Velodyne DD-18 First Impressions
Company History
Velodyne is a company that has specialized in the production of subwoofer
systems (servo-controlled or 
otherwise),right from its inception in 1983. In
1984 Velodyne patented and subsequently put into production the world’s first
high-gain, servo-controlled subwoofer -the now-classic ULD-18.
Since the debut of
that first product twenty-some-odd years ago this Morgan Hill, California-based
company has gone on to produce dozens of other highly successful products, at
the same time racking up several additional
patents along the way.
Fig. 1: Home of the Heavyweights
Fig 2: Illustration from U.S. Patent # 4, 727,584, “Loudspeaker With Motional Feedback”
In the DD-18 we
find the successful embodiment of such patented, innovative technology, 2+
decades of design & build know-how and some exceptionally useful extra
features.
First Impressions
The DD-18 sports what is just about the smallest cabinet I’ve ever seen an 18” driver bolted into.
Still, it weighs a little over 120 lbs (54.4 kgs) and has a
finish that you won’t want to see scratched up. (I’d describe it as “French
polish”). Add to that a driver with an effective surface area a little over 180
sq. in (read: target easily hit by unforgiving objects) and its clear care
& forethought are the order of the day when unpacking.
I found it expedient to open the top, remove the small
carton containing the measurement mic, cables, etc, then turn the shipping
carton upside down, finally lifting it off the sub. It was quite the moment
seeing the DD-18 unveiled for the first time!
The supplied review model featured a cherry finish and black
grille cover. The quality of the natural wood finish is about the best I’ve
seen thus far in a sub destined for home use (more typical of what you find in
high-end furniture) and will likely push the SAF approval value in the right
direction. As you may have already
guessed, the quality of both fit & finish are exactly what you’d expect
from a sub in this price class. A real advantage, as my experience has been
that with subs featuring such top-caliber aesthetics as the DD-18 it’s a lot
easier to find a permanent place to park the unit in your listening space.
In the real world, placement is a compromise result that
arises from the tug-of-war between acoustical performance (where in this room
will this thing perform at its best?), aesthetics (where does it look best or
least offend spouse or significant other(s) visual sensitivities?), and logistics
(waddya mean I can’t tear out grandma’s beloved antique potbellied stove!? –
it’s the best place for the new sub!).
Clearly, in a situation like this, the nicer looking the unit the less likely the need to hide, resulting in a bit more flexibility in picking a spot for the sub. I didn’t find a need to hide this sub away anywhere – it’s that nice looking.
 |
 |
 |
| Cherry |
Maple |
Black |
(6 additional special order finishes are available)
Figure 3: Cherry finish Close Up
