Subs. The bass. The loudness. The glory. Probably the most obnoxious component in your body, as well as, probably the most necessary.
If you have read my article about loudspeakers, you are up to date. There are (and do not know anything about loudspeakers or subs), see clearly here.
Subs reproduce the cheapest wavelengths from the audio spectrum, Also known as bass. They're necessary to both SQ and SPL systems, however for different reasons. Let us have a look now...
For SQ systems: Effectively reproduce the cheapest wavelengths making the background music seem full and effective. Instruments that play lower wavelengths for example organs, drums and keyboards will seem more realistic and effective having a subwoofer installed.
For SPL systems: Because subs are noisy, those are the preferred speaker to create a whole lotta noise.
Also, because our ears are less responsive to lower wavelengths we want the additional bass for that system to seem balanced.
So, what must i search for to locate a great woofer? I'll let you know!
Energy Handling:
Much like with each and every other area inside a stereo system system, energy handling is essential for subs too. Earlier, within my article about loudspeakers, I spoken about the best way to send more energy for them to improve their volume, but reduce the distortion. This is also true of subs, but be cautious! Since lower frequency distortion is harder to see, it's not hard to go crazy, and blow your subs. Anyway, with nevertheless, it's wise to purchase an amplifier that may released precisely what your subs are made to take, but relax!
Size:
Subs are available in many dimensions, but the most typical are 8", 10", 12", and 15". This really is most likely also noted in metric for that european brands. Understandably, the larger woofers are the type which will play even louder and play lower. Obviously, the more compact ones tend to be more musical, more precise, and seem "tight". How big you choose normally has related to your personal preferences, in addition to installation factors. Remember! 18" subs don't merely fit anywhere!
Voice coil info:
SVC: Single voice coil
Which means that the speaker only has one voice coil. Quite simply, just one input.
DVC: Dual voice coil
Which means that the speaker has two voice coils, or two inputs.
Ummmmmmm, ok. How come it matter?
I possibly could get into particulars here, however i know you do not worry. Essentially, it boils lower for this: Having a DVC subwoofer, you will find more installation options. View it by doing this, a DVC "looks" like two subs for your amplifier. With a few great wiring methods (known as series and parallel), you are able to connect many subs one amplifier--even when the amplifier is really a "mono" or perhaps a two funnel amplifier. Additionally, you are able to manipulate the number of ohms the amplifier needs to push. For those who have an amplifier that's stable to some half ohm (like some old-fashioned Orion HCCA amplifiers), you may choose to connect 4-8 woofers one funnel! Think of the noise you can also make!
Some words about boxes:
Boxes are crucial to many subs. Quite simply, think about a subwoofer's box just as essential as the subwoofer itself. Why? Since most subs require a box to function correctly, seem good, and never damage themselves. Subs that do not require a box are known as "free air" or "infinite baffle" subs.
Like I stated, most subs require a box. So, let us discuss boxes!
First, what kinds of boxes exist?
Sealed: The easiest kind. Basically, a sealed box is really a box in which the inside and outdoors aren't linked. You will find no holes, and care is taken to make sure that this area is totally sealed.
Ported: A ported box is really a subwoofer box with a minumum of one hole, or "port" inside it. The aim of the ported box would be to stress a particular frequency. These boxes are utilized since they're frequently even louder than sealed boxes.
Bandpass: A bandpass box is comparable to a ported box since it has ports however, the bandpass box attempts to p-stress certain wavelengths, while emphasizing others. Quite simply, it really works just like a bandpass crossover. The bandpass box stresses a frequency band while p-emphasizing wavelengths less than and greater compared to band.
Isobarik: These boxes goal to suit several subwoofer right into a small box. The subs are established to operate in tandem. Sometimes both subs relocate exactly the same direction simultaneously, sometimes one sub pulls as the other pushes. You will find benefits of this kind of setup, but box design is tough.
OK, so you've now learned everything about SUBZ, but listed here are the specs that you will have to understand to select your subwoofer:
Energy Handling: Subs are loudspeakers, and therefore are only able to handle a lot energy (or distortion) before they blow! Energy handling is measured in w, and it is frequently succumbed two specifications: RMS and Max (or peak). The RMS rating is an essential. If your sub states it may handle 200 w RMS and 400 w Max, make sure the amplifier will give you 200 w RMS too. Not 400 w RMS. While so the sub are designed for 400 w, it may only handle that type of energy for a short while. Should you hook that sub as much as an amplifier that creates 400 w RMS, you'll ruin that speaker pretty rapidly--since it is constantly being uncovered to 400 w, not short bursts of 400 w. You search? Good.
Sensitivity: This term means exactly what you believe this means. In a nutshell, a subwoofer with greater sensitivty is going to be even louder than the usual subwoofer with lower sensitivty when they're connected towards the same amplifier. The spec is measured in db.
Frequency response: You clearly desire a subwoofer than are designed for an array of wavelengths. However, the subwoofer will the most work under 100hz. When the subwoofer plays completely lower to 20hz, you realize there is a great sub. The good thing is that even when it does not go that low, most music does not either. Sooooo, you will still be fine. The it's more essential to possess a low-playing sub in systems with DVD gamers and 5.1 seem. Also, frequency response varies with respect to the box the subwoofer is set up in. Ummmm, so with this thought, just choose a subwoofer which will handle the energy, and seem the way you would like it to.
Cone Material: If this involves subs, this really is really quite a important factor to give consideration to. Because subs are large and effective, you'll need a cone material that may withstand numerous of abuse. Personally, i am a large fan of metals for example alluminum. It is because aluminum is light and stiff, as well as, produces very tight and musical sounding bass. I understand that lots of subwoofer producers use exotic sounding materials for his or her subs, which causes it to be difficult to find out which material is the greatest.
Surround material: Here's my advice: Always obtain a subwoofer having a rubber surround. Rubber stands up the very best within the auto atmosphere.
Impedence: Measured in Ohms, this spec informs you the way much resistance the speaker presents for your amplifier. An excessive amount of, and also you get no volume, not enough, as well as your subwoofer will fry your amplifier! This spec can help you choose which amplifier to hook up with your subwoofer, whether you need to bridge your amplifier, and whether you need to wire multiple subs into parallel or series. Also, subs sometimes have several voice coil (also known as DVC). Which means that the subwoofer may have two inputs, each with similar impedance. Subs with dual voice coils tend to be more versatile to set up, particularly in multiple woofer systems.
A fundamental subwoofer install is rather easy. If you purchase a pre-great sub box, mount the subs and energy them, you are getting good bass. To set up appropriately, and get the very best seem, much planning and work must enter in the whole process. This can be a situation where if you do not feel positive about what you can do to construct a box, tune it, and turn it on, you need to go to a vehicle audio shop, and also have them get it done for you personally. This is often relatively cheap, or quite costly.
If you're thinking about doing the install yourself, but don't have the box building abilities, you can purchase a pre-great box. I'd also highly recommend an EQ device to tweak the bass. This should help you overcome road noise (which ruins bass), as well as reduce "boominess" and "muddiness". Ultimately, this route is the greatest compromise from a custom box along with a pre-great box. You will get great seem, and cut costs!
Now go easy on individuals ears!
-Honest AEB
