Emotiva X-Ref 12 Subwoofer Review
By Josh Ricci
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Summary
- Product Name: X-Ref 12 Subwoofer
- Manufacturer: Emotiva
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: December 04, 2011 00:35
- MSRP: $ 699
- Specifications
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Emotiva X-Ref 12 Specifications:
- 12” forward firing long throw woofer
- Sealed 1” HDF cross braced enclosure
- Amplifier: 600 watts rms, high efficiency, switch mode
- Frequency Response: 20-200Hz typical in room (No tolerance given)
- Typical in room maximum SPL: 115-118dB
- Finishes: Studio Black Satin
- Dimensions (H/W/D): 15.625” x 14.625” x 15.5”
- Weight: 44 lbs.
- Warranty: 5 years (Bumper to bumper)
Driver features:
- Butyl rubber surround
- Para-aramid blended fiber cone
- Woven tinsel leads
- Die-cast aluminum frame
- Bumped back plate
- Vented pole piece
- Double stacked ferrite magnets
- 3” diameter voice coil
Additional Features:
- DSP control with push button rotary knob
- Variable low pass filter, 40-150Hz in 1Hz increments (Defeatable)
- Phase: Variable from 0 to 315 degrees in 45 degree steps
- Selectable EQ Presets: Flat, Movie
- 2 bands of parametric EQ: 25-150Hz center, -12dB to +3dB gain, Q variable from 0.5-5.0
- Selectable power mode: On, Auto-On, Standby
- AC mains voltage switch: 120 / 240V (Auto)
- Detachable floor spikes
Inputs/Outputs
- Stereo unbalanced (RCA) inputs
- XLR balanced input
- XLR balanced output
- 1/8” trigger input for Movie EQ
Pros
- Well put together
- Good looking
- Bulletproof performance
- Lengthy warranty
- Built in DSP control with 2 bands of PEQ
Cons
- Limited low frequency extension
- Limited output headroom
Introduction
The X-Ref 12 is representative of the next evolution in Emotiva's powered subwoofer line and comes equipped with many upscale features such as built in DSP that is controlled via a top mounted LCD screen with a rotary push button knob, balanced XLR connection, and two fully adjustable bands of parametric EQ to address room response issues or adjust to suit listener tastes. The X-Ref 12 has a solidly built, well finished sealed enclosure with a hand rubbed lacquer finish. The 12" driver is a robust piece with a 3" voice coil and double stacked magnets which is controlled by the 600 watt highly efficient amplifier. Being a sealed subwoofer with a very small form factor the X-Ref 12 does not have subterranean deep bass extension or herculean output capabilities, so it should perform better in smaller spaces. But, it operates with rock steady reliability and always sounds clean and composed while doing so. Considering the bargain cost of only $599 shipped to your door for a subwoofer that does all of the above and the generous 5 year warranty, the X-Ref 12 offers a lot of bang for your hard earned buck.
See also:
Post Reply
zhimbo posts on February 07, 2012 19:28
Ground-plane measurement is a specialized procedure for measuring performance and output of a subwoofer, a procedure normally done *outside*, to eliminate room effects. You're talking about measuring what you are hearing in your specific room and setup. If you want to measure what you hear, put the mic where you do your hearing.
tattoo_Dan posts on February 07, 2012 13:34
Ricci;863218
NO.
You want it where your head is at the listening position.
that's what I have been doing,I must have misunderstood your post
Ricci;863159
With the microphone and subwoofer both on the ground
thanks
Ricci posts on February 07, 2012 13:12
tattoo_Dan;863165
so you're saying it's better to put the calibration mic on the floor for sub calibration ?.
NO.
You want it where your head is at the listening position.
tattoo_Dan posts on February 07, 2012 09:22
Ricci;863159
Essentially yes but your listening placement and other boundaries and objects also matter. This is why groundplane measurements are done the way that they are. With the microphone and subwoofer both on the ground in theory you only get one perfect reflection of energy from the ground through the bass range. This is known as half-space and provides basically 6dB of gain over a reflection free anechoic environment. If you were to raise the microphone the subwoofer, or both away from the ground you would start to see some response changes due to the distance from the boundary represented by the ground.
so you're saying it's better to put the calibration mic on the floor for sub calibration ?
I have 2 Emotiva ultra 12 subs,one on the front wall facing into the room,and one on the rear wall facing into the room,each is about 5 feet from a corner,and I have a Auralex gramma under each one,
and I use a Anti-Mode 8033,I have always put the mic on a tripod in the main seating area at ear level.
Ricci posts on February 07, 2012 08:36
Essentially yes but your listening placement and other boundaries and objects also matter. This is why groundplane measurements are done the way that they are. With the microphone and subwoofer both on the ground in theory you only get one perfect reflection of energy from the ground through the bass range. This is known as half-space and provides basically 6dB of gain over a reflection free anechoic environment. If you were to raise the microphone the subwoofer, or both away from the ground you would start to see some response changes due to the distance from the boundary represented by the ground.
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