SVS Micro 3000 Review

And I shall call it,….Mini-me! Coming in at roughly 1/3 of the size of the SB-3000, the Micro 3000 is a fantastic bit of kit! That said, can the dual-woofer-loaded subwoofer match its bigger brethren? We shall see. The Micro 3000 is loaded with dual eight-inch opposing woofers and an 800-watt RMS amp. Finishes are gloss black or white and have a price tag of $899.99.

Quick Specifications

Driver | Active Dual Opposing 8-inch

Amplifier | 800 watts RMS (2500+ watts peak)

Freq. Response | 23-240 Hz ±3 dB

Dimensions | 10.9” (H) 11.7” (W) 10.7” (D)

For more information, see the link below:

SVS Micro 3000

The Build

The SVS Micro 3000 Subwoofer is a near-perfect cube, measuring 10.9” (H) 11.7” (W) 10.7” (D). The craftsmanship of the subwoofer, even being so small, is near perfect. I received the piano black, which had a near-flawless finish. Starting with the front of the subwoofer, we have an aluminum SVS badge and aluminum grills on either side matching the cabinet paint.

Each side is loaded with opposing 8” woofers.

Towards the rear is the show's star, the Sledge STA-800D2 amplifier, producing 800 watts RMS and 2,500+ Watts Peak! The amp wraps around the back and to the bottom of the cabinet for maximum cooling.

The amp uses ICI (Intelligent Control Interface). Although basic controls may be done (level control, low pass, and phase) on the amp, the complete setup is done with the app.

Rear Panel Intelligent Control Interface (ICI).

Rear-panel SVS Intelligent Control Interface (ICI) provides control options and connections for the subwoofer’s most critical functions.

Level Control to fine-tune the overall output level that best matches the system and room
Low pass filter control to ensure smooth sonic transitions and seamless blending with the main speakers
Phase control to align the subwoofer’s output timing with the main speakers or additional subwoofers
USB port provides power for the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter (sold separately), which eliminates the need for a cable run to the subwoofer from the source component.
RCA Audio Interconnect Input for use with most AV receivers and preamplifiers

On the bottom of the Micro 3000 are four tiny screw-on feet. Due to the size and weight, there is no need to change them. The Micro 3000 weighs 22.5lbs.

The Setup

It’s a setup, I tell you! Okay, to setup the subwoofer is a simplified task compared to the old one. With the Micro 3000 and other subwoofers in the SVS line, Bluetooth is used to connect and control the subwoofer.

We will do a simplified walkthrough of the SVS app.

Turn on the SVS Micro 3000 and verify Bluetooth is on.

Next, we will need to download the app, which is available in the App Store and Google Play. In our example, I will use the Apple iPhone version with an iPhone 12 Pro.

Once we have the application, open it, and it will be preset with a Bluetooth notification.

Afterwhich, we will have a welcome screen with two choices. Connect to the subwoofer or Skip to Preview App. We will want to connect to the subwoofer and click the name of the subwoofer.

After clicking the name of the subwoofer, the app should say connected and have a “Green Bluetooth” logo. To will indicate that the Micro 3000 is indeed connected.

Next is adjusting the Low Pass Filter of the subwoofer. Click the “Options” box and select “Low Pass Filter.”

Since we are using a two-channel configuration with no bass management will tick the on/off “LFE” box. This allows the SVS Micro to control the sub-bass. Next, use the slider to match your speaker’s cut-off point. Once you have the desired result, tap “triangle” at the bottom of the screen. You will want to save it to a preset. For simplicity, I used the “Music” preset.

Time to set the volume. To go to volume, “tap” the “three lines” in the right-hand corner and click “Home/Volume.”Use the slider until you reach the appropriate volume where the subwoofer blends in with the speaker’s low-end. Save once again to a preset. I used the “Music” preset. This screen is the default screen when you open the app.

To learn more about the SVS Subwoofer application, you can explore the demo on the application.

Time to drop that bass…

For our listening, we used a single Micro 3000 and dual Micro 3000s in a two-channel setup with no movies. The speakers we used with them were a pair of Tekton Lore Reference mid-towers. Amp, Emotiva A-300, and Preamp, PT-100. Room 11’ x 13’.

Using a single 3000, one subwoofer was located toward the middle of the room. When using dual subwoofers, one subwoofer was behind each tower.

My preamp does not have bass management, so this is done in the digital domain with the SVS App.

For our first track, we used “Shake Me Like a Monkey,” a challenging passage for a subwoofer, as there is an intense kick drum. Additionally, this track is filled with a well-mixed drum kit as well. I just can not get over that kick drum; it will give your Micro 3000 a heck of a workout.

In our next performance, we go to Alice in Chains,” No Excuses,” this is from a 1994 live acoustic show known for its excellent recording. Again, the Micro 3000s give the instruments a lovely sense of depth and realism. Acoustic guitars sound fuller, and acoustic bass give the drum kit more depth and life.

“Shine On Crazy Diamond,” from Pink Floyd (2019 Mix) of 1988 Delicate Sound of Thunder, is not something you would typically associate with a subwoofer, but here is perfect. The Micro 3000 helps bring out stage presents and depth to what could be a “dead” sounding recording.

Switching gears, it is time to bring out the big guns. We move to the Jazz-Rock Supergroup Volto, which has Danny Carry from Tool on drums. He simply lets loose on the entirety of this album. I generally reserve this Volto for bigger subwoofers, as low-end is tremendous. But, surprisingly, the SVS Mirco 3000 was able to hang! That said, I felt something was missing. So, I added a second Micro 3000, and wow, talk about a difference. Sure there was more volume, but the added layer of dynamics that the extra subwoofer provided was terrific.

While I’m on it, let’s try something a little funky and also bass-laden. I used “Shake It on” from Jamiroquai, a tight and heavy bassy groove for our last track. This track is filled with heavy bass synths and funk bass guitars that can rattle your teeth.

For the first part of the review, I used one Micro 3000, which was quite impressive with the Lore Reference speakers. However, it was not until I went dual that things really “opened” up and added another “layer” of depth to the music.

No matter how much I pushed the Micro 3000, I could not make it run warm or hot. This is because the SVS Micro 3000 utilizes the entirety of the plate amplifier, which is quite extensive (the entire backside) as a heatsink.

Recommendations

If I had one critique, that would simplify the learning curve of the SVS app. While it is relatively simple, it may present a slight challenge to the complete tech novice to setup.

Other than this, I do not see any other critique of SVS Micro.

Final Thoughts

The SVS Micro 3000 subwoofer is a powerhouse waiting to erupt. I would recommend the SVS Micro 3000 for a small to medium room. The Micro is smooth, digs deep, and can really rock the house when paired with a second Micro.

I recommend the SVS Micro 3000 Subwoofer highly at $899.

Gear Used

Roon Nucleus+

iPhone 13 Pro Max

M1 Mac Mini

Tekton Lore Reference

Emotiva PT-100

Emotiva A-300

Raspberry Pi4

Topping E50 DAC

Music Used

Dave Matthews Band - Shake Me Like a Monkey