If you are buying subwoofer for typical use such as Home Theater subwoofers or car subwoofers, you don’t need to care much about the specifications as it doesn’t matter that much. However, when it comes to buying a studio subwoofer, you’ve to take in to account a lot of technical stuff along with the budget, which can get tough quickly. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of the best studio subwoofers of 2021, which will make your decision a lot easier. So let’s have a look at the top picks of the year.
Quick Answer: Top-Rated Best Studio Subwoofers in 2021
- Best Overall: JBL LSR310S Studio Subwoofer
- Best Active: Rockville APM10C Powered Studio Subwoofer
- Best Budget: Polk Audio PSW10 Studio Subwoofer
- Best Home: Pioneer SW-8MKS Studio Subwoofer
- Best Powered: PreSonus Temblor T10 Studio Subwoofer
- Yamaha HS8 Studio Subwoofer
- Cerwin Vega XD8s Active Studio Subwoofer
- Yamaha YST-SW012 8-Inch Subwoofer
Best Overall: JBL LSR310S Studio Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.8/5
The JBL LSR310S offers you an excellent design that adds into it the MDF construction in jet black color. The size of this sub is more significant as compared to other options, so it is more suited to fit in the rooms and studios with large size. The dimensions for this unit are 15.65 x 17.65 x 15 inches, and the weight of the subwoofer is 34.4 pounds.
Moreover, with this unit, you get ten inches down-firing driver that is loud enough and able to cover every corner of your room easily. So now, if you want to fit this one in your space, you should a more spacious area to fit this one comfortably. Additionally, the sub has a textured and beautifully designed textured wooden construction in black color. It also features a wide range of features starting from the patented design to the powerful tuning. So this subwoofer contains everything that you need for the perfect response of bass for your sound system.
Furthermore, in the context of studio subwoofers, there are only a few options in the market that are down-firing. The down-firing subwoofers are not inferior in quality, but the fact is that they are scarce and unique. The JBL LSR310S has a customized down-firing driver, which is engineered in such a way that it is able to surround your entire studio with the sounds of lower frequencies. In addition, due to the down-firing speaker, you can place them easily without worrying about the interference or noise. But if you want to have some extra bass, you can also place this one beside a wall.
Additionally, the port design of the JBL LSR310S features the fancy Patented slim port that has a slim opening for the stream at the top. This allows the LSR310S to work in conjugation with the driver and produce a dynamic and deep bass response. Additionally, the design of the port makes sure that the ventilation of air is proper, and this adds to generate a crisp and clean sound. The addition of the class D amplifier enables the woofer to generate a power of 200 watts. Moreover, the peak output for the unit lies at 113dB that makes sure that you can get the unit working for longer hours without any failure. Furthermore, you also get a built-in noise cancellation feature that keeps the limited noise event at the highest volume.
At the bottom line, you get a perfect balance of inputs and outputs. There are 2 TRS and 2 XLR ports, both for input as well as output, which enable you to pair the sub with your studio monitors easily. However, there is no wireless connectivity, but at the bottom line, the JBL LSR310S offers you a beautiful design and a wide range at an affordable price, and it is the recommended option to go for.
Best Active: Rockville APM10C Powered Studio Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.3/5
This subwoofer by Rockville features a funky design, combined with a powerful and active driver that is engineered to produce a rich and deep bass. The woofer driver featured by the unit is 19 inches in size and produces 400 watts of power, which is incorporated into the medium density fiberboard construction. The design on the outlook has a matte finish, and the paint on the front makes the unit stand out on the list. The size of the unit is such that i is best suited for the rooms with small to medium size and the look if it is compact. The dimensions of the unit are 14.5 x 13.4 x 15.8 inches, and the unit weighs 28.7 pounds, which makes it really easy to move around.
Moreover, among the other options on our list, it is not the smallest; however, it is small as compared to many other options. Also, the 10-inch woofer has a paper cone and rubber surroundings with the woofer driver holding the front position, which makes this one a front-firing subwoofer. The subwoofer, however, may not form the loudest unit, but it proves to be useful if you want the bass focused in a particular direction.
Furthermore, the port enclosure of this unit 0.7 inches in thickness, and the front board is 1.34 inches thick. Moreover, the vent on the front side adds more to the bass punch and also helps to reduce the noise and distortions. Additionally, the subwoofer even a powered class D amplifier that can produce a dynamic peak power rating at 400 watts and the continuous rate power lies at 200 watts. Moreover, the amplifier with its power is able to generate high volumes of sound without using up much of the power.
Talking in the context of the fine-tuning, you get many features in this unit. You get the phase switch, low pass frequency controller, and the volume controller. These controls also enable you to control the output of sound, particularly with the crossover frequency controller. Moreover, the crossover frequency range lies between 50 Hertz to 150 Hertz, and this means that you can adjust your subwoofer according to your other sound system.
Additionally, the unit provides you with wired connectivity via the RCA, XLR and TRS ports for the input and XLR and RCA ports for the output. At the bottom line, the Rockville APM10C is a combination of excellent features at an affordable price, and it is highly recommended.
Best Budget: Polk Audio PSW10 Studio Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.7/5
The PSW10 by Polk Audio is the highest-rated and affordable subwoofer. Talking about the brand consciousness, if you do not care about the brands’ name, then it is a highly recommended option for you as the Polk Audio is not a very big name in the music equipment industry.
Moreover, the unit is engineered more towards the home theatre systems, yet you can use them with your studio monitors and get the best out of them. This unit by Polk Audio has been explicitly designed so that your sound system gets a full bass. Additionally, the performance of the subwoofer helps you to replace any of the noisy units that you might have got with your new sound system. The PSW10 can provide you with 50 watts of continuous power, and this additionally has the ability to climb up to 100 watts of dynamic power, and this overall power aids this unit to be quite loud as compared to many other counterparts available.
Furthermore, after listening to the sound of the unit, you would know that the music might get a bit muddied a bit more easily and can tend to decrease the sound quality as compared to the high end 50 watts subwoofers. Also, this deterioration of the sound can become more enhanced at higher volumes, and this altogether forms the major con of this subwoofer. Despite this deficit, the PSW 10 by Polk Audio still creates a perfect quality option available in the context of price. So this low tag of price also lets you get multiple units to be added into your sound system and thus add to the thumping and booming bass to enhance your listening experience.
Additionally, you might also find out that the lower frequency sound is getting clipped as the minimum frequency at the resting phase rests at 40 Hertz. Also, you should expect to get some noticeable gaps in between the frequencies when you pair the sub with other units as the highest frequency lies at 160 Hertz. In addition, you also get a composite cone, which is 10 inches in size, and this allows you to get a higher fidelity pla back for all the frequencies, and this, on the whole, adds to improve the linearity. Moreover, you get an automatic on and off set as well. The five-year warranty also makes purchasing this unit a good investment.
On the whole, the size of the driver is pretty decent, and the watt power is a bit low, but the overall make is MDF, and this makes the cabinet decrease the density to decrease the echo, vibrations and adds to enhance the overall strength. Also, the wattage provided is pretty decent in terms of the price and makes a solid option if you want to save your bucks.
Best Home: Pioneer SW-8MKS Studio Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.2/5
The Pioneer SW 8MKS forms a powerful subwoofer that has been engineered so that it can produce a sound output of high quality. The driver featured by the subwoofer has a long throw and enables the unit to generate the frequencies as low as 38 Hertz for excellent music experience. This unit uses the combination of the power and the right tuning options that makes it shine brighter.
Moreover, the Pioneer SW 8MKS has a compact size and design with a smaller 8-inch driver. The unit weighs 20.25 pounds, and its dimensions are 12.2 x 12.2 x 14.2 inches, and this makes it move easily, but despite the small size, it has the power that can quickly fill your entire studio with a deep rich sound. The long-throw woofer of the unit is down-firing and produces good quality low-frequency sounds. The prominent feature of the subwoofer is that it is capable of generating the frequencies lower as compared to the conventional units and has an imposing range of sound. Because the unit is down-firing, it makes the sub to produce more sound despite the smaller size. But if you want to enhance the sound further, you should place the sub close to a wall.
Furthermore, the Pioneer SW 8MKS has a ported enclosure featuring deep sink vent at the front panel. This vented enclosure allows the unit to produce and deep, rich, and well-rounded bass. Additionally, this design also makes sure that the unit minimizes the noise and any distortion, Although it lacks the precision that is provided by other sealed enclosures. Moreover, to further power up the subwoofer, there is a built-in 100-watt internal amplifier that enables you to adjust the bass at any volume level.
Additionally, the subwoofer has a feature that enables it to detect and remove the noise in the input signal and also reduces the distortion in the sound output. Also, the subwoofer also has every feature that is needed for the fine-tuning of the audiovisuals. The primary controls that are the frequency and volume controller and the phase switch are all present at the back panel.
Also, the range for the frequency for this unit lies between 38 Hertz to 150 Hertz. This feature allows you to integrate the unit with your studio speakers seamlessly. Overall, the attractive design, down-firing long-throw woofer enhance the sound coverage, and adjustable controls increase the range of use at an affordable price and make the unit an excellent option to go for.
Best Powered: PreSonus Temblor T10 Studio Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.0/5
The Temblor T10 by PreSonus is the unit that makes an excellent option for the professional music production environment. This unit features to have a patented glass composite transducer that allows you to control all the frequencies in your music. The design of the unit, like many other options, has MDF construction in black color. Moreover, the subwoofer as high-end controls that enable you to control the output of your sound completely.
Additionally, the powerful woofer driver of the unit, combined with the wide range of the features, makes the PreSonus Temblor T 10 a perfect option to go for. The subwoofer features a really simple design that lies between a tower speaker and a mini speaker in terms of the size. The weight of the unit is 39.5 pounds and has the dimensions measuring at 15.75 x 12.6 x 15.75 inches. The enclosing cabinet is made up of vinyl laminated MDF that is painted black in color.
Moreover, the glass composite cone transducer of the subwoofer is integrated at the front side, rendering the unit as a front-firing subwoofer. The audio output produced by the unit is really precise, detailed, and crisp. Contrasting to many other front-firing subwoofers, the range of this unit is imposing, and it can cover your entire studio easily. However, if you want to get the best output of sound, you are advised to keep the unit away from the walls and other audio units. At the front part of the unit, there is a bass-reflex acoustic port; this port is made so that the flow of air is really easy, and this improves the efficiency and also helps to enhance the sounds of lower frequencies. Also, this bass-reflex port also makes sure that the sound produced is resonant and deep.
Furthermore, the Temblor T10 features a 250-watt amplifier that belongs to the class AB, and it can deliver the optimum performance for the subwoofer. Moreover, the subwoofer can deliver you with 170 watts of continuous power, and on the dynamic side, it offers you 230 watts of power. Also, because of the design, the wastage of power is kept at limits even when the volume is the highest.
Also, you get many of the fine-tuning options for the Temblor T10, just like many high-end options. The input gain, momentary footswitch, low pass filter, and switchable high pass filter are all included in the user control so that you can adjust the output of sound. With the presence of the high pass filter, the unwanted noise can be easily filtered out, and the input gain allows you to take control of the volume level according to your desire. Moreover, the frequency range lies between 50 Hertz to 140 Hertz, and you can easily fuse the sound with other audio systems. Besides, you also get wired connectivity for this unit.
Overall, the temblor T10 is a great option that is really powerful and has a great design but only downside that it does not have preset modes and is a bit expensive.
Yamaha HS8 Studio Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.7/5
This subwoofer by Yamaha forms one of the great options on your list. This subwoofer features to have a reflex woofer driver, which is 8 inches, and this unit has been engineered to enhance your audio playback experience and take it to a new level. The low and high cut filters are put together in an amalgamation, which helps to produce an accurate bass response. In the context of design, the subwoofer has a wooden texture in black color and makes this unit to shine bright in the list.
Moreover, this high-end subwoofer has a painted black MDF construction, and the weight of it is only 27.6 pounds. The unit features dimensions, which are 13.8 x 11.8 x 15.3 inches, and along with the lightweight, you can move this one easily around your studio. Additionally, the subwoofer features a vented enclosure, and this helps to reinforce the low frequencies and produce deep and tight bass. The enclosure has ports that make sure that the unit works efficiently.
Furthermore, the unit has high power with the 150-watt built-in amplifier that is responsible for providing all the power to this unit. This amplifier has been engineered so that it can handle the lower frequencies effectively and also aids in minimizing the distortions. Moreover, the ported design also adds to the efficient performance of the unit in terms of power consumption. Additionally, the average consumption of power for this unit lies at 70 watts, and the maximum output reaches to 150 watts.
Also, the crossover has an adjustable controller, and this allows you to get the crossover frequency between 80 Hertz to 150 Hertz. Additionally, you also turn the low pass frequency with the help of a low cut switch if you want. Besides, like the high-end subwoofers, the HS8 provides ample features for fine-tuning and for controlling the audio output. You can also adjust the volume, output frequency, and the input frequency as well.
Additionally, the subwoofer has wired connectivity, which is provided by 2 XLR 3-31 and two phone ports, and there are two XLR3-32 and one extended XLR3-32 ports. Moreover, you can also use the standard wires for speakers to connect this one to your studio monitor. At the bottom line, the Yamaha HS8 forms an excellent unit that provides you with excellent features at an excellent price.
Seismic Audio Spectra-10SUB Active Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.0/5
This Spectra-10 SUB by Seismic audio is a powerful and versatile design that is suitable for use in home studios, home theatres, and even in the professional studios. This unit is a really well designed subwoofer that has a black Tolex finish on medium density fiberboard construction. Moreover, the subwoofer has a 10-inch woofer driver that has a center placement at the front panel of the unit, and this is responsible for the good quality bass production. So if you are the one looking for a sound with high resolution combined with extended bass response, then you can get your hands on this one without any doubts or worries.
Moreover, the spectra-10 SUB features construction with a ported enclosure that also has a small air vent on the front panel and this aids in adding more punch to the sound. This ported enclosure makes the sub to be much more efficient in terms of the consumption of power and also makes sure that the bass is deep and rich.
Furthermore, the spectra-10 SUB also has a built-in class AB amplifier that offers it to have a frequency range between 35 Hertz to 300 Hertz. This amplifier provides a power rating of 100 watts RMS of continuous power and 200 watts, and the impedance of the unit lies at 8 ohms. So the amalgam of AB class amplifier with ported enclosure makes the subwoofer efficient and reliable in the context of power usage even at the higher volumes. The unit weighs 46.2 pounds and has the dimensions measuring 16.5 x 16.5 x 16.75 inches, and these features make the Seismic Audio spectra 10 SUB suitable for rooms with medium to large-sized rooms. The driver is also potent to cover your entire studio easily.
Additionally, the unit has a front-firing yellow paper cone woofer that can generate an excellent bass response at all volumes. Moreover, as the speaker is front-firing, so it makes the best option if you want to get a radiating sound in your entire studio. So this one makes the best choice to be placed at the center of your room. Also, the unit has many features for fine-tuning, including the volume control, the phase switch, and the low pass filters enabling you to adjust the bass depth according to your wish. On the other hand, there are no built-in equalization or preset modes.
Furthermore, for the crossover, there is a low pass filter that enables you to adjust the frequency range between 50 Hertz to 130 Hertz. This range means that if your studio monitor can produce Hertz, then your subwoofer will produce from there and onwards. Lastly, like many other competitors in the race, this one also offers you to have wired connectivity with RCA and XLR input ports and RCA and XLR male ports for the output. This feature also allows this unit to be connected easily to any desktop, laptop, or sound system. At the bottom line, the Seismic Audio spectra provide you a beautiful design with incredible features at an affordable price.
Cerwin Vega XD8s Active Studio Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.2/5
Talking about the Cerwin Vega XD8s Active studio, the unit has a design that makes it stand out among the list. The subwoofer has a sports desktop-like tower design that also features an air vent at the front and also has a transducer on the side, which is 8 inches in size. This design is engineered especially to accentuate the bass response of the audio system. Moreover, the subwoofer also features an MDF enclosure, which is painted black. So if you want an enhanced bass response and a high pressure of sound that would align excellently with your studio monitor, then this subwoofer XD8s by Cerwin vega must be your top pick among in the list.
Moreover, the subwoofer has a tower design, the dimensions of which measure at 17.32 x 7.09 x 14.96 inches, and the weight of the sub is surprisingly 18.5 pounds despite the large size, which makes it easy to move around. Additionally, you also get a powerful and efficient 8-inch woofer driver that is capable of producing accurate and precise sound output.
Furthermore, the transducer which is installed on the side of the unit renders the subwoofer to be front-firing, and if you want a unit that is capable of producing sound in a particular direction, then Cerwin vega XD8s forms the perfect choice for you. However, you also have to be careful as the woofer is installed on the side, so avoid placing the unit close to any object or wall and place it in a place where you get the perfect sound out of the unit.
Additionally, the built of the subwoofer is strong, and it has an MDF construction with ports that offer you natural and rich sound from the wooden enclosure. Moreover, there is also a deep air sink at the front side that makes sure that air passes the enclosure with efficient performance. Moreover, if you want to mix the music requiring the low-frequency sounds to be clear and loud in the playback, then this is the option you should pick. Besides, you also get a built-in amplifier that provides a power rating of 80 watts at continuous power and also offer you the adjustable crossover.
Also, despite the fact that the subwoofer has lower power, but the unit still manages to perform excellently. The amplifier also features a noise filter that makes sure that you do not get any distortions or interference in the audio signal, even at the highest volume level. Moreover, for the fine-tuning of the audio output, you also get an adjustable crossover, volume control, phase switch, and there is a polarity switch as well that allows you to align the sound production. The range of frequency lies between 32 Hertz to 390 Hertz, and this makes the unit an ideal option for tight and deep bass.
Lastly, the subwoofer is a really versatile option that has wired connectivity and also has a wide range of inputs and outputs, increasing the versatility of the unit. This system also has a remote control that allows you to adjust the volume easily. The downside of the subwoofer is that it is not very much loud, and it also does not feature any of the preset modes. Overall, this forms a compact and lightweight subwoofer, which is also really efficient in terms of power.
Yamaha YST-SW012 8-Inch Subwoofer
Ratings: 4.5/5
If you are someone who prefers simplicity over everything, then this subwoofer called the Yamaha YST-SW012 is a unit you should go for. This model by Yamaha forms a unit that has all the features at an affordable price. Moreover, the design is beautiful and minimalist that has a black wooden texture adding more to the appearance of it. A sub is an effective option that provides a tight and deep bass response. The YST-SW012 is a compact design and features a modest 8-inch driver at the front panel. The dimension of the unit measure at 11.38 x 11.38 x 12.88 inches, making the excellent subwoofer option for any small-sized room. Not only the subwoofer has a small size, but it is also really light in weight and weighs at 18.74 pounds, making it really easy to move.
Moreover, the multi-range active driver is 8 inches at the front, and there is magnetic shielding around the driver that protects it from damage as the subwoofer is front-firing, so it is suitable for small rooms as it offers a limited range of sound. So if you are looking for a focused bass in your studio, then it forms the right choice.
Furthermore, the enclosure has a port featured with a black textured MDF construction. The linear port is present at the side, and this aids in reducing the noise, making sure that the bass produced is focused and tight. This port also provides a path for the flow of air and reduces the wastage of power and improves the overall efficiency of the subwoofer.
Additionally, the model has a built-in amplifier that offers a dynamic power rating of 100 watts. This power range might seem to be less as compared to others, but considering the size of the woofer, which is 8 inches, the power of woofer seems to be enough. As smaller the driver, the lesser the power required by it. Although this combination is smaller, so the sound produced by it is not as loud as other market options. Additionally, the unit has wired connectivity with all standard audio outputs and inputs.
At the bottom line, the unit does not have fine-tuning, but the design is compact, and the ported sub is powered, efficiently, which forms a great option, which and is highly recommended.
THE BUYING GUIDE
Before choosing and opting one subwoofer, there are many things that you need to consider. When you are going to buy something, you should be familiar with the features of the subwoofer so that you are able to decide and choose the option that best suits all your needs. Here are some of the factors that you should consider properly in order to get the best option.
FEATURES TO BE CONSIDERED
SIZE
The subwoofers are available in a wide range of shapes and size varying from 8 to 12 inches, cube and rectangular shapes that can also be as large as 18 inches in size. Now, as the general rule for size, if the surface area of the subwoofer is large, the deeper and louder, it will play. However, the depth and the loudness does not matter a lot if you do not have enough space in your studio. This means that you should consider the dimensions of the subwoofer very keenly according to the area you have.
ENCLOSURE
The subwoofer is available in two types of options, the sealed one and the ported enclosures. The ported enclosures feature an air vent to accentuate the low frequencies to get a punch. These sealed enclosures are more efficient, but these are less accurate. The sealed enclosure, on the other hand, is responsive enclosures, and these provide more accurate and tight bass. These are less efficient as they do not allow the movement of air and hence use more power for producing the same level of bass.
A tip for opting the type of enclosure is that you should look into the type of music that you want to mix. This will help you to make the right decision.
POWER
Considering the amplifier is also another important consideration, if you have a good amplifier, then you do not need any external power source or amplifier for using the subwoofer. So the wattage rating of the subwoofer lets us know how much powerful the unit is. Commonly, the power rating or the wattage lies between 100 to 150 hertz, and this wattage is enough for a room with medium size. So if you have a larger space of your studio, then you need a unit that has a higher wattage.
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