The PreSonus Temblor T8 is the company's midrange subwoofer offering.

Featuring 100W (RMS)/200W (Peak) power driving an 8" woofer, the Temblor T8 has a bold but natural extension of the low frequencies that work well with various speaker systems.

The 8" woofer itself is configured to fire downward for fast and accurate response and minimal turbulence.

The crossover frequency is adjustable between 80Hz to 130Hz enabling it to synergize with speakers large and small.

Features

• Frequency Response: 27Hz-156Hz (-10dB)
• Crossover Frequency: Can be adjusted between 80 Hz and 120 Hz.
• Max SPL: 104dB SPL @ 1m
• Power Rating: 100W RMS, 200W Peak
• Driver: 8"
• Input Connectors: 2 x 1/4", 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Output Connectors: 2 x 1/4", 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Controls: Input gain, Low pass filter switch, Filter frequency, Phase switch
• Dimensions: 16.06" x 14" x 15"
• Weight: 34.5 lbs..

Pros

For the price, many users liked the tight and even response of the Temblor T8. The 200W peak power is able to keep up with loud monitoring with little to no perceived distortion according to some users; a feat many in this price range fail to do especially when pushed.

Cons

Downward firing cone might kick up dust in your studio.

Overall

The PreSonus Temblor offers a lot for a moderately priced subwoofer. The price-to-power ratio is the best at this price bracket so if you're looking for a loud subwoofer without spending much, the Temblor T8 is the one to get.

At publication time this was the Highest Rated Studio Monitor Subwoofer Under $2,000.

Yamaha's vast experience and machinery have made them a tough contender in the music gear market, and when they pull together their resources, you can expect top rated, high-quality products, case in point is the Yamaha HS8S Subwoofer.

Weighing in at just 27.6 lbs, this compact subwoofer is meant for home studio use, with just the right balance of power and quality, while taking up very little space.

It has a 150 Watt amplifier that drives a relatively small 8" speaker and features low and high cut filter switches that lets the speaker handle different types of music.

Features

• Frequency Response: 22 Hz to 150 Hz
• Crossover Frequency: Can be adjusted between 80 Hz and 120 Hz.
• Max SPL: Not Specified
• Power Rating: 150 Watts
• Driver: 8" Cone Type
• Input Connectors: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4"
• Output Connectors: 2 x XLR
• Controls: Phase switch, Low Cut switch, Low Cut control (80-120Hz) High Cut control (80-120Hz)
• Dimensions: 13.8" x 11.8" x 15.3"
• Weight: 27.6 lb.

Pros

The Yamaha HS8S continues to best most of its competition with its high ratings, with many professing that it has the right combination of features for their home recording needs. From tight punchy bass to room rumbling sub frequencies, many are impressed with its versatility, with some of them commending Yamaha for adding adjustable low/high cut filters. The overall market response is that it does the job done nicely, well worth the money.

Cons

There are a few experienced users who feel that the low frequencies are weaker at lower volume settings, but they do note that it works great in the mid levels. There are also some who found the volume to be lacking for bigger rooms.

Overall

With its versatility and clarity, this space saving compact sub-woofer should be your first option for your home or project studio. The HS series monitors tend to have less low frequency content than most of their competitors so augmenting them with a matched subwoofer gets you a great, fast-resolving monitor setup.

The ADAM Audio Sub8 takes ADAM's signature clarity and tightness and applies them to a tight sounding, clear subwoofer with low distortion.

With linear bass reproduction down to 28Hz and an efficient 160W power rating driving the 8.5" speaker, long sessions wont affect the subwoofer's running quality and efficiency.

If needed, the sub can be controlled via remote for gain and bypass; making it a convenient sub for those that prefer alternating between sub extension and their speakers alone.

Features

• Frequency Response: 28Hz-150Hz
• Crossover Frequency: Can be selectable between 50Hz and 150Hz
• Max SPL: ≥110dB SPL @ 1m
• Power Rating: 160W RMS, 240W Music
• Driver: 8.5"
• Input Connectors: 2 x XLR, 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Output Connectors: 2 x XLR, 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Controls: Phase switch, Low Cut switch (85Hz)
• Dimensions: 16" x 10" x 15"
• Weight: 26.5 lbs.

Pros

The remote control was one of the deciding factors for many users, citing its convenience as the feature they liked best. Many users of ADAM monitors that found their lows to be lacking note that the Sub8 melds nicely with their existing monitor setups. Other studio monitors were noted to have good synergy with the Sub8.

Cons

Some issues with quality control led to a few users getting lemons. Others noted that the Sub8 adds extension but not "thump".

Overall

For those that want a sub that extends the lows rather than exaggerating it, the ADAM Audio Sub8 is a nuanced and great sounding pick regardless of your monitors. The remote control also is a great feature to have for those that reference between sub on and off.

The Dynaudio 18s is designed to output loud and clean low frequencies for larger studios.

Dual 9.5" long-throw woofers driven with 500 watts of power bring larger than life low frequencies.

Built-in DSP has presets for easy integration with popular studio monitors as well as a variable filter range.

Magnesium Silicate Polymer+ Hybrid cones provide plenty of clean low frequency content.

If needed, the Dynaudio 18s can be daisy chained with another unit for even more low frequency output.

Features

• Frequency Response: 16Hz-230Hz
• Crossover Frequency: DSP Adjustable/Preset
• Max SPL: 110dB
• Power Rating: 500 Watts
• Driver: 2 x 9.5" long-throw woofers
• Input Connectors: 2 x XLR (L/R), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Output Connectors: 2 x XLR (L/R), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Controls: App controlled DSP for EQ and filtering
• Dimensions: 13.1" x 18.5" x 10.6"
• Weight: 27.6 lb.

Pros

The Dynaudio 18s might seem overkill for smaller studios but many users that own larger, well treated studios felt their previous sub units were lacking and inconsistent. The Dynaudio 18s fills in that gap with loud and clean sub frequency energy that many users noted paired well with whatever setup they had. The DSP and presets were also praised to be convenient.

Cons

Too large for smaller untreated rooms.

Overall

If you're looking for a top tier sub for your pro studio, the Dynaudio 18S is a top performer for all your low frequency needs.

The Presonus Eris Sub 8 is a value priced subwoofer that was designed to complement their Eris line of studio monitors.

It features a Paper-composite Low-frequency Transducer with Rubber surround on the woofer and a front firing port for linearity.

A 100W class AB power section drives a moderately sized 8" woofer.

Variable cutoff from 50Hz to 130Hz helps synergize with various types of monitors; even outside the Eris range.

Features

• Frequency Response: 22 Hz to 150 Hz
• Crossover Frequency: Can be adjusted between 80 Hz and 120 Hz.
• Max SPL: Not Specified
• Power Rating: 100W Peak Class AB
• Driver: 8"
• Input Connectors: 2 x 1/4" (left/right) , 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Output Connectors: 2 x 1/4" (left/right), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo
• Controls: Input gain, Low pass filter switch, Filter frequency, Phase switch
• Dimensions: 13.8" x 11.8" x 15.3"
• Weight: 22.2 lbs.

Pros

Users note that this value priced sub works great with their regular monitor speakers regardless of brand. The low end was noted to be relatively neutral with a punchy transient response. I own a unit myself and it melds well with both my Eris E4.5 monitors and my JBL LSR305 midfields.

Cons

Might not keep up with louder studio monitors. Being 100W prevents it from keeping up with larger rooms and louder speakers.

Overall

The PreSonus Eris Sub8 is a great, value priced sub that lets you get the most out of your monitor setup regardless of brand. Compared to the Temblor 8, the Eris is more at home with smaller to medium speakers that need extension rather than overall thump. In my experience, mixes translate better when your system is configured more to extend low frequency response, not accentuate it. The Eris retains that fast punch without going into overhyped low end sound system territory. If you're looking for a linear, punchy sub for your small studio, this is the pick.