How to Make a Wired Subwoofer Wireless

Adding a powered subwoofer is arguably the most noticeable and exciting upgrade you can make to a home theater or audio system. The sonic power, low frequency extension and tactile energy generated by a subwoofer is incomparable. A great subwoofer turns watching a movie or listening to music into a more thrilling and immersive experience where you can hear and actually feel the sound.

Subwoofers are also the largest component in most home theaters or audio systems because a larger cabinet is required for a subwoofer to achieve impressive levels of output and deep bass extension. Of course, the large size can also make a subwoofer difficult to place in a room, especially if you are looking for a clean, cable-free set-up. Fortunately, it is possible to make a wired subwoofer wireless in a few easy steps.

Having a wireless subwoofer is a great solution when you have lifestyle considerations or want to reduce cable clutter by removing the RCA or line level hard-wire connections from the subwoofer to the AV receiver, preamplifier or a powered speaker with a subwoofer output. Wireless subwoofers are also useful if the best placement location for your subwoofer is across the room from the source component and a long cable run isn’t desired.

If you already own a subwoofer with line-level RCA input and output connections, you’ll want to choose a compatible wireless subwoofer adapter, like the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter. This high-performance wireless transmitter and receiver adds wireless connectivity to subwoofers, speakers, amplifiers and more by transmitting a pristine, full-range audio signal up to 65-feet at CD-quality (16-bit/48KHz) with ultra-low latency.

We’ve included instructions on how to make your wired subwoofer wireless using the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter to emphasize how easy it is. Because the adapter passes a full-range signal, it can also be used to add wireless connectivity to speakers for added versatility.

Wireless Subwoofer Set-up in 4 Easy Steps
With the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter

1. Place the subwoofer in its permanent location. Always maintain line-of-sight (no walls or solid barriers) between the transmitter and receiver for best results. The receiver and subwoofer should be within 65-feet of the transmitter for best results and you should avoid placing the transmitter next to devices that could create signal interference, such as mobile phones, 2.4 GHz wireless phones and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi routers.
2. Connect the Transmitter to an AV receiver. Connect the single RCA adapter cable to the subwoofer pre-out or LFE channel of the AV receiver and to the input on the SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter transmitter. Connect the micro-USB cable to the wireless transmitter and the power supply, then plug into a wall outlet.
   OR Connect the Transmitter to a 2-channel stereo pre-amp. Connect the dual RCA adapter cable to the L/R line level pre-outs of the 2-channel stereo pre-amp and to the input on the wireless transmitter. Connect the micro-USB to the wireless transmitter and the power supply, then plug into a wall outlet.
3. Connect the Receiver to your Subwoofer. For AV processor/receiver applications, connect the single RCA adapter cable to the LFE input and the input on the SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter receiver. For 2-channel stereo pre-amp applications, connect the dual RCA adapter cable to both the L and R subwoofer inputs and to the input on the wireless receiver. Next, connect the micro-USB cable to the wireless receiver and the power supply, then plug into a wall outlet.
4. Pairing the Transmitter and Receiver. The transmitter and receiver are synchronized during the manufacturing process and will pair automatically when connected and powered on. Successful pairing is indicated by a steady blue light on both the transmitter and receiver. Once everything is connected and the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter’s transmitter and receiver are paired, you are ready to unleash deep and effortless bass in your home theater or audio system with minimal visual impact.

Common Questions About the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter:

What if my transmitter and receiver become unpaired?

If your transmitter and receiver become unpaired, it is quick and easy to reestablish the connection. Simply press and hold the small button on one unit until the blue light starts blinking (it doesn't matter which one you select first). Immediately walk over to the other unit and press/hold the small button until the blue light starts blinking. Both will blink a few times then turn solid blue when they are successfully paired.

Does my AV processor correct for the latency (time delay) of the wireless unit?

Yes, this will be reflected in a longer than normal subwoofer distance, as shown under the set-up section of the AV processor. An additional 25-28 feet (beyond the actual subwoofer distance) is normal.

How can I fix interference artifacts or signal drop-outs?

Always try to keep a line-of-sight between the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter transmitter and receiver units with no hard barriers or walls between them. Avoid placing other 2.4 GHz devices near the units (wireless phones, mobile phones, Wi-Fi routers, baby monitors, etc), which can cause signal interference.

Can this unit be used for full-range loudspeaker applications?

Yes, the SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter can support a full-range 2-channel stereo application or surround sound pair as long as the loudspeakers are powered or have their own dedicated amplifier.

To install, simply connect the 3.5 mm to dual RCA adapter cable to the L/R line level pre-outs of the 2-channel stereo source and to the input on the wireless transmitter.

Connect the 3.5 mm to dual RCA adapter cable to the L/R inputs of the loudspeaker amplifier and to the input on the wireless receiver. Connect the transmitter/receiver USB A to Micro B cable and the 5 VDC power supply. Connect the speakers to the amplifier with conventional speaker wiring and begin playing.

Still researching subwoofer options?

If you’re still in the process of choosing the best subwoofer (wireless or not), all SVS subwoofers, and nearly all other subwoofers with an RCA audio input are compatible with the SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter. A great place to start when researching is the SVS Subwoofer Matching Tool, which makes recommendations based on your specific speaker brand and model.

If you already own a subwoofer and are just looking to add wireless connectivity, you can pick up the SVS SoundPath Wireless Audio Adapter from the SVS site now.