JL Audio Gotham G213 V2 Subwoofer (Pair)

The JL Audio Gotham g213v2 represents the flagship expression of JL Audio’s approach to high-performance subwoofer design, combining extreme low-frequency extension, substantial output capability and sophisticated digital signal processing in a large, purpose-built enclosure.

At the heart of the Gotham g213v2 are two 13.5-inch JL Audio subwoofer drivers powered by a proprietary Class-D amplifier capable of delivering 4,500 watts RMS of short-term power. The combination provides over four inches of peak-to-peak driver excursion capability while maintaining extremely low distortion across its operating range.

The Gotham g213v2 also incorporates JL Audio’s Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system, providing an automatic 18-band digital equalizer with an included laboratory-grade calibration microphone. Combined with adjustable phase, polarity, low-pass filtering and E.L.F. trim, the Gotham can be precisely integrated into a high-performance two-channel or home theatre system.

Key Features

• Dual 13.5-inch subwoofer drivers
• 4,500W RMS short-term Class-D amplifier
• Sealed enclosure with non-parallel walls
• 19–112Hz frequency response at ±1.5dB
• -3dB response of 17.5Hz–120Hz
• -10dB response of 14Hz–150Hz
• 214.70 sq. in. effective piston area
• 773 cu. in. / 12.7L effective displacement
• Stereo or mono RCA inputs
• Stereo or mono balanced XLR inputs
• Balanced XLR output to slave
• Master or Slave operating modes
• Variable level control
• Automatic signal-sensing power mode
• Variable 30–130Hz low-pass filter
• 12 or 24dB/octave low-pass filter slopes
• 0° / 180° polarity selection
• Variable 0–270° phase control
• E.L.F. trim
• Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.)
• Included laboratory-grade calibration microphone
• High-gloss black finish

Subwoofer System

Enclosure Type:
Sealed, with non-parallel walls

Drivers:
Twin 13.5-inch nominal-diameter subwoofer drivers

Frequency Response (Anechoic):
19–112Hz (±1.5dB)

Frequency Response (-3dB):
17.5Hz–120Hz

Frequency Response (-10dB):
14Hz–150Hz

Effective Piston Area:
214.70 sq. in. / 0.1386m²

Effective Displacement:
773 cu. in. / 12.7 litres

Amplification

Amplifier Type:
Proprietary Class-D

Amplifier Power:
4,500W RMS short-term

The amplifier is designed to provide the substantial power required by the Gotham’s twin drivers and their high excursion capability. JL Audio specifies more than four inches of peak-to-peak driver excursion capability.

Inputs & Outputs

Unbalanced Inputs:
Stereo or Mono
2 × RCA jacks

Balanced Inputs:
Stereo or Mono
2 × female XLR jacks

Output to Slave:
Balanced
1 × male XLR jack

Input Modes:
Master or Slave

Input Grounding:
Isolated or Grounded

Low-Frequency Controls

Low-Pass Filter:
Off / 12dB per octave / 24dB per octave

Low-Pass Filter Cutoff:
Variable from 30Hz–130Hz

Polarity:
0° / 180°

Phase:
Variable from 0°–270°

E.L.F. Trim:
Variable from -12dB to +3dB at 24Hz

These controls provide adjustment of the Gotham’s low-frequency integration and allow its response to be tailored to the associated loudspeakers and room.

Digital Automatic Room Optimization

The Gotham g213v2 incorporates JL Audio’s Digital Automatic Room Optimization (D.A.R.O.) system.

D.A.R.O.:
Automatic 18-band digital equalizer

Calibration:
Included laboratory-grade calibration microphone

Defeatable:
Yes

D.A.R.O. is designed to measure the subwoofer’s in-room response and apply digital equalization to optimise its performance within the listening environment.

Cabinet & Construction

The Gotham g213v2 uses a substantial fiberglass-composite enclosure designed around a heavily braced internal structure. JL Audio describes the enclosure as being constructed outward from its skeletal bracing over several days, with multiple stages employed to create an acoustically inert structure.

Cabinet Finish:
High-gloss black

Construction:
Fiberglass-composite enclosure

Grille:
Removable grille system

Cabinet Design:
Non-parallel walls

Dimensions & Weight

Dimensions (H × W × D):
34.13 × 21.50 × 24.00 inches

Dimensions (H × W × D):
867 × 546 × 610mm

Height:
Includes feet

Net Weight:
360lbs / 163kg

The supplied specification sheet lists the above dimensions and weight for the g213v2.

System Integration

The Gotham g213v2 is equipped for integration into both stereo and home theatre systems. Its stereo or mono RCA and XLR inputs allow connection to a variety of source and processor configurations, while the balanced slave output allows additional Gotham subwoofers to be incorporated into a system.

The combination of adjustable low-pass filtering, phase, polarity, level and D.A.R.O. room optimisation provides extensive control over the subwoofer’s integration with the main loudspeakers.

Conclusion

The JL Audio Gotham g213v2 is a formidable high-performance subwoofer designed for systems where exceptional low-frequency extension, control and output are fundamental requirements. Its twin 13.5-inch drivers and 4,500W RMS short-term Class-D amplification provide the foundation for an extremely capable low-frequency system, while the sealed, heavily constructed enclosure is designed to maintain the necessary rigidity and control.

Beyond its raw output capability, the Gotham g213v2 offers an unusually comprehensive set of integration tools. Adjustable phase, polarity, level and low-pass filtering are complemented by JL Audio’s D.A.R.O. automatic room optimisation system, allowing the subwoofer to be carefully integrated into its listening environment.

With its substantial construction, sophisticated digital processing and extraordinary low-frequency capability, the Gotham g213v2 stands as a statement-level subwoofer for reference-grade two-channel and home theatre systems where both performance and physical presence are demanded.

*The information provided above has been taken from the manufacturer’s original product manual and is intended as a reference. Specifications, features, dimensions and other details may vary depending on production version, regional configuration or subsequent manufacturer revisions. Please confirm specific details with HFX Systems prior to purchase.