The ASW-CDM produces bass down to 15 Hz and features a diaphragm composed of B&W’s trademark woven-Kevlar™ material, reinforced with resin-impregnated fibers. B&W created a "triple-decker" suspension system for the ASW-CDM driver that permits the cone’s long excursion while preserving complete control and voice-coil/magnet alignment for more accurate output.

The sub’s active second-order low-pass filter offers a choice of bass-roll-off alignments, optimizing the ASW-CDM for maximum output or maximum extension. The low-pass filter can be defeated for straight-in use, as with an AV preamp/processor or receiver, and both subwoofer level and low-pass frequency are continuously adjustable to ensure precise system-tuning; a phase-reverse switch also contributes to this end. The ASW-CDM also provides third-order fixed high-pass filtering on its line-level "return" outputs, typically used in simpler, two-channel systems that rely on the subwoofer’s crossover. The sub also features a Link Out output furnishing convenient signal source for daisy-chaining additional subs, as might be appropriate in only the largest of rooms.

The new ASW-CDM’s compact cabinet is available in a selection of top-grade, hand-finished real wood veneers: Black Ash, Cherrywood, and red-stained Cherrywood.