nuSub XW-900

Box type, sound and recommended use

When the nuSub XW-900 delivers its 380 watts of peak power, it massages not only the eardrums, but also the diaphragm. The lower cutoff frequency of 21 hertz touches the lower limit of human hearing. Thus, the nuSub XW-900 is a preferred candidate for demanding home theater installations, where an effective bass reproduction significantly enhances the movie experience. In a sub/sat set, it can help compact bookshelf speakers achieve a bass response on a par with high-quality floorstanding speakers. And thanks to the ease of use of the Nubert X-Remote control app and the optional wireless connection, it is the first choice for modern systems.

Even the middle of the three XW subwoofers is still very compact and presents itself thanks to its downfire design visually pleasing discreet. The nuSub XW-900 owes the extended bass and the more powerful reproduction compared to its smaller brother mainly to the increased volume, the higher power amp output and the larger bass chassis. The 27-centimeter woofer shows impressive performance values, even in continuous use at the highest levels. Thus, a nuSub XW-900 can still support even full-grown floorstanding speakers like the nuPro XS-6000 RC or the nuVero 110 in the sub bass.

Two nuSub XW-900s do even better than one in the living room. Since almost any number of receivers can be supplied in the wireless system of our Nubert X devices, even four subwoofers at the same time are no problem - especially since you enjoy the greatest possible flexibility in the placement thanks to wireless transmission. The transmitter is either an amplifier or active loudspeaker from Nubert's X generation or the nuConnect trX. With this practical wireless module, even older AV receivers or stereo amplifiers can be made fit for the wireless age. Alternatively, the nuSub 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 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

The nuSub XW-900 is an active bass reflex subwoofer in the so-called downfire design. This means that the drivers and bass reflex tube 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-900 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-900 uses a 27-centimeter chassis with an especially long excursion that has been optimized specifically for the requirements of this subwoofer and the downfire design. The wide, flexible surround allows for particularly wide cone excursions. The generously dimensioned drive with double magnet system 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 on the basis of the proven digital amplifiers of the nuPro series and features the same high-quality signal processing and impressive efficiency. With 220 watts nominal or 380 watts music power and highest impulse fidelity, the nuSub XW-900 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!

Steuerung, App und Raumeinmessung

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 XS 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.