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Harbinger

Description

The Harbinger VARI VS12 12" compact powered subwoofer combines robust low-end performance with advanced control features, making it a versatile addition to any sound system. Powered by a Class-D amplifier delivering 1,000 watts of clean power, the VS12 achieves a maximum SPL output of 130dB with minimal distortion. Its 12" driver produces deep, thundering bass without sacrificing clarity, even at high volumes. Designed for seamless integration, this subwoofer features advanced DSP controls for precise sound tailoring. At just 46 pounds with ergonomically placed handles, the VS12 is built for portability and performance without compromise.

Class-D Amplification for Powerful Low-End Clarity

The VS12's Class-D amplifier delivers 1,000 watts of focused, distortion-free power, ensuring rich bass tones that resonate through any venue. Its 12" woofer generates thunderous lows while maintaining precision, making it ideal for demanding live performances or DJ sets. With a peak SPL of 130dB, the subwoofer projects clear, impactful bass across a wide area. Clip LEDs for each input and front- and rear-mounted limiter LEDs prevent overloading, ensuring consistent performance without risking damage to your gear.

Customizable DSP for Precise Sound Control

This powered subwoofer features advanced DSP for tailored audio performance. Adjustable crossover controls let you define how the VS12 interacts with your main speakers, ensuring a seamless blend of low-end frequencies. The Time Aligning Delay function addresses phase alignment issues, optimizing bass response for maximum impact. A transparent limiter keeps the sound tight and clean, even during high-volume operation. These DSP tools allow you to fine-tune your system for different venues or performance setups with precision and ease.

Flexible Connectivity for Any Configuration

The VS12 is equipped with dual XLR combo inputs, accommodating both balanced and unbalanced XLR and 1/4" jacks. Two XLR outputs provide the option to connect additional subwoofers or send a signal to main speakers, while a dedicated output level control allows independent adjustment of the subwoofer's volume. This comprehensive connectivity makes the VS12 adaptable to a wide range of sound systems, from small setups to larger venue rigs, without compromising functionality or sound quality.

Compact Powered Subwoofer With Lightweight and Portable Design

Weighing just 46 pounds, the VS12's compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to transport and set up. Ergonomically placed handles enhance portability, allowing you to carry and position the subwoofer with ease. Despite its compact design, the VS12's rugged build ensures reliable performance during frequent use. Its durable construction protects internal components while maintaining consistent output, making it a dependable choice for gigging musicians and audio professionals alike.

Precision Bass for Mobile Performers

The Harbinger VARI VS12 compact powered subwoofer delivers powerful, distortion-free bass in a portable package. Its advanced DSP controls, flexible connectivity, and lightweight design make it an excellent solution for performers and sound engineers who demand high-quality low-end reinforcement. Whether you're enhancing live music, DJ sets, or presentations, the VS12 provides the clarity and impact you need to fill the room with precision and power.

Open Box Harbinger VARI VS12 12" Compact Powered Subwoofer With DSP Level 1
Open Box Harbinger VARI VS12 12" Compact Powered Subwoofer With DSP Level 1
Open Box Harbinger VARI VS12 12" Compact Powered Subwoofer With DSP Level 1

Features

  • Built-in Class-D amplifier delivers 1,000W of clean power for deep bass
  • Maximum SPL output of 130dB ensures clear sound for large venues
  • Crossover control allows custom integration with any full-range speaker
  • Time Aligning Delay combats phase issues for precise bass performance
  • Transparent limiter keeps lows tight and protects against overloading
  • Dual XLR combo connectors integrate easily with any sound system setup
  • Dedicated output level control lets you adjust bass independently of mains
  • Front and rear limiter LEDs signal maximum volume has been reached
  • Ergonomic handles and lightweight design make transport effortless

Specs

Speaker Configuration 
  • Active/passive: Active 
  • Type: Subwoofer 
  • Driver: 12", 4 ohm 
Power 
  • Amplifier class: D 
  • Wattage: 400W RMS, 1,000W Peak 
Audio 
  • Frequency response: 35Hz–150Hz 
  • Max SPL: 130dB 
Inputs 
  • Dual Combo XLR and 1/4" TRS with Clip:  2 
Outputs 
  • XLR: 2 
Enclosure 
  • Cabinet material: Plywood
  • Cabinet finish: Polyurea painted finish 
  • Mount: 35 mm stand pole 
Dimensions 
  • Width: 14.6" 
  • Height: 17.2", including feet 
  • Depth: 18.1" 
  • Weight: 46.2 lb.

Reviews

4.65

34 Reviews

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

I recommend buying in multiples. With a helpful tip…
ABSOLUTELY POWERFUL!!
Amazing!!
2 thumbs up
2 thumbs up
2 thumbs up
UPS and downs
UPS and downs
UPS and downs
UPS and downs
Great addition
Great addition
Great addition
Great addition
Great addition
Deep bass, great DSP control and excellent performer
Deep bass, great DSP control and excellent performer
Deep bass, great DSP control and excellent performer
Deep bass, great DSP control and excellent performer
Deep bass, great DSP control and excellent performer
Deep bass, great DSP control and excellent performer

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Deep bass, great DSP control and excellent performer

This 12" 1000 watts, 400 watts RMS subwoofer is lightweight and yet is packed with powerful DSP features and solid built in quality. Frequency responses start from 35Hz up to 15kHz. It can go up to 140 db Max SPL. I used it for my sound system setup at home and I would say it delivers the best bass sound and is able to maximize listening experience. It comes with 2 XLR input and 2 XLR output (for daisy chain). Integrated crossover frequency and time delay dial for sound accuracy adjustment. It also has a polarity setting (normal/reverse) which is very useful when placing the subwoofer against the speaker. Normal polarity is used when the subwoofer is facing the same direction as the main speaker. Reverse polarity is used when the subwoofer is placed facing the main speaker. This subwoofer transformed my family room area into an incredible home theater experience. Retail at around $400 is considered a reasonable price point for the size. Thanks to the guitar center that allows me to try this subwoofer for free in exchange for my honest opinion.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

3

Easy to use but very heavy

The equipment was easy enough to set up, although the hookup options were limited. I had to get cables with different connectors than my other equipment in order to get this to work with my current setup. It is also an extremely heavy piece of equipment. I'm not sure why it is labeled as compact, because it is definitely not compact as it is larger than my main amp speaker. It is not something I foresee using at future traveling events as it is more than I would want to carry/cart into an event and takes up a large amount of room in my vehicle. If you have a regular performance area where you don't have to constantly move equipment then this will do the job just fine as the sound is decent.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Outdoor Events / Games20
  2. Performances19
  3. Pro Audio / DJ / Mixing16
  4. Home Studio15
  5. Amateur Recording9
Cons
  1. Bulky/Heavy5
  2. Limited Functions2
  3. None of the above applies on how I use my speake1
  4. Pricey / Poor Value1
  5. Limited hookup options1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced15
  2. Professional Musician7
  3. Novice6
Pros
  1. Good Audio25
  2. Easy To Use24
  3. Compact22
  4. Durable18
  5. Versatile15

Reviewed by 34 customers

  • From a real owner: Don't believe the "free" reviews,

    3

    submitted10 days ago

    bymark

    fromGreenville, SC

    This is a budget friendly, mild at best, sub best left for living rooms, garages, or coffee shops. This thing will limit easily with any PA top, does it add some low end...yes, but not much. This thing to me is a cheap throw away sub, I drag it out at bbq's and beat the snot out of it. I do like the selectable features on the back and the build quality seems reasonable, I keep the x-over at 70. It is a tad heavy, but all wood construction will get that. At the end of the day its a 12" sub, as long as you go into it knowing that you will be okay. I would like to see anyone actually get near the claimed SPL value for this thing. For reference this cannot even keep up with my RCF Art708 tops. Would I buy again, maybe.

  • Works with 200

    5

    submitted13 days ago

    byRyan

    fromSpring tx

    I was told by multiple GC employees that it doesn't work with the 200 series PA. However, I went to the Woodlands GC and they plugged it in through the stereo out. You need a specific jack, but it works great. I appreciate that the Woodlands store put in the effort! The vs12 completes what was missing with the 200bt.

  • Oen 2 of these

    4

    submitted4 months ago

    byMatt

    fromCincinnati Ohio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Great for small venue sound. Smooth response over a range of music genres. Not the best for very low frequency hip-hop bass. #sweepstakes

  • Made my living room full of bass frequencies

    5

    submitted4 months ago

    byAl

    fromCactus, TX

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I play music on 2 12" PA speakers, and the Woofer made my living room rumble!

  • Great Unit

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted5 months ago

    byMichael

    fromhoover al

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    I picked this unit up tp add to our system and I must say it is a Game Changer on the quality of the sound.

  • Works Good

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted6 months ago

    byRick

    fromToledo, Ohio

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Sound is Good. Easy to transport. Good for small Jobs.

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted5 months ago

    asked byParasang

    fromMaplewood, NJ

    Can you the link feat to link to via two MLS1000s?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, you can link two Harbinger MLS1000 units using their Smart Stereo feature. This allows for unified control and true stereo sound across both systems. To set this up, connect a standard XLR cable from the Smart Stereo Out of the first MLS1000 to the Smart Stereo In of the second unit. This configuration enables the first unit to manage all inputs and control settings for both speakers, providing a cohesive stereo experience. Regarding the Harbinger VARI VS12 subwoofer, it does not have a dedicated Smart Stereo link feature. However, it can be integrated into your setup by connecting it to the Mix Out of the first MLS1000. The VS12 features adjustable DSP controls, including crossover frequency, time-aligning delay, and polarity settings, allowing you to fine-tune the bass response to complement your full-range speakers.

  • submitted7 months ago

    asked byn2muzik

    fromTorrance, ca

    Would one subwoofer work with 2 4415 for 100--200 people in a Hall party

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Using one VS12 12" Compact Powered Subwoofer with two JBL 4415 speakers for a hall party with 100–200 people can work under certain conditions, but there are a few important considerations to ensure satisfactory performance: Speaker Match and Power Considerations: JBL 4415s are large, powerful studio monitors, not typically designed for live sound. They can handle a decent amount of SPL, but: They're passive, so you'll need a suitable amplifier. They’re not voiced for live hall acoustics; they’re meant for accurate listening in control rooms. They have 15" woofers, meaning they already push a lot of low-end. The VS12 subwoofer is compact and may not fully keep up with the JBL 4415s in a large space, particularly if: You want deep, loud bass for dance music. The party has a high energy vibe with people expecting club-level bass. When It Could Work The event is more chill or background music (like jazz, acoustic, or light pop). You don’t need sub-bass thump—just some low-end reinforcement. The hall isn’t acoustically dead, so the room helps carry low frequencies. When It Might Fall Short The music is bass-heavy (hip hop, EDM, dancehall, reggaeton). You want to feel the low end throughout the room. You push the system hard—this may lead to the sub being the limiting factor.

  • submitted7 months ago

    asked byKen

    fromSan Luis Obispo, CA

    Will this Pair up well with a Bose S1 Pro +?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Pairing the Harbinger VARI VS12 subwoofer with the Bose S1 Pro+ can technically work, but there are a few important things to consider: What Works: Connectivity: The Harbinger VS12 has line-level inputs and outputs, which means you can connect it between your source (e.g., a mixer or instrument) and the Bose S1 Pro+. Crossover: The VS12 includes a built-in DSP crossover, which can help split the frequencies properly between the sub and the Bose full-range speaker. Added Low-End: Since the Bose S1 Pro+ lacks strong bass below ~80–100 Hz, a subwoofer like the VS12 can definitely help fill out the low end, especially for music performance or DJ use. What to Watch Out For: Mismatch in Power and Coverage: The VS12 is significantly more powerful and designed for larger PA systems than the Bose S1 Pro+. You may find the sub overpowers the small S1 Pro+ unless you carefully adjust levels. No True Integration: There's no built-in system crossover or tuning between these two brands, so you’ll need to manually balance them using the sub’s DSP settings and volume control. Portability Mismatch: The Bose S1 Pro+ is super lightweight and battery-powered. The Harbinger VS12 is larger, heavier, and AC-powered, so you lose the portability factor. Mono vs Stereo: The S1 Pro+ is a mono speaker, and so is the sub. That’s not an issue, but good to keep in mind if you’re hoping for stereo imaging. How to Set It Up Properly: Run your audio source (e.g., mixer) into the sub’s input. Then go from the sub’s “thru” or high-pass output to the Bose S1 Pro+ input. Adjust the crossover frequency (usually around 100 Hz is a good start). Balance the subwoofer level to blend smoothly with the Bose. Yes, it can work, and it’ll give you more low-end punch—but it’s not a perfectly matched system in terms of size, power, or portability. If you’re okay with that tradeoff, it’s a budget-friendly way to expand your sound.

  • submitted9 months ago

    asked byBill

    fromBuckeye Az.

    I have two QSC K10.2s that I use as mains for a 4 piece band. Would two VS12 subs be compatable?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, two VS12 subs can be compatible with your QSC K10.2 speakers,.

  • submitted10 months ago

    asked byDJ Stallion

    fromSouth Carolina

    I have Harbinger v2312 tops. I know I can put these on poles and into this sub. Just curious if the 12" sub can handle a 12" top or if it's "rated" for smaller tops?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    It will be fine.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byPc

    fromVegas

    Does it come with the pole?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Unfortunately, no.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byJoe

    fromShrewsbury NJ

    What is the difference between Harbinger S12 and VS12?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The primary difference between a Harbinger S12 and VS12 is that the VS12 is considered a newer model of the same 12-inch powered subwoofer, often featuring slightly updated design elements, potentially improved DSP functionality, and may have minor variations in power output compared to the older S12 model; essentially, they are very similar speakers with the "VS" signifying a newer version within the Harbinger line.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byHarold

    fromBlue Ridge Ga

    Does this Subwoofer come with a cover, or can I purchase one from GC ?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Unfortunately, no.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byAnthony

    fromundisclosed

    Will this work with v2312?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it will.

  • submitteda year ago

    asked byJay

    fromSan Antonio TX

    Will this work with the Harbinger M200, if not what do you recommend for more bass on this system.

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it will.
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