How to connect an active subwoofer to a sound reinforcement system

Need more bottom end in your system? Sick of wimpy kick drums and feeble bass guitar? An active sub could be the solution you've been looking for!
Bookmarks for video:
00:00 Intro
00:33 What is a subwoofer?
3:44 What is an active speaker?
4:28 Active vs. passive speakers.
8:28 Do I need a subwoofer?
12:36 Connection method 1: Using the crossover built into the active subwoofer
21:17 Matching the level of the sub to the level of the fullrange speakers
22:36 Connection method 2: Aux or group fed subwoofer
26:57 Integrating an active sub with existing passive fullrange speakers
28:37 A word about larger sound reinforcement systems
The subwoofer in the video is an old Tapco by Mackie SW10 studio sub.
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Ways to get in touch - I love hearing from my viewers!
Website: glbproductions.com/
Facebook: / glbproductions

[@smahady7599]

I am a high-school physics teacher by profession. Your videos are my to-go place for understanding the technicalities of sound engineering. Your lesson plans are good and your message gets across very clearly. You are a very good teacher. .. And you are doing all this for free and with all the gear required to put all this here. You are an inspiration for me. You are a very good human being. The Earth needs more people like you. Stay blessed and in good health.

[@GLBProductions]

Thank you Mahady - my original inspiration to get into the technical side of show business was a high school chemistry teacher who also taught me how to rig and focus lights. I hope you inspire many of your students in the same way! 😊

[@HaharuRecords]

Amen🙏

[@ryananthony4840]

Oh he's not doing it for free lol, he gets money from KZbin... but I totally agree with you

[@stphnalln]

Okay, I'm two years late on this comment, but once again I am amazed at this man's ability to combine technical knowledge with an innate ability to teach. This is my "go-to" site for ANYTHING having to to with sound systems.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for the comment! I'm actually a trained teacher so my teaching ability is hardly innate :)

[@_Xsomnia]

I realize this video is 6 years old but omg do I wish I had found it sooner! I’ve been DJ’ing for a little over a year now and basically have been KZbin/self taught in everything including speaker configuration. While watching a video on speaker size vs venue size, this video came across my feed and I am so glad I checked it out. Your explanations are clear and concise, and demonstrated exactly the way I needed for it all to come together for me. Thank you thank you thank you!! I’m about to go redo my set up now so 🤞🏻🎧 Just wait for the bass drop 🫨

[@GLBProductions]

That's great to hear Liz, very glad the video was helpful and all the best with your music!

[@jackpower5036]

As someone who struggles to be taught i have to say this video was brilliant. You are a natural teacher! Thank you very much

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Jack! Hmm, I'm not sure anyone 'struggles to be taught' - perhaps you struggle with learning new things but the teaching is the responsibility of the teacher 😊 Good educators will have a variety of tools which can be used to teach the same concept in different ways, as different people learn in different ways. Thanks for watching!

[@writenamehere0000]

You are a born struggler

[@lamarcy]

I always learn something new from your videos. Thanks a lot for sharing! 👍👍👍👍

[@mrtwotone]

Thank you so much for such a wonderfully clear explanation of how to connect up an active subwoofer. This has perplexed me for some time and the answer was so straight forward but also comprehensive for the different systems. Your style of explanation and the diagrams are simply brilliant. I’m looking forward to watching other videos from you.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching, very glad the video was helpful!

[@richyyrob8062]

Do any one noticed that this man is very intelligent, always happy whenever i see his new videos,God bless u sir.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for supporting the channel Rob!

[@N3yo100]

it's the love of the bass the bass the bass lol ...seriously he loves what he does and it shows

[@trafalgar1938]

I've seen a number of his videos and truly what he doesn't know isn't worth knowing. The absolute thing about Bruno is you ALWAYS get a prompt reply without fail.

[@zailungthou3740]

Indeed...very interesting

[@AlanMarasigan]

Simple, complete and very clear. Excellent work! Thank you.

[@michaelglynatsis2426]

I watched this as musician that has very little sound engineering knowledge. I was hoping to gain some knowledge that would allow me to live mix my drums. Your video was just excellent. Very clear and you were mindful to explain all the different terms. Thank you so much.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching, really glad the video was helpful!

[@Nokyai]

Wow, I've learned a lot from watching your video that answers EVERYTHING I would like to know about the subwoofer. All great explanation, details and demo are much appreciated! Thank you so much!

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome :)

[@Aleph1963]

Clear concise informative- subscribed to your channel- brilliant instruction! Thank you Bruno

[@markeright]

All I can say is WOW. You are so smart and yet you can make it sound simple enough for a person like me with a brain injury and cognitive defects, to kind of understand. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I appreciate you.

[@GLBProductions]

That's wonderful, it's great that you are able to appreciate and learn from the video 😄 All the best with your music!

[@pst.karlanorjuste1717]

Hi Brother Bruno, I like what you're learning us in all your videos. That's a very good job, thanks a lot!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@rodrigowestphalen2412]

you won a subscriber when you said "but... you know - there is never too much bass". Cracked me up.

[@DANEXTREME007]

its been too long, i ignore this video, when i watch it' i was wrong' its more interesting the way he explained it! his a good instructor thanks u sir 'for sharing!! more blessing

[@iheartmambo8211]

Thank you for the excellent explanation. I learn tremendously! Awesome work! :)

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@eduardodeleon1]

I feel like I'm in a classroom every time I watch your videos. I learned a lot. T.Y.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@MoeGroovz]

Thank you for an excellent tutorial! Very informative and your explanations are very clear. This was a tremendous help! Thanks again.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome.

[@jpayne8096]

Wow... I love watching videos that actually have correct, useful information and explained easily enough for the average person to understand. I recommend that ALL DJs listen carefully and learn from this video, as about 90% of DJs have no idea how to set up, and or tune their speaker systems, or even know what equipment is necessary to have for proper sound reinforcement.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for your vote of confidence! Much better to have an older or second hand system that sounds ok than a brand new system that sounds horrible because it's set up wrong ;)

[@chrisfoxevententertainment7689]

Great video I use it for training for my roadies when doing gigs.

[@g2storm]

Wow! I get it now, great video.

[@cshajur]

Best explanation I've heard so far on this subject, clear, concise and thorough-Thank You.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome :)

[@MrZapperific]

Wow! This has been the single place on youtube where i have found helpful mention and explanation of using an active sub with passive speakers. Thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@bartrademakers2486]

Excellent analysis-and-explanation of the different configurations

[@tomgoodson345]

This is an excellent tutorial. I now know more about subwoofers than I thought I needed to know. I am considering using the 2nd connection scheme using a group out on my mixer; however, I have a monitor controller that I’d like to integrate that accommodates 3 pairs of speakers and a mono sub out. I’d love to see a diagram of this setup. Thanks for the great vid.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Tom! If you have a monitor controller that should be the device to handle the crossover duties - the best ones have a variable crossover frequency, or one that is selectable between 80-150Hz.

[@nosyoj5140]

Okay Sir i got now what you mean and Thank You again for the clear information

[@snoone2113]

LOCKUP THREAD .

[@tranvandanh5342]

Thank you so much. In my second system: From Monitor to Fullrange speaker; Main out L/R to Sub and I got crazy sounds like my way. Now I try again. Thanks you

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome!

[@MrDerrickChan]

Best and most thorough explanation.

[@DavidSmith-mm1kc]

Hi Bruno, I can't thank you enough...your video was so helpful in enabling me to set up my new sub to my power amp and to my passive speakers ....great instructional video Bruno ....Thanks again. Dave Smith

[@GLBProductions]

Great news, very glad the video was helpful. If you would like to support the channel please consider signing up to become a patron at www.patreon.com/glbproductions?ty=h Every little bit helps!

[@sweetmusic1617]

Perfect, I have just bought a sub for my gigs, cant wait to use it :-)

[@GLBProductions]

Hope you shook lots of dust out of the ceiling ;)

[@toterie18]

Nice tutorial very useful Sir.

[@BumDump]

I've been searching YT for these kinds of information for weeks! Very in depth explanation! You sir have a gift. Thank you

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching :)

[@koartistent]

I wish more sound engineers would teach as you do! It is so important to not be bias in your PA system set-up and understand how a different application can be useful.

[@jade007z]

Yes! I wanted to know how to connect 2 passive Speakers and 2 passive Subwoofers with a non-powered mixer. He explained well, lots of people just explain powered speakers.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Nicolas!

[@LuizRibas1]

Really nice! Very useful. Congrats!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@sandradias8426]

Well done Nicely explained Thank you very much Bruno

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching! If you would like to support the channel please consider signing up to become a patron at www.patreon.com/glbproductions?ty=h Every little bit helps!

[@dazzaneil9499]

Thankyou so much for this very informative video. I have been trying to find out how to use an active sub but still drive my passive tops through an amp. Your information was so easy to understand and I am now getting the best use from my set up. Thanks again Bruno.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome! If you would like to support the channel please consider signing up to become a patron at www.patreon.com/glbproductions Every little bit helps!

[@Axman66]

very very simple and easy to understand Video, i really thank you a lot.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@michalisvasilakis6358]

Thanks my friend. You answered me many questions. Definitely subscribe...

[@unbiased2023]

thanks ,, awesome detailing

[@KlirjunDivino]

Thank you for this great video I've learned a lot from you! Your lesson is easy to understand specially for a person like me who has a very little knowledge about sound reinforcement. I'll be watching all your other videos. Thanks again! Blessings!

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome, glad the videos have been helpful. Let me know if you have any questions in the future :)

[@deepblu39]

thx v much for the info....explained very well and clearly

[@jcoverpass]

I enjoyed this entire video. Although I was familiar with most of this information, I think it is a great tutorial for new sound enthusiasts.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@NeilInOxford]

Hi Bruno. In the UK, we usually call those power leads kettle leads :-)

[@leokyere]

I feel like I am the best sound engineer right now after listening to this wonderful explanation. Your explanation is top notch. Keep it up and God bless you.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching, glad the video was helpful!

[@user-iw5de9ou6u]

THANKs bro, you help me a lot, youre the man!!!!

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Bruno on the loose again 😎👊🎤 another awesome supplement👍 Cheers man 👌

[@BabyMoney216]

nice beat great vibe...

[@marcelomendesp]

This video is amazing. You teach in a way that difficult things become easy.

[@GLBProductions]

Glad to hear that, very happy the video has been helpful.

[@Mirchitunes]

Very detailed and thorough explanation for the various techniques and the underlying principles. I am professional DJ with an electronic engineering background. Still learned something new from your video about using aux send for subwoofers. I use 18 channel digital mixer, 6 aux sends. This technique will help me to reduce the feedback during live performance. Thanks

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Mirchi, aux-fed subwoofers is a great technique to know.

[@kevindawsonmusicvariety7613]

Thank you so much for the video. I’m trying to learn this stuff and this was the most helpful video so far. Only thing I would change is maybe do some head bobbin when u play the music. Or some Dancing.

[@GLBProductions]

Noted on the head-bobbin' ;)

[@Gkh_lx]

I'm loving all your videos. I'd love to see some gig logs or examples of you actually mixing an event because you seem to be a very talented sound engineer

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for the support Guy. To be honest with you when doing events I'm normally much too busy with the actual event to think about filming anything, I guess I have a one-track mind :P

[@ravisridharan4636]

+GLB thanksfor the lovely dimple explanations.. sir. I have a pair of 3 way full range speaker with mid/highs and Lf speaker of 10 "..I want to use my old tube 100 watts amplifier with proper crossover for my 15 " subwoofer..( passive).both the amplifier and subwoofer are in excellent working condition..will I get the desired effect if tuned properly with passive crossover. your comments sir..

[@rigzindorjay3043]

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful knowledge, we appreciated a lot and have learned fantastic knowledge about all this connections.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome Rigzin.

[@shelwee]

21:56 "There's NEVER too much bass"... your videos fill a void to the sound enthusiast in me...alas SAE has shut its doors in Singapore for the Dip... ah well... looks like you're the goto for my lessons! Thanks Bruno... really appreciate you taking the time and effort

[@GLBProductions]

Yes that was definitely a loss but you can't really blame them considering it was due to a lack of students... Thanks for your support!

[@stephenmargerison5388]

Thankyou for this brilliant video, I have just bought an active speaker system and was totally confused on how to connect my amp/mixer to the speakers. This is by far the best video I have seen on this subject. Thankyou once again.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@1979bennym]

Thanq and appreciate your efforts for sharing.

[@fedderal951]

Yes sir Bruce so educational, thanks for so patiently explaining on details Engr. Ive gain a lot of ideas when it comes to this field.

[@trocvailima6159]

Always very easy to understand. Thanks Bruno

[@lkfng]

Excellent job Sir!, greetings from Kingston Jamaica.

[@GLBProductions]

Thank you, greetings from Singapore :)

[@bandokayreal5162]

This is awesome

[@gonkuz]

Thanks for this tutorial. It helps me a lot in my sound system set up

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome!

[@jambiborens2396]

This is the most informative video I've seen. And the information is practical! Thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@carlosbarreto7623]

I've been watching you for a while already.. My impression about you has been that you're not only very talented in what you do but that you also have the gift of teaching and that is very important on the teaching of such a complicated profession. Thanks to a great teacher.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Carlos! You're right, I'm actually a trained teacher and my day job is lecturing at a technical/vocational college - KZbin is just a sideline ;)

[@vencentsilla6537]

very informative...

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching!

[@kevint6792]

One of the most informative videos I've ever watched on KZbin. Thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Kevin!

[@charliezxi]

Fantastic explanations of the different methods. As a bass player myself, I agree there never can be too much bass! Ha ha! I’ve recently started doing karaoke for a local company, and your videos are so very helpful to provide the correct information I need to try and convince the manager of the problems with his current systems. Your ground loop video and this one should really help my arguments as to why we need a sub, and why his floating ground is not only dangerous, but unnecessary.

[@GLBProductions]

Oh yeah don't fool around with lifting electrical grounds on PA systems - you are asking for a very bad, very expensive accident.

[@charliezxi]

@@GLBProductions Unfortunately, the owner was unwilling to reconfigure his system to include an electrical ground, so I quit the position. I'll be building my own system soon, and will be including a sub woofer. No other Karaoke companies in this area have one; so I'm hoping this will give me an advantage in getting booked.

[@dasboot5903]

Hello Bruno :o) Always I like to refresh the info, which I already knew. It is a good idea of that kinda very useful repetition from the different pro source. Moreover, it is a good referring and refreshing possibility to call, in a case of the forgotten stuff .... if that somehow can happens. Thank you very much !!!! Appreciate that !!!! Have a good one :o))

[@koartistent]

I'm my humble opinion your learning style is the only way to go! Have a good one.

[@dasboot5903]

@@koartistent >> Yo man !! Thank U !!

[@dasboot5903]

@@koartistent Grazias Nicolas :o) LEARNING .... it's a never ending and life long story !!!! :o)

[@mattheww3116]

Thankyou very much! :D

[@kenwhite3048]

You have explained so much that I was not sure about, simple terms, easy to follow terms, brill bro, keep 'em coming

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for your support Ken!

[@marcushume2240]

Have to say your ability to clearly explain a technical side of todays active type speakers is commendable. I for one did build speakers back in the 80's using only 3 way cross overs non ported passive type of speaker designs. Philips components. Technology has come along way since then. Its refreshing to learn how signals are being separated and handled. Information as such was not as readly available as is today. However, theres a lot of old technology still being used out there. Some musicians just prefer it that way. Personal taste. Sound reproduction is really an art in its self. In different applications or venues. Choices are endless for equipment. Finding what fits ones needs. You have taught some very vaulable points to consider. Thank for sharing. Cheers.

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Marcus! You're right, I have seen gear from the 80s and 90s still going strong, especially in clubs and pubs where they are not being moved a lot.

[@jesusjimenez5105]

Gracias... very, very, helpfull....

[@GLBProductions]

Glad to hear that!

[@artifactcreatorsstudio7170]

+GLB Productions why you don't use jbl passive speakers on your videos please do one video with the Stx series

[@GLBProductions]

I'm not loyal to any one brand and generally just use what I have available.

[@artifactcreatorsstudio7170]

GLB Productions ok but try to use one because I want to buy one but don't know the quality

[@artifactcreatorsstudio7170]

+GLB Productions hello I have buy a Panasonic max700 and its total output power is 25000watt can you please tell how can I put it on its total output power

[@sambaranMukherjee]

"There's never too much bass" - Love

[@Uraim]

yeah, its true, we love rebassed

[@drubber007]

I bet he loves his D&B

[@dasboot5903]

*For the casual people, who are being not deep enough emerged into ELECTRO~ACOUSTICS rules of physics .... actually, it is a terrible statement !!!! :o(*

[@abrahamzachariah9300]

Excellant presentation. I learnt much regarding the connections to be made from the mixer to the Active sub woofer and full range speakers, both active and passive. Thank you very much.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome Abraham.

[@starioferns]

Great! Systematical and meticulous explanation! Very helpful. Thank you.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome Rio, thanks for watching.

[@N3yo100]

more base ... ;)

[@N3yo100]

i mean bass hahahaha

[@martysradioshow5979]

Thank you sir for your sharing your lknowledge very informative :)

[@pumpdumpster]

Super informative, and well structured video. Thank you.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Niels.

[@leitaschiemann832]

This was very helpful. Thank you for your clear explanations!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Leita!

[@rickdeaguiar-musicreflecti7692]

Wow! Such a great explanation and tutorial on introducing a subwoofer into a PA system. Thank you so much GLB :)

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome Rick, thanks for watching.

[@kenminerva]

I certainly learned a lot from your lesson man...keep up the good work!! thank you

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Ken, thanks for watching!

[@asapictures3133]

Thank you sir🙏 only because of your lesson I learned PA system, mixer and music now i am able to handle small events, small cultural musical concert . Your simple and unique teaching skills is great so so easy to understand. I am huge fan of yours . 🙏🙏 thank you so much sir .

[@GLBProductions]

That's great to hear Asa, keep up the hard work!

[@markwilliams9876]

I've never heard anyone spoken with such clarity im my life..

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Mark.

[@djrajiisab]

Nicely shared and articulated so we all can understand this complex area of audio configuration! Thank you.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching.

[@studio12musicproductions31]

What an amazing teacher you are. I have never met someone in any subject who taught like you. Crystal clear wordings. Thank you, sir.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome, thanks for watching! 😊

[@jazzmore4436]

Bruno, excellent video on active and passive subwoofers and the pros and cons of each. Keep up the good work!!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks Sidney!

[@ACN4U]

You sir are knowledgeable, witty and an amazing teacher... Thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome!

[@xmoospar]

GLB Productions, thanks for this video it help me in my DJ sound system setup.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@marktuovinen3888]

Thank You! I finally understand how to connect active and passive subs now! Great Video, God Bless!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@randyhimura1]

Thank you so much for this video. I learned a lot!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@JIM-ju2gf]

Excellent- the most clearly thought out presentation on this topic i have every heard--keep them coming!!!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Jim, appreciate your support 🥰

[@luposixtynine]

Thank you so much for the lesson. Great job.

[@GLBProductions]

You're most welcome.

[@aboudoubakiboukari5415]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.

[@raymondgovaere9120]

Great video! Nice to listen to someone who knows step by step what they are talking about. Thank you!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Raymond, thanks for watching!

[@patroche6168]

Very good video; thorough. When I found myself asking, "Well, what about this though..", you answered it!

[@GLBProductions]

Yes I've been teaching live sound for many years so have a good idea of what are the questions people tend to ask. Thanks for watching!

[@sobhekwabulelani2931]

I've learned a lot today from your video can't wait to go and apply the knowledge you gave to the public, big up bro!!!!!!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Sobhekwa, thanks for watching!

[@libread85]

Out of all the videos I looked at. You really explained the connections very well. I have the same mixer you using.Also, im moving from external amps to powered speakers.Less gear I got to handle.,Thank You!

[@GLBProductions]

Yes, eliminating the power amplifiers definitely reduces the bulk of one's setup, although it does mean carrying more in the way or power cabling, distribution boxes etc.

[@gopalchakraborty8917]

Thank you for the video. very informative. I like your presentation as much - no non-sense, to the point, with lot of info.

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@matthewanthony6279]

I always pay credit where it is due and you my friend know your shit. You covered everything in great detail and in a clear manner. I learnt a lot so cheers keep it up mate

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching, Matthew!

[@mattcope6522]

Thank you so much, watched 3 videos before this without luck! This was exactly what I was looking for!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Matt, thanks for watching.

[@beniiadjei]

This video was explained so well!!! Love it ❤️

[@GLBProductions]

Glad it was helpful 😊

[@terrybrown4225]

This was an awesome video! You have an uncanny way to make it easy to understand!! Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@GLBProductions]

You're welcome Terry, thanks for watching!

[@stewartroxburgh8844]

Always great advice and presentation. Keep it up my friend!

[@GLBProductions]

Thanks for watching Stewart!