Even with the recent expansion of Digital Designs' subwoofer lines, their customers have constantly advised them that they were still missing one style of sub that would complete their line up. The flavor of sub their customers were craving was a true shallow mount that could be used in a sealed enclosure. As many of you know, Digital Designs is a company that listens to its customers requests, but if you've ever listened to any shallow mount subs in sealed enclosures you know why they have been a little hesitant to just put out a run of the mill flat sub.
Most shallow mount subs like to highlight how great their sound quality is, because they're usually a little on the output challenged side. So Digital Designs started by looking at the things that limit the standard flat sub (cone, coil, motor) and they quickly realized it was pretty much the whole design that needed to change. They decided if they wanted a product that was able to provide the type of output Digital Designs customers were accustomed to, they had to use real parts that were already proven to make great bass.
Digital Designs started by using a front-mounted neodymium motor to allow for decreased mounting depth while maintaining the high excursion ability of a standard woofer. With this design, the SL712 has a mounting depth of only 4.125", and is able to perform in 0.5 to 0.8 cubic foot of sealed airspace, or compact vented box designs. This makes it perfect for behind or under seat applications.
To give it the power handling ability needed to produce real bass, Digital Designs used a 3" high temp voice coil and a vented voice coil gap. Then they paired their EROM surround with a pair of progressive roll, poly cotton spiders, to give the suspension 50mm of peak to peak travel. Its rated power handling is 400-800 watts RMS and 1600 watts peak. They offer it with a dual 2 ohm voice coil allowing for a 1 or 4 ohm amplifier load.
So, if you were one of the many who has been eagerly awaiting a shallow offering from Digital Designs Audio, your day has finally come! Click for detailed information on the SL712.