Bowers & Wilkins - DB-3 - Subwoofer
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ℹ Product Information
Bowers & Wilkins DB3D Dual 8-Inch Powered Subwoofer
Powerful, Controlled Bass from a Compact Subwoofer
The Bowers & Wilkins DB3D is a high-performance powered subwoofer designed to deliver deep, controlled bass without dominating your listening space. Its compact enclosure houses two 200 mm Aerofoil™ bass drivers in a balanced configuration, driven by a powerful 1,000-watt Class D Hypex amplifier.
Advanced digital processing, Dynamic EQ and app-based room optimisation help the DB3D deliver fast, accurate low frequencies for music, movies and gaming. It is an ideal choice for premium stereo and home theatre systems where powerful bass performance and compact dimensions are equally important.
Twin 200 mm Aerofoil Bass Drivers
The DB3D features two 200 mm Aerofoil cone drive units engineered to combine low mass with excellent rigidity.
The Aerofoil cone uses a carefully shaped, variable-thickness profile that helps resist unwanted flexing as the driver moves. This allows the DB3D to reproduce deep bass with greater speed, definition and control, helping film effects sound more impactful while preserving the rhythm and texture of music.
Balanced Opposed-Driver Configuration
The two Aerofoil drivers are positioned back-to-back on opposite sides of the enclosure.
As the drivers move, their mechanical forces counteract one another, helping cancel unwanted cabinet vibration. This allows more of the amplifier’s power to be converted into clean acoustic output rather than causing the enclosure to resonate or move.
The balanced configuration enables the DB3D to produce powerful bass from a compact cabinet while remaining stable and controlled during demanding playback.
1,000-Watt Class D Hypex Amplification
A built-in 1,000-watt Class D Hypex amplifier provides the power and control needed to drive both 8-inch Aerofoil cones.
Class D amplification combines high power output with efficient, cool-running operation. Working together with the DB3D’s digital preamplifier, it helps the subwoofer respond quickly to changes in the audio signal while maintaining definition during bass-heavy music, cinematic soundtracks and high-volume listening.
Low-Frequency Extension Down to 8.5 Hz
Despite its compact dimensions, the DB3D offers a published frequency range of 8.5 Hz to 500 Hz at -6 dB, with a frequency response of 10 Hz to 350 Hz at -3 dB, centred on the level at 100 Hz.
This extended low-frequency capability allows the subwoofer to reproduce the deepest information contained in films and music. Cinematic effects gain greater weight and physical impact, while instruments such as bass guitar, organ and orchestral percussion can be reproduced with added depth and scale.
Digital Preamplifier with Dynamic EQ
The DB3D incorporates a digital preamplifier with Dynamic EQ to manage the relationship between its amplifier and drive units.
Dynamic EQ helps the subwoofer maintain balanced and controlled bass across different listening levels. Whether listening quietly or enjoying a film at higher volume, the processing helps preserve definition, impact and tonal consistency.
App-Based Setup and Room EQ
The dedicated Bowers & Wilkins DB Subwoofer app simplifies setup and provides access to the DB3D’s configuration controls from a compatible iOS or Android device.
The app includes a Room EQ system that helps optimise bass performance for the subwoofer’s position and the acoustic characteristics of the room. No separate calibration microphone kit is required. Bluetooth Low Energy provides the wireless connection used for setup and control.
Designed for Music and Home Theatre
The DB3D combines the output required for immersive home theatre with the speed and accuracy needed for high-quality stereo listening.
In a cinema system, it adds depth and physical impact to sound effects, film scores and low-frequency effects channels. Within a two-channel system, it extends the bass response of the main speakers while preserving musical timing and definition.
Its compact dimensions also make it suitable for apartments, media rooms and listening spaces where a larger subwoofer may be impractical.
A Natural Match for Bowers & Wilkins Speakers
The DB3D’s Aerofoil cone technology and controlled sonic character make it a natural partner for premium Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers.
Its compact design is particularly well suited to smaller 800 Series Diamond and 700 Series systems, providing deeper bass extension without requiring the floor space of the larger DB1D or DB2D models.
Flexible Audio and Control Connections
The Bowers & Wilkins DB3D offers balanced and unbalanced connections for integration with stereo preamplifiers, AV receivers, surround processors and custom-installed audio systems.
Available connections include:
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Two balanced XLR inputs
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Two unbalanced RCA inputs
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Two 3.5 mm 12-volt trigger connections
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RS-232 control through a nine-pin D connector
These connection options allow the DB3D to be incorporated into both conventional home audio systems and advanced automation or custom theatre installations.
Compact, Ultra-Rigid Enclosure
The DB3D measures just 360 mm high, 320 mm wide and 300 mm deep, making it the most compact subwoofer in the Bowers & Wilkins DB Series.
Its rigid, low-resonance enclosure provides a stable platform for the powerful opposed drivers. At 25 kg, the cabinet has the mass and structural strength needed to maintain control while producing substantial low-frequency output.
Premium Cabinet Finishes
The Bowers & Wilkins DB3D is available in three premium finishes:
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Gloss Black with black grilles
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Satin White with grey grilles
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Rosenut with black grilles
Each finish is designed to coordinate with compatible Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers and contemporary listening spaces.
Key Features
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Compact high-performance powered subwoofer
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Twin 200 mm Aerofoil cone bass drivers
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Balanced back-to-back driver configuration
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Powerful 1,000-watt Class D Hypex amplifier
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Digital preamplifier with Dynamic EQ
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App-based setup and Room EQ
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Bluetooth Low Energy control
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Frequency extension down to 8.5 Hz
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Two balanced XLR inputs
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Two unbalanced RCA inputs
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Dual 12-volt trigger connections
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RS-232 custom-control connectivity
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Ultra-rigid, low-resonance enclosure
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Suitable for premium stereo and home theatre systems
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Available in Gloss Black, Satin White and Rosenut
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Active DB Series subwoofer |
| Amplifier | 1,000 W Class D Hypex amplifier |
| Drive Units | 2 × 200 mm Aerofoil cone drivers |
| Driver Configuration | Balanced opposed-driver configuration |
| Frequency Range | 8.5 Hz–500 Hz at -6 dB |
| Frequency Response | 10 Hz–350 Hz at -3 dB, centred on the level at 100 Hz |
| Maximum Power Output | 1,000 W |
| Signal Processing | Digital preamplifier with Dynamic EQ |
| Room Optimisation | App-based Room EQ |
| Control Connection | Bluetooth Low Energy |
| Balanced Inputs | 2 × XLR |
| Unbalanced Inputs | 2 × RCA |
| Trigger Connections | 2 × 3.5 mm 12 V trigger |
| Custom Control | RS-232 via nine-pin D connector |
| Dimensions | 360 × 320 × 300 mm |
| Net Weight | 25 kg |
| Cabinet Finishes | Gloss Black, Satin White and Rosenut |
| Grille Finishes | Black or grey, depending on cabinet finish |
Technical specifications are based on Bowers & Wilkins’ official DB3D product page and information sheet.