How to connect two Alto TS112A speakers and a subwoofer

You can connect two Alto TS112A speakers and a subwoofer by running audio from your mixer or audio source to the first speaker, then connecting the second speaker to the first speaker's output, and finally connecting the subwoofer to either speaker. The TS112A has both input and output connectors on the back, which makes daisy-chaining straightforward. The subwoofer connects last because it handles only low frequencies and doesn't need to pass audio along to another device.

The exact cable type depends on what you're connecting from — XLR cables work for most mixers and audio interfaces, while RCA cables work for some consumer devices. Both speakers and the subwoofer will need power, so plan outlet placement before you start running cables.

Key Takeaways

  • Audio flows from your mixer or source into the first TS112A speaker, then out of that speaker into the second speaker, then into the subwoofer.
  • Use XLR cables to connect the speakers to each other and to your audio source if you're using a mixer or interface.
  • The subwoofer connects to the output of either speaker using an XLR or RCA cable, depending on which input the subwoofer has.
  • All three devices need their own power outlet, and you should turn on the first speaker before the second speaker and subwoofer to avoid pops and clicks.
  • Set the volume on the first speaker to a moderate level, then adjust the second speaker and subwoofer to match the overall sound you want.

Identify the connectors on the back of each device

The Alto TS112A has two XLR connectors on the back: one labeled Input and one labeled Output. The Input is where audio comes in from your mixer or audio source. The Output is where audio goes out to the next device in the chain — in this case, your second speaker. Look for these labels printed directly on the back panel near the connectors.

Your subwoofer will have either an XLR input or an RCA input, depending on the model. Check the back of your subwoofer to see which one it has. If it has both, XLR is the better choice because it's more resistant to interference over longer cable runs. Write down which type of input your subwoofer has before you buy cables.

Connect the audio source to the first speaker

Run an XLR cable from your mixer, audio interface, or other audio source into the Input connector on the first TS112A speaker. If you're using a consumer device like a phone or laptop that only has a headphone jack or RCA outputs, you'll need an adapter or a different cable type — but XLR is standard for this speaker, so a mixer or interface is the typical setup.

Make sure the cable is fully seated in the connector. You should hear a click when you push an XLR connector all the way in. Loose connections cause crackling, humming, or no sound at all.

Connect the first speaker to the second speaker

Run an XLR cable from the Output connector on the first TS112A into the Input connector on the second TS112A. This passes the audio signal from the first speaker to the second. Both speakers will now receive the same audio and play it at the same time.

The cable length between the two speakers can be anywhere from a few feet to 50 feet without signal loss, as long as you use a proper XLR cable. Coiled cables are fine — you don't need to stretch them out straight.

Connect the subwoofer to one of the speakers

Run a cable from the Output connector on either the first or second TS112A speaker into the input connector on your subwoofer. If your subwoofer has an XLR input, use an XLR cable. If it has only an RCA input, use an RCA cable or an XLR-to-RCA adapter.

It doesn't matter which speaker you connect the subwoofer to — both speakers are receiving the same audio, so the subwoofer will hear the same signal either way. Choose whichever speaker is physically closer to where you want the subwoofer to sit, to keep the cable run shorter.

Power on the devices in the correct order

Plug all three devices into power outlets. Then turn on the first speaker first, wait a few seconds, then turn on the second speaker, and finally turn on the subwoofer. Turning them on in this order prevents loud pops or clicks from coming through the speakers when power surges through the cables.

If you hear a loud pop when you power on a device, turn everything off, wait 10 seconds, and power them back on in the correct order. Repeated pops can damage the speakers over time.

Adjust the volume levels

Set the volume knob on the first TS112A to about 50 percent. Then adjust the volume on your mixer or audio source to a comfortable listening level. Once that's set, adjust the second TS112A's volume to match the first speaker — they should sound equally loud when you stand between them.

Finally, adjust the subwoofer's volume until you feel the bass without it overpowering the rest of the sound. Most subwoofers have a separate volume knob on the back. Start low and turn it up gradually until the bass feels balanced with the speakers. If you can hear the subwoofer working (a distinct booming sound), it's usually too loud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I connect the subwoofer to the second speaker instead of the first?

Yes. Both speakers receive the same audio signal, so it doesn't matter which one you connect the subwoofer to. Choose based on where the subwoofer sits physically — connect it to whichever speaker is closest to save cable length.

What if my subwoofer only has RCA inputs?

Use an RCA cable if your subwoofer has RCA inputs, or buy an XLR-to-RCA adapter cable that converts the XLR output from the speaker to RCA. Both work fine. RCA cables are slightly more prone to picking up interference, but for short runs under 25 feet, the difference is usually not noticeable.

Do I need to match the volume on both speakers exactly?

Not exactly, but they should be close. If one speaker is much louder than the other, the sound will seem to come from the louder one. Adjust them so they sound balanced when you stand in the middle of the room. You can fine-tune from there based on your preference.

What happens if I turn on the speakers in the wrong order?

You'll likely hear a loud pop or click through the speakers. This won't permanently damage them, but it's unpleasant and can startle people nearby. If it happens, turn everything off, wait 10 seconds, and power them back on in the correct order: first speaker, second speaker, subwoofer.

Can I use longer XLR cables between the speakers?

Yes. XLR cables can run 50 feet or more without losing signal quality. If you need to place the second speaker far from the first, a longer cable works fine. Just make sure it's a proper audio XLR cable, not a microphone cable, for best results.