Finding the Perfect Spot
Subwoofer placement dramatically affects bass quality. Let's explore the best strategies.
Common Placement Options
Corner Placement
Pros:
- Maximum bass output
- Efficient use of power
- Excites room modes effectively
Cons:
- Can sound boomy
- Uneven frequency response
- May overwhelm the room
Front Wall Center
Pros:
- Balanced left/right response
- Good integration with speakers
- Moderate output boost
Cons:
- May miss some room modes
- Can create a "wall of bass"
Side Wall Placement
Pros:
- Different mode interaction
- Can help with front wall issues
- Works for asymmetrical rooms
Cons:
- May seem disconnected from speakers
- Needs careful positioning
The Subwoofer Crawl Method
This proven technique finds the optimal position:
- Place subwoofer at your listening position (on the couch/chair)
- Play a bass-heavy track or use our bass tester at 40-80Hz
- Crawl around the room's perimeter at floor level
- Listen for smooth, even bass vs. boomy or thin spots
- Mark the best-sounding locations
- Move the subwoofer to those positions and test again
Multiple Subwoofers
Using two or more subwoofers can solve many problems:
Dual Sub Benefits:
- Cancels out room modes
- More even bass throughout the room
- Less work for each subwoofer
Placement Options:
- Front and back of room
- Opposing side walls
- Diagonal corners
Fine-Tuning Tips
Phase Adjustment
- Flip between 0° and 180°
- Choose the setting with fuller bass
- Use our tester to verify
Crossover Setting
- Start at 80Hz for most setups
- Adjust based on main speaker capability
- Use a higher crossover for small speakers
Volume Balance
- Subwoofer should blend, not dominate
- Use our frequency tester to check levels
- The best sub is one you don't notice until it's off
Testing Your Placement
Use our bass tester to verify your placement:
- Sweep from 20Hz to 100Hz
- Listen for even response
- Check for rattles or distortion
- Test at multiple listening positions
Conclusion
Good placement takes time but dramatically improves your bass experience. Use the subwoofer crawl and our testing tools to find your ideal position.