Sound Advice | Setting up a stage: Subwoofer placement

This quick tip goes over setting up subwoofers for P.A. systems.

Updated at May 21st, 2024

Today's Lesson


If you’ve already run power on the stage, the next logical step is to get your PA speakers up. If you’re using subs, those should go first. 

It’s best to place the subwoofers in front of the stage or performance area to reduce feedback from the microphones. 

In a two subwoofer setup, place them on either side of the stage, making sure to keep some distance from any nearby walls if possible. This will reduce reflections, which can lead to phasing issues and low frequency cancellation, which will affect the performance of the subs.

In a single subwoofer setup, ideally, you would set up the sub front and center. This will promote the most balanced sound.  If that’s not possible, which sometimes it isn’t, just put it off to one side of the stage, keeping in mind that we still want some distance from walls and surfaces.

And that’s it! With your subs set, it’s time for the top loudspeakers. 



For more lessons and videos, see our QSC YouTube page.