Best Mixing Subwoofers
Introduction
Owning a professional, studio-quality subwoofer isn’t just a dream for audiophiles—it’s something anyone serious about sound can aspire to. Unlike professionals, regular consumer subwoofers simply won’t cut it. These often come with built-in EQ curves designed to make music sound good on home theater setups, not in a studio.
While this can be great for movies and everyday listening, it’s a major drawback when mixing and mastering music. You won’t get a true, balanced bass response, which is crucial for making the right decisions in your audio projects.
The classic ‘2.1 setup’—two monitors plus a subwoofer—is becoming standard in home studios and mid-sized recording spaces with proper acoustic treatment. Getting the low end right has never been more important.
With factors like power, crossover frequency, enclosure type, and connectivity to consider, choosing the right studio subwoofer can feel overwhelming. There are so many options out there, all claiming to be the best.
In this article, we’ll help narrow it down by highlighting some of the best studio monitor subwoofers for your next low-frequency upgrade.
Just so you know, our reviews aren’t listed in any particular order—they’re randomized. We don’t want to rank them from best to worst.
Listed below are our Top 10 Best Mixing Subwoofers:
1. Neumann KH 750 10 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
The Neumann KH 750 DSP Studio Monitor is a compact, DSP-controlled subwoofer designed specifically for use in small studios. Equipped with a powerful 10-inch driver, the KH 750 delivers impressively deep bass and lightning-fast transient response. Additionally, you can install, align, and calibrate the Neumann KH 750 DSP remotely using the Neumann app.
The compact Neumann KH 750 DSP is a unique subwoofer and an ideal choice for smaller rooms and studio monitors. It features a versatile Bass Manager (2.0/0.1), analog and digital inputs, four different routing setups, and flexible acoustic controls for use in a variety of configurations.
The 10-inch long-throw driver uses a highly linear magnet system with ELFF (Extremely Linear Force Factor) technology. Since subwoofers are typically placed on the floor, a sturdy grille protects the driver from accidental damage. The ultra-compact, closed cabinet design offers the fastest possible transient response.
The two analog XLR inputs and two analog XLR outputs are all fully balanced. The 192kHz/24-bit digital input supports both AES3 and S/P-DIF signals.
There is also a bypassable standby function with switch-off times that can be adjusted in the Neumann Control iPad app. The Neumann KH 750 DSP is suitable for music, broadcast, and post-production environments for mixing, mastering, and recording.
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Neumann KH 750 10 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
2. Genelec 7040A 6.5 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
Finished in a sleek dark grey, the Genelec 7040A Studio Subwoofer is designed to deliver accurate low-frequency reproduction in compact production spaces. Its small footprint makes it ideal for project studios, mobile vans, and portable recording setups.
This subwoofer pairs perfectly with Genelec 8010A and 8020A studio monitors. It extends the low-frequency response down to 30 Hz and uses Genelec’s patented Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE) technology to provide both precise bass articulation and extended low-frequency performance.
In a stereo system, the 7040A can produce 100 dB of undistorted SPL through its 6.5″ woofer, powered by a robust Class-D amplifier.
Balanced XLR connectors are provided for both audio inputs and outputs. The built-in bass management splits the input signal at 85 Hz, directing frequencies below 85 Hz to the subwoofer and sending those above 85 Hz through the sub’s outputs to your main monitors. The output level matches the input level for seamless integration.
Two BASS ROLL-OFF switches allow you to adjust the bass response in three 2 dB steps to compensate for your room’s acoustics. There’s also a phase switch that lets you align the subwoofer with your monitors, with phase adjustment available in 90-degree increments from 0 to -270°.
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Genelec 7040A 6.5 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
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3. ADAM Audio Sub8 8.5-inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
The ADAM Audio Sub8 Subwoofer is another standout product from Adam Audio. Designed for smaller control rooms up to twenty square meters, the Sub8 delivers powerful sound with that signature Adam Audio quality.
If you’re looking for a solid subwoofer that can extend the low-frequency range of any monitoring system, the Sub8 is definitely worth a listen.
The Adam Audio Sub8 is a compact subwoofer made for small rooms, offering strong low-frequency extension. It’s considered a mid-range subwoofer, both in terms of its ability to handle deep bass and its price point. The Sub8 features an 8.5-inch woofer with a 1.5-inch voice coil, powered by a 160-watt ICE Power amplifier.
Small but powerful, the Sub8 is designed to enhance the low-frequency response of any nearfield monitoring setup, reaching down to 28Hz.
Thanks to its linear bass response, the Adam Audio Sub8 is an excellent addition to small studios. It’s the smallest subwoofer in Adam Audio’s lineup, but even with its compact cone, it can deliver impressively low frequencies (down to 28 Hz).
You’ll also enjoy a maximum sound pressure level (SPL) of 110 dB at 1 meter, along with a highly efficient 160-watt PWM amplifier. Plus, the 8.5-inch woofer features a special paper diaphragm for even better performance.
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ADAM Audio Sub8 8.5-inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
4. Yamaha HS8S 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
If you’re working in a small studio space (like a converted closet or a shed), a subwoofer as powerful as the HS8S can make a huge difference. However, it can also be a bit much—it might end up shaking the room and overpowering your mix instead of clarifying it.
The HS8S offers two types of inputs: XLR and TRS. So, no matter what kind of cables you need to use, you’ve got the flexibility to connect everything you need.
Whether you’re using microphone cables or standard instrument cables with a 1/4″ jack, you’re covered. With both high and low cut switches, you can protect your other speakers and avoid any blowouts.
This subwoofer also has mounting holes on the sides and ends, so if you want to mount it off the floor in your studio, you can easily do that. Plus, it’s fairly lightweight at just 27.5 lbs, making it possible to take this subwoofer with you on the road.
The Yamaha HS8S 8″ powered studio subwoofer is a deep-end sub that can really round out your sound. Its 8″ subwoofer delivers bass down to 22Hz.
It comes with a 150W amplifier that’s specifically designed for bass frequencies. If you’re looking for a subwoofer to boost your engineering, live sound, or music listening, the Yamaha HS8S could be just what you need.
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Yamaha HS8S 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
5. Mackie MRS 10 10 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
The Mackie MRS10 10” Active Studio Subwoofer is the perfect studio companion, designed for modern musicians, sound engineers, and music producers who demand unmatched accuracy, pure bass, and crystal-clear low-end.
Ideal for music with heavy bass, the deep-sounding Mackie MRS10 delivers a rich, extended response for a full musical experience, powered by 120 watts of Class-D amplification. The built-in adjustable crossover lets you set the perfect range to match your studio monitors.
At an affordable price, the Mackie MRS10 truly takes your sound to the next level. Experience the impact of a well-recorded kick drum or the depth of a powerful synth bass. When you need to hear those ultra-low frequencies, you need a subwoofer you can trust.
Paired with Mackie’s MR series studio monitors (or other quality monitors), the MRS10 adds “big monitor” capabilities—plus the flexibility to impress your clients every time.
The MRS10 also features a polarity switch (0 or 180 degrees) and comes with a footswitch to bypass the subwoofer for full-range monitoring when needed.
Onboard stereo XLR and TRS inputs/outputs provide versatile connection options. The all-wood construction ensures durability, while rubber feet absorb vibrations and minimize unwanted floor noise.
No matter what main monitors you use, your recordings will benefit from the full-range monitoring a subwoofer provides. Add a Mackie MRS10 to your setup and discover what you’ve been missing.
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Mackie MRS 10 10 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
6. Dynaudio 18S Dual 9.5 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
Are you tired of struggling to hear the low end in your recordings? The Dynaudio 18S is a professional-grade subwoofer that brings you all the way down to a tight and powerful 16Hz.
Feel the impact of a well-recorded kick drum and the full weight of a 5-string bass. You’ll also be able to identify any muddy low frequencies that need cleaning up. To accurately record sounds this deep, you need to be able to hear them clearly.
Adding the 18S to your monitoring setup unlocks a whole new level of performance, allowing you to record, mix, and master with precision. This results in tracks that translate perfectly beyond your studio.
The 18S uses dual-opposing 9.5″ long-throw MSP+ Hybrid Drive woofers and 500 watts of Class D amplification. Its smart DSP seamlessly matches its performance with popular Dynaudio high-end monitors, delivering true full-range monitoring that helps you make better recordings.
For the 18S, Dynaudio created a new driver called the MSP+ Hybrid Drive. Instead of their usual magnesium silicate polymer, this one is made from aluminum. It’s essentially a sandwich, with a paper backing and an MSP dust cap on the front.
Recently, the effectiveness of this sandwich construction has proven itself for subwoofers, which need an even more delicate balance of stiffness, lightness, and damping than regular speaker drivers. Beyond the impressive technology inside, we can confirm that the 18S’s performance is outstanding.
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Dynaudio 18S Dual 9.5 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
7. Kali Audio WS-12 12 inch Powered Subwoofer
The Kali Audio WS-12 is a subwoofer that pairs perfectly with Kali Audio studio monitors, but it also works well with other brands. Let’s check out the highlights before taking a closer look at this studio subwoofer.
The Kali Audio WS-12 has a lot to offer for both professionals and casual listeners. With its added flexibility for use in PA systems, it’s an appealing subwoofer. Let’s dive into the details to see what it brings to the table.
The low end is rich, full, and packs plenty of punch. Hard-hitting kicks and warm bass come through clearly. Explosions and special effects in movies sound impressively powerful and clear, which is a real highlight.
The WS-12’s frequency response is 30Hz–160Hz (±3dB), extending down to 23Hz–160Hz (-10dB). You get plenty of range here without distortion. In terms of output, the WS-12 reaches a maximum sound pressure level of 123dB.
That’s more than loud enough for any studio setting, but it’s also capable of handling light PA work. This is an interesting feature, since most studio gear is designed just for the studio. This hybrid approach adds extra value by allowing it to serve double duty.
We’re also big fans of the WS-12’s build quality. The 18mm plywood cabinet is solid and sturdy. The textured finish resists fingerprints and helps minimize scuffs and marks. The steel grille adds protection for the 12-inch woofer as well.
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Kali Audio WS-12 12 inch Powered Subwoofer |
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8. PreSonus Temblor T8 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
The Temblor T8 is built to be a lasting part of any project studio or editing suite’s monitoring system. Thanks to its built-in crossover, setup is simple—just connect the outputs from your interface, mixer, or monitor controller to the T8’s balanced 1/4″ TRS or unbalanced RCA inputs, then run the T8’s TRS or RCA outputs to your nearfield monitors.
On the rear panel, you’ll find a switch that engages an 80 Hz high-pass filter for the signal going to your nearfields. A low-pass filter knob lets you set the highest frequency the subwoofer will handle. Most of the time, we found it best to adjust the LPF manually and leave the HPF turned off.
Because the crossover controls are on the back—like most subwoofers—the T8 can be a bit tricky to dial in. But once it’s set up, it fits seamlessly into your system and feels like it belongs there. This helps you achieve dynamic, accurate bass response alongside your studio monitors.
The front power indicator lights up the T8’s PreSonus logo in blue when powered on; when in sleep mode (meeting EU Power Efficiency Requirements), the logo glows white. We love that you can just leave the sub on all the time (using only 0.5 W in standby) and never have to reach around your desk to find the power switch.
With a powerful yet controlled downward-firing 8″ glass-composite driver and a compact, front-ported cabinet (just under 12″ on all sides), the Temblor T8 offers a small footprint that won’t get in your way physically or sonically (when used tastefully, of course). You don’t see it or consciously notice it; you simply feel it.
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PreSonus Temblor T8 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
9. Focal Sub6 11 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
The Focal Sub6 is a large-volume cabinet design, featuring an 11″ woofer and a rear laminar port. This setup ensures consistent bass response, no matter how loud you need your system to go.
The control board is highly versatile, offering connectivity for 2.1, 2.2, and multichannel setups through L/R inputs and outputs, as well as LFE.
There are plenty of settings to help you achieve the perfect match with Solo6 Be and Twin6 Be monitors, including a dedicated high-pass crossover, adjustable phase, and stage management.
And here’s a small but important feature: the footswitch input. This lets you connect a pedal to mute the subwoofer and deactivate the high-pass crossovers on the monitor outputs. It makes switching monitoring modes simple and efficient during different stages of production.
On the rear panel, you’ll find many controls that let you customize how each part of your system behaves. The high-pass filter for the L/R signals going to your satellite speakers can be set to 75Hz, 100Hz, or bypassed entirely.
The Focal Sub6 Be’s low-pass filter is continuously adjustable between 50Hz and 150Hz, giving you flexibility in choosing how much low-frequency content the Sub6 Be handles.
Focal has been perfecting composite sandwich cone technology for more than 15 years. The “W” process (Glass/Foam/Glass), used in the SM11, SM8, and SM6 lines, allows for precise optimization of frequency response by carefully tuning mass, rigidity, and damping.
Balancing these three crucial—and often competing—factors is the key to the exceptional sound neutrality of Focal’s speakers.
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Focal Sub6 11 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
10. Genelec 7350A 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
If you’re looking for a subwoofer that pairs perfectly with Genelec’s active studio monitors, the Genelec 7350A active subwoofer is an excellent choice.
The 8-inch Genelec 7350A is a compact powered subwoofer, ideal for 2.1 or 5.1 setups when used with Genelec 8320A or 8330A studio monitors. It works great for both stereo and surround sound applications, whether in the studio or at home.
The 7350A features a single 8-inch driver powered by a 150 W amplifier. Despite its compact size, it delivers impressive power and can reach high SPL levels at a 1-meter distance. Its full frequency response ranges from 22 Hz to 150 Hz, ensuring you won’t miss any low-end frequencies.
The 7350A extends low-frequency performance down to 22 Hz, thanks to Genelec’s patented Laminar Spiral Enclosure (LSE). This unique design revolutionizes the delivery of high-volume, low-frequency energy in critical listening environments.
With the LSE, issues like turbulence from the bass port are completely eliminated, resulting in a smooth power response and clear, distortion-free bass.
The subwoofer is also fully equipped with Smart Active Monitoring (SAM) technology—Genelec’s most advanced and adaptable monitoring system.
The Genelec Loudspeaker Manager (GLM) software allows for precise adjustment of up to 30 Smart monitors and subwoofers, while AutoCal compensates for room acoustics to perfectly calibrate your setup for your listening environment.
Capable of outstanding performance, the 7350A is the subwoofer of choice for studios and facilities where both space and sound quality are equally important.
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Genelec 7350A 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer |
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Things to Consider When Buying a Mixing Subwoofer
Crossover Frequency Control and Integration
The frequencies below the crossover point are sent to the subwoofer. For the best results, set the crossover frequency where your main monitors start to roll off. Most studio subwoofers, whether large or small, feature switchable crossover frequencies, making it easier to integrate and match them with your main monitors.
Frequency Response
This specification refers to the range of frequencies the subwoofer can handle. For casual listening, you might want the lowest frequencies possible, but for studio monitoring, a slightly wider frequency response is preferred. This improves clarity and allows you to accurately hear your recordings and make precise adjustments.
Matching Subwoofer and Studio Monitors
If you already have studio monitors, your best choice for a subwoofer is one from the same manufacturer, and ideally, from the same line as your monitors. These subs are designed to fill in the frequencies your monitors lack.
If the manufacturer doesn’t offer a subwoofer for your specific line of monitors, try to choose the closest option from the same brand. If there isn’t a clear match or similar model, you’ll need to do some careful calculations to find the subwoofer that best suits your setup.
Conclusion on Studio Subwoofers
Choosing the best studio monitor subwoofer for extended low frequencies and tight bass will complete your studio monitor setup. A quality studio subwoofer will give your bass guitar a polished sound and enhance your overall sound quality, delivering more responsive and accurate bass.
To achieve tight and responsive bass during mixing, you need full-range monitors or a studio monitor subwoofer paired with your monitors. When searching for the best studio subwoofers, pay attention to important features like power rating, frequency response, crossover frequency, phase switch, and RCA inputs and outputs.
For balanced sound in your home studio, check your frequency spectrum and make adjustments to achieve the most accurate sound quality possible. Prioritizing sound quality in your music production is essential—even a small studio subwoofer can make a big difference.
It’s also good to know there are passive subwoofers, which require an external amplifier for power. Both active and passive subwoofers can deliver a flat frequency response and help you achieve the sound you’re after.
If you have any other questions about the topics we covered in this article, please let us know in the comment section and we’ll do our best to answer you as soon as possible!
