bdp24,
The 4-sub Audio Kinesis Swarm and Debra DBA systems utilize a
Kilowatt class shelf-mount class AB amp/control unit with a 4th order variable lowpass filter that rolls off the bass at 3 dB per octave from 100 Hz down to 20.
The 4 sub modules have a gentle roll-off across their passband that is the approximate inverse of typical room gain from boundary reinforcement. Typical room gain from placement near a wall is 3 dB per octave below 100 Hz, and so the Swarm modules roll off at about
3 dB per octave from 100 Hz down to 20 Hz.
Here's a link to the system's description and specs:
http://www.audiokinesis.com/the-swarm-subwoofer-system-1.html
When utilizing a 4-sub DBA in mono mode, I think it's important for everyone to understand that one is still able to perceive a deep and wide sound stage illusion in full stereo over the entire, standard and audible 20 Hz-20KHz frequency spectrum. In other words, one is able to perceive stereo deep bass below 80 Hz and localize deep bass instruments in the stereo sound stage illusion.
I don't believe this bass perception, however, can accurately be classified as "stereo subwoofers" or "stereo deep bass" since the bass below about 80 Hz is technically being played back in mono. In all the music source material I possess, the bass below about 80 Hz is also summed to mono during the recording process.
My theory, about how this mono bass is perceived as stereo bass , is that bass sounds below 80 Hz have harmonics, or overtones, that reach beyond 80 Hz which are able to be localized. These harmonics or overtones are recorded and played back in stereo through the l+r main stereo speakers. Our brains are then capable of associating these over 80 Hz harmonics/overtones, coming from the main l+r speakers in stereo, with the under 80 Hz fundamental tones, coming from the 4 subs in mono, and creating an overall perception of stereo bass that specifically details where in the 3 dimensional stereo sound stage the sound is coming from in a very natural and realistic manner.
My opinion is that this type of stereo deep bass perception is unique and deserves its own name or description, other than "stereo subwoofers" or "stereo deep bass". I find a fairly low crossover frequency between 40-50 Hz performs best in my room and system for both music and HT. Even though I know the bass is mono, I definitely perceive the music as high quality, very natural, very realistic and in full range stereo.
Tim