ASCENDO Immersive Audio GmbH has announced the introduction of two new subwoofers at the upcoming CEDIA Expo 2024. The event, scheduled from September 5 to 7 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver, will showcase these latest offerings: The28 SUB SQUARED PRO PASSIVE and The16 SUB PRO PASSIVE. These new models could make a significant impact on the home theater market, with features that cater to different user needs and room sizes.

The highlight of Ascendo's presentation will be The28 SUB SQUARED PRO PASSIVE, priced at $30,000 MSRP. This subwoofer features an innovative 28-inch composite sandwich cone, crafted from multiple layers of rohacell and advanced composite materials. The unique design provides a cone area equivalent to a 32-inch subwoofer, which allows it to deliver substantial bass output while maintaining a compact form factor suitable for smaller spaces.

The development of The28 was inspired by a conversation between Ascendo co-managing partner Geoffrey Heinzel and Trinnov CEO Arnaud Laborie, focusing on enhancing bass performance in confined environments.

As a result, The28 delivers an impressive range of low-frequency sound reproduction, extending to single-digit infrasonic frequencies. It offers high efficiency, ultra-high-power handling, and a planar wave front output, which is achieved through a powerful motor structure capable of rapid acceleration.

Physically, The28 measures 31.5 inches wide, 39.4 inches high, and 12 inches deep, with a customizable option to reduce the depth to as little as 8 inches. This design flexibility makes it an adaptable choice for various installation needs, even in tight spaces. The subwoofer’s capacity to extend well above the LFE cutoff frequency of 120Hz and its shallow roll-off characteristic enable it to deliver both subtle and impactful audio experiences, suitable for diverse home theater setups.

“This isn't just another subwoofer; it's a bold leap forward in sound engineering, created to deliver an unparalleled bass experience. It effortlessly reproduces single-digit infrasonic frequencies, delivering bass you can feel in your bones. At the same time, it can soar well above the LFE cutoff frequency of 120Hz, serving as the ultimate kick woofer," says Heinzel.

"We’ve harnessed an immense amount of power in the motor structure, giving it the muscle needed to accelerate the cone, motor mass, and coupled air mass with lightning speed. This results in a subwoofer that produces a perfect planar wave front, with high efficiency, ultra-high-power handling, and very low system Q. The shallow roll-off, combined with ultra-dynamic response, means that every sound—from the subtlest whisper to the most intense action scene—hits with native speed, attack, and impact that other woofers simply can't match.”

Accompanying The28, Ascendo also introduced The16 SUB PRO PASSIVE, with a more accessible price point of $5,800 MSRP. This model builds on the success of Ascendo’s 16-inch powered subwoofer, designed for smaller to medium-sized spaces where a balance of performance, size, and cost is crucial.

The16 features a 16-inch rohacell carbon sandwich cone and a Santoprene surround. These materials are chosen for their combination of strength, lightness, and high excursion capability, which enhances sound precision and allows for significant air movement. This results in a subwoofer that, despite its compact size, delivers a powerful audio experience, making every note and impact feel immediate and intense.

One of the key technical attributes of The16 is its power handling capacity of 1500W RMS, which allows it to integrate effectively with high-power amplifiers. By removing the electronics compartment and utilizing neodymium magnets rather than traditional ceramic ones, The16 achieves a compact footprint of 18.5 inches in width and height, with a depth of 11.6 inches. This makes it suitable for tight configurations and various bass array setups, including Trinnov WaveForming, double bass arrays, single bass arrays, and Dirac ART.