DBXi-12D

Development of the DBXi

The development of the DBXi-12D and other DBXi drivers began with an in-depth review of all elements of subwoofer design. The conclusion was that refining existing technology could not overcome known limitations. New technology was a necessity for delivering bone-crushing low frequency response while still retaining the speed and composure required for higher cutoff frequencies. Many manufacturers are able to make heavy and slow woofers that begin to stumble over themselves at 60–70Hz. Also, many manufacturers are able to produce overdeveloped mid-tone drivers that are fast but not able to go deeper than 60Hz. One of the major design requirements for DBXi was a linear frequency response from 20–250Hz (15 “DBXi). What distinguishes great subwoofer units from mediocre ones is, paradoxically, their ability to reproduce the higher frequencies. Especially for music reproduction – a quick and hard-hitting bass is much more immersive than a bass that feels heavy and slow. A woofer must be taut, responsive, and hard-hitting.

Magnetic System with Nuclear Technology

DBXi’s ultra-powerful magnet system results from an unusual collaboration with the nuclear power industry in Wisconsin. In order to achieve the desired power density without the cost of rare earth magnets, it was necessary to increase the strength of conventional magnets significantly. This initiated the partnership with a manufacturer of plutonium fuel rods (radioactive fuel cylinders for nuclear power plants) in Wisconsin. This manufacturer had invented a special hot forging process, which enabled the production of a magnet motor backplate and center section out of a single piece of metal. Using the fuel rod hot forging technology, we were able to produce super-high Gauss motors using traditional ferrite-based magnetic material. The ultra-high magnetic intensity is obtained because all the magnetic field lines can transmit magnetic flux without loss since the magnet structure is one piece instead of the more traditional multi-piece design. It provides an extremely efficient and accurate motor.

High-Performance Voice Coil

At the heart of DBXi sits an oversized voice coil. All aspects of the voice coil design have been optimized for maximum performance, durability, and sound quality. The voice coil former (the cylinder to which the coil is wound) is made of aluminum, not cellulose (cardboard), Kapton ®, or fiberglass. The use of aluminum prevents hot spots on the voice coil – due to the superb heat conductivity inherent to aluminum. In essence, the entire voice coil becomes one big heat sink. The voice coil is wound of copper wire and meets mil-std specifications for temperature resilience. German-made high-temperature adhesives are used to fuse the coil to the former. This guarantees peak performance even during hard and continuous operation.

TCT – Turbine Cooled Transducer

DBXi is equipped with the patented TCT (Turbine Cooled Transducer) technology. TCT creates a cooling airflow similar to a tornado around the voice coil. Air forced through cooling channels milled in a vortex structure creates the tornado. Traditional voice coil cooling is done by drilling out the pole piece, and the woofer stroke then pushes air back and forth. This cooling scheme only has a linear increase as a function of the woofer stroke. TCT is different. TCT increases cooling capacity exponentially as a function of woofer stroke. This is achieved by harnessing the centrifugal forces in the mini tornado to increase surface area contact between the air and voice coil. TCT is so effective that the voice coil temperature is reduced by 50% compared to the same woofer without TCT. This prevents heat-derived compression and keeps the woofer at maximum efficiency. The harder you drive DBXi, the more it cools.

SWE- Super Wide Edge Suspension

DBXi features the extreme SWE (Super Wide Edge) edge suspension geometry. The massive height of 31mm speaks to the excursion potential. The suspension is single-roll, laminated, and thermally pressed for extreme strength and mobility. It allows cone travel of more than 62mm. This ensures perfect reproduction of even the most bass-heavy soundtracks. The Super Wide Edge suspension allows record-breaking excursion without deformation or increased mechanical resistance.

Parabolic Deep Dish Woofer Cone

The DBXi cone is made of a proprietary non-pressed fiber-reinforced cellulose pulp substance with extreme stiffness. It is then superimposed with a parabolic deep dish made of a strong space-age polymer that obtains additional rigidity by its geometric shape. The cone does not flex or deform regardless of input power and frequency.

Super Spider with Dual Symmetric Stitched Tinsel Leads

The DBXi spider is of the super spider type, which means the spider has the same diameter as the cone, ensuring the spider is not limiting excursion. For optimal performance the edge suspension and spider must have the same excursion potential, this is not possible with a traditional spider of limited diameter. The tinsel leads to the voice coils being stitched into the spider to ensure they are against collision with the cone during extreme excursion. This also extends the life of the tinsel leads, as they now bend more gently over a longer distance. The symmetrical design of the tinsel leads prevents an asymmetrical pull on the cone. The result is longer woofer life and greater endurance.

XLT Chassis Geometry

The DBXi is based on Earthquakes’ signature XLT chassis geometry. It is the optimal design for extreme excursion. The XLT chassis allows for extra length between the spider (center suspension) and the magnetic gap. It is also designed to accommodate oversized spiders and voice coils.