Decades ago, I went to a speaker training put on by Sumiko called "The Masters" which was a multi-day, intensive immersion into speaker acoustics, placement, sound creation and many other elements. One of the points that stuck with me was the acoustic importance of the room itself and how this could make or break your listening experience. This has stuck with me until this day, especially in certain rooms when I set up great speakers and the sound is...meeehhhhh UNTIL we look at the room elements.
This review is on the Martin Logan Dynamo 12, which is the larger version in their Dynamo line. These powered subwoofers from Martin Logan use a room correction called ARC (Anthem Room Correction) that digitally takes many of the room characteristics out of the mix. Does it work? See our video above. P.S. A hint...YES! YES! YEEESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!
Specifications
- Frequency Response - 22–120 Hz ±3 dB (Anechoic via LFE input).
- 12” (25.4cm) high-excursion, anodized-aluminum cone in a stamped steel basket.
- Precision-crafted, sealed MDF enclosure featuring a robust 1-inch thick MDF woofer baffle.
- Amplifier: Magnitude® MT-1kW Amplifier with 1,600W peak (800W continuous).
- Wireless receiver INCLUDED (transmitter built-in)...ready to rock...wirelessly!
- Inputs: Line Level: Left, Right, and LFE XLR: LFE, Speaker Level: Left and Right (requires banana plugs).
- 61.5 lbs...refrain from dropping it on your toe.
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 16-3/4" x 15-3/4" x 15-3/4" (37.3cm x 34.8cm x 34.8cm).
- Comes in Gloss Black (NOTE: The smaller version, the Dynamo 10 also comes in Gloss White)
00:00-01:40 - Intro to Dynamo 12
01:41-05:21 - Specifications
05:22-08:16 - Set-Up and App
08:17-12:28 - Anthem Room Correction
12:29-13:30 - What We Heard
13:31-15:06 - Final Thoughts
Pros and Cons and Things to Be Aware Of
The ARC microphone is not included. We will do this calibration at no charge for all of our home theater installations where we provide the subwoofer. Plan on buying this ARC kit for yourself if you will be performing the subwoofer installation. It currently sells for $49.99.
Wondering about the Dynamo 12 vs the Dynamo 10, the smaller option from Martin Logan? We have had a few projects lately where the Dynamo 12 in SMALL rooms did seem somewhat like overkill. Overkill meaning that we had to turn the gain way down, had to place the subwoofer away from boundary walls, etc. It's great to have more bass and headroom but if you live in a prison cell-sized room (Disclaimer: If you live in a prison cell you probably won't find these in commissary or be able to possess one), you may want to opt for the Dynamo 10.
Take your ARC measurements in ALL listening areas to make sure you have no modes or nodes in seating locations.
Subwoofer wireless kits can experience interference due to RF noise and other factors. If this happens to you, check the receiver located at your surround sound head end connected to your AVR, integrated amp or processor and try moving it and the connected cables to a slightly different location.
We are very impressed with both the Dynamo 10 and Dynamo 12 powered subwoofers from Martin Logan and feel that they absolutely should be on the short list of subwoofers for your listening room or home theater for 2026. Want the power of SMOOOOOOOOOTH? See our video and understand why these subwoofers with ARC capability are one of our favorites and may be yours! San Diego @MartinLoganSpeakers Dealers are here at Aire Theater Designs!
