Our favorites over at PreSonus music equipment has come out with a few new studio subwoofers. In our article today, we’ll be reviewing the very high quality Temblor T8 Studio Subwoofer with some nice specs and extra features in terms of creating a custom sound. When you’re looking at a studio sub to add to your setup and accommodate your studio monitors, you always want to take a few aspects into consideration: most importantly the cost, overall build for a long-term investment, and last but not least the actual quality of the sound in general. In our opinion, the Temblor series has all of the above, although if you want this particular model or the older brother T10 is up for you to decide. Regardless, PreSonus has given us a serious beast here.
Main features of the PreSonus Temblor T8 subwoofer
- Class AB amplifier
- 200 watts of power
- Frequency range: 30 Hz – 200 Hz
- Transducer: 8″ (glass composite, downward firing)
- Acoustic port: Rear-firing round bass reflex
- Inputs: 2 balanced 1/4″ TRS and 2 unbalanced RCA
- Outputs: 2 balanced 1’4″ TRS and 2 unbalanced RCA
- Switchable high-pass filter
- Input gain control (-30 to +6 dB)
- Variable lowpass filter
We’ve heard of this being used for more than just mixing in terms of studios and music, with those keeping it on for movies, gaming, and more. The first and foremost main concern we’ve had with the T8 or any subwoofer for that matter is the sound clarity and it is very smooth and crisp. You get the frequencies exactly as you need with the tight low ends of sounds regardless of your actual use. The Temblor T8 handles up to 104 dB of sound pressure level which is more than enough power for studio besides a professional theater.
This subwoofer is also useful with the custom controls it gives us which are only additives and can never hurt. We first get an input gain to mess around with the levels if they seem too low or high (from -30 to +6 decibels), a lowpass filter and switchable high pass filter so you can really get that custom sound and cut off an Hz you need to match up with your monitors. You also get a polarity invert which so you can flip the phase of a signal 180 degrees which helps if the sound seems too thin or without body. It also helps with troubleshooting if you’re getting distortion issues.
A few other benefits included with the T8 is the protection it provides. We get some decreases of RF interference, output-current limiting, over-temperature control, transient on and off, a subsonic filter and external main fuse to help with safety. The cabinet is a nice vinyl-laminated make so you’re getting a high quality build that isn’t going to break easily (we’d hope with the price). We’ve got a tank here that we recommend placing on a riser to make sure it isn’t flush with the ground, unless you’re totally upset with your downstairs neighbors and need to ruin their movie night.
The final word on the T8 subwoofer
If you’re looking to compare to some other models in the market, we usually use the popular M-Audio SBX10 sub and we think it puts up a good fight; it has fewer specs and a bit less power (200 compared to the SBX10’s 240 watts), but the overall price-to-ratio is better in our opinion. When it comes to studio monitors in general, we usually aren’t concerned with watts; however, with subs that is a different story. The T8’s power is pretty much in the upper-middle part of the range.
Check out our best studio subwoofer guide if you want some more options before you fully decide which way you’re going. Otherwise, the PreSonus Temblor T8 studio subwoofer is an excellent choice if you want a solid subwoofer to add to your setup yet still save a few bucks at the same time.
Temblor T8 vs the Temblor T10
The other decision is going with either this or the higher model of the Temblor series, which you can read our Temblor T10 review for more info. What you’re missing if you go with the T8 is basically the lack of an XLR port in, two XLR outs, no footswitch, 50 less watts and a ground lift switch. The firing port is also on the front of the T10 (helps with clarity). However, they both have up to 200 watts with a Class AB amp and the specs you’ve read in this review apply to the T10 as well. Whichever is worth it is up to you because the T10 is about $80 more retail.
Pros:
- Very crisp, tight low end sound
- More than enough power with 200 watts
- Custom filter switching
- Gain control
- Nice protection mechanisms
Cons:
- No footswitch like it’s older brother
- Some may complain about the driver only being 8″
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