Focal Sub One
Active Studio Subwoofer
- Two 8" Slatefiber cone woofers (carbon fibre composite)
- Amplifiers: 2x 100W RMS (Class D)
- Frequency range: 32Hz - 120Hz (+/- 3dB)
- Max. SPL: 114dB (peak @ 1m)
- Stereo inputs: 2x XLR
- Stereo outputs: 2x XLR
- LFE input and output: XLR
- Adjustable low-pass filter (45 - 120Hz)
- Subwoofer level
- Phase position (0 - 180°) and switchable polarity
- Switchable high-pass filter for satellite speakers with selectable crossover frequency (60Hz / 90Hz)
- Auto standby after approx. 30 minutes without operation
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 475 x 310 x 520 mm
- Weight: 18.5 kg
- Includes cover grille
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Available since February 2022
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Item number 536947
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Components 2x 8"
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Power rating 200 W
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Frequency range 32 Hz – 120 Hz
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Connectors XLR
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Measurements 475 x 310 x 520
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Extend the low-end for Evo and Shape
The Focal Sub One is an active subwoofer specifically designed to extend the low-frequency range of full-range speakers from Focal's Evo and Shape series into the sub-bass region. At its core are dual 8" woofers with cones made of Focal's proprietary Slatefiber composite, working together to reproduce frequencies from 32 to 120Hz. Each driver is powered by a dedicated 100W Class D amplifier, combining to enable sound pressure levels of up to 114dB. To integrate the subwoofer into an existing setup, it includes a variable low-pass filter, along with phase adjustment and polarity inversion. There's also a connection for an optional footswitch, adding a further level of control during use, further underlining the Sub One's role as a tool for accurate monitoring in a high-quality setup.
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Connectivity and quality
The Focal Sub One offers a wide range of connection options, to go with its high level of signal quality. Its two stereo inputs, as well as the stereo outputs and both LFE input and output, are all integrated as balanced XLR connections. The incoming signal itself is derived from a mono sum of the stereo input channels. Volume control and a low-pass filter adjustable between 45Hz and 120Hz – with a slope of 24dB per octave – allow producers to match the Sub One precisely to an existing monitoring setup. This is supported further by adjustable phase from 0° to 180° and the option to invert polarity, helping to align the subwoofer with other speakers in the system. To deliver a solid, punchy low end, the cabinet has a bass reflex enclosure, while the balanced dual-driver design reduces vibrations for a cleaner, tighter low-end response.
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Demanding and ambitious
The Focal Sub One is aimed at discerning home studio users as well as ambitious project studio operators looking to extend their system's low-end performance. It will effectively transform any stereo system monitoring system into a 2.1 configuration. For producers building a larger 5.1 or 7.1 system with speakers from Focal's Evo or Shape ranges, the Sub One is of course the weapon of choice, as its range of features and adjustable parameters is matched to Focal's other systems exactly. It's also well suited to users who want to do quick A/B assessments of the low-frequency content of their work, as the subwoofer can be switched into bypass mode via an optional footswitch, and thus muted in an instant.
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About Focal
A French manufacturer based in Saint-Étienne, Focal has been active in the hi-fi sector since 1979. Alongside a core focus on speaker drivers and high-fidelity loudspeakers, the company's portfolio has also expanded since 2002 to include soundbars, car audio solutions, headphones, and monitor speakers that are specifically aimed at studios in terms of materials, design, and features. The company's research and development centres and the majority of its manufacturing facilities are located in France, and Focal's speakers are designed according to the philosophy of uniting functionality and unique aesthetics. To achieve this goal, Focal also works closely with renowned design agencies.
Flexible and finely adjustable
With a full 200W RMS of power, the Focal Sub One adds both pure output and powerful low-end clarity to existing nearfield and midfield monitoring setups. Thanks to its balanced XLR connections, longer cable runs can be used without issue, giving greater freedom in positioning within the room. Even in more complex setups with multiple devices, the sub can be placed without difficulty: Its range of adjustment options makes it easy to integrate alongside full-range speakers, as well as additional subwoofers. Phase can be aligned precisely, and polarity inverted if needed, helping to avoid unwanted phase cancellation in the listening position. If the Sub One is used as part of a system where the main speakers are connected in series rather than in parallel, a high-pass filter can be activated; this ensures that the signal passed on to the satellites contains only frequencies above either 60Hz or 90Hz.
