Review of Alpine PWD-X5 active subwoofer

The standard classification of the Alpine PWD-X5 subwoofer is difficult, since it combines many functions at once in the This is a compact and functional solution that will bring the audio system present in the car to a a new level. This unique product, which includes the high-performance sound processor, amplifier and active subwoofer in Thanks to this, the device can not only make bass reproduction very powerful, but and solve a very wide range of other tasks.

Three in One

The new hybrid from Alpine is a universal device. If you had to install 3 devices before, now you can do with one thing and Compact subwoofers, equipped with additional channels for amplification, created for quite some time. But Alpine engineers went further by connecting in one package: a 4-channel amplifier with a nominal power of 4x25 W + 165 W, an active subwoofer and a digital sound processor DSP. The unit operates in a wide frequency range of 20-20000 Hz. It also provides two 4-channel inputs: a low level of 20 kΩ and a high level of 100 ohms.

The device has a quite standard construction for the “seatposts” of subwoofers, the dimensions of the case are 350 x 245 x 80 mm. The device has an eight-inch subwoofer placed in a closed case. The diffuser is flat made of aluminum and equipped with a wide long-stroke suspension. At the same time, the mass of the mobile system is quite solid, but otherwise, it would be impossible to obtain a low resonance frequency in such a small volume.

In addition to two pairs of line and other inputs for connecting audio equipment, there are also 2 USB ports. One is designed to configure the system through a computer and remote control connections, the second can be used for the Bluetooth module.

Features of configuration and management

The system is equipped with a paragraph equalizer, which allows you to implement the functions of processor-based sound processing, there is a crossover and the ability to adjust the time delays. All this allows you to perform a flexible setting of sound reproduction to get the perfect sound, taking into account the preferences of the user. The set of available adjustments of the four amplifier channels and the subwoofer in this device has its own characteristics, for example, the equalizer in the subwoofer channel has less than 2 bands, but the choice of filters here is much wider. However, signal routing cannot be configured, only the physical ability to change the assignment of main channels by switching cables is available.

You can adjust the operating parameters of the processor from a computer by connecting the device via a USB port, or using a special mobile application by connecting a smartphone via a wireless Bluetooth connection. This same application is given the option of using a mobile device as a remote control or signal source. Please note that the software and for PC and for mobile devices have a very simple and accessible interface, all settings are intuitive.

Computer application

The PC application is very easy to install-just run one executable file. After that, you just need to connect the PWD-X5 to the computer using a USB cable. The program allows you to perform various manipulations: tune and synchronize channels, invert the signal, adjust the frequency of the crossover, and etc. You can save up to 6 settings.

For each of the four main amplifier channels, there is a switchable 10-band equalizer. The user can assign a center frequency for each band and gain in limits -12 — +12 dB. You can adjust the value manually, by entering the required digital value in the appropriate field, you can drag the slider to adjust the frequency, width of the band and the level by using the mouse.

An 8-band equalizer is provided for adjusting the subwoofer channel, which has all the same functionality.

Mobile application

The company also provides its customers with the possibility of using a modern free mobile application suitable for Android and iPhone devices. The connection is made via a Bluetooth module that connects to the device via the USB port.

With this application you can adjust the parameters of the subwoofer, the volume of sound reproduction, call pre-configured modes (out of six that can be set up and fix via PC), switch between sources.

There is a separate “professional” mode with advanced features, where you can access the 15 ready-made modes, and you can also adjust the sound processor parameters.

The order of the settings for the equalizer parameters and the crossover for 4 main channels is similar to how it happens on a computer.

Summarize

Alpine PWD-X5 is a great option if you want to upgrade your car’s audio system, setting a goal to achieve powerful, rich and clear sound in the vehicle's cabin. This device will help to significantly improve the quality of the audio system in the machine, while saving significant space. The subwoofer is very compact, easily placed under the seat, and its connection does not require serious investments and a lot of time. It ideal for music lovers who want to get a high-quality sound, without installing a large number of acoustic devices and not laying kilometer cables throughout the cabin. In addition, its purchase will save money, since the cost of three different devices separately will be noticeably higher.

The built-in sound processor, in addition to the standard front-to-sub sub configuration, makes it possible to form a two-way front sound, and without frequency limits. Also, thanks to the flexible setting of the operating parameters, you can achieve a clean and high-quality sound in the interior of any car.

You can buy the Alpine PWD-X5 active subwoofer in Kiev, Odessa and Kharkov in the online store 130.com.ua.

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