How to troubleshoot no sound coming from an active subwoofer.

IMPORTANT: If model-specific information is needed to complete any of these steps, check the specifications or supplied operations guide. Manuals are posted on your model support page.

NOTES:

• Because each of these steps represents a possible solution to this issue, check the subwoofer status after completing each step.
• A separate article about the  difference between an active subwoofer and a passive subwoofer is available.

1. Verify that the subwoofer is enabled in the Speaker Pattern (SP) settings:
   1. Select Settings.
   2. Select Speaker.
   3. Select Speaker SP.
   4. Make sure that the Speaker pattern ends in either a .1 or .2.

   NOTE: If a pattern that ends in .0 is selected, the subwoofer will not work.

2. Verify that the subwoofer indicator light on the front panel of the A/V receiver is on. Depending on the audio source, the low frequency effect (LFE) signal may not be sent to your subwoofer. When LFE signal is present, the LFE indicator light will illuminate.

   NOTE: Many TV channels are only broadcast in two-channel audio and do not send this signal. In this case, set the sound field setting to A.F.D. AUTO or a another sound field. Sony® receivers will send a simulated LFE signal to the subwoofer and the SW indicator will light up.

   

3. Verify the subwoofer power cord is plugged into an active AC outlet and that the subwoofer is powered on. If the subwoofer does not have a power cord, then it is a passive subwoofer. In that case, you will need to purchase an active subwoofer.
4. Set the volume on the back of the active subwoofer to the middle position.
5. If the subwoofer has a cut off frequency adjustment, set it to the maximum position to pass all low frequencies to the subwoofer.
6. If your subwoofer has a standby function, turn it off.
7. Connect one end of the audio cable to the subwoofer audio input connector. Very lightly tap on the center conductor of the other end of the cable. If the subwoofer is powered on and adjusted properly, you should be able to hear a thumping sound on the subwoofer. If you do not hear a thumping sound then there is a possible service issue with the subwoofer.
8. Connect the other end of the subwoofer cable to the subwoofer audio output connector on the back of the receiver.

   NOTE: Some receiver models may have two outputs to drive two subwoofers.

9. From the menu of the A/V receiver, make sure that all the speakers are not set to large. If all of the speakers are set to large then no audio will be sent to the subwoofer when a music sound field setting is selected.