by Subwoofer refers to the type of speaker which can play low bass frequencies. When you connect your stereo system to the subwoofer, the stereo replicates these frequencies for the subwoofer to play. The difference between subwoofers and normal speakers is that normal speakers don’t play deep bass frequencies very well. Instead, they replicate a larger range of frequencies which is good for someone who isn’t too concerned about the bass.
Inside a subwoofer, there is an amplifier and a bigger woofer built into it. This generates the power in which the signal needs to play the deeper bass frequencies. However, the amplifier in the subwoofer requires electricity from an external power source in order to function. You can simply use the power cord from the subwoofer and connect it to the electrical outlet on the wall.
Of course, this describes how you power on an active subwoofer. If you’re using a passive subwoofer, then an external power source is not required. The amplifier of the receiver generates power for the passive subwoofer to operate. This means you don’t need to plug it into the wall for electricity. However, the subwoofer does connect to a preamplifier or receiver.
Low-frequency signals are sent from the receiver to the subwoofer through an electric current. The frequency of the signals ranges between 20 Hz and 100 Hz. Whenever you see this signal range advertised on a soundtrack, it means that it has low-frequency effects. The electric current is amplified by the subwoofer and a magnetic coil is used to convert the sound. The cone of the driver starts to vibrate because of the incoming low-frequency sound waves.
Most speakers use cones to help with sound clarity. The diameter of a typical subwoofer cone is between 8 inches and 21 inches. When low frequencies are replicated by the subwoofers, it causes a great amount of air to move. All of this air movement is the reason that you feel the sounds as opposed to only hearing them. People love to feel their favorite music because it makes them feel closer to the singer or musician in a spiritual sort of way.
Read also:
- The Difference between Passive Crossover vs Active Crossover
- Speaker Crossover: Function, Working Principle, Advantages and Disadvantages
- 6 Types of Speakers and their Functions
While high-frequency signals are directional, low-frequency signals are omnidirectional. This means signals are transferred to or from the subwoofer in any direction rather than one specific direction. It gives the user more freedom to place the subwoofer where they’d like. Directional speakers, such as right speakers and left speakers, do not offer this freedom because they require you to place them in specific directions. If you don’t point the speakers into a listening position for yourself, then you won’t hear the sound clearly.
You have the flexibility to move the subwoofers around your room to any spot that you think is good. The experimentation factor alone is enough of a reason to purchase a subwoofer because you’re always learning new things about it. The room’s layout should be a big consideration of where you place the subwoofer. Since every room has its differences, your room might be unique in where the subwoofer sounds good.
Final Thoughts
A lot of newbies make the mistake of using a subwoofer without putting it inside of an enclosure, which is called a subwoofer box. Every speaker expert will recommend using an enclosure because it keeps the low frequencies heard when they come out of the front end of the subwoofer. If you don’t have an enclosure, then the low frequencies are blocked out by the other sounds coming from the rear.
The best way to master the use of subwoofers is through trial and error. But hopefully, the content provided in this article will give you some ideas on how to get started.
Good luck.
