Sonos Introduces Dual Sub Support
In December 2020, Sonos launched a software update that shook Sonos fans everywhere – you can now add 2 subs to your home theatre system.
What is needed?
- At least 1 Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and a Sonos Arc, Beam or Amp in your system
- Ensure your Sonos S2 app is on the latest software update
How to set it up?
Before you start
- Place your Sub in your desired location and connect it to power.
- If you are setting up a Sonos home theater speaker and Sub at the same time, set up the home theater speaker first. The app will guide you through adding your Sub during the setup process.
- If you're adding a Sub to a Sonos speaker that is already set up, follow the steps below.
Add a Sub (If you haven't already)
- Open the Sonos app for iOS or Android.
- From the Settings tab, tap System.
- Under Products, tap the room you would like to add your Sub to.
- Tap Add Sub.
- Follow the prompts to add the Sub to your Sonos system
If you have already set up your Sub but would like to use it in a different room, see our article on removing your Sub.
Add a second Sub to a Sonos home theater system
Your Sonos home theater setup can connect with up to two Subs. When adding a second Sub, at least one of the Subs must be a Sub (Gen 3). You can check your Sub’s model in the System section of your My Account page.
- Open the Sonos app for iOS or Android.
- From the Settings tab, tap System.
- Under Products, tap the home theater room that already contains a Sub.
- Tap Connect Second Sub.
- Follow the prompts to add the second Sub to your home theater system.
Problems during setup?
If your Sonos Sub is having trouble connecting during setup, check our “Product not found” article for some help.
How do I change the Sub's audio settings?
- Open the Sonos app for iOS or Android.
- From the Settings tab, tap System.
- Under Products, tap the room that your Sub is in.
- Under Sound, tap Sub Audio.
You can adjust the settings listed below. If you’ve added two Subs to a room, each setting will apply to both Subs
Setting | Description |
Sub | Tap the switch to toggle the Sub audio on or off, |
| Sub Level | Use the slider to increase or decrease the volume of the Sub audio, |
| Phase Control | Select the phase of the Sub audio to help compensate for weak bass during playback. |
| Reset | Tap this to reset all Sub audio settings to their default values. |
Can I place the two Subs in different locations in my room?
Yes! In fact, placing two Subs in different locations can help eliminate bass dead spots and create more consistent low-frequency coverage throughout your listening space. Experiment with placement to find what sounds best in your room.
Does the dual Sub feature work with Sonos Five or other non-home theatre speakers?
No, the dual Sub feature is exclusively for home theatre setups with Sonos Arc, Beam, or Amp. Standard Sonos speakers like the Five or Era 300 can only connect to a single Sub.
Can I control each Sub's volume independently?
No, when you have two Subs in your system, the audio settings (including volume level) apply to both Subs simultaneously. They function as a unified low-frequency system rather than independent units.
Can I use two Subs with my Sonos Beam Gen 1?
Yes! The dual Sub feature works with both the original Sonos Beam and Beam Gen 2, as long as your system is running the latest Sonos S2 software and you have at least one Sub Gen 3.
Is there a noticeable difference in sound quality between using one Sub versus two Subs?
Yes, dual Subs provide deeper bass extension, smoother frequency response, reduced distortion at high volumes, and more even bass distribution throughout your room. The improvement is particularly noticeable in larger spaces or when watching action-packed movies.
