How to Measure a Subwoofer? Simple And Easiest Ways

It might be confusing when it comes to measuring your subwoofer. There are so many different techniques and methods out there, but we’re here to help! In this article, we’ll show you the two most common ways of measuring a subwoofer – long-term integration (LTI) and short-term integration (STI).

Do You Have A Subwoofer That Needs To Be Measured?

In this blog post, we will discuss how to measure a subwoofer. First and foremost, it’s important to know that there is no one size fits all technique for measuring a subwoofer.

What you need to do depends on the type of speaker you’re trying to measure.

For example, if you have an in-wall speaker then you’ll want to use the long-term integration method (LTI).

If your speakers are floor standing or ceiling mounted, then you’ll need to use the short-term integration method (STI) instead.

We hope that after reading this article, you feel confident enough to be able to find out what type of measurement technique works best for your setup!

So let’s get started!

What Is The Best Way To Measure A Subwoofer?

If you are trying to determine how loud your subwoofer is, or if it can produce low frequencies, then this guide will provide answers.

Whether you are an acoustic engineer with years of experience measuring sound systems, or someone who has never measured anything before, this article will help you understand how to measure a subwoofer.

Quick Steps To Subwoofer Measurement:

Following are the simple steps that will guide you to quickly and easily measure your subwoofer.

Step 1: Make sure the Subwoofer is turned on and playing at its normal volume

Step 2: Place your sound meter in front of the woofers for measurement purposes

Step 3: Press the “SUBWOOFER” button on the SPL meter’s screen

Subwoofer Measuring Techniques:

There are three different ways that you can use an SPL meter to measure your sub.

Each of these methods will provide slightly different results, so it’s important for you to understand the pros and cons before determining which one is right for your situation.

To begin with, we’ll go over each technique in detail. The first method involves using the long term integration (LTI) function on your sound level meter, while the second approach makes use of short term integration (STI).

For our last option, we’re going to be focusing on near-field measurement because this type of methodology allows us to take precise measurements quickly.

How To Measure A Subwoofer?

The first thing you’ll want to do is turn on your computer and look for the speaker icon that’s located in the bottom right corner of your screen, next to where it says “time.”

Once you click on this button, there should be some text boxes with sliders below them.

If so, then move one of these sliders all the way over until it reaches 100%.

This ensures that there isn’t any background noise being detected by our SPL meter while we are attempting to take measurements.

Long Term Integration (LTI) Method:

How To Use An SPL Meter LTI method To Measure Your Speakers?

The long-term integration method is the most accurate way to measure subwoofer speakers.

First, find a quiet place with no major sources of sound. Then set up your SPL meter and make sure it’s on “C-weighting” mode.

Next, sit in front of the speaker for about 30 seconds without moving or talking. Your body will act as a shield from other noises that could interfere with measurements of sound pressure levels coming from the subwoofer speaker itself.

Finally, read off the number on the SPL meter display screen within five seconds of finishing your sitting period for an accurate reading that reflects how loud you are hearing those sounds coming from the subwoofer speaker itself.

Short Term Integration (STI) Method:

How STI method helps you to Measure the Speakers?

The STI function on your SPL meter allows you to get more accurate readings when measuring speakers that are capable of producing very low bass notes.

Therefore, this feature averages out peak and RMS sounds over time instead of just taking one reading as the LTI does.

The downside to using this type of methodology is that you have less control over how long your integration period lasts, so if your subwoofer is constantly adjusting its output, then this results in inconsistent measurements.

Measuring A Subwoofer using near Field Measurement Method:

Near-field measurements are taken by placing a microphone directly next to or very close to a speaker cone and averaging all sounds emitted from this point source instead of taking a measurement from a larger area.

Near field measurements can be taken with an SPL meter if it has a flat frequency response within the operating range of frequencies, which is 20 Hz to 20000 kHz for most standard sound level meters.

On most SPL meters, you’ll find a flat response within the range of 20 Hz to 1000 Hz.

It’s also important for your meter to have an accuracy rating of ±0.25 dB or better above 200 Hertz and below 100 Hertz because these are the regions that the subwoofer is going to be emitting sounds in more often than not.

Once you’ve found a spot on your measuring microphone where it displays a flat frequency response curve, then press “CAL” on your sound level meter display screen before starting any measurements with near-field measurement functions if they aren’t already activated from previous sessions.

Near-field technique is very useful as there isn’t much background noise outside of the speaker itself, so it’s much easier to take measurements this way if your room is a bit noisier.

However, near-field measurement method isn’t as accurate as long term integration because you have less control over how many readings are being averaged together for an average reading that accurately reflects what the subwoofer is actually capable of doing with sound output levels.

Final Thoughts:

There are many ways of measuring the sound output, and it all boils down to what type of measurements you need for your application. Therefore, go through the above methods and techniques to measure the audio levels accurately and quickly.


Share post on
Steven Paul
By Steven Paul

Hi, I'm Steven Paul! I am dedicated to helping people learn more about subwoofers. My age is 49-year-old and passionate for helping others by doing detailed research, I really like working on SubwooferGuides.com because it gives me the opportunity to use my knowledge of research on Musical Guides. I have been researching about musical instruments for over 20 years and there is nothing that I love more than helping beginners get into the hobby of home theater audio. My goal with this site is to provide an unbiased resource where beginner's can come and find all the information they need to make educated decisions when shopping for their first subwoofer system


Subwoofer Guides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Recent Comments

No comments to show.
How to Test a Car Amplifier? Easy Guide How to Guide

How to Test a Car Amplifier? Easy Guide

Car amplifiers are an essential piece of audio equipment that can make your listening...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How To Wire Speakers With 4 Terminals? – #1 Solution How to Guide

How To Wire Speakers With 4 Terminals? – #1 Solution

Connecting a speaker with 4 terminals is one of the most efficient methods to...

By Steven Paul
Updated
Where is JBL Speakers Made? Easy Guide How to Guide

Where is JBL Speakers Made? Easy Guide

JBL speakers are made in many different locations around the world. The company has...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How to Hook up A Home Stereo Amplifier? How to Guide

How to Hook up A Home Stereo Amplifier?

If you're ready to upgrade your home theater system with a professional-quality amplifier, then...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How to Make Amplifier Using Transistor? How to Guide

How to Make Amplifier Using Transistor?

Building your very own amplifier can be both a fun and rewarding experience. It’s...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How to Fix Car Speakers Crackling? How to Guide

How to Fix Car Speakers Crackling?

As a car owner, there is nothing more frustrating than when you turn up...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How To Make Car Speaker Louder? With Tips and Tricks How to Guide

How To Make Car Speaker Louder? With Tips and Tricks

Loud car speakers can make any ride instantly better. But unfortunately, many people don’t...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How To Connect Smart Tv To Amplifier? – Quick Guide How to Guide

How To Connect Smart Tv To Amplifier? – Quick Guide

Connecting your smart television to an amplifier is the perfect way for you to...

By Steven Paul
Updated

Latest Posts

Best Speaker Under $2000 – Complete Guide Buying Guides

Best Speaker Under $2000 – Complete Guide

A speaker under $2000 is specially designed for audiophiles who are looking for the...

By Steven Paul
Updated
Best Floor Standing Speakers – Comprehensive Guide Buying Guides

Best Floor Standing Speakers – Comprehensive Guide

For the audio enthusiast seeking a high-quality listening experience, floor-standing speakers provide superior sonic...

By Steven Paul
Updated
Best 1500 Watt Amp – Comprehensive Guide Buying Guides

Best 1500 Watt Amp – Comprehensive Guide

A 1500-watt amp is specially designed to provide powerful and reliable performance for large...

By Steven Paul
Updated
Best Speakers Under $5000 – Latest Guide Buying Guides

Best Speakers Under $5000 – Latest Guide

High-end speakers can be difficult to justify for regular audio enthusiasts who don't have...

By Steven Paul
Updated
Best 4000 Watt Amp With Products Comparison Buying Guides

Best 4000 Watt Amp With Products Comparison

A 4000-watt amp is specially designed to output a powerful and loud sound. It...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How to Test a Car Amplifier? Easy Guide How to Guide

How to Test a Car Amplifier? Easy Guide

Car amplifiers are an essential piece of audio equipment that can make your listening...

By Steven Paul
Updated
How To Wire Speakers With 4 Terminals? – #1 Solution How to Guide

How To Wire Speakers With 4 Terminals? – #1 Solution

Connecting a speaker with 4 terminals is one of the most efficient methods to...

By Steven Paul
Updated
Where is JBL Speakers Made? Easy Guide How to Guide

Where is JBL Speakers Made? Easy Guide

JBL speakers are made in many different locations around the world. The company has...

By Steven Paul
Updated