How to Corner Load a Subwoofer

Corner loading can boost the performance of your subwoofer.

Home audio subwoofers provide the essential low-frequency output that adds impact to music or movie soundtracks in your home audio or home theater system. Unlike the other speakers in your system, a subwoofer doesn't have to be positioned in a specific location pointing at the listeners. That's because the low-frequency sound waves produced by the subwoofer are omnidirectional. However, the output of a subwoofer can be improved and reinforced by positioning the subwoofer in a corner of the room, a process known as "corner-loading."

Things You'll Need

• Test disc

Instructions

1. Place the subwoofer in a corner of the room, with the sides 4 inches equidistant from the two corner walls.

2. Place a test disc into your audio system. This can be a music disc you know well, or a DVD with strong low-frequency output. If you choose, you can purchase dedicated test discs that provide a variety of low-frequency test tones.

3. Play your test disc and listen while seated in your usual listening or viewing position. Move the subwoofer to a different corner of the room and repeat the test. Locate the subwoofer in the corner that yields the best response in overall sound and low-frequency response.

Tips & Warnings

• Test discs can be bought from most audio/video specialty shops.

References

• "Home Theater Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools"; Brett McLaughlin; 2004