VS21-MK3 Single 21" Powered Subwoofer

Why the VS21-MK3?

Freedom may be a strange thing for a subwoofer to offer, but how does that sound?

Freedom to go more places, because it requires less current to deliver more SPL, so you can run it on smaller generators or fewer circuits and still deliver big sound. Freedom to do more types of shows, because it delivers big dynamic impact for live drums and also thick lows for electronic music and instruments. Freedom to transport them in the pickup or van you already own, and freedom from the worry that you might not have enough output with single 18-inch subs. If you’re looking to break new ground, in any context, the VS21-MK3 can get you there.

The VS21 is particularly versatile, able to satisfy the demands of hard-hitting live kick drums to the deep, rolling bass of an 808. For those whose shows span a lot of genres, the VS21 has got them all covered. The same size and shape as the Cerwin Vega L-36, the VS21 will deliver considerably much more output and deep bass.

Straight Specs

At BASSBOSS we believe in power, precision, and practicality. While others in the industry may rely on theoretical calculations or skewed metrics, we provide real-world performance measurements. Performance claims that can't be met are worse than irrelevant, they are deceptive.

If you compare our specs to many in the loudspeaker industry, our specifications might seem rather unimpressive. That's certainly not because the products are underperforming, it's because we choose to tell you the truth instead of marketing hype. We bring you the reality of what our products can actually deliver in real-world conditions. We believe that should matter most to anyone who actually lives in the real world.

Many manipulate data in order to paint an exaggeratedly rosy picture of their products. Things like calculating peak output instead of measuring it, or quoting peak output figures based on output at frequencies outside the operational range of the loudspeaker, or quoting output that's achieved without the necessary processing having been applied. These methods churn out inflated specifications that don't match up to any actual, achievable levels. At BASSBOSS, we like to keep it real. We provide our “Maximum Measured Output" ratings, reporting the levels that we have actually measured our products reaching, and that's with all the filters and limiters in place, exactly the way you receive them. In our book, authenticity always wins.

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Champion Components

Every single item in the BASSBOSS lineup echoes our unwavering dedication to superior quality. From the awe-inspiring capacity of our largest festival rigs to the compact portability of our smaller systems, each piece is crafted to meet the same standards, to be exceptional on its own merits. This guarantees that every beat you feel and every song you hear is delivered with the clarity, power and steadfast reliability that are the hallmarks of the BASSBOSS experience.

As part of our commitment to exceptional quality, BASSBOSS goes the extra mile to ensure the components we use are the very best in every application. The best, in this context, doesn't always mean the most exotic, the most expensive, or having the most impressive specifications. It means the best for that particular purpose. Factors like frequency response and efficiency have to be backed up with long-term consistency of performance, long-term reliability, and fitness for purpose. We source top-tier components, from the best-reputed suppliers in the industry, just like every other high-end loudspeaker manufacturer.

If there is a difference between BASSBOSS and the other buyers of these same premium components, it's in the expectations we have for our systems. We didn't grow up on rock-n-roll, we grew up in the age of electronic instruments, digital recordings and deep bass. The demand for more and more SPL at lower and lower frequencies isn't something we're trying to catch up with, it's something we've been leading for years. Those bigger competitors eventually try to build products to do what we do when the demand gets big enough for them to do it. Meanwhile, for years we've been building the products that created that demand. By the time you're able to buy anything similar from them, we're already making the next insanely powerful product they'll eventually try to compete with. They do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

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Deep Design

BASSBOSS is an investment into your creative identity. When you join the BASSBOSS Family you don't just get world-class audio equipment, you get something even more valuable: The BASSBOSS experience. Our products are designed for you to be able to make the most of them from the moment you take them out of the box.

Each element is purposefully crafted. Everything has a reason and a purpose, and that purpose is to make getting consistently great results easy and trouble-free. Whether you're a sound enthusiast or an audio professional, BASSBOSS lets you take control, effortlessly. To begin with, it's as simple as plug-and-play. No complicated setups, no fiddling around with complex controls. Connect directly to your mixer with just a signal cable, switch on, and the BASSBOSS experience means you're ready to deliver powerful soundscapes that move your audience.

Your sound, your way. Our Digital Signal Processing is comprehensive yet accessible. With a variety of inter-compatible presets and the ability to seamlessly switch between them, you can adjust and fine-tune your sound with just the touch of a button, or, if you prefer, the click of a mouse. Everything you need, nothing you don't. The integrated processing allows you to make changes so you can achieve the sound balance you want. And if you're wondering, no, it doesn't allow you to make changes that shouldn't be made, of the type that could cause damage or a deterioration of quality. One more benefit of the experience.

Prodigious Power

The VS21-MK3 features 2500W of amplification, with an auto-sensing, globally compatible power supply that can run on input voltages anywhere between 90 and 250 Volts. Full output power is available on anything over 110V. The amplifier's peak-output voltage provides intense, high SPL hits while its sustained output is unparalleled in its ability to deliver the liquid lows. The amplifier is passively cooled via its external heat sink and by woofer-generated air flow through the port. When necessary, two blower fans will engage to provide additional forced-air cooling capacity in more extreme conditions.

Every BASSBOSS product comes equipped with amplification, and in every case, a generous supply of power is provided. Headroom is the term used to describe the power that's still available when the sound is at the level required, and the BASSBOSS amps provide ample headroom. While it's necessary to have limiters in the DSP to prevent driver overload, those limiters aren't there to prevent amplifier clipping. There is enough power in every product to reach its maximum SPL without the risk of clipping the amplifier.

In other words, the amplifier is never the bottleneck in delivering powerful low frequencies, dynamic impact and clear sound. This abundant power capacity not only keeps overheating at bay but also eliminates the potential for damage caused by clipping an underpowered amp. With BASSBOSS, you've got the power to keep your sound pumping.

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Thumping Transducers

Amplifier power is converted into the much more desirable acoustical power by a high-sensitivity, neodymium motor, 21-inch woofer with a 4.5-inch (115mm) high-BL voice coil. Neodymium magnets are lighter, and their higher intensity provides higher efficiency, so the result is a lighter and louder cabinet than those with ferrite drivers. Our split-wound woofer coils create a more consistent force throughout the cone's range of movement, minimizing distortion and enhancing linearity at peak output.

The protection systems involve several techniques running simultaneously to effectively prevent thermal overload of the voice coils and limit excessive excursion. Reducing thermal saturation not only prevents burned voice coils, it also minimizes long-term thermal compression. Due to the sophistication of these multiple, independent yet simultaneous processes, the drivers can be protected while the actions of the limiters have virtually no noticeable effect on the transient response of the loudspeaker. Peak output can be achieved consistently, repeatedly and safely.

We understand that real-life situations can sometimes be messy. That's why we've waterproofed our cones to withstand accidental exposure to moisture – whether it's an unexpected rain shower or a spilled drink.

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Choice Cabinets

The VS21-MK3 is a hybrid 6th-order bandpass cabinet, utilizing a large vented volume and a short-horn section to increase sensitivity in its upper operating range. The VS21 takes the power required by a single driver and creates very nearly the output of a double 18-inch subwoofer. This makes it a very popular choice for those needing a lot of SPL from a limited number of power circuits. With a massive displacement, long excursion 21” woofer, rear-loaded into a large acoustical volume that is tuned to a low frequency and front-loaded onto a short horn. The vented enclosure section provides extended low-frequency performance and the horn section provides increased upper-frequency sensitivity and improved transient response.

BASSBOSS cabinets are designed to endure for a very long time. Built from robust Birch plywood, our construction process involves precise dado joints, cleverly integrated bracing, and cutting-edge adhesives to create sturdy, rigid cabinets that stand the test of time. With maintenance and good moving techniques, BASSBOSS cabs can look new years down the line, even after many demanding environments and less-than-ideal locations.

The cabinets are protected by a rugged black polyurea coating that's specially formulated to bond to wood. Amplifiers are recessed into the back of the cabinets, safeguarding them from impact damage, with the cabinet recesses also functioning as structural braces. Powder-coated, perforated steel grilles protect the woofers. Every effort is made to create a physical enclosure that will stand up to whatever you throw at it, giving you years and years of solid service.