SVS PB12-Ultra 16 Hz tune

[Ilkka]

Manufacturer: SV Sound
Model: PB12-Ultra
Provided by: Ilkka
Manufacturer link: SV Sound
Price: $1199-$1399 (depending of finish)

Configuration as tested:
Phase: 0 degrees
Tuning frequency: 16 Hz (one port plug)
Subsonic filter: 16 Hz
Orientation: Standard down-firing, ports facing right

[Ilkka]

+/- 3 dB points: 12.5 Hz - 75 Hz

[Ilkka]

[Ilkka]

[Ilkka]

[Ilkka]

The frequency response is a little bit better than at 20 Hz tune. Naturally the same slope towards the high frequencies remains, but since the response extends lower, it doesn’t look quite that bad. The -6 dB point goes as low as 12.5 Hz which easily transfers into 10 Hz extension in a typical room. The maximum output in mid bass range is slightly weaker than at 20 Hz tune, but the very low frequency output naturally gets a nice boost; 100 dB @ 16 Hz hasn’t been broken by any other subwoofer that I’ve measured thus far. The power compression is naturally higher around the tuning frequency due even lesser effective port area.

The THD profile is similar to the 20 Hz tune, though naturally the 16 Hz tune performs a little bit better at very low frequencies. The group delay stays low down to 25 Hz but grows rapidly below. Although now it stays below the 1 cycle limit all the way down to 15 Hz. The spectral decay graph shows a little bit longer decay around the tuning frequency, though naturally now it happens at lower frequencies due lower tuning frequency, so the higher frequencies decay still pretty rapidly.

Changing the tuning frequency by plugging one or more of the ports has some advantages, mainly the added extension, but also some drawbacks. The reduced port area is one major drawback which causes even more port chuffing and port compression at higher levels than with all available ports open. Therefore I would suggest choosing the subwoofer which has the native tune that you’re going to use, rather than buying a higher tuned subwoofer and then plugging its port(s).

Due its flatter frequency response, the 16 Hz tune is more suited to music use than the 20 Hz tune. Movie fans will have more extension but also reduced output at higher.

+ High output in 15-40 Hz range
+ Low distortion
+ Extremely good extension

- Slightly uneven frequency response
- Medium upper bass output
- High power compression around the tuning frequency
- Slow decay rate at very low frequencies