Best
Portable
Subwoofer
Powered Studio Subwoofer booming bass you can rely on
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Overall: High-powered studio subwoofer that complements any set of studio monitors.
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Best Feature: 8-inch glass aramid composite woofer handles high SPLs without distortion.
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TedScore™: 8/10
Best
Overall
Subwoofer
powered subwoofers
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Overall:
3,600-watt 18" powered subwoofer. -
Best Feature: 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs
accommodate a variety of sources. -
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
Affordable Subwoofer
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Overall: Powered Studio Subwoofer designed to provide top-notch low-end to modest-sized control rooms.
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Best Feature: The down-firing 10" speaker and slipstream port give a tight, focused low end.
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TedScore™: 8/10
Bouncing into the world of bass with the best songs for a subwoofer feels like reaching a new level of music enjoyment— I can’t get enough of it!
Whether it’s the thumping beats that make my heart race or the powerful vibrations you can feel in your chest, a great sound system with a strong subwoofer can turn any room into your private concert.
I discovered that Queen’s famous song ‘Another One Bites the Dust‘ is not just a catchy tune; it’s perfect for testing out and enjoying your subwoofer. The awesome bassline shows off what your sound system can do.
Keep reading because we’re about to explore many excellent bass-heavy suggestions that will make your ears super happy and maximize your subwoofer’s power.
Trust me—your sound system will thank you!
Top Picks for Subwoofer Testing
I love how a good subwoofer can turn a listening session into a full-body experience. Let me guide you through tracks that will have you feeling every beat straight to your core.
Tracks with Notable Bass Lines
"My Generation" by The Who
When I’m looking for tunes with standout bass lines, I make a beeline for “My Generation” by The Who. The bass solo is iconic; it’s not just heard, it’s felt.
"Hysteria" by Muse
If you fancy something a bit more modern, “Hysteria” by Muse showcases a relentlessly driven bass guitar that refuses to be ignored, perfect for testing the precision and punchiness of your subwoofer.
Award-Winning Bass Performances
Any playlist that aims to challenge a subwoofer should tip a hat to Grammy Award-winning performances.
"Boom Boom Pow" by The Black Eyed Peas
“Boom Boom Pow” by The Black Eyed Peas always gets my feet tapping with its deep, resonant bass that’s both sharp and articulate.
"Limit to Your Love" by James Blake
Another one that takes the cake is “Limit to Your Love” by James Blake. The track’s intro, with its famous sparse bass, is an honest test for any subwoofer, letting you feel the sheer space and depth of the recording.
Creating the Ultimate Bass Playlist
I assure you that weaving “Best Day Ever” by Mac Miller into your bass-heavy playlist will not disappoint. The track combines upbeat energy with smooth yet commanding bass. It adds a spirited vibe while your subwoofer works hard on the low-end spectrum.
And isn’t it just perfect when your sub produces clean, distinct notes so that you can almost see the sound waves dancing in your room?
Genre-Specific Bass Tracks
When I’m in the mood for a severe subwoofer workout, there’s nothing like genre-specific tracks that make the floor rumble and your heart thump. Here’s my go-to list of tracks across different genres.
Hip-Hop and R&B Essentials
Hip-hop and R&B are like the bread and butter of bass-heavy music.
Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees” track features Jay Rock and hits just right with its distinct rhythm and profound bass that resonates deeply. You know it’s good when each thump feels like a heartbeat.
Rock and Metal Hits
Let’s talk about rock and metal, where the bass can genuinely shake your soul.
The iconic “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen is legendary for its driving bass. That type of rock gets stuck in your head the whole day, and your subs will love it.
Electronic and Dance
Electronic and dance genres illustrate an adventurous exploration of bass. Tracks like “Mandala” by Blastoyz present that powerful blend of deep bass and electrifying treble.
Its pulsating beats and melodic synths make it a roller coaster for both your ears and subwoofers.
Jazz, Funk, and Classical Pieces
For those who appreciate the subtleties of bass in jazz, funk, and classical music, there’s plenty to explore. The funk-infused lines in Thundercat’s “Uh Uh” are superb for articulated low-end frequencies.
In the classical realm, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture”, with its dynamic range, delivers an exquisite bass experience that’s both refined and powerful.
The Basics of Bass
When I think about setting up a sound system, the subwoofer is a star player for bass lovers like me. The cornerstone delivers the deep, pulsating tones we all crave in our favorite tracks.
Understanding Subwoofers and Bass
A subwoofer is my best friend when I want to feel the pulse of the music.
It’s specifically designed to reproduce low-pitched audio frequencies known as bass, which ordinary speakers might not handle well. The bass is that rich, deep sound that provides the foundation for music, often in the 20 to 200 Hz frequency range.
For me, a subwoofer isn’t just about the boom; it’s about clarity and depth, turning my listening room into a concert-like experience.
Importance of Frequency in Bass Songs
Let’s talk about frequency; it’s the backbone of any bass-heavy tune. Low frequencies are the soul of bass tracks, giving the song its character.
As an audiophile, I understand that different songs have varying frequency demands, so when a track has a dominant bassline, I expect my subwoofer to reveal every nuance. It’s not just about the strength of the bass but about achieving the right balance to bring my music to life.
Like experiencing the lowest notes of Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd with a powerful subwoofer can elevate the music to another level for audiophiles.
The subwoofer is essential for reproducing the powerful low frequencies of a kick drum, adding depth and impact to music that can be felt as much as heard.
While only a few songs may fully explore the sub-bass frequencies, their presence is crucial in enhancing the overall listening experience, tapping into the lower limits of human hearing, and creating a more immersive sound.
Enhancing Your Audio Experience
I’m here to help you coax the best thrills from your favorite bass-heavy tracks.
A sublime audio journey awaits, so let’s tweak our gear for peak performance.
Optimizing Your Car Sound System
I start by adjusting the equalizer settings to get my car sound system going. It’s all about finding that sweet spot where the bass pulsates without drowning out the mids and highs.
I carefully position the subwoofer so it can deliver punchy beats without any trace of distortion—usually, the boot’s the perfect stage.
Setting Up a Home Theatre Subwoofer
In my living room, the subwoofer becomes the heart of my home theatre. Angle and location are key; I place it in a corner to amplify the bass through natural acoustics.
I ensure my sub isn’t cramped, allowing its sound waves to travel freely and bringing cinema-quality rumbles into my space.
Selecting Headphones for Bass-Heavy Music
When it comes to headphones, I search for models with dedicated bass drivers to do justice to thumping lines. And to immerse myself, I choose a pair with excellent noise cancellation – that way, it’s just me and the music and every emotion it conveys.
Topnotch Subwoofers
Getting the most out of your system is key, whether bumping the latest hits of Lil Pump or diving into the deep bass tracks of Rick Ross. These are well-known brands that can enhance your listening experience.
JBL LSR310S 10-inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
The JBL LSR310S 10-inch Powered Studio Subwoofer features a powerful 200-watt amplifier and JBL’s patented Slip Stream™ port, delivering deep, accurate bass response with minimal distortion.
Its adjustable crossover settings and compact design make it an excellent addition to any studio setup, providing precise low-frequency monitoring.
JBL LSR310S 10-inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
FEATURES: Powered Studio Subwoofer designed to provide top-notch low-end to modest-sized control rooms.
OTHER INFO: The down-firing 10" speaker and slipstream port give a tight, focused low end
- Selectable crossover and volume control lets you tune your system precisely
- Due to its size and power output, it may be less suitable for massive rooms or outdoor settings
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
QSC KS118 3600W 18 inch Powered Subwoofer
The QSC KS118 3600W 18-inch Powered Subwoofer features a robust 18-inch driver and a powerful 3600-watt Class D amplifier, delivering deep, thunderous bass with exceptional clarity.
Its rugged construction, variable crossover, and selectable DEEP™ mode make it ideal for live sound applications, providing versatile and reliable low-frequency performance.
QSC KS118 3600W 18 inch Powered Subwoofer
FEATURES: 3,600-watt 18" powered subwoofer.
OTHER INFO: 2 XLR/TRS combo inputs accommodate a variety of sources.
- Low-noise, heavy-duty casters enable easy rolling.
- Relatively high price point.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
KRK S8.4 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
The KRK S8.4 8-inch Powered Studio Subwoofer features a powerful 109-watt amplifier and a front-firing bass port, delivering tight, accurate low-end response ideal for studio environments.
Its compact design and adjustable crossover make it a versatile addition to any monitoring setup, enhancing the depth and clarity of your mixes.
KRK S8.4 8 inch Powered Studio Subwoofer
FEATURES: High-powered studio subwoofer that complements any set of studio monitors.
OTHER INFO: 8-inch glass aramid composite woofer handles high SPLs without distortion.
- Low-profile cabinet fits comfortably into setups of all kinds.
- Its size may make it less suitable for huge rooms.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Best Songs for Subwoofer:
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing songs that highlight your subwoofer’s capabilities can be a bit of an art form. It’s not just about volume; it’s about depth and texture.
Hip-hop and electronic genres often steal the show with their bass-heavy compositions, but let’s remember the rich, underappreciated layers found in rock and even orchestral music.
Each track I’ve mentioned has that unique quality that allows you to feel the music, not just hear it. Add these gems to your playlist and let your subwoofer strut its stuff – your bass cravings will surely be satisfied.
To those who’ve been long-time bass fans, I hope I’ve added a few new beats to your collection. To wrap things up, let me share a quick rundown of what you’ve hopefully picked up from our chat:
Subwoofers are key: They amplify the low-end frequencies that give the music its full-bodied feel.
Diverse genres rule: A variety of musical styles enrich our subwoofer experience.
Quality matters: A sound investment in a subwoofer can elevate your music listening from good to goose-bump-inducing.
Let’s keep the vibrations flowing through our favorite sound systems. I’m chuffed to bits to keep exploring music with you, and here’s to many more bass-heavy tracks in the future!
Wait! There’s more…
Check out this article for cheap studio monitor recommendations.
Setting up a home theatre subwoofer is a game changer for movie nights, no doubt. What I’m wondering though, is how these high power subs handle dynamic range at low volumes. It’s tough finding a sub that doesn’t just turn all bass into mush or boom. Got any tips for balancing power with clarity?
It’s refreshing to see jazz, funk, and classical pieces being considered for testing bass quality. These genres offer such a rich tapestry of sound that truly tests the versatility of a subwoofer. Great inclusion!
Limit to Your Love by James Blake really makes any subwoofer work hard, great choice for testing bass performance!
Interesting point, but wouldn’t you say that older tracks, like ‘My Generation’ by The Who, offer a different kind of test for bass precision than modern deep bass tracks? It’s all about the dynamic range.
Totally agree, that song feels like an earthquake with the right setup!
Hey Hugh Richardson, just read through your piece on picking out subwoofers and I’ve gotta say, it’s pretty detailed. I’m eyeing the JBL LSR310S after your review. Been using a basic setup for a while and thinking it’s time for an upgrade. But before I make the jump, any chance you can share how this model fares in a small apartment? I’m all for deep bass, but I don’t wanna be that neighbor, you know? Also, how would you rate its compatibility with different genres beyond the tracks you’ve mentioned?