Three generations for the same challenge. Since 2006, the MicroVee range has stayed the course: fitting serious bass into a 23 cm cube enclosure. The MicroVee X builds on this principle by replacing the MKII’s aluminum diaphragms with a carbon composite, adopting a high-current Class AB amplifier, and adding an infrared remote control. The format, however, remains unchanged: a 9.5 kg aluminum cube that slips under a coffee table or behind a piece of furniture.
The MicroVee X’s extruded aluminum profile is not cosmetic cladding. The ribbing on the walls stiffens the structure while helping dissipate heat from the amplifier, and the rounded edges (redesigned compared with the MKII) soften the silhouette. The front grille, made of thick MDF, dampens residual vibrations. Four iso-elastomer feet decouple the enclosure from the furniture or floor it rests on, which limits the transmission of unwanted vibrations to surrounding surfaces.
At 23 x 23 x 25 cm without grille (27 cm including grille) and weighing 9.5 kg, the subwoofer can be placed easily in a TV cabinet, on a low shelf, or on the floor against a wall.
The configuration is based on a front-facing 16.5 cm long-throw active driver, supported by two side-mounted passive radiators of the same diameter. This principle is the same as on previous generations, but the diaphragms change: the carbon/Kevlar composite replaces the MKII’s anodized aluminum. This composite material is both stiffer and lighter, which reduces the diaphragm’s own resonance modes and improves transient response.
The 52 mm voice coil, wound in four layers of high-purity copper, operates in an oversized dual ferrite motor. The long-throw nitrile rubber surround allows substantial excursion without mechanical compression. The cast aluminum basket is dual-vented, preventing the moving assembly from overheating during prolonged use.
The two passive radiators, mounted on either side of the enclosure, increase the total radiating surface without requiring additional air volume or dedicated amplifier power. Their role is to extend the response toward the bottom of the spectrum (the subwoofer reaches 18 Hz in extended response, 32 Hz at ±3 dB) while smoothing the impedance seen by the amplifier.
The move from the MKII to the X comes with a change in amplifier topology. The MKII used a Class D (ERS) amplifier rated at 1000 W RMS / 2000 W peak. The MicroVee X adopts Class AB with 300 W RMS power and 800 W dynamic power. On paper, the difference seems unfavorable. In practice, Velodyne states that the current capability of the new power stage (equipped with four 34 A / 180 V MOSFETs) is significantly higher than that of the MKII, and that the MicroVee X can play about 15% louder across the entire bandwidth. The switching power supply ensures high efficiency and sufficient energy reserve for signal peaks.
Digital processing is based on a high-resolution Analog Devices DSP, which manages the DDCS (Digital Drive Control System). This system, patented by Velodyne, controls the diaphragm so as to maintain linear cone movement, which reduces harmonic distortion. Velodyne claims distortion reduced to about one sixth of that of subwoofers of comparable size, a statement based on the DDCS and on the built-in anti-clipping circuit, which continuously monitors the amplifier to prevent overload.
The low-pass filter is adjustable from 50 to 180 Hz with a 12 dB per octave slope. Phase is switchable between 0° and 180°. Both settings are accessible from the rear panel, but also from the supplied infrared remote control, allowing adjustment from the listening position.
The Subwoofer Direct function bypasses the subwoofer’s internal low-pass filter. This mode is useful when the processor or home theater amplifier already handles filtering via its LFE output: the signal reaches the subwoofer without redundant filtering, which preserves phase coherence and the precision of the blend with the main speakers. The remote control allows this mode to be activated or deactivated without accessing the rear panel.
Connectivity includes stereo RCA and LFE inputs, an RCA/LFE output (to daisy-chain a second subwoofer or send the signal back to another device), and stereo high-level inputs for amplifiers without a preamp output. Auto On/Off mode puts the subwoofer into standby when it no longer detects a signal, with standby power consumption of 0.5 W.
Previous generations of the MicroVee did not offer a remote control. The MicroVee X includes one, infrared, providing access to volume, phase, activation of Subwoofer Direct mode, and power on/off. An external IR receiver, connected to the subwoofer by a 3 m cable, allows the subwoofer to be hidden behind a piece of furniture or in an alcove while retaining remote control. This receiver can be placed on the front of the furniture or near the listening position.
This detail has real practical value: setting up a subwoofer (volume, crossover frequency, phase) is ideally done by ear from the listening point, and being able to adjust these parameters without getting up speeds up the process.
The stated frequency response extends from 18 Hz to 300 Hz in extended bandwidth, and from 32 Hz to 180 Hz at ±3 dB. For a 16.5 cm driver in an enclosure of this size, reaching 32 Hz at ±3 dB is a notable result, made possible by the passive radiator configuration and the diaphragm’s substantial excursion.
It is important to remain realistic about what a subwoofer of this size can produce in terms of sound pressure. In a 15 to 25 m² room, the MicroVee X will deliver precise, well-defined bass, capable of complementing compact speakers or small floorstanding speakers. In a 40 m² living room or larger, or for very high sound pressure levels in home theater, a subwoofer equipped with a 25 or 30 cm driver will be more comfortable. The MicroVee X prioritizes definition and speed over raw air displacement.
Yes. The stereo high-level inputs allow the subwoofer to be connected directly to the amplifier’s speaker terminals. The signal is taken in parallel, with no impact on the impedance seen by the amplifier.
In standard LFE mode, the signal passes through the subwoofer’s internal low-pass filter (adjustable from 50 to 180 Hz). In Subwoofer Direct mode, this filter is bypassed: the subwoofer reproduces the signal as it arrives, without additional filtering. This mode is recommended when the processor or home theater amplifier already applies filtering on the LFE output.
No. The crossover frequency is adjusted via the potentiometer located on the subwoofer’s rear panel. The remote control manages volume, phase, activation of Subwoofer Direct mode, and power on/off.
The RCA/LFE output allows a second subwoofer to be daisy-chained. Using two subwoofers improves bass uniformity in the room by reducing the effects of room modes related to placement.
Gunter
Very good and unbelievable small subwoofer. It works very harmonic together with my small KEF LS50 speakers . Together they build a melodic team. Last not least it is an attractive case It would be a shame to hide it behind furniture . I only can recommend this speaker
Comment from August 18, 2025 — Experience from August 02, 2025
Fabrice
I bought this subwoofer to complement my Kef R300 speakers.
It is very compact with quality craftsmanship. It remains very discreet yet delivers incredible presence.
Perfect for me.
Comment from January 23, 2025 — Experience from January 12, 2025
Uli
Since I hardly have any space for a subwoofer in the living room, I needed a very small unit.
After a long search, I decided on the Microvee X.
It completely convinced me, with its deep, rich bass.
The perfect addition to my 5.1 system.
Comment from August 27, 2024 — Experience from August 16, 2024
