In large concert halls and rooms, the subwoofer’s location doesn’t have much of an impact on the listener’s experience. However, in small compact vehicles like cars, the location of the subwoofer can have a significant impact on the listening experience.
Most experts say that when installing a subwoofer in the trunk of a car, the speaker cone should be pointed upward for the greatest results.
You should point the subwoofer down or toward the front of the vehicle if you want it to produce a loud and booming sound. On the other hand, if you want the sound to be more well-balanced, turning the subwoofer so that it faces the back of the vehicle may be the best choice.
In this article, I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of putting a subwoofer in a car in a variety of places, as well as how the sound produced by each configuration varies.
Things To Consider Before Positioning A Subwoofer
The placement of the subwoofer is essential for producing sounds of the highest possible quality and providing an outstanding listening experience.
If you get the placement wrong, it is possible that you will never be satisfied with yourself, even if you already own the greatest subwoofer or are on the verge of purchasing one.
In addition, you could be tempted to curse yourself for wasting such a significant amount of money on something that isn’t worth anything.
Many individuals are unaware of the optimal placement for subwoofers. The front and the back are typically the two options available to select from for placing your sub. Some people put their subwoofer in the trunk of their vehicle, while others like to put it at the front or the back.
But before discussing the best position for subwoofer in a car, the members of our audio team highly recommend that you take into consideration the parameters listed below:
1- Size And Available Space Of Your Car
The size of the subwoofer that can be installed in your vehicle will be determined by the amount of space that is available.
In the event that you have a confined amount of space, it would be smart to choose a subwoofer that is not too large, and that can be easily integrated into the area that is available without taking up too much room.
However, if you have a great amount of space, you have the option of purchasing larger subs. Despite this, our technical professionals continue to advise that you do not use all of the cargo capacity in your car.
Because when it comes to subwoofers, the size of the subwoofer does not affect the sound’s ability to be deep or strong.
2- Quantity Of Subwoofers
While some people choose to install multiple subwoofers in their cars, others insist that passengers make do with just one.
As previously mentioned the amount of free space in your car is an important consideration in this regard. If you already own two or three subwoofers and have the room to store all of them in one location, then, by all means, do so.
But again, the members of our technical team strongly suggest that you do not use all of the cargo capacity that is available in the car.
If, after installation, there is such a small amount of free space, you ought to think about installing just one instead of two.
3- Type Of Subwoofer (Up Firing Vs. Down Firing)
The sound that is emitted from the driver’s front (up firing subwoofer) is preferred by some automobile owners, while others choose the sound that is coming from the bottom of the speaker (also known as down-firing).
But most importantly, the type of subwoofer that is most suitable for installation in your vehicle will be determined by the available space.
4- The Sound That You Wish To Achieve With The Subwoofer
Give some thought to the sound that you want the subwoofer to produce.
It is important to position the subwoofer so that it is facing the front of the vehicle if you want the sound to be loud and booming.
On the other hand, if you want the sound to be more well-balanced, turning the subwoofer so that it faces the back of the vehicle may be the best choice.
5- The Appearance Of The Subwoofer
Last but not least, give some thought to the aesthetics of the subwoofer. If you want it to be out of sight, then hiding it beneath a seat is an excellent method.
However, if you plan on exhibiting it, positioning it in the center of the trunk is likely to be the most aesthetically pleasing alternative.
What Is The Best Position For Subwoofer In A Car?
The discussion is typically split between two different areas, known as the trunk and the cab. Because it is difficult to locate any other locations within a vehicle that are capable of supporting a subwoofer, it seems reasonable to assume that these are the two locations that we will be talking about today.
This is a question that cannot have a single, correct answer because the optimal position of a sub in a car is dependent not only on the car itself but also on the tastes and requirements of the passengers inside.
When installing a subwoofer in the trunk of a car, the speaker cone should be oriented upwards for optimal performance. And, this is also the orientation that is most frequently used.
On the other hand, if you want a sound that is heavier on the bass, you should probably turn the subwoofer so that it is pointing toward the front of the car.
Let’s go over the specifics of each placement, which are listed below:
1- Trunk
It was necessary for this to come first on the list because it is the very first location that pops into everyone’s mind whenever the subject of subwoofers is brought up.
And you aren’t wrong, since if you’re considering installing one big subwoofer that should do the task, then there is no other spot in a car with that much area to position one of them, and that’s the only place where you can put one of them.
If you want to receive the best output in the car, you should position the subs so that they are pointing backward rather than forwards or upwards. In this position, you will get the best sound quality.
The drawback of using this location is that it consumes valuable room in the trunk, and if you have other goods in the trunk, they could potentially cause harm to the subwoofer if they shift around while you are driving.
2- Rear Of The Car (Facing The Rear Seat)
The fact that not many people are aware of this location is the primary reason why It is often viewed as one of the most undervalued positions in terms of the ideal spot to put a subwoofer in a car.
If you position the subwoofer so that it is towards the back of the car, it will produce a sound that is more evenly distributed throughout the cabin of the car.
This position faces the driver of the vehicle as well as the passengers in the vehicle. It is going head-to-head with the car’s rear end.
This makes it clear that the layout of the vehicle is geared toward the people who are traveling in it as well as the person who is driving it.
The area that has been fenced off is being penetrated by subwoofers. It is totally the opposite of the posture that was mentioned in the previous scenarios.
However, the best automobiles for this placement are those that have ample room behind the seats, such as large sedans or SUVs. This position is ideal if you want a more balanced sound or if you’re seeking a subwoofer to fill the entire car with sound.
This location has the disadvantage of not producing as much of a bass-heavy sound as other places, and it can produce a lot of vibrations if it is put too close to the rear door. Other positions provide more bass-heavy sounds.
Even if the benefit is obvious and the sound quality will be improved, the passengers in the back of the vehicle might not be happy with the change. Because the sound output is closer to them, it is possible for it to become louder for them than it is for individuals who are seated in the front.
3- Front Of The Car
Suppose the driver and the co-driver are normally music listeners while driving. In that case, the area behind the front seats is the optimal location for a subwoofer to be installed in a vehicle.
If you position the subwoofer so that it is towards the front of the vehicle, it will produce a sound that is more concentrated and directed at your ears.
I concur that it is an uncommon method. However, the sonic output will be far more precise due to its proximity. Additionally, the production of the bass is more refined, but it will not have the same impact throughout the car.
Be aware that sitting in this position may result in a greater degree of shaking and vibrating throughout the vehicle compared to sitting in any of the other positions.
This location is typically reserved for the subwoofers that are put in the trunks right behind the back seats or in vehicles that do not have any open space behind the seats, such as trucks.
The resulting air pressure will not be able to leave easily if your subwoofer is positioned in this configuration, and the vibrations that come from the cone’s movements may, over time, harm the interior of your car.
4- Towards the Trunk Hatch (Car Subwoofer Facing Upwards)
The owner of the vehicle is the one who determines the path that the subwoofer will take. As a result of the fact if the vehicle is only utilized for local purposes, the empty space in the storage compartment must be utilized for the purpose of putting some luggage and other things that are necessary for the journey.
You should make a note of the impact that the subwoofers are setting upwards in the storage compartment, as this will provide you with additional space in the storage area as well as improved solid quality.
This category is most appropriate for cars that are kept in residential areas. It will provide you with a sound that is superior in solidity, freshness, and treble. This route won’t cause the weak components of your vehicle to shake loose.
5- Subwoofer Facing Down
This position is great for individuals who prefer to feel the music rather than hear it, as well as for those who are searching for a sound that has more of a thumping quality.
However, keep in mind that sitting in this position might cause the higher frequencies to get blocked. Also, it can diminish the clarity of the music and can cause the car to shake and vibrate more than sitting in other positions.
This location is ideal for usage in vehicles with a large amount of trunk space, as well as in cases where the subwoofer is located beneath the seat.
4- Under the Front seat
As mentioned previously, car’s trunk is the ideal location for a subwoofer to be installed.
It goes without saying that in order to accomplish this goal, you will want two subwoofers that are installed underneath the driver’s seat and the co-seat.
When you position two subwoofers under the seats that fire upwards, you will have a lot better effect than when you place one giant subwoofer in the trunk.
This is mostly due to the location of the subwoofer, which, due to the fact that it is almost exactly in the middle of the length of the car, ensures that the effect is uniform across the whole car.
If you pair this with the door speakers that come as standard from the manufacturer, the overall sound quality will be significantly improved.
The fact that you will require purchasing two of them rather than just one is a drawback. The cost of one is less than the cost of two subwoofers that are stored in the trunk. In addition, the output settings have to be tuned because they are not going to be the same for every car.
Because sedans are longer, SUVs are higher, and hatchbacks are shorter, this will vary considerably depending on the type of car that you intend to install it in. There is a significant difference between each one in terms of both the sound output and the acoustics.
Because not all of them want to bash their heads against the steering wheel, and not all of them want to listen to slow music at low intensity for the entirety of the day, we would suggest that you select the appropriate type of subwoofer before doing anything else.
6- Under Your Seat
Additionally, you can put the subwoofer in between the cushions of your seats because it does not have an acceptable appearance if the subwoofer is placed outside.
If you lay this to rest, you will not only improve your overall quality, but you will also improve your quality relative to other directions.
You need to put the speakers under the seats in order to make the space look more put together and to get a better sound out of them. If you place it against the back of your seat, you will find that it is much simpler to get the desired outcome.
7- Subwoofer Placed On The Side
Because of the particular shape that is required, this position is not as common for aftermarket subwoofers as it is for factory subwoofers to be installed in premium audio systems. This is because of the shape requirements.
It is possible to place an order for a personalized enclosure for your car, such as the Skar for Dodge Charger. If you turn the subwoofer on its side, it will produce a sound that is more evenly distributed throughout the entire vehicle, and it will be less prone to generate vibrations.
However, keep in mind that this location takes up a lot of space, and it might not be the best option for compact cars unless the sub-speaker is no more than 8 inches (or, in some situations, 10 inches).
Subwoofer Placed In A Small Car
If you have a compact car with limited space in the trunk, you should use a subwoofer enclosure made for a subwoofer no larger than eight or ten inches in diameter to get the most out of the bass that can be produced.
Beyond that size, your car may not have enough room to transport it.
Don’t forget that you can always swap out your factory subwoofer for one that is better suited to a smaller space if you’re not satisfied with the sound it produces. Subwoofers are typically positioned vertically in smaller trunks.
This is so because the subwoofer won’t have to take up as much room and because chassis vibrations will be dampened.
Subwoofer Placement In A Large Car
Use a subwoofer enclosure made for a 12″, 15″, or 18″ subwoofer in the rear of a large automobile with plenty of cargo capacity.
Keep in mind that you may easily replace the included subwoofer with one built for a wider enclosure if you’re not satisfied with the sound quality.
Positioning the subwoofer with the rear-facing is ideal. With the subwoofer in the trunk, it can take advantage of the extra room and airflow without disrupting the passengers in the back.
Remember to utilize the grill covers to shield the trunk’s cones from accidental damage.
Which Way Should Sub Face In A Truck?
For optimal performance, the subwoofer should be installed behind the truck’s seats with its front facing the cabin.
This is so because it will have a smaller chance of bumping up against the rear wall and can better use the available floor space and airflow inside the cabin.
Dual 12″ Kicker C12 Subwoofers, 600 Peak Watts, Suitable with Chevy Silverado 99-06 Extended Cab Truck Sub Box Enclosure.
Trucks can also have a subwoofer box installed underneath the seat, with the woofers pointing downward. The C12 Chevy Silverado Dual 12-Inch Sub Box Enclosure is a great example.
What Effect Does Location Have on Audio?
Think about where you want to put your subwoofer if you want the finest possible bass. Knowing your options will help you place your subwoofer in the optimal location for producing the desired bass.
It’s a common misconception that the subwoofer’s sound quality is unaffected by its placement in the car. You should not place the subwoofer with a speaker pointing toward the floor of the vehicle if you care about the bass quality.
The subwoofer’s performance will vastly improve if it is mounted either in front of or to the side of the vehicle. In most cases, this arrangement minimizes chassis vibrations while providing uniform sound coverage.
Everyone enjoys a good shaking of the entire vehicle, but this has nothing to do with the acoustic quality of the music being played.
People commonly install subwoofers in the trunk, which also serves as an enclosure, in order to provide a deeper bass response.
However, the subwoofer’s ability to create high-quality sound in a tight compartment, such as the trunk, which is separated from the rest of the cabin in sedans, might be compromised by placing it in this location.
Why Front Or Rear Placement Makes A Difference For Your Car Subwoofer?
When deciding where to position a subwoofer, one of the most crucial factors to take into account is the direction in which the subwoofer will be facing.
It is essential to keep in mind that neither perspective is fundamentally superior to the other; rather, the question boils down to one’s own preference.
You always have the option to replace the subwoofer that is currently installed in your vehicle with one that is intended to fit inside of a bigger box if you find that you are unhappy with the sound quality that it produces.
There Are Essentially Two Ways To Position Subwoofers, And They Are As Follows:
- Front-Firing
- Rear-Firing
Front-Firing Subwoofer
The sound waves produced by a front-firing subwoofer are directed straight into the front of the vehicle.
Because it helps to reduce the amount of vibration that is transmitted to the chassis, this position is best suited for automobiles that have a trunk that is not very large.
It is important to keep in mind, however, that front-firing subwoofers usually create a lower level of bass than their rear-firing counterparts.
Rear-Firing Subwoofer
A subwoofer that blasts sound waves toward the back of the vehicle is called a rear-firing subwoofer. This position is advantageous for automobiles that have trunks that are bigger than average since it provides additional room for the installation of a subwoofer enclosure.
In addition, subwoofers that fire to the rear often generates a deeper bass response than subwoofers that fire forward.
So Which Position Do You Think Is Ideal?
We hope that our overview of the benefits and drawbacks of each possible placement for the subwoofer has assisted you in determining which of the available options is the most suitable for your needs.
In our opinion, there is no correct response to this question. The decision ultimately rests with you. The recommendation that you should follow is the one that came to your attention while you were reading this blog. After all, you’re almost never wrong when you go with your first instinct.
Conclusion
When it comes to subwoofers, the positioning of the speaker is extremely important to achieving the highest possible sound quality.
If you position the subwoofer incorrectly, you may experience sound distortion or perhaps cause permanent damage to your speakers. This is the reason why it is essential to allow sufficient time to locate the optimal placement for your subwoofer.
By experimenting with different positions, you can find a position that exactly matches your needs and provides you with the sound you’re searching for. However, the position that you favor may be very dissimilar to the one that your friend prefers.
Therefore, you should not be hesitant to try something different since you could be shocked by how much of a difference it makes.
We really hope that by the time you’ve finished reading this post, not only do you have a better understanding of the many choices you have for your subwoofer but also that it will help you choose the option that is most suitable for your car.
