Subwoofer Not Working
A silent subwoofer is usually a settings issue on the receiver or soundbar. Use the subwoofer test and bass test tones to check each step.
Power and standby
Check the power light. Many subs have auto-standby that waits for a signal; set it to “On” while testing.
Cables
Use the LFE or SUB OUT jack on the receiver to the LFE or LINE IN on the sub. Try another RCA cable.
Receiver speaker settings
In the receiver’s speaker setup, the subwoofer must be set to “Yes”. If all speakers are “Large”, little bass is sent to the sub; set them to “Small” with an 80 Hz crossover.
Sub gain and crossover
Set the sub’s own crossover to LFE/maximum when the receiver handles it, and the gain to about halfway.
Phase
Flip the phase switch while playing an 80 Hz tone at your seat; keep the setting with more bass. See the polarity test.
Test with tones
Play 30–80 Hz tones. If they work but films lack bass, check the source is outputting 5.1 or that bass management sends stereo bass to the sub.
Related tools
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Why is my sub only on in films?
Stereo music may not be sent to the sub unless speakers are set to Small.
Q.Is a hum from the sub normal?
A faint hum can be a ground loop; see the crackling guide.