Velodyne MiniVee X white

Velodyne MiniVee X: an ultra-compact and powerful subwoofer

The Velodyne MiniVee X is an active subwoofer that stands out for its compact dimensions. Measuring just 29 cm on each side and 30 cm in height, this cubic subwoofer will easily find its place in a living room. Despite its compact size, it incorporates cutting-edge technologies to deliver precise and powerful bass.

Its cabinet is entirely made of MDF and features internal bracing for optimal rigidity. The glossy black lacquer finish gives it a refined aesthetic. The two 20 cm drivers are positioned on the sides and framed by a discreet decorative ring.

An original acoustic configuration

The MiniVee X adopts an uncommon architecture combining an active driver and a passive radiator. This arrangement helps reduce cabinet vibrations and achieve highly precise bass. The diaphragms of both transducers offer long excursion to move a large volume of air, ensuring a high output level.

The active driver is powered by an oversized ferrite magnet motor. Its 50 mm diameter voice coil features 4 layers of high-purity copper windings to handle high currents. The result: very clean low-frequency reproduction with a distortion rate below 0.5% at 350 W RMS.

800 W amplification for deep and dynamic bass

To convert electrical power into acoustic pressure, the MiniVee X relies on a Class D amplifier delivering up to 800 W peak power. Combined with the 20 cm drivers, it allows the subwoofer to reach a frequency response extending down to 32 Hz at - 3 dB, with extension down to 26 Hz at -6 dB. Deep and well-controlled bass is therefore on the menu.

An integrated digital signal processor handles active filtering, equalization, and automatic room calibration. The low-pass filter is adjustable from 30 to 200 Hz in 5 Hz steps with a slope of 12 dB per octave. A phase control from 0 to 180° is also available.

Comprehensive connectivity for easy integration

The MiniVee X has all the inputs and outputs needed to integrate into any configuration. It includes stereo and low-level LFE inputs on RCA and XLR, as well as outputs for daisy-chaining to other subwoofers. A high-level input on binding posts allows direct connection to powered speakers.

For even greater flexibility, a 12V trigger input and output on 3.5 mm mini-jack are provided for automatic power on/off. The subwoofer is also equipped with a Bluetooth chip to communicate with the mobile acoustic calibration app. A USB port provides power for an optional Wi-Connect II wireless transmission module.

Automated acoustic calibration with the mobile app

One of the MiniVee X’s strengths lies in its calibration capabilities via the free Velodyne Acoustics AutoEQ app, available on iOS and Android. Thanks to the supplied measurement microphone, which plugs into the subwoofer’s mini-jack input, the app analyzes the subwoofer’s acoustic response in the listening room.

It then automatically applies the necessary tonal corrections to optimize low-frequency performance. Several parametric equalization profiles can be customized. The app also provides access to the usual volume, phase, and filtering settings. A practical solution for getting the best out of the subwoofer without being an acoustics expert.

Precise and impactful sound despite a compact size

Despite its compact dimensions, the MiniVee X delivers a fine sonic performance. Admittedly, it is not among the most powerful subwoofers in its category, but it stands out for its precision and speed. The bass is tight, taut, and perfectly defined. It integrates naturally with the rest of the spectrum without any dragging effect or parasitic resonance.

The low end is clearly present and adds extra substance and foundation to compact speakers. But it remains perfectly proportioned, without masking the midrange. Automatic calibration greatly facilitates subwoofer placement and its matching with the main speakers. It contributes to the uniformity of the frequency response in the room.

Does the MiniVee X have high-level inputs and outputs to connect directly to an amplifier?

Yes, in addition to the traditional low-level RCA and XLR inputs, the MiniVee X is equipped with a high-level input on screw terminals to connect it directly to an amplifier’s speaker outputs. Line outputs are also present for daisy-chaining the signal to other subwoofers.

What is the power of the amplifier built into the subwoofer?

The Velodyne MiniVee X features a Class D amplifier capable of delivering 350 W RMS at 0.5% distortion. The maximum admissible power is 800 W peak. It is therefore a subwoofer that combines compactness with high performance.

How does the MiniVee X acoustic calibration system work?

The subwoofer comes with a measurement microphone that connects to a dedicated mini-jack input. Via the free Velodyne Acoustics AutoEQ mobile app, it is possible to launch an acoustic analysis of the room. The DSP built into the subwoofer then applies automatic frequency response correction to optimize the subwoofer’s performance. Parametric equalization profiles can be customized in the app.

What are the advantages of combining an active driver and a passive radiator in the MiniVee X?

The combined use of an active driver and a passive radiator of the same diameter helps reduce cabinet vibrations. Indeed, the forces acting on the two transducers cancel each other out. The result is highly precise bass, without parasitic cabinet resonance. This configuration also makes it possible to move a large volume of air for high bass levels despite the compact dimensions of this compact subwoofer.

Technical specifications

Key features

• 800 W Class D amplification with metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFET)
• Connectivity: speaker-level, RCA connectors, XLR connectors
• Acoustic correction by digital signal processor (DSP) via app
• Anti-clipping circuit and thermal protection
• Optimized medium-density fiberboard (MDF) enclosure with anti-resonance bracing

Acoustic system

• Dual 20.32 cm drivers (active and passive) with force cancellation
• Maximum excursion: 22 mm
• Voice coil: 5.08 cm, 4-layer high-purity copper
• Oversized ferrite magnet motor
• 10.16 cm cotton-polyester composite spider
• Double-vent stamped steel basket
• Nitrile rubber surround
• Lightweight flat carbon fiber cone

Amplification and processing

• ADAU 1761 Analog Devices audio digital signal processor
• Maximum power: 800 W
• Line level up to 4 V
• 2 × 30 A switching power supply (650 V MOSFET)
• 4 MOSFET 40 A, 220 V
• Input impedances: 16 kΩ (RCA), 20 kΩ (speaker level)

Connectivity

• Stereo speaker-level inputs
• RCA and XLR inputs (stereo, low-frequency effects channel [LFE])
• High-pass filter on RCA, XLR outputs
• 3.5 mm mini-jack
• Delayed 12 V trigger output
• Wi Connect II wireless transmission

App features

• Automatic room correction with external microphone
• Multi-device control via Bluetooth
• Crossover frequency adjustment: 30- 200 Hz
• 5-band parametric equalizer: 20- 200 Hz
• Phase control
• Subsonic filter: 24- 200 Hz
• XLR, RCA high-pass filter: 30- 200 Hz
• 6 user presets

Physical specifications

• Power supply: 100-240 V auto-switched
• Dimensions: 30 × 29 × 29 cm
• Weight: 20 kg