Bose Roommate 2 Manual

The Bose Roommate 2 is a compact, high-performance powered speaker system designed for stereo or mono applications. It features a built-in amplifier, balanced and unbalanced inputs, speaker-level inputs, and protection circuitry. Ideal for home theater, background music, or as a powered zone in a multi-room audio system. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

Features at a Glance

Key components: Built-in amplifier, speaker drivers, input panel, status LED, power connector.

Feature	Description
Built-in Amplifier	Provides clean, powerful amplification for the speaker
Balanced Input (XLR/TRS)	For professional audio equipment connection
Unbalanced Input (RCA)	For consumer audio devices
Speaker-Level Input	For connection to a receiver's speaker outputs
Protection Circuitry	Guards against overload, short circuits, and overheating
Status LED	Indicates power and protection status
AC Power Input	For connection to wall power
Mono/Stereo Switch	Selects between mono and stereo operation modes
Input Level Control	Adjusts the sensitivity of the input
Compact Design	Allows for flexible placement in various environments

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Choose a stable, well-ventilated location.

1. Placement: Position the speaker on a stable surface or mount securely using appropriate hardware.
2. Connect audio source: Use appropriate cables to connect from your preamp, receiver, or source device to the Roommate 2 inputs.
3. Connect power: Plug the AC power cord into a grounded outlet.
4. Verify connections: Ensure all connections are secure before powering on.

WARNING! Ensure proper ventilation around the unit to prevent overheating. Do not block vents.

First-Time Setup

Power on the Roommate 2; the status LED should illuminate.

1. Select input: Connect your audio source to the desired input (Balanced, Unbalanced, or Speaker-Level).
2. Set operation mode: Use the Mono/Stereo switch on the rear panel based on your application.
3. Adjust input level: Set the Input Level control to match your source output. Start at a lower setting.
4. Test audio: Play audio from your source and adjust volume at the source or preamp.

CAUTION! Do not connect or disconnect cables while the unit is powered on to avoid damage.

Specifications

• Amplifier Power: [Insert specific wattage, e.g., 50W RMS] per channel.
• Frequency Response: [e.g., 45Hz - 20kHz] ±3 dB.
• Inputs: Balanced XLR/TRS combo jack, Unbalanced RCA, Speaker-Level terminals.
• Input Sensitivity: Adjustable via rear panel control.
• Protection: Thermal, short-circuit, and overload protection.
• Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz (or as per regional model).
• Operating Temperature: Standard room temperature range.
• Dimensions & Weight: Compact design; refer to product label for specifics.

Controls and Connections

All controls and connections are located on the rear panel.

Rear Panel: AC Power Input, Balanced Input (XLR/TRS), Unbalanced Input (RCA), Speaker-Level Input terminals, Mono/Stereo Switch, Input Level Control, Status LED.

Operation: The Status LED indicates power (steady light) and protection mode (flashing or off). The Input Level control adjusts sensitivity to match various source levels. The Mono/Stereo switch configures the amplifier's output mode.

Connecting Audio Sources

Choose the appropriate input based on your source device.

1. Balanced Source (e.g., mixer): Use a balanced XLR or TRS cable to the Balanced Input.
2. Unbalanced Source (e.g., CD player): Use RCA cables to the Unbalanced Input.
3. Receiver/Amplifier Speaker Outputs: Use speaker wire to connect from the receiver's speaker terminals to the Roommate 2's Speaker-Level Input terminals, observing polarity.
4. After connection, select the corresponding source on your preamp or control system.

Tip: For best performance with long cable runs, use balanced connections.

Operation Modes

The Mono/Stereo switch enables different applications.

1. Stereo Mode: Use two Roommate 2 speakers for a left/right stereo pair. Connect left channel source to one speaker, right channel to the other.
2. Mono Mode: Use for a single speaker application or to drive multiple Roommate 2 speakers in parallel from a mono source. The amplifier sums both input channels.
3. Input Level: Adjust to prevent clipping. Start with the control turned down, then increase while playing audio until the desired volume is achieved at the source control.
4. Status Monitoring: A steady green LED indicates normal operation. A flashing or extinguished LED indicates a protection mode is active.

WARNING! Do not bridge the amplifier outputs or connect loads below the specified impedance.

Protection Features

Built-in circuitry protects the speaker and amplifier.

Thermal Protection: Activates if internal temperature exceeds safe limits. Unit will shut down until it cools. Overload/Short Circuit Protection: Activates if output is shorted or driven beyond its capacity. Check connections and reduce gain if this occurs.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug from power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.

CAUTION! Keep liquids away from the unit. Ensure vents remain unobstructed for proper cooling.

Regulatory Information

FCC Compliance: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to interference limits for residential installations. Copyright and trademarks are property of Bose Corporation. For technical support, visit www.bose.com or contact Bose Customer Service.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No sound output	Power, connections, input selection	Ensure unit is powered (LED on). Check all audio cable connections. Verify correct source is selected on preamp.
Status LED is off	No power, protection mode	Check AC power connection and outlet. Let unit cool if overheated. Disconnect and check for shorted speaker wires.
Status LED is flashing	Protection mode active	Amplifier is in protection due to overload, short, or heat. Turn off, disconnect source/speakers, inspect for faults, let cool, then restart.
Distorted sound	Input level too high, clipping	Reduce the Input Level control on the Roommate 2. Reduce the output level of your source device.
Hum or buzz	Ground loop, cable issues	Ensure all equipment is plugged into the same AC circuit. Use balanced cables. Check for damaged cables.

Reset: Power cycle the unit by unplugging it for 60 seconds, then reconnecting.

Service: For persistent issues, contact Bose Customer Support. Do not open the unit as it contains no user-serviceable parts.