Bass, bass, bass!!! That's something most of us crave for. Over the years, we have reviewed so many subwoofers from so many manufacturers that it is almost impossible to remember all of them, but there are some companies that managed to surprise us to a point that it makes it very difficult to forget about them. That's precisely the case with Outlaw Audio and their LFM1-EX Subwoofer. This subwoofer was very impressive despite its size. Now, after some time of development, they have announced their "newborn" baby, the Ultra-X12 down-firing subwoofer.
The new X12 features a long throw 12" down-firing woofer powered by a 350-Watt Audera ® amplifier. Here is a view at the bottom of the unit.
Take a look at the picture below where you can see a close look at the back plate of the subwoofer's amplifier. It has some common features like auto-on, phase, crossover adjustment, volume, port mode, sub in internal crossover, sub in external crossover, loudspeakers pass-thru, and high level inputs.
According to Outlaw, they made some improvements by redesigning the interiors of their current LFM models.
Here is a short list of the main changes they made:
1. PORT DESIGN
Outlaw decided to use a longer port than the plus for greater bass extension for the cabinet size.
2. AMPLIFIER TECHNOLOGY
This is a totally new amplifier design from Audera. According to the company, it offers greater efficiency and power in a compact design. Idle power consumption has been reduced to 0.5 watts, which meets the latest subwoofer amplifiers guidelines.
3. BRACING SYSTEM
The X12's cabinet features a totally redesigned bracing system. They call it "window pane" Perimeter Bracing". It consists of vertical and horizontal interlocked lattices which now support the side and end panels as well as the top and baffle. Outlaw says it raises the resonant frequency of the cabinet away from the critical 60-65 Hz range, virtually eliminating any tendency for coloration in the mid-bass frequencies.
4. ELECTRONIC PROCESSING
As we said, the Ultra-X12's amplifier is a totally new design. As a result, it offers an improved equalization system to linearize the frequency response. Earlier LFM model designs tended to be a bit "fatter" in the 60 Hz range, producing a slight overemphasis of that frequency. In order to solve this, they have effectively eliminated that mild elevation to produce a very flat response. They have performed A/B comparisons with an EX, and they say that the new X12 showed an audibly improved resolution.
5. NEW LIMITER CIRCUIT
A new advanced limiter has been optimized to strengthen maximum output to keep the integrity of the system's performance.
6. ADDITIONAL OUTPUT
The X12 includes an output for a second subwoofer to simplify "scattered subwoofer" installations without the need to use an external RCA "Y adapter". This is a plus when you have little to no possibilities of wiring a second unit from the main source.
As of now, I can say that we expect very good things from this unit. According to Outlaw, this is the best unit they have ever produced, but of course, we'd like to do a double check just to make sure. Time will tell the whole story.
Take a look at the following features and specifications and don't forget to share it with your friends.
FEATURES:
• A down firing design that virtually eliminates audible port noise
• A long throw 12" driver for deep bass extension
• A powerful 350 watt Audera ® amplifier for precise driver control
• Variable port tuning for customized output
• Signal Sense for automatic turn on/off
• 180-degree phase control
• Line and speaker level inputs
• Detachable power cord
SPECIFICATIONS:
Driver Type: Down Firing, 12" Long-throw Woofer
Ports: Dual
Amplifier Power Rating: 350W RMS
Frequency Response: 25Hz. -180Hz. +/- 2 dB w/o Port Plug
17Hz.-180Hz +/-2dB w/ one port plugged
Crossover Type: 4th Order Low Pass Network
Crossover Frequency: 60Hz to 120Hz and Bypass
Phase: 0 to 180 Degrees
SPL: 120dB (subject to placement and room gain)
Dimensions: (HxWxD) 21.25" x 16.0" x 23.0"
Weight: 66 lbs.
PRICE: $639.00
