by Crutchfield's Buck Pomerantz
In this article... I'll show you how to tune your amplifier to get your subwoofers to sound just the way you want them to. Just follow these simple steps for great bass:
- Step 1. Remove the distortion
- Step 2. Flatten the signal, open the low-pass filter
- Step 3. Adjust the subwoofer gain and low-pass filter
- Step 4. Adjust the bass boost and subsonic filter
- Step 5. Match the subwoofer level to the receiver volume
One of the things I like most about subwoofers is that I can feel the musical emotion directly with my body. The low frequency beat often forces me to dance around, or, at the very least, nod my head along with the rhythm. That's why we all like music in the first place — it moves us.
It can take a little time and effort to get the exact bass sound you want from your subs, but the rewards of a well-tuned subwoofer system are overwhelmingly cool and physically satisfying.
Before we get started...
If you are looking for information about buying subwoofers, please read our Subwoofer Buying Guide and check out our selection of top-rated subwoofers, then come back here to learn more about setting them up to deliver great sound.
First, set your speaker level
Keep in mind, distortion is the enemy — it destroys speakers, subs, and eardrums. Distortion sounds like crackling, flapping, crunching, or hissing that interferes with the distinct sound of a musical instrument. If you power your full-range car speakers with an amplifier, it is crucial that the amp's gain is properly set to prevent distortion.
[Need an amplifier? See our full selection.]
Step 1: Remove the distortion
With the amp gain set low, play some music and turn up your receiver's volume until you hear the music distorting; then back off the volume until the music sounds clean again. Note or mark where the receiver's volume is. This setting is the maximum volume your receiver can go to and still play cleanly.
Now, turn the amp's gain up until you hear distortion again; then back off the gain slightly until the distortion goes away. The amp gain is now set, so you can lower the receiver volume to a more comfortable level. Even if your speaker system does not have an amplifier, you still need to find that maximum volume point on your receiver by turning it up to just below distortion level.
Now you're ready for some bass
Step 2: Flatten the signal, open the low-pass filter
Turn your sub amp's gain to its lowest, most counter-clockwise position. Switch its low-pass filter on and set it as high, clockwise, as it will go. If it has a bass boost, turn it off. If it has a remote level control, set it to its middle position so, later, you have the choice of boosting or cutting the bass on an individual song.
Adjust your receiver's bass tone control to its middle, zero, or "flat" setting, whichever it's called on your stereo. If it has a subwoofer level control, set it, also, to its middle, or "no gain" setting. Sometimes receivers have a crossover, low-pass filter, or bass boost on their subwoofer output. Make sure those are all turned off, too.
Start by turning the gain down, and turn off your filters and bass boost.
Note: Do not use the low-pass filters, crossovers, or bass boosts on the receiver and the amplifier at the same time. Use one or the other, but not both. The reason is that something called phase distortion generates around each filter or boost's crossover frequency, muddying up the sound.
Step 3: Adjust the subwoofer gain and low-pass filter
Play music through your receiver at about one-quarter volume. Turn up the gain of the subwoofer amp until the sound from your subwoofer completely overpowers the other speakers, without distorting.
Turn the gain up until it distorts, then back it off until the sound is clean again.
While listening to the music coming out of your sub, slowly adjust the sub amp's low-pass filter downward until all the high- and mid-frequency notes disappear.
The low-pass filter eliminates the notes you don't want your subwoofer to play. It also acts like a tone control to capture the "edges" of the kick drum's sound; the attack and release of its boom. Filter out the cymbals, strings, vocals, and guitars. Leave the bass and the low drums.
Step 4: Bass boost and subsonic filter
If you have a bass boost, try carefully turning it up to hear what the bass drum sounds like when you do. Applying just a little bass boost will bring up the kick a lot. Be careful with the bass boost, if you choose to use it — this is where distortion is often introduced into a system. If you hear distortion, lower the sub amp's gain until it goes away. Use the bass boost to feel the beat in the air your sub moves.
Now play with the bass boost.
For ported subwoofers, use a subsonic filter on your amplifier to tame any overly loud low notes. This will help decrease the levels of the notes at which the enclosure resonates. Fine-tune all the filters some more to make the bass drum sound tight and dry or loose and reverberant, according to your personal taste. I like reggae and soul, so my bass is plenty loud, but it's a bit drier than most people might like.
The important thing is to keep adjusting your system until you hear something you like. When you're satisfied with the tone of your system's bass and kick, turn the subwoofer's volume down as far as you can, using the subwoofer level in the receiver's sound adjustment menu or the remote bass knob if you have one.
Blending all the frequencies
Now that each piece of the puzzle is set, it's time to bring all the music into focus.
Step 5: Matching the subwoofer level to the receiver volume
Turn up the receiver's volume to its maximum, distortion-free position. Then slowly turn up the subwoofer volume until the bass sounds balanced with the rest of the music. That should do it.
Run your remote bass boost or level control up and down a little to hear what it does. Because of the size of the acoustic space in a car, subwoofers sometimes don't combine their sound constructively with the rest of a system's sound waves. If your bass has plenty of volume but seems to lack punch, you can sometimes help it by reversing your sub's speaker leads. This reverses the subwoofer cone's forward and backward movements, which might put all the sound waves together better than the other way. Whichever way sounds best is the right way.
Troubleshooting any problems
If you hear distortion coming from your subs, turn down the sub amp's gain. If, at this point, you cannot get enough bass out of your subwoofer to keep up with the other speakers without distorting, then you will need to get a bigger subwoofer and amplifier combination, with higher power-handling abilities.
You shouldn't lower the gain of your full-range amplifier to try and match your lack of subwoofer volume. Doing so could allow the amp to send out distorted, clipped signals to your full-range speakers, defeating your goal for clean, full sound, which is why you put in a subwoofer to begin with. More power, especially in the bass, is always better than not having enough.
Now you should be able to enjoy the robust fullness and beat of your music with your sub tuned up to match your system's capabilities and your ear's preference. Just remember to be polite, and turn your boom volume down when it might bother other people.
Learn more about sound tuning
For more information on how to tune your car sound stystem, see Adding a 4-Channel Amp. To learn more about getting the best sound out of your amplifier, take a look at our Amplifiers FAQ and Glossary articles.
Comments (283)
Please share your thoughts below.
-
Tylar Bisnett
Posted on 2/23/2024
I am thinking about purchasing a rockford fosgate punch p1-2x10 loaded, vented enclosure, powered by a rockford fosgate r2-500x1 prime 500-watt mono amplifier with a Rockford rfk4x 4 awg complete amplifier install kit. all of this will be going in my 2019 bmw 430i gran coupe which has the base factory stereo. I am looking to add more punch and clean, low-end bass to my sound system. do you think these will do the job?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/24/2024
Tyler, If you really are considering purchasing products, give us a call - and please stop posting comments on articles that have nothing to do with what you're looking for.
-
Dave O from Simpsonville, SC
Posted on 11/2/2023
I have a 2022 Accord Hybrid with factory 8 speaker ("160 watt"). Starting a two phase project. Phase 1 - disconnect the Active Noise Cancellation and turn off Speed Volume Control. Then adding a Sound Ordinance B-8P-120 in the trunk and tapping into speaker wire using a Kicker KISLOC2 for RCA inputs. Since all I have are Treble/Mid/Bass settings in the factory head unit, do the same directions apply? Any other suggestions? Crossover setting, head unit bass settings, etc?Phase 2 - switch out factory speakers, but no change to head unit. Will use the full power of those "160 watts". Lol...........
-
Matt from Missouri Bootheel
Posted on 8/19/2023
Hello, I have a system in my Maxima (geared towards SPL), I kept my factory head unit and just installed a Digital Sound Processor, which has crossover adjustment, along with a 13 band equalizer for each channel.... Just so I understand your article here clearly, Currently I'm using my DSP to set the high and low pass filters AND the ones on my amps.... So I shouldn't be using both???
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 8/21/2023
Matt, You should use the tone controls and signal processing in your DSP, and not add in any more processing from the amplifier, as it will introduce distortion - processing a processed signal.
-
Taylor from Decatur
Posted on 7/15/2023
I have an alpine V-power MRP M500 amp and a kicker 10tcvt102 sub-woofer using RCA cables to a Pioneer DEH-X191OUB receiver. The sub-woofer works simultaneously. It will work for a minute and then shutoff, sometimes not work at all. I have been trying to fix this issue for a few weeks. What is causing the sub-woofer to do this? Could it be crossover setttings? Wiring? What could it be?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 7/17/2023
Taylor, It sounds liked you've either got a loose connection somewhere in the wiring, or your vehicle has an automatic noise control system that's playing havoc with the bass.
-
Andrew from San Antonio
Posted on 5/16/2023
Thanks for the article. I have a Pioneer GM D9701 that only has gain and frequency settings. Head unit is DMH-241EX. In step 3 should I use the head unit's LPF? In step 4 should I use head units bass boost? Also, I plan on running 2 Kicker L7R124 (1200 RMS @ 1 ohm) in a 4.5 cu ft box. How should I proceed with the frequency setting on the amp? Thank you.
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 5/16/2023
Andrew, Use the low-pass filter on your amp or receiver - just not both at the same time. Start by setting it around 100 Hz and then adjust to taste. If you want to boost the bass, use the bass boost that's available.
-
Mrjoe from Mount Washington
Posted on 4/29/2023
Being 55 and addicted to bass I have always had a system in whatever I drive I appreciate the how to sections on your site in your catalog I don't know if you have a catalog anymore but thank you Crutchfield for the continued years of free support and technology updates I'm usually happy around 37hz
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 5/1/2023
Mrjoe, We still publish a catalog every three months or so. You can sign up to get them by filling out a form at this link.
-
Jesse from Jonesboro
Posted on 4/7/2023
That was very insightful, I was on the right track on adjusting gains etc but wasn't aware of some that was mentioned very helpful will have to file it away for future reference thanks guys!! All about clarity ,rich ,crisp sound!!
-
Eric from Honolulu
Posted on 3/11/2023
i have the jl stealth box 10w3v3-2 and the jl HO112-W6V3 and to two jl XD600/1v2 amp one for each sub. Do i set the gains using the 5 steps and what should i set the cross over for each sub
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 3/13/2023
Eric, Set the gain and low-pass filter of each amplifier separately, one amp at a time. You may have to disconnect one while setting up the other.
-
Samuel from Suva
Posted on 2/11/2023
RE: Step 2. My android receiver has a subwoofer volume control setting from 1 to 10. How much should I set it to in Step 2?
Buck Pomerantz from Crutchfield
on 2/13/2023
Samuel, You treat the receiver's sub level control just as if it was a separate wired remote level control - set it to its middle position so, later, you have the choice of boosting or cutting the bass on an individual song.
-
DD
Posted on 1/14/2023
The first few years I was using my $10,000 car audio system, I left all the amp settings at the car audio shop expert-tuned settings, and left it where it was dialed in with a spectrum analyzer and Audison bit tune microphone setup. Finally today I adjusted everything manually myself - increased the amp gains slightly, set most the EQ curves to flat, and adjusted the crossover settings in the audio processor. Night and day difference. My manual tuning sounds sooooo much better than the "scientific" tuning. I have an ear for this stuff, I used to be a musician. I think that in the end, you have to play with the settings and avoid settling for automatically determined adjustments.
The easiest way to shop car audio online
Find what Fits your vehicle
Remove
Checking fit...
Related products
Loading...
Adding...
$139.99 each
Loading...
Adding...
$99.95 each
Loading...
Adding...
$219.99
Related articles & videos
See all
- Car subwoofer buying guide Our subwoofer shopping guide will help you determine which kind of subwoofer and bass system you need to get the sound you want. by Crutchfield's Bob B.
- How to match subwoofers and amplifiers This step-by-step guide will help you make sure that your amps and subs are evenly matched and work well together. We explain how to select one to go with the other. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
- What are dual voice coil subwoofers? Dual voice coil subwoofers are a popular choice among car audio enthusiasts who want more flexibility in wiring their sound systems. by Crutchfield's Bob B.
- How to choose a subwoofer box Subwoofers in sealed boxes play "tight" bass, while ported boxes sound "boomy." Which type you need depends on the style of music you like and how you want it to sound. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
- Subwoofers FAQ Which subwoofer will sound the loudest? Or the deepest? Which hits harder: one 12" sub or two 10" subs? How much power do I need? These answers and more in our FAQ. by Crutchfield's Crutchfield Writing Team
- Subwoofer wiring diagrams There are many ways to connect subwoofers to an amplifier. Our wiring diagrams will help you find the best way to wire your subs and amps so you'll get the most powerful performance out of your gear. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
- How to build a subwoofer box Helpful tips and step-by-step instructions for designing and building your own custom subwoofer box. We walk you through the math and the actual build in detail, so you'll know how to do it yourself. by Crutchfield's Robert F.
- Headlights dim when the music plays Here we discuss the most popular fixes for an underpowered electrical system: the big 3 upgrade, a capacitor, a high output alternator, and a second battery. by Crutchfield's Buck P.
- Subwoofer Installation Guide This article describes the steps involved in installing a subwoofer in your vehicle. by Crutchfield's Crutchfield Writing Team
Compare the sound
SpeakerCompare™
Patented Virtual Audio™ technology for auditioning speakers online
Recommended
You can change this setting any time by clicking 'Headphones' in the main menu.
Don't see your headphones?
Rent our Listening Kit
SpeakerCompare™ is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation.
SpeakerCompare™
Patented Virtual Audio™ technology
Audition speakers before you buy
SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision.
To get started: For the best sound comparison, we recommend selecting your brand and model of headphones in the right-hand column, or if your headphones aren't listed, you can rent one of our Listening Kits.
SpeakerCompare™ is protected by patents and patent applications owned by Crutchfield Corporation.
SpeakerCompare™
What to listen for
Track notes
Artist
- analyzer
- log
- linear
- messages
We're here to help
For free personalized advice, call 1-888-291-8923. Our Advisors have listened to most of the speakers we carry, and can help you make the best choice for your system.
We'd love to know what you think
Select your headphones
Recommended
You can change this setting any time by clicking 'Headphones' in the main menu.
Don't see your headphones?
Rent our Listening Kit
Select a track to start listening
Audition speakers before you buy
SpeakerCompare simulates the sound of home and car speakers through your headphones. It lets you compare sonic characteristics between speakers so that you can make a more informed shopping decision.
Why selecting your headphones is important
SpeakerCompare tailors your listening experience to the exact headphones you have, so that what you hear is comparable to auditioning speakers side-by-side in person. Knowing which model headphones you’re using lets us remove any sonic coloring from your experience.
Two different listening modes
In an actual listening room, you'd find that some speakers play louder than others when fed the same amount of power. In equal power mode, you'll hear these differences in loudness as they naturally occur between speakers.
In equal volume mode, we've made the loudness of each speaker about the same. This gives you a more direct comparison of subtle voicing differences between speakers.
Nothing beats listening to speakers in your space
SpeakerCompare gives you a sense of the sonic differences. But performance in the real world is affected by the acoustics of your car or home, your choice of amplification, and your source material. We still believe that the gold standard for auditioning speakers is hearing them in your own environment — that’s why we offer a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Our Listening Kit
To help you choose the right speakers, we recommend using Crutchfield’s SpeakerCompare Listening Kit. It includes a pair of studio-quality headphones, and a guide to getting the most out of your session, and a few other necessary items. We’ve carefully chosen the components of this kit to ensure a crystal-clear listening experience. It’s available for a nominal rental fee, and includes a $25 Crutchfield merchandise credit.
Request a kit
Rate your experience with SpeakerCompare
Thank you for your feedback!
We'd love to know what you think
