Having a solid low-end response is crucial in music production, especially if you’re into more bass-driven styles. But with hundreds of options and conflicting opinions out there, finding the right subwoofer can get confusing fast.
After testing various models in different spaces, I believe the Adam Audio Sub8 is the best studio subwoofer you can buy. A personal favorite of mine, it’s ideal for small to mid-sized studios, delivers great bass, and pairs perfectly with my A Series monitors.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, I highly recommend the Yamaha HS8S. This subwoofer packs plenty of power and reproduces low frequencies exceptionally well.
Why you should trust me
As a producer and audio engineer for over 15 years, I’ve laid fingerprints on a wide range of gear in all sorts of setups.
I’ve learned how to stretch a budget, working with everything from second-hand monitors from a buddy to cheap pawn shop desktop speakers.
I’ve mixed on consumer-grade models, repurposed radio speakers, high-end studio monitors, and everything in between.
This hands-on experience, along with years of problem-solving in different recording environments, has taught me what monitors are worth investing in – and which aren’t.
Do I need a subwoofer?
While there are many benefits to having a subwoofer, simply buying and sticking one in your room without a clear plan doesn’t necessarily lead to better music productions.
Without getting too scientific, let’s first just make sure that everybody has a basic understanding of how sound works.
All audio waves have a particular frequency which is the rate of vibration of the sound, this is measured in how many vibrational cycles occur per second, otherwise known as hertz.
These waves are made up of a series of variations in air pressure, which once emitted out from the initial sound source, spread across the room.
Eventually, the waves will meet a room surface (whether it be the floor, wall, or ceiling), and will then reflect back into the room.
This effect can be rather subtle and unnoticeable in mid to high range frequencies, but low frequencies can be more troublesome due to their wavelength.
The physical distance a wave must travel is the time it takes to complete one vibrational cycle.
High and mid range frequencies may have wavelengths that amount to anywhere from an inch to a few feet, however, low frequencies move much more slowly and can often have wavelengths that exceed the actual dimensions of your room.
If your studio space has parallel walls, these lower frequencies will reflect back and double up on themselves, causing interference, or cancellations and reinforcements.
This leads to build-up in certain locations of the room where you may find that bass is particularly strong in one area, only to be fully absent in another.
All this is to say that if you are currently experiencing these issues, a subwoofer will absolutely not solve your problems. You should first focus on either:
- Acoustic treatment for the room
- Finding a better environment for your studio
Do not bring a subwoofer into the equation until you can account for these issues. If none of this applies to you, then let’s get on with the recommendations.
Here’s my pick of the best studio subwoofers:
- Personal favorite: Adam Audio Sub8
- Best for KRK monitors: KRK S10.4
- Best for Yamaha monitors: Yamaha HS8S
- Best high-end pick: Focal Sub6
Check the Honorable mentions for two other subwoofers I recommend.
Personal favorite: Adam Audio Sub8
Adam Audio has built a solid reputation for itself by making honest and accurate-sounding monitors for two decades now. The Sub8 is no exception to this rule.
With a frequency response of 28 Hz – 150 Hz, a max SPL of 110 dB, and a 160-watt ICE power amp, this subwoofer boasts power, heft, and accuracy.
The Sub8 is especially ideal for audio engineers who find themselves slogging through long-running sessions, where overheating can often disrupt workflow and efficiency.
Adam has accounted for this with the ICE power amp, which allows for low heat without sacrificing the quality of its performance. It’s also specifically designed for smaller spaces up to 215 sq ft (20 sq m).
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazonBest for KRK monitors: KRK S10.4
The S10.4 comes in weighing about 35 pounds, and sporting the same yellow cone that we’ve come to expect from KRK products.
It has a frequency of response of 30 Hz – 110 Hz, which might not classify as an “extended range”, but is definitely enough to help you dial in your 808 kicks.
It has a compact design and is very budget-friendly, so if you’re setting up your home studio, the S10.4 offers a lot of value.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazonBest for Yamaha monitors: Yamaha HS8S
The HS8S is designed to go along with the Yamaha HS8 studio monitors. The subwoofer delivers a great deal of power and is fairly portable.
The HS8 monitors only go down to 38 Hz, so a subwoofer can really help you dial in the lower frequencies to your music. The frequency response runs down to 22 Hz and tops out at about 150 Hz.
Yamaha has included a switchable low-cut control that can be set to anywhere from 80-120 Hz to aid in tapering low-end out of the XLR outputs.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazonBest high-end pick: Focal Sub6
The Focal Sub6 is housed in a wooden cabinet with a classy red burr-ash finish, and its sound quality follows suit. It has a fairly wide frequency response of 30 Hz – 250 Hz, as well as a max SPL of 116 dB.
The low end is superbly accurate, and can handle low frequencies with amazing precision and little to no distortion.
The Sub6 can make a great choice for anybody who works in sound design or film where you have to relentlessly monitor the low end.
It isn’t the most affordable subwoofer on this list but it’s well worth the price if you’re a working professional.
See current price at: AmazonHonorable mentions
- PreSonus Eris Pro Sub 10. With an incredibly wide frequency response of 20 Hz – 200 Hz, the Eris Pro Sub 10 goes lower than any of the subwoofers I’ve mentioned for a fraction of the price. The bass here sounds tight and precise even at loud volumes, with very little distortion. The main caveat is its massive size and weight, but I think it’s worth it for the quality of its performance.
- Mackie MRS10. This subwoofer delivers very accurate and natural sound quality for the low asking price. However, its frequency response only extends down to 35 Hz, and depending on your setup, your studio monitors may already reach as low as 40 Hz. If this is the case, I recommend you look into other options that can add more to your setup. A difference of 3-5 Hz below what your monitors are capable of isn’t a worthwhile expense.
Conclusion
In conclusion, take your time when it comes to buying a subwoofer and really make sure that your studio can handle the extra bass response.
I know we already went over some of this in the beginning of this article, but if you haven’t invested towards proper sound treatment for your room, I recommend you try to take care of that before bringing a sub into the equation.
If you’re noticing issues with your current setup, a subwoofer will not ameliorate it.
