Audio T Verdict
The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is a compact and unusually flexible powered subwoofer designed to add genuine low-frequency depth to compatible Bluesound music, television and home cinema systems.
Its long-throw 203mm driver, 150-watt Smart DSP amplifier and published extension down to 22Hz give films greater impact and music more weight, scale and foundation. BluOS pairing also makes crossover, level and phase adjustment considerably easier than reaching behind a conventionally installed subwoofer.
It can stand upright, lie flat beneath suitable furniture or use the included mounting bracket, making it easier to accommodate than many traditional cabinet designs. It can also be connected by cable, although customers using Dirac Live should note that Bluesound does not currently support Dirac processing with a wirelessly paired PULSE SUB+.
Bluesound PULSE SUB+ Wireless Powered Subwoofer
The Bluesound PULSE SUB+ is a powered subwoofer designed to extend the bass performance of compatible Bluesound wireless speakers, music streamers, streaming amplifiers and home cinema products.
A custom 203mm polypropylene-cone woofer is driven by a 150-watt continuous Class D Smart DSP amplifier, with dynamic output rated at up to 200 watts.
The PULSE SUB+ can pair wirelessly through BluOS with a compatible player or connect by cable through its mono low-level input.
Its shallow enclosure can be positioned vertically, placed horizontally beneath suitable furniture or attached using the included wall-mounting bracket.
What Does the PULSE SUB+ Do?
Adds Low-Frequency Extension
- Extends compatible systems down to very low bass frequencies
- Adds greater impact to films, television and games
- Provides more body and scale with music
- Reduces low-frequency demands on compatible main speakers
- Uses a custom long-throw 203mm woofer
- Provides 150 watts of continuous amplifier power
Connects Wirelessly
- Pairs with compatible Bluesound products through BluOS
- Requires no signal cable between the player and subwoofer
- Provides app-based crossover adjustment
- Provides app-based subwoofer trim
- Provides app-based phase adjustment
- Forms a fixed relationship with the paired player
Connects by Cable
- Includes a mono low-level line input
- Can connect to a suitable subwoofer output
- Works with compatible wired Bluesound systems
- Can be used without wireless audio transmission
- Provides a direct and predictable signal path
- Requires a suitable subwoofer cable
Why Add a Subwoofer?
A properly set-up subwoofer should do more than add obvious thumps and rumbles.
Low bass contributes to the scale, weight and atmosphere of music, films and television. It can help kick drums sound more convincing, give bass instruments greater authority and reproduce the low-frequency effects contained within film soundtracks.
When the crossover and level are adjusted carefully, the subwoofer should blend with the main speakers rather than sound like a separate box in the room.
Relieving compatible main speakers of the lowest frequencies can also reduce their workload and may improve clarity through the midrange.
203mm Long-Throw Woofer
The PULSE SUB+ uses a custom 203mm long-throw driver with a polypropylene cone and rubber surround.
Long-throw construction allows the cone to move through a greater distance, helping it displace the air required for deep bass from a relatively shallow cabinet.
The rubber surround controls the movement of the cone and supports the repeated excursion required by low-frequency material.
The driver, amplifier and digital signal processing have been developed to operate together as one complete system.
150-Watt Smart DSP Amplifier
A Class D Smart DSP amplifier provides 150 watts of continuous output and up to 200 watts of dynamic peak power.
Digital signal processing manages frequency response, amplifier behaviour and driver protection within the compact enclosure.
The amplifier is automatically controlled by the paired system, so the PULSE SUB+ follows the main player volume after setup.
A separately powered subwoofer does not use amplifier power from the connected Bluesound player or streaming amplifier.
Published Frequency Response
Bluesound publishes an on-axis frequency response of 22Hz to 150Hz within plus or minus 2dB.
The low-frequency cutoff is specified at 20Hz at the -10dB point.
The practical bass response in a home will depend on room dimensions, construction, furnishings, listening position and placement of the subwoofer.
Room reinforcement can increase some bass frequencies, while cancellations can make others much quieter at particular listening positions.
Published Extension Does Not Guarantee Identical In-Room Bass
A specification measured under controlled conditions cannot predict exactly how the PULSE SUB+ will behave in every room.
Moving the subwoofer or listening position by a relatively small distance can significantly change the bass balance.
Careful positioning and adjustment remain important even when the connection and controls are wireless.
Wireless BluOS Pairing
The PULSE SUB+ can be added to the home network and paired with a compatible Bluesound player through the BluOS Controller app.
Once paired, the subwoofer and main player operate as a fixed system. Playback volume changes on the main player are followed automatically by the PULSE SUB+.
Crossover, trim and phase settings are accessed through the paired player's audio menu rather than treating the subwoofer as a separate music zone.
The PULSE SUB+ can be unpaired and assigned to another compatible player when the system changes.
Wireless Does Not Mean Bluetooth
The PULSE SUB+ does not connect to arbitrary televisions, phones, speakers or amplifiers through Bluetooth.
Wireless audio pairing requires a compatible Bluesound or supported BluOS product and the BluOS Controller app.
Equipment without compatible BluOS subwoofer pairing requires a wired low-level connection where a suitable output is available.
Compatible Current Bluesound Products
Current compatible Bluesound products include music streamers, streaming amplifiers, wireless speakers and home cinema soundbars.
Music Streamers
- Bluesound NODE NANO
- Bluesound NODE
- Bluesound NODE ICON
- Selected earlier NODE generations
- Compatible VAULT models
Streaming Amplifiers
- Bluesound POWERNODE EDGE
- Bluesound POWERNODE N331
- Selected earlier POWERNODE generations
- Compatible BluOS-enabled amplifiers
Wireless Speakers and Cinema
- Bluesound PULSE FLEX
- Bluesound PULSE M
- Bluesound PULSE 2i
- Bluesound PULSE CINEMA MINI
- Bluesound PULSE CINEMA
- Selected earlier PULSE products
Compatibility can depend on the exact model generation and current BluOS software. Audio T can confirm suitability before purchase.
Use with the NODE Range
The PULSE SUB+ can pair wirelessly with compatible NODE streamers, including the current
Bluesound NODE NANO
,
Bluesound NODE
and
Bluesound NODE ICON
.
In a conventional Hi-Fi system, the NODE provides the music source and volume control while the PULSE SUB+ adds low bass alongside the connected amplifier and loudspeakers.
Depending on the selected BluOS subwoofer setting, a crossover can be applied so that compatible analogue outputs handle frequencies above the chosen point while the PULSE SUB+ reproduces the bass below it.
Digital Outputs May Not Receive the Same High-Pass Filter
Subwoofer bass-management behaviour can differ between analogue, speaker and digital outputs.
Customers using an external DAC through optical, coaxial or USB should confirm how the selected NODE and output behave before relying on the PULSE SUB+ to remove low bass from the main speakers.
Use with POWERNODE Streaming Amplifiers
The PULSE SUB+ can pair with the compact
Bluesound POWERNODE EDGE
and the more powerful
Bluesound POWERNODE N331
.
The POWERNODE drives the passive main loudspeakers while the self-powered PULSE SUB+ handles the low-frequency section.
This can extend bass response and reduce the amount of deep bass the main loudspeakers are asked to reproduce.
A wired RCA subwoofer connection is also available from current POWERNODE models when a cable route is practical or when wireless operation is not preferred.
Use with Bluesound Wireless Speakers
The PULSE SUB+ can pair with compatible Bluesound wireless speakers to create a fuller-range self-contained music system.
Suitable Audio T products include the
Bluesound PULSE FLEX 2i
,
Bluesound PULSE M
and
Bluesound PULSE 2i
.
The subwoofer adds low-frequency extension while the wireless speaker continues to reproduce the midrange and treble.
The benefit will be particularly noticeable with smaller speakers, although crossover and level should still be adjusted so the bass does not overwhelm the rest of the presentation.
Use with Bluesound Soundbars
The PULSE SUB+ can expand a compatible Bluesound soundbar system with deeper low-frequency effects and greater film impact.
Current options include the
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA MINI
and
Bluesound PULSE CINEMA
.
The soundbar continues to reproduce dialogue, music and spatial effects, while the PULSE SUB+ handles the lowest soundtrack information.
Compatible wireless rear speakers can also be added to create a more complete BluOS home cinema group.
Wireless or Wired Connection?
Choose Wireless Pairing When
- You are using a compatible Bluesound player
- A signal cable would be difficult to route
- Flexible positioning is important
- You want app-based pairing and settings
- The network provides reliable coverage
- Dirac Live is not required
Choose a Wired Connection When
- The source provides a suitable subwoofer output
- A direct signal cable is easy to install
- The system is not compatible with wireless BluOS pairing
- Wireless coverage is unreliable
- Dirac Live integration is required
- You prefer a conventional low-level connection
Mono Low-Level Input
A mono low-level input allows the PULSE SUB+ to receive a conventional wired subwoofer or LFE signal.
This can be connected to the subwoofer output of a compatible music streamer, streaming amplifier, AV receiver, pre-amplifier or soundbar.
A suitable screened RCA subwoofer cable is required and is not included.
No High-Level Speaker Input
The PULSE SUB+ does not provide the high-level speaker connection used by some specialist Hi-Fi subwoofers.
An amplifier without a dedicated low-level subwoofer or pre-amplifier output cannot normally be connected directly.
Audio T can recommend an alternative subwoofer where high-level connection is required.
Dirac Live Compatibility
Several current Bluesound streamers and amplifiers support or are designed to support Dirac Live room correction.
Bluesound currently states that Dirac Live does not operate with a wirelessly paired PULSE SUB+.
Wireless PULSE SUB+ Pairing Is Not Compatible with Dirac Live
Customers planning to use Dirac Live should not wirelessly pair the PULSE SUB+ and assume that the subwoofer will be included within the calibration.
A wired subwoofer connection may be required, depending on the Bluesound player and complete system configuration.
Confirm the intended NODE or POWERNODE, output connection and Dirac setup with Audio T before purchasing the complete system.
BluOS Crossover Control
The crossover determines the frequency range handled by the PULSE SUB+ and the compatible paired player.
Bluesound uses 80Hz as the default crossover within its current paired-subwoofer settings.
A lower setting may suit larger main speakers with useful bass extension, while a higher setting may suit compact speakers that cannot reproduce low bass cleanly.
The appropriate setting depends on the main speakers, room, subwoofer position and listening preference.
A Higher Crossover Is Not Automatically Better
Setting the crossover too high can make the subwoofer easier to locate and may add excessive upper bass.
Setting it too low can leave a gap between the subwoofer and main speakers.
The aim is a smooth transition rather than the greatest possible amount of bass.
Subwoofer Trim
Subwoofer trim adjusts the PULSE SUB+ level relative to the paired Bluesound player.
The level should normally be increased until the low frequencies support the system without becoming detached or dominant.
Music with acoustic bass, drums and familiar low-frequency instruments can be useful when judging integration.
Film effects may encourage a more dramatic setting, but an excessively high level can obscure dialogue and make music sound heavy.
Phase Adjustment
Phase adjustment helps align the movement of the subwoofer with the main speakers at the listening position.
Bluesound's current support guidance describes phase options of 0 degrees and 180 degrees within the paired PULSE SUB+ settings.
The correct setting is normally the one that produces the strongest, most even and most coherent bass around the crossover region.
Phase interaction depends on distance, placement, crossover and the acoustic behaviour of the room.
LFE Setting
The PULSE SUB+ specification includes an LFE crossover mode for use with suitable home cinema equipment.
In an LFE system, bass management is normally handled by the connected processor, receiver, soundbar or Bluesound home cinema product.
Avoid applying conflicting crossover settings in several products unless the system instructions specifically require it.
Positioning the PULSE SUB+
Low bass interacts strongly with the room, so placement can be as important as the selected settings.
Positioning near a wall or corner will normally increase bass output, but it may also exaggerate particular frequencies.
Moving the subwoofer away from boundaries can reduce excessive bass and improve definition.
The best position is the one that produces the smoothest and most even result at the main listening area, rather than the position that produces the loudest bass beside the cabinet.
Near a Wall
- Can increase apparent bass output
- May suit systems needing greater low-frequency weight
- Can exaggerate room resonances
- May require a lower trim setting
- Should be tested from the listening position
Near a Corner
- Usually provides the greatest room reinforcement
- Can produce strong film impact
- May sound heavy or uneven in some rooms
- Can make adjustment more sensitive
- Is not automatically the best musical position
Away from Boundaries
- Can reduce excessive room reinforcement
- May provide cleaner and more even bass
- Can require a higher trim setting
- May be easier to integrate with the main speakers
- Requires practical floor or furniture space
Vertical Installation
The PULSE SUB+ can stand vertically using the supplied magnetic rubber feet.
Vertical installation minimises the amount of floor space occupied and can allow the subwoofer to sit beside furniture or a television unit.
The cabinet should stand on a stable, level surface with sufficient clearance for the driver and connections.
Horizontal Installation
The shallow enclosure can be positioned horizontally beneath suitable furniture.
This can make the PULSE SUB+ less visually intrusive where a conventional cube-shaped subwoofer would be difficult to accommodate.
Check Clearance Before Placing It Beneath Furniture
The cabinet, driver and connections must not be pressed against furniture or obstructed.
Allow space for ventilation, cable access and movement of the woofer.
Furniture should not rest directly on the PULSE SUB+ or its mounting accessories.
Wall-Mounted Installation
A dedicated wall-mounting bracket is included with the PULSE SUB+.
Wall mounting can free floor space and create a discreet installation beside or behind furniture.
The wall and fixings must safely support the 8.28kg subwoofer together with the mounting bracket.
Installation should also preserve access to mains power, the network connection and the mono line input where required.
Using Two PULSE SUB+ Subwoofers
Bluesound states that a second PULSE SUB+ can be added for greater bass output and more even room coverage.
Two subwoofers can help reduce the difference in bass response between several listening positions when they are positioned and configured carefully.
The benefit is not simply twice as much bass. The main advantage can be smoother distribution across the room.
Confirm Dual-Subwoofer Compatibility
Support for two PULSE SUB+ units can depend on the paired Bluesound product, fixed-group configuration and current BluOS software.
Confirm the exact intended system with Audio T before purchasing a second subwoofer.
Music and Home Cinema Use
For Music
- Adds weight to bass instruments and drums
- Extends the apparent scale of compact speakers
- Can improve the sense of space and foundation
- Should blend subtly with the main speakers
- Benefits from careful crossover and level adjustment
For Films and Television
- Adds impact to explosions and effects
- Reproduces low-frequency soundtrack information
- Adds weight to film scores
- Can expand a Bluesound home cinema system
- Works with compatible wired or wireless soundbar setups
For Games
- Adds physical impact to action and effects
- Improves the scale of environmental audio
- Supports compatible television sound systems
- Can be adjusted for quieter evening use
- Requires a compatible source and main player
PULSE SUB+ or a Conventional Subwoofer?
Choose PULSE SUB+ When
- You use a compatible Bluesound system
- Wireless placement is important
- BluOS app control is preferred
- A shallow cabinet is easier to accommodate
- Wall mounting or horizontal placement is useful
- You want simple integration with Bluesound products
Choose a Conventional Subwoofer When
- You require a high-level speaker connection
- You want a wider choice of driver and cabinet sizes
- Maximum output in a large room is the priority
- You use a non-BluOS system without a subwoofer output
- You require specialised music or cinema connectivity
- Dirac Live or another processor will manage the subwoofer
Network Connection
The PULSE SUB+ includes dual-band Wi-Fi 5 and an RJ45 Ethernet connection.
Wireless networking provides the greatest positioning freedom, while wired Ethernet can provide a more predictable network connection where cabling is practical.
The network connection is used for setup, control, software updates and wireless pairing with compatible Bluesound players.
It does not make the PULSE SUB+ an independent music streamer or multi-room speaker.
Controls and Status Indicator
Physical volume controls and a function button are provided on the cabinet.
The function button can be used during setup and to control the paired subwoofer state in compatible configurations.
A dimmable LED status indicator communicates network, setup and pairing status.
Detailed adjustment is handled through the BluOS Controller app on the paired player.
Automatic Standby
The PULSE SUB+ uses signal-sensing and network standby behaviour to reduce power consumption when it is not being used.
Bluesound specifies network standby consumption of approximately 0.5 watts.
An amplifier standby option can also be managed through BluOS, although enabling deeper standby may introduce a brief delay when audio resumes.
Installation and Setup
Initial setup involves connecting the PULSE SUB+ to mains power, adding it to the network and pairing it with the required compatible player through BluOS.
The system should then be adjusted using familiar music and film material, beginning with a moderate level and the default crossover.
Position, crossover, trim and phase should be changed one at a time so their effects can be judged clearly.
Audio T can help identify a suitable position, configure the connection and integrate the PULSE SUB+ with compatible Bluesound speakers, streamers, amplifiers and soundbars.
Key Features
- Wireless powered Bluesound subwoofer
- Compatible with selected Bluesound and BluOS products
- Custom 203mm long-throw woofer
- Polypropylene cone
- Rubber driver surround
- Class D Smart DSP amplification
- 150 watts continuous amplifier output
- 200 watts dynamic peak output
- Published response from 22Hz to 150Hz within plus or minus 2dB
- Low-frequency cutoff of 20Hz at -10dB
- Wireless BluOS fixed-group pairing
- Mono low-level line input
- Wi-Fi 5 dual-band networking
- Wired Ethernet connection
- ARM Cortex-A9 processor
- 1GHz processor speed
- BluOS Controller app setup
- App-based subwoofer trim
- App-based crossover adjustment
- App-based phase adjustment
- Default paired crossover of 80Hz
- Physical volume controls
- Physical function button
- Dimmable LED status indicator
- Can stand vertically
- Can be positioned horizontally
- Wall-mounting bracket included
- Two magnetic rubber feet included
- Network standby consumption of approximately 0.5 watts
- Universal 100V to 240V power supply
- Available in black or white matte finishes
- Support for a second PULSE SUB+ in compatible systems
Technical Specifications
Amplifier
- Amplifier type: Smart DSP Class D
- Continuous output: 150 watts
- Dynamic peak output: 200 watts
- Network standby consumption: Approximately 0.5 watts
Acoustic Design
- Woofer: One 203mm long-throw driver
- Cone material: Polypropylene
- Surround: Rubber
- On-axis frequency response: 22Hz to 150Hz, plus or minus 2dB
- Low-frequency cutoff: 20Hz at -10dB
- Published crossover range: 50Hz to 150Hz with LFE setting
Audio Connection and Control
- Wireless audio pairing: Compatible Bluesound and BluOS fixed groups
- Wired audio input: Mono low-level line input
- High-level speaker input: Not provided
- Volume control: BluOS app and physical controls
- Crossover control: BluOS app
- Default paired crossover: 80Hz
- Phase control: BluOS app
- Current supported phase settings: 0 degrees or 180 degrees
- Dirac Live with wireless pairing: Not supported
Network and Processing
- Operating system: BluOS
- App compatibility: Compatible Android and iOS devices
- Processor: ARM Cortex-A9
- Processor speed: 1GHz
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi 5, 802.11ac
- Wireless bands: Dual-band
- Ethernet: RJ45 network connection
- Bluetooth: Not provided for audio pairing
USB Connections
- USB Type-A: Firmware upgrade use
- Mini USB Type-B: Service use
- USB music playback: Not supported
- USB computer audio: Not supported
User Interface
- Status indicator: Dimmable LED
- Physical controls: Volume up, volume down and function button
- App controls: Level, crossover, phase, name, Wi-Fi and indicator brightness
Installation
- Vertical placement: Supported with included magnetic feet
- Horizontal placement: Supported
- Wall mounting: Supported with included bracket
- Second subwoofer: Supported by compatible Bluesound systems
General
- Power supply: Universal 100V to 240V AC, 50Hz or 60Hz
- Finishes: Black or white matte
- Dimensions: 457 x 300 x 146mm, width x height x depth
- Weight: 8.28kg, excluding feet and mounting bracket
Included Accessories
- 230V AC power lead
- Two magnetic rubber feet
- Wall-mounting bracket
- Safety and warranty guide
- Quick setup guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bluesound PULSE SUB+?
It is a powered subwoofer with a 203mm driver, 150-watt amplifier, wired low-level input and wireless pairing for compatible Bluesound systems.
Does it contain its own amplifier?
Yes. It contains a 150-watt continuous Smart DSP Class D amplifier with a rated dynamic peak of 200 watts.
How low does the PULSE SUB+ play?
Bluesound publishes an on-axis response of 22Hz to 150Hz within plus or minus 2dB, with a low-frequency cutoff of 20Hz at -10dB.
Can it connect wirelessly?
Yes. It pairs through BluOS with compatible Bluesound and supported BluOS products.
Does it use Bluetooth?
No. Wireless audio pairing uses BluOS and the network rather than Bluetooth.
Can it connect by cable?
Yes. A mono low-level input allows connection to a suitable wired subwoofer output using an RCA subwoofer cable.
Does it have a high-level speaker input?
No. The PULSE SUB+ does not provide a high-level connection for an amplifier's speaker outputs.
Can it connect to the NODE NANO?
Yes. The current NODE NANO is included in Bluesound's wireless PULSE SUB+ compatibility list.
Can it connect to the standard NODE?
Yes. It can pair wirelessly with compatible NODE generations or connect by cable to models providing a subwoofer output.
Can it connect to the NODE ICON?
Yes. The current NODE ICON supports wireless PULSE SUB+ pairing and also provides a wired RCA subwoofer output.
Can it connect to POWERNODE?
Yes. It can pair wirelessly with compatible POWERNODE models or connect to a suitable wired subwoofer output.
Can it connect to PULSE wireless speakers?
Yes. Compatible products include PULSE FLEX, PULSE M, PULSE 2i and selected earlier PULSE speakers.
Can it connect to a Bluesound soundbar?
Yes. It can be paired with compatible Bluesound home cinema soundbars including PULSE CINEMA and PULSE CINEMA MINI.
Can it connect to an ordinary amplifier?
It can connect to an amplifier, pre-amplifier or receiver that provides a compatible mono low-level subwoofer output. It cannot connect directly to speaker terminals.
Can it be used with a non-Bluesound system?
Yes, provided the system has a suitable wired low-level subwoofer output. Wireless BluOS pairing will not be available.
Does it work with Dirac Live?
Bluesound states that Dirac Live does not work with a wirelessly paired PULSE SUB+. A wired configuration may be required for a Dirac-managed system.
Can I adjust the crossover?
Yes. Crossover adjustment is available through BluOS when the PULSE SUB+ is paired with a compatible player.
What is the default crossover?
Bluesound currently uses 80Hz as the default crossover within its paired subwoofer settings.
Can I adjust the phase?
Yes. Current Bluesound support describes phase settings of 0 degrees and 180 degrees through BluOS.
Can it stand upright?
Yes. Two magnetic rubber feet are included for vertical placement.
Can it lie flat?
Yes. Its shallow enclosure can be placed horizontally where sufficient clearance and ventilation are available.
Can it go beneath a sofa?
It may fit beneath suitable furniture, but there must be enough clearance for the cabinet, driver, connections and ventilation. Furniture must not rest on the subwoofer.
Can it be wall mounted?
Yes. A dedicated wall-mounting bracket is included.
Can I use two PULSE SUB+ subwoofers?
Bluesound states that a second PULSE SUB+ can be added in compatible systems. Confirm support for the exact parent player and BluOS configuration before purchase.
Does it play music by itself?
No. The PULSE SUB+ reproduces low-frequency audio from a paired or wired source and does not operate as an independent full-range music player.
Can Audio T install and configure it?
Yes. Audio T can help with compatibility, wireless or wired setup, positioning, crossover, phase, subwoofer level and integration with music or home cinema systems.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Expert Bluesound compatibility advice
- Demonstrations through participating Audio T stores
- Wireless and wired connection guidance
- NODE and POWERNODE system matching
- PULSE wireless speaker integration
- PULSE CINEMA and soundbar setup
- Subwoofer positioning advice
- Crossover and phase adjustment
- Music and home cinema system configuration
- Single and dual-subwoofer planning
- Dirac Live connection guidance
- Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet setup
- BluOS Controller app configuration
- Wall-mounting and concealed-installation advice
- Alternative conventional subwoofer comparisons
- Advice based on room size and listening level
- Professional home installation options
- Part exchange available on suitable existing equipment
- Ongoing Bluesound and BluOS support
Contact your local Audio T store
to arrange a demonstration or discuss adding the Bluesound PULSE SUB+ to a music, television, multi-room or wireless home cinema system.