Is it ok to put a sub woofer behind a computer monitor?

[shadybk]

I want to buy a set of 2.1 speakers for my pc, but I don't have enough room on my desk for a big sub woofer. But because my pc is on a corner desk there's is plenty of room behind the my 24 inch monitor for a sub woofer, however is it a good idea to put it there? Will putting a sub woofer behind a monitor negatively affect the sound in any way? I don't think putting it on the floor and underneath my desk would be a better idea?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Low freq waves/speakers need to move air over a large distance... That's why PIPE organs have those really BIG tubes to produce those low notes... the BEST place would be farther away from your listening area... experiment with different corners of your Room too... you will hear the right placement.

 

[Myrmidonas]

Usually sub woofers are designed to be placed on the floor or in general under the viewing screen (TV, monitor or projector screen), without any obstacle placed in front of it. The only thing one may place behind the viewing screen is the center channel speaker of a 5.1 or a 5.1 speaker system. But you configuration is not such.

If it is difficult to place it on the floor, try to put it on your tower, given that the tower is placed on the floor under your desk.

 

[Grugbug]

Putting the sub under you desk is fine, the frequencies handled by the sub are not directional. Putting the sub in a corner will amplify some of the output due to the reflection off the wall.

 

[mjslakeridge]

Low frequency sound waves are largely non-directional, meaning the ears can't perceive where the sound is coming from exactly, as opposed to higher frequency waves which are highly directional. If you sit in front of a tweeter and move your head a foot or so, you will notice the difference in the sound. As Ironsounds suggested, experiment with different placements, although if you put it in the corner it may be too loud as the sound waves bounce off of the 2 perpendicular walls. That is why in the recording studio, we put large "bass traps" in the corners to try to soak up some of the low frequency sound waves.

Under your desk may turn out to be the best place.

Edit: Grugbug beat me to it, but we are essentially saying the same thing.

 

[ien2222]

Bass traps deal with standing waves, not corner boost.

You won't know where the best place is until you experiment. Generally speaking, under a desk is usually a horrible spot and if your desk is open above, then behind the monitor may be a better spot. Any boost from corner loading you get can be controlled by turning the sub down a little or bass if you have tonal controls.

But play around with it's position and orientation and use a frequency generator. As you sweep through the lower frequencies you'll notice it get louder in some areas and softer in others. This is fine, it's how we hear we are better at certain frequencies than others. However you don't want a sudden spike or valley in volume. It'll happen, just minimize it as much as possible with your placement.