Paradigm Defiance S12 Subwoofer

Paradigm Defiance S12 High-Performance Subwoofer

The Paradigm Defiance S12 packs serious low-end power with an 800W RMS amplifier and a high-excursion S-PAL™ driver, delivering deep, articulate bass that brings music and movies to life. Its compact, sealed cabinet features a refined design that echoes Paradigm’s premium XR and Founder Series lines. With ARC (Anthem Room Correction), built-in wireless connectivity, and app-based control, the S12 is easy to integrate and fine-tune in any room. Available in gloss black, it’s the perfect mix of performance, precision, and style - engineered for those who demand more from their bass.

Bass That Hits Hard and Stays Clean

Defiance® S-Series subwoofers don’t just play bass - they unleash it. Engineered with Paradigm’s high-excursion S-PAL woofers, these subs deliver deep, room-filling lows without a hint of distortion, even when pushed to the limit. Precisely engineered with cutting-edge methods, every beat, rumble, and explosion comes through with razor-sharp clarity and impact. Crafted from satin-anodized pure aluminium, the woofers combine strength, speed, and heat dissipation for tight and powerful performance. Whether you crave the subtle textures of a jazz bassline or the earth-shaking force of a blockbuster soundtrack, Defiance® S10 and S12 deliver bass that’s built to move you.

Deep Bass, No Distractions

Defiance® S10 and S12 are built for impact - not vibrations. Engineered with integrated anti-vibration feet, these subwoofers deliver powerful, controlled bass while minimizing floor and wall resonance. By reducing energy transfer, they eliminate unwanted rattles and buzzes, ensuring a cleaner, more immersive listening experience. This built-in vibration control enhances clarity and dynamics and helps keep bass contained - perfect for shared spaces or minimizing noise complaints. Designed for any surface, the feet are safe for all flooring types, with optional carpet spikes included for even greater stability on carpeted floors.

Connectivity Without Limits

Defiance® S10 and S12 adapt to your system - not the other way around. With built-in wireless capability and a full range of wired connections, these subwoofers integrate effortlessly into any setup. Whether you prefer RCA, XLR LFE, Stereo RCA, Speaker Level inputs, or Sub Out, you have the flexibility to connect your way. Designed for both simplicity and high-performance integration, Defiance® subwoofers ensure seamless compatibility with everything from minimalist stereo rigs to full-scale home theatre systems.

Effortless Subwoofer Tuning at Your Fingertips

Take full control of your bass with Paradigm’s Subwoofer Control app for iOS and Android. Adjust volume, fine-tune DSP modes, tweak phase settings, and more - all without leaving your seat. Designed for convenience and precision, this intuitive app puts the power of professional subwoofer tuning right in the palm of your hand.

Bass, Perfected - No Guesswork Required

Why settle for boomy or uneven bass when you can have precision-tuned, room-shaking perfection? Defiance® subwoofers work seamlessly with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) system, analysing your space and automatically optimizing your subwoofer’s performance for maximum impact and accuracy.

No more dead zones, no more overwhelming rumbles - just deep, detailed bass tailored to your exact room. Simply connect an ARC® Calibration Microphone (sold separately) to your PC or Mac, run the tuning process, and experience bass the way it was meant to be heard - flawlessly dialled in, every time.

Experience True Freedom with Built-In Wireless Capability

Say goodbye to the hassle of wires and enjoy ultimate flexibility with built-in wireless capability. This feature allows you to position your subwoofer anywhere in the room, free from the constraints of traditional cables. Whether you place it in the perfect spot for maximum bass impact or find a unique position that enhances the aesthetics of your space, you can count on seamless performance and flawless audio quality.

The Ultimate "Hide Away" Installation

The Paradigm Defiance S-Series Subwoofer features an innovative "hide away" installation option, made possible by its sealed, port less design. This allows the subwoofer to be seamlessly integrated into custom-built shelving, freestanding cabinetry, or in-wall units, offering flexibility without compromising on sound performance.

Our Review

The Paradigm Defiance S12 is the sort of sub that makes you grin the moment it kicks in – the kind of bass that feels as much as it’s heard. It’s not just about raw power (though it has plenty), it’s about the way it fills a room with deep, clean lows that make music richer and movies more thrilling. Thanks to its sleek, refined design, it blends in effortlessly, while the wireless connectivity and app control make it a breeze to live with. Add in smart room correction, and you’ve got bass that’s always tight, balanced, and perfectly tuned to your space – no fuss, just pure impact.

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 12” (305mm) High-Excursion Satin Anodized Pure Aluminium Bass Driver, sealed enclosure with built-in Class-D amplifier, App-controlled via smart-phone and Anthem Room Correction (ARC®) Ready
• Room Correction: ARC Genesis (sold separately)
• Low Frequency Driver: 12” (305mm) High-Excursion Satin Anodized Pure Aluminium Bass Driver, Stamped Steel Basket
• Low Frequency Response: 16 Hz (DIN)
• Amplifier Power: Ultra Class-D Amplifier with 800 Watts continuous (1,200 Watts peak)
• Back Panel Controls
  • Level: Interactive LED Backlit Knob
  • Tone Sweep: Sweep Start and Pause (with status light)
  • Power Mode: On, 12v Trigger, Auto Wireless Audio Pairing Button (for included Paradigm wireless transmitter)
• Power Draw: Max: 800W Standby (Wireless Disabled): 0.5W Standby (Wireless Enabled)
• Digital Signal Processing: Ultra High-Resolution DSP Engine with 64bit processing
• Feet: Integrated Anti-Vibrational Feet (carpet spikes included)
• Wireless Inputs: Integrated Wireless Receiver, Wireless Transmitter Included
• Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to a Premium Power Cable for better performance
• Finish: Gloss Black
• Dimensions: 377 x 402 x 433mm
• Weight: 24.27 kg
• Manufacturer’s Warranty: 2 Years Electronics; 5 Years Drivers

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE