Subwoofer Not Hitting Hard: Reasons, Solutions

Last updated on December 29th, 2022 at 09:09 pm

After getting a new subwoofer when you start playing it, you may find that your subwoofer not hitting hard and you might be very upset.

Even, sometimes after using a sub for a while, it may stop hitting hard.

So, why does this happen?

In this article, I will discuss the reason why your subwoofer is not hitting hard and give you the solutions.

Why is the new subwoofer not hitting very hard?

It is a common problem that the new subwoofer is not hitting hard. There are three main reasons for this:

1. The subwoofer is not properly powered

2. The subwoofer is not properly calibrated

3. The subwoofer is not properly broken in

Let’s know about the matter in detail.

Causes of a subwoofer not hitting hard

Here are the reasons why your subwoofer is not subwoofer not hitting very hard.

1. Incorrect sound settings

If the speaker settings are incorrect, it will result in a weak output.

To avoid a frequency conflict, make sure your primary speakers’ frequency settings are synchronized with your subwoofer’s.

When your primary speakers’ frequency settings aren’t properly synchronized with your sub’s, it causes a frequency conflict.

As a result, the subwoofer cannot reproduce the sound and can distort or not hit hard.

It’s also important to optimize the volume knob of the sub, the bass knob, the volume levels of the head unit, and others.

2. The subwoofer is too far away from the listener

If the subwoofer is too far away from the listener, the sound will not be heard as it should.

The sweet spot for a sub is usually about two to three feet away from the listener.

3. The subwoofer is not properly broken in

If the subwoofer is brand new, it needs to be properly broken in before it will perform at its best.

To break in a sub, it’s required to play music at moderate levels for about 20-100 hours.

4. Issue with low-frequency sound

A subwoofer needs low-frequency sound to produce bass. If the source material doesn’t have enough low-frequency content, the sub won’t be able to produce much bass.

As a beginner, you may not be aware that the audio source lacks low-frequency sound.

If the crossover frequency is set too low, the subwoofer may not be able to reproduce the low frequencies.

5. Lowered bass volume

As a newbie, you may not just the bass volume correctly thinking it’s unnecessary.

But, If the bass level is lowered, it will result in less bass. As a result, the subwoofer is not able to hit hard.

Keep in mind that, some audio systems have a distinct woofer volume control button on the remote. It lets you change the bass sound of the sound system.

6. Room acoustics

The way the room is designed can have an effect on the sound of a subwoofer. This is because according to audio-video experts, room acoustics are the most important factor in any audio-video system.

A subwoofer may not be able to create enough bass if the room is not designed for good acoustics.

7. Poor subwoofer placement

If the sub is not placed correctly, it will result in weak or distorted sound.

This is because the woofer needs to be placed in the correct position in order to produce the best sound.

If you use a sub in your home theatre system, the sub should blend with the other speaker to produce a loud sound.

8. Weak sources configuration

If the microphone or program sources are not configured properly, a subwoofer will not receive low-frequency sounds correctly, and as a result, the sub will have the issue.

9. Not enough power

If the subwoofer doesn’t have enough power, it will cause a poor-quality sound.

The subwoofer needs a certain amount of power to produce bass. If the woofer is underpowered, it will not be able to produce enough bass and high-quality sound.

However, you should allow an overpowering as it can also cause damage.

10. Improper amplifier

Another reason could be that the amplifier isn’t working properly because it is responsible for amplifying the signal that a subwoofer receives.

If the amplifier’s size is incorrect or it is too small, it will not be able to provide enough power to the subwoofer, and as a result, the sub will not hit so hard.

Sometimes, the amplifier powering them is too powerful for their design. If the amplifier is putting out more power than the sub can handle, it may become damaged or physically warped.

This can result in reduced sound quality and a stiff response.

11. Improperly polarized subwoofer array

If a subwoofer is not properly polarized, the sound quality will be significantly degraded and it will cause the problem.

If you have multiple subwoofers in your system, it’s required that they are all wired with the same polarity.

And, if the subs are wired with different polarities, they will cancel each other out and you will lose bass.

12. Poor connections

Another possible cause is that the wiring or connections may not be secure or connected properly.

This can cause the subwoofer to not receive a signal properly, which can cause it.

If the wiring connecting your sub to the amplifier is damaged or loose, it can cause the subwoofer to not hit very hard.

13. Motor problem

A subwoofer uses a motor to produce bass. If the motor is not working properly, the sub will not be able to produce bass and cause a weak sound.

The motor may be failed if there is a blown fused, damaged battery, or overpowering.

14. Incorrect box size

The box size should be appropriate for the subwoofer. So, if the box is too small, the woofer may not hit hard.

15. Grounding issue

Another possible reason is that they are not properly grounded.

If the wires connecting your subwoofer to your amplifier or receiver are loose, damaged, or not connected properly, it can prevent the woofer from receiving the full power it needs to function properly.

This can cause the sub to produce distorted and muffled sounds as well.

16. Bad capacitor

The capacitor is responsible for storing energy and then releasing it when needed. If the capacitor is bad, it can cause a subwoofer to sound weak.

17. Magnet not aligned properly

The magnet of a subwoofer is important because it helps to create the sound that the sub produces.

If the magnet is not aligned properly, this can cause the subwoofer not to hit hard and can also impact its performance.

18. The subwoofer is not properly calibrated

If a subwoofer is not properly calibrated, it will not perform at its best.

This means that the sub is not receiving the correct signal from the receiver or amplifier. As a result, the subwoofer will not produce the correct sound.

19. Defective subwoofer

One possible cause is that there may be an issue with the subwoofer itself.

If any of the components inside your subwoofer are damaged, they will not be able to produce bass as effectively. This could include the speaker cones, coil surrounds, or amplifier itself.

The cone of the sub could be bent or damaged, which can cause the subs not to hit very hard.

Another possibility is that the suspension of a subwoofer may be worn out or damaged, causing the sub to sound stiffer than it should.

You may need to replace any faulty components in order to restore proper sound output from your subwoofer.

20. The subwoofer is not properly matched with the rest of the system

If a subwoofer is not properly matched with the other components in your audio system, it will not be able to perform at its best.

This includes not only the amplifier but also the speakers and the rest of the cabling.

Each component in your system needs to be able to handle the frequencies that the woofer is outputting.

If any of the components are not able to handle the low frequencies, it can result in the sub not hitting hard.

21. The subwoofer is not of high quality

Finally, if you find no problems with the sub that I have described above, the possibility is that the subwoofer itself is not of high quality.

If you are using a subwoofer that is not well-made, it will not be able to produce the same quality of sound as a high-quality sub.

This could be due to the materials used in the construction of the subwoofer or the design of the sub.

Either way, if the subwoofer is not up to par, it will not be able to produce the same quality of sound.

Check out why your subwoofer is not as loud as it used to be.

What can be done to fix the subwoofer not hitting hard?

There are a few things you can do to make a subwoofer hit harder.

1. Troubleshooting a subwoofer not hitting hard

If your subwoofer isn’t hitting hard, there are a few things you can try to fix the issue.

First, check the placement of your subwoofer and make sure it is on a solid surface.

Then, check the connections and settings to ensure they are correct. If these things don’t work, you may need to add an amplifier or try a different audio source.

If your subwoofer still isn’t hitting hard after trying these things, there may be an issue with the subwoofer itself and you should consult with a professional.

2. Break in the subwoofer

If you have a new subwoofer, it is important to break it in properly. This means that you need to play music or movies at low volumes for the first few hours.

3. Adjust the settings on the subwoofer

There are a few settings that you can adjust on your subwoofer to make it hit harder.

The gain

The gain is the level of amplification that the sub is receiving.

If the gain is too low, the subwoofer will not hit very hard.

The crossover

The crossover is the frequency at which the subwoofer will start playing.

If the crossover is set too low, the subwoofer will cause the issue.

The volume

The volume is the level of sound that the woofer is playing.

If the volume is too low, the subwoofer will not hit very hard.

EQ settings

EQ stands for equalization and it is the process of adjusting the frequencies that a subwoofer is playing.

If the EQ settings are not correct, the subwoofer will not hit hard.

You may also want to consult the user manual for your device or audio system to see if there are any specific instructions on how to set up the subwoofer.

4. Adjust speaker settings

If you have multiple speakers in your system, you will have to make sure that they are all properly configured.

This includes making sure that the speakers are set to small, the crossover is set correctly, and the distance is set properly.

5. Turn up the bass level

If you have an AV receiver, there is a setting called the bass level.

This controls how much bass is outputted from the subwoofer.

Make sure that the bass level isn’t too low. If it’s low, increase the level to make the subwoofer hit hard.

6. Give the subwoofer adequate power

The subwoofer needs to have enough power in order to hit hard. Make sure the subwoofer is receiving enough power.

How to properly power a subwoofer

Step 1. Make sure the voltage of your power outlet is correct.

Step 2. Use a heavy-duty extension cord if the power cord of your subwoofer is not long enough.

Step 3. Do not use a light-duty extension cord, as this can cause the subwoofer to overheat.

7. Fix motor problems

You can try to fix motor problems by realigning the magnet or replacing the suspension. Check the owner’s manual for your specific model to see how to do this.

If you find a faulty fuse or battery, replace them as soon as possible.

8. Check connections and wiring

Check all the connections and wiring to make sure they are secure.

9. Match the subwoofer with the rest of the system

Make sure the subwoofer is properly matched with the rest of your system including the amplifier, the speakers, and the rest of the cabling.

10. Calibrate the subwoofer

If you want your sub to hit harder, you need to make sure that it is properly calibrated. There are different ways to calibrate a woofer.

You can use a sound meter, or you can use the DRA (Dynamic Range Analyzer) setting on an AV receiver.

How to properly calibrate the new subwoofer

Step 1. Place the subwoofer in the correct position

The first step is to find the right position for your subwoofer. Keep in mind that the subwoofer should be placed away from walls and corners to avoid sound distortion.

Step 2. Connect the subwoofer to the receiver

Now you need to connect the subwoofer to the receiver. If you are using a wired connection, make sure that the cables are properly connected.

Step 3. Set the crossover frequency

The next step is to set the crossover frequency. This can be done in the receiver’s settings. The crossover frequency is the point at which the low frequencies are redirected from the speakers to the subwoofer.

Step 4. Set the volume

After the crossover frequency is set, you need to adjust the volume. Start with a low volume and gradually increase it until you reach the desired level.

11. Make sure the subwoofer is properly positioned

Make sure your sub is properly positioned if you want it to hit harder.

This means that you need to experiment with the placement of a subwoofer until you find the spot that gives you the best sound.

How to properly position and configure a subwoofer

Step 1. Place the subwoofer in the room so that it is equidistant from all four walls.

Step 2. Place the subwoofer on a solid surface, such as a hardwood floor or concrete.

Step 3. Do not place the subwoofer in a cabinet or near a window.

Step 4. Adjust the phase control of your subwoofer to find the best sound.

12. Improve room acoustics

Next, ensure that the room acoustics are good. This means that you have to treat the room with acoustic panels or bass traps.

13. Polarize the subwoofer correctly in an array

If you have multiple subs in an array, make sure they are all polarized correctly. The polarity of a subwoofer should be facing the same direction.

14. Use the correct frequency

You also have to make sure that you are using the correct frequency. The frequency is the range of sound that the subwoofer can produce.

15. Configure the microphone or program sources properly

If you are using a microphone or program sources, you need to make sure that they are properly configured.

16. Move the subwoofer closer to the listener

Try to move it closer to the listener and this will help to create a more immersive experience.

17. Use a right-sized and higher-quality amplifier

If you want your subs to hit harder, you need to use a higher-quality or bigger amplifier.

This will help to make sure that a subwoofer is getting the power it needs to perform at its best.

18. Upgrade to a better quality subwoofer or replace it

After trying everything, if you still find that your subwoofer isn’t hitting hard, you need to replace your existing sub with a more powerful subwoofer

You should get a bigger and more high-quality subwoofer. that is made with better materials and that has a better design.

A larger subwoofer will be able to produce more bass and thus hit harder.

How to prevent a subwoofer from not hitting hard?

Here are some tips to prevent a subwoofer from not hitting hard.

1. Place the subwoofer on a solid surface

A subwoofer typically needs to be placed on a hard, flat surface in order for it to work properly. Placing it on a soft surface, such as a rug or carpet, can muffle the sound and prevent the bass from being as strong.

2. Check the connections

Make sure that all of the connections between your subwoofer and other audio equipment are secure and free of any loose wires.

3. Adjust the settings

If your subwoofer has an adjustable crossover frequency, make sure that it is set to the appropriate level for your speakers.

4. Add a subwoofer amplifier

If your audio system does not have a built-in amplifier, you may need to add one in order to get the most out of your subwoofer.

5. Use speaker stands

Placing your speakers on stands can help to improve the sound quality by ensuring that the speakers are at the correct height.

6. Move the subwoofer around

Experiment with different locations for your subwoofer until you find a spot where it sounds best.

7. Try a different audio source

If you’re still having trouble getting your subwoofer to hit hard, try switching to another audio source, such as a movie or a different music player.

If you follow these tips and your subwoofer still isn’t hitting hard, there may be an issue with the subwoofer itself. In this case, it’s best to consult with a professional to diagnose the problem.

Conclusion

Overall, a new subwoofer may not hit hard due to not being broken in, not being powered, or not being configured properly. However, a subwoofer can stop hitting hard after being used a few times as a result of the subwoofer not receiving enough power, poor grounding, the wires being loose or damaged, and the crossover frequency is set too low, or the subwoofer not being properly calibrated.

You can fix the subwoofer that’s not hitting hard by configuring it properly, providing enough power,  using the correct crossover frequency, and calibrating it correctly. If you can’t fix it on your own, contact a professional and, if it doesn’t work, you may need to replace your subwoofer.