Is Your Samsung Subwoofer Not Loud? (Here’s What to Do!)

Whenever your Samsung subwoofer not loud, it can take away the bass and immersive audio experience you expect.

Don’t worry, this is a common problem with a straightforward solution.

The issue can be caused by various factors, such as outdated soundbar firmware, insufficient “WOOFER” level, and weak wireless connection. 

This guide will walk you through the most common reasons behind the low Samsung subwoofer volume and offer practical solutions to resolve the problem.

Samsung Subwoofer Not Loud – 8 Guaranteed Ways To Fix!

Note: Have you increased the volume through the TV and soundbar?

1. Turn Up the Subwoofer Output

If the Samsung subwoofer sounds quiet, the bass setting through the Samsung soundbar might be turned down, even if you’ve increased the soundbar’s output strength.

So, you can use the built-in “WOOFER” button on your soundbar to regulate the bass.

Follow these steps to increase the subwoofer’s bass level:

• Find the WOOFER button on your remote.
• Press WOOFER to show the bass settings.
• Increase the level from -6 to +6 as needed.
• Now, play any audio on the soundbar to test.
• Tweak the subwoofer according to the output.

This step makes the subwoofer’s bass louder for better sound impact.

If it’s still too soft, check if the subwoofer is powered on correctly.

2. Soft-Reset Soundbar & Subwoofer

A quick power cycle of the Samsung soundbar and subwoofer could resolve inconsistencies with the low and high-frequency bass output.

Unplugging both devices for a short period can resolve underlying issues with the bass configuration.

Let’s start with a soundbar power cycle first!

How to Power Cycle the Samsung Soundbar?

• Unplug the soundbar’s power cord.
• Wait 30 seconds until it discharges.
• Reconnect the soundbar A/C cable.

How to Power Cycle the Samsung Subwoofer?

• Disconnect the subwoofer’s power cord.
• Wait 30 seconds so it can fully discharge.
• Reconnect the power cable and then test.

Note: Double-check if the soundbar and subwoofer’s power cords are functional and inspect for visible signs of damage or wear. 

3. Set the Audio Format to “PCM”

Setting your TV to “PCM” can lower the volume of the Samsung subwoofer, because the format is designed and optimized for surround systems.

So, you should set the default audio format to PCM in your TV’s settings only if you have a 2:1 Samsung setup to increase the bass output.

Here’s how to adjust the audio format on the most popular TV brands:

Samsung TV Audio Format:

• Go to “Home” → “Settings” → “Sound” on the TV.
• Access the “Expert Settings” section below.
• Locate “Digital Output Audio Format” in the tab.
• Change the setting to “PCM” from Dolby options.
• Save the changes to apply the new PCM format.

LG TV Audio Format:

• Access “Settings” → “Sound”, then “Sound Out” menu.
• Scroll down to find “Digital Sound Output” in the options.
• Set the output to “PCM” instead of Auto, as it is by default.
• Save the new settings and test the subwoofer’s volume.

Sony TV Audio Format:

• Navigate to “Settings” → “Sound” → “Audio Output”.
• Select “Digital Audio Out” from the Sony device menu.
• Choose the “PCM” setting over “Dolby Digital” or “Auto”.
• Confirm changes and check the subwoofer performance.

TCL TV Audio Format:

• Go to “Settings” → “Audio” → “Digital Output menu”.
• Find the “Audio Format” or “Digital Audio Output” tile.
• Switch the setting to “PCM” from Dolby in the audio tab.
• Save and test the Samsung subwoofer with audio output.

Note: Re-adjust the subwoofer output level after selecting a different format in the settings!

4. Move Subwoofer Closer to Soundbar

If your Samsung sound bar subwoofer is not loud enough, the placement could be a major factor affecting the sound quality.

Well, subwoofers rely on a strong wireless connection to the Samsung soundbar, and too much distance or interference can weaken the volume of the bass.

Let’s review some placement tips for the subwoofer.

Tips to Position the Samsung Subwoofer:

• Move the subwoofer within ~5 feet of the soundbar.
• Relocate obstacles like wireless devices or furniture.
• Dislocate all types of Bluetooth devices in between.

How to Reprogram the Samsung Subwoofer?

A weak link between the soundbar and subwoofer can cause audio dropouts or reduced bass performance.

If repositioning the subwoofer doesn’t fully resolve the issue, reprogramming it using the ID SET button can help strengthen the connection.

Note: Using “ID SET” resets the pairing and ensures both devices sync properly for the best audio performance possible.

5. Update the Soundbar Firmware

The Samsung subwoofer’s output may be significantly decreased if the firmware is outdated.

This could affect the bass’s performance and result in an onset of issues with your soundbar

So, the next step is to update the soundbar firmware via SmartThings or a USB flash drive!

How to Update Samsung Soundbar Via SmartThings:

• Unplug the soundbar, subwoofer, and rear speakers for 30 seconds.
• Open the SmartThings application and tap the soundbar dashboard.
• Next, scroll down and access the “Control Menu” from the categories.
• Tap the three dots and head to “Information” → “Firmware Update”.
• Select “Update Now” if there is a newer firmware for the soundbar.

How to Update Samsung Soundbar Via a USB Drive:

• Head to the Samsung Download Center on your computer.
• Complete the prompts to download the latest firmware file.
• Unzip the file on the PC desktop or a newly created folder.
• Copy the firmware files to the USB flash drive root directory.
• Remove the USB from Samsung after the files are uploaded.
• Plug the USB into the soundbar port while it’s powered off.
• Set the soundbar to the “USB” source and wait for the upload.

Note: You will be required to provide the Samsung subwoofer’s serial number and other details while downloading the firmware file.

6. Change the Played Audio

If your Samsung subwoofer seems quiet, it may be because the audio you are playing doesn’t have enough deep bass, as subwoofers are made to handle low-frequency sounds.

To test, try switching to something that has more bass, like action movies or bass-boosted audio tracks.

Choose media with clear low-frequency effects and play it through your soundbar.

Increase the volume and feel for vibrations from the subwoofer to make sure that it’s working properly.

7. Adjust the TV Audio Settings

The Samsung subwoofer may sound quiet if the TV’s audio settings aren’t optimized for bass performance.

This involves configuring the sound mode, equalizer, and the auto volume of the TV. You can access most TVs’ audio configurations from the “Settings” → “Audio Settings”.

Note: Only proceed with these steps if your TV has an audio configuration interface! 

Tip #1 Select a Bass-Friendly Sound Mode

• Choose “Cinema” mode in Sound Settings for bass.

Tip #2 Adjust the Equalizer

• Go to “Equalizer” → “Sound Settings”, and pick “Custom”.
• Increase the lower frequencies, like 100Hz, for deeper bass.

Tip #3 Enable Advanced Sound Processing

• Test after enabling “Dolby Atmos” in the Sound Settings menu.

Tip #4 Activate Auto Volume Setting

• Enable “Auto Volume” in Sound Settings to balance audio.

For exact instructions on how to access the audio settings and configure them, you can check online or consult the TV user manual, as the settings’ names may vary per different TV models.

Tip: We recommend testing the Samsung subwoofer’s output after adjusting each setting to measure and note the performance changes. 

8. Factory Reset the Samsung Soundbar

If all else fails, and the Samsung subwoofer is not loud after the steps so far, we recommend a factory reset.

Well, performing a factory reset clears all errors with the soundbar and restores the default system configuration for improved performance.

Follow these steps to factory reset the Samsung soundbar:

• Turn off the soundbar and unplug the power adapter.
• Press “Power” on the top or side panel of the device.
• Reconnect the adapter while still holding “Power”.
• Release after the display shows the “INT” message.
• Release the button and wait for the reset to complete.

Note: The soundbar must be set up from scratch after the reset is complete!

How to Boost the Subwoofer Bass with DIY Tricks?

If nothing from the guide worked to increase the Samsung subwoofer output, there are a handful of DIY tricks to boost the bass performance.

Relocate the Subwoofer

Position the subwoofer on a solid wooden table or bookshelf to shake out the furniture and make the bass feel louder and more powerful.

Create a Bass Reflector

Place a big piece of plywood or cardboard behind the subwoofer.

This way, you can create an imaginary tunnel for the bass waves and point them towards your sitting area. 

Construct a Subwoofer Box

If you’re handy, construct a box with MDF wood or foam and size it around the subwoofer to make the bass feel dense.

Place the Subwoofer in a Closet or Corner

Try putting the subwoofer in a closet or room corner. The tight space will trap the sound and make the bass feel more powerful.

Place a Heavy Object on the Subwoofer

Place a heavy book or weight on the subwoofer. It can press the driver to improve bass, but make sure not to put too much weight, as this could damage the subwoofer.

These simple hacks can make your subwoofer’s bass a lot louder without spending much.

If you are still having issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to Samsung Customer Support for more help.