Mount Subwoofer Under Desk: Possibility & Problems

Subwoofer placement is a delicate matter as it affects sound quality and noise control. Some users think of mounting them underneath the desk. 

So, what does it mean to mount subwoofer under desk?

Although it’s possible to mount a subwoofer under the desk it may not be ideal for optimal sound quality. Some prefer to mount subwoofers under desks, but this depends on the room size, shape, acoustic balance, etc. The wrong placement of the subwoofer can lead to unwanted vibrations, reduced frequency response, and potential interference. Instead, it is recommended to consider alternative placements for the subwoofer such as floor corners. 

Follow the article as we have provided all the information you need about subwoofer mounting options in this article. 

Can You Place Your Subwoofer Under the Desk?

It’s technically possible to mount the subwoofer underneath the desk. Many people do this for a more powerful sound output. And the sound does seem more powerful because of the subwoofer’s boundary gain. It makes the sound more bassy.

Also, placing a subwoofer under the desk is a common choice due to limited space or aesthetic preferences. But due to many reasons, it may not be the most ideal location.  

The ideal subwoofer placement depends on the specific room’s acoustics, speaker setup, and personal preferences. Experimenting with different positions or listening tests can help determine the optimal placement for achieving the desired sound quality.

Reasons for Not Placing a Subwoofer Under the Desk

Placing a subwoofer under the desk may not be the optimal choice for the following reasons:

• Sound Quality: The desk surface can obstruct the sound waves thus interfering with the sound propagation. This hampers the sound quality. 

• Vibration & Frequency: Placing the subwoofer on the desk can lead to unwanted vibrations, negatively impacting the overall sound quality. Also, placing subwoofers under the desk generates low frequencies that cause vibration and resonance. 

• Magnetism: If you own a CRT television, placing the subwoofer under a table or near the television is not recommended. Because the subwoofer’s strong magnets can cause color distortion in the TV.

• Localization: Placing the subwoofer under the desk may cause the sound to be localized. Thus, creating the impression that the audio is coming from beneath the desk.

In conclusion, placing a subwoofer under the desk can introduce various issues that may compromise the overall sound quality. Considering alternative and more suitable placement options is advisable to achieve the best audio experience.

The Best Location for the Subwoofer

The placement of a subwoofer should be determined based on the room size, shape, arrangement of furniture, etc. Here are some recommendations on where to position a subwoofer:

In Front of You

Placing the subwoofer in front of you, facing the center of the room, is a commonly used and effective approach. This positioning helps achieve a balanced blend between the subwoofer and the main speakers. It minimizes any localization effects.

But it could also lead to a less focused or localized bass experience. The bass may seem to come from the general direction of the subwoofer rather than specific sources of the audio.

Front of the Room

The front of the room is a popular choice for subwoofer placement, often in the front corner. This location allows the subwoofer to synchronize with the front channel speakers, resulting in a cohesive and immersive soundstage.

However, it may not always be ideal for room aesthetics. Placing the subwoofer in a front corner might not be visually appealing or practical in some setups.

Left Corner

Some individuals prefer placing the subwoofer in the left corner while keeping the TV or display in the front middle. This setup can contribute to a well-balanced distribution of sound and integration with the audiovisual system. But sometimes this can result in a boomy or exaggerated bass response.

Moreover, it might not work well for all room layouts. Room dimensions, furniture placement, and speaker positioning can affect the overall sound quality and coherence.

Multiple Subwoofers

Using multiple subwoofers in a room can yield improved outcomes. Multiple subwoofers help mitigate irregularities in bass response, reducing the occurrence of dips and peaks. 

Furthermore, when the outputs of multiple subwoofers are combined, it results in a more even and effortless bass sound. But you need to maintain the proper placement of all the subwoofers.

However, it also introduces additional complexity. Properly integrating and calibrating multiple subwoofers can be challenging. This requires careful placement and adjustment to avoid phase cancellation or uneven bass distribution. Also, it is necessary to hide the cords of your computer and subwoofers while you place them randomly.

Subwoofer Crawl

To further fine-tune the placement, you can perform a “subwoofer crawl.” Place the subwoofer at your usual listening position and crawl around the room to find the best spot for bass.

Once you find that spot, that’s where the subwoofer should ideally be placed. Though, it might require multiple attempts and adjustments to find the desired bass performance.

Remember that room acoustics and individual preferences play significant roles in determining the ideal subwoofer placement. It’s essential to experiment, listen properly, and make adjustments based on your specific room characteristics. 

Also, consider personal listening preferences to achieve the best possible sound quality. Even though most people consider placing their subwoofer on the floor as it is the most appropriate location.

If you are considering an exterior sound system for your TV, namely a soundbar, which increases the capabilities of the TV and brings it to the next level, you can read the article about The Best Sound Bar For TV and if you have Samsung TV the article Best soundbar for Samsung Frame TV could be helpful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mounting a Subwoofer 

Here are some rephrased common mistakes to avoid when mounting a subwoofer, along with additional information:

Neglecting to Power Off:

It is crucial to remember to turn off the power when installing a subwoofer to prevent any potential electrical hazards.

Corner or Wall Placement:

Excessive corner placement can result in boomy and one-note bass, compromising overall sound quality. So, it’s important to find the right balance

Proximity to Walls:

Placing the subwoofer too close to a wall can lead to muddy and indistinct bass. It reduces clarity and definition in the audio reproduction. But you can set your subwoofer near the computer when your PC is located sideways on the desk.

Floor Placement:

Positioning the subwoofer directly on the floor can cause the bass to lose its precision and become excessively boomy. Using isolation pads or foam can help decouple the subwoofer from the desk or floor. This reduces vibrations and improves sound quality.

Optimal Placement at Ear Level:

Placing the subwoofer at the ear level ensures the best sound quality and integration with the main speakers. This placement allows for a more balanced audio experience, with the bass seamlessly blending with the other frequencies.

Over-Tightening the Screws:

Another important consideration when mounting a subwoofer is to avoid over-tightening the screws. Tightening the screws can lead to potential problems. Over-tightening the screws can deform the speaker basket, which damages the subwoofer’s components. 

In summary, when mounting a subwoofer, it is important to avoid these types of common things.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Conclusion

Now you know if is it okay to mount subwoofer under desk or not. 

Your subwoofer or speakers can be placed underneath the desk but it is not the appropriate place. So, it’s better to do a subwoofer crawl and find out the right spot for a fine sound balance. Also, check the bass and acoustic balance across the room.

Read also: Gaming Desk vs Regular Desk (What are the 09 Significant Differences)