Bowers & Wilkins DB3D – 2 x 8" Powered Subwoofer

Bowers & Wilkins DB3D – Dual Opposed 8-inch Subwoofer

Despite its compact dimensions, the DB3D delivers astonishingly powerful, controlled bass thanks to its twin 8-inch Aerofoil™ drivers, amplifier and digital signal processing. When you demand faultless bass but floor space is at a premium, this high-performance subwoofer is capable of delivering space-defying bottom end from a highly compact, incredibly rigid cabinet. Its dual balanced 8-inch Aerofoil drivers are effortlessly powered by a 1000 Watt Class D amplifier to deliver punchy, deep bass. As with all the new DB Series, the DB3D 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 200mm (8 in) Aerofoil-cone drive units in a balanced configuration
• 1000W Class D Hypex amplifier
• Frequency response: 10Hz – 350Hz (−3dB, centered on level at 100Hz)
• Sealed cabinet
• Net weight: 25kg
• Made in China
• 2 Year Warranty

Highlights & Key Technologies

More Bass, Less Space
A compact model that packs a mighty punch, the DB3D delivers controllable, dramatic bass from a subwoofer so small it fits almost anywhere — a space-saving high-performance design. Its tight, powerful, dramatic bass and compact size make it a perfect match for the 804 D4 and 805 D4 speakers.

Aerofoil™ Cone Drive Units
Solid, dramatic bass is delivered through the rigidity and lightness of the uniquely-shaped, variable-thickness Aerofoil™ cone. These light, ultra-stiff drivers resist bending and flexing far longer than conventional cones, delivering controlled bass with outstanding precision. The DB3D uses two opposed 8-inch Aerofoil cone drive units and shares its drive units with the 802 D3.

A Question of Balance
The two bass cones are arranged in an opposed, back-to-back balanced configuration that cancels out cabinet resonances, ensuring all that power is used to create room-shaking bass rather than wasted vibrations. The incredibly rigid, low-resonance cabinet helps reduce distortion for deep, agile bass.

Power and the Digital Advantage
The DB3D’s dual balanced 8-inch drivers are effortlessly powered by a 1000W Class D Hypex amplifier, with digital signal processing ensuring punch and control for scintillating home theater and added depth for music. 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.

Digital Preamplifier with Dynamic EQ and Room EQ
Thanks to an all-new digital preamplifier, the DB3D’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 DB3D 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.

The Perfect Match
The DB3D’s ultra-rigid, low-resonance sealed enclosure comes in three finishes to match 800 Series Diamond and 700 Series loudspeakers. 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 200mm (8in) Aerofoil-cone drive units in a balanced configuration

AMPLIFIER
1000W Class D Hypex amplifier
Max power output: 1000W

PERFORMANCE
Frequency response (−3dB, centred on level at 100Hz): 10Hz – 350Hz
Frequency range (−6dB): 8.5Hz – 500Hz
Signal to noise ratio: 82dB

POWER CONSUMPTION
Rating power consumption: 195W
Standby power consumption: <0.5W

INPUT IMPEDANCE
XLR: 20kOhm
RCA: 10kOhm

TECHNICAL FEATURES
2 x 200mm (8in) 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: 360mm (14.1 in)
Width: 320mm (12.6 in)
Depth: 300mm (11.8 in)

NET WEIGHT
25kg

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