Description
MartinLogan Abyss 8 active subwoofer
Abyss™ Series
Nearly 20 years ago, MartinLogan revolutionized audio with the introduction of the original Abyss subwoofer – a powerhouse that redefined the standard for deep bass. This iconic subwoofer was a larger, more powerful version of the highly acclaimed Dynamo model. Today, the Abyss series returns, continuing that tradition with a new approach.
Abyss™ 8 – Compact yet impressive bass reproduction
The Abyss™ 8 is one of MartinLogan’s smallest and most compact subwoofers, but don’t let its small size fool you – it delivers bass you wouldn’t expect from such a small device. Its impressively powerful and detailed sound is powered by a Hybrid Woofer System that combines an active 8” woofer with two 8” passive radiators to deliver deeper and more dynamic bass.
This innovative speaker system is powered by a powerful amplifier and precise DSP engine , housed in a durable and stylish 1-inch thick enclosure . The Abyss 8's impressive performance is complemented by a wide range of connections, including XLR and built-in wireless connectivity .
For easy setup and adjustment, the Abyss 8 includes MartinLogan's intuitive control app and is also compatible with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) system.
Seamless combination
Top-notch sound quality and elegant design
MartinLogan subwoofers combine uncompromising performance with a design that blends seamlessly into your home, delivering both musicality and cinematic dynamics in a compact form factor. Like all MartinLogan subwoofers, the Abyss series is designed to work with any speaker system. However, its construction has been specifically optimized to match the speed and precision of the exotic thin-film technologies used in MartinLogan speakers.
Hybrid Woofer System – Compact and powerful bass
The Abyss 8 is not your average 8” subwoofer. It utilizes a unique 8” Hybrid Woofer System that combines an active 8” aluminum woofer with two 8” aluminum passive radiators . This innovative design combines the efficiency of a ported subwoofer with the tight, controlled bass response of a sealed subwoofer, without the compromises of larger enclosures or port noise.
The Abyss 8's custom aluminum cones are engineered for top-notch performance using advanced Klippel analysis . Aluminum's lightness, strength, and excellent thermal conductivity make it the perfect material to deliver clean, powerful bass in this ultra-compact subwoofer.
Magnitude® MT-1 Amplifier – Powerful and Precise Sound Control
The Abyss 8's small but powerful Hybrid Woofer System can handle significant amounts of power. MartinLogan's advanced Magnitude MT-1kW amplifier delivers up to 1000W peak power (500W RMS) , ensuring impressive dynamics and seamless musicality.
Magnitude amplifiers are designed to deliver their power reserves with extremely low distortion , ensuring the sound quality remains as precise as possible even at high volumes. Ensuring complete control over the Abyss 8’s long-throw 8” Hybrid Woofer System , the MT-1kW amplifier helps deliver intense and immersive sound through this ultra-compact subwoofer.
Advanced Vojtko DSP Engine: A New Level of Subwoofer Performance
Abyss subwoofers utilize the state-of-the-art, ultra-precise Vojtko DSP engine , named after MartinLogan's chief engineer , Joe Vojtko . This 500 MHz DSP processor with 64-bit processing is like a conductor, controlling all of the subwoofer's functions in real time.
The Vojtko DSP's enormous computing power enables extremely precise performance tuning for maximum power and sound quality , while maintaining complete sonic transparency. It also enables wireless app control, integrated wireless signal interface, and advanced DSP functions .
Thanks to the computing power of this advanced DSP engine , Abyss subwoofers are fully compatible with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) system , which optimizes bass performance based on the acoustics of your room.
Built-in Wireless Connectivity
While proper subwoofer placement is key to achieving optimal performance, routing cables to the desired location can be challenging. Abyss subwoofers offer complete convenience with a built-in wireless receiver and transmitter , making installation easy and eliminating cable clutter.
This wireless system guarantees lossless signal transmission and low latency , so even the most demanding audiophiles can enjoy pure, lag-free bass reproduction without compromise.
Robust Connectivity
In addition to built-in wireless connectivity, the Abyss 8 offers exceptionally versatile wired connectivity options .
Equipped with RCA and XLR LFE inputs , stereo RCA inputs , speaker level inputs , and a Sub Out connection , the Abyss 8 can be effortlessly integrated into even the most complex sound systems .
Additionally, it supports simultaneous connections , giving the user even more flexibility in combining different audio sources.
Less Vibration, Better Bass
Strong, clear bass is an essential part of impressive audio performance. The Abyss 8 subwoofer's integrated anti-vibration feet enhance bass precision while reducing floor and wall vibrations.
By reducing energy transfer from the subwoofer to the floor , unwanted room vibrations and resonances are eliminated , resulting in cleaner bass reproduction and improved sound clarity .
Abyss 8 also offers an alternative for acoustic room renovations , as its vibration-damping properties can help reduce sound transmission to adjacent rooms.
Additionally, optional carpet feet are included, which allow for even more stable installation on carpeted floors.
Fine-tune Your Subwoofer Settings
With MartinLogan's Handy App
The easiest and most convenient way to adjust your subwoofer is with MartinLogan's Subwoofer Control app, available for iOS and Android devices .
The app lets you adjust volume, DSP mode, phase settings and many other settings right from your seat, giving you complete control and allowing you to easily tune your subwoofer to match your listening environment.
Optimized Bass
With the award-winning Anthem Room Correction system
Abyss 8 is compatible with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) system. This advanced software measures the subwoofer's performance in your room and performs individual equalization, tuning, and calibration to ensure the most accurate and impactful bass reproduction in your system.
To use the ARC® system, you need an ARC® calibration microphone and a PC or Mac computer (sold separately).
Stylish and Powerful
Top-notch performance and timeless design
The Abyss 8 combines compact size and impressive performance with a sleek design. The subwoofer is available in an exclusive gloss black finish . Its deep, mirror-like finish is complemented by a gunmetal-toned bezel around the drivers, creating an elegant and timeless look.
MartinLogan's unique grille mounting system uses no visible fasteners, ensuring a clean and seamless appearance both with and without the grille.
Specifications
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Digital signal processing
- Ultra-precise 500 MHz Vojtko DSP engine , 64-bit processing
Frequency response
- 23–120 Hz ±3 dB (anechoic measurement via LFE input)
Woofer
-
Triple 8" (20.3 cm) Hybrid Woofer System with:
- Single high-trajectory anodized aluminum cone on stamped steel body
- Two anodized aluminum cone passive radiators
Housing
-
Precision-machined closed MDF enclosure with:
- 1-inch thick MDF construction
- Reinforced element baffles and central support
Amplifier
-
Magnitude MT-1kW amplifier
- 1,000 W peak power
- 500 W continuous power
Controls (rear panel)
- Level: Interactive LED backlit controller
- Tone Sweep: Start and pause adjustment (status light included)
- Power settings: On, 12V trigger, Auto
- Wireless audio pairing button (includes MartinLogan transmitter)
Controls (via Bluetooth)
- Level: -40 dB – +12 dB (Min–Max)
- Low-pass filter (frequency): 35–120 Hz (1° steps)
- Low-pass filter (slope): Bypass, third order, fourth order
- Phase: 0–180° (1° steps)
- Phase polarity: Normal, reversed
- Preset listening modes: Movie, Music, Night mode
- 20–30 Hz level: ±10 dB
- Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis): On, Off
- Tone Sweep (120–20 Hz): On, Off, Pause (frequency)
Wireless inputs
- Built-in wireless receiver
- Wireless transmitter included
Connections
- Line level: Left, Right and LFE
- XLR: LFE
- Speaker level: Left and Right (requires banana plugs)
Power consumption
- Maximum: 500 W
- Standby (wireless off): 0.5 W
-
Standby (wireless on): <2 W
- Transmitter and subwoofer combined
Feet
- Integrated vibration-damping structure
- Carpet felt spikes included
Weight
- 21.2 kg
Dimensions (H x W x D)
- 34.3cm x 33.5cm x 33.5cm
Finish
- Glossy black or satin white