D3is: three D-Series woofers in only 146 millimetres of depth
The D3is answers thin walls, careful retrofits and rooms where a conventional enclosure would obstruct circulation, furniture or visual design.
Its tall, shallow form changes how bass is planned: three 215 mm carbon-fibre woofers are distributed vertically, while the 1500 W amplifier moves to the rack. It is not a miniature D8is, but a product focused on architectural compatibility and isolation from the supporting wall.
Key features
- Three 215 mm woofers with carbon-fibre cones
- Acoustic-suspension loading
- External 1500 W DSP amplifier
- 920.8 x 355.6 x 146.1 mm without brackets
- 39.7 kg plus 6.1 kg for the amplifier
- Matt black
Where the D3is solves a real problem
A depth of 146.1 mm allows installation behind fabric, panelling or false walls where a cubic subwoofer would be impossible. Brackets support in-wall and on-wall mounting, while proprietary isolation systems reduce energy transmission into adjacent elements. It is especially useful in advanced living rooms and cinemas created within existing spaces.
Three smaller drivers instead of one large unit
The vertical layout divides work across three diaphragms and spreads forces along an extended baffle. It does not offer the absolute capacity of the D8is and its eight woofers, but produces deep response from a much slimmer profile. It makes sense where available depth is the governing constraint and room volume does not demand the larger model.
Electronics away from the source
The external amplifier can be rack-mounted with the included hardware, keeping heat, controls and service access outside the wall. Its 2.8-inch display is larger than on conventional D models, while AES/2 joins the analogue connections. This arrangement is valuable once the subwoofer becomes inaccessible behind the finished surface.
Calibration after installation
The 32-bit processor, 48-bit DSP, 10-band equaliser, presets, phase control, app and trigger allow commissioning from the technical area. Adjustment cannot replace a rigid, correctly sized cavity, but it helps blend the three drivers with the loudspeakers and manage room peaks after the structure is closed.
The role of carbon fibre
The official technical specification identifies carbon-fibre diaphragms, consistent with D-Series positioning. In a shallow enclosure, rigidity helps maintain controlled pistonic behaviour through excursion. The design combines this material with non-linear modelling and Klippel measurements rather than relying on headline amplifier power alone.
D3is, D8is or a floor-standing subwoofer?
The D3is wins when minimum-depth concealment is the priority; the D8is when a large room demands scale and output; a D12s or D15s when placement freedom matters and building work is undesirable. Architecture therefore leads the decision before diameter. The D3is is the specialised model, not the budget compromise of the family.