Microlow class reference subwoofer: SVS 3000 Micro

The new 3000 Micro from subwoofer specialist SVS is a small but surprisingly punchy device that brings a whole new dimension to bass reproduction – and a whole lot of punch.

Text: Heikki Kivelä
Photos: Manufacturer & AVPlus delivery

Small subwoofers are of interest to people more than ever before. And it’s no wonder, because with today’s technologies, even a small enclosure size can be enough for a compact driver, whose playback is driven by an advanced digital signal processor that hums away in the background. Today’s music and entertainment demands control and the ability to cover the entire audio spectrum from a playback device, and that’s not necessarily possible with even small speakers. Unless you install an almost imperceptible small subwoofer into the interior to match the design.

That is exactly what the SVS 3000 Micro from the American brand is. With technology borrowed from the manufacturer’s flagship 16-Ultra models, the 3000 Micron features two opposing 8-inch drivers and a dedicated 800-watt RMS Sledge amplifier that makes a noticeable impact in a typical living room.

So there is plenty of power in a small package, and on top of that the 3000 Micro is also a highly advanced and versatile representative of its category.

Install and control
In keeping with current trends, the 3000 Micro is actually a compact subwoofer, as the opening image of the article illustrates. The dimensions of the glossy black or white MDF-board enclosure are less than 30 centimeters on each side, making the subwoofer easy to hide in almost any interior design. The mass of the enclosure is slightly over 10 kilograms, and it is supported by sturdy rubber pads that will keep the subwoofer in place even in rougher conditions.

The connection side on the 3000 Micross is quite traditional: stereo RCA out for active speakers, and two RCA inputs on the inside, one of which is automatically set to the LFE channel. In addition to these, there is a trigger input and a USB port that can be used to connect an optional wireless receiver that costs 139 euros.

As mentioned, the elements are mounted at 3000 Micros with the rear facing against the side panels, and both of them are active. This is somewhat good to take into account, for example in corner placement, although the playback is easy to control with a really advanced and clever control app.

The SVS control app automatically found the subwoofer in our test and played through the tracks exactly as intended. Many of the settings that many beginners are concerned about are easily and logically available in the app’s menu. Among the adjustable settings are the subwoofer level, the subwoofer crossover frequency, phase, polarity, parametric equalizer, and room adjustment, and the app even includes tips and instructions for use, although in English.

With the app, all the essential adjustments can be made from the comfort of your couch, which is good and necessary; in the SVS case, it’s even a full five-star feature.

On a convincing foundation
According to the manufacturer, the 3000 Micron crossover range extends from 23 Hertz to 240 Hertz ±3 dB in the crossover, and on their website there is even a measurement taken in a silent mode to support their claim, where the bass level starts to drop slowly to under 40 Hertz. In an acoustic mode, the room provides a lot of support for the lowest frequencies, so the measurement result and the claim can be considered correct in that sense.