The 5 Best 15-Inch Subwoofers for Bass Guitars

The music world is filled with many different types of instruments, each with its own unique sound that can be used to create various styles of music. Out of all the instruments, the guitar is probably one of the most popular; it can be heard in almost every genre. But what makes it sound so unique? In this article, we will look at some factors that contribute to the guitar sound, such as subwoofers, and discuss how they impact a live performance. 

Factors That Affect Guitar Sound

There are a few factors that affect the sound of a guitar. The most prominent characteristics are the type of wood used for the body and neck, the type of strings, and the size and shape of the body. The tonewoods used for guitars can affect the sound in several ways. Harder woods like maple produce brighter sounds, while softer woods like mahogany produce warmer sounds. The type of strings also affects the sound. Heavier strings produce a louder, more aggressive sound, while lighter strings produce a more mellow sound. And finally, the size and shape of the body can also affect the tone. Larger bodies tend to have more bass tones, while smaller bodies produce more treble tones. One of the most significant components of creating a high-quality sound is using a subwoofer for your guitar and speaker systems. 

The sound of your guitar is essential. Certain pieces of equipment, like the guitar, subwoofers, and types of speakers, are all aspects of what create the tone. But, it’s essential to decide what tone you’re striving for to determine what kind of subwoofer or any other piece of equipment you may need.

Here, Bobby Kittleberger from Guitar Chalk talks about one of the first steps you should take when playing the guitar is understanding different tones. His advise gives buyers insight to how a subwoofer can affect the sound: 

“My first piece of advice is that tone has to be understood contextually. What works for the guy playing ’60s surfer rock will be awful for someone who wants to cover Greenday. In a lot of situations, a great tone is subjective and fluid. So my best tip would be to understand the context of the music you’re playing and get familiar with those who are setting the standard. If you familiarize yourself with the real thing, you’ll know when you’re not measuring up”. 

Regarding general practical advice, I always tell those who want to achieve a “modern” guitar tone to go with a little more low bass, less mid, and try to keep the treble balanced to avoid too much of a “piercing” sound. Adding a little reverb never hurt either. From there, don’t be afraid to layer certain aspects of your sound with different effects and devise conventions for how you use your pedalboard at particular intervals.” -Bobby Kittleberger from Guitar Chalk.

What Is a Subwoofer?

Subwoofers are an essential part of any audio system, and they can also be used with guitars to add depth and richness to the sound. Subwoofers are designed to reproduce lower frequency sounds and can make a big difference in the overall sound quality of your guitar playing. If you’re looking for a way to improve your sound, adding a subwoofer to your setup may be the answer. 

Types of Subwoofers: Passive or Active? 

When it comes to subwoofers, there are two main types: passive and active. Passive subwoofers don’t require an external power source, while powered subwoofers do. Which one you choose depends on a few factors, including the size of your room, the type of music you listen to, and your budget. A passive subwoofer is generally cheaper than an active subwoofer, and they can be a good option for people who have a small room or only listen to light music. Active subwoofers are better for people who listen to heavier music or have a larger space. A powered subwoofer also tends to produce higher-quality sound than a passive subwoofer. 

Placement of Subwoofers

Some experts believe the subwoofer should be placed as close as possible to the guitar. This will ensure that all of the sounds are heard clearly. However, others believe that the subwoofer should be placed further away from the guitar. This will help to avoid any distortion or frequency response issues.

How to Connect a Subwoofer to a Guitar Amp

Subwoofers are a great way to improve the sound quality of your guitar amp. Connecting a subwoofer to your bass amp can add bass frequencies to your sound. This will give your music a fuller sound and make it more enjoyable. There are several ways to connect a subwoofer to a guitar amp. One way is to use an RCA cable. This is the most common way to connect a subwoofer to a low bass amp. Another way is to use a TRS cable. This type of cable is often used in professional settings. If you use an RCA cable, the red wire goes into the right channel of the amplifier, and the black wire goes into the left channel. 

EQ Settings for Subwoofers

Subwoofers are essential to any guitar, home theater, or sound system, but getting the most out of them can be tricky. Adjust your EQ settings to match your room and preferences to get the best possible sound. Adjusting settings can be a daunting task, but with a bit of knowledge and some practice, you’ll be able to get the perfect sound for your home. The first thing you need to do is determine where your subwoofer is best placed. Some people prefer to have it in the same room as their main speakers, while others like to put it in a separate room or outside. Once you’ve decided on a location, you need to find the right spot for your subwoofer within that space. 

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Subwoofer

A subwoofer is a great way to improve the sound quality of your audio system, but there are a few things you should keep in mind when using one:

1. Make sure you have enough space for it. A subwoofer needs to be placed where it can quickly vibrate and create a deep bass boost.

2. Make sure your amplifier is powerful enough to handle the additional load.

3. Experiment with the subwoofer’s placement until you find the spot that creates the best sound quality for your specific setup. 

Down Firing vs. Front-Firing Subwoofers

There are two basic types of subwoofer positioning: front-firing and down-firing. Each has its benefits and drawbacks.

Front-firing subwoofers are the most common type. They’re mounted in the front of the cabinet, with the woofer facing forward. This type of subwoofer is suitable for music because it provides accurate bass reproduction. It can also offer low-end effects for movies or TV shows.

Down-firing subwoofers are mounted at the bottom of the cabinet, with the woofer facing down. This type of subwoofer is suitable for home theater applications because it creates a more immersive experience. 

Play Music Loudly Without Distortion

A subwoofer is a loudspeaker that reproduces low frequencies. The prefix “sub” means below, so a subwoofer is designed to produce sounds below the range of human hearing. This is typically from about 20 Hz to 200 Hz. While most people think of a subwoofer as a component in a home theater system, it can be used in car audio systems. Many cars come with factory-installed subwoofers. It would help if you had an excellent subwoofer to play your music as loud as possible without distortion. A quality sub will not only deliver clean deep bass notes but will also handle the power demands of today’s high-powered amplifiers. 

Subwoofers Unlock the Sonic Potential of Smaller Speakers

When you think of great sound, what comes to mind? For many people, the answer is prominent speakers. But what if you don’t have the space⁠—or the budget⁠—for an extensive speaker system? A subwoofer may be the answer. Adding a subwoofer to your more minor speaker system can unlock its sonic potential, providing richer, fuller sound than you ever thought possible from such a small setup. By taking over the low-end frequencies, a subwoofer allows your smaller speakers to focus on reproducing the midrange and high-end sounds that give the music its detail and clarity. This is not to say that a subwoofer will make up for inadequate speakers; if your speakers are poor quality, adding a subwoofer will not improve their sound magically.

Do You Need a Subwoofer for a Concert?

When it comes to music, there are different types of people in the world. Some enjoy listening to classical music, while others enjoy listening to rap. Some people like to sing along with their favorite songs, and others would much rather listen to music in the background. Then, some love feeling the beat of the music deep within their bones. For these people, a subwoofer is a must-have when going to a concert. Most people think a subwoofer is only necessary for electronic dance music (EDM) concerts, but that is not true. While it is true that EDM concerts require more powerful bass than other genres of concerts, a subwoofer can be beneficial for any show. 

Do You Need a Subwoofer for Guitar Practice?

While some guitarists practice without a subwoofer, others feel it is essential to their practice routine. Subwoofers can help guitarists hear their playing more clearly and improve their tone. They can also help protect your hearing by reducing the frequencies your ears are exposed to. If you are looking for a subwoofer to help you with your guitar practice, you should consider adding one to your equipment. 

When Don’t You Need a Subwoofer?

There are many instances where you don’t need a subwoofer. If you are watching TV, the speakers on the TV will be more than enough. If you are listening to music, you won’t need a powered subwoofer unless you are a bass head. Most people can’t even hear the difference between 20Hz and 30Hz. If you are gaming, again, the speakers on your TV or computer will be more than adequate. Subwoofers are best used for playing guitar and other instruments because the sound is more complex. 

The Sound System Needed for Different Events

When it comes to events, there are many different types. Each one has its own unique set of needs when it comes to sound equipment. Here is a breakdown of the most common types of events and the sound system that is typically needed for each.

1. A small meeting or lecture may only require a basic PA system with a microphone and mixer. A PA system will allow the speaker to be heard by everyone in the room.

2. A band or DJ performance usually needs a more robust sound system, with speakers that can reach all corners of the venue. It is also essential to have a good mix of high and low frequencies to create an enjoyable listening experience for everyone.

3. A large concert or festival requires an even more robust sound system, capable of reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of people. 

Choosing a Subwoofer

A high-quality subwoofer is essential for clear, concise, powerful sound. Choosing a subwoofer can be daunting, so we’ve outlined the five best 15 inch subwoofer options for bass guitars below.

1. Eminence American Standard Delta Subwoofer

Eminence’s standard subwoofer is the perfect sound enhancer for your jamming sessions. This woofer offers a low-frequency mid-bass and floor monitor concealed in a sealed enclosure. If you’re looking for a multifunctional subwoofer, this one provides you with the ability to be used for American bass guitars and also PA enclosures. Certain sounds, like club music, will work best with this equipment because of its extraordinary ability to produce high-quality, clean sounds of all ranges and frequencies. The extended Xmax feature allows this device to have more bass than other Eminence’s powerful subwoofer is rated at 500 watts, 1000 watts music program, and 8 ohms. 

$144.99

Photo source: amazon.com

2. Rockville Raw DJ Subwoofer

Rockville’s Subwoofer, specifically designed for DJs and Guitarists, can reach a peak power of up to 1500 watts. Standard power is 750 watts. Rockville includes a kevlar reinforced ultra-stiff paper composite cone for added security, which allows your subwoofer to stay secure. There’s also a composite dust cap that helps prevent any sound distortion. This subwoofer has a sleek black design that matches almost any equipment well. Rockville offers a variety of sizes and sound capabilities to fit your equipment needs best. 

Price: $74.95

Photo source: amazon.com

3. Eminence Legend Guitar Speaker

Eminence’s second subwoofer on this list is high-quality, durable, and a great addition to your guitar gear. The drive sits at an impressive 15″ and delivers a powerful, rich, deep bass sound. Small, sealed enclosures are the best spaces to use this 350-watt driver. Another great feature of this great subwoofer is that you can easily use it with your pro audio and home Hi-Fi applications. Eminence Legend’s American bass guitar speaker is designed with bass players in mind to produce a high-quality, well-made sound. The coil consists of copper and polyimide. The basket material consists of pressed steel. Together, these components create a robust and durable subwoofer that any bass player will love. 

Price: $169.99

Photo source: amazon.com

4. Seismic Audio Speaker

This powerful device is durable, heavy-duty, and built to produce a sound that enhances your guitar’s music. The seismic bass guitar speaker contains a 15-inch subwoofer and a 50 oz magnet, creating a crystal clear sound you will love. The guitar cab is made of plywood, and the speaker’s front panel is outfitted with black carpet and black metal corners. The overall look of this device is sleek and minimal, making it a great choice to tour with or play a live show. The simplicity of this woofer will allow it to blend in well without taking away the focus from you and your guitar. If you’re looking for a beautiful low-end reinforcement and a powerful articulation of the mid-range sound, this woofer is for you.

Price: $196.99

Photo source: amazon.com

5. Pyle Monitor Speaker System

Pyle’s Monitor speaker comes with a removable grill cover to help protect your powerful subwoofer system. You can also use this speaker for different sources of audio, such as SD cards, USBs, Bluetooth wireless streaming, and RCA audio lines. This is an excellent subwoofer because it’s versatile and perfect for any guitarist or anyone looking for an extra boost in their sound system. Equipped with high-powered audio output, this speaker comes in a powerful 15-inch setup and 1.75″ tweeter. Consider this Pyle speaker system if you’re looking for a customizable, versatile speaker. 

Price: $249.95

Photo source: amazon.com

Subwoofers Are Essential

Subwoofers are essential equipment for ensuring your guitar or audio system provides you with the highest quality sound. Without a subwoofer, all of the complex levels of your instruments won’t be able to be heard and will lower the quality of your performance. If you’re practicing at home or playing a small show, you may not need or want a subwoofer. But, if you’re playing for a larger audience or like a powerful frequency response, try out one of these 15″ subwoofers for your guitar or audio needs.