KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer

The KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer is the second largest in the range and has a 12” driver for Earth shaking bass. Additionally, the built-in amplifier is a 300-watt Class D type. The DSP features a KEF-developed iBX Intelligent Bass Extension algorithm along with a Music Integrity engine. As a result, the sound has good depth and dynamics.

Also, there is a good range of connectivity options including speaker level inputs for legacy amplifiers. There are also various room EQ settings and a wireless conversion kit is available.

Powerful Class D amplifier

To save space and heat generation the KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer uses a highly efficient Class D amplifier. This type of amplifier uses a series of high-frequency pulses to generate the output. The method is known as Pulse Code modulation.

The closer together the pulses are the higher the output. Just before the driver is a low pass filter that recovers the audio. The output stage usually consists of fast-switching MOSFET transistors. Class D is up to 90% efficient, generates less heat, and needs less power than Class A/B designs.

KEF music integrity engine

The KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer features a Music Integrity Engine as part of the DSP system. The Digital Signal Processor algorithm ensures that the sound is well-timed and has a tight and well-controlled bass.

Also, the sealed enclosure means that the unit can be placed in a cabinet. Additionally, there are different room EQ settings. These are, against a wall, in-cabinet, in-room, or in a corner.

Versatile power modes

There are good control options with the KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer. Firstly auto-on is available. This can be used to detect an audio signal and turn the unit on. It will also power down after a time if there is no input.

There is also a 12V trigger input that can be connected to a suitable amplifier. This will then turn the subwoofer on with the main unit. Finally, the unit can be left on all the time.

Wireless connection kit

To avoid trailing wires there is also a wireless conversion kit available for the KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer. There are also various controls that are used for setting up the unit, such as a variable crossover. There is also a phase switch.

Connecting a subwoofer

The KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer can be connected in many different ways depending on whether an AV amplifier is in use or not. Older amplifiers will not have a dedicated subwoofer output. Therefore the KEF Kube 12 MIE Subwoofer has speaker-level inputs.

These can be connected to the second set of speaker outputs that some older amplifiers have. On the other hand, AV receivers will have a subwoofer output. There may also be an LFE or Low-Frequency Effects output for another subwoofer.

Setting up a subwoofer

Once connected a few settings need to be made. The first is the crossover frequency. This needs to be matched to the output of the main speakers. It can be set by ear. Then the phase switch should be set so that the phase of the subwoofer matches that of the main speakers.

If this is not correct the subwoofer will tend to cancel out the bass from the main speakers. This larger subwoofer unit is good for larger rooms and home Cinema rooms.

Key Features

- Music Integrity Engine® (MIE) – KEF proprietary DSP to further optimise performance
- 300W RMS Class D amplification
- Three room placement settings: Wall/in-cabinet In-room and Corner
- Multiple power modes: Always on, Auto wake up, 12V
- KEF SmartConnect intelligent inputs to automatically detect mono or stereo and adjust the subwoofer volume level accordingly
- Versatile controls for easy integration with any loudspeaker and any home environment
- Sealed for greater accuracy while allowing the Kube to be installed in a cabinet
- Available in four sizes for flexible configuration: Kube 15 MIE, Kube 12 MIE, Kube 10 MIE, Kube 8 MIE
- Optional KW1 wireless subwoofer adapter kit compatible for wireless operation