Velodyne MiniVee X piano black

Velodyne MiniVee X: An Ultra-Compact and Powerful Subwoofer

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

Its enclosure is entirely made of MDF and benefits from internal reinforcements for optimal rigidity. The glossy black lacquer finish gives it a refined aesthetic. The two 20 cm speakers are positioned on the sides and encircled by a discreet decorative ring.

An Original Acoustic Configuration

The MiniVee X adopts an uncommon architecture combining an active speaker and a passive radiator. This arrangement reduces cabinet vibrations and achieves highly precise bass. The membranes of the two transducers offer a long excursion to move a large volume of air, ensuring a high output level.

The active speaker is driven 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 of less than 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. Combined with the 20 cm speakers, it allows the subwoofer to achieve a frequency response down to 32 Hz at -3 dB with an extension to 26 Hz at -6 dB. Deep and well-controlled bass is thus guaranteed.

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 is equipped with all the necessary inputs and outputs to integrate into any setup. It features 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 more flexibility, a 12V trigger input and output on a 3.5 mm mini-jack are provided for automatic on/off. The subwoofer is also equipped with a Bluetooth chip to communicate with the mobile calibration app. A USB port provides power for a potential Wi-Connect II wireless transmission module.

Automated Acoustic Calibration with the Mobile App

One of the highlights of the MiniVee X is its calibration capabilities via the free Velodyne Acoustics AutoEQ app, available on iOS and Android. Using the supplied measurement microphone that 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 the performance in the low frequencies. Several parametric equalization profiles are customizable. The app also provides access to the classic settings of volume, phase, and filtering. A practical solution to get the best out of the subwoofer without being an acoustics expert.

Precise and Impactful Sound Despite a Compact Size

Despite its compact size, the MiniVee X delivers impressive sound performance. While it may not be among the most powerful subwoofers in its category, it stands out for its precision and speed. The bass is tight, controlled, and perfectly defined. It naturally integrates with the rest of the spectrum without dragging or unwanted resonance.

The bass is well-present and adds extra depth and foundation to compact speakers. However, it remains perfectly proportioned, without masking the midrange. The automatic calibration greatly facilitates the placement of the subwoofer and its alignment 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 with screw terminals to connect directly to the speaker outputs of an amplifier. Line outputs are also available for signal routing to other subwoofers.

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

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

How does the MiniVee X’s acoustic calibration system work?

The subwoofer comes with a measurement microphone that connects to a dedicated mini-jack input. Through the free Velodyne Acoustics AutoEQ mobile app, you can initiate an acoustic analysis of the room. The DSP integrated into the subwoofer then automatically applies frequency response correction to optimize the subwoofer’s output. Parametric equalization profiles are customizable within 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 the subwoofer’s vibrations. Indeed, the forces acting on the two transducers cancel each other out. This results in highly precise bass without unwanted cabinet resonance. This configuration also allows for moving a large volume of air for high bass levels despite the compact dimensions of this subwoofer.

Technical Specifications

Main Features

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

Acoustic System

• Dual 20.32 cm drivers (active and passive) with force cancellation
• Maximum excursion: 22 mm
• Voice coil: 5.08 cm, high-purity copper, 4 layers
• Oversized ferrite magnet motor
• 10.16 cm cotton-polyester composite spider
• Stamped steel basket with dual vent
• 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 MOSFETs 40 A, 220 V
• Input impedances: 16 kΩ (RCA), 20 kΩ (high-level speaker)

Connectivity

• Stereo high-level inputs
• RCA and XLR inputs (stereo, low-frequency effects [LFE] channel)
• High-pass filter on RCA, XLR outputs
• 3.5 mm mini-jack
• Timed 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
• High-pass filter XLR, RCA: 30-200 Hz
• 6 user presets

Physical Specifications

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