RACK/ARRAYS & PHASE
λ/2\lambda/2

Subwoofer spacing

Give your low end a more coherent starting point.

Inputs

YOUR SYSTEM
Hz
30250
°C
-2050

Result

METER
Half-wavelength spacing
2.15m
A maximum-spacing starting point, not an array prediction
Full wavelength
4.29m
Quarter wavelength
1.07m
Quarter-cycle delay
3.13ms
2.15 mBROADSIDE ARRAY / CENTER-TO-CENTERHalf a wavelength at 80 Hz
Subwoofer center-to-center spacing: Half-wavelength guideline

How it works

Think in wavelengths, not cabinet widths.

A common starting point for a broadside subwoofer array is to keep center-to-center spacing no greater than half a wavelength at its upper operating frequency.

The formula

s=c2fs = \frac{c}{2f}
Δt90∘=250f ms\Delta t_{90^\circ} = \frac{250}{f}\ \text{ms}
  • cc — speed of sound in m/s\text{m/s}
  • ff — highest operating frequency in Hz\text{Hz}

Worth knowing

Closer spacing generally pushes spacing-related lobing to higher frequencies. End-fire and gradient arrays use different spacing and delay design criteria.

Assumptions

This guideline alone does not design an array or guarantee uniform coverage. Cabinet size, array length, steering, crossover slopes and the audience area all matter.

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WavelengthPhase shiftDelay Tower & Alignment