It all started with an email to Digital Designs regarding an incident I had with my current sub (my complete fault I might add), after explaining what had happened I received a reply that can only be described as incredible, the reply read something like: “I would like to build you guys a prototype of the next {12”} series we are working on. It will have higher power handling and more motor force than {your current subwoofer}”. Well, what does one say to an offer like that?! Of course, I jumped in head first with complete eagerness regardless the cost! So, also with HUGE help from Ashley at Abtec NZ, the deal was struck!!
So as I eagerly awaited the arrival of the “Prototype 12s” (and the re-cone of one of my current 9512i) I was able to reflect on what life was like without bass… and I didn’t like it.
So, the day came and a pair of boxes arrived for me… could THESE be what I have been awaiting?
Well, that would be a resounding YES!
So, of course before these went into my car, I couldn’t resist taking a few shots.
What we see here are my two 9512I’s in the front, and the new “Prototype 12” in the rear.
At a glance you may be forgiven for thinking “wait… they look the same to me…” well, at a simple first glance, they DO appear the same. Motors have the same outer dimension, basket, cone, and dust cap are the same.
Once you dive a little deeper it begins to get a little more interesting… alas at this stage, I am sworn to secrecy, so cannot delve deeper, but in good time the details and specs will be released, until then im sure speculation will run wild.
If I could nitpick one thing with the makeup of these subs, it would have to be just a little to much glue ‘over burden’ around the basket… BUT! Consider… these ARE prototypes not made for public, and I know for sure, the finished product will be up to Digital Designs highest quality standards.
The time came… out with the old, in with the new.
During the run in period, one thing was apparent these subs were going to be loud!, low, and clear.
Fast forward a couple weeks…
Having put the Digital Designs “Prototype 12” through a run in period, it was time to put them through their paces against the legendary Digital Designs M4a’s.
Quick rundown on the setup:
1) Amplifiers are ‘linked’ to run as one amplifier.
2) Tuning was done as follows:
- 40Hz, 0dB Tone used (so the system has a LOT of headroom before distortion may occur).
- Tuned with the SMD DD-1 Distortion Detector by D’Amore Engineering… then backed up by digital oscilloscope (as I am aware that there are many cynics out there to the SMD meters).
3) The subs at high volume are seeing approximately 9000-9500watts combined currently.
Having for some time, run two 9512’s, The power handling and clarity of sound from these “Prototype 12’s” has quite frankly astounded me. The mechanical differences in the 2 subs in real world, feel worlds apart.
The “Prototype 12’s” (I feel, in part thanks to the ‘Supercharging’ on the centre pole) have a much harder response in lower frequencies than the 9512’s (that I initially ran) did in the same environment, and due to other innovations included in this model, the bass feels tighter, more controlled and has a much stronger initial ‘punch’.
Whether listening to Bass, Dubstep, Rock/Metal, or Easy Listening, the “Prototype 12’s” have an amazing overall versatility and quality that has not taken away from their ability to really ‘flex’ a vehicle if wanted. Even pushing them hard they remain refined and controlled.
To test the quality and response of the subs I decided to think a little outside the box, i decided to order a couple of albums direct from the company that bought to the World “Animusic”, better known for “Gyro Drums” and “Pipe Dreams”, (please do, look them up and enjoy if you have never heard of them). The quality and clarity of this digital music is amazing, so thought it fitting for putting the subs through their quality paces. The definition and sound response of each bass note was akin to the precision of an expert marksman, every note as precise as the piercing of an arrow through a bullseye.
After running these subs for a few good weeks now I have put them through their paces in frequencies below, within, and above my enclosures design and in each case the subs continue to provide an amazing listening experience. I have played them “in peace” with quality in mind, I have played them “in anger” striving to abuse their ability and capabilities and I have to tell you, I have yet to even warm them up!
In my personal opinion, if you are looking for an amazing all round subwoofer that can ground pound with the big movers and shakers in the scene, yet be as smooth and pure as a silk sheet in the wind, this “Prototype 12” is a sub that will not fail to amaze!
Build Quality
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Versatility
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Sound Quality
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Value for money
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”[OUTLWD] Factor”
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[OUTLWD] Factor:
What is The “OUTLWD” factor?
The [OUTLWD] factor is my overall rating taking all factors into consideration, and the overall factors that I feel could make the entire experience better.
Key: ¤ = 1 Star ½ = ½Star
Aaron “OUTLWD” Bublitz