I have a WS-12 up and running in my mix studio paired up with my Kali IN-8 monitors. The WS-12 Subwoofer weighs 63-lbs and measures 19H X 17D X 16W-inches fitting nicely in the center of the width dimension of my mix room and equidistant between my two Kali IN-8s left and right up on stands. I have it placed up against the front wall and it's good to know that the WS-12 uses a low noise port in the front of the cabinet instead of the rear panel that would pose a problem for my particular positioning.

Just as in the whole Kali Audio line, the WS-12 uses DSP controlled via the various positions of the ten switches on a DIP-switch on the back of the speaker cabinet. There are helpful diagrams printed directly on the unit's back panel for quick reference. There are crossover settings and room positions for use with any of the Kali monitors as well as general crossover settings for 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, and 140Hz. There are also settings for a dedicated LFE used in 5.1 or 7.1 surround systems, a RCA input jack, polarity flip, and power saving mode. I set up my WS-12 for my IN-8 monitors using a crossover frequency of 80Hz.

Kali Audio WS-12 Subwoofer Back Panel

In my small mix room, it is probably overkill but it is important to hear all the way down for any problems such as (previously unheard) recorded traffic rumble, AC noise or subtle vocal "P" pops. When I'm mixing EDM or other low frequency-centric music genres, I have to hear what the producer and artist intended in the deep bass. The WS-12's frequency response goes down to 30 Hz (+/- 3dB) and down at 23Hz, it is -10dB. Maximum volume is 123 dB SPL.

The WS-12 is built using 18-mm thick plywood and has recessed steel handles for road cartage. If you are using one of those portable, all-in-one PAs like the Yamaha® StagePAS® or a Fender® Passport®, you could easily transport it (as needed) from your studio setup and use it to add the bottom octave your listeners at the live gig will love. Kali says its size will fit in most compact car trunks.

I built and connected my own desktop bypass switch that I plugged into the 1/4-inch jack on the back panel. (But you can buy one separately) I use the switch to check mixes--the increase in subsonic energy with the WS-12 switched in should be minimal if your mix is tight. I liked that when the WS-12 is bypassed, my mains are returned to full range, regular operation. That was an important consideration for me in my studio.

I am enjoying using the WS-12 in my mixing and now if the producer wants to hear my mix at club volume levels, it's there with the bass clean and tight. Awesome!

Kali Audio's WS-12 sells for $599 MSRP.