Choosing the right subwoofer

The acoustics of a computer or a music center is not able to completely immerse its owner in the sound environment, literally making you feel a musical concert or special effects of the film with your skin? The problem can be solved if you choose the right subwoofer. Today, such devices are offered by many manufacturers. The main thing - when buying to know what parameters you need to pay attention to.

What is a subwoofer and how does it differ from a regular speaker?

A subwoofer is a specially designed device that solves one simple task: reproducing low frequencies. The human ear begins to perceive vibrations from 20 Hz. In particularly sensitive individuals, this indicator may be lower.

The problem with conventional speakers is that they are not technically capable of reproducing low frequencies efficiently. Despite the fact that the parameters indicated in the documentation state that the operating range is, for example, 20-45000 Hz, in practice two-way speakers sound somewhat flat. This happens for the following reasons:

1. No device is capable of showing the same efficiency over the entire range of possible frequencies. At the edges, a frequency response failure necessarily occurs. Most modern devices are not capable of reproducing frequencies up to 400 Hz in a high-quality manner.
2. The diameter of the speakers of the two-way speakers is not enough for sharp pressure surges. This parameter forms a rich and rich bass.
3. When the broadband speaker is operating, the frequency range is sharply narrowed. The signal is averaged due to inertia of the membrane, insufficiently fast response of the coil. As a result, achieving luscious bass is simply unrealistic.

The characteristics of the subwoofer clearly show how it differs from the speaker. Firstly, the device has forcibly cut off the operating frequency range. In the average subwoofer model, it is in the range of 40-200 Hz. Secondly, the product is equipped with a really large sound emitter. The diameter of the membrane can be 30-50 cm for models for home use and can reach up to a meter with stage subwoofers.

Types of Subwoofers

The first thing you need to know about the subwoofer - models can have different types of signal acquisition and processing.

1. Passive subwoofer is a fairly simple device. It is equipped with a low-pass filter, a dimensional speaker. To build up the passive model, you will need an amplifier whose power exceeds the performance of an acoustic loudspeaker by at least one and a half times (recommended value). No signal processing or conversion except frequency filtering in this type of subwoofer is provided.
2. Active brands of subwoofers do not require an external amplifier for their operation. All electronics are already in the engineering solution of the model. A speaker, control circuits, frequency filtering, preliminary and final signal amplification are installed in the housing. The main advantage of an active subwoofer is that it can be easily integrated with an existing speaker system.

The choice of a subwoofer of one type or another depends, first of all, on the capabilities of the sound reproducing device and the cooling conditions at the model location. For example, an active subwoofer is not suitable for a car. Such a product emits a lot of heat during operation, it can not be installed in a limited, enclosed space.

But for an apartment or as an addition to an existing acoustics, a passive subwoofer is not suitable. In most cases, a powerful amplifier is not available for him, and buying it separately is very expensive. Therefore, home users prefer active subwoofers.

Structural solutions and their features

You can choose a subwoofer according to the design features of a particular model. All the proposed technical solutions have a difference in sound. First of all, this is due to differences in the pattern of air movement.

The enclosed subwoofer is completely sealed. It has a rugged case with a speaker installed. Usually these are passive type models. The sound of a closed subwoofer is considered classic, devices do not suffer from reverb, do not enter into resonance. The sound is minimally distorted.

But closed subs have one unpleasant feature for the user: the larger the speaker, the more power is needed to move its membrane with full amplitude. In practice, this means that with an increase in the diameter of the sound emitter, the requirements for an external amplifier grow exponentially.

Subwoofers with a bass reflex are the best choice for your home. These devices sound juicy and bright. They are both active and passive. The mechanics of their work is based on the reverse movement of air through the phase inverter during oscillation of the membrane. As a result, back pressure is not created and a sharp jump in the requirements for the amplifier with increasing speaker diameter is not required.

Phase inverter models are offered by numerous firms. They are really popular. But the main drawback is not without a single product of this type. With a powerful harmonic signal, resonant phenomena can occur. A company that produces really good phase-inverter models provides either electronic damping schemes for the growing amplitude of oscillations, or the possibility of regulating the length of the air return tube.

Bandpass subwoofers are the most technically advanced devices. They are expensive, but they sound really high quality. In addition, only such models are capable of really pumping air, creating powerful, intense vibrations. The design of the bandpass subwoofer is a combination of a closed and bass reflex system. The device case is divided into two zones. In the sealed part, a speaker is installed. The second chamber operates as a surround bass reflex with a resonator output tube.

Bandpass models have flaws. Firstly, they are dimensional, which is clear from the description of the design features. Secondly, they, like closed systems, put forward exponentially growing requirements for an external amplifier with an increase in the diameter of the speaker. The ideal solution when buying a subwoofer bandpass is to consider active device types.

If you need to choose a subwoofer in your car, it is recommended to choose the so-called FreeAir devices. They implement the scheme of operation of a closed system with an air chamber. These types of subwoofers sound good when installed in the trunk, can use the interior space to form deep bass. At the same time, the machine does not experience any vibrations that can affect the durability of the structure or the functioning of important systems.

Specifications

When choosing a subwoofer model in the store, you can either trust the average recommendations, or focus on your favorite music or the usual sound environment in films. The choice is made according to the following parameters:

• the frequency range should be declared no higher than 160 Hz. In practice, the upper frequency limit will be higher. However, the average indicator at the declared value does not exceed 200 Hz, which is considered a normal indicator;
• the cutoff frequency parameter sets the limit of the range above which the signal will be suppressed forcibly. Ideal would be the selection of the model with the adjustment of this indicator. Products with a strictly defined boundary, the adjustment of which is not provided, must be characterized by the declared cutoff frequency of 160-200 Hz;
• sound pressure - this parameter characterizes the course of the speaker membrane. It characterizes the maximum volume, but does not necessarily correlate directly with the power of the subwoofer;
• sensitivity is responsible for the response rate of the system to signal fluctuations. The higher this parameter, the easier it is for the amplifier to operate. There is a converse rule: a high sensitivity value means that the speaker will respond to noise and interference. The sound quality falls especially sharply if a player decoding MP3 or other compressed files acts as a signal source. The normal parameter, if you are considering a car type subwoofer - 90 dB, for a home system - from 100 to 150 dB.
• the remaining important parameters are the diameter of the speaker in millimeters and the electrical resistance of the system. With the first, everything is clear: the larger the membrane, the more intense the shock of air during its operation. On the electrical resistance of the subwoofer, you need to pay attention if you need to pick it up to the speakers. It is desirable that the parametrics of the existing acoustics and the selected product be the same.

The last one is the choice of a structural solution. It is worth remembering that phase-inverting subs are relatively inexpensive and undemanding. But closed and bandpass systems must be chosen wisely, focusing on the result and armed with a large amount of knowledge. Or - using the help of specialists.

Top manufacturers

Name the best manufacturers of subwoofer manufacturers is difficult. These devices, due to their characteristics, are being developed for specific applications. Therefore, a company that produces stage subs or models for concerts in stadiums may not even offer products for the home user. However, to name interesting favorites is quite simple.

1. Cabasse is a company that produces both stage devices and subs for the home user. A vivid example of the products of the latter category is the Saturn 55 model. This is a real monster. The case weighs almost 200 kg, has a working volume of 500 liters, the speaker weight is 27 kg. For all its monstrosity (including stylish decorative ties with a metal bar on the front panel), the device is perfectly balanced. When playing at maximum volume, the lightweight steel stud mounted on top of the case does not even move.
2. Yamaha The products of this company are expensive. However, the manufacturer is a world leader in the development of systems with perfect sound. The range includes both active and passive subs. The company's electronic circuits are a standard of quality and minimal signal distortion.
3. Pioneer. A brand with a long history of falling and rising popularity. However, one thing remains unchanged: the company has vast experience in the development of audio signal conversion systems. In the assortment of offers there is any kind of subwoofer, both for home and professional use.
4. The last member of the list of the best is the HBLAN brand JBL. He has been involved in the development of acoustics and audio electronics for over 70 years. Today, in the manufactured line of models, you can find any kind of subwoofer.

How to choose a device

This may seem strange, but most of all the difficulties with choosing a subwoofer are experienced by people buying a device for home use. There are many reasons for this:

• you need to take into account the limited volume of the room, reflections from the walls and the small distance to the listener;
• it is necessary to calculate the power to ideally fit the sub into an existing speaker system;
• for audiophiles, in addition to the above, it is important to match the phasing of the signal and other parameters for a truly perfect sound.

To simplify the selection of the best model, you can bring a few tips.

1. For a small room up to 20 sq.m, it is recommended to buy an indoor subwoofer. It minimally distorts the sound and does not form sharp air surges. The medium-sized room sounds good bass reflex sub. In addition, it is more affordable, unlike other solutions. And for a large room, with a certain thickness of the wallet - it is recommended to purchase a bandpass or strip model.
2. The power of the subwoofer should be at least one and a half times the total power of the front speakers of a home theater.It is advisable to have a double supply. This will allow the speaker to not work to the limit, providing sound transmission without distortion. So, for 50 W speakers - it is advisable to buy a subwoofer with a power of 150 watts or more.
3. The sub must be positioned in such a way as to minimize the imposition of the wave after reflection from the walls. Perfect place for him in the corner. In this case, the wave reflected from the walls will have a minimum delay from the main front of the vibrations generated by the device.
4. Impedance, or the electrical resistance of a subwoofer, is an important parameter when buying a passive model. It should coincide with the corresponding characteristic of the remaining speakers for normal operation of the amplifier and predictable adjustments.
5. The subwoofer must have its own volume control. Without this element of the structural solution, it is very difficult to calculate the operation of the entire system as a whole.

Audiophiles are encouraged to buy sophisticated devices. The subwoofer must have a cutoff frequency adjustment. Ideally, if the device allows you to adjust the phase offset. With these functions, you can select the subwoofer parametrics for the perfect sound of the entire system.

In conclusion

A subwoofer is a very functional and important addition to any speaker system. Saving on his purchase is simply irrational. A small price tag always means disappointment in sound. A sub in a plastic case is simply not able to sound juicy and furious. And equipped with a bad amplifier and filters - it will ruin the whole sound picture. Therefore, the issue of choosing a model should be approached with all responsibility, carefully studying the reviews, analyzing the parameters of the room and existing speakers.