Subwoofers — Mission MS-400 Sub

The MS-400 Sub is a powered subwoofer from Mission's MS range, positioned below the MS-450 Sub in the brand's subwoofer hierarchy. Mission structures its MS subwoofer range as a clearly graduated ladder by output and size, making this model reasonably easy to place relative to its siblings just from its numbered position.

Position in line

It sits above the MS-200 Sub and below the MS-450 Sub, in the middle of Mission's numbered MS subwoofer lineup. This middle position suggests a practical, mainstream choice within the range - powerful enough for most rooms without reaching for the MS-450's likely more demanding size and cost.

Key specs that matter

Rated response is 35 Hz to 120 Hz. The built-in amplifier is rated at 215 W, lower than the LX-10 Sub's 350 W figure, suggesting this model targets a more modest room size or reinforcement role than Mission's LX-branded subwoofer. At 40.2 x 35.2 x 37.5 cm and 14.6 kg it is a compact cabinet, smaller and lighter than the LX-10 Sub despite both being aimed at a broadly similar market segment.

Sound and use context

Expect moderate bass reinforcement suited to a small to medium room, with less amplifier headroom than Mission's LX-10 Sub - a sensible choice for a more modest system rather than a large or demanding home theatre installation.

Pairing

Standard line-level or speaker-level subwoofer inputs work with any stereo or AV receiver offering a subwoofer output, so it should integrate easily regardless of the rest of the system.

Alternatives

The MS-450 Sub sits above this model in Mission's range for more output; the LX-10 Sub offers a higher-power alternative in a different series, worth considering if this model's more modest amplifier figure proves insufficient for the room. Given its position squarely in the middle of Mission's numbered range, this model is often the version dealers recommend as a sensible default rather than the smallest or largest option, worth bearing in mind if a specific room size assessment has not already been done. As with most Mission subwoofers, a basic phase switch is worth experimenting with once installed, since even a simple inversion can noticeably tighten or loosen the perceived blend with the main speakers in a given room. A brief conversation with a Mission dealer about room size specifically is worth having before choosing between this model and its immediate neighbours in the range.