NOVA 12

Designed for larger listening spaces and systems demanding greater low-frequency scale, the Wharfedale NOVA 12 is a 12-inch active subwoofer combining powerful output with the control and precision required for both music and home cinema.

The Wharfedale NOVA 12 is engineered for systems where bass needs to carry greater scale without sacrificing definition. Combining a 300mm active driver, ABR-assisted low-frequency loading, Class-D amplification and advanced DSP control, NOVA 12 extends down to 28Hz (-6dB) while maintaining the speed and articulation required for demanding two-channel music and high-impact movie soundtracks.

Greater Low-Frequency Scale | ABR-Assisted Low-Frequency Loading
All NOVA models benefit from a down-firing mass-loaded ABR (Auxiliary Bass Radiator) system featuring a sophisticated dual-suspension design.

An ABR works with the active driver to extend low-frequency output without using a conventional reflex port. This allows NOVA to deliver deeper bass from a more compact enclosure, while avoiding common port-related problems such as turbulence, chuffing, port compression and unwanted resonance.

Advanced DSP Management | Balanced Bass at All Volumes
NOVA subwoofers use advanced DSP to automatically optimise bass output in real time, delivering full, natural low-frequency performance across a wide range of listening levels.

From late-night listening to full-scale impact, the DSP-controlled Dynamic EQ manages the subwoofer’s dynamic response in relation to the input level, maintaining balanced low-frequency extension across a wide range of listening levels and source material.

From Music to Cinema
Each NOVA subwoofer has two built-in DSP-controlled operating modes. Music mode prioritises speed, definition and controlled integration with the main loudspeakers, while Movie mode is tuned to deliver greater low-frequency impact and scale for film soundtracks.

By tailoring the DSP behaviour to different types of content, Music mode keeps bass tight, articulate and naturally integrated for two-channel listening, while Movie mode increases the sense of weight, scale and dynamic impact required for more immersive cinematic playback.

Control at Greater Scale | Aluminium Shorting Rings
Wharfedale engineers have incorporated aluminium shorting rings within the NOVA motor system to enhance transient response and reduce distortion.

As the voice coil moves through the magnetic gap, changes in inductance can introduce distortion and soften transient behaviour. Shorting rings help reduce inductance modulation, allowing the motor system to behave more consistently as the driver moves. Linearity is improved while unwanted distortion artefacts are minimised.

Power with Precision | High-Current Class-D
A high-current Class-D amplifier provides NOVA 12 with the control required to manage its larger 300mm driver while preserving transient accuracy and low-frequency definition. Delivering 280W nominal power and up to 770W peak output, the amplifier provides substantial headroom for demanding musical passages and high-impact movie effects.

Flexible Integration | Set-up and Connections
All NOVA subwoofers provide adjustable crossover, phase and output level controls, allowing their bass response to be matched to your main loudspeakers, listening position and room. Stereo line-level inputs, LFE compatibility and speaker-level connections provide flexible integration with both modern AV systems and traditional stereo amplifiers.