User Manual

Setting Subwoofer Levels

Once the subwoofer is in position, its level needs to be matched with the near-field

monitors. For stereo systems, the process is straightforward. Obtain a SPL (Sound Pressure

Level) meter or use a smartphone app. If you will be using the internal high-pass filtered

outputs from the subwoofer to the near-field speakers, as most of you will, set the low-pass

filter on the KRK subwoofer back panel to 80Hz.

Next, route a band-limited pink noise tone through the system, including satellite speakers

(these test tones are available on the KRK website - see download link at the bottom of this

page). 500Hz to 1kHz is within the fundamental frequency range of many vocalists and will

allow you to set the volume of the satellites without exciting the subwoofer. Using an SPL

meter or smartphone app, set the overall volume so that the sound level is something com-

fortable - around 85dB using the ‘C’ response curve on the SPL meter.

Run another band-limited pink noise tone of 35-75Hz through the system and set the vol-

ume on the sub to where it’s reading 85dB on the SPL meter. This band is below the 80Hz

frequency of the subwoofer high-pass filter, but sufficiently high enough that most sub-

woofers will have adequate response in that range.

Set the low pass crossover on the subwoofer to 130Hz, allowing bass energy between the

near-field monitors and subwoofer to overlap. Run a band-limited pink noise tone from 60-

120Hz, and from the listening position determine if 0 or 180 on the phase switch is loud-

est. Leave the switch in the loudest position - the loudest position is correct and in phase.

Now return the low-pass filter to the 80Hz position (or the appropriate frequency if you are

using external high-pass filters for the near-field monitors). Your subwoofer should now be

aligned for phase, sound level, and spectral response.

Using the Bypass Feature

Your KRK subwoofer is equipped with a by pass feature, which allows you to defeat the sub

and, in instances where the sub’s Line Outputs are being utilized, provide full range audio

to your monitors at the same time. This feature is of great benefit in that the internal high-

pass filter is bypassed, allowing full bandwidth to run to the monitors while simultaneously

muting the sub. You may then evaluate the impact of the subwoofer on your mix. To utilize

this feature, connect a standard latching footswitch with a 1/4” mono phone plug to the 1/4”

“Sub & HPF Bypass” connector on the back panel of the subwoofer. Any standard latching

1/4” mono footswitch (such as the Boss FS-5L or KRK KFS-1) should be compatible. Please

note that the KRK10s does not support the LED indicator feature on the footswitch model

KRK KFS-1.

Download subwoofer test tones from the KRK website: