6
Subwoofer Placement
If the subwoofer is used only for LFE reproduction, it can be
placed almost anywhere. If more than one subwoofer is used,
placing them in different locations tends to even out possible
room resonance irregularities.
If the subwoofer is used with a crossover to reproduce the low
frequency portion of the main channels then placement is a
little more important. The subwoofer(s) preferably should be
approximately the same distance from the main listening area
as the main speakers. With one subwoofer the best position
is usually somewhere between the main speakers, but behind
them a few feet if possible, in order to maintain good stereo
imaging.
The use of two subwoofers allows the low frequency signal to
be processed in stereo by the crossover unit, and, therefore to
provide the best possible imaging. In this case, it is preferable
that the subwoofers be placed somewhat near each main
speaker. Good placement is anywhere from between the
speakers, near each speaker, or at the side walls.
Higher output is achieved when the subwoofer is placed near
a wall, and even more output is available when placed near
a corner of the room. If very high output is desired in large
rooms, corner placement can be used with little trade-off in
sound quality. For use in very large rooms, greater than 4,000
ft
3
, more than one USS may be required if very high playback
levels are desired.
CAUTION
The SmartSub has built-in electronics.
• Do not place the cabinet near sources of heat such as
furnace registers or radiators.
• Do not allow water or other liquids into the unit.
• Allow some air circulation at the rear of the unit.
For LFE (“point 1”) channel use, corner placement is often ideal, providing maximum
output.
Center placement against the front wall is often optimum for music or movie systems
where the subwoofer is used to reproduce left/right channel bass. It provides high
output and good “imaging”.
Dual corner placement provides maximum output from each sub, higher total output,
good “imaging” and more even room response.
Dual subs near the main speakers provide the higher output of dual subs combined
with the best “imaging” and most even room response.
Dual subs at the side walls provide the higher output of dual subs, high output from
each sub, good “imaging” and even room response.
