Velodyne Deep Waves 10

A 25 cm front-firing active driver, two passive radiators on the sides, 350 watts continuous: the Deep Waves 10 uses an architecture that Velodyne developed and refined on the MicroVee series. This configuration provides a substantial cone surface in a controlled enclosure volume, with a claimed low-end extension down to 28 Hz. The subwoofer is controlled via the iWoofer app, available on iOS and Android, which provides access to a parametric equalizer and an automated room correction function.

A lightweight cone and a generous voice coil

The main driver uses a paper composite cone, a material chosen for its light weight. Velodyne opted for a convex cone reinforced by a polypropylene structure, combined with a peripheral nitrile rubber surround. The voice coil measures 6.3 cm in diameter and features four layers of winding. This combination aims for high excursion while maintaining good linearity.

The motor relies on a dual ferrite magnet structure. The speaker basket is doubly vented to dissipate the heat generated under heavy load. This ventilation reduces thermal compression and preserves the driver’s linearity on transients.

Passive radiators to extend low-frequency response

The two 25 cm passive radiators, mounted on the sides, work in tandem with the active driver. They increase the total air displacement without putting extra strain on the amplifier, allowing the low cutoff frequency to be lowered without requiring a larger cabinet volume.

However, this side-firing layout imposes a placement constraint: Velodyne recommends keeping about one meter of clearance on each side to prevent nearby objects from entering sympathetic vibration. In narrow rooms or setups where the subwoofer needs to be tucked into a piece of furniture, this configuration may limit placement options.

Class D amplification with ample power reserves

The built-in amplifier operates in Class D, with 350 watts continuous power and peaks up to 600 watts. This type of amplification is characterized by high efficiency and fast transient response, two qualities that are highly desirable for reproducing low frequencies.

The frequency response extends from 28 Hz to 200 Hz (± 3 dB), with extension down to 25 Hz if you accept a tolerance of ± 10 dB. The low-pass filter is continuously adjustable from 50 Hz to 180 Hz, with a 12 dB-per-octave slope. Phase can be switched between 0 and 180 degrees, a binary adjustment that doesn’t allow for fine-tuning but is sufficient for most setups.

A reinforced MDF cabinet

The enclosure is built from 22 mm thick MDF, with internal bracing to limit unwanted resonances. The matte black finish gives the subwoofer a discreet look that blends in without drawing attention.

The dimensions (38 × 40 × 32 cm, including feet and connectors) remain compact for a subwoofer equipped with a 25 cm driver. The weight of 21 kg reflects the solidity and density of the construction.

Comprehensive connectivity

The rear panel offers stereo and LFE RCA inputs with gold-plated connectors, as well as a high-level input on nickel-plated binding posts. The latter allows the subwoofer to be connected to the speaker terminals of an amplifier that lacks a dedicated subwoofer output.

Stereo and LFE RCA outputs allow you to daisy-chain a second subwoofer or route the signal to another component. The power selector has three positions: off, auto, and on. Auto mode puts the subwoofer into standby after a period without signal and wakes it up as soon as it detects an audio stream.

The iWoofer app: settings and room correction

The Deep Waves 10 is controlled via the iWoofer app, developed by Artem Khlyupin and compatible with several subwoofer brands. The free version (iOS and Android) lets you adjust from your sofa the crossover frequency, level, phase, as well as a parametric EQ and customizable presets.

The Pro version (€5.99, iOS only) adds an automatic room correction function. The iPhone’s microphone is used to measure the subwoofer’s response in the room, and the app computes the necessary corrections. This measurement relies on the known response curve of Apple microphones, which explains why the feature is absent on Android, where the diversity of sensors makes calibration less reliable.

Users who understand EQ principles can manually adjust several frequency bands. For others, the default settings provide a reasonable starting point.

Integration in home theater and stereo

The Deep Waves 10 can complement a soundbar, support compact stereo speakers, or integrate into a multichannel home theater system. The versatility of its inputs makes it easy to connect to any type of electronics, from vintage hi-fi amplifiers to modern AV receivers.

In a system managed by an AV amp equipped with automatic room correction (Audyssey, Dirac, YPAO, etc.), it’s best to disable the iWoofer app’s correction to avoid conflicts between the two EQ systems.

Technical specifications

Speakers and radiators

• Main speaker: 25 cm, front-firing
• Passive radiators: 25 cm, side-firing

Amplification

• Type: Class D
• Dynamic power: 600 watts
• Continuous power: 350 watts

Acoustic performance

• Frequency response (± 3 dB): 28 Hz – 200 Hz
• Frequency response (± 10 dB): 25 Hz – 280 Hz
• Low-pass filter: 50 Hz to 180 Hz (12 dB / octave)
• Phase: 0 / 180 degrees

Construction

• Enclosure: 22 mm MDF
• Magnetic structure: Dual ferrite magnet motor
• Woofer: 25 cm long-throw driver with dual-vented basket, polypropylene diaphragm and convex cone
• Voice coil: Four layers, 6.3 cm

Connectivity

• Inputs: Gold-plated stereo RCA / LFE, nickel-plated high-level
• Outputs: Gold-plated stereo RCA / LFE
• Power selector: Off / Auto / On

General information

• Finish: Matte black paint
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 38 cm x 40 cm x 32 cm (feet and connectors included)
• Weight: 21 kg
• Shipping weight: 24 kg