Overview

The Sub One is a professional active subwoofer with dual 8-inch Slatefiber woofers and 200W RMS (2×100W Class D)[1][2]. It’s rated 32–120 Hz (±3 dB) with 114 dB peak @1 m[2][4], and offers XLR L/R plus LFE I/O, adjustable LPF 45–120 Hz, HPF 60/90 Hz for satellites, 0–180° phase, polarity invert, and a footswitch for bass-management bypass[1][4]. Availability was February 2022[5]. Typical US street price is 1,199 USD[3][4][15].

Scientific Validity

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No independent third-party measurements were located; the assessment is based on manufacturer/retailer specifications (32–120 Hz ±3 dB, 114 dB peak, 200W RMS)[2][4]. If verified lab data (e.g., THD vs. SPL, group delay) emerges, this score should be updated.

Technology Level

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Slatefiber cones, front ports, and comprehensive 2.1 bass management (LPF/HPF/phase/polarity/footswitch) are practical for studio use[1][4][15]. However, there’s no onboard room auto-calibration/DSP, so innovation is moderate versus some peers.

Cost-Performance

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• US basis: Sub One = 1,199 USD[3][4][15]
• Cheapest ≥performance comparator: KRK S12.4 = 749.99 USD, 26–97 Hz (±3 dB), 119.9 dB peak[5][6][7][19]

Computation: 749.99 USD ÷ 1,199 USD = 0.625 → 0.6.
S12.4 extends deeper within the ±3 dB window and reaches higher peak SPL at a lower price. JBL LSR310S at 399 USD is a strong budget option, but its 27 Hz figure is an extension spec (commonly –10 dB) and max SPL 113 dB peak, so it doesn’t clearly satisfy the “≥performance” criterion used here[10][11].

Reliability & Support

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Solid construction, adequate Class-D headroom, and established dealer/support networks suggest good reliability and serviceability[1][13]. Limited long-term field data prevents a perfect score.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The feature set sensibly targets studio integration[1][15], but at 1,199 USD the proposition is challenged by KRK S12.4 (749.99 USD) offering equal or better measurable output for less[5][6][7].

Advice

• Best measurable output per dollar: KRK S12.4 (749.99 USD) — 26–97 Hz (±3 dB), 119.9 dB peak[5][6][7].
• High headroom / versatile: Kali WS-12 V2 (999 USD) — 30–200 Hz (±3 dB), 123 dB peak; studio/PA capable[8][9].
• Tight budgets: JBL LSR310S (399 USD) — attractive pricing; note –10 dB-style extension uses a different benchmark[10][11].

References

[1] Focal — Sub One (product) https://www.focal.com/products/sub-one
[2] MINET (JP distributor) — Sub One specs https://www.minet.jp/brand/focal/sub-one/
[3] Sweetwater — Focal Sub One 1,199 USD https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SubOne–focal-sub-one-8-inch-powered-studio-subwoofer
[4] B&H — Sub One (32–120 Hz ±3 dB, LPF 45–120 Hz) https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1681356-REG/focal_fopro_subone_sub_one_active_dual.html
[5] Focal press PDF — Available Feb 2022 https://media.focal-naim.com/focal/file_manager_files/espace-presse/pdf-cp/cp-alpha-80-twin-evo-sub-one-en-0.pdf
[6] KRK — S12.4 specs (26–97 Hz / 119.9 dB) https://www.krkmusic.com/products/s12-4-powered-studio-subwoofer
[7] KRK — Subwoofers price list (S12.4 749.99 USD) https://www.krkmusic.com/collections/subwoofers
[8] Sweetwater — Kali WS-12 V2 (30–200 Hz ±3 dB / 123 dB / 999 USD) https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/WS12SubV2–kali-audio-ws-12-v2-12-inch-powered-subwoofer
[9] Kali Audio — WS-12 V2 (pricing mention) https://www.kaliaudio.com/watts-ws12
[10] Sweetwater — JBL LSR310S 399 USD https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR310S–jbl-lsr310s-10-inch-powered-studio-subwoofer
[11] JBL Professional — LSR310S specs (27 Hz extension, 113 dB peak) https://jblpro.com/en-US/products/lsr310s
[12] Soundhouse (JP) — Sub One ¥121,000 https://www.soundhouse.co.jp/products/detail/item/315584/
[13] Focal — Support https://www.focal.com/support
[15] Focal Naim America — Sub One 1,199 USD https://focalnaimamerica.com/product/view/1701

(2025.8.13)