The MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 Subwoofer is a high-performance, dual-driver subwoofer designed to deliver the deep, tight, and precise bass that audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts crave. Known for its commitment to exceptional sound quality and innovative technology, MartinLogan has once again pushed the boundaries of what is possible in subwoofer design. The BalancedForce 212 takes the company’s expertise in electrostatic speakers and applies it to low-frequency reproduction, ensuring a subwoofer that is both powerful and highly accurate.
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Revolutionary Dual-Driver Design
One of the standout features of the BalancedForce 212 is its unique dual-driver configuration, featuring two 12-inch cone drivers positioned in an opposing layout. This design effectively cancels out the vibrations that can negatively affect sound quality, resulting in a subwoofer that performs with remarkable clarity and precision. The dual-driver system also allows for more efficient and powerful bass output without distortion, making the BalancedForce 212 ideal for both music and home theater applications.
By utilizing two drivers in opposite-facing alignment, the BalancedForce 212 reduces cabinet vibrations and maintains the integrity of the bass signals, producing an unparalleled sound quality in its class. The result is a subwoofer that produces tight, controlled low frequencies that seamlessly integrate with your audio system.
High-Performance Amplification
At the heart of the BalancedForce 212 is a 1000-watt RMS class D amplifier capable of delivering 2,000 watts of peak power. This powerful amplification ensures the subwoofer can reproduce deep, impactful bass without distortion, even at high volumes. The class D amplifier is both highly efficient and compact, providing the necessary power for exceptional low-frequency response while maintaining a small footprint that doesn’t dominate your room.
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Advanced Technology for Superior Bass
The BalancedForce 212 incorporates cutting-edge technology to ensure a smooth, immersive bass experience across a wide range of frequencies. Some of the standout technologies include:
Active Servo Control (ASC)
- The Active Servo Control system is a proprietary technology from MartinLogan that continuously monitors the subwoofer’s output and adjusts the driver’s motion in real time. This results in tighter, more accurate bass reproduction by preventing distortion and maintaining the integrity of the low-frequency signal.
Bass Reflex Port Design
- The BalancedForce 212 features a bass reflex port design, which enhances the low-end performance by improving the efficiency of the subwoofer. This allows the BalancedForce 212 to produce extended bass frequencies while maintaining clarity and minimizing distortion. The port is carefully engineered to optimize airflow, reducing unwanted turbulence and ensuring a smooth bass response.
Room EQ and Fine-Tuning
- For optimal integration into your home environment, the BalancedForce 212 is equipped with automatic room correction and manual tuning controls. The subwoofer features an intuitive onboard EQ that allows for fine-tuning its performance to match the acoustics of the room. With the ability to adjust the crossover frequency, phase, and volume, you can easily dial in the perfect bass response for your setup.
Seamless Integration with Audio Systems
Designed to work in both stereo and home theater systems, the BalancedForce 212 offers versatile connectivity options. It features RCA and XLR inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of amplifiers, receivers, and preamps. The subwoofer also has multiple outputs, allowing you to easily link multiple subwoofers in a distributed bass configuration for even more bass impact and smoothness.
The BalancedForce 212 is engineered to complement high-performance audio systems, whether you’re a critical listener looking for high-fidelity music reproduction or a home theater enthusiast seeking immersive low-frequency effects. The combination of its precise bass reproduction, advanced amplification, and flexible configuration options ensures it will integrate effortlessly into any audio setup.
Elegant and Functional Design
The BalancedForce 212 features a sleek, modern design that will blend well with most home decor. The subwoofer’s compact footprint is balanced with an attractive wood veneer finish, available in black or walnut, making it a stylish addition to any room. Its elegant design ensures that the BalancedForce 212 can be placed in various locations without dominating the space, while the premium finish adds a touch of sophistication to your audio system.
The subwoofer’s dual-driver configuration is housed in a sturdy, well-constructed cabinet designed to minimize resonances and vibrations, ensuring that all of the bass you hear is clean and undistorted.
Performance: Tight, Controlled Bass for Any Genre
Whether you’re listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, the MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 excels at providing deep, precise bass. The dual 12-inch drivers provide extended low-frequency output, ensuring that the subwoofer can handle everything from rumbling movie soundtracks to the delicate bass lines of jazz or classical music.
The BalancedForce 212 is capable of delivering deep bass extension down to 16 Hz, making it suitable for even the most demanding low-end frequencies. Whether you’re enjoying action-packed movies, where deep rumbling effects are crucial, or enjoying high-fidelity music with complex bass notes, the subwoofer ensures that you hear every nuance with clarity.
Pros and Cons of the MartinLogan BalancedForce 212
Pros:
- Dual 12-inch drivers in an opposing configuration for minimal distortion
- 1000-watt RMS class D amplifier with 2,000 watts peak power
- Active Servo Control (ASC) technology for tighter, more accurate bass
- Bass reflex port design for enhanced low-end performance
- Room EQ and manual tuning controls for custom bass adjustments
- Versatile RCA and XLR inputs for easy integration with various audio systems
- Elegant, modern design that complements any room
- Deep bass extension down to 16 Hz for maximum low-frequency impact
Cons:
- Premium price for high-end performance
- Large footprint may not suit smaller spaces
- Manual tuning may require some time to adjust for optimal performance in different room acoustics
Technical Specifications
- Driver Size: Dual 12-inch cone drivers
- Amplifier Power: 1000 watts RMS, 2,000 watts peak
- Frequency Response: 16 Hz to 200 Hz
- Enclosure Type: Bass reflex with opposing driver configuration
- Inputs: RCA (unbalanced), XLR (balanced)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 18″ x 18″ x 18″ (457 mm x 457 mm x 457 mm)
- Weight: 85 lbs (38.5 kg)
- Maximum SPL: 116 dB
Conclusion
The MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 Subwoofer is a high-performance, precision-engineered subwoofer designed to deliver powerful, controlled bass for the most discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts. With its dual-driver configuration, advanced amplification, and cutting-edge technologies like Active Servo Control, the BalancedForce 212 ensures an immersive and accurate low-frequency experience. Whether you’re upgrading your current audio system or building a new one, the BalancedForce 212 will elevate your listening experience to new heights, offering deep, clear bass that seamlessly integrates with your setup.
FAQs for the MartinLogan BalancedForce 212
1. What is unique about the dual-driver design of the BalancedForce 212?
- The BalancedForce 212 uses a dual 12-inch driver configuration with drivers facing each other in an opposing layout. This design minimizes cabinet vibrations and enhances bass accuracy by canceling out unwanted resonances, delivering tight, controlled, and distortion-free bass.
2. What type of amplifier does the BalancedForce 212 use?
- The BalancedForce 212 is powered by a 1000-watt RMS class D amplifier, capable of delivering up to 2,000 watts of peak power. This combination provides the subwoofer with plenty of power to produce deep, impactful bass at any volume.
3. What is the frequency response range of the BalancedForce 212?
- The BalancedForce 212 delivers a frequency response range of 16 Hz to 200 Hz, allowing it to reproduce ultra-low frequencies and seamlessly integrate with your main speakers for both music and home theater use.
4. Does the BalancedForce 212 have room calibration or tuning features?
- Yes, the BalancedForce 212 includes room EQ for automatic calibration and manual tuning options that allow you to adjust the subwoofer’s settings such as volume, phase, and crossover frequency. This ensures the subwoofer performs optimally in your room environment.
5. What inputs are available for the BalancedForce 212?
- The BalancedForce 212 supports both RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced) inputs, making it compatible with a wide range of audio equipment, including AV receivers, amplifiers, and preamps.
6. Can I use the BalancedForce 212 in a home theater setup?
- Absolutely! The BalancedForce 212 is designed for both stereo and home theater use, providing deep bass for movies, TV shows, and music. Its low-frequency extension down to 16 Hz makes it perfect for delivering powerful and immersive bass effects in home theater systems.
7. How large is the MartinLogan BalancedForce 212, and will it fit in my room?
- The BalancedForce 212 has dimensions of 18” x 18” x 18” and weighs approximately 85 lbs. While it is relatively compact for its performance, its dual-driver configuration requires a bit of space for optimal placement. It’s best suited for medium to large rooms but can be placed in various locations depending on your room’s acoustics.
8. Can I connect multiple BalancedForce 212 subwoofers?
- Yes, you can connect multiple BalancedForce 212 subwoofers in a distributed bass setup for an even more powerful and smoother bass experience. This is particularly useful for larger rooms or spaces where additional bass control is needed.
9. What type of materials are used in the construction of the BalancedForce 212?
- The BalancedForce 212 features a solid, high-density MDF cabinet with a premium wood veneer finish available in black or walnut. This construction minimizes vibrations and resonance, ensuring the bass remains clean and distortion-free.
10. Does the BalancedForce 212 have a feature to prevent distortion at high volumes?
- Yes, the BalancedForce 212 incorporates Active Servo Control (ASC), a proprietary technology from MartinLogan that actively monitors and adjusts the subwoofer’s output in real time. This helps to maintain tight, accurate bass even during demanding low-frequency passages, preventing distortion and improving overall performance.
11. What is the maximum SPL of the BalancedForce 212?
- The BalancedForce 212 can produce a maximum SPL (sound pressure level) of 116 dB, providing powerful bass that can easily fill larger rooms and offer high-impact audio for both music and movie soundtracks.
12. What is the recommended placement for the BalancedForce 212 in a room?
- For optimal performance, place the BalancedForce 212 along the front wall of the room, near the main speakers. Experimenting with placement, such as corner-loading or placement along a side wall, can help maximize bass performance based on the room’s acoustics.
13. Does the BalancedForce 212 require a lot of power to operate?
- While the BalancedForce 212 is powered by a 1000-watt RMS amplifier, it is highly efficient and can operate effectively without demanding excessive power. However, for the best results, it should be paired with a high-quality audio system capable of delivering appropriate output.
14. Can I use the BalancedForce 212 for music listening as well as home theater?
- Yes, the BalancedForce 212 is designed to provide tight, controlled bass for music as well as deep, dynamic bass for movies and TV shows. Whether you’re enjoying orchestral bass lines, electronic music, or dramatic sound effects, the subwoofer excels in both situations.
15. Does the BalancedForce 212 have an auto-standby feature?
- Yes, the BalancedForce 212 includes an auto-standby mode that automatically powers down the subwoofer after a certain period of inactivity, helping to conserve energy when not in use.
Specification
Driver Configuration: Dual 12-inch cone drivers in an opposing layout
Amplifier Power: 1000 watts RMS, 2000 watts peak (Class D)
Frequency Response: 16 Hz to 200 Hz
Enclosure Type: Bass reflex with opposing driver configuration
Inputs: RCA (unbalanced), XLR (balanced)
Room Calibration: Automatic Room EQ and manual tuning controls
Maximum SPL (Sound Pressure Level): 116 dB
Dimensions (H x W x D): 18″ x 18″ x 18″ (457 mm x 457 mm x 457 mm)
Weight: 85 lbs (38.5 kg)
Crossover Frequency: Adjustable from 40 Hz to 150 Hz
Phase Control: 0° to 180° adjustable
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz (North America); 230V AC, 50Hz (International)
Finish Options: Black or walnut wood veneer
Auto-Standby Feature: Yes, automatically enters standby mode after a period of inactivity
Low-Frequency Extension: Down to 16 Hz
Distortion: Minimal distortion with Active Servo Control (ASC) technology
Maximum Power Output: 2000 watts peak
