Velodyne MicroVee 6.5-Inch Powered Subwoofer (Black)

I own several Velodyne products, this one is no different. The Velodyne name speaks for itself. They've been making Woofers before most could spell woofer. Very surprised at the size and performance of this woofer. It won't outdo my VX 12, But I'll put it up against the VX 11 anyway. I had to move it three places to find the right location... It's so powerful, the further away the better it sounds.

This sub is result of a top manufacturer of subwoofers among the retail brands (not Internet Direct), who decides to make the smallest possible sub that is still usable. This sub has the features and quality you expect in a high end audiophile sub costing a thousand dollars or more. Velodyne knows subs...they make subs from very low end ones to flagship models costing thousands. And they sound good too. So here comes the MicroVee. It's a NINE INCH cube. This thing is **tiny** (look at the gallery photos I posted). It has a tiny 6.5 inch high excursion driver with a heavy duty 4 lb magnet structure. 1000W of power, and a solid aluminum case with dual passive radiators. (Not to get too technical...but a passive radiator is basically a speaker driver without voicecoil. Having one enables a speaker design to be have more bass output in the deepest frequencies, giving it the characteristic that it behaves like a larger bass reflex/ported cabinet). The thing weighs 20lbs which is pretty hefty. In general it has pretty serious hardware which explains why it costs as much as some subs that are large as small refrigerators. It initially was announced with a MSRP of $999, which I can envision prompted some people to roll around on the floor laughing when they first read about it. (note: street price may be a lot less than that). The first thing they probably pointed out is that the spec reads the sub has +/-3dB down to 38Hz, which means the sub is not really putting out tones that are considered very deep bass. Most (*much* larger) subs of this price range can go as deep as 20Hz which is more felt than heard. The whole point of a subwoofer is to reproduce frequencies which are below that of normal speakers. Heck a lot of bookshelf speakers are rated down to 50Hz so 38Hz limit is not very impressive. And secondly, does anybody really need such a small sub? Velodyne's own Minivee line is only slightly larger and puts out deeper bass for about the same price or less. By the way, I measured the frequency response and they are exactly right, the -3dB point is pretty much 38Hz, it's probably down -10dB around 33Hz or so. So it would seem based on the specs that this sub is pretty pointless, and you should not even consider it especially given its high price. Well, let me explain why I bought one. I see this sub as a subwoofer you want to use for a small secondary system, one that you put into a small den, kitchen, workout room, or with a computer system. If you look at some of the computer speakers that cost say, $200 for a 2.1 system, you'll realize that the subs in those systems are pretty much rubbish. Boomy muddy sounding bass mostly is the order the day. This is Velodyne's answer to those subs....you can have a sub as small as those cheap "computer subs", but with all the quality that a high end sub can offer. It does a good job filling in the bass that's missing from the very small satellite cube speakers, and it has the controls and set of inputs and outputs so you can integrate it into any system, from your $150 Tivoli radio, to a set of $500 NHT M-00 active pro monitors, to your $100 Logitech computer speakers or even a full blown home theater system. I was on a mission to reduce my desk clutter, but I wanted to get serious about the sound, so I bought compact high quality active ($1300) professional monitors but I wanted a bit more kick in the bass. I didn't want a sub that took up all the floor space around my desk, and I didn't want just any sub that would drown my high quality speakers with muddy bass. So this sub was the perfect candidate. I didn't need a sub that can reproduce the feeling of an earthquake, I just wanted more foundation in the bass, it just adds a bit more bass and dynamics to the sound where the speakers start to strain in the bass. And I am happy, it does exactly that, but with good sound quality that compares to what I get with my larger sub that I run in my main home theater (I own a SVS brand sub in my other system...a well known high value brand). This sub is very flexible. It has high level inputs to connect directly to your stereo amp, but has low level inputs with adjustable and defeatable crossover to connect to your subwoofer output on your receiver. It also has pass-through mini-jacks so you can connect your active computer speakers, and an 1/8" input minijack (with an included cable) that works easily with your iPod, computer or laptop. The other thing I like is that the front grill is actually perforated metal but covered with fabric, so if you actually kick the front grille, your foot won't go through the driver. Important if you stuff this sub under your desk. If you don't need the smallest sub possible, then I definitely think you should look at some of the larger offerings as they offer more bass for your (probably less) money. But if you truly need a sub this small, this is as good as they come. For an alternative that is slightly larger, look at the MiniVee line, the Paradigm Ultracube or Definite Technology Supercube III which will outperform this sub, but adds an inch or two to each dimension in size. I also note that Energy has a model called ESW-M6 which is even smaller with slightly inferior specs. All in all, I'm glad that this product exists. It gives you an option to get extra bass extension from your desktop or small room system with all the quality that you can expect from a "long termer" company like Velodyne who specializes in subs.

AMAZING. Great bang for the buck and size. Blows my old Polk Audio Sub away!

I got 2 of them, the first one stop working after the first month, I contacted the Velodyne service and they fixed for free. In between the second one stop working, same story. After a year both of them stop working and they replaced the amps. It worked for around 2 years and they both stop working again. It has been a money pit, will never buy another microvee again. I use them with my TV, so now loud volumes here.

I needed a subwoofer that does not take up much room (I have a severe space deficiency in my tiny living room). I have had Polk and Cerwin Vega fullsize subwoofers before, and they were great. The Velodyne Microvee, while not going to frequencies as low as the full-size units, definitely puts out the boom I need. I mainly use it at home, where a tiny one-cubic footprint is all I have space for on the floor by the couch. None of my other subwoofers would fit, which is why I sold those and bought this in the first place. I could not be happier with my purchase. The ultimate test? Having friends come over and after hearing your music asking where your subwoofer is, then being surprised when it isn't a huge 12" cabinet. I also enjoy the portability - yes, this is a subwoofer you can take with you. I use it in my RV as well since my RV has a hifi system but no subwoofer. The microvee fits in a cabinet under the dinette and gives us booming bass that doesn't overwhelm the limited soundstage - but it does rattle the siding off the RV if we crank it too high. Whoops! It may not hit the 20 Hz frequencies, but keep in mind the human ear can barely discern noise at that level. With the exception of bass music, most frequencies you will hear on TV, movies and music will not have you wishing you had a bigger sub. The only thing that causes pause is the price, but you get what you pay for. The ultimate test is the "would you buy it again?" one, and for thatI have to say: Yes. I'd most certainly get another Microvee. On occassion I play music through my home stereo and for my musical tastes (trance, prog house, club, some hip hop, metal, classic rock) the subwoofer performs beautifully. When listening to the bassiest of hip hop, you'll quickly figure out it isn't a huge cabinet subwoofer since the low notes don't shake the walls with authority, but you still shake the walls (it's nearly 2,000 watts peak, remember). If you primarily listen to hip hop and crave the feeling of air moving I'd recommend you step up to the Minivee with it's slightly larger 8" driver. For all else - this Microvee is where it's at.

Good sound but I am having difficulty getting it to work everytime It seems like there is an auto shutoff switch which turns the sub-wooofer off When its on the sound is amazing just like in a Theater The size and overall construction quality is very good. I just wish it were easier to get the auto shut off issue figured out

I’ve had this for several years now. Posting a review now because I’m still enthusiastic about how awesome it is. The size means it can disappear in a room... I have it on the floor of family room in the left corner (viewing the tv) where I can’t see it. Using it with a Sony receiver, and old Harman Kardon surround speakers from an HKTS set. My receiver supports two subs, but this one is so good I can’t justify a second. Just brilliant adding BIG to TV and movies... tonight I blasted a long series of big-bass songs louder than I ever had tried before... No distortion at all, poundingly big sound. Daughter went out on the deck and said it sounded like the speakers were outside. If I ever regret anything about this speaker, it will be not buying a second one... Just to see what it is like to have two going. (And to have a backup if it dies).

I liked the quick delivery time.