Perfecting the Sub-Sonic Experience: Tips for Placing Your Subwoofer with a Soundbar

When it comes to setting up a soundbar system, the optimal subwoofer placement is key to achieving a truly well-balanced audio experience. While the soundbar takes care of delivering clear midrange frequencies, the subwoofer adds depth.

However, the optimal soundbar and subwoofer placement can sometimes be a challenge. In this article, I will give practical tips on where to place the subwoofer to get a great bass response so that your soundbar takes your sound quality to the next level!

Why subwoofer placement matters in a soundbar system

The location for the subwoofer with the soundbar directly impacts the audio quality. Proper placement ensures that the low-frequency sounds produced by the subwoofer seamlessly integrate with the soundbar, creating a cohesive and immersive audio experience. It also impacts the bass response in the listening area. If you place it in an appropriate position, it’ll distribute the bass frequencies evenly, avoiding localized hotspots or weak spots in the room. Setting your subwoofer right helps you to enjoy the richness and depth of the audio fully!

Impact on sound quality

The subwoofer’s purpose is to reproduce deep bass tones and rumbling effects. Its placement affects how these low frequencies interact with the room and integrate with the soundbar’s output.

The location determines the distribution of bass frequencies throughout the listening area. Placing the subwoofer in an optimal position helps achieve an even bass response, avoiding excessive boomy or weak bass areas in the room. It also ensures that the low-frequency sounds are well-defined, accurate, and seamlessly blend with the soundbar’s midrange and high-frequency output.

Understanding room acoustics

Every room has unique acoustic characteristics, including the size, shape, and materials present. These factors interact with the sound waves emitted by the subwoofer, influencing how the bass frequencies are reflected, absorbed, and diffused within the space.

Room modes and resonances can occur, resulting in certain frequencies being amplified or canceled out at different locations in the room.

Guidelines for placement of subwoofers with soundbars

Setting the devices requires careful review to optimize bass performance and overall sound quality. I’ve prepared some general guidelines for subwoofer placement with soundbars.

Co-location: placing the subwoofer near the soundbar

One common approach is positioning the subwoofer in close proximity to the soundbar, typically within a few feet. I suggest you note some considerations for co-locating the subwoofer:

• Co-locating helps create a cohesive and unified soundstage, so the low-frequency output from the subwoofer blends seamlessly with the midrange and high-frequency output from the soundbar.
• You can connect both components easily using a single audio cable or through wireless connectivity options. This makes it convenient for users who prefer a straightforward installation.
• Co-locating can be beneficial in smaller spaces where there are limitations in available floor area. It minimizes clutter, particularly when the soundbar and subwoofer are designed to complement each other aesthetically.

The corner position

Another popular option for subwoofer placement is in the corner of the room, which can yield certain acoustic advantages:

• Increased bass response: The corner is an acoustic amplifier, boosting the low-frequency output.
• Room gain: The corner position allows the subwoofer to take advantage of room gain, which is the natural increase in bass response that occurs in a corner due to reflections and interactions with room boundaries.
• Spatial efficiency: Placing in a corner can be beneficial in rooms with limited floor space. It keeps the subwoofer tucked away and out of the way while still providing effective bass reproduction.

Challenges in placing subwoofers with soundbars

Space limitations

Many modern apartments may have limited floor space, making it difficult to find an ideal location for the subwoofer. Here are some solutions I used to address this challenge:

1. Slim and compact subwoofers: Look for subwoofers specifically designed for space-constrained environments. These models are often compact, allowing for easier placement under furniture or against walls.
2. Wall mounting: Some subwoofers come with mounting brackets or can be paired with aftermarket wall-mount solutions.

Open floor plans

The lack of physical boundaries and the open nature of the space can affect bass response and integration with the soundbar. Dealing with this issue is also possible with a few of my tips:

1. Strategic placement: Placing the subwoofer near a wall or in a corner helps take advantage of boundary reinforcement. Setting the subwoofer at the center of the front wall gives a more cohesive bass response and better integration with the soundbar. I used to put the subwoofer in the main listening position and crawl around the room. Listen for areas where the bass sounds most balanced and smooth, and that would be a spot.
2. Multiple subwoofers: If the open space is large or irregularly shaped, using multiple subwoofers strategically positioned across the room can help distribute bass more evenly and maintain consistent low-frequency coverage throughout the listening area.

Integrating with existing furniture

The subwoofer’s size, shape, and visual appearance should be considered to ensure it complements the overall aesthetic of the space.

If you want to minimize the visual impact of the subwoofer, consider options like placing it behind furniture, under a table, or inside a cabinet. Look for subwoofers that offer a design aesthetic that aligns with the furniture you have. Some subwoofers come in various finishes or color options, allowing you to choose one that blends with your decor.

FAQ

How close to a soundbar should your subwoofer be?

Placing the subwoofer within a few feet of the soundbar is recommended for better integration and a balanced audio experience.

Can a subwoofer go under a soundbar?

Yes, a subwoofer can be placed under a soundbar, considering sufficient clearance, soundbar design compatibility, and finding the right balance between audio quality and aesthetics.

Where not to place a subwoofer?

Avoid placing a subwoofer inside a closed cabinet, directly against a wall, or in a corner with poor acoustics, and avoid issues like restricted airflow, excessive bass buildup, or uneven bass reproduction.