Bowers & Wilkins DB3D Active Subwoofer Rosenut

The DB3D is the most compact member of Bowers & Wilkins' DB Series, the company's flagship range of closed-box subwoofers. Despite its diminutive 360mm-cube footprint, the DB3D delivers performance that belies its size, reaching down to 10Hz at -3dB and extending to 8.5Hz at -6dB. It sits below the 10-inch DB2D and the 12-inch DB1D in the range, offering the same engineering pedigree in a form factor designed for installations where floor space is at a premium.

Dual Balanced Aerofoil Drivers

At the heart of the DB3D are two 200mm (8-inch) Aerofoil cone drive units arranged in a balanced, opposed configuration. The Aerofoil cone uses a variable-thickness profile that combines rigidity with low mass, allowing the drivers to move substantial volumes of air without the cone deformation that compromises linearity in conventional designs. The opposed mounting means the two drivers fire in opposite directions, cancelling the mechanical forces that would otherwise excite the cabinet walls. The result is a remarkably rigid, low-resonance enclosure that channels all the driver energy into bass output rather than cabinet vibration.

1000W Class D Hypex Amplification

The DB3D is powered by a 1000W Class D amplifier built around Hypex modules. Class D topology runs cool and draws minimal power at idle, with standby consumption under 1W. A digital preamplifier stage incorporates Dynamic EQ processing, which adjusts the frequency response curve in real time to maintain consistent bass character across a wide range of listening levels. This is particularly valuable at lower volumes, where the ear's reduced sensitivity to bass frequencies can make a subwoofer sound thin without compensation.

App-Based Setup and Room EQ

Configuration and control are handled entirely through the Bowers & Wilkins DB Subwoofers app, which connects via Bluetooth Low Energy. The app provides independent controls for the XLR and RCA inputs, allowing separate gain, crossover frequency, four-position phase adjustment, and a choice of 12dB or 24dB per octave filter slopes. A built-in Room EQ system uses the phone's microphone to measure the room response and apply correction, eliminating the need for a separate measurement kit.

Connectivity

The rear panel accommodates two XLR balanced inputs, two RCA unbalanced inputs, and two 3.5mm inputs. A 12V trigger input enables automatic power-on when linked to an AV receiver or processor, and an RS-232 port (9-pin D connector) provides integration with custom installation control systems.

Construction and Finish

The sealed cabinet is constructed from ultra-rigid, heavily braced MDF, contributing to its 25kg net weight. At 360 x 320 x 300mm (H x W x D), it is compact enough to sit unobtrusively beside furniture or in a dedicated equipment bay. The DB3D is available in Gloss Black with black grilles, Rosenut with black grilles, and Satin White with grey grilles.

What the Press Says

• "Refined, powerful and amazingly articulate, B&W's baby DB series model sets the standard for compact subwoofers." — Home Cinema Choice ★★★★★ (August 2019)
• Home Cinema Choice Best Buy