# We Bought an Acoustic Wave Cannon

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUR6V4dQMmM
Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/oUR6V4dQMmM
Generated: 2025-09-13T17:31:57.014+00:00

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## Quick Overview

The video demonstrates the impressive low-frequency output of the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon system, highlighting its ability to produce deep bass up to 25Hz and its unique directional sound projection, contrasting it with standard omnidirectional subwoofers and ultimately showcasing the superior performance of SVS subwoofers.

**Key Points:**
- The Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon system is a unique sub-bass speaker system capable of producing deep bass up to 25Hz.
- The system utilizes a long, 12-foot tube design to project sound directionally, unlike standard omnidirectional subwoofers.
- Testing revealed that while the Bose system produced sound, its output was less impactful and less efficient compared to modern SVS subwoofers.
- The SVS PB17-Ultra 17-inch ported subwoofer demonstrated significantly more bass output and a more impactful low-frequency response.
- The video compares the Bose system's performance to a smaller 10-inch Mackie subwoofer, finding the SVS subs to be vastly superior.
- The presenters concluded that while the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon is an interesting novelty, it is ultimately outperformed by modern, more practical subwoofer designs.

![Screenshot at 00:00: Linus Sebastian stands next to a Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon system, a long black tube with a smaller speaker on top of a larger subwoofer, introducing the topic.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-00-00.png)

**Context:** This video explores the capabilities of a unique and somewhat obscure audio product: the Bose AWCS-1 Acoustic Wave Cannon System. The presenters, Linus Sebastian and DMS, acquired this system, which consists of a long, tube-like enclosure housing a subwoofer and a separate controller. They aim to test its performance, comparing it against modern subwoofers like those from SVS, and to understand its design and purpose.

## Detailed Analysis

The video begins by introducing the Bose AWCS-1 Acoustic Wave Cannon System, a vintage audio product from the late 1980s. Linus Sebastian and DMS unbox and set up the system, which features a 12-foot tube and a separate controller. They express initial skepticism about its effectiveness compared to modern subwoofers. The core of the video involves testing the Bose system's sound output, particularly its bass response, using audio sweeps and comparing it to SVS subwoofers. They discover that while the Bose system produces sound, its output is less powerful and less impactful than expected, especially when compared to the SVS PB17-Ultra. The directional nature of the Bose system is noted, with the presenters explaining how the tube design aims to focus bass frequencies. They also touch upon the system's original marketing and intended use cases, such as in movie theaters or DJ clubs. Ultimately, the video concludes that despite its unique design, the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon is significantly outperformed by contemporary subwoofer technology in terms of both sound quality and efficiency, making it more of a novelty than a practical audio solution.

### Introduction to the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon

- The video introduces the Bose AWCS-1 Acoustic Wave Cannon System, a unique vintage audio product known for its long tube design and directional sound projection.

### Unboxing and Setup

- Linus and DMS unbox the components, including the main tube, subwoofer driver, and controller, and begin the setup process to test its capabilities.

### Performance Testing

- The core of the video involves testing the subwoofer's bass output using audio sweeps, comparing its low-frequency response and overall impact to modern SVS subwoofers.

### Design and Functionality

- The presenters discuss the system's design, including the 12-foot tube for directional sound and the separate controller, and its intended purpose.

### Comparison with Modern Subwoofers

- The Bose system is directly compared to SVS subwoofers, revealing that modern technology offers superior bass performance and efficiency.

### Conclusion

- The video concludes that while the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon is an interesting and unique product, it is ultimately outperformed by modern subwoofers in terms of sound quality and practicality.

![Screenshot at 00:01: Linus Sebastian shows the Bose AWCS-1 Acoustic Wave Cannon system, emphasizing its large size and unique tube design.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-00-01.png)
![Screenshot at 00:02: A graphic overlay highlights the common understanding that 'Bigger Subwoofer = More BASS'.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-00-02.png)
![Screenshot at 00:13: Close-up of the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon system, showing the 'BOSE ACOUSTIC WAVE CANNON SYSTEM' branding.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-00-13.png)
![Screenshot at 00:22: A comparison graphic shows sound levels: Lawn Mower \(107dB\), Bose Cannon \(109dB\), Rock Concert \(115dB\).](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-00-22.png)
![Screenshot at 00:26: A screenshot from Facebook Marketplace shows a listing for the 'BOSE AWCS-1 ACOUSTIC WAVE CANNON SYSTEM' for CA$895.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-00-26.png)
![Screenshot at 01:02: Linus and DMS look into the end of the Bose Acoustic Wave Cannon tube, creating a humorous "tunnel vision" effect.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-01-02.png)
![Screenshot at 01:06: A Thorüm ring is displayed, showcasing the sponsor's products.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-01-06.png)
![Screenshot at 01:42: Close-up of the Bose 'WSC-1' Wave System Controller, highlighting its rack-mountable design and connections.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-01-42.png)
![Screenshot at 02:08: A close-up of the Bose subwoofer driver, revealing its specifications and connections.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-02-08.png)
![Screenshot at 02:57: An audio frequency graph shows the response curve, with peaks indicating the frequencies the system is designed to emphasize or reproduce effectively, illustrating the concept of ported enclosures and frequency response tuning for subwoofers.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/oUR6V4dQMmM/00-02-57.png)