Bowers & Wilkins DB1D – 2 x 12" Powered Subwoofer

Bowers & Wilkins DB1D – Dual Opposed 12-inch Subwoofer

Combining digital amplification with twin balanced Aerofoil™ drivers for incredible low-end power and speed, the DB1D is the best Bowers & Wilkins subwoofer. The most powerful active subwoofer Bowers & Wilkins has ever made, its 2000 Watt amplifier provides astonishing reserves of drive and authority while an all-new digital pre-amplifier ensures this awesome muscle is always delivered at optimum levels. It uses two 12-inch Aerofoil cones, identical to those found in the 800 Series Diamond, in a dual balanced configuration for incredible stability. As with all the new DB Series, the flagship DB1D is simple to configure and use thanks to a dedicated mobile app for both iOS and Android devices, incorporating a room EQ system that requires no separate microphone kit.

• Two 300mm (12 in) Aerofoil-cone drive units in a balanced configuration
• 2000W Class D Hypex amplifier
• Frequency response: 10Hz – 350Hz (−3dB, centered on level at 100Hz)
• Sealed cabinet
• Net weight: 43kg
• Made in China
• 2 Year Warranty

Highlights & Key Technologies

Powerful Digital Amplification
The DB1D is the most powerful active subwoofer Bowers & Wilkins has ever made; its 2000W Class D Hypex amplifier provides astonishing reserves of drive and authority while an all-new digital preamplifier ensures this muscle is always delivered at optimum levels. Digital amplification is cool-running and energy efficient even when working hard, while Dynamic EQ and Room EQ ensure a precise sound for both music and movies.

Aerofoil™ Cone Drive Units
Solid, dramatic bass is delivered through the rigidity and lightness of the uniquely-shaped, variable-thickness Aerofoil™ cone. The DB1D uses two all-new, massively powerful 12-inch Aerofoil drive units, identical in concept to those found in the acclaimed 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers. These light, ultra-stiff drivers resist bending and flexing far longer than conventional cones, delivering controlled bass with outstanding precision — a perfect partner for the 800 Series Diamond speakers.

Balanced Configuration
The two bass cones are arranged in an opposed, back-to-back balanced configuration that cancels out cabinet resonances, greatly reducing cabinet vibration. This ensures all that power is used to create room-shaking bass rather than wasted vibrations, for a cleaner, more precise and coloration-free result.

Digital Preamplifier with Dynamic EQ and Room EQ
Thanks to an all-new digital preamplifier, the DB1D’s power is always delivered optimally. The combination of Dynamic EQ plus automatic calibration and equalisation ensures outstanding performance in every circumstance. The Room EQ system automatically optimises the subwoofer’s performance to match the acoustic characteristics of the listening environment, using the microphone built into your mobile device with no separate microphone kit required.

App-Based Set-Up and Control
DB Series subwoofers are set up and controlled via the Bluetooth-connected Bowers & Wilkins DB Subwoofers app for iOS and Android devices, using BT-LE control. The app provides positioning guides, set-up and troubleshooting, subwoofer level adjustment, auto-standby options, and access to the Room EQ optimisation procedure, along with control over both overall output and specific audio presets. The app requires iOS version 10 or Android version 5 or later, with Bluetooth enabled.

Flexible Inputs and System Integration
The DB1D provides stereo RCA Phono and balanced XLR stereo analogue inputs that can be connected simultaneously and configured independently, enabling integration with two different audio systems — a home theatre system and a conventional stereo system, for example. Balanced XLR connection carries negative, positive and ground signals on separate wires for greater resistance to interference and noise. Level and trim adjustment allows optimum matching of different source output levels, while low pass filter options can be matched either to specific Bowers & Wilkins main speaker models or to alternative manufacturers’ specifications. Optional input EQ presets for music and movie programme material are provided, along with a five-band custom equaliser. Additional 12V trigger and RS-232 control connections enable remote switch-on, input selection, and integration into home automation systems.

Designed to Deliver
The DB1D’s ultra-rigid, highly damped sealed enclosure channels all of its energy into explosive, tightly-controlled bass. Three foot options — spike, decoupling, and rubber feet — are supplied to suit carpeted, suspended wooden, and solid non-carpeted floors respectively, with magnetically attached fabric grilles that allow the subwoofer to be used with or without grilles fitted.

Details & Specifications

DESCRIPTION
DB Series Subwoofer

DRIVE UNITS
2 x 300mm (12in) Aerofoil-cone drive units in a balanced configuration

AMPLIFIER
2000W Class D Hypex amplifier
Max power output: 2000W

PERFORMANCE
Frequency response (−3dB, centred on level at 100Hz): 10Hz – 350Hz
Frequency range (−6dB): 8.5Hz – 500Hz
Signal to noise ratio: 92dB

POWER CONSUMPTION
Rating power consumption: 360W
Standby power consumption: <0.5W

INPUT IMPEDANCE
XLR: 20kOhm
RCA: 10kOhm

TECHNICAL FEATURES
2 x 300mm (12in) Aerofoil-cone drive units in a balanced configuration
Digital preamplifier with Dynamic EQ
App-based set-up and BT-LE control

INPUTS
2 x XLR
2 x RCA
2 x 3.5mm 12V trigger
RS-232 – 9-pin D connector

CABINET
Sealed enclosure

DIMENSIONS
Height: 460mm (18.1 in)
Width: 429mm (16.9 in)
Depth: 410mm (16.1 in)

NET WEIGHT
43kg

CABINET FINISHES
Gloss Black (with black grilles)
Satin White (with grey grilles)
Rosenut (with black grilles)

MANUFACTURING & WARRANTY
Country of manufacture: China
Warranty: 2 Year Warranty