How To Calibrate a Subwoofer (The Basics) | ADAM Audio

How To Calibrate your Subwoofer (The Basics) | ADAM Audio
The benefits of adding a subwoofer to your system is covered in other videos. This video goes in-depth with how to calibrate your system for the most accurate monitoring possible. We use A-weighting on our SPL meters.
Click here to download the calibration files
Sub 8 (A5X): www.adam-audio...
Sub 10 MK2 (A7X): www.adam-audio...
T10S (T5V): www.adam-audio...
Sub15 (A77X): www.adam-audio...
Any further questions: [e-mail]

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Was this video helpful? What other tutorials would you like to see in the future?

[@Musictron]

Yes this video was helpful!!! How much of this SPL level and metering applies to the A5X and sub setup, does 80db work for them too?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

​@@Musictron Hi we're happy you enjoyed it. And yes, that would work for your combination as well. Roughly anywhere between 80-85dB is the standard for calibration in monitoring.

[@maxattack3000]

Great video, thanks. I'm going to assume the same process more/less applies to my A7X's and SUB10mk2. Your website downloads seem to be targeted specifically for A77X/SUB15 and Logic unless I'm missing something. What about for my setup and just the wav's (because I use Ableton Live)? The links are a little confusing. Thanks!

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

@@maxattack3000 Apologize for the delayed response, but we've updated our site to have the basic calibration files for our most popular sub combos: www.adamusaconnect.com/downloads. Hope this helps and don't hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions!

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

@@Musictron Hi Musictron, we will have the A5X/Sub8 Calibration files up on this site: www.adamusaconnect.com/downloads

[@TheWorld_2099]

Now THIS is what a calibration lesson really looks like. Thank you..!

[@enfoe]

figured it out! thank you. I realized that my sub needed to be cut at 63Hz (for the sub10) not 57Hz, to reach 80db. checked the phase and it turns out I was in the sweet spot. no need for the phase button. practically the way I had it except the low end shelf on my satellites wasn't cut. great video. edit: Forgot to mention that on my SPL meter i was measuring on DBA when I needed to be on DBC which was one of my issues.

[@sladefx]

my SPL app is also using Dba - do you have an app or hardware meter you can recommend?

[@vitaliistep]

​@@sladefx Decibel X Pro

[@cayvzcult]

Thanks for this! The balance my system has now is gorgeous! 🙏

[@DiarrheaBubbles]

I don't own this particular stereo system but man this was helpful. I just system and I've spent 2 days messing with sub trying to get it to sound good CONSISTENTLY.

[@nl_2652]

That is a massive sub!

[@serfasleep]

That’s what she said

[@dvlduvall]

Beautifully explained

[@santiagovanegas3812]

Excellent tutorial! I've tried a number of different settings on my Sub10 MK2 (paired with A7Vs). Every tweak I make, I keep getting a dip at around 73-75Hz. Could this consistent dip be caused by my room... and in this case just let Sonarworks do its thing?

[@colbyjohnson7571]

Why are you guys so good at teaching?

[@coordinatessounds9711]

You are professional and actually your way of calibration brings higher sub than usual, I just lost my time thinking that you know what you're doing . No sub sounds no calibration for all subwoofers

[@DarkWilSin666]

huh?

[@amatomic3455]

This tutorial sound like a rap , this IS a flow ! 🤓

[@slickguitar01]

Great video folks! Nice easy way to time align. Thank you!

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@billwarner213]

Y'all's products are AMAZING!

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Thank you Bill!

[@StereoAnthony]

Cool! I'll try it with my A5x and Sub 7

[@Jisooee]

Sub8 is the best fit for A5X

[@MT-eb2dx]

3:23 correction: always set the phaser to stun

[@grahamnicholls7742]

what about the captains log 🤣

[@lk0707]

Good knowledge. Thanks!

[@Cristianino87]

hi, shouldn't the subwoofer be set on the sound level meter 3 db less than the speakers for a flat response? thank you

[@user-hh1tk7hd8d]

Hi, Very many of my questions in this video received answers, but there are still questions, please help to understand: 1) How to set the cut on 57hz on the subwoofer? Unfortunately, there are very few designations and not logical allocation to the sectors of the adjustment knob.(if it is possible by the example of the minute hand, how many minutes will it set?) 2) The video says "turn off A77X and turn on the PINK+SUB15 track" do I need to physically turn off the A77X monitors? 3) I do not have Apple devices and for this I do not have Logic X program, I downloaded calibration files from your site in .aif format, turned on via foobar2000 (ASIO), along with pink noise there is TONE 57Hz, so it should be?

[@mitcheltheelenmusic8858]

1)…. 2) Yes turn of your main monitors (A77X for this exemple) and and set the sub to 80dB. 3) You only can use the files if you use the Adam Audio A77X and Sub15. You need to make your own pink noise files with the right sine wave Sub frequency. (Exemple: Adam A5X cut off freq is 50Hz, So 50X1.5= 75)

[@lockee77]

@@mitcheltheelenmusic8858 hi, can i use these files as well with S3H & Sub 10 mk2? Can i import these files into ableton or presonus studio 1? And where should be the cutooff freq. On that systm? Great video but could be a bit more specific :) regards

[@lockee77]

@@mitcheltheelenmusic8858 the Cutoff on the Sub10mk2 is 25hz. So would it be there 37.5 hz? And how or where doni have to turn that on. ...on the DSP EQ (PROGRAMM...)?

[@Ifelovv]

@@lockee77 hey did u ever get a response to your questions? I use Studio One with the S3Hs and Sub 10 and even have Ableton too lol. Kindred spirits

[@lockee77]

@@Ifelovv sorry for the late answer. Not really. It was a standart one 😑

[@andreas-franke]

Thanks for this very usefull informations!

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@ckbeats8000]

Should my SPL be back at 80 when I press the phase button, or just see the level go up from that volume dip? Im using A7Xs with the Sub 10 ML 2 btw

[@sammybrahma3200]

What should be the weighting system of the SPL meter? A, C or Z? Or it don't matter?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

As you would like to include the bass frequencies in the measurement without any weighting, you should go for C-weighting. Thanks!

[@Beatsmith2005]

How is this not mentioned in the tutorial! @@ADAMAudioBerlin

[@ryanmcdonald9917]

I followed this procedure step by step and have found the sub-level to be overpowering in the mix? I am using dual A7X's w/ Sub 10mk2

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Ryan! That can happen due to room conditions. In that case, just lower the volume on the back of the sub. All the best, Daniel.

[@exerhlp]

1) Why set the volume so high (80dB)? Can the calibration be done at lower volume, like 50 or 60db? 2) I guess I can use the same calibration procedure for A7X+Sub8 combo, right? 3) You didn't explain in the video what is the 57Hz Tone for, can you elaborate, please?

[@toefes]

I had the feeling blowing up my speakers calibrating at 80dB (ipad as spl meter) so I went down to 70.

[@exerhlp]

toefes to be honest I did mine at 65dB(A) which was already quite annoying even with closed cup headphones on... I also saw 80dB in another instruction video, so maybe there’s some particular (well kept secret!) reason why..

[@gamger5583]

You speakers should be able to handle well over 100 db, so you're likely to blow an eardrum before blowing a speaker in this process. I will point out that unless you have the S-series speakers, you really should break your speakers in. Adam Audio also has a video on that process, but in short, you should play music for at least 8 hours before considering them broken in. There are a couple of reasons they pick that specific level (some prefer 83 db spl): 1) Pink noise is generated at a specific output, so when you place the volume on your system at the calibrated point, it assumes it's pumping out 80 db of noise. So, if you undercut your DB output during calibration, when you send an audio file to another system it will sound much quieter than you mixed it at. That really becomes a problem when you're working as part of a team because they're expecting it at one level, but you're producing it at another. 2) 80-83 DB SPL is where the human hearing is flattest, so you get the most even response across your audio. If you set your output so that you know right where that level is, you can quickly go back to it to get the most out of your mixes.

[@SaveOurSamples]

Because 75-85 dB has a more flat response in studio monitors

[@Guvnor513]

@@gamger5583 My problem seems to be that my Sub10 Mk2 won't hit 80 db from the mix position.

[@digitalepersempre]

not for sure.... do you ignore completely Flatcher and Munson

[@dannyboycinco]

I find that my T10s can't even hit 80dbfs by itself when doing the test. I have an Apollo Twin X and have it cranked to the max ☹️

[@dannyboycinco]

I'm using SPLnFFT for iPhone and have it set to (dbA) setting on there

[@citeonline6363]

put your SPL meter on flat response if its A weighted or C weighted you'll have problems

[@NatesiKness]

I just need this first tune y'all are playing in the background

[@noneofall1397]

I’m so confused as to what this means by control room volume, are you referring to the main out of the daws mixer, the volume level of the speakers themselves, or the interface main out??

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi there! Actually all of it. You should not change any of the volumes and just turn of the satellites and continue with the sub.

[@pattames541]

Does this exact tips and settings apply to other models and brands? Including the use of this same reference tones

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Patricio! We can't speak for the products of other brands but setting up the subwoofer in phase with your monitors should work the exact same way. All the best, Daniel

[@jboogzthaproducer119]

what should the level of the interface i have it connected to be set to in terms of volume ?

[@isaiahsoucy7793]

I don't have this particular setup, but am wondering if I should still use a 50hz tone for the phase alignment? See 2:21 - I have the A5X & Sub8. Thanks

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Isaiah! Yes, you should still use the 50 Hz. Let us know if you have any other questions. All the best, Daniel.

[@klosjason]

When using a monitor controller with a mono out to the sub, could you not use the phase inverter on the sub rather then having to use the Radial Phazer?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Jason! Whilst the Radial Phazer is probably very good at what it does, it costs about 400 USD. This is a lot of money to spend on a phase control that is already built into the subwoofer. This control adjusts the subwoofer channe,l not the left/right channels, so it can be used to compensate for different listening distance the subwoofer relative to the loudspeakers.

[@the_newvoice]

Hello! If i consider to place two subs independently for each channel, is there a way to make it stacked with monitor one on another? I know, in terms of vibration it's bad, but in terms of space it may be necessary. Thank you!

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi The New Voice! This is definitely possible. You just have to make sure to prevent vibration by placing pads between them for example. It really depends on your setup. Have a great day!

[@the_newvoice]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin Thank you

[@kallaxgrooves]

I can't get my sub 10 mk2 woofer to hit past 65 dB spl on ACBor Z scale.. it starts to crackle and make very disturbing noises when I go past the half volume mark on the back. Any idea why is that ? Thanks !

[@grahamnicholls7742]

late reply.....but check input levels they sound too hot

[@LilArt2k6]

Are you putting the spl meter to the same listening position or is on the floor? I only get readings of 60db as the highest

[@sami_got_vibes]

Listening height.

[@Guvnor513]

For anyone having this same issue: check your SPL meter for weighting settings - choices should be something like A, C, and Z - you want Z - saw this in another comment/response - it is helpful info.

[@caloosh]

@ADAM audio Is it also possible to combine the testing files? In my case for A7X and Sub8? It means using Pink noise for A7X and Sub8 and then for phase aling send the 63 Hz tone? Thanks for advice.

[@DjLiLk1990]

I have the same setup like you, and I got a hole at ~75 +/- Hz 😫 it‘s hard to calibrate a mono sub with stereo speaker 😫

[@patrick7799]

When I used an SPL meter to calibrate my subwoofer my subwoofer loudness was 30 percent less louder then my other speakers so this means an SPL meter is an unreliable tool to use when calibrating the subwoofer so if you want the full loudness of your subwoofer you shouldn’t use an SPL meter to calibrate your subwoofer

[@uaaadingding]

So how do you calibrate instead?

[@patrick7799]

@@uaaadingding I just listen to the crossover frequency of my speakers which is 72 Hz ad I adjust my subwoofer volume so the 72Hz and the 64Hz has the same loudness that works perfectly yeah the 72Hz is the halfway point of my crossover and the 64Hz is one quarter of my crossover so 72Hz must be two quarters of my crossover

[@Oblium]

hello ADAM Audio, this calibration is meant to be with the 85Hz highpass filter off, right?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Yep!

[@Oblium]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin if I use the Sub8 and I need to set the crossover frequency to 60Hz, where should I place the knob? Since the marked points are not equally distributed on the knob

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

@@Oblium It's a lot of trial and error. You can get it to roughly 60Hz with the knob on the front, and we apologize that they aren't as clearly labeled as they could be. Get it in the general vicinity and then listen to some tracks that you know VERY well to make sure the low-end response is accurate and true to the song... then make adjustments accordingly if need be. This video isn't a hard-and fast rule as it depends a lot on your room and many other factors, but wanted to show the most essential and basic steps to setting up your subwoofer as a good starting point.

[@exerhlp]

Oblium Try with playing a 60Hz sine wave through band pass filter with 60Hz and a high Q and then see/measure at what knob position the amplitude is the maximum?

[@davidelombardo4004]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin i'm feeding my A7X with my Sub8 satellite outs. I don't get why i should disable the 85Hz highpass for this calibration if later i will engage the highpass filter for my satellite out?

[@kukkivindu]

: GREETINGS. my question is this, i have a sub7. in my manual it say i should sett the crossover between 70-75hz. in this video the info tell me to sett the crossover 1.5 = 90hz. so witch is it. for the thank-you for the closure. : Frank-Eddie-Bjørge: Nikolaisen.

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi there! A good starting point is actually 80 Hz. Then adjust from there as needed. The exact number is not so important if the integration of the subwoofer into the system is done well. However, there are two extremes to consider which show you why you should not stray too far from 80 Hz: As one goes higher with the crossover the subwoofer is increasingly easy to localise when it is physically placed in off-centre positions in the room, which it should be. As one goes lower the benefit of adding the subwoofer to the loudspeaker decreases because the loudspeaker has to work harder. This is why 80 Hz is a good place to start and then only adjust up or down a bit to avoid issues caused by the room, e.g. reflections affecting the bass around 80 Hz. As you see there are multiple things happening here so it is a balance of trade-offs!

[@kukkivindu]

@@ADAMAudioBerlinfor the comprehension, for the Thank-you

[@babyboy1289]

How can I do this with the S3H and a Sub8? Is the Sub* too small to work for these speakers? I tried this but the Sub8 won't won't reach 80db.

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Andy! We usually recommend a bigger Sub for the the S3H. Yet, the sub 8 should reach 80 dB without a problem. If the same thing happens with a different SPL Meter we would recommend reaching out to our support team via our official support form at the bottom of this page: www.adam-audio.com/en/support/. Hopefully, we'll find a solution to your problem as soon as possible. Have a great day! All the best, Daniel from ADAM.

[@circusreturn2397]

I've been thinking to get a pair of A3X and a pair of Sub7 to make a 2.2 system. I imagined putting each A3Xs on top of each Sub7 to behave like a 3-way system. Is it possible to do so? Or is it better to have the conventional 2.1 system with a pair of A3X and one Sub7?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi there. Both ways work fine and it really depends on your preferences. How about you start with a 2.1 system and decide afterward if you need another Sub7 or a single one is enough.

[@grantderepas6234]

The link for the calibration files appears to be broken, it just links to the Adam Audio homepage and I can't find them manually.

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Grant, we've added the new links to our video description. Thank you for pointing this out! :)

[@grantderepas6234]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin Thanks for that fix. Excited to get my new gear calibrated

[@DannyPSE]

Hi, I want to pair the T10s with the T7V. In the description there are only cilibration files for T10s with the T5V. Are there different files for the T7V?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi DannyPSE! No, they are identical. All the best, Daniel.

[@DannyPSE]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin Thank you for the answer and the quick response!

[@danielsolomon63]

Hi! If i have a Sub7 and T7V monitors can i calculate the low pass filter in the same way? If not, where can i find info of how to calculate the low pass filter for my setup? Lowest cutoff of the monitors is 39hz. Is x 1.5 a standard calculus?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Daniel! Yes, the setup is identical. Let us know if you have any further questions. All the best!

[@danielsolomon63]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin Thanks a lot! Can i use any of the calibration files for my sub? If so, can you let me know which one?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Daniel! The Sub 8 is most similar to the sub 7. Let us know if you have any further questions.

[@danielsolomon63]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin actually i have. There is no way turning up the Sub7 to 80db with the Pink Noise. The woofer just cannot handle that volume without "distorting" (using the quotes as i do not know how to explain the sound coming out from it). What am i missing?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Daniel. Can you please reach out to our support team via our official support form at the bottom of this page: www.adam-audio.com/en/support/. They will find a solution to your problem as soon as possible. Have a great day! All the best, Daniel from ADAM.

[@KosmoDeuz]

Tell Me How to setup Ax7 with 10t sub with proper loudness Anybody ?

[@eisfreiblabla]

Didn't work for me. I tried to calibrate a A5X and Sub8 Combo, Crossover Point 75Hz. My SPL Smartphone App (decibel meter) never reached close to 80db for the Sub Pink Noise Track. Even if I hold it right close to the Sub 8. Either my Smartphone's to old (iPhone 4s) to be able hear these low frequencies or something else is wrong. Maybe with the Pink Noise Sub Track.

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Eisich, this could have several reasons. First, your iPhone probably doesn't pick up these frequencies in the first place. Have you tried using a professional sound level meter device? Another reason might be the frequency range of the sub pink noise track.

[@eisfreiblabla]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin I used you official Pink Noise Tracks. Then it has to be the iPhone. But then I don't understand why everybody (you included) are recommending to use a Phone to calibrate in the first place.

[@jn01996]

Hi there, Any chance I could request the calibration files for MK2 10 + A8H?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi xyz! Just to clarify some things. You are using a measurement microphone to measure your room. You do this to make up for room modes and other acoustic impact from the room. The speakers themselves are completely flat in terms of Frequency response. Best, Salma.

[@jn01996]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin of course I just need the pink noise files that are aligned with the frequency response of my speakers. Could you please provide these?

[@RC75]

Hello, where can I order speaker stands for my A77X? I live in Belgium but I can’t find them. It’s for dj’ing so they need to go high enough because I stand all the time.

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi! We would suggest reaching out to companies like K&M and Zaor, because speaker stands like the ones you need are not very common. You might have to think about getting custom-built speaker stands.

[@RC75]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin ok, Thanks!

[@RC75]

I founded some stands🙂🙏. Would love to buy a sub to but the Sub15 is to expensive for me. Would a 10 or 12 also do the job?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi there, yes a Sub10 MK2 or Sub12 will also do the job if you don't listen to them on Max. SPL, as the Max. SPL is only matched with the Sub15.

[@RC75]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin Thank you.

[@apatissarkastis1784]

please don't add back sound for the tutorial

[@whytewavestudios3039]

So how would you connect 2 woofers but to 2 seperate monitors?

[@Unicorngoulash]

Calibration File Sub 7 where ?

[@nghtcaptn9461]

Where's the project files?? Raw files???

[@abigale532]

When you set the satellites to 80DB then you set your subwoofer To 80DB when you do that your subwoofers level will be lower then your satellite speakers level

[@willch19]

Whycome?

[@abigale532]

@@willch19 It’s hard to explain but when you set the subwoofer like that the subwoofers will have low loudness and the other speakers with have high loudness

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Abigale! If you move around in the room, you might recognize that the bass is louder in the corners of the room or close to the wall. If this is the case, you might have standing bass waves in your room that are phase-rotated and canceling each other out at your listening position. That means that you might have to overthink your listening position, sub placement and/or install bass traps in the corners of the room to lower the reflection. There are countless tutorials about room treatment on youtube, such as this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWWxenRteq2rj80 Let us know if it helped. All the best!

[@abigale532]

@@ADAMAudioBerlin I don’t believe what you are saying what do I believe is that the bass in the corner of the room is the same as the bass anywhere else in the room

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi Abigale! It would be very unusual for sub frequencies in general if they had the same volume in the entire room. How did you determine that the subwoofer level is lower than the satellite level? Did you use a measuring microphone? All the best, Daniel.

[@lortakeover2129]

anybody got Yamaha wanna explain this to me please

[@Flippy2good]

Just FYI for anyone trying to apply this to non Adam audio products (I was using JBL 308'S and their sub) It will not work at all. Made my sound awful haha.

[@miahorg]

0:18 Get it guys, it's a _bassline_ for a sub...

[@csmgmobile]

I have the A7Vs and the Sub 10 MK2. This video is completely useless. Adam Audio you should have an up to date calibration so that buyers are not completely lost

[@pavendax]

that is a thicc sub, what sub is that?

[@ADAMAudioBerlin]

Hi there! This is our Sub15 :)

[@OUTSHADES]

I don't have any

[@380stroker]

I would phase align the monitors first. Then I would phase align the sub(s). But what do I know, I'm just a peasant.

[@EdBoogie]

This simply does not work. I'm convinced that the majority of people saying 'coOL ViD!!!' haven't actually tried following the instructions. And you didn't even bother to change the description text about A-weighting! Or that you said it was appropriate to use a smartphone to do this when they don't pick up audio that low. Who on earth was commissioned to make this...