ADAM AUDIO Sub7 [8/32] Subwoofer placement

It is common knowledge that low frequencies (below about 100Hz) are non-directional,

meaning they can hardly be located by the listener. It is, however, a common misunder-

standing that therefore the placement of a subwoofer does not matter. It does matter.

Due to the fact that every room (geometry, furniture, etc.) is unique, the following de-

scriptions intend to be a ﬁrst introduction to the subject. The aim is to assist you tack-

ling the most common problems with subwoofers and room acoustics, notably interfer-

ence and standing waves.

4.1 Distance to satellites

In most set ups it is advisable to place the subwoofer not too far from the satellites

to minimize the chance of Interferences. Interference means the superposition of

two or more waves resulting in an attenuation/cancellation or enhancement of the

speciﬁc frequency/frequencies.

Furthermore, big refelexion faces in close range of the subwoofer should be avoid-

ed if possible.

4.2 Walls/Distance to walls

Generally, every wall in relative close distance to the subwoofer enhances its

sound pressure by about 6 dB. For instance, placing the subwoofer in a corner of

a room will make it about 18 dB louder. It is likely that this will result in an impair-

ment of the precision of the musical reproduction.

Another problem related to the geometrics of the room concerns the so called

‘standing waves’. These are sound waves being reciprocated between reﬂecting

objects, so they ‘stand’ (don’t seem to move) in between these objects. The speak-

er continues to produce new waves that combines its force with the ﬁrst wave(s): a

vicious circle that results in local imbalances of the particular frequencies.

4.3 Finding the optimum position

Give it a try! The most important tool for ﬁnding the best position for your sub-

woofer are your ears. There are two rather easy ways:

You can determine your listening spot ﬁrst and then compare the sound of the

subwoofer at different positions.

Another option is to place the subwoofer at the listening position and then move

around. Whereever the sound is the best the subwoofer should be positioned.

4. Subwoofer Placement