How to Run Subwoofers Out of Phase in Pro Audio

Wiring speakers out of phase can be useful for polarity correction or creating a more diffuse ambience.

Wiring speakers out of phase in home, car or pro audio applications is identical in concept, because the physics don't change based on the application. Wiring speakers out of phase can be a great solution if amplifier channels are internally mis-wired, for correcting polarity at the speaker or to create ambiance.

Things You'll Need

• Speakers
• Speaker wire
• Amplifier
• Klein tool

Instructions

1. Connect the speaker wire to the appropriate inputs on the back of the amplifier. Make note of which end connects to which amplifier terminal. It may be necessary to strip the speaker wire; do this using a Klein tool.

2. Strip the speaker end of the wire using the Klein tool, if necessary. Making note of which end is connected to the amplifier, reverse these connections at the speaker. Positive connection on the amplifier will be connected to the negative connection on the speaker; likewise for the negative on the amplifier and positive on the speaker. The connection is now out of phase.

3. Repeat this process for all additional speakers needing to be wired out of phase. Make sure that the speakers are wired as intended by taking a 9-volt battery, connecting the positive and negative sides of the speaker wires, and touching them to the corresponding terminals on the battery. If the speaker's woofer is in phase, the woofer will move outward, as if presented with a bass note. If it is out of phase, it will move inward, appearing as though it's being sucked in.

References

• Crutchfield: Home Speakers: Frequently Asked Questions
• Shavano Music Online: Speaker Wiring/Loading Examples

Resources

• THX: THX Optimizer Speaker Phase