Is this the right article for you?

You're in the right place if your Focal Sub Air, Focal Sub One, or Focal Dome Sub Air:

• Powers on (the indicator light is on) but produces no sound at all
• Works sometimes but cuts out unexpectedly
• Produces no sound via the wireless transmitter but works when cabled, or vice versa
• Has recently stopped working after previously functioning normally

Note: If your subwoofer will not power on at all, please see our separate article: Focal electronics — Product won't power on, DOA, or battery fault.

Before you begin — a quick check that resolves many cases

The most common cause of no audio from a Focal Sub Air is a lost wireless pairing between the subwoofer and the transmitter, rather than a hardware fault. This can happen after a power outage, moving the furniture, or a firmware update on your connected source.

Check that the wireless transmitter (the small unit that connects to your TV or audio source) is:

• Powered on and its indicator light is active
• Firmly connected to your audio source (optical or analogue input)
• Within reasonable range of the subwoofer (ideally within the same room, without thick walls or large metal objects between them)

If the transmitter appears to be working, proceed through the steps below.

Step 1 — Re-pair the wireless transmitter

If the subwoofer and transmitter have lost their pairing, you'll need to re-establish the wireless connection. Here's how:

1. Power off both the subwoofer and the wireless transmitter completely. Disconnect the transmitter from the wall if possible.
2. Wait 30 seconds, then power the transmitter back on first.
3. Once the transmitter's indicator light is stable, power on the subwoofer.
4. On most Sub Air models, press and hold the pairing button on both the transmitter and the subwoofer simultaneously for 3–5 seconds until the indicator light changes (refer to your manual for the exact indicator behaviour for your model).
5. Wait for the pairing confirmation (typically a solid or slowly flashing light) and then test with audio.

If pairing is successful and audio is restored — you're done. If not, move on to Step 2.

Step 2 — Test the wired input

Testing the wired (analogue) input independently tells us whether the fault is in the wireless system or in the subwoofer's amplifier board itself. This is an important step — the result changes how we approach the repair.

1. Connect a standard RCA cable directly from your audio source or amplifier's subwoofer output to the Sub Air's analogue input (the RCA input on the rear of the unit).
2. Set your source or amplifier to output a subwoofer signal via the RCA output.
3. Play audio with significant bass content and listen carefully.

If audio is produced via the wired input but not wireless: the fault is in the wireless transmitter or the wireless receiver module in the subwoofer. Tell us this when you contact us.

If no audio via wired input either: the fault is in the subwoofer's amplifier plate. This is an internal component issue — tell us this when you contact us.

Step 3 — Factory reset the Sub Air

If re-pairing and cable testing haven't resolved the issue, a factory reset clears any corrupted pairing data or firmware settings.

1. Power on the subwoofer.
2. Press and hold the reset button (a small recessed button, usually on the rear panel — use a pin or paperclip) for 10 seconds until the indicator light flashes.
3. Release and allow the unit to restart fully.
4. Repeat the pairing process from Step 1.
5. Test with audio.

If this resolves the fault — great. If not, the unit needs to be assessed by our team.

Contact us

When you get in touch, please include:

• Your product model and serial number (label on the rear or underside)
• Your proof of purchase
• Whether the subwoofer powers on normally (indicator light behaviour)
• Whether you have audio via the wired input but not wireless, or no audio via either (from Step 2)
• The steps you've already tried

Contact Westan Support: Email focal.support@westan.com.au or submit a ticket at support.westan.com.au. We aim to respond within 2 business days.

Frequently asked questions

Is this covered under warranty?

Focal powered speakers and subwoofers carry a 2-year warranty. If your Sub Air has developed a fault within 2 years of purchase and the fault is not caused by physical damage or incorrect installation, it should be covered. Contact us with your proof of purchase.

The wireless transmitter's light is on but the sub isn't producing sound. Could the transmitter be faulty?

Yes — the transmitter can fail independently of the subwoofer. If you establish audio via the wired input but not wirelessly (Step 2), the transmitter is the likely fault. Replacement transmitters can be ordered separately — contact us to confirm the correct part and availability.

My Sub Air worked for years and just stopped. Is it worth repairing?

In most cases yes. The most common cause of sudden failure on a previously working Sub Air is the amplifier plate, which can be replaced. Contact us for a repair quote — it's often significantly cheaper than buying a replacement subwoofer.

My subwoofer has no sound but I can feel vibration from the driver. What does that mean?

If the driver is physically moving but producing no audible sound, the amplifier plate is receiving a signal but the driver may have a fault, or the crossover frequency is set very low. Check the crossover and level controls on the rear of the unit first. If settings are correct and there's still no audible output, contact us.