the speaker 

wire  you  initially  make  positive  or  negative  (i.e.  copper  side  =  positive),  but  follow  this 

same pattern for every connection in the system.

Depending on the level of your experience, the large number of input jacks, binding posts 

and spring clips on some receivers can seem overwhelming.  Don’t let it deter you.  Take it 

one step at a time, connect one speaker at a time and it is easy – just five, six or seven of the 

exact same connection, depending on whether you have a 5.1, 6.1 or 7.1 receiver.  

And, we 

are always happy to assist you over the telephone or via email.

3.  

Connect Your Subwoofer To Your Receiver

PLEASE NOTE there will be nothing connected to the red and black speaker 
wire  terminals  on  the  back  of  the  Subwoofer  (these  are  only  for  receivers 
without a dedicated subwoofer output, see p. 11 below).

Use  a  subwoofer  cable  to  connect the  gold  plated  LINE  IN on  your  subwoofer  to  the 

SUBWOOFER  OUTPUT  on  your  receiver.    If  your  receiver  is  a  surround  sound  receiver 

capable  of  five  or  more  channels  of  sound,  it  will  have  a  dedicated  audio  output  for  the 

subwoofer  somewhere  on  the  back  of  the  receiver.    It  is  commonly  labeled  as 

“SUBWOOFER OUT”, but can also be called “PRE-OUT” or “LFE OUT.”  Please check your 

receiver manual (or call/email us) if you need assistance locating this output.  

4.  Set Up Your Subwoofer (Super Eight/Uber Ten)

One Sentence Description

Plug  in  subwoofer,  set  TWO  power  switches  (MASTER  POWER  SWITCH,  above  power 

cord, to ON and ON/AUTO/MUTE toggle switch  to ON or AUTO), set VOLUME to 50%, 

X-OVER to DISABLE and PHASE to 0 (front of room) or 180 (rear).

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 7 of 24   

Super Eight Pictured (Uber Ten Has Same Dials, In Vertical Orientation)

Full Description

Locate the 

MASTER POWER SWITCH

 (above the power cord) and the 

ON/AUTO/MUTE

toggle switch (next to the small LED light) on the back of your subwoofer, because you will 

need  both  of  these  to  turn  on  your  subwoofer.   Connect  the  included  power cable  to  the 

subwoofer, make sure the MASTER POWER SWITCH is in the OFF position, and plug in 

your  subwoofer  to  your  power  outlet.    Now,  turn  the  subwoofer  on  by  engaging  the 

MASTER POWER SWITCH

 just above the power cable on the back of the subwoofer.   A 

red LED should be lit at the top left of the amplifier plate.  

Next, set your power mode to either 

ON or AUTO

 if you are ready to use the subwoofer.  

The power setting must be set to either ON (active at all times) or AUTO (active only when 

receiving a signal) in order to produce output.  The AUTO mode will automatically put the 

subwoofer  into  a  power  conserving  SLEEP  mode  when  no  audio  signal  is  detected  for 

approximately 15  minutes.    The  subwoofer  will  also  automatically  wake  up  as  soon  as  it 

detects audio signal above a certain relatively low volume (NOTE:  very low volumes may 

not trigger the subwoofer AUTO detect).  

VOLUME:

  For most people, the VOLUME should be set at roughly one-half (VOLUME set 

at  12  O’clock  position)  of  the  output  of  the  sub.    Some  prefer  a  little  lower,  some  a  little 

higher, and it all depends on room size, source material and personal preference.  As the 

subwoofer breaks in, you may want to adjust the VOLUME up or down.

PHASE:

  Start with it set at 0 if the subwoofer is in the front of the listening area and at 180 

if it is placed in the rear or to the side of the listening area.  You can adjust in either direction 

as your tastes dictate.  

There is no correct phase setting and it is not uncommon for the 

subwoofer to sound similar at every setting.  

Your  subwoofer  has  a  variable  phase  control.    Phase  is  the  degree  to  which  the  satellite 

speakers and subwoofer are either “pushing” or “pulling” at the same time.  A phase setting 

of zero means they are both pushing and pulling at the same time, whereas a setting of 180 

indicates one is pushing while the other is pushing.  

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 8 of 24   

X-OVER TOGGLE SWITCH:

  Set the X-OVER toggle switch to 

“DISABLED” 

if you are 

installing your subwoofer as part of a surround sound system using a home theater receiver.  

You will not need to use the crossover in the Super Eight or Uber Ten subwoofers.  Instead, 

you will use the crossover controls in your receiver.  

X-OVER FREQ:  

When the X-OVER toggle switch is set to DISABLED, the setting of the X-

OVER FREQ dial is irrelevant and the dial is not used.  

5.  Set Up Your Receiver

Once  you  have  connected  your  speakers,  the  next  step  is  to  setup  your  receiver  to  work 

properly  with  your  Orb  system.    This  is  an  easy,  but  critical  step.    Most  home  theater 

receivers  have  tailored  settings  for  large  and  small  speakers,  as  well  as  customizable 

crossovers and bass management options.  After connecting your speakers to the receiver, 

you will need to adjust these settings.

If  your  receiver  has  an  auto  setup  program,  it  is  OK  to  use  it.    However,  we  also 
recommend checking each of the settings it has selected, as receivers have been known to 
do some crazy, inexplicable things.  

First and foremost, if you use an auto setup program, 

please check and make sure that no individual speaker (or the subwoofer) has been set to 

more than +/- 1 or 2 dB.  Small differences in volume settings go a VERY long way and auto 

setup programs tend to make excessive adjustments in this area.  Settings of more than +1 or 

+2dB can greatly increase the possibility of damage to your speakers.

Also, if you use an auto setup program, or if you choose to set up your receiver manually, 

the other settings are as follows:

First, set the speaker size to “SMALL” or similar choice and set the subwoofer to “ON” or 

“LFE+MAIN” if given the choice.   

If your receiver has a variable crossover option, select a crossover anywhere between 80hz 

and 150hz (recommended 100hz or 120hz) for each channel regardless of whether you are 

using Mod1 or Mod2 speakers.

If  your  receiver  has  "dynamic  compression"  or a  similar 

setting, you should turn it to "off."  

What modes should you use on your receiver?

  We are very big fans of “ALL CHANNEL 

STEREO,”  “5  CH  STEREO,”  “7  CH  STEREO”  and  similar  immerseive  stereo  surround 

modes.  If you are listening to a source that is not recorded in 5.1 (i.e. all CDs and most TV), 

this is usually the best listening mode.

If you are listening to a source that is recorded in 5.1 (i.e. most DVDs and some TV) and you 

are using a digital cable (HDMI, optical or coaxial) to transmit the signal from the source to 

the receiver, then you may also find that Dolby 5.1 or DTS mode sounds best.  These modes 

require the receiver to receive an encoded 5.1 signal and will not work with red and white 

RCA cables or with source material that was not recorded in 5.1 or 7.1 surround sound.

Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS usually put all of the dialogue in the center channel and use the 

other speakers only for surround effects.  On some movies this is great, on others it results 

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 9 of 24   

in a more narrow soundstage than we prefer.  If you find this happening, experiment with 

“ALL CHANNEL STEREO” mode or similar mode.

Many  receivers  have  additional  options  such  as  dynamic  compression  and  digital  signal 

processing  ("Stadium,"  "Concert  Hall,"  etc.).    To  the  extent  these  can  be  turned  off,  we 

recommend doing so.  

You are done…go find your favorite, well-recorded CD and enjoy!

 Stereo Setup    

(Receivers Without Subwoofer Output)

Basic Idea:

  If you are setting up a stereo system, 

and your receiver does not have a subwoofer 

output

, follow these directions.  You will  connect the main left  and right speaker outputs on 

your receiver to the left and right HIGH LEVEL INPUT on the subwoofer, then connect the left 

and right satellite speakers to the HIGH LEVEL OUTPUT on the subwoofer, all with speaker 

wire.        Your  subwoofer  will  go  “between”  the  satellite  speakers  and  the  receiver  and  the 

subwoofer will split the signal between itself and the speakers.  

In this instance, there will be 

nothing connected to the single gold plated audio input marked “LINE IN.”

1.  Connect Your Subwoofer And Speakers

Connect the Super Eight or Uber Ten Subwoofer to your receiver by running standard speaker 

wire  from  the  Red  (+)  and  Black  (-)  Main  Right  and  Main  Left  Speaker  terminals  on  your 

Receiver to the corresponding Red (+) and Black (-) speaker wire terminals on the back of the 

subwoofer marked “HI LEVEL IN”.    As  always, be  sure to  maintain  polarity throughout the 

connection  process.    Also  make  sure  you  are  connecting  the  speaker  wire  to  the  correct 

terminals on the subwoofer, and not adjacent terminals (i.e. make sure you haven’t connected to 

one or two of the HIGH LEVEL OUT terminals yet).  You should have a length of speaker wire 

run from the left speaker output on your receiver (positive and negative) to the left HI LEVEL 

IN on the subwoofer (positive and negative) and a second run connecting the right speaker to 

the right speaker output on your receiver.

Next,  take  a  separate  run  of  speaker  wire  from  the  “HI  LEVEL  OUT”  Red  (+)  and  Black  (-) 

speaker  wire  terminals  on  the  back  of  the  Super  Eight  Subwoofer  and  connect  those  to  the 

corresponding Left and Right Main mod1 or mod2 Speakers in your system.  

Connect  each  Mod1,  Mod2  or  Mod4  speaker  to  the  speaker  wire  by 

depressing  the  custom 

binding post on the satellite speaker

 and inserting the speaker wire into the holes that open 

up.  You will notice that each binding post has a hole for speaker wire on the top and on the 

bottom.  With a Mod1 speaker, you may insert the speaker wire into either hole.  With a Mod2 

or Mod4 speaker, you will insert the speaker wire into the bottom hole of the lower speaker, 

and then use the included black or white jumper wire to connect each additional sphere to the 

one  that  is  connected  to  the  subwoofer  with  speaker  wire.    Detailed  instructions  and  photos 

relating  to  Mod2  and  Mod4  assembly  are  available  in  our  detailed  Mod2  and  Mod4  guides, 

including instructions on how to assemble a horizontal Mod2 center channel.

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 10 of 24   

It  is  very  important  to  maintain  polarity.

    Make  sure  that  each  positive  (red)  and  negative 

(black) terminal on your receiver is connected to the corresponding positive (red) and negative 

(black) binding posts on your Orb speakers.  Almost all speaker wire has some sort of indication 

to allow you to identify each side of the wire (typically one copper and one tin wire, or printing 

on one side of the wire only).  It does not matter which side of the speaker wire you initially 

make positive or negative (i.e. copper side = positive), but follow this same pattern for every 

connection in the system.

2. Set Up Your Subwoofer (Super Eight/Uber Ten)

Locate  the 

MASTER  POWER  SWITCH

  (above  the  power  cord)  and  the 

ON/AUTO/MUTE

toggle  switch (next  to  the  small  LED light)  on the  back  of  your  subwoofer, because  you  will 

need  both  of  these  to  turn  on  your  subwoofer.    Connect  the  included  power  cable  to  the 

subwoofer, make sure the MASTER POWER SWITCH is in the OFF position, and plug in your 

subwoofer  to  your  power  outlet.    Now,  turn  the  subwoofer  on  by  engaging  the 

MASTER 

POWER SWITCH

 just above the power cable on the back of the subwoofer.   A red LED should 

be lit at the top left of the amplifier plate.  

Next, set your power mode to either 

ON or AUTO

 if you are ready to use the subwoofer.  The 

power  setting  must  be  set  to  either  ON  (active  at  all  times)  or  AUTO  (active  only  when 

receiving  a  signal)  in  order  to  produce  output.    The  AUTO  mode  will  automatically  put  the 

subwoofer  into  a  power  conserving  SLEEP  mode  when  no  audio  signal  is  detected  for 

approximately 15 minutes.  The subwoofer will also automatically wake up as soon as it detects 

audio signal above a certain relatively low volume (NOTE:  very low volumes may not trigger 

the subwoofer AUTO detect). 

VOLUME:

  For most people, the VOLUME should be set at roughly one-half (VOLUME set at 

12 O’clock position) of the output of the sub.  Some prefer a little lower, some a little higher, and

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 11 of 24   

it all depends on room size, source material and personal preference.  As the subwoofer breaks 

in, you may want to adjust the VOLUME up or down as your taste dictates.

PHASE:

  Start with it set at 0 if the subwoofer is in the front of the listening area and at 180 if it 

is placed in the rear or to the side of the listening area.  You can adjust in either direction as 

your  tastes  dictate.   

There  is  no  correct  phase  setting  and  it  is  not  uncommon  for  the 

subwoofer to sound similar at every setting.  

Your subwoofer has a variable phase control.  Phase is the degree to which the satellite speakers 

and  subwoofer  are  either  “pushing”  or  “pulling”  at  the  same  time.    A  phase  setting  of  zero 

means they are both pushing and pulling at the same time, whereas a setting of 180 indicates 

one is pushing while the other is pushing.  

X-OVER TOGGLE SWITCH:

  Set the X-OVER toggle switch to 

“ENABLED” 

since you will be 

using the crossover in the subwoofer.

X-OVER FREQ:  

Experiment to find your personal preference, most typically between 80hz and 

150hz.  100-120hz is recommended is generally the sweet spot.  

3.  Set Up Your Receiver

Consult your receiver manual for proper setup.  When set up through an Orb subwoofer, your 

receiver  should  treat  the speakers as  large,  full-range  speakers.   You are  done…go  find  your 

favorite, well-recorded CD and enjoy!

Mod2 Assembly Instructions     

The Mod2 is easy to assemble and requires no tools.   If you have the BOSS table stands, please 

turn to the last few pages of this manual for assembly instructions.

1.

The Mod2 is made up of two individual speaker spheres.  The first step is to take one 

Easy Turn Thumbscrew and attach the lower speaker to the desk stand.  This will also 

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 12 of 24   

secure  the  COZY  bracket  for  the  upper  speaker.    To  do  this,  take  an  Easy  Turn 

Thumbscrew  and  put  it  through  the  desk  stand,  then  through  the  COZY  bracket  as 

illustrated  (with  the  “channel”  facing  toward  the  thumbscrew),  into  the  back  of  one 

speaker.  The gold-plated binding posts on the speaker should be facing down, and the 

vertical post on the stand should be between the binding posts.  Tighten the thumbscrew 

until it has a snug fit.

2.

Take the second thumbscrew, put it through the top hole on the COZY bracket, and 

tighten it into the hole on the back of the upper speaker enclosure.  The binding posts 

should be facing down, and the COZY bracket should be between the binding posts.

3.

The two spheres must now be connected to one another with the included jumper wires.  

The binding posts have holes on top and bottom that open when you depress the 

binding post.  Use one jumper wire to go from the red binding post on the bottom 

speaker to the red binding post on the top speaker.  The jumper wire will go from the 

top hole of the lower binding post, into the hole on the underside of the upper speaker.  

Connect the black binding posts in the same manner with one of the other included 

jumper wires.

The connections on the back the Mod2 look like this.  The left photo shows a complete Mod2 

and the right photo is a close up of the bottom sphere, showing speaker wire and jumper wire 

connections.

            

   

3.

The speaker wire from the receiver is connected only to the bottom speaker enclosure on 

the Mod2.  To do this, depress the binding posts on this speaker and insert the speaker 

wire into the holes on the bottom of the binding posts.  Once you do so, you should have 

the speaker wire from the amplifier/receiver going into the holes on the underside of 

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 13 of 24   

the binding posts on the bottom speaker enclosure, and the jumper wires running from 

the  top  hole  of  these  binding  posts  to  the  corresponding  binding  posts  on  the  upper 

speaker enclosure.  If you have difficulty fitting in the speaker wire and jumper wire, try 

putting  in  the  speaker  wire  first.    Please  note:    you  must  consult  the  manual  or 

manufacturer  of  your  amplifier/receiver  for  proper  set  up  instructions,  because 

instructions vary from model to model.  Generally, you must make sure you connect the 

wires throughout your system without reversing the colors or polarity.  It is important 

that all speakers be set up exactly the same and that the red and black binding posts are 

wired  consistently  to  the  matching  positive  or  negative  connections  on  your 

amplifier/receiver.   You may  damage your speakers or equipment if  you do  not wire 

correctly or cause other physical injury or damage to property.  Wiring is specific to each 

model of amplifier and receiver, so please consult your manual.

4.

Repeat  these  steps  to  set  up  each  additional  Mod2  speaker.    If  you  are  assembling  a 

center channel, you can set up the Mod2 horizontally by following the instructions in the 

next paragraph.

5.

The  Mod2  can  also  be  assembled  horizontally,  most  commonly  for  use  as  a  center 

channel.  The basic setup idea is the same and the picture below illustrates this type of 

assembly.  There are two ways to set up the Mod2.  For the easiest assembly, you can 

give each speaker a 1/4 turn inward so that the binding posts are now closer together 

and facing each other in the center of the combined speaker, as shown below.  Connect 

red  post  to  red  post  using  the  included  jumper  wires,  and  do  the  same  for  the  black 

posts.    Please  note  that  after  you  turn  each  speaker,  the  positive  (red)  and  negative 

(black) terminals are now on opposite sides of the speakers.  Consequently, you must 

now  wire  the  top  terminal  on  one  speaker  to  the  bottom  terminal  on  the  other  to 

maintain polarity.  

  

You  may  either  direct  the jumper  wire  around the  binding posts,  as  shown above,  or 

you may cut the jumper wire to the exact length you need to cover the distance between 

the binding posts.  Some jumper wire is already precut in this length.  After connecting 

the  jumper wires, you can  then  connect the spheres with  the included COZY bracket,

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 14 of 24   

although you do not have to.   Note:  there is no effect on performance when you turn 

the speaker, because it is round and performs exactly the same regardless of orientation.  

Additionally, the binding posts will still be invisible from the front of the speaker.  

If you'd prefer to leave the speakers oriented with the binding posts down, you can you 

can cut a custom length of regular speaker wire and connect the two spheres that way.

You  can  use  the  same  speaker  wire  that  you  are  using  to  connect  the  Mod2  to  your 

receiver.    You  might  also  be  able  to  use  the  included  jumper  wires  if  you  bend  the 

exposed  ends  of  the  included  jumper  wires  down  at  90  degrees  before  attempting  to 

insert them into the binding posts.

6.

It is now time to connect your Mod2 speakers to your receiver.  Your speaker wire can 

be connected to either sphere, but must be connected to the same sphere.  So, take care 

to  ensure  that  your  speaker  wire  is  connected  to  the  black  and  red  post  on  the  same 

sphere.  

Stud Zero & Stud Thirty Wall Mounts     

NOTE: 

If you are mounting a center channel or other speaker

horizontally

, please read 

“Horizontal Center Mounting” later on in this guide.   

1.  Attach The Stud Mount To Your Wall

Using the supplied screws and wall anchors, mount your Stud Zero/Stud Thirty on the wall 

as shown:

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 15 of 24   

If  you have a Mod1, screw it on to the Stud Zero/Thirty  until the gold  binding posts are

almost but not quite touching the stud mount.  Using a small pliers or wrench, tighten the 

locking nut on the wall mount until it locks against the speaker firmly, holding it in place.  

Next, connect the speaker wire as shown earlier, being careful to maintain polarity.  If you 

have speaker wire coming out of your wall, you may use the center hole in the wall mount 

to conceal the wire.   It is important that the binding posts do not touch the wall mount, as 

this could cause a short and damage your speakers or receiver or cause other damage.

If you are only using Mod1 speakers, you are done at this step.  The remaining directions 

concern installing a VERTICAL Mod2 speaker.

If you are installing a Mod2, the second speaker will hang  below the first speaker for the 

Stud Zero, and above the second speaker with the Stud Thirty.  Make sure you leave enough 

room for the total height of two Orb satellites, around 10 inches.

2.  Install the COZY Bracket

Once the Stud Mount is on the wall, the next step is to attach the COZY bracket.   Back up the 

locking nut far enough to mount the first Orb in the next step, almost all the way.  Put on the 

COZY bracket with the rounded end on the stud and the little metal "channel" facing the wall

and away from the speakers.  

 Stud Thirty     Stud Zero 

   

With the Thirty (left) the Cozy must stand off above the stud so that the speakers lean off the 

wall.  With the Zero (right) the Cozy hangs below the stud.  Only the Thirty needs a lockwasher 

between the locking nut and the Cozy bracket as shown in the photo for step 3.

3.  Install The First Orb

Simply screw it on by hand until the gold posts are almost but not quite touching the mount.  

Make  sure  that  neither  gold  post  is  actually  touching  the  mount  as  this  can  cause  a  short.  

Position  the  Orb  with  the  gold  posts  facing  down  and  tighten  the  locking  nut  using  a  small 

wrench or pliers.   The COZY must be vertical before you lock it down fully or the assembled 

Mod2 will not be straight.  As shown in these detailed photos:

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 16 of 24   

                         

4.  Install the Second Orb

Add on the second Orb by putting the thumbscrew through the COZY bracket and into the Orb.  

Tighten by hand until snug.  Check to see if both speakers line up straight. 

                 

5.  Install The Jumper Wires And Speaker Wire

Install the two jumper wires and 

the  speaker  wire  from  your 

receiver.    Complete  instructions 

are  in  our  Mod2  Assembly 

Guide.  The jumper wire will go 

from  BLACK  to  BLACK  and 

from RED to RED.  The speaker 

wire  will  connect  to  one  read 

and  black  post  on  ONE 

SPEAKER  ONLY  (typically  the 

bottom speaker).

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 17 of 24   

HORIZONTAL MOUNTING – STUD ZERO AND STUD THIRTY

1. Attach the Stud Zero or Stud Thirty mount to the wall as shown above in section 1.

2. Find  the  COZY  bracket  with  the  hole  punched  in  the  center.    One  is  included  for  every 

horizontal  front  center  channel  and  any  other  channel  you  may  have  requested  to  be 

horizontal.    Assemble  your  Mod2  horizontally  on  the  COZY  bracket  by  attaching  each 

speaker  to  the  COZY  bracket  with  a  thumbscrew.    Full  instructions  are  in  the  Mod2 

Assembly Guide.  

Make sure the jumper wire goes from black to black and red to red

.  

3. Position the hex-nut and the lock-washer near the end of the threaded bolt extending from 

your Stud Thirty or Stud Zero Wall Mount.  Slide the open center hole onto that bolt and 

fasten with the acorn-shaped nut, “sandwiching” the bracket between the hex nut, the lock-

washer and the acorn nut on the threaded bolt.  Tighten this screw with a wrench or small 

plier and you are done.  A picture of this assembly is shown below.

 MultiMount & MultiPlate Instructions     

If you are mounting a speaker horizontally, follow the directions at the end of this guide.

The Orb Multimount is a very simple yet very flexible mounting solution.  You will bend the 

metal post to reach your desired angle.  The Orb can be mounted on either side of the post to 

reach almost any angle.  The Orb MultiPlate Mount includes the same flexibility and fits on a 

standard  junction  box.    The  mounting  instructions  are  the  same  for  the  MultiPlate  and 

MultiMount, the only difference being in the portion that is actually mounted to the wall.  A 

MultiMount includes the round disk shown below, MultiPlate includes a junction box cover.

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 18 of 24   

This is the complete parts kit that should be included with your 

MultiMounts.  The MultiPlate mount will include the same 

hardware, except substituting a junction box plate for the main 

circular disk of the multimount.

We recommend attaching an Orb to the assembled MultiMount 

before drilling to ensure that you end up with your wires under a 

hole and behind the gold posts on your Orb speaker.  Then mark 

your holes and install the base plate as shown.

There are three wire through holes to ensure a neat installation no 

matter what mounting options you choose.

Note the star washer on the central post.  This is necessary to prevent 

slippage once the full weight of the speakers is on the Post.

Attach the post to the central screw using the nylon acorn nut.  You 

can tighten it down with a small wrench or a pair of pliers.  You can 

always change the angle after installation but it is much easier before 

the speakers are installed.

Note: The 8/32 steel screw and nylon nut can be tightened by hand 

or with a tool.  The goal is to allow the star washer to bite into the 

powder coated surfaces and prevent the parts from slipping.  You do 

not need a great amount of force, generally hand tight plus an extra 

turn with a tool will be sufficient.

MultiMounts are often used in the rear channels.  The most common 

rear channel orientation (5.1) is for both speakers to fire across the 

back wall, above and behind the listening position.  In this photo, the 

speaker is mounted on the rear wall and fires across the room.  You 

can bend the post to angle the speaker to meet your needs.

Depending upon aesthetics, mounting height and listening position, 

you can point the speakers down (if the listening position is against 

the back wall)

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 19 of 24   

(shown here from top view)

…and then angle them slightly into the room if the listening position 

is 3-4 feet off the rear wall…

Note: This same configuration can be used for ceiling mount or side 

walls.

…or angle them in much more if the listening position is in the 

middle of a large space.

When more angle is required, install the Orb on the outside of the 

post and bend the post in towards the base plate.

Note: This same configuration can be used for ceiling mount or side 

walls.
Another common use is to mount the speakers high up on the front 

walls and angle them down into the room.

Mod2 installation is very similar to Mod1 and just as easy.  We will 

now include the use of our Cozy bracket to join the two speakers 

together.    Some helpful pointers:

1) If the Mod2 must fire across the wall the Cozy will be attached at a 

right angle to the MultiMount post.  The Cozy has a channel at one 

end.  This must be on the bottom speaker and facing out as pictured 

in this photo.  Once the speaker is assembled as shown you can bend 

the post to aim the speakers off the wall or you can loosen the acorn 

nut to angle the Mod2 down into the room.
2) If the Mod2 is to be angled down into the room off the front wall, 

the Cozy is attached in line with the MultiMount post such that the 

channel locks onto the post, still facing out.  The Cozy is between the 

Orb and the post.  In other words, the thumbscrew will go first 

through the Cozy channel, then the post and into the Orb.

The instructions for ceiling mount use are identical.

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 20 of 24   

Horizontal Center Mount Instructions
MultiMount & MultiPlate

Assemble your mod2 horizontally on the T-Cozy Bracket as show below and complete the 

wiring, RED TO RED and BLACK TO BLACK, as seen here, in an X pattern:

Please make sure the binding posts are wired RED TO RED and BLACK TO BLACK, in an X 
pattern.

  Once you have assembled the mod2 on the T-Cozy bracket and connected the jumper 

wires  between  the  two  speakers,  the  T-Cozy  bracket  will  attach  to  the  mount  in  the  same 

manner as the standard MultiMount and Multi Plate.  See below:

Tighten the nut to secure the T-Cozy Bracket to the MultiMount or MultiPlate.  Be sure to use 

the star washer provided to help the nut grip the center channel bracket:

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 21 of 24   

Once the T-Cozy bracket is secured to the mount, you can connect the amplifier lead to one of 

the satellites (one RED and one BLACK post on the same speaker):

Once the assembly is completely tight you can bend the T-Cozy bracket to the desired angle.  Be 

sure  to  support  both  the  satellites  and  the  short  end  of  the  T-Cozy  brackets  firmly  when 

bending the bracket to the desired angle.

      

BOSS Stand Assembly     

Vertical Stands

      

          

      

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 22 of 24   

1.  Place the BOSS stand on a flat surface.  Insert one of the screws through the bottom hole on 

the BOSS stand.  Insert one spacer on the screw.  The spacer will go between the metal stand 

and speaker, not behind the metal stand.   In other words, it goes on the front of the stand.

2.  Attach the bottom Orb by screwing it onto the screw.  Tighten loosely with a screw driver.  

Attach the top Orb the same way if you have a Mod2.  

3.  Connect the jumper wires (included) to the speakers, maintaining polarity (black to black, 

red to red).  The jumper wire goes into the top hole of the binding post on the bottom speaker, 

and into the corresponding hole on the bottom of the binding post on the top speaker.

4.  Connect the speaker wire from your receiver to the bottom Orb, using the holes on the 

bottom of the binding post on the bottom speaker.  

IF YOU HAVE A MOD2, ONLY ONE ORB 

GETS WIRED TO YOUR RECEIVER

.  Be careful to maintain polarity between the connections 

on the speaker and receiver (black to black, red to red).  

Horizontal Stands

1.  Install The Aluminum Crossbar

To install the aluminum crossbar, you must first back out the set screw.  Unscrew the screw to 

the point that it is not visible in the round channel that accepts the crossbar.

Next, insert the aluminum crossbar.  Be careful not to scratch the finish and make sure the set 

screw does not extend into the round channel before inserting the bar.  Visually center the bar 

from left to right.  There are no markings, and you can adjust it again later.

Next,  orient  the  crossbar upward  slightly  so  that you  can  install  the  remaining  pieces  easily.  

You  can  change  the  angle later  to  point  in  the  desired  direction.    Now  tighten  the  set  screw 

using a screwdriver.  Your goal is for the crossbar to be tilted upwards just enough such that the 

black spacers installed in the next step do not slide off during installation.

2.  Install The Screws And Spacers

Install the screws and spacers as shown:                

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 23 of 24   

3.  Install The Satellites & Connect The Jumper Wires

Using  a  screwdriver, install  the  two Orb satellites as  shown.    Binding  posts will  end  up in  a 

‘crisscross’ pattern with red and black next to one another on top and bottom.

Using the short jumper wires, connect red to red and black to black, forming  an “X” pattern.

            

4.  Connect The Speaker To The Amplifier

Connect the black and red terminal from 

ONE SATELLITE ONLY

 to your amplifier.  Make 

sure  that  you  maintain  polarity  between  black  and  red  going  from  your  amp  to  this  and

every speaker in the system.  Your speaker wire should have a marking on one side to make 

this easier.

5.  Adjust

Loosen the set screw and adjust the speaker to the final angle that best suits your need.  Tighten 

set screw firmly and enjoy!

 


background image

       Orb Audio LLC -- All Rights Reserved -- Quick Start Guide -- Page 24 of 24   

BOSS Wall Mount Assembly      

Use the BOSS mount to mark the

    Assemble the speaker on the BOSS

Connect the jumper wires in an X

desired locations for your speaker.     stand.  Turn the speakers so that the

pattern.  RED to RED and BLACK

    red binding post on one speaker is

to BLACK.

    opposite the black post on the other.

Attach the assembled speaker and       Tighten the screws.  Do not

   

Side view of mounted speaker.

mount to the screws in the wall.  It         overtighten.  Adjust the Orbs to

Run speaker wire to the RED and

is easiest if you loosen the set screw       the desired angle and tighten the

BLACK binding posts of ONE

and aim the speakers downward.         set screw that holds the crossbar.

Orb.

Thank you for purchasing an Orb Audio stereo speaker system.  As a small employee-owned 

company, we make it our mission to provide you with the best products and the best customer 

service.    We  are  available  to  assist  you via  email  at  support@orbaudio.com or  by  calling  our 

technical support line at (877) 672-2834.  If you are happy with your purchase, please tell your 

friends!