How to Make a Subwoofer Wireless?

Wireless subwoofers are an impressive way to increase the aesthetic look of your home theater or car audio system. One of its major benefits is that it makes your sound system get rid of an uncluttered wire look.

To get these benefits, people invest in buying new wireless subwoofer models even if they already have wired versions. To simplify it, you can convert any subwoofer to a wireless one using a subwoofer wireless kit, depending on the input/output options.

Today, I’ll help you choose suitable wireless equipment and how you can connect it to your subwoofer to make it wireless. Just read till the end!

What Is a Wireless Subwoofer?

Before I start the guide, I want to give a brief introduction to the wireless subwoofer. A wireless subwoofer is a type of loudspeaker designed to reproduce low-frequency audio sounds.

Its wireless nature eliminates the need for cords, offering flexibility in terms of placement in a room. It connects to audio devices, like home theater systems, through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to provide a rich, deep bass sound that enhances the overall audio experience.

How Does a Wireless Subwoofer Work?

A wireless subwoofer operates through a simple yet effective mechanism. It is designed with a built-in amplifier that powers its driver to produce sound.

It receives audio signals from the transmitter connected to the stereo system, television, or any audio source. The signal transmission is achieved using radio frequency or Bluetooth technology, allowing for a seamless, cable-free connection.

A wireless connection eliminates the need for physical wires connecting the audio source to the subwoofer, offering flexibility in placement and reducing clutter in your audio setup.

Important to note here, though, is that “wireless” refers only to the audio signal transmission – the subwoofer still requires power and will need to be plugged into a power outlet.

How to Convert a Wired Subwoofer Into Wireless One?

Thank you for taking the time to read the introduction about the wireless subwoofer. Now let’s move toward the step-by-step guide to convert your wired subwoofer wireless. The guide is pretty simple and doesn’t require any advanced technical skills. Just follow the below steps:

1. Gather the Required Materials:

Before you start the process, ensure you have the following equipment for a successful DIY project:

• A wireless transmitter and receiver kit (It should be compatible with your subwoofer)
• Power cables for the transmitter and receiver
• Audio source (e.g., AV receiver, soundbar, or amplifier)
• Screwdriver or other necessary tools for installation

2. Getting a Suitable Wireless Kit:

To choose the right wireless transmitter kit, you’ll have to consider the following steps:

2.1 Identify Subwoofer Compatibility:

Don’t just go and buy wireless equipment without knowing your subwoofer. Make sure it is compatible with wireless conversion.

Most of the time, I’ve met with people who already have built-in wireless capabilities in their subwoofers and want me to convert them to wireless. You can search on Google whether your powered subwoofer model already has this feature.

2.2 Determine Connection Type:

It’s not surprising to know that wireless subwoofer kits have different connection types, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RF (Radio Frequency), depending on the buyer’s requirements.

However, each connection type has its own advantages and limitation (According to my experience). Also, I would add here that you can consider factors like wireless connectivity range, audio frequency quality, and ease-to-setup while deciding.

• Bluetooth: The Bluetooth wireless subwoofer kit usually offers short-to-medium range when connecting the wireless subwoofer. So, it’s not recommended for big rooms but good-to-go in cars.
• Wi-Fi: This wireless subwoofer kit version provides better audio quality & more extended range if you were to compare it with the Bluetooth one. I recommend it to the sound system with larger rooms and multiple devices for the connection.
• RF: It provides you with a dedicated frequency range for the audio transmission while minimizing the interference to the lowest point. It’s a good option for those who have big rooms and additional setups that may contain potential signal obstructions.

3. Place the Subwoofer in Desired Location:

The accurate placement of a wireless subwoofer is crucial for optimal acoustics. Identify a location where the bass sound is rich and well-rounded; corners often work well.

Test various locations by playing a bass-heavy track and moving around the room. Once the ideal spot is found, mark it before proceeding with the wireless conversion.

This ensures that you maintain excellent sound quality even after eliminating the restrictions posed by wires.

4. Connect the Wireless Transmitter:

Different wireless transmitter requires different connection types. However, I am using SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter here. This step will work for most of the wireless transmitters out there. Anyway, follow the below steps:

4.1 Connection to an AV Receiver:

1. First, you’ll have to locate the subwoofer pre-out or LFE on your AV receiver. Most of the time, it is labeled by the actual name. 
2. Get the single RCA adapter cable and connect one end to the AV receiver’s subwoofer pre-out or LFE channel.
3. Now, you can connect the other end of the cable to the input port on the SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter transmitter.
4. Now, grab the micro-USB cable and connect it to the wireless transmitter.
5. Simply connect the other end of the micro-USB cable to the power supply provided.
6. Finally, you can plug the power supply into a wall outlet to power the wireless transmitter.

4.2 Connection to a 2-Channel Stereo Pre-amp:

Don’t worry if you don’t have a single subwoofer pre-out; you can still connect the wireless subwoofer kit by following the below steps:

1. If you’re using a 2-channel stereo pre-amp, find the L/R line level pre-outs. These are where the left and right channel audio signals exit.
2. You can use the dual RCA adapter cable to connect one end to the L/R line level pre-outs of the 2-channel stereo pre-amp.
3. Connect the other end of the dual RCA cable to the input port on the wireless transmitter.
4. Similarly, connect the micro-USB cable to the wireless transmitter.
5. Plug the other end of the micro-USB cable into the provided power supply.

4.3 Connecting the Receiver to the Subwoofer:

Well! It depends upon your wireless subwoofer setup. Suppose you have AV processor/receiver setups. In that case, you can link the single RCA adapter cable between the LFE input on your subwoofer and the input on the SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter receiver.

On the other hand, connect the dual RCA adapter cable to both ‘L’ and ‘R’ subwoofer inputs on your subwoofer, and plug the other end into the wireless receiver’s input for 2-channel stereo pre-amp setups.

In both cases, attach the micro-USB cable to the wireless receiver, connect the opposite end to the provided power supply, and then plug it into a wall outlet.

5. Now, Pair the Transmitter and Receiver:

Finally, let me guide you through synchronizing the transmitter and receiver for your wireless audio setup. These components are pre-synchronized during manufacturing and will effortlessly pair once you connect and power them on.

A steady blue light on both the transmitter and receiver signals successful pairing. With this accomplished, you’re all set to introduce immersive and powerful bass into your home theater or audio system, all while maintaining a clean and discreet visual presentation.

6. Test the Wireless Connection:

Testing the wireless connection of your subwoofer primarily involves assessing the subwoofer’s audio output across various locations and under different conditions.

1. You can start by playing audio tracks that emphasize bass frequencies. A consistent and smooth bass response confirms a stable connection.
2. Now, walk around the room to identify dead zones that might affect the wireless signal reception. Also, ensure the subwoofer’s audio syncs correctly with the main speakers.
3. Also, monitor for any interference that might disrupt the audio quality, adjusting the transmitter’s and receiver’s placement if necessary.
4. You can also use various audio sources for testing purposes to guarantee consistent performance across diverse audio inputs.
5. Repeat the testing process multiple times to validate the reliability of the wireless connection. Remember, consistency is a sure sign of a robust wireless link.

Pros of a Wireless Subwoofer:

Below are the pros of having a wireless subwoofer:

1. Flexibility in Placement:

A wireless subwoofer eliminates the need for physical connections, allowing it to position anywhere within its signal range. This means you can place it in the optimum acoustic spot or hide it away to maintain your room’s aesthetic.

Most importantly, wireless subs allow you to experiment with different positions to find the one that delivers the best sound quality in your unique room layout.

2. Reduced Cable Clutter:

As I have mentioned in the beginning, wireless subwoofers operate via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for physical connections to the audio source. This eradicates the clutter and possible tripping hazard of tangled wires.

Furthermore, it offers you to optimize sound quality without being constrained by cable length. Thus, a wireless connection simplifies your setup and contributes to a neater aesthetic.

3. Enhanced Aesthetics:

As mentioned above (now explaining it for you), a wireless subwoofer connection provides enhanced aesthetics by eliminating the need for untidy cables that often ruin the ambiance of your entertainment space.

The absence of wires gives your space a clean, modern look and allows for flexible subwoofer placement. This makes your room look organized and spacious, adding sophistication and elegance to your home décor.

Additionally, the wireless feature ensures a safer environment, reducing the risk of tripping over wires.

Cons of a Wireless Subwoofer:

Here are the cons of having a wireless subwoofer that I have found in most setups:

1. Potential for Signal Interference:

Wireless subs operate using radio frequencies, often in the same 2.4 GHz range used by many other wireless devices and Wi-Fi networks.

As such, they can potentially create signal interference with these waves. This interference can result in signal dropouts, reduced audio quality, or even complete loss of connection.

To avoid this issue, I would advise keeping the subwoofer away from other wireless devices and considering using dual-band routers that can switch frequencies.

2. Audio Delay:

Wireless subwoofer connection can cause audio delays due to the time the signal travels wirelessly from the source to the subwoofer.

This delay, or latency, is often a result of the digital signal processing involved in converting the audio from its source format to a wireless signal.

The severity of the delay can vary based on factors like the efficiency of the conversion process, the strength and speed of the wireless connection, and the physical distance between the source and the subwoofer.

3. Limited Range:

The most common reason for the limited range is a physical obstruction between the transmitting device and the subwoofer, such as walls or furniture, which can disrupt the signal.

Radio frequency interference can also impact the range. Additionally, cheaper or older models may have less advanced technology, resulting in a more limited range.

You can maximize the operational capacity by minimizing obstructions and interference and considering devices with the latest technology.

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