A studio sub is a great idea to get maximum control over the lower frequencies. This article will show you the Top 12 Subwoofers For Music Producers 2023 at the best value and price.
Monitoring the lowest frequencies, or subs, is very important, especially if you are producing electronic and dance music. Unfortunately, the fact is that most studio monitors are unable to produce the full frequency spectrum. In that case, a subwoofer will come in handy because it will immediately let you know what’s happening with the bass. Such systems in combination with monitors are also called 2.1.
On the other hand, having a subwoofer is important if you are doing sound design and film scoring. Very often, professionals in these fields work in a surrounding format, where 5.1 systems are used. So a subwoofer would be a great idea here as well. But first, let’s understand how it works.
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Top 12 Studio Subwoofers For Musicians 2023 (Best Value/Money)
1. Presonus Eris Sub8
The Presonus Eris Sub8 will be a great addition to your small studio monitors.
Many people know the Eris series monitors as one of the most budget-friendly speakers. Presonus has also made sure you have the best bass response and released the Eris Sub8 subwoofer. As you can understand, it has an 8-inch speaker, but the features don’t stop there.
All in all, there’s a 100-watt amplifier and enough settings to align with the monitors in the best possible way. In particular, you will have Gain, Low and High Pass filters and balanced and unbalanced connections. Let’s try to look at all of these things one by one.
Key Features:
- Class AB Power Amplifier
The Eris Sub8 subwoofer is equipped with a Class AB amplifier with a total power of 100 watts. It means that the speaker is powerful enough even for room volume. There is also a Gain knob on the rear panel with a range of -30 to +6 dB. - Low Pass Filter
Also, behind the subwoofer, you will find a separate Low Pass Filter knob, which allows you to adjust from 50 to 130 hertz. This way, knowing where the bass of your monitors ends, you can better adjust the subwoofer to work with them. - Phase Flip Function
On top of that, you get the Phase Flip function. You will also find this switch on the rear panel. In general, the flip here is 180 degrees. It will be helpful if you need to avoid phase cancellation. - High Pass Filter
In addition to Low Pass, there is also a High Pass Filter. But it doesn’t look like a knob but like a separate switch. Thanks to it, you can get rid of all the information at 80 Hz. - Extended Number of Connections
You can connect the subwoofer with both balanced TRS jacks and unbalanced RCAs. It implies both inputs and outputs. Thus, you can use the unit for music production and home theater.
Character & Sound:
The Presonus Eris Sub8 delivers a clean and massive low-end. Plus, thanks to the filters on the back, you can customize how much of it you want to hear. Despite its budget status, this subwoofer has a pretty good sound.
Pros:
It’s a pretty good subwoofer for its price. And it is, by the way, a hundred and fifty dollars. However, it will generally fit almost any studio monitor because you can adjust their interaction. In addition, the subwoofer is a relatively compact size – 330 x 317 x 250 mm.
Cons:
The power button, gain, and filters are on the back of the subwoofer. So, unfortunately, you will constantly have to reach far away to adjust the settings and turn it on. Quite inconvenient, but the price of this unit justifies it.
2. KRK S10G4
The KRK S10G4 subwoofer will give you a clean and punchy low-end.
It’s hard to find a music producer who doesn’t know the KRK brand. The products of these German guys are known for their affordability and reliability. As for the monitors, they often give enough low-end as it is. But if you want extra low frequencies, the S10G4 subwoofer will please you.
This unit is large and heavy – equipped with a 10-inch speaker. But, at the same time, it has quite a variety of features, like the ability to control via footswitch, a crossover, and a whole bunch of different connectors. Now let us tell you about it all in order.
Key Features:
- 160 Watts Of Power
The KRK S10G4 is equipped with a Class D amplifier with a total power of 160 watts. It means that this subwoofer is powerful enough for both home studios and more commercial ones. - Balance and Unbalanced Connectors
This subwoofer has plenty of inputs and outputs. In particular, you will find Unbalanced RCAs and Balanced XLR and TRS connectors on the rear panel. So you don’t have to worry about not having a suitable cable. - Volume and Crossover Controls
Also, on the rear panel, you will find two knobs, thanks to which you can adjust the volume and frequency range of the subwoofer. In particular, the Crossover control allows you to adjust the operation from 60 to 90 hertz to better match this with your monitors. - Sub & HPF Bypass
A cool feature is that the subwoofer has a separate output for the footswitch. Thanks to it, you can bypass a unit or high pass filter. It will be convenient, so you don’t have to reach for the back panel every time. - Additional Switches
In addition, there are many switches on the back panel with valuable features. In particular, you will find Polarity control from 0 to 180 degrees, Standby, Ground Lift, and Input Sensitivity.
Character & Sound:
The KRK S10G4 subwoofer is quite loud and powerful. As for the low-end, it’s crystal clear and punchy. A quality Class D amplifier provides the latter. All in all, it will be a good option, both for professionals in electronic music and any other genres.
Pros:
This unit will be an excellent addition to KRK monitors. In addition, it is compatible with any other speaker. The S10G4 will give you punchy low-end and reasonably clear bass monitoring. As for the price, it’s pretty affordable – it’s just over $300.
Cons:
Among the disadvantages of the S10G4 are its weight and size. The unit weighs quite a lot – it is almost 16 kilograms. And its dimensions are 479 x 341 x 310 mm. Also, a footswitch is not included in the set.
3. Adam T10S
The Adam T10S subwoofer will be powerful enough even for large rooms.
Engineers created Adam Audio’s T10S subwoofer model to complement the T Series monitors. These units are award-winning and have won the hearts of many producers, thanks to their great-sounding ribbon tweeters. As for the T10S sub, it should fit this set perfectly.
This unit has a 10-inch woofer and a frequency range of 28 to 120 hertz at -6 dB. You also get a footswitch in and two pairs of connectors for the channels. There are also a few more features that we’ll talk about below.
Key Features:
- Class-D Amplifier
The T10S is equipped with a Class-D booster with a total capacity of 130 watts. As a result, this subwoofer is quite loud, even for large studios or rooms. However, you will be able to adjust the volume thanks to the Level knob on the rear panel, which goes back and forth from 0 dB. - Three-Way Crossover Switch
As for subwoofer tuning with your monitors, you will have a three-way Crossover switch with 80 Hz, 120 Hz, and Bypass options. But, again, adjust this based on the characteristics of your top speakers. - RCA and XLR Connectors
Generally, the subwoofer has RCA and XLR inputs and outputs for the left and right channels. You will find these on the rear panel of the unit. As for the balanced XLRs, they are +4 dBu, and the unbalanced RCAs are -10 dBV. - Phase Switch
If you get a split between your subwoofer and your monitors, don’t worry. You will be able to eliminate this problem by phase reversal. Such a feature is available on the back of the unit in the form of a separate Phase switch. - Remote Bypassing
This subwoofer also has a footswitch input so that you can put it in bypass mode. If the unit does not receive a signal for 15 minutes, it will bypass automatically. It’s pretty handy, so you don’t have to turn it off every time.
Character & Sound:
We can describe the sound character of the Adam T10S subwoofer as tight, punchy, and clean. In addition, thanks to the power of 130 watts, it is really loud. Remember if your studio is in an apartment and you have problematic neighbors.
Pros:
The T10S has a reasonably rugged case and excellent sound quality. However, many users note that the unit sounds best with T-Series monitors. But this is not strange because it was created to complement them. Anyway, you can use it with any other speaker. As for the price, you can call it affordable, as it’s about $350.
Cons:
Unfortunately, the Footswitch is not included in this unit. In addition, there are no TRS connectors. But that’s okay because you can use combined cables. Also, the T10S is quite heavy and weighs 12 kilograms.
4. Yamaha HS8S
If you own a Yamaha HS Series monitor, the HS8S subwoofer will perfectly complement it.
Yamaha HS Series monitors have long been a hit with music prosumers. First of all, they are budget-friendly and have pretty good sound quality. As for the low frequencies, they start at about 43 hertz. So, a subwoofer, especially for electronic music producers, will be a great solution.
The HS 8S is an Active 8″ Bass Reflex Subwoofer with a total output of 150 watts. It is relatively compact at 300 x 350 x 389 mm. As far as control is concerned, you’ll have plenty of options to tweak its operation to suit your creative needs and space. Let’s take a look at what this unit has.
Key Features:
- Pretty Wide Frequency Response
As for the frequency response of this subwoofer, it is from 22 to 150 hertz. Therefore, it is quite an extensive range for you to have clear access and control for the lower frequencies. However, you will be able to adjust the spectrum thanks to the following controls. - Set Up The Sub With Monitors
For detailed subwoofer tuning to the monitors, you will have at your disposal a Low Cut Filter with a range from 80 to 120 hertz. You will be able to find this knob on the rear panel. There is also an on/off switch. - Hi Cut Filter
If you think you are getting too much low-end, you can get rid of the lowest information thanks to the High Cut Filter. As with the previous one, it has an operating range of 80 to 120 hertz. - Balanced In And Outs
The HS 8S only supports balanced connections. You will find them on the rear panel. In particular, these are the two XLR outputs and inputs for the right and left channels. There are also two TRS jacks in the input section. - Flip The Phase
Of course, this subwoofer is left with a Phase Reversal feature. It will be helpful if you suddenly get a cancellation with your monitors. It is a small switch on the rear panel with Norm and Rev modes.
Character & Sound:
The Yamaha HS8S provides a clean and expressive low-end. It will be more than enough to understand what’s going on with the bass of your mixes. This unit is especially suitable for small rooms. However, thanks to 130 watts of power, you can rock it quite loudly.
Pros:
The HS 8S is an excellent subwoofer that you can use for both electronic and any other music production. It works well with HS series monitors but is also compatible with other top speakers. As for the price, it’s average at over $400.
Cons:
The subwoofer does not have RCA connectors. In addition, the power button is on the rear panel, and there is no remote control input. Therefore, the operation may seem a bit annoying.
5. Genelec 7040A
The Genelec 7040A will be a first-class subwoofer for the studio in a small room.
The Finnish company Genelec is known for producing first-class units for professional work. But, besides that, their monitors are also known for a fair amount of low-end. For electronic music producers, it is vital to have complete control over the bass. And the 7040A is an excellent choice to help you do that.
It is a relatively compact subwoofer that weighs 11 kilograms. Its futuristic style deserves special attention. It will perfectly complement any modern studio. As for the frequency spectrum, this unit can produce from 30 to 90 hertz. Let’s analyze its features in more detail.
Key Features:
- 50 Watts of Power
The 7040 APM has a power output of 50 watts. It will be more than enough to compensate for small studio monitors in a small space. As for the speaker, the woofer is 6.5 inches. - XLR Type Connectors
As for the connectors, they are only balanced. These are two XLR inputs and two XLR outputs for the right and left channels. You will find them on the right side of the unit. - Adjust The Sensitivity
The creators of this unit have implemented a special switch here so that you can adjust the subwoofer with the monitors. It is a small circle on the settings panel. On it, you will see a range from -6 to +12 decibels. - Bass Roll-Off
Thanks to the dip-switches on the side control panel, you can also control the subwoofer bass rollback. All in all, these are three 2 dB steps. Use this to tune the unit to your listening environment. - 90-degree Phase Reversal
The other dip-switches on the setup panel are responsible for phase reversal. You can generally adjust this in 90-degree increments between 0 and -270°. Again, it will be helpful to bring the unit in line with the monitors.
Character & Sound:
Genelec 7040A provide crisp, clean, and precise bass. It can also be quite tight. All in all, the sound quality of this unit is relatively high. You may think its power is low, but it can complement bigger monitors just fine.
Pros:
The 7040A is a great-sounding, high-quality unit that will give you a clean, punchy low-end in small spaces. This subwoofer is also part of your traveling equipment, as it is relatively compact. As for the price, it’s average, and it’s in the ballpark of $500.
Cons:
You can only connect this subwoofer with XLR cables. Also, the switches on the settings panel are somewhat shallow and awkward, especially if you need to adjust them often.
6. Dynaudio 18S
If you want one of the most powerful subwoofers with modern controls, the Dynaudio 18S is a great option.
The next item on our list is suitable for those who appreciate high-end audio production equipment. That’s because this is a creation of the Danish company Dynaudio, which has been on the market for more than 40 years. So now we will talk about the Dynaudio 18S active subwoofer.
You get a Class-D amplifier and as much as 500 watts of power here. It’s worth noting that there are also not one but 2 x 9.5-inch speakers, which are placed on both sides of the unit. On top of all this, the subwoofer is controlled by DSP and a special knob. Let’s see what’s here in more detail.
Key Features:
- Very Low-Frequency Range
This subwoofer’s frequency range is impressive – it can produce from 16 to 230 Hz. So you can be sure that thanks to the two speakers, you can hear and feel the lowest frequencies. - Control via DSP
All of your unit’s functionality will be controlled through a small DSP screen. There is a knob with a combination button next to it. This way, you can move the menu left and right and press the button to apply anything. - Availability of Monitor Presets
If you already own any Dynaudio studio monitors, you can find them among the list of presets. That way, the subwoofer automatically synchronizes with them, applying the correct crossover settings. This is very convenient so you don’t have to waste time. - Manual Low Pass Filter Setting
But what do you do if you use speakers that aren’t on the list? In that case, you can adjust the crossover manually. In particular, the frequency range of the Low Pass Filter here is 50 to 150 Hz. - Auto Standby Time
Another notable feature of this subwoofer is that you can select the time when the unit will automatically go into standby mode. You will find it on the sixth page of the menu. The 18S can go to sleep after one or two hours of inactivity. On the next page you can apply a mode where it will automatically turn on when a signal is received. - Timing Delays
If your speakers are not at the same distance from the listening position, a subwoofer can help adjust the delay. Thus, by measuring the position of each monitor, you can specify them in centimeters and adjust their performance.
Character & Sound:
The Dynaudio 18S is an unusually powerful subwoofer. It will give you a very clear, crisp yet punchy low-end without rumbling. But that’s if you level-match it well with top-end speakers.
Pros:
This wonderful professional studio unit will give you a clear idea of what’s happening on your mixes’ low end. In addition, the number of different features here is amazing. Finally, the DSP system deserves special praise, giving you clear and easy control over the unit.
Cons:
The only disadvantage of this subwoofer may be its price, which goes beyond one thousand dollars. But that’s what you have to pay for the hardware of this level.
7. Behringer NEKKST K10S
The Behringer NEKKST K10S will be a good choice if you need a subwoofer that doesn’t cost a ton of money.
Now it’s time to talk about a fairly budget option. As you have already understood – this is a product of the famous company Behringer. This brand is engaged in the mass production of audio equipment and provides it at very friendly prices.
The company created the K10S subwoofer to complement the K-Series monitors. All in all, it’s a 180-watt unit with all the features you need to monitor your music production better. Let’s talk about it in more detail.
Key Features:
- From 40 to 150 Hz
The frequency range of Behringer NEKKST K10S is from 40 to 150 Hz. Therefore, it will be more than enough to hear and feel the lowest content of your mixes well. As for the speaker, it is 10 inches in size. - Crossover Setup
The subwoofer has a crossover frequency setting. You will find the necessary knob on the rear panel. Since this unit is designed to be bundled with Behringer monitors, the modes here are listed by model name, namely K8, K6, and K5. - Available Phase Shift
Of course, the K10S gives you the ability to flip the phase. The corresponding switch between 0 and -180 degrees is on the rear panel. There is also an illustration of phase correction, which may also be helpful. - Balanced & Unbalanced Connectors
In general, you get both balanced and unbalanced input and output connectors. In particular, the balanced connectors are XLR for input and output for each channel. There are also unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs.
Character & Sound:
The Behringer NEKKST K10S provides a fairly deep, clean, and punchy low-end. Overall, it has a good enough sound quality for its budget status. As a result, this equipment is suitable for beginner music producers.
Pros:
It’s a pretty decent studio unit for its price, which is about £237. With 180 watts of power, you get enough volume to work on your mixes. And, of course, this unit has a pretty good solid design.
Cons:
Setting up the crossover frequencies can seem a bit confusing, especially if you have a different brand of monitors. In general, you can solve this problem by studying the frequency response of the specified models and comparing them with your speakers. Also, this subwoofer is quite heavy and weighs 17 kilograms.
8. JBL Professional LSR310S
The JBL LSR310S is one of the most popular subwoofers under $400 that will surprise you with its features.
JBL is one of the most mass-produced American audio equipment manufacturers and is part of the Harman Corporation. Under this brand, they produce both Bluetooth speakers and professional studio hardware. Now we will take a look at a subwoofer from this company.
The LSR310S is part of the 3 series of studio monitors. The subwoofer has 200 watts of power, and its frequency range starts at 27 hertz, which is pretty low. In addition, the developers implemented a unique XLF function. We will tell you about it all below.
Key Features:
- 10-Inch Speaker
The subwoofer speaker is 10 inches and located at the unit’s bottom. We have to say that its surroundings are pretty solid. There is also a Class-D amplifier packed in, giving you plenty of bass. - XLF Function
If you are interested in how your mixes will sound in clubs, you can check it on the subwoofer, thanks to the special XLF feature. It will give you a 10-decibel boost at 60 hertz and give you the impression of a real club sound. You will find this switch on the rear panel. - Adjustable Input Sensitivity
In addition, there is an Input Sensitivity switch on the back of the unit. It has two modes: +4 dBu and -10 dBV. You can choose the one that best suits your monitors. - Balanced Ins and Outs
As for the connectors, it is only possible to connect with balanced cables. Specifically, you will have two XLR inputs and outputs each. In addition, there is also a pair of In jacks for TRS connection. - 80 Hz Crossover and Polarity
In addition to the XLF function, a more familiar crossover setting implies a low pass at 80 hertz. Also, you can set this to External mode. And finally, you will have the ability to flip the phase from 0 to 180 degrees.
Character & Sound:
The sound character of the LSR310S can be called smooth and comfortable. This subwoofer provides quite a lot of low-end, and despite its budget status, it can compete with more expensive models. And, of course, if you want to double your bass, the XLF feature will help you with it.
Pros:
The appearance of this unit deserves special attention. The JBL LSR 310 S looks futuristic and much more expensive than it costs. By the way, its price is about $330. It is a great subwoofer that can serve electronic music producers well because of its low bass response.
Cons:
You don’t get unbalanced connectors. But if you are not going to use the subwoofer for home theater, but only for music production, this is not a problem. Also, the unit is quite heavy and weighs just over 15 kilograms.
9. ESI Aktiv 10S
The ESI Aktiv 10S subwoofer may be one of the most budget-friendly options you can find.
German company ESI specializes in creating budget audio equipment. Nevertheless, these guys bring it to a pretty good quality standard. Thus, their products suit beginners and more experienced musicians, engineers, and producers.
The Aktiv 10S subwoofer has a rather stylish design and cubic shape. You will find the 10″ speaker and bass ports on the front. As for the frequency spectrum, this unit provides lows from 30 to 200 hertz. But let’s try to understand its features in more detail.
Key Features:
- 150 Watts of Power
Overall, this active subwoofer has 150 watts of power. With a frequency range from 30 hertz, this will be enough to hear and feel the lowest content well. By the way, you will be able to adjust the level thanks to the separate knob on the rear panel. - Adjustable Subwoofer Separation
As for the crossover, the ESI Aktiv 10S gives you the ability to adjust from 50 to 180 hertz. The same-name knob is also located on the rear panel. Adjust this according to the specs of your monitors. - Standby Switch
In addition to the usual power button on the back, you also get a separate switch that allows you to put the unit in standby mode. There’s also a footswitch input so you can quickly mute the subwoofer. - XLR & TRS Connection
The subwoofer gives you the option to connect with XLR and TRS cables. Specifically, you will have two TRS inputs for the left and right channels. As for XLR, there are both inputs and outputs. - Phase Control
You will also have Phase Control to avoid cancellation with your top speakers. This control is provided as a separate knob on the rear panel. The range of operation is from 0 to 180 degrees.
Character & Sound:
The character and sound of the ESI Aktiv 10S subwoofer can be called deep and full. It is also quite loud, despite its budget status. And sufficient crossover range will allow you to adjust the unit with any other nearfield monitors.
Pros:
The Aktiv 10S is a pretty good subwoofer for its money. Its price is $200, which is crazy for a unit with so many features. You’ll have everything you need for your work: phase reversal, crossover, and even a footswitch input.
Cons:
The unit is quite heavy – it is 14 kilograms. However, we don’t see any other cons, so we advise you to check the reviews on the Internet.
10. Fostex PM-SUBmini 2 (Best On Budget 2)
The Fostex PM-SUBmini 2 can be a wonderful option for traveling and complementing your small studio monitors.
Let’s say that in addition to the studio, you also have a home set of small monitors and sometimes work with them. Or you often travel and need a compact monitoring system. In that case, the next item on our list will be for you – the PM-SUBmini 2 from the Japanese company Fostex.
Unlike previous subwoofers, this one weighs only three and a half pounds, and its dimensions are 200 x 185 x 233 mm. Nevertheless, its power capacity is 50 watts, which will be quite enough to appreciate the low-frequency situation. So let’s see what else is here.
Key Features:
- 5-Inch Woofer
As you may have already realized, since this unit is compact, its speaker is also not very big. The diameter of the woofer is 5 inches or 13 centimeters. Despite this, it has good movement, providing a lot of bass. - Frequency Selector
On the rear panel, you will have a separate Frequency knob, which is the crossover setting. Here you can select the low pass filter from 60 to 150 hertz. It’s a pretty good feature for a unit of this size. - Auto Standby Mode
The unit also has Auto Standby Mode as a separate switch. If this function is enabled, the unit will automatically be on standby. It will help reduce unnecessary power consumption. - RCA Connectors
Subwoofer connection is made only through RCA jacks. On the rear panel, you will see the necessary sockets. Several cables are included with this unit, so you will not need to buy them separately.
Character & Sound:
Despite its small size, the Fostex PM-SUBmini 2 provides punchy and clean bass. Of course, you will not get super deep lows, but it will be enough for a small monitoring system.
Pros:
We can hardly call the Fostex PM-SUBmini 2 a professional subwoofer. Nevertheless, it is an excellent unit for its money to provide a clear representation of the bass in a home or small-sized studio. Moreover, the price of this sub is very attractive – about 150 dollars.
Cons:
The disadvantage of this subwoofer is the lack of balanced connectors. Nevertheless, you can connect it to your audio interface thanks to TS or TRS adapters.
11. Presonus Temblor T10
Presonus Temblor T10 will surprise you with its power and available features.
If you want a really powerful subwoofer but are somewhat limited in the budget, this option may suit you well. It is another product of the famous Presonus company, which may surprise you with its huge low-end and packed features.
The diameter of this unit’s speaker is as much as 10 inches, which is quite a lot. The woofer is covered with metal mesh to protect it from damage. And, of course, it is worth saying that this sub is quite massive and heavy. Let’s see what else is here.
Key Features:
- Class AB Amplifier
All in all, this sub provides 250 watts of power thanks to the Class AB amplifier. The frequency range is from 20 to 200 hertz. As you can see, this unit should provide you with the lowest frequencies. - Variable Low Pass Filter
The Low Pass Filter is represented here as a separate knob on the rear panel. The setting varies from 50 to 60, 80, 100, and 130 hertz. So you can be sure that the subwoofer will fit any monitors. - Input Gain Regulator
You will also have a separate Input Gain control, which is also located in the back. Here you will be able to adjust the level of the sub with a range of -30 to +6 dB. It will also be helpful to match with monitors. - Sub Bypass via Footswitch
Another great fact is that it comes with a footswitch. The unit has a separate input for it. When you press the button, it will mute the sub itself and its crossover. Thus, your monitors will again provide their full spectrum. - Many Connectors and Phase
The number of connectors on this sub is large. In particular, you will be able to connect with RCA, TRS, and XLR cables. In addition, there is also a phase reversal from 0 to 180 degrees, as well as a GND and Lift mode switch.
Character & Sound:
The Presonus Temblor T10 provides quite deep bass. And that’s not strange since it has 250 watts of power and a 10-inch woofer. With a low-frequency range starting at 20 hertz, you can hear and feel the lowest information.
Pros:
The Temblor T10 is a pretty powerful subwoofer for its money. That’s because its price can still be called budget – about $325. For this money, you get a lot of connectors and all the necessary features to bring your sub in line with your monitors. The cherry on the cake is the footswitch to activate bypass mode.
Cons:
This sub is quite large, as its dimensions are 320 x 400 x 400 mm. In addition, it is unusually heavy at almost 18 kilograms. Keep this in mind when planning its placement.
12. Mackie CR8S-XBT
The Mackie CR8S-XBT has an excellent price and quite a variety of modern features.
Mackie is another well-known brand that provides relatively affordable music equipment. The brand was founded in 1988 in Seattle, and its range includes monitoring systems, audio interfaces, mixers, microphones, headphones, controllers, and more.
Now we are going to talk about the Mackie CR8S-XBT subwoofer. Its total power is 200 watts, but the most interesting thing here is the presence of several important modern features. For example, it’s the ability to connect via Bluetooth. So let’s talk about it in order.
Key Features:
- 8″ Woofer
The size of the Mackie CR8S-XBT subwoofer is 8 inches. You will be able to adjust the unit’s sound well thanks to the two knobs on the rear panel – Input Level and Sub Output Level. Both are adjustable from Off to Max. - Adjustable Crossover
As for the crossover, its operating range is quite extensive. You can apply a low pass filter from 40 to 180 hertz. It will be enough to match the sub to your monitors. - CRDV Desktop Remote
The wonderful fact is that you get a special CRDV regulator in the kit. It is a small device that plugs in behind the unit. So you can put it on your desk and easily adjust the level of your sub and monitors without reaching for the back panel every time. - TRS and RCA Connection
When it comes to cabling, you will have the ability to connect your sub to the monitors using both TRS and RCA. So this unit can also serve as part of your PS or home theater audio system. - Bluetooth Streaming
The developers of this sub implemented another great feature here – you can connect it to devices using Bluetooth. By the way, some Mackie CR series monitors also have this possibility.
Character & Sound:
The Mackie CR8S-XBT can provide quite a deep and musical low-end. Yes, the sound quality of this sub does not reach the level of more expensive equipment, but it will be enough for your home studio.
Pros:
It is an excellent budget sub that will please you with the number of features. Its price is about $200. So, based on that, the unit provides quite a lot of value. The CR8S-XBT will work great with CR monitors or any other speaker that doesn’t have much of a radius.
Cons:
Despite the remote volume control, the sub does not have an automatic shutoff. Therefore, you will either need to leave it on or reach into the back of the unit every time.
Bonus
KRK 12sHO
The KRK 12sHO is probably a good choice if you want to get the most out of your subwoofer.
We decided to put one of the most powerful subwoofers on our list as a bonus item: the KRK 12sHO. This unit will be a great idea if you have monitors with large speakers and a well-soundproofed and large studio.
The speaker size of this sub is a whole 12 inches. The unit is also quite large and heavy. As far as functionality is concerned, it has everything you need for detailed bass monitoring. Let’s take a look at what’s hidden under the hood.
Key Features:
- 400 W Of Power
As you may have already understood, this sub is very powerful, and its characteristics confirm this – the unit’s total power is 400 watts. In addition, the maximum sound pressure level is 123 dB. As for the frequency range, it is from 29 to 160 hertz. - LFE Input
If you ever need to connect a sub to a 5.1 system, it will be possible. There is a separate combined XLR 6.3 mm jack connector on the unit’s rear panel to help you accomplish this. - Crossover and Low Pass Filter
The subwoofer also has a built-in crossover and low pass filter. It is a separate knob located on the rear panel. Its operating range is from 60 to 160 hertz. Use this to adjust the interaction with your monitors. - Combined Inputs
As for the connection, you can do it both with XLR and TRS cables – these subwoofer inputs are combined. As for the outputs, they are XLR only. So you won’t have any problem connecting to the audio interface and monitors. - Input Sensitivity, Phase, and Limiter
The sub also has a few other important features, without which it is difficult to imagine any such unit. In particular, this is the Input Sensitivity knob, phase reversal, and even a built-in limiter.
Character & Sound:
The KRK 12sHO will give you a very deep and very low-end. And that’s not strange, since it has a 12-inch speaker and 400 watts of power. This unit will be most suitable for electronic music producers because you will monitor the lowest frequencies in detail.
Pros:
If you need an unusually powerful subwoofer, then the KRK 12sHO is an excellent choice. You can be sure you’ll hear and feel the most bass. In addition, the unit has a footswitch to turn on and off, which is a great bonus.
Cons:
This subwoofer is unusually large, measuring 508 x 508 x 571 mm. The same goes for the weight – almost 50 kilograms. Therefore, it will be quite difficult for you to transport it on your own. And, of course, it is quite expensive – it is approximately 1150 dollars.
How Does The Subwoofer Work & Produce Sound?
In simple words, the subwoofer takes the signal with the lowest frequencies and turns it into sound. It is done with a magnetic coil that makes the speaker vibrate. As a result of this vibration, sound waves spread out in space. The most important component in a subwoofer is the amplifier, which makes it possible thanks to the power measured in watts.
How To Choose A Subwoofer For My Studio?
You need to proceed from the size of your room. If your studio is small, a less powerful subwoofer will be enough, and vice versa. And, of course, an important nuance is your budget. If you can afford expensive equipment – go for it. In this case, you will get more detailed bass monitoring.
Where Should I Place Studio Subwoofer?
Subwoofer placement is not as important as regular studio monitors. Due to their nature, you will hear and feel bass frequencies equally regardless of the subwoofer’s placement. But most often, the subwoofer is placed under the desk – closer to the left or right monitor. So it depends on your comfort.
Conclusion
As you can see, the selection of subwoofers is quite extensive. You can choose any options based on the size of your room or budget. At the end of this article, let us advise you of the best units in our opinion.
If you are producing music professionally and have the necessary resources – look at #5 Genelec 7040 APM and #6 Dynaudio 18S. These units will provide a very high-quality sound. And if you need the most powerful sub, the bonus item on our list, the KRK 12sHO, will be a good choice.
Good representatives of the medium price category are number 2 KRK S10G4, 3 Adam T10S, and 8 JBL Professional LSR310S. And if you need a budget option, #7 Behringer NEKKST K10S and #9 ESI Aktiv 10S are not bad options.
We encourage you to listen to one of these units in person. The thing is, YouTube videos do not convey the full frequency spectrum. Therefore, go to your local music store or studio. Have a great choice!
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Ilarion Ivanenko is a remote mixing and mastering engineer from Ukraine, a musician with more than 15 years of experience. Specializes in rock, metal, progressive and the other genres. He can’t imagine his life without music, as it is the biggest passion in his life