Do you consider yourself an audiophile? What if your sound system’s frequency is too low? In contrast, you’d like to listen to music at a high volume? It’s not a problem. You can connect them to subwoofers. Yes! A high volume of audio will be available for your enjoyment.
Are you Having trouble connecting a powered subwoofer to passive speakers? Are you concerned that you don’t know how to do it? There’s nothing to worry about. We’ve resolved your problem. In this article, we will cover every aspect of powered subwoofers and passive speakers that you may be interested in learning more about.
What Is a Powered Subwoofer?
If you are unaware of the powered subwoofer, let me explain that to you.
As the name implies, active subwoofers, sometimes known as powered subwoofers, are equipped with their own power source, such as an integrated amplifier.
Another key point is powered subwoofers are used to reproduce low frequencies that other types of speakers are incapable of reproducing accurately or clearly.
What Are Passive Speakers?
What are passive speakers and how they are different from active speakers? Here is the answer!
In general, active and passive speakers are the two types of speakers available. This design incorporates an amplifier that is incorporated within the speaker.
Active speakers, often known as powered speakers with subwoofers in a two-way configuration, are speakers that are powered by electricity. It surprisingly comes with two speakers as well as a subwoofer for sound reinforcement.
Passive speakers, on the other hand, are those that are powered by an external amplifier.
It is connected to the receiver by a speaker wire, which is most commonly an RCA connector cable. This variant is commonly used by professional DJs since it allows them to have better control over the amplifier and subwoofer output.
How to Add a Sub to Powered Speakers?
There are different methods available to add a sub to powered speakers. Notably, I have covered all the following down below:
Method 1: Connect a Powered Subwoofer to Passive Speakers by RCA Connectors
Comparatively, this is the easiest and fastest way to connect a powered subwoofer to a speaker. Two devices are linked together by a stereo RCA cable. On the positive side, there are both audio and video signals that can be sent through the connection at the same time.
They usually come in pairs because they carry stereo both signals at once. Remember that unless the speakers are connected to a power amplifier, they won’t be able to make sound. So, remember to connect the two.
Step 1:
To start, make sure there is a “OUT” on the speaker and “LINE IN” on the subwoofer.
Step 2:
Hook up the cable to the R and L ports of the sub. If the sub has a y-type or split cable, connect it to those ports.
Step 3:
Significantly, spring clips are also present on the back of some powered subwoofers, like normal speakers do. If it has this, then link the wire of speaker to the receiver’s subwoofer output with the wire from the speaker.
The method is also used in a simple stereo speaker.
Step 4:
Use banana clips to connect it to the speaker’s ports if there is only one set of spring clips.
Method 2: Connect a Powered Subwoofer to Passive Speakers by LFE
The second method is using LFE.
Low-frequency effects (LFE) are designed to correctly reproduce bass tones. It is commonly referred to as “Sub Out” or “LFE output” on speakers. As an illustration, connecting the subwoofer output connector on the receiver to the “Line In” port, enables the subwoofer to be heard.
The majority of speakers have low-frequency impacts. The 5.1 channel can be used to connect to the speakers in this case.
Method 3: Connect a Powered Subwoofer to Passive Speakers with XLR Cables
Verify that both the passive speaker and powered subwoofer are compatible with jack wires. By the same time, the only difference is that you must use XLR cables or 3.5mm plugs in this case. These are known to be better than stereo RCA cables.
However, our specialists tell us that in order for this to work; both devices must be able to accommodate XLR cords. It must be remembered, before purchasing an XLR cable, make sure that it is compatible with the subwoofer and speaker. If you have an extremely old system, it is possible that XLR ports are not available. As a result, there will be no way to make this link.
To get the best results from your connection of a powered subwoofer to passive speakers, you must consider its power, bass, price, and port.
