Nubert XW-1200 Review

Test & Technology: Active Subwoofer

When unpacking and setting up the huge, 30-kilogram Nubert nuSub XW-1200, you might briefly wonder whether one of its smaller brothers (it has three) would have sufficed. But anyone who sets up such a machine, with a 12-inch driver, either has a large room or a big hunger for bass. Perhaps this person even operates a home cinema.

Special Features

Let me reveal one special feature of the XW-1200 right away: It offers room calibration in the accompanying X-Room Calibration app. Most of these only work with Apple smartphones because app developers know which microphones Apple uses. Android phones, on the other hand, use countless different ones. Nubert offers the XRC Android Interface for $40: a microphone for the USB port. This way, Android users can also enjoy calibration, bravo! We recommend ordering the interface directly. The adjustment options on the device are manageable: You select the volume and the crossover frequency; you also have the option to activate wireless connectivity. For that, you need the nuConnect trX wireless adapter for $120.

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Technology

The XW-1200 is a down-firing bass reflex subwoofer. The large 30 cm driver is designed for high efficiency and mighty excursion, powered by a 420-watt amplifier. No one in the test field has more cone area and power. The workmanship is good; the feet are height-adjustable. However, the Nubert has a drawback if you want to integrate it into a stereo setup: It is very loud due to its high input sensitivity. Even at the lowest setting, it came a bit to the foreground. But you can order a Monacor attenuator from Nubert; then the issue is off the table. And those who use an AV receiver probably won’t have any problems with it. Once set up, the powerful Nubert played harmoniously with the connected compact speakers and formed an impressive foundation.

CONCLUSION: The Nubert XW-1200 shies away from no task. It masters large rooms, bass-heavy music, and action in the home cinema.

Nubert XW-1200

Active subwoofer in down-firing bass reflex design. Exemplary linear and wide frequency response. Below, room frequency response and distortion at 85 to 100 dBSPL (lower curves): low distortion, transmission characteristics independent of volume level and crossover setting (very good).

-6 dB transmission range at minimum, medium, and maximum low-pass filter setting: 18-50/19-96/20-117 Hz. Maximum level at min., med., and max. crossover setting: 110/109/111 dBSPL. Noteworthy: very high input sensitivity; 90 dBSPL are achieved at the lowest volume with only 165 mV. Power consumption standby/operation (idle): 0.5/13 W. Amplifier power according to the manufacturer: 360/420 W (RMS/Peak).