Willie Greer
- July 5, 2021
You may not be aware, but producing an accurate sound in any music production setup requires integrating the best studio subwoofer. While buying the same brand as other speakers in your sound systems seems convenient, upgrading a home studio comes with many options that may leave you with a disappointing, substandard product. Let our audio experts introduce these studio subwoofer reviews to ease your shopping experience.
- Patented slip stream bass port
- Low-frequency drivers
- 20Hz sub frequencies
- 113dB peak power
- Modern tuning
- Cross over frequency control: 80Hz
- Flat frequency response
- 150W power rating
- High-resolution audio quality
- Noise reduction technology
- Affordable
- Well-vented design
- 475 watts built-in amplifier
- Automatic signal sensing
- Flexi crossover & volume control
Reviews of the Best Studio Subwoofers
Yamaha HS8S Studio Subwoofer
Coming from a trusted brand in the music production industry, it’s no surprise that our resident audiophiles decided to include Yamaha Studio Subwoofer in the mix. These best studio subwoofers integrated with 8-inch drivers and a 150W power rating could easily accommodate low frequencies from 22 Hz to 150 Hz.
Unlike most studio subwoofers we recommended, Yamaha HS8S has a down-firing design, enabling it to produce deeper frequencies. It also has a crossover adjustment of 80 Hz to 120 Hz, bringing the perfect balance between your subwoofer and studio monitors.
Its bi-amp construction for the tweeter and the woofer is undeniably its most clever feature allowing a smooth bass response.
Pros
- Highly compatible with different studio monitors
- Has a convenient power rating of 150 Watts
- Extended low-frequency range of 22 Hz to 150 Hz
- Durable MDF enclosure and compact subwoofer
- Incorporates noise reduction technology
- High-resolution sound quality and exceptional bass response
Cons
- Costs higher than some studio subwoofers
- Mounting and screw points for installation sold separately
JBL LSR310S Studio Subwoofer
Another premium option from a well-known company that provides the best sound systems is JBL LSR310S Studio Subwoofer. Our sound experts specifically picked this model for its deep bass capabilities, reaching very low frequencies ranging from 20 Hz region and a peak output of 113 dB.
This studio monitor subwoofer includes a sensitivity switch that dispels any possibilities of input overload. Through this feature, you also don’t have to worry about matching your woofer with any studio monitor system that accommodates high frequency and more power.
Besides impressive low-frequency music production, you’ll be pleased to know that this subwoofer has an engineered tuning similar to modern dance clubs.
Pros
- Modern and dynamic sound quality
- JBL Patented slip stream bass port design
- High power rating capacity for extended periods of usage
- Each purchase includes studio monitors, speaker cable, & manuals
- Low-frequency sounds ranging from 20 Hz and 113 dB peak
Cons
- May need vibration dampers
- Expensive professional studio subwoofer
BIC America F12 Powered Subwoofer
Does price always cue quality [1]? After our series of sound tests and evaluation with the BIC America F12 Powered Subwoofer, we can certainly assure you that it’s not! Although best studio subwoofers do come with whooping prices, this model delivers excellent sound quality with great connectivity settings for studio monitors at a low cost.
Another feature that enhances its bass frequencies during music production is its Patented BIC “Venturi” vent design that prevents port noise and too much bass. With a frequency response that can reach 25Hz – 200Hz, these studio subwoofers will definitely enhance your audio experience.
Pros
- Quality subwoofer with affordable price
- Well-vented design enhances sound quality
- Deep bass frequency response range of 25Hz - 200Hz
- Integrated with 475-watt peak amplifier
- Maximum output capacity of 116dB
Cons
- Connectors for RCA inputs are sold separately
- More suitable for home studio theater systems
KRK 10S2 V2 10" 160 Watt Powered Studio Subwoofer
If you’re in a quest to find the best studio monitor subwoofers perfect for your sound mixing sessions, then KRK 10S2 V2 10″ 160 Watt Powered Studio Subwoofer may put an end to your frantic search.
There’s no doubt that this Glass Aramid Composite Woofer will compliment your existing system as it’s specifically engineered with a high-pass filter and vast crossover options.
The iconic accuracy and performance we witnessed during some audio tests we conducted highly justified KRK 10S2 V2’s 28Hz frequency response and 117 dB SPL. It also sports a unique enclosure that prevents damaging port turbulence.
Pros
- Has bypass foot pedal switch insert
- Integrated with a polarity switch and sensitivity controls
- Uniquely shaped enclosure for less port turbulence
- Low-frequency response of 28Hz and 117 dB SPL
- Has a Class-D power amplifier
Cons
- Not the deepest reaching subwoofer
- Has automatic power off settings
Polk Audio PSW10 160 Watt Powered Studio Subwoofer
Another diamond in the rough that will fit your budget when looking for a nice studio subwoofer is Polk Audio PSW10. While it’s undeniably more affordable than the rest of the woofers in this list, it has a specifically configured port solely dedicated to deeper bass and added depth.
Although our audio evaluations concluded that this model is more suitable for small-to-mid-sized rooms, we’re still impressed by its accurate sounds even in higher volumes. It also runs with a 50-watt built-in amp and features an 80-160Hz crossover range and 40-160Hz frequency response.
And did we mention its distortion analyzer? This feature allows the woofer to reach lower frequencies smoothly.
Pros
- Powered with a 50-watt built-in amp
- Affordable option for small to midsize locations
- Features a distortion analyzer for a smooth listening experience
- Unique construction and efficient power usage
- Tuned and directed port for deeper bass
Cons
- Not suitable for large spaces
- May need maintenance check-up regularly
Fluid Audio F8S: 8-inch Active Studio Subwoofer
While mix engineers have many options to consider when completing their home studio experience, buying Fluid Audio F8S could complement the low-frequency needs of your current audio system. Enhancing sound quality through its 30Hz frequency response, rest assured that you won’t miss any details amidst your mixing sessions.
Besides all that, this active subwoofer has two EQ settings where you can switch its output from flat frequency response to punch mode. It’s also not lacking in terms of flexibility as it boasts variable phase adjustment that matches most L/R monitors out there.
Pros
- Features 30Hz frequency range and 200W Class-D amp
- Two EQ settings: Flat Response and Punch
- Has fine-tuning adjustments and volume control
- Front-firing bass-reflex vent port
- Compact design with a standby footswitch
Cons
- More suitable for smaller spaces
- Complex setup, but can be guided accordingly by the manual
Monoprice Stage Right 10-Inch Powered Studio Multimedia Subwoofer
When dealing with bass-heavy audio, having a woofer with studio-ready flat frequencies like Monoprice Stage Right Multimedia Subwoofer helps audiophiles get a better perception of the sound during the mixing. You can totally take complete control of any music project with its -20 to +6 dB gain knob and 180° polarity switch.
If you’re still unsure if it’ll fit your current system, you can take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee and one-year warranty offerings. However, considering this woofer’s 200 Watt RMS power that enables excellent bass reproduction, we can’t picture this return policy occurrence ever happening.
Pros
- Produces studio-ready flat frequencies
- Suitable for any studio set-ups
- 30-day guarantee and 1-year warranty.
- Runs with 200 Watt RMS power and enough headspace
- Excellent and full-range bass mix controls
Cons
- Best suited with balanced LR TRS/XLR
- May need regular maintenance
ADAM Audio Sub8 8.5 Inches Powered Studio Subwoofer
If you’re not a fan of big subs, ADAM Audio Sub8 8.5 Inches Powered Studio Subwoofer is a great buy to consider. Operating in a 160W ICE power amp combined with low heat generation, expect this subwoofer to deliver enduring power and performance even amid long mixing sessions.
You also have the option to control the crossover frequency settings and input levels through two motorized knobs. On top of all that, these controls can be accomplished through a wireless remote while you’re cozying up in your spot to enjoy an optimum listening experience.
Pros
- Has wireless remote for sound controls and frequency settings
- Operates with 160W ICE power amplifier
- Produces low heat generation for handling maximum power levels
- Capable of reaching 28 Hz - 150 Hz frequencies
- Maximum peak power of 1 m: ≥110 dB
Cons
- Designed for rooms up to 20 square meters only
- More expensive than the rest of the subs on the list
Studio Subwoofers Buyer’s Guide
Design and Build
Buying a studio subwoofer may appear more manageable than before because of the bottomless options available in the market. However, did you know that these low-frequency speakers have different designs and build? That’s right. It heavily varies in sizes and structures to suit specific audio needs. You don’t just buy them for the sake of having them.
One of the first questions our resident audiophiles would like you to answer is what kind of subwoofer enclosure do you intend to use? Sealed or ported? For beginners, this can be a confusing question. But each of these designs has an impact on the production of sound in your existing audio system.
Let’s start with sealed subwoofers. While these types of woofer designs have an impressive capability for faster transient response, their downside often roots in lower output leading to distortions. If you’re placing the woofer in a small studio or any area not too large, then this design is perfect for you.
On the other hand, ported subs have the upper hand when it comes to audio quality. It typically has a well-vented design allowing the airflow to move freely and produce undistorted sounds. There are also often called bass-flex speakers, as their frequencies provide better sound translations.
If you have a spacious studio to put your woofers in, then our best advice is to get a ported design. This is also a great alternative to consider if your monitors sound way louder than the sealed subwoofers. Nevertheless, the integration of your subs into the system is still the major key to make everything work. These designs just add up to the narrative.
It also matters if you’ll be choosing a front-firing or down-firing kind of subs, but we’ll discuss that further in the latter part of this article. For now, let’s talk about the build or sizes of your chosen woofer. There’s a basic rule of thumb when dealing with this, and that is, you should never forget that the size of your speakers equates to the power it provides.
So if you’re aiming for an elaborate and professional music project, then going for larger studio subwoofers is highly advisable.
Active or Passive Subwoofer?
When shopping for the best studio subwoofers, one of the initial considerations our experts would like you to assess is whether you’ll be needing active or passive subwoofers. The significant difference between these two is active or powered subs already have a built-in amp, while passive subwoofers need an external amplifier.
Many studio subwoofer models in the market are active types, as they wouldn’t need an external amp as an addition to the system. These subs are also simple to configure, unlike passive ones, as they don’t require setting up too many wires.
However, active woofers do require more watts to work than its counterpart, so they can definitely be a factor in your electricity bill.
Meanwhile, passive woofers are typically used in home theater installations. Most of the time, these types of subs are mounted on walls as part of a custom system and can be hooked up with a powerful receiver. Technically, they are cheaper than active woofers too.
It also allows the user to link multiple speaker units to create a more extensive and dynamic music system. The only real problem with it is that you need to set it up properly. If you’re not that familiar with audio configuration and you bought this woofer, seeking assistance from your closest audiophile friend or experts is an ideal option for you.
Crossover Frequency
Another feature that may come off as confusing to new audio enthusiasts is the subwoofer’s crossover frequency. Although many monitors available in the market would suggest the ideal frequency of the sub you need to purchase, it’s crucial that you’re aware of how this feature works and affect your listening experience.
Generally, crossover frequencies are the ones solely responsible for dispelling excess pressure that generates high frequencies. Through this procedure, your woofer will be able to produce deeper bass and produce low frequencies.
Always remember, though, setting an accurate crossover frequency relies on answering the question of which frequency rate does the subwoofer need to take the lead? There are instances when turning it too high makes the sound distorted and produces overwhelming bass. While tuning it too low could make it sound gloomier and muted.
If you’re not into mixing or don’t have much experience with operating subwoofers, then you can always refer to the user manuals provided in each purchase.
Frequency Response
To maintain decent sound quality, the frequency response of your subwoofer must be set accordingly. This feature measures the range of high and low frequencies your subs are capable of producing. As you may already know, woofers are not meant for frequencies as high as 24 kHz as they’re dedicated to the lower part of the hearing spectrum.
The maximum range that your studio subwoofer could achieve is only around 300Hz. This frequency is enough to create a strong pounding sound. The main reason why this feature is so important is because it allows you to achieve the level of bass often heard in certain types of music. So it’s helpful to reassess what kind of music you’ll play on these subs.
Sensitivity and Impedance
As if we’re short of complicated audio terms, here are two more specifications that we just can’t miss explaining. If you’re already familiar with subwoofers, you may have already heard about these. If not, let us take the baton from here.
The sensitivity of your woofer is the measure of its Sound Pressure Level (SPL), meaning these numbers show how loud the speaker will play at a specific input. However, these measurements are relative, and the loudness of your woofer still depends on many internal and external components.
Always tagging along the sensitivity specifications is the woofer’s impedance. This measurement is based on adding the DC resistance and complex AC reactance to strike a balance between inductance and capacitance, depending on changes in frequencies.
Basically, your studio subwoofer’s sensitivity and impedance capacity must always align with each other and match to make your low-frequency system work.
Front-Firing or Down Firing Subwoofer?
As mentioned beforehand, subwoofers also come in two designs — the front-firing and the down-firing. The major indicator of these types of subs lies with the position of the cones.
Front-firing subs have their audio firing in the front, hence the name. In comparison, down-firing woofers point on the ground. Each of these designs has its own pros and cons that cater to specific needs.
For example, front-firing subwoofers are more typical and easier to use. It produces accurate sounds that fire directly to the listener’s ear. Some audiophiles also tend to opt for these as they are more simple to manage.
On the other hand, down-firing subs are most typically used for achieving reverberation. This construction is meant for a closer listening area to add a deeper feel to your audio experience.
And because the sound is firing to the ground, it creates a resonating effect that produces an intensified bass.
At the end of the day, the only way you can properly choose between down-firing and front-firing subs is to consider the location of where you’re planning to place these low-frequency speakers.
Installing Your Studio Subwoofer
One of the most daunting steps after choosing a studio subwoofer for your audio system is the installation procedure. While it may sound complicated, but in reality, you just have to take note of a few things. Some of these include managing crossover frequency control and other configurations.
Connections
First, you just have to connect the cables from the sub to the monitors. Keep in mind that there are different types of cables, such as RCA jacks, TRS or XLR cables, or speaker cables. Your purchased sub will come with these, but it’s also helpful to be prepared and bring a converter with you just in case.
In the event you find yourself dealing with a powered subwoofer, you may need to plug it into the same strip where your other speakers are currently connected. This procedure will prevent unnecessary hums or distortions.
Proper Setup
Getting the best subwoofer is not enough to perk up the sound quality of your audio set-up. The final key to your journey will always be the location of your woofers. Every room has its nulls and peaks, so you have to be wary when placing them near corners or walls as it may greatly affect the frequencies produced by your subs.
Besides those mentioned, any placement should be fine. However, it all solely depends on the floor space of the studio or room you’ll decide to place it into.
Subwoofer Pads
While it’s not really a mandatory requirement to include a subwoofer pad in your current setup, adding one will greatly help in preserving the flat response frequencies produced by your subs. The main reason for this is the vibrations from the surface where your woofer is placed could have a particular effect on its audio production.
Isolation pads are often constructed with foam that absorbs and distributes vibrations. To put it very simply, these materials reduce the impact of your subwoofer on the floor by diminishing vibrations. You can find tons of these online, and they’re readily available.
However, if you can find one for your sub, there’s also something called isolation feet. These rubber cones decouple vibration and massively decrease the surface area of where your woofer is located. Like isolation pads, it can be helpful in the preservation of flat response frequencies.
Our Top Pick For a Studio Subwoofer:
Yamaha HS8 Studio Subwoofer
Although our resident audiophiles listed a wide range of selections, our experts decided to pick Yamaha HS8 Studio Subwoofer as the best studio subwoofer among the models listed in this roundup. From its bi-amp design up to its noise-canceling technology, we can assure you that these studio subwoofers will offer the best sound quality that perfectly fits the audio interface of your studio monitors.
The post What is the Best Studio Subwoofer? — Revel in the Perfectly Tuned Bass (2021) appeared first on The Product Analyst.
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