Velodyne Deep Waves 12
Overview
Forty years of low-frequency expertise, a headquarters now based in Hamburg, and a clear ambition: to offer a subwoofer that can go deep without overwhelming the living room. The Deep Waves 12 takes the configuration that proved its worth on the MicroVee X series (front-firing active driver and side passive radiators) and adapts it to a more generous format. Unveiled at ISE 2023 in Barcelona, it is one of the Velodyne models that natively integrate the iWoofer app for precise tuning from the listening position.
A trio of diaphragms to extend the bass without turbulence
The main 30.5 cm driver fires forward. On each side, two passive radiators of the same diameter balance the internal pressure. This design, similar to bass reflex but without a port, avoids air-flow noise at high volumes. The polypropylene cone with convex profile and nitrile rubber surround handle long excursions, while the 63 mm, four-layer voice coil provides precise control of cone movement.
The 22 mm MDF cabinet features internal bracing to limit unwanted vibrations. The dual ferrite magnet motor supplies the force needed to keep the cone under control, even during the most brutal transients.
Class D amplification and ample power reserves
The built-in amplifier delivers 400 watts RMS continuously and can peak at 800 watts. Class D, chosen here for its efficiency and compactness, powers the active driver without generating excessive heat. The frequency response extends from 25 Hz to 180 Hz (± 3 dB), and drops down to 22 Hz if you accept a ± 10 dB tolerance. The low-pass filter, adjustable from 50 to 180 Hz with a 12 dB per octave slope, lets you fine-tune the transition with the main speakers.
Comprehensive connectivity for all systems
The rear panel offers gold-plated stereo and LFE RCA inputs, as well as nickel-plated high-level terminals for amplifiers without pre-out. RCA outputs allow you to daisy-chain a second subwoofer or send the signal to another device. A three-position switch (Off / Auto / On) controls power, with the Auto mode detecting the presence of a signal to exit standby.
The iWoofer app turns your smartphone into a remote
A dedicated rear switch enables or disables control via the iWoofer app, available on iOS and Android. The free version gives access to gain, crossover frequency, time delay, and phase settings. A parametric equalizer lets you adjust the response curve to compensate for room modes. The Pro version (paid, about 5 dollars on the App Store) adds an automatic calibration function that uses the iPhone’s microphone to measure the subwoofer’s in-room response and apply correction. This feature leverages the fact that Apple device microphones have a known, reproducible response, enabling “blind” linearization. On Android, automatic calibration is not available, but manual settings remain accessible.
Living room integration: a 25 kg matte black cube
At 41 cm wide and deep and 48 cm high (including feet and connectors), the Deep Waves 12 can still be moved by one person, though its 25 kg weight calls for a firm grip. The matte black finish avoids reflections and blends into most interiors. A fabric grille protects the front driver. Placement against a wall or in a corner will naturally boost bass, while a more free-standing position will yield tighter, more defined low frequencies. The app then allows you to compensate for room effects without moving the subwoofer.
Differences from the Deep Waves 10
The 10-inch model in the same series follows the same philosophy but with a 25 cm driver, 350 watts RMS (600 watts peak) and a slightly less extended low-end response (28 Hz at -3 dB versus 25 Hz for the 12 model). The Deep Waves 12 is the better choice when the room volume exceeds around twenty square meters or when viewing movies with strong low-frequency content is a priority.
Documentation
Technical specifications
Speakers
- Main speaker: 30.5 cm front-firing
- Passive radiators: 30.5 cm side-firing
Amplification
- Type: Class D amplifier
- Dynamic power: 800 watts
- Continuous power: 400 watts RMS
Frequency response and filtering
- Overall frequency response (± 3 dB): 25 Hz – 180 Hz
- Overall frequency response (± 10 dB): 22 Hz – 220 Hz
- Low-pass filter: 50 Hz to 180 Hz (12 dB / octave)
- Phase: 0 / 180 degrees
Construction
- Enclosure design: 22 mm MDF
- Magnetic structure: dual ferrite magnet motor
- Woofer: 30.5 cm long-throw driver with dual-vented frame, polypropylene cone and convex diaphragm
- Voice coil: four layers, 6.35 cm / 63 mm
Connectivity
- Inputs: gold-plated stereo / LFE RCA, nickel-plated high-level
- Outputs: gold-plated stereo / LFE RCA
General information
- Power selector: off / auto / on
- Finish: matte black paint
- Dimensions (W / H / D): 41 cm x 48 cm x 41 cm (feet and connectors included)
- Weight: 25 kg
- Shipping weight: 28 kg
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iWoofer app work over Bluetooth or Wi‑Fi?
Communication between the app and the subwoofer uses Bluetooth. No Wi‑Fi network is required, which simplifies setup and use in rooms without internet access.
Can the Deep Waves 12 be used without a smartphone?
Basic settings (volume, crossover frequency, phase inversion) remain accessible via the knobs and switches on the rear panel. The App DSP switch allows you to completely disable digital control if needed.
What is the difference between the free and Pro versions of the app?
The free version provides access to all manual settings: gain, crossover frequency, phase, delay, and parametric EQ. The Pro version (iOS only) adds automatic calibration, which measures the subwoofer’s in-room response and applies appropriate correction.
Can the subwoofer work with a stereo amplifier that has no subwoofer output?
The high-level inputs allow you to connect the Deep Waves 12 in parallel with the main speakers, directly to the amplifier’s speaker terminals. The built-in low-pass filter then handles selection of the low frequencies.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: V0019
- GTIN / EAN: 4260732440215