Definitive Technology Descend DN8 and Definitive Technology Descend DN12

Definitive Technology is now expanding its Definitive Technology Descend Series with two new subwoofers, the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 and Definitive Technology Descend DN12. Industry-first technologies such as Definitive Technology 3XR architecture and rich bass are said to distinguish these solutions.

The subwoofers of the new Definitive Technology Descend Series, the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 and Definitive Technology Descend DN12, are designed to deliver powerful, dynamic and wide-ranging bass reproduction, according to the promise of the manufacturer Sound United LLC, which owns the Definitive Technology brand.

The company wants to achieve this primarily through new technologies introduced with this product line, which, according to the manufacturer, are unique on the market. First and foremost, the Definitive Technology 3XR architecture is cited in this regard.

Definitive Technology Descend DN8 and Definitive Technology Descend DN12 with Definitive Technology 3XR Architecture

The Definitive Technology Descend Series introduces Definitive Technology’s new 3XR architecture. Two bass radiators are arranged symmetrically, providing three times the dispersion area of conventional subwoofers with a classic bass reflex port.

According to the manufacturer, this unique design of the two bass radiators, which are the same size as the woofer, ensures that the Definitive Technology 3XR architecture delivers deeper and louder bass in a slim design.

The subwoofers are custom-designed without the usual bass reflex ports. This offers the enormous advantage that neither flow noise nor distortions occur, so that the subwoofers allow a particularly accurate and at the same time distortion-free reproduction without any problems. Unlike subwoofers of similar size, both units also offer the possibility of individual amplifier adjustment and thus uncompromising bass reproduction.

Definitive Technology Descend DN12

The manufacturer describes the Definitive Technology Descend DN12 as an extremely powerful subwoofer that, as the name suggests, uses a 12-inch driver. It is designed for high-quality music reproduction as well as for demanding home cinema applications.

It is driven by a custom-built Class H amplifier that delivers 1,500 watts of power and is designed to handle voltage peaks as well as extremely low frequencies down to 25 Hz. For smooth and accurate reproduction of deep, bass-heavy content, the Definitive Technology 3XR architecture combines custom drivers with two bass radiators of the same size.

Definitive Technology Intelligent Phase Control Technology

Another in-house innovation of the Definitive Technology Descend DN12, according to the manufacturer, is its Definitive Technology Intelligent Phase Control technology. This is supposed to enable an individual 360° phase adjustment.

Most subwoofers, according to Definitive Technology, use either a polarity switch with the known options of 0 or 180°, or an all-pass filter, which, however, can cause so-called smearing effects.

Definitive Technology Intelligent Phase Control, on the other hand, offers users the possibility to adjust the phase of their subwoofer even more finely. Here, the best elements of the polarity switch – but with more detailed gradation – are combined with an all-pass filter. Here, the phase adjustment is automatically matched with the low-pass filter to achieve ultra-precise tuning of the entire audio system.

To ensure long-term performance, the Definitive Technology Descend DN12 features an advanced digital signal processor, or DSP, with 56-bit signal processing.

The Definitive Technology Descend DN12’s DSP is said to improve bass response as well as overall sound quality. In addition, it also carefully monitors woofer systems to avoid potentially damaging distortion at very high volumes.

In addition, the Definitive Technology Descend DN12 is equipped with three preset equaliser modes – Flat, Deep and Loud can be selected. This allows users to achieve their personal preferences in sound or to adapt the playback to different room conditions.

The so-called Flat mode is a good starting point for level adjustment and system calibration, and already delivers great sound for most applications, according to the manufacturer’s promise.

Loud mode, as the name suggests, delivers the highest output level and is ideal for action movies and cinema sound effects.

For music reproduction, especially for passages with a large dynamic range, the third option is available in the form of the Deep mode for the lowest frequencies.

The operation of the Definitive Technology Descend DN12 is convenient and simple. With the slim remote control and the LED display on the front, users can adjust volume, phase and EQ from the comfort of their sofa. For integration into common control systems, the model is also equipped with a 12V trigger as well as an IR passthrough. This allows full functionality and individual adjustments from anywhere in the room.

Definitive Technology Descend DN8

The new Definitive Technology Descend DN8, the second solution in the Definitive Technology Descend Series, is also described by the manufacturer as a powerful subwoofer, which, as the name suggests, has an 8-inch driver. Interestingly, a Class D amplifier is used here, which delivers 500 watts of power. Of course, the new Definitive Technology 3XR architecture with two bass radiators is also used here, so that the new Definitive Technology Descend DN8 is supposed to convince with a remarkable bass reproduction and a high level of detail at the same time.

The Definitive Technology Descend DN8 is ideal for music enthusiasts looking to extend their stereo system downwards, as well as for home cinema applications.

With built-in controls for output level, low-pass filter and phase (0 or 180°), the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 can be perfectly matched to the rest of the system and the room acoustics. The compact subwoofer with a width and depth of just over 30 centimetres each can be placed inconspicuously in any room and still delivers fascinating bass, according to the description by Definitive Technology.

Black or white?

At least with the Definitive Technology Descend DN8, the manufacturer offers the choice between matt black and matt white finish, the Definitive Technology Descend DN12, on the other hand, is offered exclusively in matt black.

The new Definitive Technology Descend Series subwoofers should be available in specialist shops as early as August 2021, at least the first model variants. The manufacturer actually announces the Definitive Technology Descend DN8 in matt black for August, the white version should be available in September. The Definitive Technology Descend DN12 model, on the other hand, is not expected until November 2021.

Getting to the point

Now also Definitive Technology… After KEF introduced the KEF Uni-Core technology for particularly powerful yet compact subwoofers in spring 2021, Definitive Technology now follows with the Definitive Technology 3XR architecture, which pursues the same goal. For the first time, this can be found in the solutions of the Definitive Technology Descend Series and thus the models Definitive Technology Descend DN8 and Definitive Technology Descend DN12.