MarkAudio Alpair 12PW 8" Paper Cone Bass-Wide Band Driver

August 2023: 2pcs available

Markaudio Alpair 12PW Wide Range (Woofer version of Alpair 12P)

High Efficiency Paper Cone Wide Band - Generation 1 Audio Driver

Link to pdf file specification sheet download

The Alpair 12PW is a audiophile grade paper and glass strand reinforced coned bass-mid driver. Along with its full-range sister drivers, 6P,10P and 12P, the Alpair 12PW is designed for the serious music listener. The 12PW’s relatively flat response is designed to deliver a neutral sound. The mid-high range gradually falls away above 10kHz.

The development of this driver follows its full-range sister unit, the Alpair 12P. Both drivers are Semi-Free-To-Air designs, relying solely on their rear suspensions for mechanical operation. The Alpair 12PW has a reinforced rear suspension and a new coil to enable handling of typical audiophile low frequency loads (not constant low frequency loads).

The 12PW has a long mechanical throw, limited by its arrestor to 8.5mm (1 way). This driver is a low-mass design, its power-train has a moving mass of 11.7 grams yet delivers a Vas of 45 litres with a total Q of 0.39, making it ideal for larger scale purist box designs.

An all-new computer controlled bonding process deployed on this driver, delivering ultra tight tolerances in critical parts of the 12PW’s power-train assembly.

The 12PW is primarily designed to be partnered with the Alpair 7P yet will also be a excellent partner for many tweeters. The marriage between 7P and 12PW promises much in the way of deep rich bass and fine mid-high range detail. 

Quick Connect QC250R & QC205B fit the tabs on this driver

Alpair 12PW + Alpair 7P Plans

Suggested box Alignment:

45 liters (1.6 cubic feet) with 10% polyester fiberfill.  Use a 3" diameter vent by 7" long for a 3dB down point of 38Hz.  I'm sure there will be other box suggestions online too, try searching for Alpair-12PW at www.diyaudio.com to see what other people are doing with this driver.  There are also some discussion on pairing it with some full range drivers like the Alpair 7P.