ResoNix GUS-12 Shallow Subwoofer
Geometrically Uncompromised Subwoofer
The ResoNix GUS series subwoofers is our next major step forward, and honestly, something the car audio world has been missing for a long time. This line of subwoofers is designed and built around one idea, create a subwoofer that does not compromise in any direction. We wanted shallow mounting depth with real output capability, extremely low distortion, and excellent low frequency extension, and can handle very small sealed enclosures. Many companies claim to offer this, but nobody has been able to fully deliver all of it at the same time. The GUS line changes that. GUS, while named after my cat Gustavo, also stands for Geometrically Uncompromised Subwoofer, which describes the design goal perfectly. No compromises on geometry (both motor and mounting depth), no compromises on performance, and true to our motto; no gimmicks, no BS, pure performance.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions are located further down this page and along with everything else on this page, address most questions about these subwoofers. We are happy to assist when needed, but as a very small team, we appreciate you reviewing the information on this page and the FAQs before reaching out.
Reviews
Be sure to check out The First Review by someone who got to hear our GUS-12 Pre-Production Prototype Revision 1 in my personal vehicle!
The second review of our prototypes that we have sent around, posted by Luke of RW Soundworks.
The Third Review of one of our prototypes that we have sent around, posted by BJ Kizer in Colorado.
Why We Made Them
Over the years, all of my personal favorite high performing subwoofers meant for small sealed enclosures have been discontinued, and nothing else currently available on the market has impressed me. Everything that claimed to be at least relatively shallow, or low distortion, or capable in tiny boxes while achieving low frequency extension either exaggerated the spec sheets or could not live up to their claims in real world use. I got tired of settling, and I got tired of waiting for someone else to make the subwoofers that I, and many others, wanted. So, I did what I always do and built our own, and we made them the best available. The GUS series subwoofers are the result of an absurd length and amount of discussion, planning, design, testing, and refinement. What came out of it all is the subwoofer I genuinely had always wished existed.
Performance Highlights
The main goal was simple, deliver industry leading distortion and output capability relative to the shallow depth and tiny box volume. The GUS line accomplishes exactly that. Distortion is extremely low across the board. Low frequency extension is far beyond what should be possible in this much airspace. Transient response is clean and controlled. And xmax capability is real, not a cherry picked optimistic number. Every major element of the design is fully optimized through Klippel LSI testing. Motor symmetry, suspension linearity, inductance stability, thermal behavior, and mechanical limits are all verified through controlled measurement.
Engineering and Materials
We started with a high motor force, ultra low inductance patent pending overhung motor design that has been FEA optimized, which allowed us to get the motor strength needed for real low frequency extension in genuinely small sealed enclosures. From there, the focus was simple, maximize linearity and minimize distortion. The motor geometry, coil length, gap structure, and flux distribution were all built to deliver clean, predictable force across the entire stroke instead of chasing saved pennies, high profits, and a nonsense marketing xmax number. The result is a motor with extremely stable and linear BL and inductance across stroke, excellent symmetry, and real, verified usable excursion.
Copper shorting rings keep inductance low and controlled, which is a major reason why the GUS line has such low distortion and such clean transient behavior.
The cone uses a Nomex honeycomb core with a carbon fiber facing. This structure gives us an extremely stiff, yet extremely lightweight diaphragm that resists the flex and breakup modes that typically show up in shallow geometry designs and flat cones. Keeping the cone stable directly reduces distortion and keeps output clean at high excursion.
The cone also features a vented rear cone assembly that attaches to the voice coil former. This allows for the ability to mount the GUS series subwoofers in extremely shallow enclosures that may even completely block the rear pole vent, all while exhibiting no negative side effects due to the excellent venting at the rear cone assembly.
The patent pending full length copper shorting sleeve design is a key part of how we keep inductance low and stable across stroke. The sleeve sits on the outside of the gap, with the voice coil positioned between the coil former and the sleeve, which helps reduce inductance modulation and keeps motor behavior more predictable over excursion. Its closer placement to the coil also helps pull heat out of the coil and motor, improving heat extraction and keeping conditions more consistent under load.
The copper voice coil provides higher thermal handling than cheaper aluminum coils. This allows for more power over time before thermal compression sets in, meaning output and response stay more consistent during real listening instead of falling off as the coil heats up.
The titanium voice coil former eliminates eddy current drag as the coil moves in the magnetic gap, which keeps the motor behavior more consistent as frequency and output rise. Titanium also has low thermal conductivity, so it helps direct heat away from the internal neo magnet and into the full length copper shorting sleeve, improving heat extraction and keeping motor conditions more consistent under heavy use.
All of this comes together with careful but rugged assembly to deliver the performance goals we set from the beginning. Extremely low distortion, clean transient response, stable behavior at high stroke, and real output capability in enclosure sizes that would normally cripple your old favorite subwoofer. Every decision came down to one overarching goal. No shortcuts, period.
How This Compares in the Real World
Almost every shallow, and even regular depth subwoofer on the market that’s geared for sound quality systems is marketed as clean, high excursion, and capable in tiny boxes. The problem is that most of them fall apart as soon as you look at actual distortion and LSI (BL(x), CMS(x), Le(x), and QTS(x)) behavior. We have already tested most of them on a full Klippel LSI and TRF setup. The GUS prototypes outperform all of them on the metrics that matter. Distortion is lower, inductance is more stable, motor force stays cleaner through stroke, and the usable output is higher. The difference is not subtle.
Independent Testing and Transparency
We will be publishing full Klippel LSI and TRF data for every model in the GUS line, along with the upcoming PTR Ultra-Shallow and ODIN Infinite Baffle series subwoofers. This will be done for EVERY batch of subwoofers that we produce to ensure consistency and quality, and that nothing changes over time. The same level of transparency used in our independent subwoofer testing project will apply here, with the same format and the same test methodology. If you want objective data and real measurements, we are the only ones willing to show all of our cards. Weird, I wonder why.
Our Promise
The GUS line of shallow subwoofers is not just another product release that will further saturate the market. This is our biggest, and best project to date, and it sets the direction for the next chapter of ResoNix while still continuing our mantra of no gimmicks, no BS, pure performance, with real engineering, real measurements, and real performance that we fully stand behind. This is the subwoofer that I have always wanted. Now we get to share it with you.
| Continuous power handling (RMS) | 800 W |
| Xmax | 20 mm |
| Xmech | 25 mm |
| Voice coil diameter | 3" |
| Spider diameter | 9.25" |
| Suggested enclosure for 0.707 Qtc | 0.75 ft³ |
| Minimum suggested enclosure | 0.45 ft³ which nets a QTC of 0.87 |
| Maximum suggested enclosure | 1.5 ft³ which nets a QTC of 0.56. Please note, xmax is reached at 20Hz with 500 watts in this enclosure size. |
| Volume displacement | 0.046 ft³ |
| Outer diameter | 322 mm |
| Mounting diameter | 284.6mm |
| Mounting depth | 116.5 mm |
| Re |
D2:
D4: 6.82 ohms
|
| Le |
D2:
D4: 1.97 mH
|
| Fs |
D2:
D4: 14.54 Hz
|
| Qts |
D2:
D4: 0.28
|
| Qes |
D2:
D4: 0.28
|
| Qms |
D2:
D4: 9.08
|
| BL |
D2:
D4: 27.268 N/A
|
| Mms |
D2:
D4: 339.842
|
| Cms |
D2:
D4: 0.35 mm/N
|
| Sd |
D2:
D4: 490.87 cm2
|
| Vas |
D2:
D4: 119.3473 l
|
| Xmax @ BL 70% | 20.69 mm |
| Xmax @ Cms 50% | >20.89 mm |
| Xmax @ Le 17% | >20.89 mm |
ResoNix GUS-12 Shallow Subwoofer Specifications
ResoNix GUS-12 Shallow Subwoofer
Geometrically Uncompromised Subwoofer
The ResoNix GUS series subwoofers is our next major step forward, and honestly, something the car audio world has been missing for a long time. This line of subwoofers is designed and built around one idea, create a subwoofer that does not compromise in any direction. We wanted shallow mounting depth with real output capability, extremely low distortion, and excellent low frequency extension, and can handle very small sealed enclosures. Many companies claim to offer this, but nobody has been able to fully deliver all of it at the same time. The GUS line changes that. GUS, while named after my cat Gustavo, also stands for Geometrically Uncompromised Subwoofer, which describes the design goal perfectly. No compromises on geometry (both motor and mounting depth), no compromises on performance, and true to our motto; no gimmicks, no BS, pure performance.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions are located further down this page and along with everything else on this page, address most questions about these subwoofers. We are happy to assist when needed, but as a very small team, we appreciate you reviewing the information on this page and the FAQs before reaching out.
Reviews
Be sure to check out The First Review by someone who got to hear our GUS-12 Pre-Production Prototype Revision 1 in my personal vehicle!
The second review of our prototypes that we have sent around, posted by Luke of RW Soundworks.
The Third Review of one of our prototypes that we have sent around, posted by BJ Kizer in Colorado.
Why We Made Them
Over the years, all of my personal favorite high performing subwoofers meant for small sealed enclosures have been discontinued, and nothing else currently available on the market has impressed me. Everything that claimed to be at least relatively shallow, or low distortion, or capable in tiny boxes while achieving low frequency extension either exaggerated the spec sheets or could not live up to their claims in real world use. I got tired of settling, and I got tired of waiting for someone else to make the subwoofers that I, and many others, wanted. So, I did what I always do and built our own, and we made them the best available. The GUS series subwoofers are the result of an absurd length and amount of discussion, planning, design, testing, and refinement. What came out of it all is the subwoofer I genuinely had always wished existed.
Performance Highlights
The main goal was simple, deliver industry leading distortion and output capability relative to the shallow depth and tiny box volume. The GUS line accomplishes exactly that. Distortion is extremely low across the board. Low frequency extension is far beyond what should be possible in this much airspace. Transient response is clean and controlled. And xmax capability is real, not a cherry picked optimistic number. Every major element of the design is fully optimized through Klippel LSI testing. Motor symmetry, suspension linearity, inductance stability, thermal behavior, and mechanical limits are all verified through controlled measurement.
Engineering and Materials
We started with a high motor force, ultra low inductance patent pending overhung motor design that has been FEA optimized, which allowed us to get the motor strength needed for real low frequency extension in genuinely small sealed enclosures. From there, the focus was simple, maximize linearity and minimize distortion. The motor geometry, coil length, gap structure, and flux distribution were all built to deliver clean, predictable force across the entire stroke instead of chasing saved pennies, high profits, and a nonsense marketing xmax number. The result is a motor with extremely stable and linear BL and inductance across stroke, excellent symmetry, and real, verified usable excursion.
Copper shorting rings keep inductance low and controlled, which is a major reason why the GUS line has such low distortion and such clean transient behavior.
The cone uses a Nomex honeycomb core with a carbon fiber facing. This structure gives us an extremely stiff, yet extremely lightweight diaphragm that resists the flex and breakup modes that typically show up in shallow geometry designs and flat cones. Keeping the cone stable directly reduces distortion and keeps output clean at high excursion.
The cone also features a vented rear cone assembly that attaches to the voice coil former. This allows for the ability to mount the GUS series subwoofers in extremely shallow enclosures that may even completely block the rear pole vent, all while exhibiting no negative side effects due to the excellent venting at the rear cone assembly.
The patent pending full length copper shorting sleeve design is a key part of how we keep inductance low and stable across stroke. The sleeve sits on the outside of the gap, with the voice coil positioned between the coil former and the sleeve, which helps reduce inductance modulation and keeps motor behavior more predictable over excursion. Its closer placement to the coil also helps pull heat out of the coil and motor, improving heat extraction and keeping conditions more consistent under load.
The copper voice coil provides higher thermal handling than cheaper aluminum coils. This allows for more power over time before thermal compression sets in, meaning output and response stay more consistent during real listening instead of falling off as the coil heats up.
The titanium voice coil former eliminates eddy current drag as the coil moves in the magnetic gap, which keeps the motor behavior more consistent as frequency and output rise. Titanium also has low thermal conductivity, so it helps direct heat away from the internal neo magnet and into the full length copper shorting sleeve, improving heat extraction and keeping motor conditions more consistent under heavy use.
All of this comes together with careful but rugged assembly to deliver the performance goals we set from the beginning. Extremely low distortion, clean transient response, stable behavior at high stroke, and real output capability in enclosure sizes that would normally cripple your old favorite subwoofer. Every decision came down to one overarching goal. No shortcuts, period.
How This Compares in the Real World
Almost every shallow, and even regular depth subwoofer on the market that’s geared for sound quality systems is marketed as clean, high excursion, and capable in tiny boxes. The problem is that most of them fall apart as soon as you look at actual distortion and LSI (BL(x), CMS(x), Le(x), and QTS(x)) behavior. We have already tested most of them on a full Klippel LSI and TRF setup. The GUS prototypes outperform all of them on the metrics that matter. Distortion is lower, inductance is more stable, motor force stays cleaner through stroke, and the usable output is higher. The difference is not subtle.
Independent Testing and Transparency
We will be publishing full Klippel LSI and TRF data for every model in the GUS line, along with the upcoming PTR Ultra-Shallow and ODIN Infinite Baffle series subwoofers. This will be done for EVERY batch of subwoofers that we produce to ensure consistency and quality, and that nothing changes over time. The same level of transparency used in our independent subwoofer testing project will apply here, with the same format and the same test methodology. If you want objective data and real measurements, we are the only ones willing to show all of our cards. Weird, I wonder why.
Our Promise
The GUS line of shallow subwoofers is not just another product release that will further saturate the market. This is our biggest, and best project to date, and it sets the direction for the next chapter of ResoNix while still continuing our mantra of no gimmicks, no BS, pure performance, with real engineering, real measurements, and real performance that we fully stand behind. This is the subwoofer that I have always wanted. Now we get to share it with you.
| Continuous power handling (RMS) | 800 W |
| Xmax | 20 mm |
| Xmech | 25 mm |
| Voice coil diameter | 3" |
| Spider diameter | 9.25" |
| Suggested enclosure for 0.707 Qtc | 0.75 ft³ |
| Minimum suggested enclosure | 0.45 ft³ which nets a QTC of 0.87 |
| Maximum suggested enclosure | 1.5 ft³ which nets a QTC of 0.56. Please note, xmax is reached at 20Hz with 500 watts in this enclosure size. |
| Volume displacement | 0.046 ft³ |
| Outer diameter | 322 mm |
| Mounting diameter | 284.6mm |
| Mounting depth | 116.5 mm |
| Re |
D2:
D4: 6.82 ohms
|
| Le |
D2:
D4: 1.97 mH
|
| Fs |
D2:
D4: 14.54 Hz
|
| Qts |
D2:
D4: 0.28
|
| Qes |
D2:
D4: 0.28
|
| Qms |
D2:
D4: 9.08
|
| BL |
D2:
D4: 27.268 N/A
|
| Mms |
D2:
D4: 339.842
|
| Cms |
D2:
D4: 0.35 mm/N
|
| Sd |
D2:
D4: 490.87 cm2
|
| Vas |
D2:
D4: 119.3473 l
|
| Xmax @ BL 70% | 20.69 mm |
| Xmax @ Cms 50% | >20.89 mm |
| Xmax @ Le 17% | >20.89 mm |
Sound Deadening Buyer's Guide.
For More Information:
www.resonixsoundsolutions.com
For Questions:
Email:
Phone: (269)-737-6649
Address:
What Materials Should You Use?
ResoNix Buyer's Guide
FAQ: ResoNix GUS-12 Shallow Subwoofer
The ResoNix GUS series subwoofers are designed for small sealed enclosures. They can work well in ported enclosures, but we only recommend sealed for multiple reasons (sound quality, form factor, low end extension, etc). These are not a great candidate for infinite baffle. Our ODIN series subwoofers are designed for that.
Sine waves should NEVER be sent to speakers, including our GUS series subwoofers. If you are using sine waves to set your amplifier gains, you should be doing so while the subwoofers are disconnected to prevent damage. We all have our own ways of setting gains, but we suggest doing so with an oscilloscope or at least a good volt meter to verify that you aren't applying too much power, and aren't clipping the signal.
In their suggested enclosures, the GUS-10 can handle 500 watts, the GUS-12 can handle 800 watts, and the GUS-15 can handle 1500 watts. Do not overpower these. This is not a subwoofer that is deliberately underrated like many other companies do to impress customers. We are honest about our ratings and our suggestions with our products so you can get the most of them. But, not following these guidelines can result in damage to your GUS subwoofer.
No, we do not currently offer re-cone kits for the GUS series subwoofers. This is something we are looking into offering in the future. But, if you follow our recommendations for power and enclosures, and treat your subwoofers with care, you shouldn't ever need a re-cone kit :)
It is safe to only run the specified amount of power to the GUS subwoofers. It is possible to safely use an amplifier that is capable of more output than they are rated for, SO LONG AS power is limited to what they are rated for. I will make it clear right here. Burnt voice coils, or damage from bottomed out coils is not damage that is covered under warranty as those are not manufacturer defects.
We designed the GUS series subwoofers to be able to handle playing ultra-low frequencies in very small sealed enclosures. So long as you are following our power ratings and enclosure suggestions, you do not need nor want to use a subsonic/high pass filter.
Yes, speaker break in is real. The suspension will loosen over a short period of time. How long that will take until it fully settles is dependent on program material, power applied, enclosure, etc. We suggest using your GUS series subwoofer as normal for about 10 hours of listening at normal to higher listening levels before dialing in final tuning. And no, it is not dangerous to play your new subwoofer at full volume until it is broken in. This is actually when your subwoofer will be its most resilient.
Yes! That is what they were designed for. Now, if you mean you want to use them in enclosures that are smaller than our minimum recommended enclosure size specification, yes, you still can. But please understand that this will severely limit the low frequency extension/efficiency of the subwoofer. You can always contact us about enclosure and application questions if you have something very specific in mind.
The ResoNix GUS series subwoofers are designed for the highest level of sound quality possible. That said, they still have plenty of output for the caliber of accuracy they product, and especially for how shallow they are. Since output is purely a measure of air displacement, we can look at cone area multiplied by linear excursion to get an idea of how much output these are capable of compared to the other subwoofers we have tested. Or, you can use this simple table that we made so you didn't have to do all of that work. Just got to the link and click the drop down, and select "Max Output At 20Hz In 0.707 QTC". This list will show you each tested subwoofers potential output capability based on anechoic simulation based on their large signal TS parameters.
Linearity refers to how consistent the driver’s behavior stays as it moves across stroke. Motor force, suspension stiffness, and inductance all change with excursion. Better (flatter) linearity means lower distortion, cleaner bass, more predictable tuning, and less “weird” behavior or compression when you turn it up.
Since the GUS series subwoofers are very linear across stroke and have very low distortion at high volumes, it will not always be obvious when you are getting close to pushing them too far. They remain composed until they don't, and this is a trade off of designing them to be shallow, but still having high linear excursion. This is why it is very important to follow our power and enclosure recommendations. Obvious signs of pushing them past their mechanical limit are harsh mechanical noises, “clacking,” sudden loss of control, or the sub sounding like it is slamming (not in the good way) instead of playing cleanly. If that happens, back the volume down and verify what is happening. If you need help with this, we are here to help.
If the sub is exposed to cargo, loose items, pets, or daily life, then yes, we would recommend a grille for protection. A damaged cone, surround, or dustcap is usually preventable with basic protection, and is not covered under warranty. We do not offer grilles of our own at the moment.
We do not currently offer a grille of our own for the GUS series subwoofers. It is currently your responsibility to make sure your GUS series subwoofer is protected in your installation. Why we do not offer one, we could not justify the massive up-front cost it would have taken to make our own grilles. Sorry.
While the GUS series subwoofers do feature a pole vent, that doesn't mean it cannot be obstructed. We designed the rear of the cone assembly to be vented, which will take care of venting if the pole vent is blocked. Obviously it is better to have it unobstructed, but you don't have to second guess it if your install requires a very shallow enclosure and it does if fact need to be obstructed.
We always recommend using our ResoNix CCF Decoupler 3F Tape for gasketing speakers and baffles to prevent air leaks, but the ResoNix GUS series subwoofers already feature a rubber mounting ring gasket that takes care of this, so no other products are needed.
You will need at least the following amount of space between the height of the surround, and whatever you have in front of it. 23mm for the GUS-10, 28mm for the GUS-12, and 33mm for the GUS-15.
There is very little real world difference in sound between the two. I know that sounds crazy, but I promise that is the case. Go with whatever option makes the installation easier, more reliable, and more easily serviced.
We suggest using our ResoNix 10-gauge tinned OFC speaker wire. This will help prevent any added resistance and keep damping factor high on your amplifier. I know that sounds crazy, but at lower impedances, very thick wire is needed to not significantly lower damping factor of the amplifier. Some believe in that making a difference, and some don't, and that's not what this is about. For me personally, wire is cheap, and I just do it for peace of mind.
It is almost always installation, tuning, or OEM integration, not the subwoofer itself. If you are integrating into an OEM system using the factory high-level signal, that is the first thing to suspect, because it is often distorted and compressed before it ever reaches your aftermarket gear. If you are not using the OEM high-level signal, the next most likely culprits are installation and tuning issues, enclosure alignment, leaks, gain structure, filtering, crossover, phase, and EQ choices.
We suggest following the recommendations in our ResoNix Buyer’s Guide, it covers rattle control and sound treatment strategy in detail, including what to treat, where to treat it, and why.
Our warranty period is one year from date of delivery. Warranty is ONLY applicable for manufacturer defects. It does not cover burnt voice coils, damaged voice coils from bottoming out, torn surrounds or spiders from over-excursion, damage from personal belongings contacting the subwoofer, or any other damage caused by installation, use, or abuse.
Get in Touch!
Need further guidance or have questions? See below for more ways to get in contact and view resources.