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When installing your speaker cables, it's imperative to respect the polarity of each connection to ensure optimal balance of the sound image. Each speaker or amplifier terminal is identified by a distinct color or specific symbol: the connector marked "+" must be connected to the corresponding amplifier output, the connector marked "-" to the negative terminal. If this condition is not respected, the stereo image and bass perception will not be optimal. Loudspeaker cables are sold by the meter, with an indication on the positive wire. When installing your audio system, it's important to choose the right cables for the right length: your dealer will be able to advise you. Suggestion related to this article : - Why doesn't my speaker sound as good as it should ? - Why should i respect the polarity of my speakers ?

As loudspeakers are passive components that cannot produce music without an external complement, you should always check the whole installation before casting doubt on the loudspeakers. Volume controls sometimes sputter, indicating a lack of lubrication on the axis of rotation. If there is an acoustic problem with your audio system, you can confirm its origin by carrying out a few tests.   Most acoustic incidents are minor and are caused by faulty or disconnected connectors or incorrectly positioned source switches. The sound interruption can be caused by any factor linked to the audio installation, including your Internet subscription... So check the connections in your installation and listen again at each stage. High-frequency sound or crackling on tweeters : Check near the diaphragm, without touching it, to see if there is a smell of burning. Sizzling, or the interruption of tweeter operation, is generally linked to the combustion of the loudspeaker coils. The copper wire in the coils burns and becomes deformed as a result of excessive use of the sound volume or an electrical incident in the amplification system. It then slides, rubbing the walls of its mechanical support and creating the crackling noise. The loudspeaker has to be changed, but this incident is considered to be "out of warranty" because it is linked to incorrect use or incorrect association. Midrange or bass frequencies (woofers), possible crackling : By gently placing your fingers in a corolla on the surface of a loudspeaker cone, push gently to check whether it slides smoothly or is slowed down by friction. In the latter case, the coils are certainly damaged. The complete silence of one or more loudspeakers is often a sign of a damaged crossover.  The crossover may have been subjected to intense heating, but the loudspeaker may also have suffered a shock, causing a capacitor or choke to be torn off.  Subwoofer has gone silent: Check the behaviour of the loudspeaker, check the power supply to the amplifier (fuse and electrical connection), check the connection to the amplifier (coaxial cable) and check that the amplifier is correctly configured to transmit the signal to the subwoofer (see operating instructions for the model used). Other acoustic problem :  Do you notice an imbalance in the sound diffusion from your speakers ?  This may be due to an off-center balance setting on the amplifier, or to poor positioning. As indicated in our user manuals, acoustic optimization requires you to respect certain positioning distances in relation to rear and side walls, to avoid artificially increasing bass extension. Suggestion related to this article : -

The speakers are connected and no sound comes out when you turn up the volume on the car radio. It's fairly easy to tell whether it's a problem with the speakers or the installation. There are several possible causes for this lack of sound:  Check that the car radio volume is not at zero, or that the "mute" mode is deactivated.  If there's no sound on the right-hand side, this may be due to a disturbance in the balance of the car radio, which broadcasts all sound on the left.   Check the speaker connections. Even if plugs are used, they may not be properly clipped together, or there may be poor contact.  This may also be due to a defect in the speakers. To find out, the test is very simple :  Take a round 1.5V battery and some speaker wire.  Connect the - of the speaker to the - of the battery.  Place a wire on the + side of the battery and let it make contact with the + side of the loudspeaker in small, brief pulses. If you hear a sizzling sound and you can see the membrane moving forward, the loudspeaker is not damaged.  If you can't find a solution to your problem above, please contact us via this shortcut : Support. We'll be delighted to provide you with the assistance you need to solve any problems you may encounter with our products. 

Loudspeakers are complex mechanical elements that require a period of adaptation, called the break-in period, in order to reach their full potential and adjust to ambient conditions of temperature and humidity. When new, a loudspeaker can't express its full potential because its suspensions are still rigid, limiting midrange and bass reproduction. The main aim of the running-in process is to soften the speaker's mechanical components, an essential step in achieving optimum performance. Break-in times vary according to factors such as loudspeaker type, power, amplification used, musical preferences and environmental conditions. Break-in tips: To speed up the break-in process, run your speakers for twenty hours, during which time the sound will undergo significant changes. Start with music without excessive bass and at low volume. During the twenty-hour break-in period, regularly increase the volume while changing the style of music. Once this stage has been completed, normal listening to your speakers will continue to help them break in and improve. It's not uncommon for a system to continue to improve beyond the 50-hour minimum break-in period. Once the speaker's characteristics have stabilized, you'll be able to fully appreciate its performance. Suggestion related to this article : - Why should I respect the polarity of my speakers ? - How do I connect my speakers ?

As a brand committed to the repairability of our products, we are here to support you throughout this process.  Please contact us via this shortcut : Support, specifying the model in question, the faulty item (with a photo if appropriate), your full contact details and, if applicable, the product invoice if you still have it.  We will be delighted to provide you with the assistance you need to resolve any problems you may encounter with our products. Suggestion related to this article : - Can I replace the components in my product myself ? - How do I test my speakers ?

It's important to note that the box is not limited by any specific shape (square, rectangular, trapezoidal, custom-made) to fit harmoniously into a wing flank. The crucial factor is to respect the recommended volume.  A clearance of at least 2 cm between the subwoofer motor and the cabinet wall is essential. Ideally, the shape of the cabinet should fit perfectly into the vehicle's trunk, without compromising usable volume. In this way, flexibility in the shape of the cabinet offers freedom of personalization while guaranteeing optimum audio performance. Suggestion related to this article : - Why is the led on my subwoofer red ?

If the LED on my subwoofer is red, this indicates that the subwoofer amplifier is going into protection mode. In most cases, this is the result of an assembly or electronic voltage malfunction. When an amplifier is electrically underpowered, it goes into protection to prevent it from going out of order.  This problem can have several causes :  The electronic power supply to the cabinet. To check this, the first step is to use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the cabinet terminals (+ and -). By switching off the ignition and stopping the engine, the voltage should be between 12.6 and 12.8 volts. If the voltage measured is significantly lower than normal, this could be due to a number of causes: a poor connection or a battery fault. In this case, check the condition of the battery and the vehicle's alternator. When the engine is running, the voltage should be between 13.8 and 14.4 volts for optimum recharging of the battery. The sound signal input on the box. To check this, you need to check the connections, that no cables are pinched and that the contact is correct with the metal sheet. The quality of the earth point. To check this, you need to check the quality of the contact point with the car's sheet metal. The earth wire must not be too long. The earth should be less than 70 cm from the box to the vehicle chassis.  In the rarest cases, it may be the audio output of the car radio that is short-circuited. If the subwoofer is used with an original car radio, do not connect the blue REM wire (which enables the subwoofer to be switched on by the car radio). There is no 12-volt remote on an original car radio that allows the REM wire to be connected. In the case of an installation of this type, you will need to activate the auto-power button on the subwoofer.  Note that either auto-power or REM is used (with an aftermarket car radio), but never both at the same time.  If none of these attempts is successful, never open the cabinet. This will invalidate the warranty. Contact your dealer if you have not found a solution to the problem.  Applicable products: ISUB Active and ISUB Active 2.1 subwoofers. Suggestion in connection with this article : - Does my subwoofer need to be a particular shape ?

A loudspeaker works in the same way as a piston, producing movements from back to front in time with the frequencies whose vibrations it must reproduce. Each loudspeaker uses several drivers specialising in different frequency families: treble, bass and midrange. To ensure that these drivers work together, we synchronise their behaviour. This is called "phasing". So they move forward and back in perfect harmony.  An audio system uses two speakers, so it's essential to respect the correct + and - polarity between your amplifier and your speakers.  The risk is that the speaker out of the headlights could conflict with the in-phase speaker, disrupting the frequencies broadcast and giving the impression that the in-phase speaker is further away and less powerful. This is known as "unbalancing". Suggestion related to this article : - Why doesn't my speaker sound as good as it should ? - How do you break in your speakers ?

If you encounter a breakdown when unpacking your Focal product, here are the steps to follow : 1 - Take photos of the fault and any visible damage to the product or packaging. 2 - Contact your dealer as soon as possible to report the fault. He will be able to guide you through the return or exchange procedure. 3 - If your dealer cannot solve the problem, contact Focal customer service. Customer Service will be able to provide you with instructions on how to solve your problem. Suggestion related to this article : - How do i contact customer service ? - What documents do i need to activate my focal warranty ?

To benefit from the warranty on your Focal product, it is essential to provide your purchase invoice. This document constitutes essential proof of warranty. In certain circumstances, visual evidence may be required. This may include detailed photographs or an in-depth description of the defective condition or need for repair of your product. We strongly recommend that you retain the original packaging. This may be necessary for the return of your product, ensuring safe and proper transport. When making your warranty claim, please provide accurate contact details, such as your e-mail address and telephone number. This will ensure smooth communication throughout the warranty process. Suggestion en lien avec cet article : - Where can i find my products serial number ?

Beryllium and aluminium are two metals used in the manufacture of loudspeakers.  Beryllium is a light, rigid, blue-grey metal found in mineral rocks. Aluminium is a heavy, slightly rigid, silvery-white metal found in the earth's crust.  Here are the advantages of using beryllium in an audio system :   Weight : 2.5 times lighter than aluminium.  Rigidity : 7 times more rigid than aluminium.  Speed of propagation of sound frequencies : Reduction of undesirable resonances.  Influence on transducer response : Faithful restriction of sound details.  Price : Higher due to its rarity. The use of beryllium provides a perfect balance between lightness, rigidity and damping. This technology is present in FOCAL products such as the Sopra, Kanta, Utopia and many others.  Suggestion related to this article : - Do materials have an impact on acoustic quality ?

The components of a loudspeaker work synergistically to deliver a quality sound experience.  The main components are loudspeakers, which are made up of different elements, including :  A fixed part comprising a permanent magnet. A moving part comprising a cone and a coil. When an electric current is passed through the coil, the resulting magnetic field reacts with the magnetic field of the fixed magnet and sets the cone-coil assembly in motion. This causes the air to vibrate, producing sound. A tweeter reproduces high frequencies.  A midrange driver reproduces mid-range frequencies. A woofer reproduces the low frequencies.  A crossover directs the frequencies to the appropriate speakers. A cabinet is designed like a resonator to isolate the speakers from each other.  Suggestions en lien avec cet article : - Do materials have an impact on acoustic quality ? - What are the components of headphones ?