At Musikmesse 2011, KRK Systems unveiled two new powered subwoofers: the KRK12sHO and the KRK12s. The KRK12sHO is a super subwoofer that delivers the intense focused bass response necessary for demanding high-level applications, while the KRK12s is more of a workhorse subwoofer for music production where a precise representation of the bass frequency spectrum is a necessity.

Ask KRK Systems notes, the KRK12sHO powered subwoofer (shown at bottom) can easily handle the sonic rigors of the surround sound arena, making it an ideal match for KRK’s Exposé or VXT8 monitors driven to high sound pressure levels. It gives the engineer, artist, and producer the opportunity to experience accurate bass reproduction down to 29 Hz. While subsonic frequencies are heavily implemented in some musical genres, KRK Systems says, all studios will benefit from the use of a sub to monitor this low-frequency content. The KRK12sHO brings big system performance to any studio environment where ultra-accurate bass extension and maximum sound levels are required.

The KRK 12sHO cabinet features a 12-inch high excursion woven Kevlar driver cone set in a curved baffle front plate designed to virtually eliminate diffraction distortion. A front-firing specially-designed port provides low-frequency extension while reducing boundary coupling and port turbulence. The integrated power amplifier delivers 400W RMS performance yielding SPL of 113 dB music and 116 dB peak.

The crossover is a fixed highpass 80 Hz with a subwoofer lowpass filter control variable from 60 Hz to 160 Hz, giving the KRK12sHO a wide frequency range of 29 to 160 Hz to complement any control room. The cabinet features combi-jack inputs, thermal and overload / clip protection, LFE input gain, XLR outputs, a special subwoofer / line bypass footswitch connection, phase reverse switch, and variable phase adjust capabilities.

Next in line, the KRK12s powered subwoofer was designed to enhance any professional and project studio monitor system by delivering accurate reproduction of the bass frequencies down to 34 Hz.

The KRK12s features a specially designed curved baffle front plate that virtually eliminates diffraction distortion, enhancing pure bass reproduction down to 34 Hz from the 12-inch, Kevlar woven high excursion driver cone. The internally mounted power amplifier yields a 225W RMS power rating that delivers 110 dB music and 113 dB peak SPL. The line out, highpass crossover is fixed at 80 Hz with a subwoofer lowpass filter variable from 50 Hz to 130 Hz. According to the manufacturer, this frequency performance range makes the KRK12s the ideal choice for most existing monitoring systems.

The cabinet features XLR, 1/4-inch TRS and RCA inputs, and XLR and RCA outputs, a system volume control with a range of -30 dB to +6 dB, subwoofer / line out bypass, phase reverse switch, and ground lift switch.

"Our engineers designed the KRK12sHO and KRK12s to redefine sound in studio environments," says Timothy Dorwart, CEO of KRK Systems. "Studio’s have conformed to the changing landscape of sound production, now offering a diverse portfolio of options for stereo and surround sound music, as well as film and broadcast productions. As more and more music is being produced out of smaller commercial and project studios, the need for high-quality subwoofers that are compatible with today’s playback systems is increasing. These subs are engineered to fill this growing need with high performance and value. This is where our new offerings really shine."

To learn more about the new KRK12sHO and KRK12s powered subs, visit krksys.com.