Car Audio Test Review Conclusion: It almost pains me when I have only good things to say about a product after testing. Don't get me wrong; it's not because I'm some kind of scrooge and take glee in writing a damning review. Rather, when a product is this good you're naturally tempted to doubt your own evaluation process. After all, for the benefit of the consumer, your job as a reviewer is to reveal anything negative in a product. The UL12 really doesn't have any drawback in terms of speaker performance. It's surely the best subwoofer I've had the pleasure of auditioning. It played effortlessly across all genres of music with precision, never pigeonholing itself to one specific style of music. Its imaging was perfect, the impact striking. There was no distortion to speak of. The output was unapologetic and powerful with a capital P. The Critical Mass UL12 is that rarity in mobile audio, a dream product for BOTH audiophile and bass head. If there's any drawback, it's the price. But I'd gladly sell a few things to scrounge up the $12,999 price tag. It's worth every dollar.

The soul of this long-excursion subwoofer is the MMAG motor structure. Since the voice coil in the UL12 is shorter than the combined length of the two gaps (46mm gap total including spacer height), it appears to be similar to a conventional underhung voice coil motor, but the Critical Mass motor functions in a very different manner. It operates in such a way that the two gaps are always working in conjunction with each other and the total number of wire turns does not begin decreasing until the voice coil starts to leave just one gap.

The cone assembly for the Critical Mass subwoofer is no less technically impressive than the frame and motor structure. Built from layered and laminated carbon graphite and glass fiber, the cone is further reinforced by both the large 6" diameter concave dust cap (made from the same composite material as the cone) and by having the outside perimeter of the cone turned down 90 degrees. This down-turned edge contributes a tremendous amount of rigidity to the rim of the cone assembly. Add to this the circular "flying buttress" support that joins the cone to the voice coil former and the entire assembly moves like one solid mass.

Long excursion in a subwoofer requires the suspension to move long distances. The solution used by Critical Mass for the UL12 is a patent-pending technology that vertically glues the outside edge of the surround to the frame, allowing the surround to be attached closer to the outside perimeter of the frame, and this equates to more cone area, or Sd (Sd is an engineering abbreviation for the area of a cone). Rather than being low and wide, the thermally formed foam/rubber surround is a modified ellipsoid shape and is more tall and narrow that the previous generation of wide surrounds. The result is the same excursion ability, but a greater cone diameter and area.

The rest of the cone assembly consists of a single 7"-diameter poly fiber resin composite spider that has been optimized to a progressive-regressive hybrid geometry (the wiggles are taller and more narrow at the outside edge of the spider). Tinsel lead wires from the voice coil are stitched in two places to the spider surface. The dual four-layer voice coil is wound with round aluminum wire with an ultra high-temperature insulation on a black anodized 76.6mm (3") diameter aluminum former with a collar made of multiple reinforcing layers of non-thermally conduction materials (spun lace Nomex and Polyimid). Voice coil tinsel leads are connected to dual color-coded gold-plated push terminals located on opposite sides of the frame.

In the Lab

Part 1 of this objective measurement section consists of large signal analysis using the very expensive (about $50,000 including all the software) but enormously effective Klippel analyzer followed by the LEAP 5 analysis. Utilizing the Klippel analyzer (on loan from Klippel GmbH), Pat Turmire, CA&E reviewer and CEO of Redrock Acoustics, performed the large signal analysis on the Critical Mass 12" subwoofer and provided the Bl (X) curve shown in Figure 2. The black Bl curve shows the motor strength of the woofer as it moves in both directions outward from center rest position. The lighter curve is a type of displacement curve and if both curves were identical, the motor system's motion in and out of the frame would be perfectly symmetrical. When a woofer is totally linear ("linear" indicates that the woofer motion tracks the input signal exactly with zero distortion), the Bl curve should be centered on the 0mm point (where the cone is positioned when there is no signal) and symmetrically decrease Bl (as the number of turns in the gap decreases with outward motion) with the same slope in either direction of voice coil travel. When a woofer exhibits a forward or rearward offset, it may indicate that the magnetic and mechanical systems are not absolutely optimal. If the motor strength decreases more rapidly in one direction (usually the outward direction) than in the other, the result is increased levels of distortion at high operating levels. It is not uncommon, however, for a woofer voice coil to be deliberately offset a few millimeters in order to keep the motor more linear in the 90-110dB SPL range, which exactly describes the situation with the Critical Mass sub.

The UL12 Bl (x) curve shows the woofer voice coil is offset by a fairly trivial 1.5mm rearward (inward) from its rest position. This Bl curve is a very symmetrical broad shallow slope plateau with nearly equal slopes in either direction. The displacement at operating SPL near Xmax is nearly 0mm, so this is about as good as it gets. Bl can decrease to approximately 70% of its small signal value and the driver will still function in a satisfactory manner, only with an elevated level of distortion (about 20%). The 70% of maximum Bl displacement limit for the UL12 is 36.8mm, 4.8mm more than the physical Xmax of 32mm.

This subwoofer's Kms(x), or Stiffness of Suspension, curve (see Fig. 3) likewise exhibits very good symmetry in both directions of travel. The offset is a negligible 0.5mm rearward at the rest position. The compliance limit for the suspension when it drops to 50% of its rest value is greater than 36mm. Both "limit" numbers, Bl and compliance, represent the level at which distortion climbs to 20%, which is a realistic criteria for subwoofers given the ear's lack of sensitivity to distortion at low frequencies.

Next I produced the T/S (Thiele/Small) parameters for the UL12 subwoofer. Utilizing my normal speaker geek test protocol, I employed a LinearX LMS (Loudspeaker Measurement System) analyzer and VIBox (VI for voltage/current) for measuring dynamic impedance (impedance at different voltage levels). Testing is accomplished through a series of voltage and current sweeps that are later converted to multiple voltage impedance curves. With the driver clamped to a rigid test stand, measurements were made at 1V, 3V, 6V, 10V, 20V, 30V and 40V (the 40V curves were later discarded as too non-linear for LEAP 5 to curve fit properly). Instead of using the standard added mass (delta mass) or test box method (delta compliance) to find the Vas (volume of air equal to the driver compliance) of this driver, the measured weight of the cone body (with 50% of the surround and 50% of the spider removed) was used instead as this method is considerably more accurate. The group of multi-voltage impedance curves was uploaded into the LEAP 5 CAD program and the Transducer Model Derivation utility used to create the T/S parameters shown in the Data Chart. These numbers were then used to generate the computer box simulation numbers also located in the Data Chart.

The UL12 Thiele/Small parameters shown in the Data Chart were used to produce computer box simulations using the Leap 5 Enclosure Shop software. Box simulations were created for both sealed and vented enclosures that made sense for the parameters. For sealed box performance, I used a 1.65ft3 volume with 100% fill material (fiberglass). The 100% fill material was incorporated to provide as low a box Q (Qtc) as possible, since the UL12 has a fairly high Qts, or "Q," when measured in free-air. The vented box was what is known in engineering parlance as a Chebychev/Butterworth alignment, which turned out to be 1.8ft3 tuned to 32Hz. The LEAP 5 graph curves in Figure 4 show the SPL at 2.83V (black curves) in half-space (imagine the woofer mounted in a speaker baffle as big as a football field and that would be very close to "half-space), 2.83V in a small 154ft3 car compartment, about the size of mid-sized SUV like a Nissan Pathfinder or Toyota 4Runner (blue curves), and the SPL at a power level required to get maximum linear excursion (red curves, also half-space). The sealed box curves are solid lines and the ported enclosure curves are the dashed curves. The 2.83V results produced an F3 of about 46Hz for both box types. Increasing the simulated input voltage for the 1.65ft3 sealed box computer simulation to 150 volts increased excursion to where Bl decreased to 70% of its maximum value and pushed the SPL to a very loud 120.5dB. The 1.8ft3 vented box computer simulation required 200 simulated volts to drive the Critical Mass sub to the excursion level where Bl dropped to 70% of it nominal value and resulted in an extremely loud 124.5dB.

The UL12 is an incredible tour-de-force in high-SPL loudspeaker engineering and at 16.6lbs it will definitely impact your horsepower-to-weight ratio. For those with the ability to indulge the finer things in life, the UL12 is a sub worth considering, certainly at least from the engineer's point of view. But as knocked out as I get from such a well-executed design, it always comes down to the same bottom line. The question will always remain whether or not all that science produces a great-sounding woofer, but that's why these reviews are broken into an objective and a subjective section. So how was it Casey? --V.D.

Subjective

Critical Mass has kept me waiting... and waiting... and waiting. Finally, I got my hands on their much anticipated flagship subwoofer, the UL12. After some 18 months of seeing prototypes and even having one prematurely shipped to my office, the real deal had arrived.

Manual

This subwoofer retails for $12,999 and arrived without a manual. Really! OK, maybe I am taking this the wrong way, but for that amount of money, shouldn't a 10-page booklet in full color held by a bikini-clad girl that pops out of the box explaining the woofer in detail be included? Yes, I may have stretched that one a little too far, but while humoring myself I began thinking--if I bought... excuse me... if I could afford a sub costing two-large, would I be installing it myself? Probably not. Having the means to expend this much money on a single transducer, I think I'd indulge myself and burn up a few more greenbacks to have a trained expert install my Critical Mass sub. Don't get me wrong--I am not trying to justify the lack of information. I feel some paperwork containing warranty, contact information and a congratulatory "thank you" would be deemed proper materials to include, regardless of price.

Installation

Without a manual, I called up the head honchos at Critical Mass,  Wayde Alfarone to get box requirements. After answering a few questions, such as "How much power are you using?" and "What type of vehicle is being fit into?" they recommended a 1.35ft3 enclosure with a light amount of loose polyester fill. With no time to waste, I ran to the garage and sliced and diced a 3/4" sheet of MDF to produce a fitting enclosure, complete with additional bracing.

Then, I hit small speed bump--determining the mounting hole size for this sub required some mathematics as there are no cut dimensions to be found (a nice thing to include in a manual). This sub also does not fit standard 12" mounting dimensions either, requiring a hole diameter of approximately 11.68". Its dimensions are closer to a 13" woofer than a 12".

With the box done and UL12 mounted, I headed out to my 1999 Toyota 4Runner. I placed the sub in the rear compartment with the woofer facing the right rear corner of the vehicle. To power this sub, I needed something big, so I wired up a Zapco C2K9.0XD I had lying around (SPL measurements were taken by Eric Holdaway in a Ford F-350 Super Cab using the same amplifier). We tested this exact amplifier at just over 2,100 watts (February 2002), so it should be plenty powerful enough for this rated 2,000-watt RMS sub (max power is 5,000 watts!). However, I don't think I ever approached that output level during my listening tests--as Vance always reminds us, practice safe sound.

Adjusting the crossover for this sub was easier than most. It seemed to blend right into the midbass with little adjustment. The gain was set accordingly and the time I had long been waiting for was a CD insert away.

Listening

Instrumental

Chesky Records "Bass Resonance"

This solo standup bass was recorded in the middle of a large studio, mic'ed 3' from the instrument. According to the voice introducing this track, its design purpose was specifically for testing the accuracy of subwoofers. The basis of the song is a strong transient pluck followed by the resonance of the body of the instrument. Some woofers, when pushed to their limits, will create non-musical sounds displaying their weaknesses.

I listened to the UL12 at three volume levels to gauge any changes in the playback. At low volume the performance was no less than outstanding and every bit of resonance recreated with distinction. Pushing the volume up to a more moderate level, the unwavering detail displayed at the lower level was still accounted for, serving up great tonality and a well-rounded timbre. The transients of each pluck of the string are filtered to the midwoofer with the resonant bass routing to the subwoofer. This transition was virtually transparent with the UL12. For toppers, at no time was there localization of the UL12 subwoofer.

Another turn of the volume increased the output roughly 6-8dB for a final analysis. Along with the volume increase came a couple of notes that appeared to be slightly brash. This deficiency was minimal and, to be honest, was accompanied by some rattles in the vehicle bodywork, likely aiding to the displeasure. With disregard to the rattles, the UL12 showed virtually no weakness in this pure, distinguished and difficult track that easily illustrates flaws in a response.Score: 9/10

Reggae

Ziggy Marley "Gone Away"

The heavy recording of the bass guitar on Ziggy Marley's "Gone Away" lends itself to be a good test in determining purity of a subwoofer. Overlapping bass lines can be downright difficult to distinguish if not faithfully reproduced. The kick drum playing through the thick bass guitar, as presented on this track, can sound one-notish and muddy on lesser subs. Not the case with the UL12. Each note shift of the bass guitar was notable as was each beat of the overlapping drum that was taut and robust. With volume, the Critical Mass 12" appeared to sound better, which is not particularly uncommon with a larger format sub such as this. Like the previous track, the UL12 delivered the same seamless blend between itself and the midbass driver with no attention-drawing details pulling the sound to the rear of the vehicle. Nice. Very nice.Score: 9.5/10

Electronic/House

Daft Punk "Da Funk"

"Da Funk" has a sharp snap-beat that plays throughout most of the song; it's a simple, electronically derived beat that has a strong kick-to-the-head snap before the fundamental. This track intros with a 25-second segue before the beat checks in. Playback of the snap-beat was powerful with a full-bodied fundamental; no overhang or cone breakup was noticeable even at the highest tolerable listening level. At 2:26 into the track, the snap-beat stops and a synthesized low frequency shortly replaces the monotony. This ultra-low frequency requires a subwoofer that has good extension to capture its essence, like the UL12. And the UL12 doesn't just play it back with care--it provided me with a therapeutic massage. After the interlude, the snap-beat picked up again only to temporarily render its "snap" at 4:26, continuing with only the fundamental element. This was well defined by the UL12.If asked to come up with one negative remark in the playback of this track, it would have to pertain to the clarity at low volume. The UL12 lost some of its fundamental nature; a loss only the most critical listeners will pick up on. Nitpicks aside, it never skipped a beat. Score: 9/10

R&B

Usher "Caught Up"

When I listen to "Caught Up" by Usher, I play close attention to a couple of items. The first is the assortment of both tight and strong bass notes. The former was produced with good attack and timbre, close to (but not) the best I have experienced. On the other hand, the strong notes were well rounded with a nice fat tone and ideal decay--the perfect amount of that "boom" I enjoy from time to time, without an exaggerated or muddy overtone. The second thing I fixate on is the scaling bass note, each note with a distinct tone of its own. Presented by the UL12, every tone was easily distinguished from the next. The intensity, or level of each, was recreated as I could only imagine the producer intended. For me, listening to this track was quite enjoyable and I compliment the UL12 as it served up one of the best reproductions of this song's bass I've experienced.Score: 9/10

Jazz

Michael Allen Harrison & Friends "Turn Back the Pages"Last but not least, I auditioned the UL12 using "Turn Back the Pages" by Michael Allen Harrison and Friends. This track uses a bass guitar and percussions that bleed down in the subwoofer range. While complementing each other, these instruments overlap one another throughout the composition. As I've stated before, overlapping instruments can be difficult to reproduce authentically since the woofer is already in motion when the second instrument is sequenced. Often is the case that a drum attack playing through a bass guitar can sound muddy and blend into the latter. The UL12 was precise and again shone brightly with the upper bass attack of the drums tight, fully complementing the midbass in a solid fixed image; the kick drum was executed with reverence and great clarity, playing through the bass guitar without disorder; and the bass guitar rendition had a nice tonal body just to complement this full-course meal. Exceptional!Score: 9.5/10

Critical Mass UL12 Test Report -Car Audio and Electronics Magazine

Conclusion

It almost pains me when I have only good things to say about a product after testing. Don't get me wrong; it's not because I'm some kind of scrooge and take glee in writing a damning review. Rather, when a product is this good you're naturally tempted to doubt your own evaluation process. After all, for the benefit of the consumer, your job as a reviewer is to reveal anything negative in a product. The UL12 really doesn't have any drawback in terms of speaker performance. It's surely the best subwoofer I've had the pleasure of auditioning. It played effortlessly across all genres of music with precision, never pigeonholing itself to one specific style of music. Its imaging was perfect, the impact striking. There was no distortion to speak of. The output was unapologetic and powerful with a capital P. The Critical Mass UL12 is that rarity in mobile audio, a dream product for BOTH audiophile and bass head. If there's any drawback, it's the price. But I'd gladly sell a few things to scrounge up the $12,999 price tag. It's worth every dollar.