Subwoofer Frequency Setting

If you want to work on your speaker's functionality, you'll need to set up the frequency.

Your subwoofer is a device that's supposed to produce those low-pitched audio frequencies. 

The problem is that many people have trouble figuring out how to set up the frequency settings correctly and end up messing up their devices.

Don't skip on this short guide to get the hang of it.

Sit back and scroll down.

Frequency Settings: How To Do It Properly?

Settings

You'll need to learn how to set up the frequency and really "feel" that bass to get the absolute best out of your audio system.

Like it or not, this is something that you'll have to do manually, so here's how to do it in the easiest way possible:

  1. Set the crossover frequency to be 10 Hz higher compared to the low end of your audio system’s tolerance range. If you’re unfamiliar with the range, grab a subwoofer tool or simply Google your model.

  1. Carefully listen to the transitioning sound between your subwoofer and the speakers. You’re aiming for a clean, smooth sound here.

  1. If you feel a bass bump while setting up the crossover frequency, don’t stress; just try to adjust the subwoofer's volume to match the speaker’s output.

That’s all there is, really. The process might take a few extra minutes, but the main point is to find the balance and make your subwoofer match the sound of your speakers.

Here's some advice for those of you setting up the frequency for the first time: 

Different speakers come with different ranges, so problems are natural here.

You might have to go through a couple of mistakes before finally saying, "That's it!"

Frequency Ranges

Frequency Ranges

Generally speaking, you can divide frequency ranges into several categories. We, humans, for example, have a hearing range from 20 to 20,000 Hz.

Here’s a quick overview of the categories:

  • 20-80 Hz: audible bass

  • 80-300 Hz: kick bass

  • 300-1,000 Hz: lower midrange

  • 1,000-4,000: upper midrange

  • 4,000- 20 kHz: treble

Do I Really Need A Subwoofer?

There’s really no hesitation here. The answer is “yes.” A subwoofer is a necessity.

Why?

It’s all about the quality of the sound. So, if you’re aiming for top-quality, you’ll need to get a subwoofer to help you get the best performance out of your audio system. This tool will help liven up your sound and make it less dull, and unclear.

But it’s not about just chasing “quality.” Subwoofers help your audio system get across that  deep low-pitched sound. 

All in all, matching your subwoofer with your audio system, whether it’s home-theater or a car, is a must if you want a high-end low pitched sound.

Testing The Crossover

After you’ve managed to set up your subwoofer, you’ll want to test it to see whether you’ve done a good job, or maybe you need to go back and do it all over again.

Now, the testing can sometimes be a tedious process, especially if you’re working with a sound that’s not familiar to your ear.

What should you do?

You’ll need to use a sound that you know by heart.

Getting The Best Performance

Subwoofer 3

It doesn't matter what type of subwoofer you're using: AV processor, DSP subwoofer, or a preamplifier - you deserve the HQ performance.

The list below represents general guidelines for crossover frequencies:

  • Tiny “satellite” speakers (on-wall speakers): 150-200 Hz.

  • Small center, surround bookshelf: 100-120 Hz.

  • Mid-size, surround bookshelf: 80-100 Hz.

  • Large center, surround, and bookshelf: 60-80 Hz.

  • Huge center, surround bookshelf: 40-60 Hz.

You never thought you'd need this, but you do.

Notice how the Hz gets lower with size? You’re welcome.

For more on how to hook up your car stereo with subwoofers, check out our guide.

Conclusion

That’s all, folks.

 All you need to know about setting the crossover frequency on your subwoofer is here.

Setting up your subwoofer's frequency is manual, and it’s fairly easy to do. All you need to do is set the frequency at least 10 Hz higher than the low end of your speaker.

After that, all you do is adjust the crossover with the sound of your speaker. It might take you longer than expected, but don’t worry - you’ll get there.

Whether it’s your car or your home theater, it’s necessary to have and set up your subwoofer if you’re looking for sound quality.

Testing your subwoofer should involve a familiar sound, that is, something that you can recognize.

Lastly, if you don’t know the range of your subwoofer, Google it.

Hope this helped. See you soon.

Barry Allen

About the author:

Barry Allen

I grew up to be a self-proclaimed stuck-up audiophile, and I – partially – blame Pinnacle Speakers for it.


The whole point of me starting this website was to keep the tradition going. Although the means have changed, the mission remains the same: Bringing „sterling sound“ as they once put it into home theaters and sound systems worldwide! 


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