SubTrap

SubTrap. Bass Refined

The resonant modes inherent to rooms often cause what we call “room boom,” a muddled blur of sound that can range from disorienting to painful. This also masks subtle sonic detail all the way through the treble range, and it happens even when the subwoofer is producing great bass and plenty of detail. The SubTrap reduces the running reverberant noise floor in the room, allowing this detail to reach you-the listener.

By raising the sub off the floor and putting a SubTrap under it, the subwoofer is effectively decoupled from the vertical room mode. This reduces the degree of energy storage in the room, allowing the playback volume of the subwoofer to be raised much higher than before without suffering painful room boom.

The SubTrap utilizes the same RC-time constant acoustic circuit as our famous TubeTraps to provide lower bass extension than competitor’s products of the same size. In terms of bass response, the 18″ SubTrap model is comparable to a 20″ TubeTrap model and the 22″ SubTrap is comparable to a 24″ TubeTrap model.

The outer surface of the SubTrap is composed of a flow-resistive membrane while the inside is an capacitive air cavity, and together they act as an acoustic high-pass circuit with a roll off below 50 Hz. Thanks to the isothermal upgrade, the equivalent of heat sinks have been added to eliminate the thermal backpressure of compression, providing a 200% improvement in the deep bass and 130% in the upper/mid bass.

Model Sizes & Compatibility

No setup! Just place your subwoofer atop the SubTrap then sit back and listen to the improvement in the low-end musicality.

SubTrap 18″
18″ x 18″x 18″ (L x W x H) fits most subwoofers using drivers 15″ and smaller.
Recommended compatible subwoofers:

JL Audio Fathom f112
SVS SB-3000
Rythmik F12

SubTrap 22″
22″ x 22″ x 22″ (L x W x H) fits larger subwoofers using drivers up to 18″.
Recommended compatible subwoofers:

JL Audio Fathom f113v2
SVS SB16-Ultra
Rythmik F18

Technical

The SubTrap take advantage of ASC’s patented Isothermal technology to boost low bass performance.

The 18″ SubTrap offers meaningful absorption as low as 30 Hz, and really shines in the “boom zone” between 60 and 80 Hz.  The tuned core promotes high efficiency in this range, making the lowest notes more audible.

The 22″ SubTrap extends as low as 20 Hz, matching the performance of most high-end subwoofers, while still offering tremendous absorption in the 40-80 Hz range. To extend absorption to even lower frequencies requires construction-oriented constrained-layer-damping systems (IsoWall system)

• Isothermal performance boost
• Mounting information: Free-standing
• Feet: 1″ butyl rubber isolation-type
• Stackable: Yes
• Load Bearing Capacity: 250lbs
• Fire Rating: Class 1 fire rated ASTM E-84
• Finish Colors: Guilford FR 701 Series
• Warranty: 1 year parts and labor

Standard Product Absorption Curve

SubTrap 18″
Dimensions: 18″ x 18″ x 18″ (L x W x H)
Weight: 30 lbs
Shipping Details: UPS Box

SubTrap 22″
Dimensions: 22″ x 22″ x 22″ (L x W x H)
Weight: 40lbs
Shipping Details: UPS Box (oversize)

Custom Fabric Colors

Any product using Guilford Stock Fabrics qualifies for custom color fabrics. Custom fabric pricing is 10% additional
(minimum $175/order)

NOTE: Some lighter-colored fabrics can incur additional sub-charges for hue matching.

Custom fabric does not impact shipping costs or product weight.

We carry many custom colors in our factory, but this is not guaranteed.  Orders requesting custom fabric will require 1-4 weeks lead time based on availability.  Contact us for details and availability.

Reviews

The SubTrap is a recommended upgrade for subwoofer playback by Stereophile, Wide Screen Review, Home Theater, Home Theater Review, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity and The Absolute Sound.

Testimonials

“My first and usual test piece was the opening 30 Hz organ note at the beginning of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. That note is supposed to sound like approaching thunder. In the past, when I listened for this note, it was distant alright, distant and THIN. With the SubTrap I have finally (after many years) heard this note the way it was meant to be heard… With other music the bass is tighter, cleaner, faster and deeper. Being a ‘bassaholic’ for many years I cannot express fully enough what a difference the SubTrap has made for me. When I get my Supercube II subwoofer, I’ll be getting a 18″ SubTrap for that one too. Thank you, thank you, thank you…”

– L Harvey (satisfied SubTrap owner)

“Without a SubTrap, the excellent rhythm & timing that I have gotten used to was diminished to some extent; the bass seemed just a tad slow on rock music. Also, there was a somewhat ‘plasticky’ and ‘thuddy’ coloration to the bass. What is more, I could not contain my surprise when, while spinning a piece for six percussionists and choir (Wolfgang Rihm, last part of Tutuguri), I heard a ‘brownish’ coloration from large snare drums, the sound of which did not have lots of bass output! (The somewhat thuddy sound upon subsequent entry of the heavy bass drums was the final nail in the coffin for me). Putting back the SubTrap under the subwoofer confirmed that the ‘brownish’ coloration of the snare drums had been no illusion; the pristine sound that I had been used to returned”

– A Moritz (satisfied SubTrap owner)