How to Easily Sync a Polk Soundbar to a Subwoofer

Struggling to get that added bass punch from your new Polk subwoofer?

Pairing a compatible Polk soundbar and wireless sub can be tricky but typically just takes a few preparation steps and properly initiating the sync process between devices.

Let’s dive into step-by-step guidelines any audiophile can follow for connecting a Polk soundbar with a Polk subwoofer.

How to Sync a Polk Soundbar to a Subwoofer

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The key to pairing a Polk soundbar with a Polk subwoofer is properly enabling pairing mode on both devices simultaneously.

This allows the soundbar and sub to handshake and establish a wireless audio connection. We’ll explore the sync process more below.

Prepare the Devices

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It is important to start the syncing process by making sure both the Polk soundbar and the subwoofer are powered on and set to the correct input mode in order to connect properly.  

The first step is to position the subwoofer near the soundbar within wireless range, which is typically about 30 feet depending on potential interference.  

However, placing the subwoofer right next to or several feet away from the soundbar provides the most reliable wireless connection between the two devices.   

Once the subwoofer is positioned appropriately, check that both devices are plugged into an electrical outlet and turn on the power switches if they are not already on.  

Make sure the soundbar is set to Bluetooth or alternate connect mode rather than optical or HDMI ARC in order to directly connect with the subwoofer.  

Similarly, confirm the subwoofer is set to wireless mode rather than using a wired RCA or LFE connection, which is usually indicated by a wireless button or switch on the back panel.  

Now both devices are ready to pair together wirelessly.

Initiate Pairing Mode   

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In order to successfully connect the Polk soundbar with the Polk subwoofer, both devices need to enter pairing mode.  

This synchronizes the wireless transmission between the soundbar and sub to communicate properly.  

Locate the pairing button on both the subwoofer and the soundbar, which is typically a button marked “connect” or has a Bluetooth symbol. Press and hold the pairing button on the back of the subwoofer for at least 5 seconds until the status light begins flashing instead of glowing solid.  

Quickly press the pairing button on the soundbar within 30 seconds once the subwoofer light starts flashing.  

Both units only remain in pairing mode for a short window, so speed is important when activating it on each device.

Alternatively, some Polk soundbar models automatically initiate pairing mode when powered on while other subs can be set to pairing mode through menu settings if they lack a physical pairing button.  

Refer to the instruction manuals for both the subwoofer and soundbar to identify the proper method to activate pairing if the typical approach of holding the connect button down does not work.  

The main goal is to have the status indicator light on the subwoofer unit flashing while the soundbar is ready to locate the wireless signal.  

When exiting pairing mode without successfully connecting, the subwoofer light will become solid again after 30 seconds.

Connect the Devices

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Once pairing mode is initiated on both the Polk subwoofer and the Polk soundbar, they will automatically connect to each other wirelessly.  

The status indicator light on the subwoofer that was previously flashing should now turn solid again rather than blinking slowly.  

A connection tone may play from both the sub and soundbar as well to audibly confirm they are now in communication.  

However, if the units do not show signs of linking up after 30-45 seconds in pairing mode, try power cycling both devices off and on again before repeating the syncing process.

Check for any notifications showing connected status on the soundbar LED display or listen closely to confirmation beeps or voice prompts indicating successful sync from either device.  

Models featuring full LCD displays typically identify the subwoofer by name once paired up properly.  

If the units connect appropriately, then the soundbar should be able to send bass signals to the sub wirelessly to provide that low frequency effect.  

But it is still important to balance their audio levels before enjoying content.  

Adjust Audio Settings  

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After the Polk soundbar links up wirelessly with the Polk subwoofer, the volumes between both devices may sound uneven at first.  

The soundbar likely plays louder since it produces the mids and highs.  

Use the volume knob or buttons on the sub to boost its level relative to the soundbar if the bass lacks impact.  

Newer models may have room optimization settings to auto calibrate appropriate volume between the units.  

Run through various bass-heavy songs or movie scenes while gradually increasing sub level for the best crossover integration.  

Equally important is to run audio test tones that simulate low-frequency sweep or pink noise signals.  

Access these via an input like Blu-ray player or smartphone connected to the soundbar.  

While playing tones, look for subwoofer setting like LFE or crossover adjustment which redirects frequencies below 120 Hz to the sub instead of soundbar speakers.  

Proper adjustment provides seamless transition between soundbar mids/highs and subwoofer lows for balanced surround sound.   

Setting crossover or bass management is key to great subwoofer sync and performance.

Troubleshoot Connection Issues

If the Polk soundbar fails to link up with the Polk subwoofer after initiating pairing mode on both devices, there are a few troubleshooting tips to retry a successful connection.  

First, confirm the wireless pairing process was executed properly by holding the connect button on the sub for over 5 seconds to activate its search signal until the status light blinks.  

Then press the soundbar pairing button while the sub light flashes.  

Repeat this step being careful to synchronize pressing the connect key between both units.   

Also, check for potential wireless interference from other electronics like routers, speakers, or smart home devices which can disrupt signal between soundbar and subwoofer.  

Power off or reposition any other gadgets using similar wireless frequency during the pairing process.  

Make sure both Polk products have updated firmware installed for latest connectivity software allowing devices to handshake properly.

Firmware updates are available on the Polk website and some models can even upgrade via WiFi connection for convenience.  

If problems persist in getting the sub to handshake with the soundbar wirelessly, consider switching connectivity modes by using a wired RCA or LFE cable hookup between the two units 

instead which should instantly link audio transmission.   

Though this sacrifices wireless flexibility between the sub placement and soundbar location, it offers reliable connectivity to troubleshoot the root cause.  

Contact Polk support if pairing issues continue.

Conclusion

Syncing a Polk soundbar to a subwoofer enhances audio quality with deeper bass and surround sound immersion.

By preparing devices, initiating pairing mode, connecting wirelessly, adjusting settings properly, and troubleshooting issues, the devices can link up seamlessly.

With some time invested in the setup process, music and movies can come alive with the combined performance of the soundbar and sub.