If, on the other hand, you are using passive (non-powered) monitor speakers that
require an external amplifier, hook the two outputs of the subwoofer up to the inputs
of the stereo monitor amplifier. Typically this would also be an XLR connector, but if
need be, you could use another XLR to TRS adapter cable if the amplifier uses 1/4-
inch TRS inputs. Connect the power amplifier to the speakers as you normally
would.
Do not attempt to hook the speaker output of the monitor amplifier to
the input of the subwoofer, you run the risk of damaging the equipment.
Rotate the subwoofer's gain control counterclockwise and set the low-pass filter con-
trol to the 12 o'clock position. Power up the subwoofer along with your other speak-
ers; note that the power light is illuminated. Play back some music and turn the con-
sole output up to a moderate listening volume. At this point, the bass should sound
quiet. Then, slowly rotate the gain control until the bass seems appropriate for the
mix. If you are used to using near-field monitors with limited bass response, the dif-
ference will be quite startling. Once you have the system up and running, go to the
section on subwoofer placement and adjustment (Section 7 —Subwoofer Placement
and Setup and Section 8 — Bass Management Theory) and learn some of the finer
points of subwoofer application.
Section 6 — Hooking Up Your Subwoofer for 5.1 Surround
This is a bit more complicated than a stereo hookup since there are now six speak-
ers involved — as well as something called Bass Management (see Section 8 —
Bass Management Theory). Note from the diagram that for professional use a sepa-
rate 6- channel level control box is required between the mix-down deck and the
monitor speakers. This is because few small format mixing consoles have provisions
to switch and level-manage a 6-channel audio signal. The simplest and perhaps best
way to accomplish this is to use an external, 5.1 level controller. It is placed between
the outputs of the mix-down deck and the monitor speakers, allowing it to control the
playback level while the mix-down deck receives full-level recording signal.
Another option is to use a consumer, home-theater receiver in place of a profession-
al level controller. Many of the current generation receivers have separate analog
inputs that can be used for directly monitoring your mix from the console. If you are
using unpowered, full-range speakers, then you can utilize the onboard power amps
in the receiver itself to power them. If, on the other hand, you are using self-powered
speakers for the full-range monitors, be sure to pick out a receiver that has preamp
line-level outputs in addition to speaker-level outputs. Be aware that some inexpen-
sive home theatre receivers disable bass management for the analog line inputs.
Section 7 — Subwoofer Placement and Setup
A properly set up subwoofer system extends the bass response of the main speak-
ers
(Either stereo or 5.1 surround) down into the 30-Hz range, but without exaggerating
bass response in the room. Improper setup may cause an exaggeration of bass
response in the room, which in turn may cause the engineer to mix in less bass
energy than desired.
There are three basic steps to take to ensure you have a subwoofer operating in top
form: 1) Room treatment; 2) Proper placement of the sub in the room; and 3) Proper
electrical settings. The first step (which is beyond the scope of this manual) means
you should hire a qualified studio acoustical consultant who can identify and rectify
the acoustical shortcomings of your control room. You will hear a lot of talk about
standing waves, flutter, decay time, absorption and reflection, and it may be expen-
sive, but if you run a commercial recording space, consider it the cost of doing busi-
ness. If, of course, you dealt with the necessary room treatment before purchasing a
subwoofer, then you are already in great shape to move forward.
If room treatment is not in your plans, then focus on the other two basic ways to
accomplish proper setup of your subwoofer. These are: 1) via proper subwoofer
placement within the room; and 2) via electrical settings that affect levels, low-pass
filter frequency and phase
Proper Physical Placement of Subwoofer
Just because bass frequencies are largely non-directional does not mean that you
can ignore the subwoofer's placement in the room. If fact, a sub's physical position
in the room in relation to the floor, walls and other surfaces radically influences its
bass response. In a monitoring situation, it is desirable to place the subwoofer so
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