Are you looking to step up your studio recording game and enhance the low end in your mixes? When it comes to music production, every element counts. That’s why finding the right subwoofer can make all the difference.
In this article, we review five of the best studio subwoofers in the market to help you decide. Whether you’re on a budget or have been saving for this moment, you’ll find what you need.
Let’s check out the top contenders.
Included in this guide:
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall | JBL LSR310S 10-Inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
| 4.7 | Check Price |
Runner-up | Yamaha HS8S 8-Inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
| 4.6 | Check Price |
Top Pick | KRK S8.4 8-Inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
| 4.7 | Check Price |
Top Pick | Mackie CR8S-XBT 8-Inch Multimedia Subwoofer
| 4.5 | Check Price |
Lowest Price | PreSonus Eris Sub 8 8-Inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
| 4.7 | Check Price |
Related Article: The Top 5 Best Studio Monitors On A Budget
The JBL LSR310S is a fantastic active 10-inch subwoofer known for its deep, clear bass response. It’s an essential part of the studio environment for delivering a precise and powerful low-frequency reproduction.
Optimized to operate with JBL’s 3 Series Studio Monitors, the 10-inch driver and 200-watt amplifier work in harmony to enhance the overall audio quality. What’s more, the selectable crossover frequencies allow users superb flexibility to adjust the subwoofer’s response.
On top of that, the JBL LSR310S features the Extended Low Frequency (XLF) mode. This mode extends the low-frequency response, allowing the subwoofer to reproduce even lower frequencies than it would normally.
The Spectacular Yamaha HS8S subwoofer comes equipped with an 8-inch driver, providing accurate low frequencies (as low as 22Hz). It also features a built-in amplifier with a power output of 150 watts specifically designed for low-frequency reproduction.
Additionally, this essential studio equipment includes a variable low pass filter. Such a feature allows you to set the crossover frequency to match your specific setup. Consequently, it guarantees seamless integration between the subwoofer and your studio speakers.
The Yamaha HS8S also offers balanced connectivity input and output options. This minimizes interference and ensures clean signal transfer between the subwoofer and the audio source. Plus, the compact cabinet design helps reduce resonance and unwanted vibrations.
The KRK S8.4 is an outstanding subwoofer delivering well-defined and accurate bass. Its 8-inch glass aramid composite woofer combined with a high-quality Class D power amplifier provides awesome control and extraordinary transient response.
One of this subwoofer's best features is the vast array of connectivity options, allowing you to hook it up with any equipment without needing a special adapter. On top of that, with its four-position selectable crossover, it can adapt to many kinds of studio monitors.
As an update to the previous generations, the KRK S8.4 comes with improved low-frequency extension and enhanced porting. It also has a stronger inverted dust cap and a lower profile design for placement flexibility.
The Mackie CR range has always provided up-to-bar studio setup equipment, and the Mackie CR8S-XBT is no exception. This powerful subwoofer comes equipped with an 8-inch driver and a 200-watt amplifier, bringing depth to the lowest of tones.
Moreover, a standout feature in the Mackie CR8S-XBT is the built-in Bluetooth connectivity. It allows you to stream music from your device to any connected speakers wirelessly. Additionally, the subwoofer comes with a CRDV desktop remote for easier control.
That said, the sleek design of the Mackie CR8S-XBT is a joy to the eye, pairing perfectly with CR series monitors. Plus, the rear panel features various inputs and outputs, including ¼-inch TRS and RCA connectors.
The PreSonus Eris Sub 8 is an 8-inch powered studio subwoofer designed to provide accurate and extended low-frequency response. Whether in a studio or home audio setup, this equipment can be a valuable addition.
The marvelous subwoofer features a Class AB amplifier with 200 watts of power. It ensures the highest quality possible, amplifying low frequencies. Moreover, the PreSonus Eris Sub 8 offers a variable crossover frequency control, allowing for seamless integration with studio monitors.
Furthermore, the subwoofer includes great acoustic tuning control for best optimization. As for the build, the PreSonus Eris Sub 8 has a sturdy MDF cabinet with a front-firing bass port for minimum resonance and vibrations.
Related Article: The Top 5 Best Studio Monitor Stands Of 2024
The size of the subwoofer you should go for depends on how large the room is and the desired low-frequency extension. If you have a large studio, you may benefit from subwoofer models that are 12 inches or larger.
Using a subwoofer, you may need to add bass traps to absorb low-frequency sounds. On top of that, acoustic panels and diffusers are great for controlling reflections as well as maintaining balanced acoustics.
It allows you to set the point where the subwoofer takes over reproducing low-frequency sounds from the main monitors for a seamless transition.
While it’s a fantastic feature, Bluetooth may not be practical for studio setups. That’s why wired connections are typically preferred.
Consider placing the subwoofer on isolation pads or stands. Plus, ensure the subwoofer is properly secured in place to prevent it from moving during operation.
Choosing the right subwoofer can be a tough task, especially if you don’t have the budget or time to do some testing. To make this task easier for you, we reviewed five of the best studio subwoofers.
The JBL LSR310S subwoofer represents our top pick, combining power and precision. As for the Yamaha HS8S, it takes the runner-up spot, providing spectacular performance. Lastly, if you’re on a tight budget, the PreSonus Eris Sub 8 is a fantastic choice.
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