MartinLogan Variable Aperture System Subwoofer

Full-Range Audio. Minimalist Footprint.

The same visual DNA as MartinLogan's Variable Aperture Speaker, optimized for high-impact bass performance. The dual 5.5" force-canceling woofers receive upgraded motor structures with higher power handling, transforming the unit into a dedicated bass engine that can further enhance the already impressive performance of the Variable Aperture Speaker or add bass to any other in-ceiling speaker installation.

Dedicated bass engineering

For greater bass impact, this model removes the midrange/high frequency driver to focus entirely on low-end authority. We’ve beefed up the dual 5.5” drivers with higher power handling and specialized voice coils, transforming the unit into a high-excursion bass engine.

Massive Sound, Tiny Footprint

By optimizing the entire internal volume for air movement, the subwoofer delivers the weight and “punch” of a larger sub through a discrete opening, while the force-cancelling woofer configuration keeps the ceiling quiet and vibration free.

PERFECT SYMMETRY

Because the subwoofer uses the exact same aperture options as the speaker, you can bolster the low end of any room while maintaining a perfectly balanced, visually symmetrical ceiling plan.

HIDDEN BASS

The optional Vent Style Trim allows the VAS Subwoofer to be disguised as a stealthy air vent. Letting you discretely add additional bass performance to VAS Speakers, or conceal a subwoofer for any other in-ceiling speaker installation.

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

VENT STYLE SUBWOOFER INSTALLATION KIT

The Vent Style Subwoofer installation kit is an excellent choice for incorporating deep bass into architectural speaker setups, primarily due to its discreet design that blends seamlessly into any environment, whether installed inline with the speakers or positioned on its own.

• Vent Style Trim specific Port Tube (replaces the standard sub Port Tube)
• Minimalist Style Vent and Open Style Vent trims (for all ceiling surfaces)
• 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.
Note: The VAS Subwoofer is not just a speaker without the midrange parts. Its bass drivers have been uniquely engineered and optimized strictly for low-end performance.

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.