If you’re wondering, if Can you lay a subwoofer on its side, the answer is yes! You might want to do this if, for example, you want to save room or need to put the subwoofer in a tight spot. But there are also a few things to remember, like making sure the speaker is level and that there is enough airflow.
Keep reading for more useful information.
Contents
Down Firing vs. Front Firing Subwoofers
Subwoofers can be either front-firing or down-firing. This means that the sound will come from either the side or the bottom of the subwoofer.
A few examples show that the driver’s placement determines the firing direction. The Klipsch Synergy Sub-120 Subwoofer (on Amazon) is front-firing. However, the REL Acoustics Sub-120 Subwoofer on side is down-firing. This is because we cannot see the driver’s face.
A front-firing subwoofer can’t be used with a down-firing one. Front-firing subwoofers vibrate the air. Subwoofers with down-firing are made to vibrate the floor. As we have explained in our article on hardwood vs. Carpet subwoofer placement, there are additional considerations that you should make about the placement.
These functions can be switched, and down-firing subwoofers will be too powerful or muffled. You must ensure that your subwoofer’s functionality is maintained. A down-firing subwoofer should be placed close to the listening area. These subs are usually placed right next to or behind the seating area.
Front-firing subwoofers are designed to align with the rest. Audiophiles may prefer to place their subwoofer slightly forward due to the bass frequencies.
When You Can Put a Subwoofer on Its Side
However, front-firing subwoofers can be placed on their sides, provided that the speaker faces the listening area. You can place it on its side, but only one axis can be rotated. This shouldn’t be a problem in most cases.
Front-firing subwoofers must face the listening area. For example, if placing your subwoofer, the speaker will face sideways. This will reduce the bass that you hear.
Your sound will be muffled if you have a front-firing or down-firing subwoofer. The speaker is not calibrated to allow floor amplification. It is possible that the speaker does not rest above the floor, making amplifying the sound impossible.
They are meant to be part of the front-firing subwoofers on your TV console, but that doesn’t mean they have to be. They should be at the same distance as your other speakers. Some TV consoles may be larger than others.
Subwoofers can sometimes be placed on their sides to fit better in these spaces. If you are looking for the best setup for your space, be sure to read our article on soundbar and subwoofer placement.
When You Can’t Put a Subwoofer on Its Side
It is virtually impossible to place a down-firing Subwoofer on its side while maintaining the same sound quality it was designed for. You can’t place a down-firing subwoofer on its side.
Down-firing subwoofers are meant to be in the listening area and not part of your TV console.
Bass frequencies are slower and require greater power to transmit. Subwoofer placement and orientation are crucial to your overall sound profile.
Down-firing subwoofers cannot be placed on their sides. They are designed to amplify the bass by using the floor. They amplify the bass more effectively if they are oriented on their sides.
Because they vibrate the floor, down-firing subwoofers may use a different frequency than a front-firing one. If you place a down-firing sub sideways, it can distort your sound.
Where to Put a Subwoofer
Think about where a subwoofer should go in the room before you decide if you want or need one. Wireless subwoofers can be placed anywhere in the room.
You won’t get the best subwoofer sound quality if you place it anywhere. It is best to keep the subwoofer at least four to five feet away from your speakers. It doesn’t matter if the subwoofer has a wireless connection or not. This will ensure the highest quality sound quality.
These are some places you might not want to place a subwoofer.
Corners
In some cases, you can put your speaker in the corner of your living room. A corner with a subwoofer can improve the bass. However, depending on your room, it may give too much reinforcement to your bass, making it sound boomy.
You won’t be capable of distinguishing the different frequencies and sounds when this happens. You won’t enjoy music that has a lot lower pitch. The corner might be your best choice if you prefer music that doesn’t have a lot of basses.
Center of the Wall
Your subwoofer can be placed in the middle of one wall. It’s best to place it in the middle of the wall. Although it may be far from the corner, it could still benefit from reinforcement.
It doesn’t matter if the bass is in a corner. However, you may not get the best sound from the wall’s center.
Rule of Thirds
Follow the rule of thirds if you have enough space in the middle. This rule says that your subwoofer should be placed about a third distance from any wall. This rule is particularly useful if your subwoofer will be used for a home theatre.
It can be useful if you enjoy listening to music in your office or other rooms. Make sure the subwoofer doesn’t tip over.
Can You Lay A Subwoofer On Its Side
A subwoofer can be placed on its side in certain situations. The subwoofer can be placed sideways if it is front-firing. This can only be done if the speaker faces the listening area. The speaker cabinet must allow the subwoofer’s side to be stable, but most speakers do.
It is not possible to place a down-firing subwoofer on its side. The speaker cannot be placed on its side as it must face the ground to function properly. Down-firing speakers should not be placed in areas where space is limited. They should be placed near the listening area and not in a console.
Now you know where on the side of your home audio you can put a subwoofer. You’re one step closer to getting your home theater set up.
How to Put a Subwoofer on Its Side
Can you put a subwoofer on its side? You will eventually be able to hook your subwoofer up once you have found the right place. You might find it doesn’t work in the best position. You might find your desk too small and need to place the subwoofer sideways to ensure it’s close to the speakers.
Although where you put a subwoofer in the room will affect its sound quality, it’s not the only thing that counts. Even if your sub is the most powerful in the world, it won’t help if the sound isn’t balanced.
Think about how big your speaker should be and whether you can make it smaller. Also, place your subwoofer correctly so it doesn’t fall apart. You may need extra protection depending on where you are.
Consider the Shape
Some subwoofers can be placed on their side, while others can stand upright. If the cables are positioned awkwardly, the subwoofer will not need to be placed on its side.
If your subwoofer is not a perfect cube, it may not fit exactly where you need it to. The device may work if it is turned to the side. It’s important to make sure the subwoofer is stable and won’t break if it’s put in a small space.
Consider the Size
You may also need to consider the size. For amplifying desk speakers, a smaller subwoofer will be a better choice. The Polk Audio PSW111 (Amazon Link) is an 8-inch cubic subwoofer ideal for home theaters or other spaces.
If you have a home studio, you might need a larger model to fill it. The SVS SB-4000 subwoofer (Amazon) is smaller and more compact. It’s also a bit larger, making it better for larger spaces. It’s not always the best way, but it can help you decide if you should put a speaker on its side.
Consider the Design
A subwoofer’s design can impact where it should be placed and whether it should be placed on the side. A cubic subwoofer, for example, would be simpler to adjust as the center would remain the same.
A rectangular subwoofer would have a different weight distribution. You don’t want the subwoofer to rest on the speaker diaphragm or bass reflex port.
Even if there is enough space to put it on the side or up, think about how this might impact the design and the sound.
Consider What Sound You Want
You probably want the best sound possible, which is why subwoofers are so popular. However, the definition of “best sound” is subjective, so you will need to define what it means for you.
You might like music with strong bass, so it is important to hear all frequencies. You might also have a home audio system and want all frequencies to be heard equally.
Also, consider whether you want more bass or want to increase the quality. Although you will get more bass if your subwoofer is placed near a corner, it will not improve its sound quality. You may be able to hear it better if your subwoofer is further away from the wall.
Some relevant posts:
- How To Break In A Subwoofer?
- How To Make Subwoofer Louder?
- Why Does My Subwoofer Sound Weak?
- Can You Use A Soundbar As A Center Speaker?
- How Long Do Subwoofers Last 2023?
FAQ
Can you lay a Samsung subwoofer on its side?
- The subwoofer can lie on its side but not on its cloth side.
- The rear of the room, facing the TV, is okay. That’s how I set up my subwoofer.
- Spending $1200 on the Samsung K950 Soundbar Atmos is a huge waste of money, not using the subwoofer.
Does it matter where you position a subwoofer?
A subwoofer placed in the corner of a room will increase its output and make it sound louder. A subwoofer, especially a wireless one, is very versatile. It can be placed almost anywhere in your floor space. There is no one way to find the perfect spot. It’s all up to you.
Can I put a subwoofer on the carpet?
You can place the subwoofer on the carpet. The sound should then be transmitted from the subwoofer to the rest of your soundscape. The advantage of carpeting is that subwoofer manufacturers are expecting it.
Can a subwoofer be placed on a shelf?
A subwoofer can be placed on a shelf if it is sturdy and dense enough. Subwoofers produce omnidirectional low-end sound waves, meaning the bass can be heard. If your shelf is too close to the wall, or if it is not strong and heavy enough, a subwoofer may reverberate and produce unwanted vibrations.
Conclusion
Assuming that you are referring to the best way to place a subwoofer in a vehicle, the answer would be to lay it on its side. This allows for the evenest bass distribution and eliminates the possibility of the subwoofer becoming lodged under a seat.
