Description
MartinLogan BalancedForce 212 active subwoofer
BalancedForce® Series Subwoofers
The perfect pair for electrostatic speakers
BalancedForce® Series subwoofers are engineered with precision and speed to complement the dynamic sound of electrostatic speakers. These subwoofers combine cutting-edge low-frequency technology with an ultra-rugged construction to deliver effortless, deep bass – just as deep as you want it to go.
BalancedForce 212 – A new generation subwoofer with precision and power
The BalancedForce 212 builds on the groundbreaking technology of the original Descent model, but introduces new features and enhancements that simplify system integration and improve performance.
The subwoofer's dual-driver design virtually eliminates cabinet resonance, which can obscure bass reproduction. Each custom-made, durable aluminum cone driver is powered by advanced, DSP-controlled high-power amplifiers that deliver dynamic, unrestricted bass reproduction – extending to the very low end.
The result is bass reproduction that combines power and precision, approaching the clarity and resolution of electrostatic sound sources.
High-performance subwoofers – The perfect balance between power and precision
You may have heard the argument that it is almost impossible to pair a subwoofer with electrostatic speakers. This idea is based on years of experience – in the past, subwoofers and electrostatic speakers did not blend well together. A subwoofer could bring much-needed depth and power to the bass, but at the same time the speed and midrange accuracy of electrostatic speakers could suffer.
Our goal was to retain the excellent characteristics of electrostatic speakers and combine them with deep, tight and powerful bass reproduction – without compromise.
BalancedForce® Technology – Deep, clean and precise bass
Opposite-directional aluminum cone drivers – Dynamic and distortion-free bass
BalancedForce® subwoofers feature two precision-engineered, low-vibration woofers that utilize an efficient magnet structure and 10- or 12-inch aluminum cone diaphragms. These features allow the subwoofer to deliver deep, detailed, and powerful bass without disturbing distortion. The aluminum cone material’s exceptional damping properties ensure a smooth, resonance-free response that blends perfectly with high-resolution speakers.
BalancedForce 212 – An innovative solution for resonance elimination
The BalancedForce 212 features drivers positioned 180 degrees apart, operating in perfect anti-phase. This design eliminates disruptive cabinet vibrations that can blur bass response and cause inaccuracy in traditional subwoofers.
In conventional subwoofers, the movement of the driver creates an opposing reaction that causes acoustic vibrations and even movement in the enclosure, resulting in "messy" bass. Most manufacturers try to mitigate this phenomenon by adding weight to the enclosure, but this does not completely eliminate the problem.
BalancedForce technology offers a simple and effective solution – it eliminates cabinet vibrations from the acoustic equation, leaving only pure, accurate and powerful bass energy.
Advanced and highly efficient Class D amplifier technology
BalancedForce subwoofers combine powerful, specially designed switching amplifiers with top-of-the-line woofers to deliver tight, well-defined bass with minimal distortion.
- The BalancedForce 210 features an 850-watt Class D switching amplifier with an instantaneous peak power of 1700 watts and an efficiency of over 90%.
- The BalancedForce 212 takes performance even further – featuring two 850-watt amplifiers (one for each woofer) for a combined continuous power of 1,700 watts and a peak power of 3,400 watts.
Designed for maximum performance and reliability
BalancedForce subwoofers utilize low-noise, high-power transformers and switching power supplies with:
- High-quality MOSFET transistors
- Noise filtering networks
- Precise control circuit that ensures extremely high current and minimal distortion
Separate, shared power rails reduce distortion and optimize switching efficiency, while military-grade glass-epoxy PCBs, thermal sensors, and protection circuitry ensure reliable, trouble-free operation and long-lasting, high-quality sound.
PBK room correction and 25 Hz level control
While subwoofer placement is a key factor in optimizing performance, placing it in the ideal location isn't always possible. MartinLogan's Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) (sold separately) offers a solution to this challenge:
- The PBK system uses a computer and microphone to measure the behavior of sound in different parts of the listening space.
- Based on the analysis, the subwoofer's playback is adapted to the room's acoustics, ensuring clean and powerful bass reproduction right down to the lowest frequencies.
Additionally, the built-in 25 Hz level control allows for:
- Fine-tuning of subwoofer power consumption within a ±10 dB range.
Compensates for room bass gain by cutting frequencies between 20 and 30 Hz. - Emphasizing deep bass energy if you want a stronger sense of low frequencies.
- This combination ensures that the subwoofer plays optimally in any space, without interference from room acoustics.
Custom low-pass filters for individual speaker models
MartinLogan offers custom low-pass filters for nearly every floor model it has released over the past 30 years.
- Perfect Compatibility – Filters optimize subwoofer settings to match the attenuation curve of each speaker model.
- Easy installation – The user can install the filters using a USB flash drive quickly and easily.
- Free download – A wide range of filters available, with more being added all the time as new speaker models are released.
This innovation ensures that the subwoofer blends perfectly with the MartinLogan speaker system, providing a unified, seamless sound experience.
Stylish finishing options
BalancedForce subwoofers are designed to be elegant and ultra-stylish, so they blend seamlessly into any interior.
These carefully selected materials and finishes combine timeless design with cutting-edge performance to make the subwoofer not only an audible but also a visible part of your home theater or hi-fi system.
Closed enclosures – cleaner and more accurate bass
Many subwoofers utilize reflex tubes (ports) to enhance bass reproduction, but this solution based on resonant energy can degrade bass quality.
- Smooth and controlled bass reproduction – BalancedForce subwoofers use a closed-box design, which ensures a faster, more precise and more natural bass response.
- Less Delay and Distortion – A closed system minimizes transient blurring and maintains audio purity.
- Versatile performance – Whether you're listening to music or watching movies, playback remains dynamic and precise without overly pronounced bass resonance.
BalancedForce subwoofers deliver an intense and controlled bass experience that blends perfectly with high-resolution speakers.
Top control panel – easy and discreet adjustment
The BalancedForce subwoofer's controls are elegantly hidden beneath a frosted glass panel, offering:
- Easy-access settings – Adjust volume, crossover frequency, and phase settings effortlessly.
- Discreet design – The control panel blends seamlessly into the subwoofer's sleek finish.
- Convenient placement – No need to crouch or move the device to change settings.
These intuitive controls allow you to fine-tune the bass response to perfectly match your room acoustics and your listening habits.
Unlimited Adjustments – Complete Control Over Bass Reproduction
The BalancedForce subwoofer's state-of-the-art control panel offers a variety of control options for fine-tuning the sound and optimizing the listening environment.
- Top control panel – Lightly press the frosted glass panel to access all settings.
- Traditional controls – Volume, Low-Pass Filter, and Phase.
- Exclusive Frequency Sweep – Easily locates resonances and vibrations in a room (120-20 Hz). One press starts the sweep and another holds the frequency to identify problem areas.
With this high-tech subwoofer, you can fine-tune the bass response to perfection and ensure it blends seamlessly into your surroundings.
Specifications
Frequency response
18–120 Hz ±3dB; measured in anechoic condition via LFE jack
Impedance
RCA: 10,000 ohms
XLR: 15,000 ohms per phase
Speaker level connection: 10,000 ohms per phase (20,000 ohms red-black)
Compatible with 4, 6 or 8 ohm amplifiers
Low frequency element
Two 12" (30.5 cm) cast-iron frame-mounted, long-throw aluminum cone drivers, closed, non-resonant, asymmetrical enclosure design
Amplifier
2 x 850 watts
Total system power at peak power: 3,400 watts
Room correction (bass frequencies)
Perfect Bass Kit (PBK) ready (sold separately)
Sound adjustments
On (On)
Automatic (Auto, 12V trigger)
Off
Low-pass filter frequency
30 - 80 Hz
Connections
RCA: Left, Right and LFE
XLR: Left, Right and LFE
Speaker level connection: Left and right banana jacks
12V trigger: 3.5mm
Mini-USB: For PBK room repair
USB: For frequency settings and firmware updates
Power consumption
Typical: 250 watts
Sleep mode: 30 watts
Weight
140 lbs. (63.5 kg)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
22.6" x 22.6" x 22.9"
(57.4cm x 57.4cm x 58.2cm)
Product groups