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 designed to extend the low-frequency range of monitors from Focal's Evo and Shape series into the sub-bass region. At its core are two 8" long-excursion Slatefiber composite woofers – a non-woven recycled carbon fibre material manufactured in Focal's workshops in France – working together to reproduce frequencies from 32Hz to 120Hz at ±3dB. Each driver is powered by a dedicated 100W Class D amplifier, combining for a total of 200W RMS and a maximum SPL of 114dB. A variable low-pass filter, phase adjustment, polarity inversion, and footswitch input for bypass control give precise integration options within an existing monitoring setup. The cabinet is built from 22mm MDF with internal bracing, finished in dark grey vinyl, with front-mounted air vents and a slim profile designed to sit along a wall or under a desk without disrupting the room layout.
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Connectivity and quality
The Sub One's inputs and outputs are all balanced XLR – left, right, and LFE inputs alongside left and right satellite outputs, which run in parallel with the inputs so the full-range signal passes through to the main monitors unaffected. The incoming stereo signal is summed to mono internally before being processed by the subwoofer. Volume control and a low-pass filter adjustable between 45Hz and 120Hz at 24dB per octave allow the Sub One to be matched precisely to an existing monitoring setup. Phase is adjustable from 0° to 180° and polarity can be inverted, helping to align the subwoofer with the main speakers and avoid phase cancellation at the listening position. Input impedance is 110kOhm, supporting long cable runs without signal degradation.
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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 – transforming a stereo nearfield setup into a 2.1 configuration, or anchoring a larger 5.1 or 7.1 system built around Focal's Evo or Shape monitors. Its adjustable parameters are matched to Focal's monitor range, making integration straightforward without additional signal processing. The footswitch input allows the subwoofer to be bypassed instantly during a session – useful for quick A/B assessments of low-frequency content without touching the monitoring chain. A Defeat LED confirms bypass status visually.
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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
The Sub One's balanced XLR connections support longer cable runs, giving greater freedom in room placement – the slim 475×310×520mm cabinet and front-mounted vents make under-desk or against-wall positioning practical without compromising ventilation. A high-pass filter can be activated for the satellite outputs, passing only frequencies above either 60Hz or 90Hz to the main monitors – useful where the full-range speakers are connected in series rather than in parallel, or where bass management between sub and satellites needs tightening. Phase alignment and polarity inversion address cancellation issues in more complex multi-device setups, and the subwoofer output allows additional Sub One units to be linked for larger installations. At 18.5kg, it is substantial but manageable for permanent studio placement.
