Sonos SUB User manual

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November 2016
©2004-2016 by Sonos, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sonos SUB
The Sonos SUB™ takes your audio experience to the next level when you add this wireless subwoofer to an
existing Sonos room.
• Instantly adds a dimension of deep bass impact to your audio listening experience.
• Allows placement anywhere because it’s wireless and compact—position it vertically or horizontally on
any floor surface.
New to Sonos?
Set up your Sonos Wireless HiFi System with at least one amplified Sonos player—PLAYBAR, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5, CONNECT:AMP, or ZP100 before adding the Sonos SUB to your music system. For help
with this step, refer to the instructions packaged with your other Sonos products.
Once you’ve set up your music system, you can add additional Sonos products any time (up to 32).
Adding to an Existing Sonos System?
Sonos can be easily expanded room by room. See Adding the SUB to Sonos for more information.
Note: The Sonos SUB is designed for use with any amplified Sonos player,
including the PLAYBAR®, PLAY:1®, PLAY:3®, PLAY:5®, CONNECT:AMP™or
ZP100. 

It is not designed for use with unamplified Sonos players, such as the CONNECT™
and ZP80.

Product Guide
2
The Sonos App
You can use the free Sonos app with any compatible device, including:
•Sonos app (Android)—Android 4.0 and higher; certain features require later versions. 
Touch t h e Play Store or Market button on your Android device to download the free Sonos app from
Google Play.
•Sonos app (iOS)—iPhone, iPad and iPod touch running iOS 8.0 or later; certain features may require
later versions.
Touch t h e App Store button on your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad to download the free Sonos app, or
download the application from iTunes®. (If you download from iTunes, you will need to sync before you
see the Sonos logo display on your device.)
•Sonos app (PC)—Windows® 7 and higher; certain features require later versions. 
Download from our website at www.sonos.com/support/downloads.
•Sonos app (Mac)—Macintosh® OS X 10.9 or later 
Download from our website at www.sonos.com/support/downloads.
Note: Sonos CONTROL has been discontinued, but it’s compatible with your new
Sonos product.

Sonos SUB 3
SUB Bottom/Side
Join button Press the Join button to associate the SUB with your Sonos Wireless
HiFi System.
Acoustic slot The top of the acoustic slot doubles as a handle so you can lift it.
SUB placement: Make sure at least one side of the slot is free from
obstruction. If you place it vertically against a wall, do not block the
front opening. If you place the SUB horizontally on the floor, don’t put
anything on top of it.
SUB status indicator LED indicates the SUB status.
• For a complete list of status indicators, please go to 
http://faq.sonos.com/led.
Ethernet port Use an Ethernet cable to connect the SUB to your home network.
Join button
Ethernet port AC Power (Mains)
Acoustic slot
Status
indicator

Product Guide
4
Adding the SUB to Sonos
You can easily add the Sonos SUB to an existing Sonos system.
• You can pair the SUB with any amplified Sonos player, including a PLAYBAR, CONNECT:AMP, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5, or ZP100. You cannot associate it with an un-amplified Sonos player such as the
CONNECT or ZP80.
• The SUB is compatible with Sonos software versions 3.8 and later. Be sure to check for software
updates before adding the SUB to Sonos.
1. Carefully unpack the package contents.
2. Choose a location for the SUB. It is designed to provide optimal sound wherever you place it.
• You can position the SUB either vertically or horizontally. If you are going to use the SUB horizontally on
a smooth floor, you can attach the 4 permanent felt feet (included with your SUB) to each of the corners.
See Attaching the feet for horizontal placement for more information.
AC power (mains) input Use only the supplied power cord to connect to a power outlet (using a
third party power cord will void your warranty). Be sure to use the
proper power adapter for your country. Push the power cord firmly into
the SUB until it is flush with the surface.
Caution: Subwoofers are heavy. Exercise caution when unpacking your Sonos
SUB. Use the acoustic slot as a handle to lift the SUB out of the box. (You should
always bend your knees when lifting heavy objects to avoid undue stress on your
back.)
Make sure at least one side of the
rectangular opening (acoustic slot) is
unobstructed.
• If you place the SUB vertically
flush against a wall, do not block
the front acoustic slot.
• If you place the SUB horizontally
on the floor, don’t put anything on
top of it. Leave at least 1”
clearance along the top of the
SUB if placing under furniture.

Sonos SUB 5
• The SUB is designed to be located on the floor. You can place it in a corner, against the wall, behind,
under, or next to any piece of furniture on any kind of floor surface.
3. Attach the power adapter and plug in the SUB. Be sure to push the power cord firmly into the SUB until it
is flush with the surface.
4. Choose one of the following options:
• Using the Sonos app on a mobile device: Select Add a Player or SUB from Settings.
• Using the Sonos app on a Mac or PC: Select Add a Player or SUB from the Manage menu.
To optimize your SUB’s performance, during the setup process you will be prompted to make some
choices—
• If you are joining a CONNECT:AMP or ZP100, select the size of your stereo speakers (Compact,
Bookshelf/Ceiling or Floor.)
• Press Play to compare the volume of two test sounds, A and B, and then select No Difference, A is
louder or B is louder.
• Press Play to listen to a test sound, and then select the best level for the SUB.
You may be prompted to update the SUB after you add it to Sonos.
Note: The SUB contains strong magnets. Don’t place the SUB near equipment
that is sensitive to magnetic fields.
Note: After the SUB is associated with a Sonos player, you will not see it displayed
separately in Rooms. Any changes you make to that Sonos player (volume, mute,
music selection) will also affect the SUB.
Press and release the Join button on the side of the SUB. 
The indicator flashes green and white while the SUB is
connecting

Product Guide
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Attaching the feet for horizontal placement
If you are going to use your SUB placed horizontally on a smooth floor, the Sonos SUB includes four (4)
permanent felt feet you can attach to the corners of the unit. If you are laying the SUB down on a rug or using
it vertically, there’s no need to adhere the felt feet.
The Sonos logo appears on the front of the SUB—you will adhere the felt feet to the opposite side of the unit.
1. Lay the SUB down on a rug or on top of the SUB’s felt packing bag so the Sonos logo is facing down and
is not visible.
2. Place the enclosed guide on one corner of the unit and fold the flaps over the edge.
3. Peel the backing off one of the feet.
4. Press the felt foot (sticky side down) onto the unit inside the circular portion of the guide.
5. Repeat this process for the other three (3) corners.
Note: The felt feet are not adjustable—a strong adhesive will keep them
permanently attached to the SUB once you apply them.
Guide for felt
foot placement
Felt foot

Sonos SUB 7
SUB Settings
The SUB’s settings are determined during the initial setup process. If you wish to make changes, follow the
steps below to adjust how the SUB works with the associated Sonos product or stereo pair.
Changing SUB Settings
Using the Sonos app on a mobile device
1. Select Settings -> Room Settings.
2. Select the room that is associated with the Sonos SUB. It appears as Room (+SUB)on the Room
Settings menu.
3. Select Advanced Audio -> SUB Settings.
4. Choose one of the following options:
•SUB: Choose On or Off to turn the sound from the SUB on and off.
•SUB Level: Use the slider to increase or decrease the volume of the SUB. (You can use this setting to
match the subwoofer level to the level of your main speakers.)
•Placement Adjustment (phase): Select On or Off.
•Speaker Size Adjustment (Crossover): This setting only appears when the SUB is associated with a
CONNECT:AMP or ZonePlayer 100. You may wish to choose a different setting from the list if:
• the main speakers sound distorted at high volumes—moving to a smaller speaker size setting can
help.
• your attention is drawn to the SUB's location while listening to music—moving to a larger speaker size
setting can help.
Using the Sonos app on a Mac or PC
1. Select Manage -> Settings (PC) or Sonos -> Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Select the room that is associated with the Sonos SUB. It appears as Room (+SUB)on the Room
Settings menu.
4. Select the SUB tab.
1Compact 110 Hz
2100 Hz
390 Hz
4Bookshelf / Ceiling 80 Hz
570 Hz
6Floor 60 Hz
750 Hz

Product Guide
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5. Choose one of the following options:
•SUB: Check to turn the sound from the SUB on; uncheck to turn it off.
•SUB Level: Use the slider to increase or decrease the volume of the SUB. (You can use this setting to
match the subwoofer level to the level of your main speakers.)
•Placement Adjustment (phase): Check or uncheck the box to adjust the phase.
•Speaker Size Adjustment (Crossover): This setting only appears when the SUB is associated with a
CONNECT:AMP or ZonePlayer 100. You may wish to choose a different setting from the drop-down list if:
• the main speakers sound distorted at high volumes—moving to a smaller speaker size setting can
help.
• your attention is drawn to the SUB's location while listening to music—moving to a larger speaker size
setting can help.
Recalibrating the SUB
After initial setup, you may wish to make some adjustments to optimize your SUB’s performance. If you move
the SUB to another location, purchase new speakers, or simply want to adjust the sound, follow the steps
below to recalibrate the SUB.
Using the Sonos app for Android
1. Select Settings -> Room Settings.
2. Select the room that is associated with the Sonos SUB. It appears as Room (+SUB)on the Room
Settings menu.
3. Select Advanced Audio -> Recalibrate SUB.
4. Follow the prompts to optimize your SUB’s performance:
• Select the size of your stereo speakers (CONNECT:AMP or ZP100 only).
• Press Play to compare the volume of two test sounds, A and B, and then select No Difference, A is
louder or B is louder.
• Press Play to listen to a test sound, and then select the level you prefer.
Using the Sonos app on a Mac or PC
1. Select Manage -> Settings (PC) or Sonos -> Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
1Compact 110 Hz
2100 Hz
390 Hz
4Bookshelf / Ceiling 80 Hz
570 Hz
6Floor 60 Hz
750 Hz

Sonos SUB 9
3. Select the room that is associated with the Sonos SUB. It appears as Room (+SUB)on the Room
Settings menu.
4. Select the Basic tab, and then select Recalibrate SUB.
5. Follow the prompts to optimize your SUB’s performance:
• Select the size of your stereo speakers (CONNECT:AMP or ZP100 only).
• Press Play to compare the volume of two test sounds, A and B, and then select No Difference, A is
louder or B is louder.
• Press Play to listen to a test sound, and then select the level you prefer.
Changing the SUB’s Room Association
You can easily associate the SUB with a different Sonos player (CONNECT:AMP, PLAY:1, PLAY:3, PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR, or ZP100).
If you are moving the SUB to a new room, first unplug the SUB, locate it on the floor in another room, and then
plug it back in. The status light on the side of the SUB will begin to flash. Once it lights solid again, you are
ready to proceed.
Using the Sonos app on a mobile device
1. Select Settings -> Room Settings.
2. Select the room that is currently associated with the Sonos SUB. It appears as Room (+SUB) on the
Room Settings menu.
3. Select Remove SUB.
4. Choose one of the following settings:
• If you want to associate the SUB with a different Sonos player, select Choose Room for SUB and then
select another room.
• If you are not going to use the SUB right now, select Don’t use SUB. It will appear on Rooms as SUB
(unused) until you select it and associate it with another Sonos player.
Using the Sonos app on a Mac or PC
1. Select Manage -> Settings (PC) or Sonos -> Preferences (Mac).
2. Select Room Settings.
3. Select the room that is associated with the Sonos SUB. It appears as Room (+SUB)on the Room
Settings menu.
4. From the Basic tab, select Remove SUB.
5. Choose one of the following settings:
• If you want to associate the SUB with a different Sonos player, select Choose Room for SUB and then
select another room.
• If you are not going to use the SUB right now, select Don’t use SUB. It will appear on Rooms as SUB
(unused) until you select it and associate it with another Sonos player.

Product Guide
10
I have a new router
If you purchase a new router or change your ISP (Internet service provider), you will need to restart all your
Sonos products after the router is installed.
1. Disconnect the power cord from all of your Sonos products for at least 5 seconds.
2. Reconnect them one at a time, starting with the Sonos product that is connected to your router (if one is
usually connected).
Wait for your Sonos products to restart. The status indicator light will change to solid white on each
product when the restart is complete.
If your Sonos setup is completely wireless (you don’t keep a Sonos product connected to your router), you
will also need to change your wireless network password. Follow the steps below:
1. Temporarily connect one of your Sonos players to the new router with an Ethernet cable.
2. Select Advanced Settings -> Wireless Setup from the Settings menu.
Sonos will detect your network.
3. Enter the password for your wireless network.
4. Once the password is accepted, unplug the player from your router and move it back to its original
location.
I want to change my wireless network password
If your Sonos system is set up wirelessly and you change your wireless network password, you will also need
to change it on your Sonos system.
1. Temporarily connect one of your Sonos players to your router with an Ethernet cable.
2. Choose one of the following options:
• Using the Sonos app on a mobile device, select Settings -> Advanced Settings -> Wireless Setup.
• Using the Sonos app on a PC, select Settings -> Advanced from the Manage menu. On the General
tab, select Wireless Setup.
• Using the Sonos app on a Mac, select Preferences -> Advanced from the Sonos menu. On the General
tab, select Wireless Setup.
3. Enter the new wireless network password when prompted.
4. Once the password is accepted, you can unplug the player from your router and move it back to its
original location.
Note: If the ISP technician connects a Sonos product to the new router, you only
need to restart your wireless Sonos products.

Sonos SUB 11
LED Explanations
Indicator Lights Player State Sonos Product Additional Information
Flashing white Powering up BRIDGE, BOOST,
CONNECT, SUB,
CONNECT:AMP,
DOCK, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
Solid white
(dimly lit)
Powered up and associated
with a Sonos system (normal
operation)
BRIDGE, BOOST,
CONNECT, SUB,
CONNECT:AMP,
DOCK, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
If desired, when the product is in normal
operation, you can turn the white status
indicator light on or off from Room
Settings. (The SUB and any players set to
surround reflect the same setting as the
player they are paired with.)
Solid white
(brightly lit)
Touch control(s) active PLAY:5 (gen2) Brightens when touch controls are
activated and remains at full brightness for
the duration of contact.
Flashing green Powered up, not yet
associated with a Sonos
system
Or,
WAC (wireless access
configuration) join ready
BRIDGE, BOOST,
CONNECT, SUB,
CONNECT:AMP,
DOCK, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
For a SUB, this may indicate the SUB is
not yet paired with a player.
Slowly flashing
green
Surround audio is off or 
SUB audio is off
PLAY:1, PLAY:3,
PLAY:5 (gen2),
SUB
Applicable for player configured as a
PLAYBAR surround speaker, or for a SUB
paired with a PLAYBAR
Solid green Volume set to zero or muted CONNECT,
CONNECT:AMP,
PLAY:1, PLAY:3,
PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
Flashing orange During SonosNet setup, this
occurs after a button press
while the product is
searching for a household to
join.
BRIDGE, BOOST,
CONNECT, SUB,
CONNECT:AMP,
DOCK, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
Rapidly flashing
orange
Playback / Next Track failed CONNECT,
CONNECT:AMP,
PLAY:1, PLAY:3,
PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
Indicates either playback or next track
was not possible

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Important Safety Information
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
Solid orange During wireless setup, this
occurs while the Sonos open
access point is temporarily
active. 
If you are not setting up
Sonos, this may indicate
warning mode.
CONNECT, SUB,
CONNECT:AMP,
PLAY:1, PLAY:3,
PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
If the orange light is on AND the player’s
volume level automatically reduces, this
indicates the player is in warning mode.
• Press the Pause button to stop the
audio
• For Sonos products with a vent
opening (SUB, CONNECT:AMP),
check to make sure it’s not blocked
• Check the room temperature to make
sure it’s less than 104°F/ 40° C
• If the player is in direct sunlight,
provide shade
• Allow the player to cool for several
minutes and then press Play to restart
the audio
• If the problem does not resolve,
please contact Customer Care
Flashing green
and white
Player(s) not registered to
your Sonos account
BRIDGE, BOOST,
CONNECT, SUB,
CONNECT:AMP,
DOCK, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
Link the player(s) to your account. For
more information, see Control Sonos from
your Spotify app.
Flashing red and
white
Player repartitioning failed BRIDGE, BOOST,
CONNECT, SUB,
CONNECT:AMP,
DOCK, PLAY:1,
PLAY:3, PLAY:5,
PLAYBAR
Please contact Customer Care.
Warning:Under no circumstances should the product be repaired by anyone other
than an authorized Sonos repair center, as this will invalidate the warranty. Please
contact Sonos Customer Support for more information. Do not open the system as
there is a risk of electric shock.
Indicator Lights Player State Sonos Product Additional Information

Sonos SUB 13
6. Clean only with dry soft cloth. Household cleaners or solvents can damage the finish on your Sonos
products.
7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus that
produce heat.
8. Protect the power cable from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles,
and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
11. Refer all servicing to Sonos qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as power-supply cable or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects
have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate
normally, or has been dropped.
12. The Mains plug should be readily available to disconnect the equipment.
13. Warning: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
14. Do not expose apparatus to dripping or splashing and do not place objects filled with liquids, such as
vases, on the apparatus.
Specifications
Caution: Do not sit or stand on the SUB. It could tip over resulting in personal
injury.
Feature Description
Audio
Amplifier Two Class-D digital amplifiers
Speakers Two force-cancelling speakers positioned face-to-face for deeper, richer
sound and zero cabinet buzz or rattle.
Dual Acoustic Ports Tuned to enhance the SUB performance.
Frequency Response Plays down to 25 Hz.
All Digital Sound All filter settings, active equalization, and time alignment are done digitally
through state-of-the-art DSP (Digital Signal Processing) circuitry for zero-
loss audio quality and energy.
Automatic Equalization The system automatically adjusts audio settings across all connected
components.
Networking
Ethernet Port One Ethernet port that can connect the SUB to a wired home network.

Product Guide
14
* Specifications subject to change without notice.
Need More Help?
• Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages at www.sonos.com/support.
• Ask us a question at http://www.sonos.com/emailsupport.
Product Guide Feedback?
We’d love to hear from you! We’ll read your feedback carefully and use it to help us improve our product
guides. Write to us at: [e-mail]
If you’re having a problem with your Sonos system, please contact Customer Care so they can help. Email
them at http://www.sonos.com/emailsupport.
Wireless Connectivity Connects to your home WiFi network with any 802.11 b/g/n router.
SonosNet™Extender Functions to extend and enhance the power of SonosNet, a secure AES
encrypted, peer-to-peer wireless mesh network dedicated exclusively for
Sonos to reduce WiFi interference.
General
Side Panel Button (Join Button) Join household
Side Panel LEDs Indicate SUB status
Power Supply 100 - 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, auto-switchable
Dimensions (H x D x W) 15.3 x 6.2 x 15.8in. (389 x 158 x 402mm)
Weight 36.3 lbs (16kgs)
Operating Temperature 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Storage Temperature 4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
Multiple Orientations Stand upright or lay flat for flexible placement.
Rubber and Felt Feet Built-in rubber feet; optional felt feet included.
Supported Devices SUB works with all Sonos amplified products: CONNECT:AMP; PLAY:5;
PLAY:3; PLAY:1; PLAYBAR; ZP100
Does not work with the non-amplified Sonos CONNECT or ZP80.
Feature Description