nuSub XW-1200

Box type, sound and recommended use

When the best is just good enough, the nuSub XW-1200 is just the right choice. With over 400 watts of impulse power and a lower cut-off frequency of 19 hertz, the largest and most powerful subwoofer in the nuSub series achieves impressive performance values that allow it to master even the most demanding tasks with ease. Whether as a potent effects unit in the home theater, as a soundbar support in a class of its own, in a wireless sub-sat network with compact speakers or as a playing partner of a high-end hi-fi system: the nuSub XW-1200 is recommended wherever the desire for maximum low bass and marrow-shaking bass impulses is awakened.

Thanks to its new amplifier module with higher continuous and music power, generous reserves of the power supply and, above all, its mighty 32-centimeter-diameter woofer driver with ultra-wide excursion, the nuSub XW-1200 unleashes breathtaking low-frequency thunderstorms or underscores living room concerts with harmonious undertones - depending on the application and sound material. In fact, the nuSub XW-1200 even surpasses the performance of the legendary nuLine AW-1100, which has won multiple "Subwoofer of the Year" awards from various trade magazines (see test references).

The nuSub XW-1200 scores with all the advantages of its more compact siblings, including the elegant, living room-friendly downfire design, convenient operation via smartphone app and wireless control via radio link. The transmitter is either an amplifier or active speaker from Nubert's X-generation (e.g. nuConnect ampX, nuXinema preAV, nuPro XS, ...) or the nuConnect trX. With this practical wireless module, even older AV receivers or stereo amplifiers can be made fit for the wireless age. It is even possible to operate several nuSub woofers at the same time to achieve the most even and harmonious low-frequency distribution in the room. Alternatively, the nuSub XW-1200 can simply be connected via the line input.

There are also several options for operation. The crossover frequency and level can be easily set via the rotary control on the back of the subwoofer. Pressing the knob switches between the two functions; the currently selected value is indicated by correspondingly colored LEDs. The control is even easier and graphically clearly presented with the help of our free app Nubert X-Remote for iOS and Android. With the help of the program's calibration function, the subwoofer can even be ideally adjusted to the room acoustics. Droning effects or "bass holes" are reliably reduced. You can find out more about the mobile app in the box below.

This unit can be paired with other X-Platform products via Nubert's X-Connect and X-Connect Surround wireless standards.

Both standards transmit sound data in high resolution, securely and with minimal latency. X-Connect transmits 2 channels at 192 kHz and 24 bits for maximum performance in stereo operation. X-Connect Surround, on the other hand, transmits up to 8 channels at 48 kHz and 24 bits for simple and elegant integration in multi-channel systems.

The speakers of the nuPro X and XS series and the ampX amplifier transmit in the X-Connect standard, as does the nuConnect trX adapter. This can also be used to integrate hi-fi and home theater products from other manufacturers into the wireless network. The soundbase nuPro XS-8500 RC and the AV preamplifier nuXinema preAV transmit in the X-Connect Surround standard.

The models in our nuSub series can therefore be used to effortlessly expand stereo satellite speakers as well as soundboards and home theater systems.

Design principle and housing

The nuSub XW-1200 is designed as an active bass reflex subwoofer in the so-called downfire design. This means that the drivers and bass reflex tubes radiate downwards. Solid feet with height-adjustable spikes ensure distance and a horizontal stand. The special acoustic challenges of this design are mastered, among other things, by the clever use of a digital signal processor - more about this in the section "Control, App and Room Measurement" below.

One of the advantages of the downfire construction principle is the discreet design. As a flat cuboid with gently rounded edges, the XW-1200 elegantly blends into virtually any interior style. The connectors and controls have been discreetly placed on the rear panel. The cabinet is made of robust and acoustically beneficial wood fiber material (MDF) and is finished with a high-quality lacquer in a satin matt finish.

Chassis

The nuSub XW-1200 uses a newly developed 32-centimeter chassis with an especially long stroke. Inspiration and starting point was the driver of the legendary nuLine AW-1100, which was optimized in the course of elaborate test series for the requirements of this new subwoofer and the downfire design. A wide, flexible surround enables particularly wide diaphragm excursions. The generously dimensioned drive with double magnet system has a high efficiency and can generate enormous sound pressures with the lowest possible distortion. To increase the load capacity in continuous use, all critical components have been thermally optimized. A final equalization is performed by the integrated signal processor, which controls the chassis in every playback situation in the best possible way.

Amplifier module

The power amplifier of the nuSub woofers is based on the proven digital amplifiers of the nuPro series and features the same high-quality signal processing and impressive efficiency. The power supply of the nuSub XW-1200 has been further developed and improved over the models in the nuSub XW-700 and 900, providing significantly more impulse and continuous power. The output filters have also been adjusted for the increased output power. With 360 watts nominal or 420 watts of music power and the highest impulse fidelity, the nuSub XW-1200 gives impressive bass performances in larger listening rooms. All settings are managed by the built-in Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

Optional wireless operation

The subwoofers in the nuSub series have a line input that allows them to be connected to standard receivers and amplifiers with a sub output using a Y-cable. Alternatively, each subwoofer can also receive sound signals wirelessly. Either our amplifiers nuConnect ampX and nuXinema preAV or a master speaker from the nuPro X and XS series (for example a nuPro XS-4000 or also the soundbar nuPro XS-8500) are recommended as sending stations. With the nuConnect trx, we also offer a transmitter module that can be used to make conventional receivers fit for the wireless age. The radio range is typically around 15 meters. The possibilities are endless!

Control, app and room calibration

As an alternative to the knob on the subwoofer, the free Nubert X-Remote app for iOS and Android can also be used. The use of the app is particularly recommended for complex operating procedures, as it presents advanced functions such as the definition of the crossover frequency in a particularly clear manner. The program automatically adapts the menu interface to the equipment of the respective connected device. A speaker from the nuPro X series offers different functions than, for example, the integrated amplifier nuConnect ampX.

The app's advanced features include bass equalization, which enables optimal low-frequency reproduction at the listening position and reliably minimizes dreaded room modes. The application is very easy to use: Start the app, connect to the nuSub and navigate to the X-Room Calibration entry via the main menu in the upper left corner. Now follow the instructions of the app to start the calibration. To do this, simply play and record the test signal (white noise) for a few seconds; the process is largely automatic. The smartphone or tablet then calculates the best possible tuning curve from the played back test signal and then transmits this to the subwoofer's Digital Signal Processor (DSP), where the calibration is permanently stored. The calibration can be stored in one of the preset locations so that a comparison between activated optimization and unchanged playback is possible at any time. The X-Room Calibration function can be used in parallel with the other sound settings.

Attention: For technical reasons, the calibration only works with current iOS devices without additional accessories. Android smartphones and tablets do not provide reliable measurement results due to the large number of microphones used with different parameters. The solution is the optional Nubert XRC Android Interface: a compact plug-in module that connects to the USB input (type C) of the mobile device and gives the X-Remote app access to a precise measurement microphone and a sophisticated analog-to-digital converter. This handy USB dongle can be used to accurately capture the XRC system's measurement tone or room response, and then the app can calculate the optimal correction curve and transmit it to the signal processor. More information about the application can be found in the manual.

More info in technology

For all technically interested music and home cinema lovers who are not put off by hard facts and metrological details, Günther Nubert's "Technik satt" offers plenty of technical correlations and electro-acoustic background knowledge as well as the topic of sound optimization and insights into the development and history of Nubert loudspeakers and devices.