Bowers & Wilkins DB1D 12-Inch Powered Subwoofer

Flagship Bass Performance for Reference Music and Home Theatre Systems

The Bowers & Wilkins DB1D is a flagship powered subwoofer engineered to deliver deep, powerful and precisely controlled bass. Combining twin 300 mm Aerofoil™ cone drivers with a formidable 2,000-watt Class D Hypex amplifier, it provides the low-frequency scale and authority required for premium stereo systems and reference home theatres.

Its opposed-driver configuration, digital preamplifier, Dynamic EQ and app-based room optimisation work together to produce bass that is not only powerful, but fast, composed and accurately integrated with the rest of your speaker system.

Twin 300 mm Aerofoil Bass Drivers

The DB1D uses two substantial 300 mm Aerofoil cone drivers positioned back-to-back in a balanced configuration.

The Aerofoil cone’s variable-thickness profile combines low weight with high rigidity, helping each driver move with speed and control. This allows the DB1D to reproduce deep cinematic effects, electronic bass and the lowest musical notes with impressive definition rather than excessive boom or overhang.

Balanced Opposed-Driver Configuration

The two bass drivers operate in opposition on either side of the enclosure. Their mechanical forces counteract one another, helping reduce unwanted cabinet movement and resonance.

By preventing amplifier power from being wasted through enclosure vibration, the balanced design allows more energy to be directed into clean, controlled low-frequency output. The result is powerful bass from a comparatively compact cabinet that remains stable during demanding playback.

Powerful 2,000-Watt Class D Amplifier

A built-in 2,000-watt Class D Hypex amplifier provides the control and power reserves required to drive both 12-inch Aerofoil cones.

Class D amplification offers high efficiency and controlled thermal performance, while the DB1D’s digital architecture manages the drivers and amplifier as one integrated system. This helps the subwoofer maintain speed, impact and composure across music, films and high-volume listening sessions.

Deep Bass Extension Down to 8.5 Hz

The DB1D delivers a stated 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 exceptional extension allows the subwoofer to reproduce ultra-low-frequency information that is felt as much as heard. It adds physical scale to film soundtracks while revealing the depth, texture and weight contained within high-quality music recordings.

Digital Preamplifier with Dynamic EQ

An advanced digital preamplifier controls the DB1D’s amplification and drive units, while Dynamic EQ helps maintain balanced bass performance across different listening levels.

Whether you are listening quietly in the evening or enjoying a film at higher volume, the subwoofer adjusts its processing to preserve definition and tonal control.

App-Based Setup and Room EQ

The dedicated Bowers & Wilkins DB Subwoofer app simplifies setup and allows the DB1D to be configured from a compatible iOS or Android device.

Built-in Room EQ uses the mobile device during calibration, removing the need for a separate measurement microphone kit. Through the app, users can optimise the subwoofer for its placement, the listening room and the connected speaker system. Bluetooth Low Energy provides the connection required for setup and control.

Designed for Music and Movies

Power alone does not guarantee convincing bass. The DB1D is engineered to combine substantial output with the speed and control needed for demanding music reproduction.

For home theatre, it delivers the depth and physical impact required for cinematic effects. In a two-channel system, it can extend the low-frequency performance of the main speakers while preserving rhythm, texture and tonal accuracy.

Ideal for 800 Series Diamond Speakers

The DB1D’s Aerofoil cone technology is closely related to the bass-driver engineering used throughout Bowers & Wilkins’ 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers.

This makes it a natural subwoofer partner for reference Bowers & Wilkins systems, providing additional low-frequency extension while maintaining the speed and controlled character required for seamless integration.

Flexible System Connectivity

The DB1D includes balanced and unbalanced audio connections for integration with stereo preamplifiers, AV processors and premium home theatre systems.

Available connections include:

• Two XLR inputs

• Two RCA inputs

• Two 3.5 mm 12-volt trigger connections

• RS-232 control through a nine-pin D connector

The dual input options make the DB1D suitable for a wide range of high-performance audio and custom installation applications.

Ultra-Rigid, Highly Damped Cabinet

The DB1D’s heavily reinforced enclosure is designed to resist vibration and provide a stable platform for its powerful opposed drivers.

Its clean geometric proportions allow it to deliver substantial output without the cabinet dimensions associated with many conventional dual-driver subwoofers. At 43 kg, the enclosure provides the mass and rigidity required for tightly controlled low-frequency performance.

Premium Cabinet Finishes

The Bowers & Wilkins DB1D is available in three premium finishes:

• Gloss Black with black grilles

• Satin White with grey grilles

• Rosenut with black grilles

Each finish is designed to coordinate with compatible Bowers & Wilkins loudspeakers and premium contemporary interiors.

Key Features

• Flagship powered DB Series subwoofer

• Twin 300 mm Aerofoil cone bass drivers

• Balanced back-to-back driver configuration

• Powerful 2,000-watt Class D Hypex amplifier

• Digital preamplifier with Dynamic EQ

• App-based setup and room equalisation

• Bluetooth Low Energy control

• Frequency range extending down to 8.5 Hz

• Two balanced XLR inputs

• Two unbalanced RCA inputs

• Dual 12-volt trigger connections

• RS-232 support for custom installation

• Ultra-rigid, highly damped enclosure

• Designed for premium stereo and home theatre systems

• Available in Gloss Black, Satin White and Rosenut

Technical Specifications

Technical specifications are based on the official Bowers & Wilkins DB1D product page and information sheet.