A subwoofer is simply a speaker designed to handle the lowest audio frequencies, between 20 Hz (and sometimes even lower) and 200 Hz. Often overlooked, the function of a subwoofer should never be underestimated. Specialising in providing very low frequencies that traditional speakers may not be able to reach, subs add depth and detail – it is not just about playing low and loud. It’s about bringing the bass you can feel.

Want to learn more about how these fascinating machines work?

Read ‘What is a Subwoofer?’ now.

An active subwoofer is a subwoofer with a built-in amplifier, as opposed to a passive subwoofer, which needs the help of an external amplifier to drive powerful sound. Passive subwoofers simply include the bass drivers, only without an amp. Passive subwoofers are mainly used for custom installations of architectural speaker systems.

Most KEF subwoofer models are active for instant, rumbling low notes - except those for architectural custom installations.

Ported subwoofers contain openings known as ports, resulting in truly earth-shaking bass. They are a variant that promises a higher bass response thanks to its special design. Its efficiency increases significantly in certain frequency ranges. However, they are also larger due to their required construction.

Sealed subwoofers do not have openings and, as such, do not produce the same thunderous volume as a ported subwoofer. Closed subwoofer enclosures offer a more precise sound image and better control. They are particularly suitable for anyone looking for a better subwoofer for music reproduction or for living rooms.

Your speakers do incredible work creating the perfect soundscape, but even the greatest can benefit from a little help.

While your speakers tackle those heavenly high notes in your favourite song or deliver crisp and clear dialogue when you watch the latest blockbuster in your home cinema, subwoofers take care of those all-too-often neglected low notes.

With speakers alone, you miss the drama of rolling thunder in a movie scene or the detail of the bass that completes a track. With a subwoofer handling the low end, your loudspeakers are free to deliver a more dynamic performance, and the final puzzle piece slots into place for complete and complex audio.

See our guide to how a subwoofer enhances your immersive audio experience.

You can connect your subwoofer and speakers using the LFE outputs on your amplifier or receiver.

If your receiver/amplifier doesn’t have an LFE output, you can use the pre-amp output. Or, if your receiver doesn’t have an LFE or a pre-amp output, you can use the subwoofer’s high-level inputs by simply connecting the amp's speaker outputs to the subwoofer's high-level input.

For more information on connecting your subwoofer, always consult your user manual, or see our blog.

Read ‘How to Integrate Your Subwoofer with Your Wireless Speakers’.

When it comes to subwoofers, the better it’s positioned, the better the bass. So, be sure to consider where your subwoofer will be situated to benefit from the sub's full effect.

Consider where you’ll be sitting to listen. Place your subwoofer here, then move around the room, head close to the ground, to see where the sound is best (smooth, tight and consistent). It stands to reason that wherever the audio from your subwoofer sounds best when it’s placed in your seating spot, that’s where your subwoofer should go in order for you to have the best listening experience once you return to your chair.

A typical rule to always follow was to avoid walls and corners which over-boost your bass, leading to excessively boomy audio. However, this has changed with KEFs iBX technology offering up to five DSP settings for a subwoofer placed near walls, in a corner, in a cabinet, openly in the room or even an apartment mode to deliver a nice bass response while keeping your neighbours happy.

How large your subwoofer should be depends on the size of your listening room and speakers. If you have a large room and want quality sound to reach every corner, a larger subwoofer will fill the space. However, if you have limited space, a smaller subwoofer such as our Kube 8 MIE will still surprise you with the chest-thumping bass that emanates from such a modest-sized sub.

At the same time, you want your subwoofer to be fairly evenly matched to your speakers, so that they can keep up with your speaker output without overpowering them.

If you’ve decided to add a subwoofer to your audio setup, you may be considering if more than one is best for dialling up the intensity.

In most cases, a single subwoofer is all you need. However, if you’re filling a larger room with powerful sound from a speaker model such as our LS60 Wireless, multiple subwoofers may be the key to evenly spread bass to match your speakers’ audio output.

See our guide to how many subwoofers you need.

As specialists in loudspeaker design, KEF’s subwoofers are truly in a league of their own, with innovative technologies like Uni-Core and the Music Integrity Engine providing unparalleled performance.

Uni-Core combines both drivers using only one magnet for both driver coils allowing for a space-saving design that delivers the fantastic bass you’d expect of a larger subwoofer but from an ultra-compact cabinet.

The Music Integrity Engine is the combination of algorithms behind your KEF subwoofer’s digital signal processing. From a phase-correcting feature that conquers timing issues to the iBX Intelligent Bass Extension, the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) of a KEF subwoofer is beyond compare.

Plus, our bass drivers move with immaculate precision thanks to the P-Flex surround, an origami-inspired design which resists pressure without compromising sensitivity.

If you’re looking to invest significantly in creating your dream audio experience, the Reference 8b is our phenomenal flagship subwoofer, offering 1000W of bass-boosting power.

For those who want impeccable bass without sacrificing legroom, KC62 brings up to 105dB of bass from a cabinet the size of a football.

Larger than the KC62 and louder. Our KC92 gives you up to 110dB of deep sound - the same as a rock concert.

For those concerned about having to sacrifice interior design aesthetics for their subwoofer, let us introduce the T2. The slim cabinet allows this subwoofer to hide from view while providing bass that’s anything but discreet.

Each Kube subwoofer is imbued with Music Integrity Engine and comes in 4 sizes, from the compact 8 MIE to the powerful 15 MIE, to suit your needs.

Welcome a KEF subwoofer into your audio setup today and complete your soundscape.