We tested the Velodyne Digital Drive Plus 18 subwoofer!

We Tested the Velodyne Digital Drive Plus 18 Subwoofer!

The Velodyne Digital Drive Plus 18 is a DSP-controlled, active reference subwoofer, designed for precision and power in high-end audio systems. Thanks to Digital Drive Plus technology, the subwoofer offers automatic volume control, crossover management, and phase adjustment, enabling seamless integration into virtually any sound system.

With nearly three decades of expertise in subwoofer engineering, Velodyne has developed cutting-edge monitoring technology that sets this model apart. The cone movement is adjusted up to 16,000 times per second, maintaining distortion levels below 0.5%—an exceptional performance standard by any measure.

The internal amplifier operates at over 95% efficiency, delivering virtually all of its energy to produce deep, rich bass. This level of efficiency not only maximizes performance but also promotes ergonomic operation and extended durability.

Digital Drive Plus 18 Model

The Digital Drive Plus 18 subwoofer features a massive 1250 watts of continuous power, with an impressive 3,000 watts of dynamic power, ensuring powerful bass reproduction even at the most demanding volumes.

One of the standout features is the advanced 8-band Auto EQ Plus program, which not only reduces distortions but also provides the most accurate and clean bass response. The auto-calibration system allows the subwoofer to be easily integrated into your existing sound system, whether you’re using it in a home theater or professional audio setup.

Thanks to its extremely low frequency response, the Digital Drive Plus 18 delivers bass that is not just deep but incredibly precise, even at the lowest audible frequencies. Users can also choose to fine-tune the system manually using the 8-band parametric equalizer, which is connected to the subwoofer via USB for direct control via a computer.

Thanks to the High Efficiency Class “D” power amplifier, the Velodyne Digital Drive Plus 18 subwoofer can generate up to nearly 3,000 watts of output power, ensuring incredible performance and deep, clear bass at high volumes.

The digital High-Gain Servo circuit works in tandem with the amplifier to minimize distortions by sampling and calibrating the signal 16,000 times per second, ensuring exceptionally precise and accurate bass reproduction.

The subwoofer, along with the 8-band Auto EQ Plus and DSP room acoustic correction system, offers precise adjustments through the microphone auto calibration program. A standout feature of this subwoofer is its ability to digitally adjust settings while also allowing for manual calibration via a computer, providing more precise control and personalized tuning.

On the front panel of the subwoofer, there is a switchable LED display that indicates the volume mute and phase selection functions, both of which can be controlled via the infrared remote control. Additionally, the subwoofer features a night mode and a dynamic limiter function, offering enhanced flexibility for various environments and listening preferences.

The subwoofer’s high-quality components further contribute to its impressive performance. These include:

• Large cast iron basket drive
• Massive, powerful magnet
• 460 mm Kevlar subwoofer cone housed in a die-cast aluminum frame
• Rohacell composite cones
• Stable, rigid, double-layer MDF housing

These elements work together to ensure resonance-free operation, providing clean, deep bass with exceptional high-performance output.

Advantages and Disadvantages of an Active Subwoofer

An active subwoofer system consists of a built-in amplifier, a filter, and a speaker, offering a compact, efficient solution for low-frequency reproduction. Active subwoofers typically work well in automatic mode, requiring little manual intervention, although the quality and price range of the subwoofer can impact its overall performance and flexibility.

Subwoofers that produce exceptionally high-quality sound are typically found in the higher price range, as the more affordable models often lack the advanced features and performance found in premium systems.

In general, active subwoofers provide smoother sound, with a better bass response than passive models. Furthermore, the advanced settings available in active subwoofers allow for greater precision in sound tailoring, making them an excellent choice for those seeking maximum control over their audio environment.

Sound testing

The subwoofer was tested in a home cinema room, where we could test the performance of the subwoofer with a Pioneer SC LX-901 amplifier and a pair of premium Harman Kardon Citation Tower speakers. Bass traps were placed in the corners of this not-too-large room to avoid the unpleasant disturbing predominance of deeper sounds.

Sound Test

For our testing, we chose the 2019 war movie Midway. The Velodyne Digital Drive Plus 18 delivered accurate, clear, and vibrant sound, with powerful bass that brought the combat scenes to life. The subwoofer’s performance made us feel as though we were right in the middle of the action, immersing us in the experience. By using the manual EQ, we were able to fine-tune the system for a more precise and accurate calibration, perfectly matching the room’s acoustics and the sound system’s characteristics.

We also tested the subwoofer with music, specifically Kygo/Miguel’s song Remind Me to Forget. While the stereo sound was impressive, we felt the dynamics were not always sufficient. At times, the subwoofer’s intensity overshadowed the music, leaving us wanting more musical depth.

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Summary

The Velodyne Digital Drive Plus 18 subwoofer is capable of astonishingly intense and clear bass, and we experienced no distortion even at high volumes. The overall sound is realistic and clear, making it an excellent choice for movie watching. However, we were less satisfied with its dynamics, which is why we recommend this subwoofer primarily for cinematic use. For music listening, we suggest exploring other options that offer more balanced dynamics.

Another downside is the subwoofer’s heavy weight, making it challenging to move around, and the high price may put it out of reach for some buyers. Additionally, the numerous settings and calibration options can sometimes be overwhelming. However, the manually adjustable EQ is a significant advantage, as it allowed us to integrate the subwoofer more precisely into our existing sound system.