Why Is My Subwoofer Not Hitting Hard (8 Reasons)

Several reasons lead to this problem, resulting in poor sound quality on the whole audio system. 

This article will discuss 8 reasons why your subwoofer is not hitting hard. Only when you detect the cause can you solve it. Let’s follow us to find out! 

8 Reasons Why Your Subwoofer Not Hitting Hard

The weak subwoofer can’t hit hard. As a result, the entire sound quality will decrease. Here are some common causes you should detect and address soon.  

Incorrect settings

A car subwoofer is a sound system with multiple woofers. You must have all configuration components synchronized to maximize their performance. 

Full-range speakers and the subwoofer generate different frequencies. Hence, it’s necessary to have them set up correctly before turning on your audio system. 

In this case, the subwoofer must have matching frequency settings to those of the main speakers. 

There could be problems with the head unit’s volume or the bass knob, among other components in the scheme. The receiver itself might also have problems. 

Also, double-check the amplifier and stereo unit to ensure that their settings are correct and compatible with the sub.  

Lower bass level

You may not have adjusted the bass woofer volume properly. If the subwoofer volume is too low, you must increase it to the desired level.

Some drivers don’t pay attention to the bass levels since they work independently from the speakers. You need a remote to handle it. Check the user manual to solve the problem if you can’t find it. 

Low-frequency sounds 

Many new users are surprised when they do not hear the bass and get quite disappointed. Remember that the subwoofer can only replicate low-frequency sounds like bass guitar, thumping bass, drumming, or cinematic explosions.

The car subwoofer won’t make any noise if there aren’t any low-pitched audio frequencies. Thus, ensure the media you’re playing has low-frequency elements like rumbles and deep bass. 

Underpowered subwoofer

If you feel annoyed by the blown subwoofer sound, you will dislike the underpowered subwoofer.  

A weak amplifier can’t deliver enough power for your subwoofer. This problem doesn’t damage the sub, but it won’t hit hard. As a result, you can only hear the weak sound.

Finding an amplifier that can handle the power supply and give the subwoofer the energy it needs to work is necessary. 

To make your subwoofer sound better, do not use an outdated or faulty amp. There is a chance for malfunction and clipped signal transmission, which might hurt the sub. 

The subwoofer needs enough power to play music

Room acoustics

This problem is not about your subwoofer. If you place it in the room, the acoustics of the room may not work nicely to enhance the sound system. 

Additionally, the device or channel you are streaming your music probably has poor configurations. 

In your automobile, if you put the subwoofer in a tight place with inadequate ventilation, it will produce a weak sound. In other words, the weak subwoofer doesn’t hit hard. 

Connections

Loose connections can cause weak sounds, so ensure all of the connections from and to the sub are secure.

You can test your subwoofer by playing different songs at different volumes. Also, disconnecting and reconnecting some cables on the sub will help. 

You may need to inspect the car battery, the converter, and the connections near the head unit. 

To avoid poor audio from your subwoofer, check that none of your cables to the head unit have gotten burned, damaged, leaky, or corroded. If you detect any problems, fix them as soon as possible. 

Ensure that the connections are correct and secure

Motor failure  

Your subwoofer may sound weak because of the problems with the motor. If there are any problems with the battery or the fuse, the damage can transfer to the motor and other parts of your car.

Such damage can result in minor errors or, in the worst-case scenario, a failure. In any case, those motor-related problems might impact the subwoofer, preventing it from hitting hard. 

Be sure to check if the motor is operating smoothly. If not, contact a mechanic to help with the sound quality of your system. 

Mis-polarized subwoofer

Subwoofers need to be polarized correctly in relation to one another so they can work well in a sound system. The SPL (Sound Pressure Level) will get lower if they don’t. 

Low SPL weakens the subwoofer’s sound. Hence, most professionals test the polarity of the speakers after setting up the car audio system. 

Check each component carefully to identify the real cause

Conclusion

Why isn’t your subwoofer hitting hard? There must be faults with the settings, connection, and power supply. Check every element in the system carefully, and you will locate the exact root of the problem. 

Don’t forget to learn some tips to make the subwoofer hit harder. You will have a more excellent music-listening experience in your car then. 

Thank you for reading! 

You can learn more tips for making subs hit harder from this video:

FAQs

How do I make my subwoofer hit harder?

To make your subwoofer sound better and hit harder, you can try these tips:

  • Power the sub properly. Your subwoofer sounds good when it receives enough watts. 
  • Set the subwoofer in the proper position to optimize its impact. 
  • Set up the car amplifier correctly so it won’t clip the audio signal and make the sound weak. 

How do I get more bass sound from my subwoofer?

The following tips will help you bring more bass to your sub:

  • Eliminate distortion. 
  • Install a low-pass filter. 
  • Adjust the subsonic filter and bass boost.
  • Match the receiver volume to the subwoofer level. 

How can I make my subwoofers louder?

Bear in mind these tips if you want to make your subwoofer sound louder:

  • Position the subwoofer properly. 
  • Tune the sub. 
  • Adjust the crossover and phase settings. 
  • Use high-quality audio files.
  • Reduce electrical impedance. 
  • Use sound-dampening resources for sound waves.  
  • Change the cables.