About the MartinLogan Abyss™ 8

Product highlights:
- triple 8" Hybrid Woofer System includes one active woofer and two passive radiators
- built-in Class D Magnitude® amplifier delivers 500 watts RMS
- ultra-high-resolution 500MHz Vojtko DSP engine with 64-bit processing for clean, high-output, high-fidelity bass
- built-in wireless receiver with included wireless transmitter for cable-free connection to your receiver or amp
- frequency response: 23-200 Hz (±3dB)
- precision-crafted, 1"-thick MDF cabinet with reinforced woofer baffles and center brace
- optional Anthem Room Correction for custom equalization, tuning, and calibration
- requires free ARC™ Genesis software, ARC microphone (sold separately), and PC or Mac® computer (not included)
Mobile app controls:
- continuously variable low-pass 35-120 Hz crossover
- continuously variable 0°-180° phase control
- DSP preset listening modes: Movie, Music, Night
- 20-30 Hz low-bass contour control
Back-panel controls:
- level knob with interactive LED backlighting
- power mode switch: auto/trigger/on
- tone sweep control button
- wireless audio pairing button
Connections:
- stereo RCA line-level input
- unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR LFE (low frequency effects) inputs for connection to a home theater receiver
- stereo speaker-level inputs
- mono RCA subwoofer output
- input for optional ARC microphone
- detachable power cable
Other info:
- integrated anti-vibration feet (carpet spikes included)
- removable grilles
- dimensions (measured by Crutchfield): 14-1/16"W x 13-1/2"H x 15-9/16"D
- weight: 46.7 lbs.
- warranty: 3 years (with product registration)
- MFR # ABY8GBD
- Item # 839ABYS8B
What's in the box:
MartinLogan Abyss™ 8 owner's manual
If you need assistance accessing this owner's manual, please give us a call.- Powered subwoofer
- 3 Grilles
- 9' AC power cord
- Wireless transmitter
- 4 Carpet spikes
- 39" Stereo RCA cable
- 39" USB-C to USB-A cable
- AC power adapter
- 2-Prong AC plug
- Quick Start Guide
More details on the MartinLogan Abyss™ 8

Features & specs
Enclosure | Passive Radiator | |
Woofer Size (inches) | 8 | |
Woofer Composition | Aluminum | |
Firing Direction | Front/Side | |
Amplifier Output (watts) | 500 | |
Frequency Response | 23-200 Hz | |
Connections | ||
Preamp-Level Inputs | LFE/XLR, Stereo RCA | |
Speaker-Level Inputs | Banana plugs | |
Speaker-Level Outputs | No | |
Wireless | Yes | |
Controls | ||
Low-Pass Crossover Freq | 35-120Hz | |
High-Pass Crossover Freq | N/A | |
Phase Switch | Yes | |
App Control | Apple iOS, Android | |
Remote | No | |
Room Correction | Optional | |
Other Info | ||
Height (inches) | 13-1/2 | |
Width (inches) | 14-1/16 | |
Depth (inches) | 15-9/16 | |
Weight | 46.7 lbs | |
Speaker Parts Warranty | 3 Years w/ registration | |
Speaker Labor Warranty | 3 Years w/ registration | |
Amplifier Parts Warranty | 3 Years w/ registration | |
Amplifier Labor Warranty | 3 Years w/ registration |
Product Research
Features
Hybrid Woofer System: Featuring a unique 8" Hybrid Woofer System, the MartinLogan Abyss 8 powered sub combines an active 8" aluminum woofer with two 8" aluminum passive radiators. This innovative design offers the enhanced output of a ported subwoofer, while maintaining the compact size and tight bass associated with sealed subwoofers. Enjoy the best of both worlds without compromises like larger cabinets or port noise. The custom-designed aluminum cone drivers are engineered for peak performance using advanced Klippel analysis. The light weight, high strength, and excellent heat dissipation properties of aluminum make it ideal for delivering clean, powerful bass in such an ultra-compact design.
Magnitude MT-1 Amplifier: MartinLogan's advanced Magnitude MT-1 amplifier delivers up to 500W (RMS)/1000W (Peak) of clean power, ensuring incredible impact and seamless musicality. The Magnitude MT-1 amplifier is designed to deliver its power reserves with ultra-low distortion to ensure maximum fidelity along with high output capability. Guaranteeing exceptional control over the Hybrid Woofer System, the MT-1 amplifier helps the Abyss 8 powered sub provide an immersive audio experience from an ultra-compact subwoofer.
Advanced Vojtko DSP Engine: The Abyss 8 powered sub utilizes the cutting-edge, ultra-high-resolution Vojtko DSP engine, named after MartinLogan's Chief Audio Technologist. Featuring a "best-in-class" 500MHz DSP with 64-bit processing, the Vojtko DSP engine commands all aspects of subwoofer performance in real-time. This level of computing power allows MartinLogan engineers to fine-tune performance for maximum output and fidelity with complete audible transparency as well as enabling advanced features like wireless app control, integrated wireless signal connection, and other advanced DSP functions. Thanks to the computational power of this sophisticated DSP engine, The Abyss 8 powered sub is also compatible with Anthem Room Correction (ARC).
Anthem Room Correction: (ARC) Compatible: Abyss 8 is compatible with the award-winning Anthem Room Correction (ARC) system. This highly advanced software measures subwoofer performance in your room and then performs custom equalization, tuning, and calibration to achieve the highest levels of bass impact and accuracy possible for your specific installation. Anthem Room Correction (ARC) requires a compatible Calibration Microphone (such as MartinLogan's Perfect Bass Kit or ARC Calibration Microphone Kit) and a PC or Mac computer - all sold separately. The Abyss 8 powered sub uses a USB-C connection and will require an appropriate cable or adapter (sold separately) to connect to your computer.
Rear-Panel Controls: Volume Level and Tone Sweep can be found on the rear-panel of the powered sub. All other controls (such as the Low Pass Filter, Phase/Polarity, Listening Modes, and more) are handled through the MartinLogan Subwoofer Control app for Apple iOS and Android (see Subwoofer Control App section below).
- Volume Level: The Volume Level knob allows you to adjust the loudness of your subwoofer from -40dB to 12dB.
- Tone Sweep: A unique Tone Sweep feature assists users in locating areas in listening rooms where troublesome rattles or resonances may occur. A single press of a button allows listeners to initiate a tone sweep from 20-120Hz. If a rattle or resonance occurs in the room any frequency can be held, allowing the listener to investigate and identify the source of the unwanted noise
Subwoofer Control App: By far the most convenient way to adjust and setup the Abyss 8 powered sub is using MartinLogan's Subwoofer Control app (for Apple iOS and Android OS) that allows you to easily adjust audio settings from your compatible smartphone or tablet device - for ultimate control and ease of tuning. The Subwoofer Control App communicates with the Abyss 8 via a wireless Bluetooth connection between the subwoofer and your compatible Apple iOS or Android OS device. In addition to Volume Level & Tone Sweep controls that are also found on the rear-panel of the sub, the Subwoofer Control App provides Low Pass Filter, Phase/Polarity, Listening Modes, 20-30Hz Level, and more.
- Low Pass Filter: The Low Pass Filter screen lets you to adjust the low-pass frequency (35-120Hz) for the left and right RCA or speaker level inputs and select between a third or fourth order crossover. This setting is not applied to the LFE input, instead leaving the task of bass management to your audio/video processor. If you're using this subwoofer as a dedicated LFE channel, just set the Low Pass Filter to "Bypass".
- Phase/Polarity: The Phase/Polarity screen allows you to adjust the phase of the subwoofer from 0-180° in increments of 1° and also allows you to invert the polarity of the phase.
- Listening Modes: Listening Modes let you apply preset listening modes to the subwoofer output. The Movie listening mode is an aggressive setting that maximizes device output for an especially explosive experience. The Music listening mode is balanced for an accurate musical presentation. The Night listening mode reduces bass output for discrete playback.
- 20-30Hz Level: The 20-30Hz Level control allows you to adjust subwoofer output from -10dB to +10dB in the 20-30Hz range; a range where peaks (room gain) and dips of different amplitudes often develop in listening rooms. This control can also be used to add a little extra bass boost to your system when you feel the need.
Built-In Wireless Capability: For ultimate convenience and flexibility, the MartingLogan Abyss 8 powered sub comes with a built-in Wireless Receiver (RX) and an external Wireless Transmitter (TX) making it even easier than ever to connect the subwoofer to your AV receiver or preamp/processor - eliminating cable clutter. The Wireless Receiver (RX) is built-in into to the Abyss 8 powered sub, while the external Wireless Transmitter (TX) plugs into your AV receiver's or preamp/processor's LFE out or stereo subwoofer preout. The external Wireless Transmitter (TX) will also require an AC power outlet. The Wireless Transmitter (TX) sends the LFE or preout signal of your AV receiver/preamp processor to the built-in Wireless Receiver (RX) of the Abyss 8 powered sub using lossless and low latency wireless transmission for high-quality bass sound.
Robust Wired Connectivity: In addition to the built-in wireless connection option, the Abyss 8 powered sub offers incredible wired installation flexibility. With both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs, as well as speaker level inputs and a line-level output - the Abyss 8 powered sub can be easily integrated into even the most complex systems. The dedicated balanced and unbalanced stereo and LFE inputs allow simultaneous connection of both two-channel stereo music and multichannel home theater, allowing each source to have individual crossover and level settings to give listeners the perfect performance in every application.
- Balanced XLR Inputs: The powered sub's balanced inputs consist of a a single XLR LFE input. Balanced XLR connections guard against induced noise and allow long cable runs without compromising sound quality.
- Unbalanced RCA Inputs/Output: The subwoofer's unbalanced line-level inputs consist of a set of stereo RCA inputs and a mono-RCA/LFE input. There is also a mono-RCA output that allows you to daisy-chain multiple powered subwoofers.
- Speaker Levels Inputs: The powered sub's speaker-level inputs consist of banana plugs for use with single banana connectors only. The speaker level inputs will not support bare wire connection and do not support dual banana connectors, spade-lugs, or pin-connectors..
Reinforced MDF Cabinet: The cabinet plays a critical role in the sound quality of a subwoofer. The MartingLogan Abyss 8's subwoofer cabinet is made of 1" thick MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) with additional reinforcement on the woofer baffles and a central brace. This solid construction provides a more stable platform for the high performance woofer to play from, resulting in cleaner, more articulate bass. The reinforced MDF cabinet is also ultra-compact and is able to fit better where larger subwoofer cabinets cannot. To help further compliment your room's decor, the cabinet is available in two finish options. The gloss black version features a deep, mirror-like cabinet finish accented by gunmetal woofer trim. The satin white version uses a bright, non-gloss cabinet finish accented by silver woofer trim. Both versions use MartinLogan's unique, stealth grille retention system to ensure a seamless style even when the grille is removed.
Anti-Vibration Feet:: The Abyss 8 powered subwoofer's integrated anti-vibration feet improve bass performance, while reducing floor and wall vibrations. By dramatically reducing energy transfer between the subwoofer and the floor, unwanted room rattles and buzzes are eliminated - resulting in tighter, cleaner bass and improved system clarity and dynamics. As a less intrusive alternative to acoustic room treatments, the Abyss 8's integrated anti-vibration feet can also help minimize noise complaints by reducing vibration transfer into adjoining rooms. The integrated anti-vibration feet are safe for all flooring types, while the supplied carpet spikes can be installed to further improve performance on carpeted floors.
- Dimensions with Anti-Vibration Feet: 14.0625" (w) x 13.5" (h) x 15.5625" (d)
- Dimensions with Spike Feet: 14.0625: (w) x 14.125" (h) x 15.5625" (d)
Detachable AC Power Cord: The MartinLogan Abyss 8 comes with a detachable 9' AC power cord (IEC 2-prong) that plugs into the back of the powered sub and into an AC wall outlet or surge protector/line-conditioner (sold separately).
- Auto Power On/Off: The powered subwoofer will automatically enter a power saving mode when no audio signal is detected for 60 minutes. The subwoofer will automatically come out of power saving mode when an audio signal is detected. You can also manually turn the subwoofer On/Off.
- 12V Trigger Input: The MartinLogan Abyss 8 is also equipped with a 12V Trigger Input (3.5mm; 5-24V DC), allowing an external device (such as your AV receiver) to turn the subwoofer on and off.
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