Connect your Alto TS112A speakers and subwoofer in the right order to avoid feedback and get clean sound

The Alto TS112A is a powered speaker, which means the amplifier is built in. When you add a second one plus a subwoofer, you are building a small PA system. The connection order matters: your audio source (mixer, phone, or computer) goes to the first speaker, the first speaker sends signal to the second speaker, and the subwoofer connects to whichever speaker has a subwoofer output. This setup takes about ten minutes and requires only standard audio cables.

The most common mistake is connecting everything in parallel to the same input, which causes feedback and muddy sound. The Alto speakers are designed to pass signal through, so you chain them instead. This guide walks you through the exact cable connections, the settings you need to adjust, and how to test that everything is working.

Key Takeaways

  • Audio source connects to the first Alto TS112A using an XLR or 1/4-inch cable, depending on what your source has.
  • The first speaker's XLR output goes to the second speaker's XLR input, creating a chain rather than splitting the signal.
  • The subwoofer connects to the subwoofer output on either Alto speaker using an RCA cable.
  • You must set the second Alto speaker to a different channel or mute its input to prevent it from receiving the same signal twice.
  • Test the system at low volume first, then gradually increase to check for feedback or distortion.

What cables you need before you start

Gather these cables before you plug anything in. Having them ready prevents you from discovering halfway through that you are missing something.

You need one XLR or 1/4-inch cable to connect your audio source to the first Alto speaker. Check what output your mixer, audio interface, or device has — if it has XLR connectors, use XLR. If it has 1/4-inch jacks, use 1/4-inch. Do not mix connector types without an adapter, because adapters introduce noise.

You need one more XLR cable to connect the first Alto speaker's output to the second Alto speaker's input. This is the chain connection. The Alto TS112A has both XLR input and XLR output on the back panel, so this cable runs between them.

You need one RCA cable (the two-connector red and white or two-connector black cables) to connect the subwoofer to the subwoofer output on one of the Alto speakers. The Alto TS112A has an RCA subwoofer output on the back. If your subwoofer has XLR inputs instead of RCA, you will need an RCA-to-XLR adapter or a different cable.

Step-by-step connection: audio source to first speaker

Start with everything powered off. Plugging cables into powered speakers while they are on can create a loud pop that damages speakers and ears.

Locate the audio input on the back of the first Alto TS112A. You will see either an XLR connector, a 1/4-inch jack, or both. Take your audio source cable (the one coming from your mixer, interface, or device) and plug it into the matching connector on the Alto. If your source has XLR output, use the XLR input on the Alto. If your source has 1/4-inch output, use the 1/4-inch input.

Make sure the cable is fully seated — push it in until you hear or feel a click on XLR connectors, or until the 1/4-inch connector is snug. A loose connection will cause crackling or no sound at all.

Do not plug the second speaker or subwoofer yet. You are building this one connection at a time.

Step-by-step connection: first speaker to second speaker

The second Alto TS112A receives its signal from the first one, not directly from your audio source. This is called daisy-chaining, and it is the correct way to connect multiple powered speakers of this type.

Look at the back of the first Alto speaker. You will see an XLR output connector labeled "Output" or "Thru." Take an XLR cable and plug one end into this output. Plug the other end into the XLR input on the back of the second Alto speaker.

Both speakers now have the same audio signal flowing through them. The second speaker will amplify and play the same sound as the first one, creating a stereo or distributed sound field depending on where you place them.

Step-by-step connection: subwoofer to either speaker

The subwoofer connects to the subwoofer output on either the first or second Alto speaker. It does not matter which one you choose — the subwoofer will receive the low-frequency signal from whichever speaker you connect it to.

Locate the RCA subwoofer output on the back of your chosen Alto speaker. It is usually labeled "Sub Out" or "Subwoofer Out" and has two RCA connectors (red and white, or sometimes both black). Take your RCA cable and plug one end into the subwoofer output on the Alto. Plug the other end into the subwoofer's input.

If your subwoofer has only one input connector instead of two, it is likely a mono subwoofer and you use only one of the two RCA connectors. Check your subwoofer's manual if you are unsure.

Settings to adjust before powering on

The Alto TS112A has input controls on the back that you must set correctly, or the second speaker will receive the signal twice and create feedback.

On the back of the first Alto speaker, locate the input selector. It usually has options like "Channel 1," "Channel 2," or "Mic/Line." Set it to the channel that matches your audio source. If you are using a mixer with multiple channels, set the Alto to the channel your mixer is sending from. If you are using a single audio source like a phone or computer, set it to the default channel (usually Channel 1).

On the back of the second Alto speaker, set the input selector to a different channel than the first speaker, or turn the input level all the way down. This prevents the second speaker from trying to amplify the signal coming from your audio source at the same time the first speaker is. If both speakers are set to the same input channel, they will both try to amplify the incoming signal and create feedback or distortion.

Check the volume knobs on both speakers. Turn them both down to the minimum before you power on. You will increase volume gradually once everything is connected and powered on.

Power on and test the system

Turn on the first Alto speaker and wait for its indicator light to come on. Then turn on the second Alto speaker. Finally, turn on the subwoofer. This order prevents power surges from traveling through the audio cables.

Turn on your audio source (mixer, phone, or computer) and send a test signal — play a song, speak into a microphone, or generate a test tone. Start with the volume very low on both Alto speakers. You should hear sound coming from both speakers.

Slowly increase the volume on the first Alto speaker. Listen for any crackling, popping, or feedback (a high-pitched squeal). If you hear feedback, turn the volume back down immediately and check that the second speaker's input is set to a different channel or that its input level is turned down.

Once the first speaker is playing cleanly, slowly increase the volume on the second speaker. You should hear the sound get louder and fuller as the second speaker joins in. The subwoofer should be playing low frequencies underneath — you will feel it more than hear it if it is set correctly.

If the subwoofer is not playing, check that the RCA cable is fully seated in both the Alto's subwoofer output and the subwoofer's input. Also check that the subwoofer's power is on and its volume is not turned all the way down.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you hear feedback or a high-pitched squeal, the second speaker is receiving the signal twice. Turn off the second speaker immediately. Check that its input channel is set differently from the first speaker, or turn its input level all the way down. Power it back on and test again.

If one speaker is not playing sound, check that the XLR cable between the two speakers is fully seated on both ends. Wiggle the cable gently at each connector while sound is playing — if the sound cuts out, the connection is loose. Reseat the cable firmly.

If the subwoofer is not playing, first check that it is powered on and its volume is not at zero. Then check that the RCA cable is fully seated in both the Alto speaker and the subwoofer. If it is still not working, try swapping the RCA cable for a different one — the cable may be damaged.

If you hear crackling or popping, turn the volume down on both speakers immediately. This usually means the input level is too high. Lower the volume on your audio source (mixer or device) and then gradually increase the Alto speakers' volume instead. The Alto speakers should be at a moderate level, with most of the volume control coming from your source.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. The subwoofer output works the same on both Alto speakers. Choose whichever speaker is physically closer to where you want the subwoofer to sit, or whichever has easier access to the back panel. The audio signal is identical on both speakers, so the subwoofer will receive the same low-frequency information either way.

What if my audio source only has RCA outputs, not XLR?

You can use an RCA-to-XLR adapter to connect your source to the Alto speaker's XLR input. Adapters work fine for this purpose and do not introduce significant noise. Make sure the adapter is wired correctly — the red RCA connector should go to pin 2 of the XLR, and the white or black should go to pin 3. Most adapters are wired this way by default.

Do I need to set the subwoofer's crossover frequency?

Most Alto TS112A subwoofers have a crossover knob on the back. Start with it set to around 80 Hz to 100 Hz, which is the standard crossover point where the subwoofer takes over from the main speakers. If the bass sounds boomy or disconnected from the rest of the sound, adjust it slightly lower or higher until it blends smoothly. You may need to experiment depending on your room and music.

Can I use 1/4-inch cables instead of XLR between the two speakers?

The Alto TS112A has both XLR and 1/4-inch connectors on the back. You can use 1/4-inch cables between the speakers if that is what you have, but XLR is preferred because it is more resistant to interference over longer cable runs. For short distances (under 20 feet), either works fine.

What happens if I connect both speakers directly to my audio source?

Both speakers will try to amplify the same incoming signal at the same time, which causes feedback, distortion, and muddy sound. Always chain the speakers — source to first speaker, first speaker to second speaker. This is the correct configuration for the Alto TS112A.