MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 Subwoofer

Description

MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 Subwoofer

The MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 Subwoofer incorporates new features and enhancements that simplify system integration while improving performance. Its signature two-driver, force-canceling configuration virtually eliminates bass-blurring cabinet resonance. And each rugged, custom-built aluminum-cone driver is driven by sophisticated DSP-based, high-power amplifiers. The result is dynamic, unrestrained output to the very lowest frequencies, yet with clarity and definition approaching that of electrostatic transducers.

Chances are you’ve read or heard at some time that adding a subwoofer to a system built around electrostatic speakers is nearly impossible. Although that’s not necessarily true (and we have the subwoofers to prove it), the idea is grounded in experience. For many years subwoofers and electrostats did not blend very well. Turn on the sub and maybe you got the deeper, stronger bass you were looking for but that wonderful electrostatic snap and midrange clarity were, if not gone, now smeared and disconnected.

Their goal, when they began our first subwoofer project, was to deliver the good stuff — deep, tight, powerful bass — and none of the bad. They wanted to build subwoofers that, when combined with ultra-fast electrostatics or conventional cone speakers, would blend seamlessly to the very bottom of the frequency extreme. BalancedForce subwoofers are the full realization of years of engineering by the MartinLogan team combined with the latest innovations in advanced digital signal processing, amplification, electrical system designs, and room correction.

Reviews

“The BalancedForce 212s are so flexible that I can imagine them—used in almost any room, and with almost any speaker—restoring the tactile impact and low-end reach that other subs usually leave by the door… Whether or not you have MartinLogan speakers to pair them with, I strongly, strongly recommend the BalancedForce 212. It’s definitely not a tubby thumper, and no imagination is needed, because nothing is missing. ” Jon Iverson, Stereophile

“The BF212 is one of those rare subwoofers that can be described as essential. It delivers uncompromised bass with clarity, accuracy, and an utter lack of colorations. Once it’s been tuned to a room with ML’s Perfect Bass Kit, there’s a high likelihood that you’ll never need another sub. Never… it is my judgment that the BalancedForce 212 is in a class with the best subs available to the home-audio enthusiast. The BF212 is one for the short list — it’s required listening for anyone who’s dead serious about the low end. Highly recommended.”  Kevin East, SoundStage! Hi-Fi

Awards

Features

BalancedForce® Alignment – Opposing Aluminum Element Woofers or Deep, Clean Bass

Dual low-distortion woofers pair a high-power magnet structure with 10- and 12-inch aluminum cone diaphragms to deliver huge excursion and sound output while preserving minute bass details, all without a hint of distortion. The cone material’s exceptional damping properties ensure the smooth, non-resonant response necessary for seamless blending with high-resolution full-range loudspeakers.

These woofers, spaced 180 degrees apart in a ‘BalancedForce’ configuration, operate in exact opposition, to nullify distortion causing cabinet vibrations and deliver pure bass energy. Traditional subwoofer enclosures suffer from an equal and opposite reaction to the cone’s movement, generating acoustic vibrations within the cabinet. You feel this by touching the cabinet. Although the “physics” of this phenomenon actually cause a subwoofer cabinet to resonate or even dance, most subwoofer designers apply weight or mass to the cabinet to minimize such disturbances, but still leave one byproduct—”smeared bass”. BalancedForce is an elegantly simple solution that removes the variable of cabinet vibration contributions from the acoustic equation.

Amplifier Design – Advanced Ultra-Efficient D-Class Amplifier
BalancedForce subs match powerful proprietary switching amps with incredible woofer drivers resulting in tightly defined bass while keeping distortion at the lowest possible levels. The BalancedForce 210 features an 850-watt class-D switching amplifier capable of a 1700-watt peak operating at over 90% efficiency. BalancedForce 212 features dual 850-watt amplifiers (one for each woofer) with a total system power of 1700-watts (3400-watts system peak).

Low-noise, high-power transformers and switching power supplies feature high-quality MOSFET transistors, noise-suppression networks, and control circuitry to provide tremendous levels of current with extremely low levels of distortion. Split power supply rails minimize distortion while maximizing switching efficiency. Military grade glass epoxy circuit boards, temperature sensors, and protection circuitry guarantee quality sound and reliable trouble-free operation.

PBK Room Correction & 25Hz Level Control
Although correct placement plays a key role in optimizing subwoofer performance, positioning a subwoofer often requires compromises. The optional MartinLogan Perfect Bass Kit (PBK, sold separately) uses a computer and microphone to listen throughout the listening environment and tailor the sub’s performance to the unique acoustic properties of a room—resulting in clean, powerful bass down to the lowest frequencies.

Additionally, a built-in 25Hz level control allows listeners to adjust subwoofer output by ±10dB and compensate for excessive room gain by cutting output in the 20- to 30-Hz range, or to accentuate the feeling of deep-bass energy by augmenting those frequencies.

Custom Low-Pass Filters for Individual Loudspeaker Models
Custom tailored low pass filters are available for nearly every floor standing MartinLogan loudspeaker released in the last 30 years. These optional custom filters adjust the subwoofer’s low pass settings to seamlessly blend with the roll-off characteristics of individual loudspeaker models. Filters are easily installed via a user-friendly process involving a USB thumb drive and are available for free download. Many unique filters are currently available and additional filters will be added as new speakers are released.

Beautiful Finishes
High-gloss black cabinets and top trim are standard. Top trim is available in a variety of optional high-gloss, hardwood, and real-wood veneer finishes.

Sealed Cabinets
Although ports are a convenient and cost-effective way of increasing low-frequency output, their reliance on resonant energy impairs bass quality. The BalancedForce subwoofer’s sealed system exhibits less transient-blurring group delay while maintaining smooth, consistent response, regardless of music or movie source material.

Multiple Input Options – Simultaneous LFE and 2-Channel Connections for Seamless System Integration

Specifications

Specifications are subject to change without notice