A soundbar subwoofer is the key component for taking a TV’s sound experience to the next level and enjoying films, music or video games with rich bass and impressive surround sound. This comprehensive guide explores the different types of subwoofers, their pros and cons, as well as important considerations for selection and setup, so that users can find the perfect addition to their home cinema.
Key Takeaways
- A subwoofer provides the low-frequency foundation (bass) for film effects and music that soundbars alone lack
- Integrated subwoofers save space, but external subwoofers offer significantly more power and depth
- Wireless subwoofers allow flexible placement in the room without unsightly signal cables
- Positioning (e.g. in corners) has a massive impact on bass intensity; the ‘crawl method’ helps in finding the best spot
- Compatibility is crucial: many wireless subwoofers only work with soundbars from the same manufacturer
- Settings such as level and phase should be harmoniously matched to the soundbar to avoid rumbling
Why a subwoofer is so important for a soundbar
Soundbars are a popular solution for improving the often weak sound of modern flat-screen TVs. They deliver clearer dialogue and a wider soundstage. However, to truly immerse yourself in the action and experience a full soundscape, adding a subwoofer is essential. Without the low-frequency sounds provided by a subwoofer, the overall sound simply lacks fundamental depth and impact.
A subwoofer is specifically designed to reproduce very low frequencies that a soundbar alone often cannot adequately reproduce. These low frequencies, known as bass, are crucial for an immersive listening experience. Think of the dramatic explosions in action films, the pulsating rhythm of music, or the thunderous footsteps of a giant creature in a video game. All these elements gain enormous impact through powerful and precise bass, allowing the audience not only to hear the action but also to feel it physically. The subwoofer thus extends the entire frequency range of the audio system downwards, resulting in a fuller and more dynamic sound overall.
A comparison of the two types of subwoofer
When choosing a soundbar subwoofer, you will generally come across two main categories: soundbars with an integrated subwoofer and those that use a separate subwoofer. Both concepts offer different advantages and limitations that are worth considering.
Soundbars with an integrated subwoofer
Soundbars with a built-in subwoofer are a compact solution in which the woofers are built directly into the main body of the soundbar. The obvious advantage of this design is the minimal space requirement. A single unit takes up less space and blends more discreetly into the living environment, which is particularly advantageous in smaller rooms or with minimalist décor. It also eliminates the need to position and connect an additional device, simplifying installation. However, these advantages often come at the expense of bass performance. The physical limitations of the enclosure and the size of the built-in speakers restrict the ability to produce truly deep and powerful bass.
Soundbars with a separate subwoofer
Soundbars with a separate subwoofer, on the other hand, consist of a soundbar and a standalone subwoofer that is positioned separately in the room. This configuration is the preferred choice for anyone seeking maximum bass performance and flexibility. Separate subwoofers feature larger enclosures and more powerful woofers, which can deliver significantly deeper, more precise and more powerful bass. This enables a more intense and dynamic sound experience that comes close to that of a genuine home cinema system. Separating the subwoofer from the soundbar also offers greater flexibility in terms of placement, which is crucial for optimising room acoustics.
Soundbars with integrated subwoofers
Soundbars with an integrated subwoofer are a compact solution in which the woofers are built directly into the main body of the soundbar.
Soundbars with a separate subwoofer
Soundbars with a separate subwoofer, on the other hand, consist of a soundbar and a standalone subwoofer, which is positioned separately in the room.
Wireless subwoofers and their advantages
The development of wireless technology has revolutionised the world of soundbar subwoofers and significantly simplified installation and placement flexibility. A wireless subwoofer connects wirelessly to the soundbar, usually via radio frequencies such as Bluetooth, meaning no physical audio connection via a cable is required. This not only eliminates unsightly cable runs that might criss-cross the living room, but also opens up new possibilities for positioning the subwoofer.
The biggest advantage of the wireless connection lies in its flexibility. Users are no longer restricted to being in the immediate vicinity of the soundbar to establish an audio connection. This allows the subwoofer to be placed in the part of the room that delivers the best bass reproduction. Despite the wireless audio connection, however, most wireless subwoofers require their own power supply, which is why they must be placed near a power socket. The freedom from signal cables makes wireless subwoofers an attractive option for modern living spaces where aesthetics and functionality are equally important.
Positioning the subwoofer in the room
The correct positioning of a soundbar subwoofer is an often underestimated factor that has a significant impact on sound quality and bass reproduction. Even the highest-quality subwoofer cannot reach its full potential if it is poorly positioned.
The ideal location for optimal bass
Finding the ideal location for optimal bass often requires a bit of experimentation. A good starting point is to place the subwoofer in a corner of the room or close to a wall. These positions can amplify the bass through reflections, thereby providing greater impact and presence. This is known as ‘room gain’. However, it is important to ensure that the bass does not sound boomy or imprecise. A common method for finding the best location is the ‘subwoofer crawl’: place the subwoofer where you will be sitting later and play music with plenty of bass. Then crawl around the room and listen to where the bass sounds best and most balanced.
The influence of room acoustics on the bass
The acoustics of your living room have a huge influence on sound quality. Hard surfaces such as tiles or large glass panes can lead to strong reflections and a reverberant sound, whilst soft materials such as carpets, curtains or upholstered furniture can absorb sound and dampen the sound. When it comes to bass, unfavourable room proportions can lead to standing waves that either overemphasise or cancel out certain bass frequencies. To minimise these issues, alongside optimal placement, acoustic measures such as bass traps in the corners or sound-absorbing materials on the walls can be helpful.
Key criteria when buying a soundbar subwoofer
Choosing the right soundbar subwoofer is crucial for achieving the desired sound experience. In addition to the basic decision between integrated and separate models, there are further technical and practical criteria that should be taken into account when making a purchase.
- Power and frequency range: The power, often specified in watts, indicates the maximum volume. The frequency range describes the lowest notes the subwoofer can reproduce. A lower value, for example 20 Hz, means that the subwoofer can produce very deep bass that you can physically feel.
- Connectivity and compatibility: It is of the utmost importance that the chosen subwoofer is compatible with your existing soundbar. With wireless subwoofers, pairing is often proprietary. However, there are also subwoofers with universal wired connections such as RCA or LFE.
- Design and size: Soundbar subwoofers come in various shapes, colours and materials. It is advisable to choose a model that complements your interior design style. Although a larger subwoofer often delivers better bass performance, you should consider whether the available space can accommodate such a size.
Frequently asked questions about soundbar subwoofers
Many users looking into soundbar subwoofers have similar questions. Here, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions to provide clarity and help with decision-making.
Can any subwoofer be connected to any soundbar?
In most cases, the answer is no. Compatibility between the soundbar and subwoofer is crucial. With wireless subwoofers, pairing is often limited to models from the same manufacturer or even to specific series. With wired subwoofers, the situation can be somewhat more flexible, provided the soundbar has a suitable subwoofer output (e.g. an LFE output).
How do I set up the subwoofer correctly?
Correctly adjusting the subwoofer is crucial for a balanced sound. Users can usually adjust the subwoofer level using the soundbar’s remote control or a companion app. It is advisable to start with a neutral setting and gradually increase or decrease the level until the bass is harmoniously integrated into the overall sound and does not sound overpowering or too weak.
What does Dolby Atmos mean in relation to the subwoofer?
Dolby Atmos is an advanced immersive audio format that reproduces sound not only from the front, rear and sides, but also from above. Whilst the subwoofer is primarily responsible for reproducing low frequencies, it indirectly contributes to the Dolby Atmos experience by amplifying the bass components of the entire soundscape. A soundbar system with Dolby Atmos support, complemented by a powerful subwoofer, can create an even more spatial and lifelike sound experience.