Audiophiles always look for ways to boost the low end of their audio setup. Connecting one or more subwoofers to the soundbars is a great way to enhance the bass and create a great home theater setup.
But how to connect subwoofer to soundbar?
You can connect the subwoofer to the soundbar by using monoaural cables. You can also connect it wirelessly using the built-in Bluetooth system. Using a subwoofer and soundbar of the same brand ensures a hassle-free connection. Different brands of subwoofers and soundbars can also be connected but it can be a tricky process.
Let’s check out the detailed process of connecting wired and wireless subwoofers to your soundbar down below-
Can You Connect Soundbar To A Subwoofer?
Yes, you can connect the soundbar to a subwoofer. You can connect them using HDMI ARC, RCA cables, and optical or coaxial cables. But be careful because RCA cable can cause the subwoofer to hum. You can also connect the subwoofer and soundbar wirelessly.
The specifications and type of connection will vary depending on the model of the soundbar and subwoofer. Most importantly, your subwoofer should be compatible with the soundbar you want to connect.
Can You Connect a Wired Subwoofer to A Soundbar?
Yes, you can connect a wired subwoofer to a soundbar. You will require a monoaural audio cable for this. You need to plug this cable into the soundbar’s “Subwoofer Output” port and another side into the subwoofer’s “Input” port.
This will create a connection between your subwoofer and the soundbar.
Can You Connect Any Wireless Subwoofer To a Soundbar?
No, you can not connect any wireless subwoofer to a soundbar. Wireless subwoofers can be connected to soundbars which are specifically designed for native connection. Wireless subwoofer of the same brand automatically connects with the soundbar when they are plugged in.
Can You Connect More Than One Subwoofer to a Soundbar?
Yes, you can connect more than one subwoofer to a soundbar. But this completely depends on your soundbar’s capability. Some brands’ subwoofers can easily support two subwoofers at once while others don’t.
You need to check whether your soundbar comes with this compatibility or not.
How to Connect the Same Brand Subwoofer With the Soundbar?
Manufacturers usually recommend subwoofer models that are most compatible with their soundbars. Check your soundbar manual to see which subwoofers are specifically recommended for your soundbar. Let’s see how you can connect your subwoofer in both wired and wireless ways.
How to Connect the Same Brand Wired Subwoofer to A Soundbar?
You will require a monoaural audio cable for creating this connection. These one-channel cables ensure a proper connection between your subwoofer and the soundbar. You can find them on the online marketplace between $ 7-10.
Now, let’s move on to the steps in detail below.
Step 1: Identify the Output & Input Port
Check the rear end of your soundbar and look for a port named “Subwoofer Output”. Similarly, look for the “Input” port on your subwoofer’s rear end. Sometimes, it can be named “Soundbar Input” as well.
Step 2: Connect the Ports Using Monoaural Cable
Now, take the monoaural cable and plug in one end of the cable to the “Input” port and the other to the “Subwoofer Output” port. Your subwoofer is now connected to your soundbar.
Step 3: Plug in the Power Cords & Check the Connection
Next, you need to connect the power cords of the subwoofer and soundbar to the power outlets and turn them on. Once the devices have power, play music to check whether the subwoofer is working in sync with the sound system.
How to Connect Same Brand Wireless Subwoofer to A Soundbar
The same brand of wireless subwoofer and soundbars can be connected in two ways- automatically and manually. Let’s check both methods down below.
Automatic Connection:
First, you need to plug the power cords of the subwoofer and soundbar into the power outlets and turn them on. There’s a blue LED light on the subwoofer which will start blinking when the unit has power.
With the power turned on the soundbar and subwoofer will automatically connect with each other. The blue LED will glow continuously once this connection is established.
If the connection is not established, the blue LED will continuously blink. In such a case, you need to turn off the power of the subwoofer and soundbar and try again. If it still doesn’t work you need to follow the manual method of connecting them.
Manual Connection:
You will need the remote of your soundbar for this method. First, plug the soundbar and subwoofer into the power outlets. Turn the soundbar and subwoofer on. Use your remote to navigate the Audio Settings of your soundbar. Click on the “Pair” or “Add a Device” option.
Now, check the subwoofer’s rear end and look for the “Pair” or “ID SET” button. Press and hold this button until the blue LED starts blinking. Next, you need to select the subwoofer from the available devices option on your soundbar display.
Once the connection is created, the blue LED will glow continuously. If this process still doesn’t connect your subwoofer to your soundbar you may need to contact the manufacturers for further instructions on this.
Can You Connect a Different Subwoofer To A Soundbar?
Yes, you can connect a different brand subwoofer to a soundbar. But the soundbar needs to support SVS SoundPath RCA Audio Interconnect Cable. This cable is able to transfer high-quality sound without distortion.
The subwoofer, on the other hand, should have an input port and should be compatible with the soundbar’s audio output. Many wireless subwoofers don’t have an input port these days.
So, check the subwoofer for Input Port before buying. The Impedance level of both devices should match as well.
How to Connect Two Subwoofers to a Soundbar?
Some brands have a built-in system that supports dual subwoofers at the same time. This is an easy way to connect two subwoofers to a soundbar. Soundbars like Sonos ARC can support two subwoofers subsequently.
But they do require you to use subwoofers of Sonos for this connection.
The other option is to connect dual subs but you will only get sound in mono. So, the purpose of getting extra bass will not be met completely using this method.
Moreover, it’s best to use subwoofers and soundbars of the same brand while creating this connection. This will ensure premium sound quality.
You can use subwoofers of different brands but the sound quality won’t be good and there’s a heavy chance of distortion. The subwoofer may produce muffled sound as well.
How to Connect Two Wired Subwoofers to A Soundbar?
You will require an RCA Y-Splitter cable or a 3.5mm Y-Splitter cable for creating this connection. Moreover, your soundbar needs to have a Subwoofer output port.
Most soundbars now depend on wireless connections these days so check this option before you attempt to connect wired subwoofers. Now, follow the steps below one by one to connect them.
Step 1: Identify the Output & Input Port
Check the rear end of your soundbar and look for a port named “Subwoofer Output”. Similarly, look for the “Input” port on both of your subwoofer’s rear ends. Sometimes it can be named “Soundbar Input” as well.
Step 2: Connect Subwoofers & Soundbar Using a 3.5mm Y-Splitter
Now, take the 3.5mm Y-Splitter cable and plug in the single end to the soundbar’s “Subwoofer Output” port. The other part of the cable has two split ends. Connect these split ends to the “Input” ports of the two subwoofers. Your subwoofers are now connected to your soundbar.
Step 3: Plug in Power Cords & Check the Connection
Next, you need to connect the power cords of the subwoofers and soundbar to the power outlets and turn them on. Once the devices have power, play any music to check whether the subwoofers are working in sync with the sound system.
How to Connect Two Wireless Subwoofers to A Soundbar?
For wireless subwoofers, you need to connect one of the subwoofers using a Bluetooth connection and the other one by wire. Some wireless subwoofers do have an Input port but others don’t. So, make sure the wireless subwoofer you are picking has an Input port in it.
First, connect one subwoofer using the wired method we mentioned above and then connect the other subwoofer using wirelessly by simply turning them on.
MartinLogan Wireless Subwoofer kit can also be used to connect your subwoofers wirelessly. But this is used for more advanced setups. Moreover, it can only be used for MartinLogan Dynamo 600X, 1100X, and 1600X subwoofers.
This kit uses wireless audio transmission technology and has both a transmitter and receiver built into it.
Which Soundbar Do You Have? Making The Connection Easy for You!
Although most subwoofers these days get automatically connected while kept within the soundbars range. But here are specific instructions for the most well-known brands to help to connect the subwoofer to your soundbar.
Remember for the best compatibility, it’s always recommended to use the same brand of subwoofers and soundbar. This is why soundbars these days come with wireless subwoofers as a set.
How to Connect Subwoofer to Soundbar Samsung?
Samsung soundbars can be only compatible to connect with Samsung wireless subwoofers. Even then specific models are mentioned by Samsung to ensure connection without hassle.
So, check the instruction manual or contact Samsung customer care to see if the subwoofer you picked is compatible or not for your particular Samsung Soundbar.
Now, with the compatibility issue fixed, follow the steps below to connect Samsung subwoofer to the Samsung soundbar.
Step 1: Connect the Power Cords
First, connect the power cords to the back of the subwoofer and soundbar. Then, plug the power cords into the power outlets.
Step 2: Turn the Subwoofer & Soundbar On
Turn on both the subwoofer and the soundbar. A blue LED should start blinking at the rear end of your subwoofer. This indicates that the subwoofer has power and is waiting to pair with the source device.
Now, wait for a few seconds for the subwoofer to automatically connect with your soundbar. Within a few seconds, you will notice the blue LED light will remain solid. This means the soundbar and subwoofer have been connected.
If the blue LED doesn’t stop blinking, you need to connect them manually. First, turn off both the soundbar and subwoofer. Then turn the subwoofer on and press and hold the “ID SET” button for five seconds. This will turn off the Standby Red light and keep the blue LED light blinking.
From the soundbar remote, press and hold the “UP” button for 5-6 seconds. In some cases, you may need to hold the “Mute” button instead. You will notice “ID SET” appearing on your soundbar display and once the “ID SET” is complete the soundbar will automatically turn on.
The subwoofer’s blue LED will also stop blinking and stay on continuously, meaning the connection has been established.
Step 3: Check the Connection
Next, you need to play any bass-heavy music to see if the connection is working properly or not.
How to Connect Subwoofer to Soundbar Sony?
Sony soundbars are mostly designed to pair with a few Sony subwoofers. So, they usually come in packages. Here’s how to connect a Sony wireless subwoofer to a Sony soundbar.
Plug in both devices properly and turn them on. Some devices have a small range of connectivity so try to keep them close. Sony subwoofers have the indicating LED light at the front of the subwoofer in most cases. But some models might have them in the back as well.
Once the subwoofer is turned on you will notice the subwoofer flashing Red LED. This LED will turn Green automatically within 5-6 seconds. When the LED is green it means the subwoofer has been connected to the soundbar.
If the LED doesn’t change, wait for a few more seconds and then turn both devices off. Turn them on again and see if the connection is established or not. If the LED still doesn’t change color, you need to reset the subwoofer and soundbar connection.
This reset is an easy process but varies depending on the specific model. So it will be best to check your instructions manual regarding this.
How to Connect Subwoofer to Soundbar Yamaha?
Connecting a wired Yamaha subwoofer to its soundbar is similar to the process we described above.
The wireless Yamaha subwoofers get automatically connected when turned on. If they are not connected, you need to unplug the power cords and reconnect them. This usually solves the problem.
If the problem still persists you need to check Yamaha’s manual for specific instructions to connect them.
How to Connect Subwoofer to Soundbar JBL?
JBL wired subwoofers get connected in the same method as we mentioned. For wireless subwoofer pairing, it should be connected automatically.
If not, you need to connect them using the soundbar remote. First, turn on both the subwoofer and the soundbar. Now, press the subwoofer “Connect” button at the rear end and wait for the LED to start blinking.
After that press the “Dim Display” button on the soundbar remote continuously for 5 seconds. Follow this by pressing the “Bass +” and “Bass -” buttons, this will display “Pairing” on the soundbar.
Within 2-3 seconds the soundbar will display “Connected” and the blinking light will stay on continuously. Thus, the subwoofer to soundbar connection is established.
If this doesn’t connect your subwoofer and soundbar, you need to turn off the system and try this method again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I Use My Soundbar Without the Subwoofer?
Yes, you can use a soundbar without a subwoofer. Many soundbars come with built-in speakers that can produce a wide range of frequencies. But check whether your subwoofer has a built-in subwoofer or not, otherwise, you will have to compromise experiencing deeper bass sound.
Is the Subwoofer Considerably Better than the Speaker?
The subwoofer is better than a speaker only in case of producing low-frequency sound. It also helps greatly in overall sound quality by reducing stress on the speaker. With a subwoofer connected to the system, your audio is bound to be clearer and crisper than before.
Is it Okay to keep your Subwoofer On all the time?
Yes, you can keep your subwoofer on all the time but only if it has built-in “Standby Mode” Standby mode will ensure less consumption of electricity and last much longer. Subwoofers without this mode should be turned off after use.
Conclusion
That was all about how to connect subwoofer to soundbar. Hopefully, you are able to connect your subwoofer to your soundbar without any issues.
If any problem does arise don’t hesitate to contact the manufacturers. You can also comment down below about the situation we would love to help you out.
Until Next time!
Read also: RCA Home Theater Projector
