Velodyne has been showcasing its EQ MAX line of subwoofers at recent audio shows, and it looks like they have a winner on their hands. Famous for their innovative solutions for subwoofers, Velodyne Acoustics has launched many game-changing designs and technologies. Their 9â MicroVee continues be among the best rated products in the small subwoofers segment, and their Digital Drive Room Equalization system set new benchmarks for the entire audio industry. With the EQ-MAX already starting to win awards like the CE Pro Best Product of 2011, it is a matter of time before this subwoofer line becomes the talk of the town.
Features:
The EQ-MAX comes in 4 models named after their sizes, the EQ-MAX8, the EQ-MAX10, the EQ-MAX12, and the EQ-MAX15; the numbers indicating the speaker size in inches. This series uses a digital Class D amplifier, thereby eliminating all issues with heat and energy wastage. There are four custom built extended excursion drivers with vented pole pieces. The two layered copper winding on the voice coil is matched with powerful magnets that range from 4.66 pounds for the EQ-MAX8 to 10 pounds for the EQ-MAX15. The EQ-MAX series comes with a single touch remote control with a panel on the front of the sub for visible feedback. Along with a microphone that is part of the kit, this lets you use the Digital Drive Room Equalization technology to get a perfect soundstage and positioning through automated equalizer settings for your room with a single touch on the remote. It comes in black or cherry wood finish.
Functionality:
The EQ-MAX line offers the best in class functionality with an affordable price tag. The room equalization feature has been a big hit, with one touch automated settings with the help fo the microphone and the remote. The Subwoofer Direct feature lets your sub get the pure LFE channel output to your ears, thereby giving you unadulterated audio performance. The Distortion Limiting System uses digital logic to get the maximum output from the amp and the woofer motor without overdrive artifacts to give you cleaner and deeper bass impact.
High points:
The automated Digital Drive Room Equalization feature reads your room environment and sets your subwoofer to optimum performance levels. All you have to do is place the microphone where you will be sitting and listening or watching, and the computer circuitry in the speaker does the rest for you. The remote also has a number of other functions, including the ability to access phase adjustment to change crossover levels. The speaker cabinets use a down-firing ported design, helping eliminate porting distortion and enhancing bass impact. The wide 40-135hz cross over range allows you to plug this sub into all speaker systems. The crossover level can be adjusted easily to match with your speaker system presets. The reasonable price point for a subwoofer with all these features also deserves to be included in a list of high points.
Shortcomings:
With in-store availability scheduled for September 2011, it is too early to comment on shortcomings of this line of subs. If earlier similar makes are any indication to go by, even the lower end of the range may be too powerful for small rooms. The high end but simple room equalization feature has tended to be eclipsed by a complicated setup process in previous Digital Drive models.
Price: The entry level EQ-MAX8 is priced at $479, the EQ-MAX10 at $579, the EQ-MAX12 at $679, and the top end EQ-MAX15 is at $979.
