TEST: Gemini GVX Sub12 P

 It's almost standard now. Whenever a powerful sound system is used in a smaller space, the subwoofer / satellite solutions have long since overtaken the left / right full-range systems. Where in the past, massive stacks on the right and left of the stage, even in the pub around the corner, commanded a lot of respect from consumers simply because of their visual appearance, today more discreet, tactile solutions rule across styles, which, above all, should NOT be visually noticeable.

The reasons are obvious. If it is primarily the significantly smaller space requirement on the stage or the corner of the room that is needed to place the components, it is also primarily the increased portability that solo entertainers, small bands and DJs are increasingly turning to the decoupled ones Speaker combinations of woofers and tweeters/mid-range speakers can be used.

If you still have active versions of the loudspeaker boxes at hand, you are actually almost completely equipped for every occasion with a set of good loudspeakers, connection and power cables, provided that the subwoofer and satellites are perfectly coordinated with each other. If you want to avoid grumpy droning from the back left of the room and undifferentiated squelching in the frequency sub-range, you need a few indisputable basic principles, without which the artist's craftsmanship quickly degenerates into a sonic disaster at the listener's expense.

The DJ company Gemini has brought a subwoofer onto the market with the GVX-Sub12P, which has a pleasantly low price and still wants to withstand the rigors of live operation. Then.........


construction

The Gemini GVX-Sub12P is an active subwoofer with dimensions of 398 mm x 490 mm x 500 mm and a weight of 24 kilograms. Driven by a 300 watt RMS power amplifier, a 12-inch speaker according to the product name does its job inside the construction, which was installed on the front. In order to withstand external mechanical influences, it is very well protected by a very solid perforated grid. According to the manufacturer, the woofer's transmission range is between 47 - 250 Hertz with a sound pressure of 132 dB.

There are two recessed grips embedded in the side of the case, which are located a little too far forward. Due to the weight of the power amplifier, the optimal position of the hole was not found, so that the construction tilts backwards slightly during transport. There is a commercially available flange on the top of the housing to accommodate a satellite spacer rod.

The construction is coated all around with a simple but quite robust textured paint, which does not offer any friction, but at least resists simple mechanical influences surprisingly well. Four strong rubber feet give the construction a secure hold.

The entire connection area of the product is located on the back. On the one hand, in the floor area we have connections that are only activated once per show, such as cold appliance plugs plus a fine fuse, a secured voltage selector switch and the on/off switch. A small but clearly visible blue LED provides information about the operating status of the product. Above this connection panel there are 23 black cooling fins, which unfortunately protrude almost 1 centimeter from the housing and can therefore quickly be bent or, even worse, torn off during transport.

In the upper area we find all connections and control options. The GVX-Sub12P has two jack / XLR combination sockets as right / left input, which can be looped through two XLR males without a pass if necessary. All sockets are designed in a locked version. Next to the loop-through outputs there is another XLR pair to which the high pass for the satellites is connected. The high pass is controlled via a crossover controller, which, together with the volume controller, are the only rotary potentiometers on the control panel.

A red LED informs about internal distortions of the product, a green LED keeps the user up to date with the level of the signal present. If the level is too high, an internal power limiter switches on. You can also change the phase of the loudspeaker by 180 degrees using a pressure switch, a fact that can be a real help, especially in adverse room structures or with standing waves.


Practice

The GVX-Sub12P is beautifully compact. Even if it is not one of the lightest products, it can still be transported by a strong man alone. However, setting up the active box for the first time leaves an unpleasant impression on the tester. The four rubber feet rub off onto the surface and not too much. Just from the pressure of the weight, the rubber feet leave four dark spots on the parquet floor of my studio, that really doesn't have to be the case! However, the rubber feet prove to be very non-slip, which puts the problem into perspective a little.

When it comes to the connection peripherals, you can't go wrong; the connections are self-explanatory, which results in a cabling connection time of less than a minute. In terms of sound, the Gemini GVX-Sub12P does a good job, as its basic sound is quite soft without becoming muddy. Hard impulses are reproduced pleasantly indirectly and take away the sometimes unpleasant “boniness” of even attack-emphasized productions.

Depending on the crossover frequency you choose, we're just dealing with a pure "thickening" of the overall sound, or you can also get the twelve-inch model to pick up the first deep attacks. But that brings us to the next negative point of the design. Crossover knobs without specifying the Hertz specification of the crossover frequency is an absolute no-go! It's nice if you have a trained ear and enough time to optimize satellites and woofers in advance of a performance, but if (as almost always) things are fast and hectic, you have to be able to adjust the crossover frequency with one hand.


Conclusion

The Gemini GVX-Sub12P is a relatively handy subwoofer that offers good workmanship, a soft sound and a consumer-friendly price/performance ratio due to Chinese production.

The defects listed in the test can be remedied by the manufacturer in just a few steps, so I am quite sure that the subwoofer will find its intended use.

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Additional Informations:


Introduction:
Gemini Audio stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence in the realm of audio engineering. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a leading provider of cutting-edge audio plugins and software, Gemini Audio's journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and technological prowess. In this article, we will embark on a detailed exploration of Gemini Audio's enthralling origin story, tracing its evolution from a visionary idea to a celebrated name in the audio industry.

The Genesis:
The story of Gemini Audio begins with its founder, a passionate audio enthusiast and software developer driven by a singular vision: to create tools that empower musicians, producers, and sound engineers to unleash their creativity and achieve sonic perfection. Drawing inspiration from his own experiences in the music industry and a deep-seated fascination with audio processing techniques, the founder set out to establish Gemini Audio in [YEAR], with a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in audio technology.

In the early days, Gemini Audio operated as a one-person endeavor, with the founder single-handedly conceptualizing, developing, and refining the company's flagship products. Armed with a formidable blend of technical expertise, artistic intuition, and a relentless pursuit of sonic excellence, Gemini Audio quickly gained recognition for its innovative approach to audio processing.

Breakthrough Innovations:
Gemini Audio's journey to prominence was marked by a series of breakthrough innovations that revolutionized the way musicians and audio professionals approached mixing, mastering, and sound design. One of the company's earliest successes came with the introduction of its groundbreaking analog modeling plugins, which faithfully emulated the sonic characteristics of coveted vintage hardware units.

From vintage tube compressors to classic analog equalizers, Gemini Audio's plugins offered a level of authenticity and sonic richness that was previously unattainable in the digital domain. Musicians and producers flocked to Gemini Audio's plugins, drawn by their unparalleled sound quality, intuitive interfaces, and versatility in shaping audio signals.

As Gemini Audio continued to push the boundaries of audio technology, it expanded its product lineup to include a diverse range of plugins catering to various aspects of audio production. Whether it was dynamic processors, reverbs, delays, or virtual instruments, each Gemini Audio plugin was meticulously crafted to deliver exceptional sound quality and inspire creative exploration.

Collaborations and Partnerships:
One of the hallmarks of Gemini Audio's success lies in its strategic collaborations and partnerships with leading figures and companies in the music and audio industry. By teaming up with renowned producers, engineers, and artists, Gemini Audio was able to gain valuable insights into the needs and preferences of its target audience, resulting in products that were tailored to the demands of real-world audio production.

Moreover, Gemini Audio forged partnerships with software developers and technology companies to leverage cutting-edge advancements in audio processing algorithms, machine learning, and digital signal processing. These collaborations enabled Gemini Audio to stay at the forefront of innovation and deliver plugins that not only met but exceeded the expectations of its users.

Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction:
Central to Gemini Audio's ethos is a steadfast commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Each plugin undergoes rigorous testing and optimization to ensure optimal performance, stability, and compatibility across different digital audio workstations (DAWs) and operating systems.

Furthermore, Gemini Audio places a strong emphasis on customer support, providing responsive assistance, troubleshooting guidance, and regular updates to address user feedback and improve product functionality. This dedication to excellence has earned Gemini Audio a loyal following among musicians, producers, and audio professionals worldwide.

Looking Towards the Future:
As Gemini Audio continues to evolve and innovate, its future prospects are filled with promise and potential. With advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and virtual reality shaping the landscape of audio technology, Gemini Audio remains poised to lead the charge in developing groundbreaking solutions that redefine the way we create, manipulate, and experience sound.

Whether it's exploring new frontiers in spatial audio, immersive soundscapes, or interactive music production, Gemini Audio remains committed to pushing the boundaries of audio innovation and empowering artists to realize their sonic visions. As the company looks towards the future, one thing remains certain: the spirit of creativity, ingenuity, and passion that fuels Gemini Audio will continue to inspire and captivate the audio community for years to come.

Global Expansion and Market Penetration:
As Gemini Audio's reputation for quality and innovation spread, the company began to attract attention not only from individual users but also from recording studios, post-production facilities, and educational institutions around the world. With a strategic focus on global expansion, Gemini Audio embarked on initiatives to establish distribution networks, forge partnerships with audio retailers, and participate in industry events and trade shows.

Through these efforts, Gemini Audio succeeded in penetrating new markets and reaching a wider audience of audio professionals and enthusiasts. Its plugins became indispensable tools in the arsenals of top-tier studios, where they were used to sculpt the sound of chart-topping albums, blockbuster films, and award-winning video games.

Educational Outreach and Community Engagement:
Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent and fostering a vibrant audio community, Gemini Audio invested in educational outreach programs and community engagement initiatives. The company collaborated with academic institutions, online learning platforms, and industry organizations to provide students and aspiring audio professionals with access to training resources, tutorials, and discounted software bundles.

Moreover, Gemini Audio actively engaged with its user community through online forums, social media channels, and user groups, facilitating peer-to-peer support, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. By fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among its users, Gemini Audio cultivated a loyal fan base that championed its products and contributed to their ongoing development through feedback and suggestions.

Continuous Innovation and Technological Advancements:
At the heart of Gemini Audio's success lies its unwavering commitment to continuous innovation and technological advancements. The company's R&D team comprises seasoned audio engineers, software developers, and industry veterans who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in audio processing.

Through relentless experimentation, research, and development, Gemini Audio has introduced groundbreaking features and functionalities in its plugins, such as advanced spectral processing, intelligent dynamic control, and immersive spatialization techniques. By harnessing the latest advancements in computing power, algorithm design, and user interface design, Gemini Audio ensures that its products remain at the forefront of audio technology.

Environmental Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility:
In addition to its focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Gemini Audio is committed to environmental sustainability and corporate responsibility. The company actively seeks ways to minimize its carbon footprint, reduce waste, and promote eco-friendly practices throughout its operations, from product design and manufacturing to packaging and distribution.

Moreover, Gemini Audio supports charitable causes and initiatives that align with its values and mission. Whether it's sponsoring music education programs, donating software licenses to underserved communities, or participating in environmental conservation efforts, Gemini Audio strives to make a positive impact beyond the realm of audio technology.

Conclusion:
The story of Gemini Audio is a testament to the transformative power of passion, innovation, and dedication. From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a global leader in audio technology, Gemini Audio has remained true to its founding principles of pushing the boundaries of sonic possibility and empowering creators to realize their artistic visions.

As the company continues to innovate, expand, and engage with the global audio community, its future remains bright and full of promise. With a relentless commitment to quality, creativity, and sustainability, Gemini Audio is poised to shape the future of audio technology and inspire generations of musicians, producers, and sound engineers for years to come.