Passive PA Subwoofers

A passive PA subwoofer links to an amplifier to help handle the low-end frequencies within a live sound output.

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  1. Fonestar POWERBASS-8TB 100V Installation Subwoofer - White
    In stock
    Regular Price £309.00 Special test Price £279.00
    Fonestar POWERBASS-8TB 100V Installation Subwoofer - White
    • Passive ceiling mount subwoofer
    • 120W RMS 8-inch ported driver
    • White finish with hidden wiring
    • 100v line for easy installation
    • Selectable low-pass filter
    Regular Price £309.00 Special test Price £279.00
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  2. Fonestar POWERBASS-8TN 100V Installation Subwoofer - Black
    In stock
    Regular Price £309.00 Special test Price £299.00
    Fonestar POWERBASS-8TN 100V Installation Subwoofer - Black
    • Ceiling mount passive subwoofer
    • 120W RMS 8-inch woofer
    • Black finish with hidden wiring
    • 100v line for installation
    • Selectable low-pass filter
    Regular Price £309.00 Special test Price £299.00
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  3. 15" Passive PA Subwoofer - Vonyx
    In stock
    £139.00
    15" Passive PA Subwoofer - Vonyx
    • Passive subwoofer with a power output of 300W
    • Low pass filter feature integrated 
    • Speakon/NL4, 6.3mm jack and terminal connections
    • Side handles for easy handling
    • Top hat to allow a top speaker to be mounted above it
    £139.00
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  4. Vonyx 18" Passive Subwoofer Pair
    In stock
    £419.00
    Vonyx 18" Passive Subwoofer Pair
    • 2x Vonyx Speaker Subwoofer Deep Low Bass Sub DJ Disco Club Party 18" 1000w Woofer
    £419.00
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  5. Max15SUB 15" Passive Subwoofer Pair
    In stock
    £259.00
    Max15SUB 15" Passive Subwoofer Pair
    • Speaker Type: Passive (Subwoofer)
    • Side Embedded Hollow Handles
    • Application Use: Large Parties/Venues
    £259.00
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  6. Vonyx 18" Passive Subwoofer
    In stock
    £239.00
    Vonyx 18" Passive Subwoofer
    • 500W Max Power, 1000W Peak Power
    • Powerful 18-inch large magnet woofer with built-in low pass filter
    • 250W RMS / 500W Max power handling for excellent sub bass response
    • Wood and carpet cabinet gives deep resonance-free bass reproduction
    • Professional connections include NL4 speakon, 1/4" (6.35mm) jack socket and gold plated 4mm binding post
    • Frequency response of 20Hz - 300Hz with max SPL of 119dB
    £239.00
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  7. Max15SUB 15" Passive Subwoofer
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    Regular Price £159.00 Special test Price £140.00
    Max15SUB 15" Passive Subwoofer
    • Large 15" 1200W woofer
    • Covered with damping carpet
    • Deep resonance-free bass
    Regular Price £159.00 Special test Price £140.00
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  8. Amate N-12WP Passive PA Subwoofer
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    £569.00
    Amate N-12WP Passive PA Subwoofer
    • 1000W passive subwoofer with 8-Ohm impedance
    • Deep bass reproduction from the 12" woofer driver
    • Small design to fit into tight spaces
    • Input and link connections to pair with an external speaker
    • High volume levels from the 126dB output rating
    £569.00
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  9. Max12SUB 12" Passive Subwoofer & Bag
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    £88.99
    Max12SUB 12" Passive Subwoofer & Bag
    • 1x Max 170.679 12 Inch Passive DJ Subwoofer 800W
    • 1x SoundSak SOUNDSAK MINI Speaker Bag Universal Fit Cover Case Up To 12 Inch
    £88.99
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  10. Max 12" Passive Subwoofer Pair
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    £145.00
    Max 12" Passive Subwoofer Pair
    • Speaker Type: Passive (Subwoofer)
    • Side Embedded Hollow Handles
    • Application Use: Medium Parties/Venues
    £145.00
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  11. Max12SUB 12" Passive Subwoofer
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    £80.00
    Max12SUB 12" Passive Subwoofer
    • 400W RMS Power/800W Max Power
    • A compact 12 inch, 800W max power subwoofer with a fantastic clarity of bass frequencies
    • Tough carpet covering and protective grill for added protection to the cabinet and driver
    • Protected corners and recessed handles make this lightweight unit road-ready and easily transportable
    • Connected to the amplifier via either the 6.3mm jack connections or the clip terminals on the rear of the speaker
    £80.00
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A passive PA subwoofer draws power from a separate amplifier to improve the sound quality of existing PA speakers. Used frequently in larger venues such as nightclubs and live music venues, connecting to a network of other PA speakers allows the passive subwoofer to work effectively. Subs help to focus and boost a bass signal, effectively allowing other speakers to focus solely on the mid and treble frequencies in the final mix.

Buy Passive Subwoofers

Subwoofers redefine the low-end frequencies in all genres of music, filling out the overall sound output for a richer listening experience. As with any passive speaker, these subs require connection to a power amplifier to receive a sound output. Each sub is built within a highly robust speaker cabinet complemented with a metal grille to help shield the inner speaker driver.

Passive subwoofers are always used as part of a larger network as they are not self-amplified like their active counterparts. The sub can be placed on the floor during use, however, the sizes available in this collection are suited for use in venues of medium to large size. They can, of course, be professionally rigged up above a DJ booth or staged area to save floor space in more compact areas.

Passive Sub

A passive sub is a loudspeaker that can help to focus and clarify bass signals within audio by connecting to a compatible amplifier unit. Some passive speakers will already contain a crossover component, crossovers spread frequency signals throughout your network of speakers, ensuring bass frequencies are directed toward the sub. Middle and treble signals are then handled by the main PA speakers in the network creating a rich and balanced output between the two, crossovers are also sold separately for DIY speaker enhancement projects.

Passive subs help to achieve a better balance between low and high frequencies in sound, this is mostly a genre sensitive personal preference and will take a small degree of individual knowledge to refine the sound and integrate it smoothly into/out of your mixer. As a result, bass-heavy music will have a great deal more clarity and far more space for tweeters to deal with the mid and treble signals. This method allows a passive sub to enhance your overall sound output greatly providing an improved quality ready for the final live mix.

As mentioned, a passive PA subwoofer is mainly used in large venue audio installations as they have the capability to widen the scope of music mixes, offering a new level of depth to the final master audio. A team of audio experts are ready to advise customers on specific project needs, we know the importance of selecting the right tools for the job therefore customer calls are always welcomed during office hours. Emphasising the bass signal with a passive subwoofer is now a common practise at nightlife hotspots across the world.

Passive PA Subwoofer

A passive PA subwoofer is a substantial addition to an existing PA setup, however, overdriving the bass signal can affect your overall sound. Pushing the volume of the bass frequencies beyond the capability of the speaker system is not advised, bass signals should indeed be prevalent in the final mix, but not so much that it overpowers the other sounds in the music. The low-end sound should always be balanced tastefully with the treble and middle frequencies in the master mix, complementing each other to achieve the optimum results of the subsystem.

As is the same for any passive subsystem, if pushed too far the bass will overshadow any other element of the music causing the sound to distort and become unlistenable. Controlling the overall sound with a mixer is advised, there are mixer-amplifiers elsewhere in the store that can both power a passive system and fine-tune the final mix output. Bass naturally travels further than mid or treble signals, the bottom speaker/sub allows them to be heard from much further away than normal, this is helpful in sizeable venues or outdoor spaces that hold a larger audience capacity.

Top speakers/the remaining PA speakers in the passive network focus on the upper frequencies in the range, the overall scope of the music sounds a lot more cohesive to the ear as a result. Most passive speakers are customisable and the drivers in the cabinets can be upgraded and enhanced at will using several various components. There are replacement speaker drivers also in store for general repair purposes or the convenience of speaker DIY enthusiasts.

Do I need a subwoofer for my PA system?

A PA system distorts sound whenever the bass signals are pushed too far/overloaded. This happens when the main speakers in a PA system cannot handle the full sound design of the music being played. Consider a subwoofer to give speakers a helping hand and share the workload demanded from modern audio design.

The subwoofers found here are designed toward live PA use and not for use at the typical home. However, there is a subwoofer available in the home audio collection that is designed for home use and will not take up much floor space. This compact unit provides a similar job to the passive PA subwoofer, deepening the low-end sound for more immersion in movies and television.

This system essentially allows users to hear the often neglected underside of their favourite music tracks. As mentioned, bass should always be a prevalent aspect to your final mix output, but take care not to push the bass too far to avoid distortion. A tasteful balance between high and low frequencies is the best way to achieve a professional master mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are passive subwoofers any good?

Yes, passive PA subwoofers are extremely beneficial for events where loud music is being played. They are designed to reproduce the deepest bass frequencies in any audio signal, ensuring that your audience can hear your music perfectly. There are a variety of passive subwoofers available, each of which will be suitable for different purposes in a variety of venues.

How long do passive PA subwoofers last?

If you take care of your passive PA subwoofers and ensure that they are not being overdriven, they can last for several years. The design of passive PA subwoofers allows for high-energy daily use for multiple hours, which is perfect for on-the-move event applications such as touring musicians or mobile DJs.

Do I need a crossover for passive subwoofers?

Yes, a crossover will be needed for passive PA subwoofers to achieve the best sound with efficient signal handling. There are two types of crossovers that can be used with a passive subwoofer: passive crossovers and active crossovers. Passive crossovers are built into the subwoofer and use components like capacitors and inductors to divide the audio signal. Active crossovers are standalone devices that are placed between the audio source and the amplifier.

Do I need a passive subwoofer?

When you notice distortion in your speakers or feel like the volume is insufficient, it may be time to consider adding a passive PA subwoofer to your setup. By incorporating a subwoofer into your PA system, your top speakers will be able to perform better in reproducing midrange and high frequencies, leading to a more powerful overall sound. With the addition of a subwoofer, you can enhance the bass response and provide more space for your top speakers to operate effectively.

Can you overpower passive subwoofer speakers?

Yes, if you send too much power to passive PA subwoofer speakers, they can be overpowered. This can cause the speaker to overheat, possibly causing damage to its components or even resulting in its total failure. When using passive subwoofer speakers, it is critical to match the power output of your amplifier to the power handling capability of the subwoofer. Exceeding the sub’s suggested power level can cause it to fail or produce a distorted and unpleasant sound.

Are passive subwoofers better than active?

Compared to active subwoofers, passive PA subwoofers provide a higher level of customisation options, as you can pair them with different power amplifiers and use them however you please. In terms of sound quality, active and passive PA subwoofers both provide fantastic sound with a deep bass output, so the choice between active and passive will depend entirely on your circumstances.

What do I need for a passive subwoofer?

Passive PA subwoofers require a connection to an external power amplifier, as they have no built-in amplification for standalone operation. Once you have a suitable amplifier, you will also need some full-range speakers to use with the subwoofer, as it is only capable of producing deep bass frequencies. Any audio sources, such as a laptop or mixing desk, will then connect to the line input connectors on your amplifier.

Can you run passive subwoofers off powered speakers?

Generally, no. Passive PA subwoofers need a large amount of power in order to work, and this can only be achieved by using a dedicated power amplifier. You will find that some active speakers have powered outputs to connect passive speakers, but these will generally not be powerful enough for large passive PA subwoofer units.

Can a TV power passive subwoofers?

No, you would not be able to power passive PA subwoofers directly from a TV output. To use your TV with passive subwoofers, you will first need a suitable power amplifier. Once the amplifier and subwoofer are connected together, you would connect from the audio output of your TV into the line input on your amplifier.

How do I choose a passive PA subwoofer?

To choose a passive PA subwoofer, you should consider the scenarios in which you will be using it. For example, if you are only using it in small venues with some 12” top speakers, you will only need a 15” passive subwoofer. You should also consider the power rating of the subwoofer and if it would be suitable for your amplifier, as it is extremely important to match the subwoofer’s power rating with the amplifier.