Velodyne SC1250E

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Overview

Power one or two subwoofers with a comfortable power reserve, in a 2U rack format ready for integration: that’s the promise of this SubContractor series amplifier. Velodyne designed it for custom installations where a conventional active subwoofer is not suitable, whether for reasons of space, discretion, or flexibility in positioning the components.

1,250 watts RMS, 3,000 watts peak

The SC1250E is based on Class D amplification combined with the Energy Recovery System (ERS), a technology patented by Velodyne. This circuit recovers the energy that is normally dissipated during the braking phases of the driver and feeds it back into the power supply. As a result, efficiency is improved and current peaks are better managed.

The nominal power of 1,250 W RMS is enough to control large-diameter drivers without strain. The 3,000 W dynamic power handles the sharp transients of movie soundtracks or high‑dynamic‑range recordings. Thermal protection shuts the amplifier down in case of prolonged overheating.

Comprehensive filtering and phase adjustment

The low-pass filter covers a range from 30 to 160 Hz with a 24 dB per octave slope. It can be disabled if filtering is handled upstream by a processor or home theater amplifier. A high-pass filter set at 80 Hz (6 dB/octave) protects the driver from excessively low frequencies that could damage it or saturate it unnecessarily.

The phase control offers four positions: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. This granularity makes it easier to achieve time alignment with the main speakers, especially in rooms where subwoofer placement requires an acoustic compromise.

Connectivity designed for integration

The inputs accept both line-level signals (RCA, including a dedicated LFE input) and speaker-level signals. The latter option lets you connect the SC1250E to a stereo amplifier without a pre-out or subwoofer output.

On the output side, the amplifier can drive up to two passive subwoofers via speaker terminals. A line output filtered at 80 Hz is also available for daisy‑chaining a second amplifier or sending the signal to another system.

Remote control is provided in three ways: a 12 V trigger for synchronized power‑on with the rest of the system, a Crestron-certified RS-232 port for home automation integration, and an infrared repeater for the supplied remote control. The amplifier also features an auto‑on mode that detects the presence of an audio signal.

Documentation

Technical data sheet User manual

Technical specifications

Amplification

RMS power: 1250 W
Peak power: 3000 W
Amplifier type: Class D with Energy Recovery System (ERS)

Filtering and signal processing

High-pass filter: 80 Hz, 6 dB / octave
Low-pass filter: 30 Hz to 160 Hz, bypassable, 24 dB / octave
Phase adjustment: 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°

Connectivity

Inputs: RCA (including LFE), line level, speaker level, 12 V trigger, infrared, RS-232
Outputs: line level and speaker level for up to 2 subwoofers

Dimensions and weight

Dimensions (W x H x D): 43.2 x 9 x 31.8 cm (feet and knobs included)
Depth with cables: approximately 5 cm extra
Rack height: approximately 2U
Weight: 14 kg

Features

Supports 2 subwoofers simultaneously
Automatic power on / off
Rack integration for professional installations
Remote control via RS-232, trigger, or infrared

Included accessories

Remote control
Calibration microphone
Feet
Rack mounting kit

Highlights

Impressive power for precise bass control
Low distortion even at high volume
Simple and quick installation thanks to calibration tools
Versatile and compatible with various Velodyne subwoofer models

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the SC1250E power any passive subwoofer?

Yes, provided the impedance and power handling of the driver are compatible. Velodyne recommends its own passive SubContractor series enclosures, but the amplifier works with other brands. Make sure the subwoofer can handle at least 1,250 W RMS continuously.

How does the automatic power-on mode work?

The amplifier detects the presence of an audio signal on its inputs and turns on after a few seconds. It goes back to standby after a period of inactivity. This mode can be disabled if you prefer manual control or 12 V trigger control.

Can two different subwoofer models be used together?

Technically yes, since the two speaker outputs are wired in parallel. In practice, mixing drivers with different characteristics makes alignment more difficult and can degrade bass coherence.

Does the calibration microphone replace acoustic measurement software?

No. The microphone allows you to adjust relative level and phase by ear or with an SPL meter, but it does not perform automatic correction. For precise equalization, an external processor with measurement capability is still required.

What is the difference between the LFE input and the standard line input?

The LFE input applies an additional 10 dB of gain, in accordance with home theater standards. The standard line input maintains unity gain. Use the LFE input if your AV amplifier has a dedicated subwoofer output.

Can RS-232 control all parameters?

The RS-232 port manages power on, power off, and standby. Volume, filter, and phase settings remain accessible only from the front panel or via the infrared remote control.