- Anthony
When it comes to sound, wattage is everything. When powering a passive subwoofer, you need to pick the right amplifier. The amplifier needs to be strong enough to give the subwoofer the power it needs to sound good without making any weird noises. Follow these steps to learn how to power a passive subwoofer.
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Passive Subwoofers
Passive subs don’t have their own built-in amplifiers and function just like traditional loudspeaker units. To power a passive subwoofer, you will need to connect it with an external amplifier.
Active or powered subwoofers, on the other hand, are self-contained. This passive subwoofer has a speaker or amp configuration that matches the characteristics of the amp speaker and the passive subwoofer speaker and is encased within the same enclosure. You don’t need an external amp for this sub.
Are Passive Better Than Powered Subwoofers?
Each passive sub has its pros and cons. It all depends on your budget, sound quality, and space.
Passive subs are lighter because they contain fewer components. They are also simpler to maintain. However, subwoofers’ performance does not depend on whether they are powered or passive.
Some people argue that a powered subwoofer sounds better, as it has built-in amplifiers. Active subwoofers, on the other hand, are more common because they sound better and don’t need any extra parts to do so.
The passive sub is a better option if you have a smaller room and don’t need loud sound. Because it is smaller and lighter, it is easier to transport. You can still position the amp to improve the sound, even if the passive subwoofer is plugged into an external amplifier.
How To Power A Passive Subwoofer
A passive subwoofer, unlike an active subwoofer which has amplifiers and speakers to produce the desired sound effects, requires a connection to both the amplifier and receiver to provide power. These steps will show you How to Connect a Passive Subwoofer to a Receiver.
Step 1: Check the Subwoofer
Before you attempt any wired connections, make sure to inspect the type of passive subwoofer that you have. Next, verify whether the active subwoofer has a dual voice coil or single call woofer system. Double voice-call woofers have more wiring options than single voice call ones.
You should read the manual and follow the recommendations depending on what you have. You don’t want to damage your sub- or subwoofer to a receiver.
Step 2: Double-check that You Have the Right RCA Cables
RCA is the most common connector between active subwoofers, receivers, and stereo transmitters. This connection is dependent on whether the passive subwoofer is a stereo or mono transmitter.
A monotype subwoofer will only require one RCA cable to connect a passive subwoofer to a receiver. If you have a stereo subwoofer you will need two RCA cables.
This step will verify that the cable color matches the subwoofer’s ports.
Step 3: Connect the External Amplifier
Passive subwoofers can be used with any external amplifier. You are allowed to play with any amp. Be careful when connecting it to an amplifier.
First, make sure that the passive subwoofer has been turned off. Next, connect the RCA cables to your sub and ten wires to the external amp. The jack on the amp where your RCA cables are connected should be labeled subwoofer output or LFE (low-frequency effects).
This is true even if more than one subwoofer is being connected.
Step 4: Connect the Amplifier to The Speakers
It is now time to connect your speakers after the external amplifiers have been wired to the passive subwoofer.
Look at the amp’s rear side for output jacks labeled “Front” or “Main“, then connect the speakers with the amp using the outputs. Ensure that both the left and right speakers are properly connected during this wiring step.
You should check the polarities label if your speakers don’t have labels. The speaker’s negative terminal should be connected to its amplifier’s negative terminal, as well as the positive terminal.
Step 5: Turn on the Sound System and Fine Tune the Sound to Your Loving
After everything is connected and the speakers and passive subwoofer are properly wired to the receiver switch on the main power supply. You should make sure the volume isn’t too loud while you do this test.
To control the sound quality, turn on the bass management feature of the receiver. This is the best time to personalize your home theater system. Also, listen out for distortions and errors in the sound quality.
Read also: Active Vs Passive Subwoofer: Which Is Better?
Follow These Steps To Power On Passive Subwoofers
1. Install the Subwoofer to Make Ready
As the first step, connect a passive subwoofer to the external amplifier to receive the bass sound effects.
2. Verify the Condition of the Other Speakers In The Subwoofers
You can confirm the location of the other speakers in your sub-woofer system and determine the frequency it should produce. This will allow you to locate the speaker that will make the desired base effects while setting the frequency at which it should produce.
3. Repair the Subwoofer for the Small Speakers
When fixing the passive subwoofer, consider the tiny speakers in either the correct or left position or the forward and back positions. The speakers should be separated so that they do not produce too loud sounds and the other has lower sounds.
4. Complete Connection Through the Entire Terminal
Your speakers, which are designed to produce warm sound to your ears, must have good connections to their passive ubwoofer to ensure they don’t get damaged by the power of the amplifiers. Ensure that the subwoofers are connected through all terminals.
Advantages of Powering A Passive Subwoofer
1. Cost-effective and saves money.
They are easier to use and maintain than passive subwoofers. Because it uses lower energy frequencies, passive subwoofers are less expensive to power.
You can also replace amplifiers in the event of damage, unlike active speakers, where you must buy new packages for each piece. You save more money when you power passive subwoofers.
2. Less chance of destroying the home theater system using power
The cables that transmit energy to the passive subwoofer amplifiers are not always in place after being used. This reduces the chance of power outages and saves you money on repairs.
3. This allows you to use different amplifiers.
You can power different amplifiers by powering a passive subwoofer. You can connect one to the external amplifier and then disconnect it when you have another. These amplifiers can be changed whenever you like until you find the one that suits your needs.
How to Link Passive Speakers to a Powered Subwoofer
If you are not familiar with electronics, working with them can be frightening. You will most likely need the help of an expert to complete a task.
Don’t worry if you have trouble connecting the powered subwoofer and passive speakers. These are the most basic tips to connect the powered subwoofer and passive speakers.
1. Use Stereo RCA
A signal from an LFE subwoofer that is not compatible with an amplifier or converter. Also, it is possible for the active subwoofer to have no LFE response. The subwoofer’s left and right RCA connections may be linked.
They could also have the spring hooks found on the backs specific standard speakers. You should check to make sure that the sub and amplifier have the same RCA terminals.
If the line to the subwoofer has a divide or a connector for the left and right stations, connect a passive subwoofer to both the right and the left ports. If there are two RCA connections on the amplifier, make sure to plug in the receiver’s RCA terminal.
If the receiver has spring clips that allow for the use of speaker wire connectors, you can connect the receiver’s speaker output to the subwoofer’s structure. This is similar to attaching a stereo speaker.
If you have one pair of spring clips, connect the receiver’s network with the sub as the speaker. Banana hooks can be used to connect all systems’ backs instead of partially covered wire.
2. Use An LFE
An LFE is the best way to integrate a sub. This is often called “Subwoofer” (or “Sub Out”) and it can be used through the speaker’s output.
This type of subwoofer output is available on all audio mechanism receivers as well as specific stereo speakers. LFE is the secondary output for subwoofers only; it stands for ‘Subwoofer’ and not LFE.
A dedicated bass-only sound signal will be used in the station audio format on cable TV and DVDs. This is so that a passive subwoofer can reproduce it better.
It allows the receiver/LFE amplifier or sub output connection to the subwoofer’s “LFE In” or “Line In”. It is a regular RCA cable.
3. Use XLRs
If the passive subwoofer and surround sound speakers can accept the jack wires, it is a better solution. In terms of sound quality, 3.5 mm speaker connectors, also known as XLR connections, are superior to RCA cables.
However, it is essential that both devices support the audio equipment for it to work. If your equipment isn’t too old, we are assuming it comes with jack connectors or RCA cables.
Read more:
- How To Tune A Subwoofer Box 2023?
- How To Connect Subwoofer To Receiver
- How To Make All Speakers Work On Surround Sound
FAQs
What Do I Need For A Passive Subwoofer?
Passive subs can be powered by an external amplifier, or audio/video (A/V), receiver. This is similar to traditional speakers.
Are Passive Subwoofers Worth It?
A passive subwoofer is better if you have limited space and don’t require a louder sound. These produce a more profound and more powerful sound without needing additional components.
What Is The Best Way To Power My Passive Subwoofer with No Amp?
Remove your speaker connectors from its mounting dock and allow access to the wiring. Position your passive subwoofer at the best location. Next, route the power supply and stereo cables to your Subwoofer. Finally, connect a passive subwoofer.
Is it Dangerous to Connect a Passive Subwoofer to a Receiver?
Although they can be dangerous, Passive subwoofers require high levels of power to reproduce bass. Your receiver might not be able to deliver enough power to enable your Subwoofer’s optimal performance. If you’re not careful, you could even damage the receiver! This is more likely with older gadgets and less expensive ones.
