MartinLogan Variable Aperture System Speaker

Full-Range Audio. Minimalist Footprint.

In luxury distributed audio, the challenge is delivering consistent, high-quality bass without the visual clutter of large grilles or the complexity of dedicated subwoofers. The MartinLogan Variable Aperture System (VAS) solves this by delivering high-output, full-range performance through 3”, 3.5”, or 4” apertures that match standard recessed lighting.

Small Size. Big Sound.

To create an airy, effortless soundstage from a discrete opening, we use a specialized 2″ high-output, wide bandwidth aluminum driver.

By dedicating this precision driver to the critical midrange and high frequencies, we deliver vocal realism and a sense of scale completely unexpected from its size. Ultra wide dispersion ensures a large coverage area, making it ideal for distributed audio.

Vibration-Free Performance

Low frequencies are handled by dual, balanced 5.5” woofers using a force-canceling configuration. By mounting the woofers in an opposing, balanced array, mechanical vibrations are cancelled at the source.

This ensures energy is directed into the room as pure, low-distortion bass while the ceiling structure remains quiet.

Adjustable Port Offset

Adapt to any room layout on the fly. With our field-adjustable port, you can easily shift the configuration to the Left, Right, or Center at any time.

Mounting Flexibility

In combination with the Adjustable Port Offset feature, the bracket system gives you unmatched flexibility within the joist bay. This gives you the “last-inch” precision required to align perfectly with the lighting grid, even when joist locations or HVAC runs are fighting you for space. With support for floor joist spacing from 12” to 24” on center, Variable Aperture Speakers and Subwoofers work in a wide variety of builds.

38 CONFIGURABLE LOOKS

To customize the install, you simply order the VAS Speaker or Subwoofer with your preferred grille size: 3”, 3.5”, or 4” and we include three different trim options, and both round and square grilles in the box:

Seamless / Mud-In
(Drywall Only)

For the ultimate minimalist look, this option eliminates the trim ring so the ceiling surface meets the grille edge. The grille can be installed flush for a modern, seamless aesthetic or slightly dropped to match the profile of other MartinLogan in-ceiling speakers.

Minimal Trim
(All Surfaces)

A discreet, low-profile ring that mimics the clean look of high-end recessed lighting. The grille can sit flush with the ring or extend slightly below it.

Wide Trim

A traditional trim flange that provides a familiar aesthetic, matching standard architectural “can” lights while offering the same flush or dropped grille flexibility.

Custom Finishing Made Simple

Choose your aperture size (3”, 3.5”, or 4”) when ordering your Variable Aperture Speaker. Each installation kit includes everything you need for a tailored finish.

Your installation kit includes:

• Round and Square Seamless/Mudded style trims (drywall only)
• Round and Square Minimal style trims (for all ceiling surfaces)
• Round and Square Wide style trims (for all ceiling surfaces)
• Round and Square grilles with Flush and Extended-depth grille mounting tabs
• Spacers engineered to accommodate ½”, ⅝”, ¾”, and ⅞” ceiling installations
• Port Protectors and Finishing Inserts

Fill the room with sound, not equipment.

Experience the perfect blend of acoustic precision and aesthetic minimalism.

To ensure the highest level of reliability and sonic accuracy, the Variable Aperture System (VAS) is engineered to work seamlessly with the MartinLogan power ecosystem.

Custom DSP Optimization

Tailored Presets: Our engineers developed custom DSP presets specifically for the MP500 V2 and MDA8/MDA16 amplifiers.

Enhanced Protection: These presets optimize sound quality while allowing speakers to be safely driven at higher volumes than is possible with conventional amplification.

Maximum Rack Efficiency

Parallel Driving: MartinLogan amplifiers are designed to drive up to two speakers per channel, maximizing the utility of your available amp channels.

Subwoofer Power: The MP500 V2 can drive dual subwoofers, allowing you to power up to four VA Subwoofers from a single 1U rack space.

Universal Compatibility

Standard 8-Ohm Impedance: While optimized for MartinLogan electronics, the 8-ohm rating ensures the Variable Aperture System is fully compatible with a wide range of third-party high-performance amplifiers.

The Ultimate Stealth Sound System:

Variable Aperture Speaker + Subwoofer

Imagine a room filled with rich, concert-quality sound, but with absolutely zero visual clutter. That is the magic of pairing the VAS Speaker with the VAS Subwoofer. Together, they create a flawless, full-range audio experience from a single, impossibly small footprint.

Delivers stunning, high-clarity sound
and impressive range all on its own.

Unlocks next-level, deep-bass
performance you can truly feel.

A Perfect Partnership

While they might look similar under the hood, the Subwoofer and Speaker are two entirely different products built to do what they do best.

Why Combine Them?

While the VAS Speakers are incredibly impressive on their own, adding the VAS Subwoofer takes your home audio from "great" to "breathtaking." By letting the subwoofer handle the heavy lifting of the low frequencies, you get a richer, more cinematic soundstage without sacrificing a single inch of your room's design.