Install StudioLive 18sAI Dolly for Safe Subwoofer Transport
By PreSonus | Wherever sound takes you. | Published: 2026-10-24
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to install the StudioLive 18sAI Dolly to move your subwoofer safely. Step-by-step guide with tips to protect your gear and your back.
Quick answer
Install the StudioLive 18sAI Dolly by first tilting the subwoofer onto its side, aligning the dolly frame with the mounting holes, and securing it with the included hardware. This turns your heavy 18sAI into a rolling unit that protects both the cabinet and your lower back.
Why a dedicated dolly beats a generic furniture dolly
The StudioLive 18sAI Dolly is custom-molded to match the subwoofer's base footprint and mounting points. A generic furniture dolly often lacks the correct bolt pattern, which can leave the subwoofer unstable during transport or cause the cabinet to shift and scrape. The official dolly also includes rubberized pads that grip the enclosure without marring the finish.
What you need before you start
You will need the StudioLive 18sAI Dolly kit, a Phillips-head screwdriver, and a clean, flat workspace. The dolly ships with bolts and washers; do not substitute hardware, as incorrect thread pitch can strip the threaded inserts in the subwoofer's base.
Installation steps
- 1. Prepare the subwoofer and work area: Place the StudioLive 18sAI on a padded surface or thick blanket on the floor. Tilt it carefully onto its side so the bottom face is accessible. Ensure the subwoofer is unplugged and all cables are disconnected. Common mistake: Tilting the subwoofer while it is still on a hard surface can scratch the cabinet. Always use a soft pad.
- 2. Align the dolly frame with the mounting holes: Position the dolly frame so its four mounting holes line up with the threaded inserts on the subwoofer's bottom. The dolly's curved edges should match the cabinet contour. Do not force the frame; if it does not sit flush, rotate it 180 degrees. Checkpoint: Confirm all four holes are visible through the frame before inserting any bolts.
- 3. Insert and tighten the bolts: Hand-thread each bolt with a washer through the frame into the subwoofer. Tighten them in a crisscross pattern (top-left, bottom-right, top-right, bottom-left) using a Phillips-head screwdriver. Stop when snug; overtightening can strip the threads. Common mistake: Using a power driver on high torque can damage the inserts. Stick to hand tools.
- 4. Test the installation: Return the subwoofer to its upright position. Rock it gently side to side to confirm the dolly is secure and the wheels spin freely. If you hear rattling or feel play, recheck bolt tightness. Checkpoint: Roll the subwoofer a few feet to ensure the wheels rotate without binding.
Product facts
- StudioLive® 18sAI Dolly: Protect both your investments in both your StudioLive 18sAI and your vintage, true-analog lumbar vertebrae with this hum-dinger of a woofer-hoofer. The dolly is designed to fit the 18sAI's exact dimensions, preventing cabinet damage during moves and reducing strain when you need to reposition the subwoofer.
StudioLive® 18sAI Dolly
