nuSub XW-800 slim

Box type, sound and recommended use

The nuSub XW-800 slim is the most flexible subwoofer in the Nubert range. Because it is designed to be particularly space-saving and low and can be operated both horizontally and upright, the nuSub XW-800 slim finds a place wherever an ordinary woofer will not fit. Despite its compact dimensions, the lowest and most elegant Nubert subwoofer develops an amazing bass pressure and gives living room concerts or movie nights an impressive low bass. In addition, the versatile everywhere woofer scores with exactly the same strengths as its big siblings, including convenient app operation or optional wireless control. This makes the nuSub XW-800 slim the optimal choice for ultra-compact sub-sat sets or small but sophisticated home theater systems.

What makes the nuSub XW-800 slim so unique is its special design: narrow and squat, the bass reflex port on the side, the wide deflecting 22-centimeter chassis at the bottom. Two sturdy metal rails provide the necessary distance to the ground, which can serve not only as feet, but also for wall mounting. Thus, the compact bassist can be used either lying or upright, variably positioned or permanently installed: under the chair, behind the shelf, or even attached to the wall behind the TV. The automatic calibration with the smartphone app guarantees that the woofer always optimally exploits its sound potential in any position.

The nuSub XW-800 slim relies on the same potent amplifier electronics as the nuSubs XW-700 and XW-900 and offers the same setup and connection options. In addition to the classic cable connection, this includes optional wireless control with speakers from the nuPro X series or with the nuConnect trX transmitter module (more info in the box below). This allows the XW-800 slim to be used particularly discreetly: Power connection is enough, the connection to the AV receiver is simply by radio. The chassis is a further development of the proven driver of the XW-700 and provides powerful, driving bass lines up to 36 Hertz (at -3 decibels). It can be operated either via a simple rotary control on the connection panel or conveniently via the Nubert X-Remote app. With an Android or iOS smartphone, you can also use the X-Room Calibration app, which optimizes the bass reproduction for the room conditions - more on this 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 mode. 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 transmit in the X-Connect standard, as does the nuConnect trX adapter. This can also be used to integrate hi-fi and home cinema products from other manufacturers into the wireless network. The nuPro XS-8500 RC soundbase and the nuXinema preAV AV preamplifier 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

Der nuSub XW-800 slim ist als aktiver Bassreflex-Subwoofer in der sogenannten Downfire-Bauweise ausgeführt. Das bedeutet, das Chassis strahlt zum Boden hin ab; der Bassreflexport ist seitlich ausgeführt. Weil der nuSub XW-800 slim besonders flach und kompakt konstruiert ist, lässt er sich an Stellen und in Wohnsituationen einsetzen, die einem gewöhnlichen Subwoofer keinen Platz bieten, beispielsweise unter oder hinter einem Sitzmöbel. Wahlweise kann der nuSub XW-800 slim auch aufrecht betrieben werden, dann verändert sich die Ausrichtung des Treibers und der Reflexöffnung entsprechend. In jeder Position sorgen zwei Metallschienen für den optimalen Abstand zur jeweiligen Grenzfläche. Mithilfe von Schlüssellochaufhängungen an diesen Leisten lässt sich der Subwoofer auch an der Wand befestigen. Hierbei ist unbedingt darauf zu achten, dass der Untergrund das Gewicht des Subwoofers trägt und den übertragenen Vibrationen Stand hält.

Chassis

The nuSub XW-800 slim relies on a 20-centimeter chassis with extra-long stroke, which has been optimized specifically for the requirements of this subwoofer and the most powerful reproduction possible. The wide, flexible surround allows for particularly wide diaphragm excursions. The generously dimensioned drive has a high efficiency and can generate high sound pressures with the lowest possible distortion. Additional equalization is provided by the integrated signal processor, which optimally controls the chassis in every reproduction situation.

Amplifier module

The power amplifier of the nuSub woofers was designed based on the proven digital amplifiers of the nuPro series and features the same high-quality signal processing and impressive efficiency. With 180 watts nominal and 250 watts music power respectively and highest impulse fidelity, the nuSub XW-800 slim gives impressive bass performances in small to medium listening rooms. Compared to the nuSub XW-700, the XW-800 slim plays slightly less low, but reaches higher levels. 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 using on-board tools. 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.