By: Dipin Sehdev
When MartinLogan announced the mid-range Grotto Series, we had no idea that was just the beginning. Now MartinLogan unveils the new Depth Series. Comprising the Depth 212 and Depth 215, this all-new lineup marks a full redesign of the company’s previous flagship BalancedForce subwoofers and delivers an earth-shaking 18Hz of low-frequency extension.
Engineered from the ground up, the Depth Series represents MartinLogan’s most advanced approach yet to sub-bass reproduction — balancing raw power with technical refinement in ways that few competitors can match.
A New Chapter for MartinLogan Bass
Replacing a long-running flagship is never easy, but the new Depth lineup demonstrates that MartinLogan isn’t content to simply update cosmetics or tweak internals. Instead, the company started fresh — redesigning the drivers, amplification, cabinet, and DSP platform to deliver a cleaner, deeper, and more adaptive low-frequency experience.
“All of us knew replacing the BalancedForce subs would take something special,” said Allan Tarrant, Senior Vice President at MartinLogan. “We decided to start from scratch and design something totally original to take bass performance to the next level. The new Depth Series has exceeded our expectations in every way — from fit and finish to sound quality.”
BalancedForce Design — Dual Drivers, Zero Vibration
At the heart of both the Depth 212 and 215 is MartinLogan’s BalancedForce architecture, which uses dual-opposed active drivers to counteract cabinet vibration.
In the Depth 212, those are dual 12-inch woofers; in the Depth 215, a pair of 15-inch drivers. Because each driver moves in opposite directions with perfectly synchronized force, vibration and enclosure resonance effectively cancel out — keeping the bass tight, distortion-free, and physically stable even under extreme load.
This design isn’t new to MartinLogan — it first appeared in the company’s legendary Statement E2 sub-bass towers — but in the Depth Series, it’s been thoroughly modernized.
“The dual-opposed design lets us move a massive amount of air without shaking the room,” explained Andrew Lindsey, Product Manager at MartinLogan. “Paired with our new Carbon Aerocore cones, it delivers the cleanest, most articulate bass we’ve ever produced.”
Carbon Aerocore Woofers — Strength Without Weight
The new Carbon Aerocore cone technology is central to the Depth Series’ performance. Each woofer is built from a tri-layer composite of carbon fiber, PMI structural foam, and fiberglass, combining rigidity with exceptionally low mass.
The result is a driver that maintains linear excursion under heavy load without flexing — translating to cleaner transient response and lower distortion. Beneath the cone, triple venting through the spider, voice coil, and pole piece enhances airflow and heat dissipation, while dual copper shorting rings further minimize distortion by stabilizing magnetic flux.
Massive Power, Delivered with Control
The Depth Series doesn’t just rely on clever mechanics — it’s also armed with serious amplification.
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Depth 212: 2,200 watts Dynamic Peak (1,100W RMS)
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Depth 215: 4,400 watts Dynamic Peak (2,200W RMS)
Both employ reference-grade Class-D amplifiers, optimized for ultra-low distortion and high efficiency. Whether reproducing the subtle rumble of an organ pedal or the explosive LFE track of a blockbuster film, these amps remain linear and stable across all listening levels.
MartinLogan also designed the subs for sustained performance. The Convection-Cooled Concealed Amplifier Design uses dual aluminum heatsinks hidden behind a minimalist rear panel. This not only aids passive cooling but also keeps cabling tidy for a cleaner aesthetic.
Vojtko DSP — 500MHz of Real-Time Intelligence
Signal management comes from MartinLogan’s 500MHz 64-bit Vojtko DSP Engine, named after longtime engineer Joe Vojtko. This processor continuously analyzes and adjusts output in real time — fine-tuning crossover behavior, phase alignment, and dynamic range.
This means the subwoofer’s output remains perfectly balanced whether it’s integrated with MartinLogan electrostatics, dynamic speakers, or a full multi-channel home theater system.
Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis)
Thanks to MartinLogan’s membership in the PML Sound International family (shared with Anthem and Paradigm), the Depth Series includes Anthem Room Correction (ARC Genesis).
ARC Genesis analyzes a room’s acoustic signature using the included calibration microphone, then automatically applies precise EQ filters to flatten response and correct for standing waves. The result: smoother, more consistent bass no matter the room size or shape.
(Note: ARC Genesis is distinct from HDMI-ARC — the former is room calibration software, not an audio return channel.)
Intuitive Controls and Flexible Connectivity
Ease of use is another area where the Depth Series shows refinement.
On the rear panel, MartinLogan integrates a Touch Control Interface (TCI) — six backlit touchpoints with an LED readout that provides direct access to critical settings such as crossover, phase, listening mode, and Anthem ARC toggles. Users can also access advanced adjustments via Bluetooth, including:
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Low-pass filter: 35–120Hz in 1Hz increments
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Phase control: 0–180°
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Listening modes: Movie, Music, Night
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20–30Hz level trim: ±10dB
Connectivity covers nearly every scenario:
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XLR Left/Right and LFE inputs
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RCA stereo and LFE inputs
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Speaker-level inputs (banana-compatible)
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RCA Sub Out for daisy-chaining
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Built-in lossless wireless receiver (transmitter included)
That last point matters — because at 127 lbs (Depth 212) and 173 lbs (Depth 215), flexible placement can save you from some serious heavy lifting.
Design and Build — Engineered for Silence
MartinLogan’s industrial design has always leaned toward minimalism, and the Depth Series continues that tradition.
The sealed cabinets are extensively braced, using variable-thickness MDF panels between 1 and 3 inches thick to suppress internal resonance. The finish — Gloss Black at launch — is deep and mirror-smooth, complemented by integrated anti-vibration feet that isolate the cabinet from flooring surfaces.
Each model ships with carpet spikes for further isolation on soft flooring, and a concealed rear amplifier assembly keeps the overall look understated despite the technology within.
Specs Overview
| Feature | Depth 212 | Depth 215 |
|---|---|---|
| Drivers | Dual 12-inch Carbon Aerocore | Dual 15-inch Carbon Aerocore |
| Design | BalancedForce dual-opposed | BalancedForce dual-opposed |
| Amplifier | Class-D, 1,100W RMS / 2,200W peak | Dual Class-D, 2,200W RMS / 4,400W peak |
| Frequency Response | 18–120Hz (±3dB) | 18–120Hz (±3dB) |
| DSP | 500MHz 64-bit Vojtko Engine | 500MHz 64-bit Vojtko Engine |
| Room Calibration | Anthem ARC Genesis | Anthem ARC Genesis |
| Connectivity | RCA, XLR, Speaker-level, Wireless | RCA, XLR, Speaker-level, Wireless |
| Weight | 127 lbs (57.6kg) | 173 lbs (78.5kg) |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 21 x 19.8 x 20.4 in | 22.5 x 22.8 x 23.4 in |
| Finish | Gloss Black | Gloss Black |
| Price (USD) | $5,499 | $6,999 |
Performance Expectations — and the Competition
On paper, the Depth Series reads like an engineering showcase. But the real question is how it performs relative to rivals like SVS, REL, and DALI.
SVS remains the value benchmark with its SB-17 Ultra R|Evolution and SB-5000 R|Evolution, offering serious performance at a fraction of the cost. REL’s Serie S subwoofers, meanwhile, emphasize musicality and integration, while DALI’s SUB V-16 F and Raidho TD8/TD10 lean toward Scandinavian precision.
MartinLogan’s approach sits somewhere between: high output, ultra-low distortion, and room-adaptive flexibility — designed to complement both music-focused systems and cinematic setups where power meets precision.
For context, few consumer subs can reach 18Hz with linear output — even fewer can do so while maintaining near-zero cabinet vibration.
Availability and Pricing
Both models launch initially in Gloss Black through authorized MartinLogan dealers in North America, with additional finishes expected in 2026.
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Depth 212: $5,499 USD / $7,249 CAD
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Depth 215: $6,999 USD / $8,999 CAD
The Depth models sit above the recently introduced Grotto Series, priced at $2,299 (Grotto 12) and $2,799 (Grotto 15). Together, they form a complete subwoofer family that covers both the performance-driven enthusiast and the no-compromise audiophile.
The Bottom Line
With the Depth 212 and 215, MartinLogan is making a clear statement: premium bass performance still matters — and there’s room above the mid-tier crowd for precision engineering.
From the Carbon Aerocore drivers and BalancedForce design to the Anthem ARC Genesis integration and Vojtko DSP, every element of the Depth Series feels purposeful. The reference-grade Class-D amplifiers deliver colossal power, yet control remains surgical.
At over $5,000 apiece, these subwoofers certainly aren’t for everyone — but for those chasing near-perfect bass with engineering pedigree to match, the Depth Series proves that MartinLogan hasn’t lost its touch.
And if the 18Hz extension doesn’t quite satisfy your craving for subterranean impact? There’s always the $30,000 Wilson Audio Submerge or $35,000 McIntosh PS1K. But for most of us, MartinLogan’s new Depth lineup will shake enough foundations — literally and figuratively — to make its presence impossible to ignore.
