Take a Big Hit

You do a wide variety of shows and genres with your subs. You need to meet the demand for hard-hitting live kicks and the rolling bass of an 808. You need the perfect blend of performance and versatility. Precise low-end reproduction with a massive punch and plenty of heft.

Give It A Punch

The VS21-MK3 is a rum punch of sweet, deep, punchy bass. With horn-loaded and vented design get the best of both worlds for dance floor mastery.

Family Stories

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I am so glad we chose to purchase the VS21 subwoofer from BASSBOSS! The performance of this subwoofer in your mobile DJ truck has exceeded your expectations, leaving you and your customers extremely satisfied. Its powerful bass response and excellent sound quality have undoubtedly taken your mobile DJ experience to the next level. The VS21 subwoofer has consistently delivered impressive performance, enhancing the overall audio experience and creating an immersive atmosphere. Ourselves personally, and our customers' satisfaction truly speak volumes about the exceptional quality of this subwoofer. It's great to know that we made a fantastic choice with the VS21 subwoofer from BASSBOSS!

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Everyone is loving what we have going with the VS21.

It always makes me smile when the sound turns on. Such a game changer!

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They are insane! They sound so great now I want more! 🙂

Shayne Weekly
Rage Enterprises
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Everyone was surprised at how much bass was coming from one woofer. The bass shook the whole building.

The police came Wednesday when we gigged in the school gymnasium. They said we were shaking people’s windows in their houses.

Justin McClary
Justin McClary

Dangerously Sweet

The VS21's short horn allows very high sensitivity in its upper operating range, which has the effect of increasing the power available for "impact" and "punch". The vented part of the cabinet allows it to do the deep notes that 21" woofers do well. The resulting impression is one of a very ‘big’ or ‘heavy’ hit.

Pretty + Powerful

A high-efficiency 21" woofer is loaded into a large, tuned chamber on one side for deep bass and a short horn on the other for impact. The 2500 Watts from the amplifier are put to very good use making SPL and the processing keeps everything safe and smooth.

Power of MK3

MK3 Amp Update

There are all-new amplifiers in the MK3 series. Total power has increased, however power allocated to woofers increased substantially. The higher output voltages provide more impact. Universal input voltage compatibility of 90-250V provides more flexibility. Waterproof connections provide more peace of mind.

MK3 Enhanced DSP

The MK3 features an all-new 96kHz DSP. The pushbutton presets have doubled, from 4 to 8, and up to 100 presets can now be stored in the DSP and loaded via LAN. The comprehensive suite of processing includes meticulously tuned equalization, all necessary high-pass and low-pass filters, as well as multiple protection systems and limiters to prevent driver overload in as many ways as possible.

ControlBASS Software

ControlBASS software supports an essentially unlimited number of possible BASSBOSS-developed or customized user presets which integrate seamlessly and coherently with all other BASSBOSS products for effortlessly perfect setups. The latest in DSP programming developments can be added via easy remote updating.

Technical Specifications

Specification Details
Loudspeaker Description
Single 21" Self-Powered 6th-order Hybrid Subwoofer
Frequency Response (±3 dB)
28 - 100Hz
Maximum Sustained Output
135 dB SPL 1m half-space
Max SPL (Peak)*
138 dB SPL 1m half-space
Nominal Dispersion (H° x V°)
360 x 360 – Cardioid Mode Available with Multiple Boxes
Amplification
2500 Watts Class D
Processing
Integrated comprehensive DSP. 96kHz sampling rate with 8 pushbutton presets. All presets include high pass filters, low pass filters, phase alignment, equalization and multi-stage limiting. Storage apacity for up to 100 presets
Electrical Connector Amp
USA 3-pin grounding 120V electrical plug: NEMA 5-15; Outside USA alternate connectors provided
Electrical Connector Mains
Standard US 3-pin grounding 120V electrical plug: NEMA 5-15 (Edison)
Voltage Operating Range
100-240V AC, 50-60Hz (Auto-sensing, auto switching universal supply)
Current Draw 120V
4.6A (nominal)
Current Draw 240V
2.3A (nominal)
Signal Input Connector
XLR-F
Signal Output Connector
XLR-M (direct pass-through only)
Enclosure Type
Vented, short-horn hybrid
Transducer Low Frequency
1 x 21 in. diameter (540mm) neodymium motor woofer with 4.5 in. (115mm) voice coil.
Transducer Mid Frequency
Transducer High Frequency
Cabinet Construction
CNC machined 18 mm Baltic Birch plywood with extensive bracing and dado joinery with 4 x 35 mm pole sockets, 8 x integrated handles, 12 rubber feet. 8 interlocking foot pockets. 6 X M10 threaded flypoints
Exterior Finish
High-pressure, bonded polyurea coating. Rugged, waterproof. Textured black
Grille
Perforated, powder-coated steel
Dimensions (HxWxD)
36” x 24” x 36” (91.44 cm x 60.96 cm x 91.44 cm) - 37.5” (95.25 cm) high with feet
Net Weight
180 lbs. (82 kg)
Shipping Weight
210 lbs. (104 kg)
What's Included
Loudspeaker, 15' (5m) Power Cable, Manual, Warranty Card
Optional Covers
Heavy-duty padded nylon transport cover (Vertical)
Optional Dollies
Version V: Birch plywood flat cart with 4 locking wheels and sockets to accept the cabinet feet. Transports 1 cabinet. <br>‍</p><p Version H: Birch plywood flat cart with 4 locking wheels and sockets to accept the cabinet feet. Transports up to 3 cabinets.
Optional Hardware
M10 Shoulder Eye Bolts, M10 Side-Pull anchors
Part Number
True Specifications

At BASSBOSS, with the MK3 line we have stopped using “Peak” and “RMS” power ratings for our amplifiers because those numbers alone are not an accurate representation of the real-world performance you can expect from our powered loudspeaker systems.

Peak Watts:

  • Essentially a theoretical maximum that the amplifiers could output for an instantaneous moment under ideal conditions with no load.
  • However, this peak power is not sustainable and has little practical relevance for how the loudspeakers will actually perform.

RMS (root mean square) Watts:

  • A measure of continuous power output, but even this figure doesn’t account for the true efficiency of how that power is converted into acoustic output by the transducers and overall speaker design.
  • The number of watts a loudspeaker “uses” is constantly fluctuating based on the impedance curve, frequency response, and heat generated in the voice coils.
  • Simply looking at how many watts an amplifier can produce on a test bench doesn’t translate to its real-world sound output capability.

What matters most is the complete integrated loudspeaker system and how efficiently it can convert the amplifier’s power into acoustic output while maintaining flat frequency response and headroom. Two loudspeakers with the same wattage ratings could have vastly different real-world sound pressure levels and clarity.

For these reasons, we believe wattage ratings alone are not a reliable metric. Listening tests and measurements of the overall system’s output capabilities like maximum SPL and distortion are far more telling than any peak or RMS wattage number viewed in isolation.

Our goal is to provide outstanding performance through intelligent system design, not just big wattage numbers.

Deep Dive

Product = Primo

Why the VS21-MK3?


Freedom may be a strange thing for a subwoofer to offer, but how does that sound?

Freedom to go more places, because it requires less current to deliver more SPL, so you can run it on smaller generators or fewer circuits and still deliver big sound. Freedom to do more types of shows, because it delivers big dynamic impact for live drums and also thick lows for electronic music and instruments. Freedom to transport them in the pickup or van you already own, and freedom from the worry that you might not have enough output with single 18-inch subs. If you’re looking to break new ground, in any context, the VS21-MK3 can get you there.

The VS21 is particularly versatile, able to satisfy the demands of hard-hitting live kick drums to the deep, rolling bass of an 808. For those whose shows span a lot of genres, the VS21 has got them all covered. The same size and shape as the Cerwin Vega L-36, the VS21 will deliver considerably much more output and deep bass.

Philosophy = Principled

Straight Specs


At BASSBOSS we believe in power, precision, and practicality. While others in the industry may rely on theoretical calculations or skewed metrics, we provide real-world performance measurements. Performance claims that can't be met are worse than irrelevant, they are deceptive.

If you compare our specs to many in the loudspeaker industry, our specifications might seem rather unimpressive. That's certainly not because the products are underperforming, it's because we choose to tell you the truth instead of marketing hype. We bring you the reality of what our products can actually deliver in real-world conditions. We believe that should matter most to anyone who actually lives in the real world.

Many manipulate data in order to paint an exaggeratedly rosy picture of their products. Things like calculating peak output instead of measuring it, or quoting peak output figures based on output at frequencies outside the operational range of the loudspeaker, or quoting output that's achieved without the necessary processing having been applied. These methods churn out inflated specifications that don't match up to any actual, achievable levels. At BASSBOSS, we like to keep it real. We provide our “Maximum Measured Output" ratings, reporting the levels that we have actually measured our products reaching, and that's with all the filters and limiters in place, exactly the way you receive them. In our book, authenticity always wins.

Champion Components


Every single item in the BASSBOSS lineup echoes our unwavering dedication to superior quality. From the awe-inspiring capacity of our largest festival rigs to the compact portability of our smaller systems, each piece is crafted to meet the same standards, to be exceptional on its own merits. This guarantees that every beat you feel and every song you hear is delivered with the clarity, power and steadfast reliability that are the hallmarks of the BASSBOSS experience.

As part of our commitment to exceptional quality, BASSBOSS goes the extra mile to ensure the components we use are the very best in every application. The best, in this context, doesn't always mean the most exotic, the most expensive, or having the most impressive specifications. It means the best for that particular purpose. Factors like frequency response and efficiency have to be backed up with long-term consistency of performance, long-term reliability, and fitness for purpose. We source top-tier components, from the best-reputed suppliers in the industry, just like every other high-end loudspeaker manufacturer.

If there is a difference between BASSBOSS and the other buyers of these same premium components, it's in the expectations we have for our systems. We didn't grow up on rock-n-roll, we grew up in the age of electronic instruments, digital recordings and deep bass. The demand for more and more SPL at lower and lower frequencies isn't something we're trying to catch up with, it's something we've been leading for years. Those bigger competitors eventually try to build products to do what we do when the demand gets big enough for them to do it. Meanwhile, for years we've been building the products that created that demand. By the time you're able to buy anything similar from them, we're already making the next insanely powerful product they'll eventually try to compete with. They do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Deep Design


BASSBOSS is an investment into your creative identity. When you join the BASSBOSS Family you don't just get world-class audio equipment, you get something even more valuable: The BASSBOSS experience. Our products are designed for you to be able to make the most of them from the moment you take them out of the box.

Each element is purposefully crafted. Everything has a reason and a purpose, and that purpose is to make getting consistently great results easy and trouble-free. Whether you're a sound enthusiast or an audio professional, BASSBOSS lets you take control, effortlessly. To begin with, it's as simple as plug-and-play. No complicated setups, no fiddling around with complex controls. Connect directly to your mixer with just a signal cable, switch on, and the BASSBOSS experience means you're ready to deliver powerful soundscapes that move your audience.

Your sound, your way. Our Digital Signal Processing is comprehensive yet accessible. With a variety of inter-compatible presets and the ability to seamlessly switch between them, you can adjust and fine-tune your sound with just the touch of a button, or, if you prefer, the click of a mouse. Everything you need, nothing you don't. The integrated processing allows you to make changes so you can achieve the sound balance you want. And if you're wondering, no, it doesn't allow you to make changes that shouldn't be made, of the type that could cause damage or a deterioration of quality. One more benefit of the experience.

Craftsmanship = Consummate

Prodigious Power


The VS21-MK3 features 2500W of amplification, with an auto-sensing, globally compatible power supply that can run on input voltages anywhere between 90 and 250 Volts. Full output power is available on anything over 110V. The amplifier's peak-output voltage provides intense, high SPL hits while its sustained output is unparalleled in its ability to deliver the liquid lows. The amplifier is passively cooled via its external heat sink and by woofer-generated air flow through the port. When necessary, two blower fans will engage to provide additional forced-air cooling capacity in more extreme conditions.

Every BASSBOSS product comes equipped with amplification, and in every case, a generous supply of power is provided. Headroom is the term used to describe the power that's still available when the sound is at the level required, and the BASSBOSS amps provide ample headroom. While it's necessary to have limiters in the DSP to prevent driver overload, those limiters aren't there to prevent amplifier clipping. There is enough power in every product to reach its maximum SPL without the risk of clipping the amplifier.

In other words, the amplifier is never the bottleneck in delivering powerful low frequencies, dynamic impact and clear sound. This abundant power capacity not only keeps overheating at bay but also eliminates the potential for damage caused by clipping an underpowered amp. With BASSBOSS, you've got the power to keep your sound pumping.

Thumping Transducers


Amplifier power is converted into the much more desirable acoustical power by a high-sensitivity, neodymium motor, 21-inch woofer with a 4.5-inch (115mm) high-BL voice coil. Neodymium magnets are lighter, and their higher intensity provides higher efficiency, so the result is a lighter and louder cabinet than those with ferrite drivers. Our split-wound woofer coils create a more consistent force throughout the cone's range of movement, minimizing distortion and enhancing linearity at peak output.

The protection systems involve several techniques running simultaneously to effectively prevent thermal overload of the voice coils and limit excessive excursion. Reducing thermal saturation not only prevents burned voice coils, it also minimizes long-term thermal compression. Due to the sophistication of these multiple, independent yet simultaneous processes, the drivers can be protected while the actions of the limiters have virtually no noticeable effect on the transient response of the loudspeaker. Peak output can be achieved consistently, repeatedly and safely.

We understand that real-life situations can sometimes be messy. That's why we've waterproofed our cones to withstand accidental exposure to moisture – whether it's an unexpected rain shower or a spilled drink.

Choice Cabinets


The VS21-MK3 is a hybrid 6th-order bandpass cabinet, utilizing a large vented volume and a short-horn section to increase sensitivity in its upper operating range. The VS21 takes the power required by a single driver and creates very nearly the output of a double 18-inch subwoofer. This makes it a very popular choice for those needing a lot of SPL from a limited number of power circuits. With a massive displacement, long excursion 21” woofer, rear-loaded into a large acoustical volume that is tuned to a low frequency and front-loaded onto a short horn. The vented enclosure section provides extended low-frequency performance and the horn section provides increased upper-frequency sensitivity and improved transient response.

BASSBOSS cabinets are designed to endure for a very long time. Built from robust Birch plywood, our construction process involves precise dado joints, cleverly integrated bracing, and cutting-edge adhesives to create sturdy, rigid cabinets that stand the test of time. With maintenance and good moving techniques, BASSBOSS cabs can look new years down the line, even after many demanding environments and less-than-ideal locations.

The cabinets are protected by a rugged black polyurea coating that's specially formulated to bond to wood. Amplifiers are recessed into the back of the cabinets, safeguarding them from impact damage, with the cabinet recesses also functioning as structural braces. Powder-coated, perforated steel grilles protect the woofers. Every effort is made to create a physical enclosure that will stand up to whatever you throw at it, giving you years and years of solid service.

MK3 = Monumental

Processing Perfection


Proprietary DSP design techniques are at the core of the BASSBOSS line. Every BASSBOSS product features dedicated and integrated signal processing. Proprietary measurement and processing systems allow BASSBOSS products to deliver superior performance and value compared to others of similar size, price or coverage. The innovative, sophisticated protection in the DSP allows the drivers to run louder and longer and remain reliable. The nature of the processing, along with the proprietary limiters, allows the speakers to maintain their character and sound quality to a level higher than you might believe possible.

The protection systems involve several techniques running simultaneously to effectively prevent thermal overload of the voice coils and limit excessive excursion. Due to the sophistication of these multiple, independent yet simultaneous processes, the drivers can be protected while the actions of the limiters have virtually no noticeable effect on the transient response of the loudspeaker. Reducing thermal saturation not only prevents burned voice coils, it also minimizes long-term thermal compression. Peak output can be achieved consistently, repeatedly and safely.

Insane Improvements


The MK3 series, available now, brings an upgraded DSP with an immense boost in processing power. Operating at a sampling rate of 96kHz, it delivers double the resolution of its predecessors, resulting in increased fidelity and a lower noise floor.

The MK3 series doesn't stop there. It provides you with eight meticulously tailored preset alignments, all readily available at the click of a button. Further improving your user experience, the system now enables immediate preset switching with zero signal dropouts, ensuring smooth transitions even if you choose to make preset changes during performances.

This is where excellence meets simplicity: our systems can be connected directly to your mixer, requiring nothing more than a signal cable for you to have all the control you need to achieve great sound. The eight directly accessible presets are compatible with all the presets in all MK3 Boxes and are also compatible with previous generation tops and subs.

For those who need more control, there is more available.

Functionality Fortified


The new DSP features an Ethernet interface. Connecting via the ControlBASS software offers remote control and monitoring from a computer, and allows access to essentially unlimited presets through updates and new releases. With a computer connected, the MK3 DSP features access to a storage capacity of up to 100 on-board presets.

Within the software, multiple cabinets can be grouped together, allowing them to respond to commands simultaneously. This permits the levels of multiple loudspeakers to be adjusted together, and yet independently from the levels of other groups of loudspeakers. In addition to individual and grouped level controls, presets can be loaded and signal levels and temperatures can be monitored.

The MK3 series further expands its functionality with an integrated 2-port network switch, enabling cascaded LAN configurations to easily group loudspeakers for centralized control, making the MK3 series the ultimate tool for taking the reins of your sound experience.

Our systems are designed to grow with you. Want to add more BASSBOSS products to your setup? With inter-compatible tops and subs, cascading LAN configurations, network switches and ControlBASS software, expansion is a breeze. System simplicity, scalability, and sonic excellence: The experience becomes yours.

Let's Talk about Peak vs. RMS

At BASSBOSS, with the MK3 line we have stopped using “peak” and “RMS” power ratings for our amplifiers because those numbers alone are not an accurate representation of the real-world performance you can expect from our powered loudspeaker systems.


Peak watts is essentially a theoretical maximum that the amplifiers could output for an instantaneous moment under ideal conditions with no load. However, this peak power is not sustainable and has little practical relevance for how the loudspeakers will actually perform.RMS (root mean square) watts is a measure of continuous power output, but even this figure doesn’t account for the true efficiency of how that power is converted into acoustic output by the transducers and overall speaker design.

The number of watts a loudspeaker “uses” is constantly fluctuating based on the impedance curve, frequency response, and heat generated in the voice coils. Simply looking at how many watts an amplifier can produce on a test bench doesn’t translate to its real-world sound output capability.

What matters most is the complete integrated loudspeaker system and how efficiently it can convert the amplifier’s power into acoustic output while maintaining flat frequency response and headroom. Two loudspeakers with the same wattage ratings could have vastly different real-world sound pressure levels and clarity.For these reasons, we believe wattage ratings alone are not a reliable metric.

Listening tests and measurements of the overall system’s output capabilities like maximum SPL and distortion are far more telling than any peak or RMS wattage number viewed in isolation. Our goal is to provide outstanding performance through intelligent system design, not just big wattage numbers.

Photos

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Docs
VS21-MK3 Cut Sheet
File Size :
369.1 kB
VS21-MK3 Owner's Manual
File Size :
495.3 kB
BASSBOSS Product Catalog
File size: 3.92 MB