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Subwoofers

A subwoofer reproduces the deepest bass frequencies, which full-range speakers struggle to reproduce at volume. This range covers active PA subs with built-in class D amplifiers, passive Citronic CASA cabinets driven by a separate amplifier, slim dual 8in subs, Vanco and Bose Professional installed subwoofers for ceilings and pendants, weatherproof landscape subs for gardens, and in-room subwoofers for music in a home or small venue.

Choosing Subwoofers

A subwoofer reproduces the bass in a sound system, and the subwoofers include Citronic active sub cabinets, Vanco in-ceiling and in-room subwoofers, Bose Professional pendant subwoofers and a bass module, and QTX active sub cabinets. Decide first how the subwoofer will be powered, then match the driver size to the room and choose how it will be mounted.

Active or passive

An active subwoofer has its amplifier built in and takes a line-level signal, as the Citronic CASA 178.122UK does with its 400W class D amplifier. A passive subwoofer, such as the CASA 178.126UK, is driven by a separate power amplifier over Speakon leads to its rear sockets. Active subs are quicker to set up; passive subs suit systems built around a rack of amplifiers.

Driver size and output

Larger drivers move more air. The 10in CASA 178.120UK is rated 300W and 120dB SPL, the 15in 178.125UK 500W and 123.5dB, and the 18in CUBA 178.728UK 1200W RMS with DSP control. For line array systems, the Citronic C-118S 171.118UK has an 18in driver and a 1000W amplifier, and can be stacked or flown with other C-series cabinets.

Installed and outdoor subs

In a building, the Vanco ICS6-MB and ICS8-MB fit into the ceiling behind a paintable magnetic grille. The Bose Professional DM10P-SUB is a 10in pendant sub rated 300W. In a garden, the Vanco LS10B-BSC and LS10G-BSC landscape subs fire downwards, are rated IP65 and handle 150W RMS.

TypeExampleDriverPower
Active PA subCitronic CASA 178.122UK12in400W class D
Passive PA subCitronic CASA 178.129UK18in600W RMS, 1100W max
Slim dual-driver subCitronic CASA-28BA 178.228UKDual 8in400W
Carpeted active subQTX 170.755UK18in250W RMS, 1000W max
In-room subVanco BPS-808in200W built-in amplifier
Landscape subVanco LS10B-BSC10in150W RMS, IP65

Brands we stock in Subwoofers

AV:Link, Bosch, Bose Professional, Citronic, QTX and Vanco.

Citronic makes the largest share of these subwoofers.

Related categories

Put tops on the subs with PA speakers and systems, drive passive cabinets from amplifiers and mixers, and raise the tops on poles from speaker stands and brackets.

Frequently asked questions

What is an active subwoofer?

An active subwoofer is a bass speaker with its own amplifier inside the cabinet. It needs a mains supply and takes a signal from a mixer, receiver or amplifier output. Its controls usually set the level and crossover point. It can suit home audio as well as portable PA set-ups. The range here includes active PA cabinets and in-room home subwoofers.

How does a subwoofer fit into a sound system?

A subwoofer handles the low bass notes while the main speakers carry the rest. A crossover splits the signal, sending bass to the sub and filtering it out of the main speakers, which can then play louder and cleaner. Some active subs have a built-in crossover with outputs for the tops. The range here includes subwoofers with adjustable crossovers and phase controls.

What is an in-ceiling subwoofer?

An in-ceiling subwoofer is a bass speaker fitted into the ceiling, adding low end to a music system without a cabinet on the floor. Some grilles can be painted to match the ceiling. It is usually driven by an amplifier channel alongside the ceiling speakers. The range here includes in-ceiling subwoofers with tuned enclosures.

What is a subwoofer?

A subwoofer is a loudspeaker built to reproduce the deepest bass, below the range that ordinary speakers handle well. Its large driver moves more air to give music and film soundtracks weight you can feel. It works with main speakers rather than replacing them. The range here includes PA, home and installed subwoofers from several brands.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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