Subwoofers reproduce low-frequency bass sound only, to add depth and impact to music, creating a more immersive experience in larger spaces like bars and retail stores where regular speakers may struggle to deliver a powerful enough bass.
Subwoofers typically cover the frequency range from 20 Hz to around 200 Hz. This range includes the deep bass notes that regular speakers can’t reproduce effectively. Using a subwoofer for this frequency range reduces the temptation to overdrive mid/high speakers, thereby preventing distortion and maintaining clarity over the complete system.
In restaurant or retail audio systems, using a subwoofer will add warmth to low level background music without overpowering conversations.
However, a subwoofer really comes into it’s own when used in a bar or nightclub Pro-sound system, providing a thumping dance floor experience any DJ would be proud of!
Whether you are looking for a passive subwoofer or a powered / active subwoofer with built-in amplifier for convenience, there are several options available. The Commercial Audio team will be pleased to hear from you if you need any further information.
A subwoofer only reproduces low bass — typically about 20 Hz to 200 Hz — so ceiling, cabinet or column speakers do not have to produce those frequencies. That adds warmth and impact and reduces the distortion you might otherwise get by overdriving the mid/high speakers. Use it to boost BGM in retail and restaurants, or to produce lots of pounding deep notes as part of a pro-sound system in a bar or club.
Small ceiling and cabinet speakers roll off in the bass. If music sounds thin, or you keep turning the system up just to hear the drums and bass guitar, add a sub rather than more mid/high boxes. In a quiet restaurant a modest 8"–10" install sub is often enough; a dance floor needs a 15"–18" PA sub.
Install models (Cloud CS-SUB8 / CS-CSUB8, Bosch LC2-PC60G6-10, JBL Control 419CS/T, Ecler ARQIS wall boxes) are meant to sit in a ceiling or on a wall and often include 100V tappings. PA models (LD Systems STINGER SUB G3, RCF SUB 702-AS II) are high-output floor cabinets for live sound and clubs. You wouldn’t specify a touring 18" sub for above a supermarket ceiling tile grid.
Passive subs need a separate amplifier (and usually a crossover or a high-pass on the satellite speakers). Active subs (STINGER SUB 15 A / 18 A G3, RCF SUB 702-AS II) have the amp built in and only need a line-level feed and mains. Use passive + 100V for distributed BGM; use active for portable PA or a single high-output dance-floor box.
Yes. Cloud CS-SUB8 / CS-CSUB8, Bosch LC2-PC60G6-10 and JBL Control 419CS/T offer 100V (or 70V) tappings as well as low impedance. Select the tap so the sub’s share of the amplifier load is planned in, and high-pass the satellite speakers so they are not still trying to play the same bass.
Ceiling-mount subs (Cloud CS-CSUB8, EV EVID C10.1, Bosch LC2, JBL 419CS/T) disappear into a tiled grid. Wall-mount boxes (Ecler ARQIS SB10) sit against a wall or under a counter. Floor PA cabinets sit on the deck or under a stage. Bass is less directional than midrange, but corners and solid walls will boost output — useful in a bar, risky if the next-door tenant shares a wall.
8"–10" install drivers suit restaurants and retail. Dual 10" weatherised cabinets (EV EVID-S10.1, JBL Control SB2210) add output for terraces and larger spaces. 12"–18" PA drivers (RCF, LD Systems STINGER) are for clubs and live sound. Match continuous power to the amplifier and leave headroom; a small sub driven cleanly beats a large one driven into distortion.
Some install cabinets are weather-rated: Electro-Voice EVID-S10.1DB is IP65; JBL Control SB2210 is IP45 with an optional 70/100V transformer. Indoor ceiling subs and untreated PA cabinets should stay inside. Check the rating in the Tech Hub IP chart if the sub will see rain or get washed down.
Cross over so satellites play from roughly 80–120 Hz upward and the sub handles everything below. On 100V systems use the correct tap and do not daisy-chain the sub as if it were another 6 W ceiling speaker without checking total load. In restaurants keep the sub warm, not thumping; in a club you can push level once the mid/high cabinets are high-passed.
Yes. Tell them the room type, whether the system is 100V or low-Z, and whether the sub must be in-ceiling, on-wall or a PA cabinet. They can match amplifier power, tapping and satellite high-pass, and confirm any clearance stock availability before you design around a ‘last-one’ product.
