Which subwoofers do you recommend for use with which monitors?
1. Current Models
For the 7000 Series subwoofers and 8000 Series Bi-amplified Monitors, please refer to the Suggested System Setups guide available on-line.
2. Discontinued Models
For older discontinued subwoofers please see below. The subwoofer that matches the monitors you have depends on a number of factors:
- How loud you listen to your music
- What type of music you listen to
- How large your room is
In most cases, the following table can be used to select the appropriate type and number of subwoofers:
| Room Size | Listening Distance | Front L, C, R Monitors |
Subwoofer for a Small Room | Subwoofer for a Large Room | Rear Monitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small 60-90m3 2000-3000ft3 |
1.2 to 1.8m 4 to 6ft |
1029A | 1092A | 1092A | 1029A |
| 2029A | 1092A | 1092A | 2029A | ||
| 2029B | 1092A | 1092A | 2029B | ||
| 1030A | 1092A | 1094A | 1030A | ||
| Medium 90-125m3 3000-4200ft3 |
1.5 to 2.4m 5 to 8ft |
1031A | 1092A | 1094A | 1031A |
| 1032A | 1094A | 1094A | 1032A | ||
| S30D | 1094A | 1094A | S30D | ||
| Large 125-175m3 4200-6000ft3 |
1.8 to 3m 6 to 10ft |
1037C | 1094A | 2x1094A | 1037C |
| 1038B & BC | 3x1094A | 3x1094A | 1038B | ||
| 1034B & BC | N/A | N/A | 1038B | ||
| Very Large >175m3 >6000ft3 |
2.4 to 4.6m 8 to 15ft |
1039A | N/A | N/A | 1038B |
| 1035B | N/A | N/A | 1038B | ||
| 1036A | N/A | N/A | 1038B |
- When using the digital inputs the 2029A and 2029B cannot be used with the 1092A and 1094A analogue crossover filters so the subwoofer is only for use with the LFE channel.
- The 1034B, 1039A, 1035B and 1036A are all full range main monitoring systems. They will be no acoustic benefit from the use of separate subwoofer systems.
- Subwoofers can also be used on the rear channels too although it is not shown here. Just select the appropriate model of the rear subwoofer from the 'stereo system' column.
- If space or finances are limited then the rear channel models type can be compromised slightly by selecting the next sized model down in the GENELEC range. For example, use a 1031A instead of a 1032A.
When two subwoofers are positioned close to one another mutual coupling is the fortunate by-product. This is due to the long wavelengths, associated with low frequencies, causing constructive superimposition. For mutual coupling the subwoofers must be place within ½ a wavelength of one another (85 Hz upper crossover frequency ½ wavelength is approx. 2 m). For example, two subwoofers give a 6 dB increase in acoustical output at the listening position - see table below.
| Total number of subwoofers | SPL increase compared to a single subwoofer |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.0 dB |
| 2 | 6.0 dB |
| 3 | 9.5 dB |
| 4 | 12.0 dB |