MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 Active Subwoofer Gloss Black

Building on the groundbreaking technology of the original Descent, the BalancedForce 212 incorporates new features and enhancements that simplify system integration while improving performance. Its dual-driver, force-cancelling configuration virtually eliminates cabinet resonance with bass blur. And each rugged aluminum-cone driver is driven by sophisticated, high-powered, DSP-based amplifiers. The result is dynamic, unrestrained output at the lowest frequencies, but with clarity and definition approaching that of electrostatic transducers.

Next-Generation Subwoofer

Chances are, you’ve probably read or heard that adding a subwoofer to a system built around electrostatic speakers is nearly impossible. While this isn’t necessarily true (and we have the subwoofers to prove it), the idea is based on experience. For many years, subwoofers and electrostats didn’t mix very well. Fire up the sub and you may have the deeper, stronger bass you were looking for, but that wonderful electrostatic snap and midrange clarity is, if not gone, now tainted and disconnected.

Our goal when we began our first subwoofer project was to deliver the good stuff - deep, tight, powerful bass - and none of the bad. We wanted to build subwoofers that, when combined with ultra-fast electrostatics or conventional cones, would blend seamlessly into the bottom end of the frequency extremes. BalancedForce subwoofers are the culmination of years of MartinLogan engineering, combined with the latest innovations in advanced digital signal processing, amplification, electrical design, and room correction.

Opposing Aluminum Woofers or Deep, Clean Bass

The dual low-distortion woofers pair a high-power magnet structure with 10- and 12-inch aluminum cone diaphragms to deliver massive excursion and audio output, while preserving subtle bass details—all without a hint of distortion. The extraordinary damping properties of the cone material ensure the smooth, non-resonant response needed for seamless blending with high-resolution full-range speakers.

These woofers, spaced 180 degrees apart in a "BalancedForce" configuration, operate in exact opposition to cancel out the distortion that causes cabinet vibrations and deliver pure bass energy. Conventional subwoofers experience an equal and opposite reaction to the cone movement, generating acoustic vibrations within the cabinet. You can feel it when you touch the cabinet. While the "physics" of this phenomenon cause a subwoofer cabinet to resonate or even dance, most subwoofer designers apply weight or mass to the cabinet to minimize these disturbances, but still leave a "bass-smeared" byproduct. BalancedForce is an elegant and simple solution that removes the variable of cabinet vibration contributions from the acoustic equation.

Amplifier Design - Advanced Ultra-Efficient Class D Amplifier

BalancedForce subwoofers pair powerful proprietary switching amplifiers with incredible woofer drivers, resulting in tight bass while keeping distortion at the lowest possible levels. The BalancedForce 210 features an 850-watt Class D switching amplifier capable of reaching a peak of 1700 watts with over 90% efficiency. BalancedForce 212 features two 850-watt amplifiers (one for each woofer) for a total system power of 1700-watts (3400-watt system peak).

The low-noise, high-power transformers and switching power supplies feature high-quality MOSFET transistors, noise suppression networks and control circuitry to deliver massive levels of current with extremely low distortion. Separate power rails minimize distortion while maximizing switching efficiency. Glass-epoxy circuit boards, temperature sensors and military-grade protection circuitry ensure quality sound and reliable, trouble-free operation.

PBK Room Correction and 25Hz Level Control

While proper placement plays a key role in optimizing subwoofer performance, subwoofer placement often requires compromise. The optional MartinLogan Perfect Bass Kit (PBK, sold separately) uses a computer and microphone to listen to the entire listening environment and tailor the sub's performance to a room's unique acoustic properties, resulting in powerful, clean bass all the way down to the lowest frequencies.

Additionally, a built-in 25Hz level control lets listeners adjust the subwoofer's output by ±10dB and compensate for excessive room gain by cutting output in the 20 to 30Hz range, or accentuate the energetic feel of intense bass by boosting those frequencies.

Custom Low-Pass Filters for Individual Speaker Models

Custom low-pass filters are available for nearly every MartinLogan floorstander released over the past 30 years. These optional custom filters adjust the subwoofer's low-pass settings to perfectly match the roll-off characteristics of individual speaker models. The filters are easily installed via an intuitive process involving a USB thumb drive and are available as a free download. Many unique filters are currently available, and additional filters will be added as new speakers are released.

Beautiful Finishes

Gloss black cabinets and top trim are standard. The top trim is available in a variety of optional high-gloss, solid wood, and real wood finishes.

Sealed Cabinets

While ports are a convenient and cost-effective way to increase low-frequency output, their reliance on resonant energy impairs bass quality. The sealed BalancedForce subwoofer system exhibits less transient blurring group delay while maintaining a smooth, consistent response, regardless of music or movie source material.

Multiple Input Options Simultaneous LFE and 2-channel Connections for Seamless System Integration

Robust connection and control systems allow simultaneous connection of 2-channel stereo music and multi-channel home theater, and allow each source to have individual crossover and level settings, giving listeners perfect performance in every application. The LFE input via RCA or XLR effectively does not use the low-pass filter, leaving crossover control to the processor. The RCA, XLR, and left and right speaker level inputs integrate custom, user-adjustable or speaker-specific audiophile-grade low-pass filters, allowing for different levels and crossover points when playing two-channel music.

Top-Mounted Controls

The top-mounted controls are discreetly hidden beneath a smoked glass accent panel that allows for easy access to fine-tune subwoofer settings.

Unlimited Adjustments

Access the top-mounted control panel by firmly pushing down on the smoked glass panel. You'll find all the standard subwoofer controls such as Level, Low-Pass Filter, and Phase, plus a few that are unique to MartinLogan.

A unique Tone Scan feature helps users locate areas in listening rooms where annoying noises or resonances may occur. A single press of a button allows listeners to initiate a 120-20Hz tone sweep. If a rattle or resonance occurs in the room, a second press of the button maintains the current frequency allowing the listener to investigate and identify the source.

An "On/Auto (Trigger)/Off" switch controls the subwoofer's power saving function. The "On" setting prevents the sub from entering power saving mode. When set to 'Auto (Trigger)', the sub will turn on when a music signal is detected and turn off after a few minutes without a signal. If a 12-volt trigger is connected, the trigger turns the subwoofer on and off.

Additional flexibility is provided by the custom Energy Transfer Coupler (ETC™) spikes, which can improve stability on thick carpets or create a tighter coupling between the subwoofer and the floor for improved overall sound quality.

SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency response: 18Hz – 200Hz.

Optimal positioning via microphone and computer with the optional Perfect Bass Kit (PBK).

All adjustments, volume, cutoff frequency, etc. are positioned on top, under a glass door.

Line and LFE inputs both RCA and XLR.

High level L and R inputs.

12V trigger.

Weight: 140 lbs (63.5 kg)

Dimensions: 57.4 cm x 57.4 cm x 58.2 cm