How does the shape of the subwoofer box affect its sound? Design solutions and their features. Choosing speakers for a subwoofer

A subwoofer is a separately installed speaker system that is designed to reproduce low-frequency sound waves in the range of 20-120 Hz. It only sounds at low frequencies when the main speaker system only at high and mid frequencies. Low-frequency sound is unrecognizable to the human ear, so it can be mounted anywhere in the car interior. Self-production subwoofer - the task is quite simple. You need to start by purchasing speakers.

Types of subwoofers

There are passive and active subwoofers.

Passive subwoofer It is a housing with a speaker built into it. For a subwoofer of this type to operate correctly, an external amplifier with sufficient power is required.

It comes with its own low-frequency amplifier already built into it with the ability to adjust the volume. Many active subwoofers also have bass and treble cut controls. This is necessary so that the sound from the subwoofer is consistent with the speaker system. The most significant drawback of this type of subwoofer is its high price.

Interesting to know! In 1998, Russian craftsmen from the Autolux company created the Bluesmobile from a Nissan Terrano II. It was equipped with four amplifiers, six speakers and nine subwoofers, a total sound pressure at 147 dB. This monster holds an official record of 135.9 dB. But this is quite enough to feel how your internal organs “walk” throughout the body.

Choosing speakers for a subwoofer

Typically, subwoofers use speakers of the following sizes:

Six-inch speakers, used as additional sources of mid-bass frequencies.

Eight-inch speakers, used to produce front bass.

perfectly reveal their potential in a closed case with a volume of 15-20 liters. Thus it turns out good subwoofer compact sizes with optimal sound pressure.

Twelve inch speakers are optimal for housings from 25 to 35 liters. This is perhaps the most optimal option.

Fifteen inch speakers often used in SPL sound pressure competitions. They are built only into housings from 60 to 90 liters, and such a device will not fit into every car.

The basis of the resistance difference in the sound coil operates on the principle: the lower the load resistance the amplifier has, the higher its power. A load of 1-2 ohms leads to deterioration in sound quality. It is recommended to choose twice the load of 2-4 ohms.

Neither experts nor amateurs have yet agreed on the power characteristics of the speakers. But what can be confirmed with certainty is the need to choose a speaker that is superior in power to the amplifier. No audio system is designed for long-term operation at peak power. This leads to an increase in nonlinear distortions and a significant decrease in the quality of reproduced audio signals. Therefore, some balance must be maintained.

Selecting speaker parameters

Now it's time to create a virtual model of a homemade subwoofer. It is better to design the future box using the WinISD 0.44 program, but this will require some characteristics of the speaker, or rather the Thiel-Small parameters:

Qts- speaker quality factor;

Fs- resonant frequency in open space;

Vas- equivalent volume.

You won't have any problems with the Fs parameter. For GDN35 Fs will be 38 Hz, for GDN50 - 40 Hz, and for GDN75 it will be 25-35 Hz. If the speaker is branded and made abroad, then its parameters can easily be found in the WinISD 0.44 database.

When calculating the subwoofer box enclosure, the most important parameter is Qts. This parameter determines the ratio of the transfer function of the frequency dynamics Fs to the transfer function at those frequencies whose frequency response is horizontal. To put it another way, at frequencies above Fs, Qts determines the efficiency of the speaker at the resonant frequency. The only problem is that low-frequency speakers, for example, of the HDN standard, are produced in different places, and the parameters vary greatly between different manufacturers.

When calculating a box for a subwoofer, it is necessary to take into account all possible variations in Qts values ​​and add waste options. Many sources indicate the following parameters:

35GDN-1-8 Qts = 0.4;

35GDN-1-4 Qts = 1±0.5;

50GDN-42D Qts = 1±0.5;

75GDN-1-4 Qts = 0.2-0.5.

Vas- is not a particularly important parameter that affects the calculations. It can be considered equal to the following:

GDN35 - 40-50 l.;

GDN50 - 90 l.;

GDN75 - 80 l.

Designing a Subwoofer Box Using Software

The next stage of making a subwoofer with your own hands is to choose the type of box. Using the program, you can create projects of four types of boxes:

closed box;

Bass reflex;

4th order bandpass;

6th order bandpass.

Each speaker has its own positive and negative sides. The choice of box, to a large extent, should be made based on the selected speaker itself. The program will help you figure out which box will suit the speaker best.

Before creating a subwoofer box project, you need to model the speaker with the parameters stored in the database. Click "New", then select "Own drivers", then "New" again, and load your parameters. Then confirm – “OK” and close – “Close”. Then create a project based on this speaker. Repeat the procedure several times using various types boxes.

Design consists of varying the size of the boxes and adjusting the frequency of the bass reflexes. The program reacts to the changes you make and changes the sound graph in real time depending on the frequency. To adjust the frequency of the bass reflex, the length of the pipes and their diameter are changed. Make sure that the size of the pipes does not turn out to be too large; this will be indicated by the Vent mach field, which will light up in red. The ideal graph is the one that crosses the -3 dB line at a frequency of 25-35 Hz, and then passes along the 0 dB line and drops to 150-200 Hz. Further design will involve searching for possible deviations.

Types of box design

There are four most popular types of subwoofer boxes. The design features of the boxes directly affect the quality of the sound obtained at the output. Below we will briefly talk about them:

is the most simple option in modeling and manufacturing. In fact, its name expresses its essence. The subwoofer speaker is placed in a closed wooden case, improving it acoustic characteristics. It won’t be difficult to make such a case, but its efficiency is the lowest of all those presented.

It is a body divided into chambers of different volumes. A speaker is placed in one of them, and an air duct in the other. The peculiarity of this subwoofer design is the ability to limit the frequencies reproduced by the diffuser.

Bandpass 6th order differs from the previous one only in that it has one more additional air duct. This type of design is the most difficult to design and create, but has the highest level of efficiency.

– a housing with a tube built into it that removes air. Due to this tube, additional sound comes from the rear of the subwoofer. In terms of the quality of sound characteristics and the complexity of manufacturing, this type can be placed between “ZY” and “Bandpass”.

Subwoofer housing drawings

For example, let's look at the diagram. In this article we will make a box for a subwoofer with a 12-inch speaker. The volume of the structure for it should be 40-50 liters. Designing a housing for a subwoofer is not difficult. Here is a rough diagram for this. Just pay attention to the minimum distance from the speaker to the walls of the box. It, like the entire volume of the structure, is calculated on the inner surface.

Material selection and required tools

Necessary materials to create a subwoofer enclosure:

Speakers, when choosing which, you need to know the difference in their characteristics. Usually the instructions or on the box indicate the recommended design specifically for a given speaker.

Plywood sheet, fiberboard, chipboard. The quantity must be calculated based on the size of the future building.

Acoustic terminal. Optional element. You can simply drill a couple of holes through which to bring the wires out of the speaker.

Acoustic cable.

Sealant or PVA.

Self-tapping screws for wood.

Epoxy resin.

Varnish or paint.

Glue for carpet. The one in the can is convenient.

A bass reflex enclosure requires a tunnel of a suitable size. If you do not find what you need on sale, then purchase a pipe of the required material at a building materials store. Plastic, cardboard and even metal will do.

Necessary tools to create a subwoofer enclosure:

Jigsaw.

A screwdriver, if not, a screwdriver.

Roulette.

Pencil or marker.

Carpet or other material for the outer covering of the body.

Scissors.

Case manufacturing stages

1. Cut the walls of the housing according to its dimensions. It is necessary to cut, observing the dimensions, carefully measuring. When assembling, the gaps should be minimal; ideally, the parts of the body should fit as tightly as possible to each other.

2. Coat the joints of the walls with sealant and connect them together. Then secure them with self-tapping screws in increments of five centimeters.

3. Re-coat the joints both outside and inside. Do not allow even the slightest holes, as a whistle will be heard through them when the subwoofer is operating.

4. Cut in convenient location hole for acoustic terminal.

5. Use a jigsaw to cut out a hole for the speaker.

6. If the box is designed for a bass reflex subwoofer, then the corresponding port is installed in the corresponding hole using epoxy resin.

7. To protect the case from moisture, it must be coated with varnish or paint.

8. Cover the case with carpet or other material, leaving holes for the speaker, port and terminal.

9. Place the terminal in its place and secure it with self-tapping screws, additionally coat it with epoxy.

10. Secure the wires inside the terminal to the terminals. Connect the other side of the wire to the terminals on the speaker. The wires should not sag. The length should be sufficient for connection.

11. Reinstall the speaker. Seal the joint between the speaker and the box with a gasket. If this did not come with the speaker, you can use foam rubber or window sealing.

12. Secure the speaker to the body with the self-tapping screws that came with it or any other suitable ones.

Now let's talk in more detail about how to make a subwoofer yourself and mount it on a car. The most convenient and universal body shape is a slightly truncated pyramid. Since most cars have a standard rear seat angle of 23 degrees, the rear wall of the subwoofer is inclined at the same angle. After determining the required space, calculate the size of the case and draw a drawing of the body of the future wooden case.

It is better to make the front wall from chipboard with a thickness of 23 mm, the side wall - 20 mm. Cut out the walls from the material according to the dimensions in the drawing, and then assemble the body. It is better to lubricate all connections with glue and secure with self-tapping screws. It is better to drill the holes for them to 3 mm, and for the heads it is better to take a drill with a diameter of 1 cm. Next, on the side, use a compass to make markings for the future acoustic terminal. Cut them out with a jigsaw. The high pressure terminal may emit unnecessary sounds. To avoid this, shield it with a small box, then coat the joints with glue and secure with self-tapping screws. Use a plane to cut off any excess projections.

In the front, mark and cut a hole for the speaker in the same way. To protect against moisture, impregnate the body with nitro varnish. It can also be applied to the inner end of the front panel. For greater attractiveness and practicality, the exterior of the body can be covered with carpet. It sticks to the same nitro varnish. Connect the speaker to the speaker terminal and attach them to the housing.

Housings for of this type Subwoofers are quite bulky. Such a subwoofer is difficult to calculate and configure, but such a homemade element of a car speaker system has higher efficiency than the previous version. In this case, the parameters are also calculated using a special software. The assembly of the body is carried out as in the previous version, only it must also be carefully sanded. Next, cut out holes for the bass reflex, handle pockets and socket. Install all fasteners and check them thoroughly. The body can be covered with leather.

The manufacture of a housing for this type of subwoofer should be undertaken by those who have experience in making calculations, because it is difficult to calculate and it is easy to make mistakes in dimensions. But the bandpass produces a wonderful sound and has good efficiency. In addition, it is well protected from external mechanical damage, as it is completely hidden in the housing. Calculations are also carried out using computer software, but not only for the entire body, but also for each of the cameras separately. When you cut out the parts, stick to all the dimensions as closely as possible.

The design is assembled as in previous versions. The partition with the speaker is made from two sheets of chipboard. The inside of the body is covered with noise-absorbing material, batting, for example. The glue is applied in small strokes over the entire area. Do not pour a lot of glue to avoid static properties. You can additionally secure the structure with a construction stapler. Solder the wires to the terminal and speaker. The rear camera must be completely sealed. The greatest tightness is achieved thanks to liquid nails and tape glued over the seam.

The bass reflex bell is made by heating the edges with a can and expanding them. A carpet with a bass reflex is placed in the hole cut with a jigsaw in the lid. Coat the joints with liquid nails. The rear cover with the bass reflex is covered with noise-absorbing material. Assemble the finished subwoofer and cover it with carpet.

Bandpass 6th order

This is the most difficult subwoofer to assemble and calculate. You shouldn’t even approach this without thorough preparation. Comparable with the previous version, but produces much more frequency range. Its efficiency and power are difficult to calculate even with the help of simulation programs. As a rule, all parameters are selected solely according to personal preferences.

The design of the body is much more complicated than in previous versions. To make the connections much stronger, they are made from wooden blocks secured with self-tapping screws. Cut all parts strictly according to the calculated dimensions. Everything is done further using a technology similar to the fourth bandpass, only use cotton wool as an additional soundproofing material.

Homemade stealth subwoofer

This type of subwoofer is hidden as much as possible and takes up almost no space in the trunk, so it is very convenient to use in a car. It is usually installed in the trunk behind the rear arch. A good speaker requires a housing of 18 liters, and sometimes more. The housing can be moved slightly inside the trunk, and the subwoofer can also be placed in a niche intended for a spare tire.

When installing a stealth subwoofer, you need to extend its front panel slightly and connect it to the luggage compartment upholstery. It is necessary to construct a form from corrugated cardboard, gluing its pieces together with masking tape. Assemble the amplifier frame and try on the equipment. Next, make a fiberglass cladding panel for the amplifiers that are already installed on the frame.

Seal all spaces between the plastic with tape and polyethylene. Then everything is screwed with self-tapping screws to the housing box. Corrugated cardboard is used as formwork to eliminate gaps in the body. To make it more attractive appearance It is necessary to use fiberglass and putty. Install the subwoofer into the rear fender and smooth out any uneven surfaces with sandpaper. Cover the body with carpet and attach the speaker.

Subwoofer backlight

To illuminate the subwoofer, you can use both LEDs and diode strip. LEDs have two contacts: anode (A) and cathode (K). For correct connection LEDs must be connected to pin A to the plus on the power supply, K to the minus. The resistors of each individual LED are soldered to the Anode. Decide in advance how you will mount the LEDs inside the subwoofer. It is better to place them so that they stick together and tightly. The equalizer sensor must be located away from the subwoofer so that it is not damaged.

If used as a backlight LED strip, then fixing the diodes is replaced by installing the tape. This will make installation easier for you, since they are already carefully adjusted to each other and well secured. It is quite simple to mount the tape inside the subwoofer using double-sided tape. Using this option, you can vary various design solutions. For example, a ring of LEDs around the speaker, the brightness and color of which can be adjusted as you wish.

Every car owner who tunes his car is guided, for the most part, only by his preferences, taste and imagination. What experts advise is generally accepted as recommendations. The same can be said about how to create subwoofers yourself and then install them.

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Sub, or subwoofer, is a special speaker for reproducing the lowest frequencies

Subwoofer is component speaker system, which is required to reproduce the lowest frequencies. Essentially, it is a speaker with an oversized cone that is specifically tuned to reproduce the bass line.

The subwoofer, thanks to the larger diameter of the diffuser, is capable of generating a sound wave in the range from 10 to 150 Hz. The lower threshold that the human ear can detect is 20 Hz. Thus, a “sub” can be called not just a low-frequency speaker, but an ultra-low-frequency one.

The purchase of a subwoofer for a car must be carried out depending on the goals pursued by the car owner. For a demanding music lover who wants to “pump up” his car, a high-quality speaker with high power. If you just want to complement the overall sound picture and there is no need to obtain reference sound, you can get by with buying a small subwoofer for your car and installing it simply under the seat.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

It is believed that when installing car acoustics, its cost should be no more than 20% of the total price of the vehicle. This rule helps newcomers to car audio correctly determine the type and model of subwoofer.

How to choose an amplifier for a subwoofer in a car: main technical characteristics

Before purchasing, you should know the basic parameters that you need to pay attention to. Exist General characteristics, common for all acoustic systems:

1. Frequency. For a subwoofer, an important parameter will be the permissible limit of the maximum sound. This refers to the range of frequencies that the speaker is capable of generating. There are low bass - from 20 to 40 Hz, mid - from 40 to 80 Hz and high - from 80 to 160 Hz. The best frequency is considered to be between 30 and 60 Hz.
2. Crossover frequency. This is a parameter that allows you to better reveal the sound when playing an audio stream of different frequencies. The optimal value is 70 Hertz. Typically, the indicator is adjusted directly on the amplifier. To obtain more bass settings, a separate processor is used.
3. Sound pressure. In other words, this is the power that the device produces. Typically, buyers are interested in the maximum value of this indicator.
4. Sensitivity. The optimal value for this parameter is not more than 90 dB. Sufficient sensitivity allows you to reduce the load on the amplifier, which results in the absence of sound distortion even with a strong increase in volume.
5. Speaker size. Traditionally, low-frequency speakers for a car have a diffuser size ranging from 25 to 30 cm. In compact models, this figure can be reduced to 20 cm. The possibility of its location will depend on the size of the speaker.

The frequency range of a high-quality subwoofer approaches the threshold of audibility

Active subwoofer for a car or passive – what to choose

There is a division of subwoofers into two types according to their operating features. There is an active and passive sub.

Active

This variety, which includes not only the speaker itself, but also a power amplifier and crossover. In fact, an active subwoofer is a full-fledged independent acoustic system that does not require the purchase of additional equipment. How to connect an active subwoofer in a car? Simply connect to the desired input/output of the radio.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

The main problem of acquiring active car subwoofer is an already assembled state, which leads to the need to solve the issue of placing the speaker inside the car.

Before you buy an active subwoofer for your car, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of this type:

Active means complete set or all-inclusive device

Passive

The second type of subwoofers are passive speakers. As the name suggests, these are devices that require a separate amplifier. To obtain the highest quality sound, you will need to maintain a combination of both components.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

Typically, subwoofer manufacturers indicate the required amplifier power in the documentation. This information will also be provided by the seller of a specialized car acoustics store.

Additionally, if you decide to install a passive subwoofer, you will need to buy a set of cables for connection. If you have any doubts about how to install a subwoofer in a car yourself, it is better to turn to professionals.

The advantages and disadvantages of this system are also summarized in the table:

As practice shows, true sound connoisseurs, despite the high cost, tend to purchase passive models, since they provide higher quality sound and a variety of settings.

For a passive “woofer” you will need to purchase an amplifier and cable

Types of subwoofers in the car

There is also a division according to design features. Based on this feature, all ultra-low speakers are divided into three categories: opening, closing and compact.

Open subs

This is the simplest variety, which does not have its own body. The speaker is mounted directly into the car panel or trunk lid. These devices are the cheapest, but they do not produce the best sound. This is due to the lack of such a parameter as equivalent volume.

In other words, the fullness of low frequencies depends on the amount of air in the speaker cabinet. The larger the diffuser, the greater the compression within the closed housing, resulting in an increased response force. IN open system all vibration is transmitted to the holding panel, which leads to additional interference and resonance of finishing materials.

Open type“suba” is just a speaker that you need to manage to place in the elements of the car body

Boxed or closed subwoofers

In the closed form of the system, the speaker is mounted in a special housing, which is usually made of wood. This variety, in turn, is divided into three types, depending on the characteristics of the acoustic characteristics:

1. Closed box. An outdated form of design for cabinet subs, which involves placing the speaker inside a sealed housing. This system is characterized by low efficiency, although it is easy to implement independently, since it does not require lengthy and complex calculations.
2. Bass reflex. This design assumes the presence of a special tunnel inside the housing, which provides an increase in sound pressure. This allows you to expand the range of sound output. Installing a bass reflex helps reduce excess pressure on the diffuser, which increases the efficiency of the entire system.
3. Bandpass, or bandpass, loudspeaker. Externally, it looks like a case equipped with a tunnel, inside of which a speaker is installed, which divides the box into two compartments. Having a closed space behind the subwoofer increases the power of the cone, and free space in front increases the volume of the sound. The only drawback of the bandpass is the “looseness” of the bass.

A bass reflex is a tunnel that creates a balance of sound pressure and improves sound quality

Compact

Compact models that are distinguished by their small in size. A subwoofer box of this type can have a volume of no more than 10 liters. Compact models are made from aluminum-magnesium alloy, which also allows for a reduction in size.

Typically, compact subs are installed under the seat. Required condition installation is the vertical orientation of the diffuser head, the size of which rarely exceeds 20 cm. The disadvantages of the compact type include the inability to obtain increased power and nonlinearity. The use of this system, which is always only active, allows you to achieve high-quality support for the front speakers at the mid-bass frequency.

Compact “sub” is a combination of aesthetics, necessary functionality and small size

Which subwoofer for a car is better to choose?

Purchasing such a device is advisable only when there is a desire and opportunity to improve the sound of the standard car radio. When choosing a specific subwoofer, you should consider the following features:

1. Active systems do not require additional expenses (purchase of an amplifier and wires), but they do not have the highest acoustic characteristics.
2. A passive subwoofer will require more space. If the average volume of the box varies from 90 to 120 liters, then it should be taken into account that installing a subwoofer in the trunk will not leave any free space.
3. If you want to listen to high-quality music in the car, but there is no free space, then it is better to buy a subwoofer under the seat. This is an active system that is capable of producing quite acceptable sound in the upper and mid-bass frequency range.
4. When purchasing, you should pay attention to specifications, which include rated power, sensitivity, coil resistance and their number.
5. Price. It is important what budget is allocated for the purchase of car acoustics. If you decide to buy budget subwoofers, the cost of which starts from 2,000 rubles, then you should not expect high-quality sound.

To turn your car into a club on wheels, all means are good.

How to choose an amplifier for a subwoofer

For a passive system, you will need to purchase an amplifier. There is, of course, the possibility of connecting it directly to the radio, but this will lead to insufficient power and will not provide the necessary increase in bass.

When choosing an amplifier, you should consider their types:

• mono, or single-channel, which will be intended only for subwoofer operation;
• 2 channel, which is used to connect only front speakers;
• 3 channel, allowing you to easily connect the front and sub;
• 4 channel, which is an option that makes it possible to connect all car acoustics.

The best, according to experts in the field of car audio, is a single-channel type of amplifier, since it has the ability to work with a wide range of resistance and is not so susceptible to overheating when the subwoofer is loaded at full power.

IMPORTANT:

Before purchasing, you should know the impedance of the amplifier and subwoofer itself. It is important that they match, since otherwise it will be impossible to organize the integration of components. This will lead to constant overheating of the amplifier.

When choosing, you should also consider important point– the power of the amplifier should be at least one and a half times higher than that of the subwoofer. This will ensure that the speaker operates smoothly even at the highest volume levels without distortion.

For a passive system, an amplifier is the only chance to make it “speak”

Music for a subwoofer in a car

Since the purpose of this audio component is to reproduce the lowest frequencies, the answer to this question will be obvious. Music that has a lot of bass. Mostly, if there is a “sub”, they select dance genres that have a pronounced “barrel”. Classical music, for all its beauty, will not allow the subwoofer to be loaded, and it will remain idle. The situation is similar with “pop music”. Therefore, to fully disclose all sides of the purchased sub, it is recommended to download the hit club new product.

How to properly connect a subwoofer in a car

The simplest is to connect an active system, which does not require the installation of an amplifier and additional cabling. If there is a special connector on the radio, the switching procedure involves pulling coaxial cable and connecting it to the SubOut connector on the player and the LineIn connector on the subwoofer. The situation is somewhat more complicated when connecting a passive speaker.

The simplest diagram for connecting a subwoofer in a car

Connection diagram for a subwoofer in a car

When switching a passive system, the first step is to provide a crossover connection. This is a special device that is required to separate frequencies into bands. It turns out to be a kind of filter necessary to ensure that the appropriate frequencies are supplied to the dynamic heads.

The connection diagram involves connecting the subwoofer to an amplifier, which must be connected to the radio. Power wiring is carried out from the battery terminal, observing polarity, through a fuse. You can use a capacitor. All work is carried out with the power terminals from the battery disconnected to prevent short circuits.

The trunk is the traditional place of residence of the subwoofer

Installing a subwoofer in a car - choosing a location

Installing a subwoofer can be a real challenge if it is installed in a small car. Usually a trunk is used to accommodate the subwoofer. But after installation there is little space left in it. The open type speaker can be “embedded” into the luggage compartment shelf or placed in trim panels. IN better conditions when installing a subwoofer, owners of spacious cars (jeeps, minivans, pickups or hatbacks) are welcome, since the trunk of this vehicle has sufficient volume. But if you want to put a sub, you can even put it in a convertible.

How to set up a subwoofer

After installation, you need to configure the “sub” to get the desired sound:

1. The amplifier switches on the LPF filter, which is needed to supply only low frequencies to the speakers. Enabling this option allows you to avoid infrasound, which can lead to failure of the subwoofer.
2. Next, the HPF high-pass filter is turned on, which should be in the range from 70 to 90 Hz.
3. Adjusting sensitivity. GAIN or LEVEL item. The amplifier should be set to maximum volume, and the sensitivity control should be slowly turned upward until distortion appears.
4. Direct sound settings. If interference appears, the problem may be hidden in incorrectly laid wires. It is better to configure using a test disk. Bass is set using a bassbut.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:

If everything is set up correctly, then when listening to music it seems that it is “born” from the center of the cabin.

Tuning a subwoofer is a creative and slow process that requires knowledge of the filters available on the amplifier

Review of manufacturers and models

There are many companies that produce car acoustics. The best brands, according to motorists, are:

1. Alpine. A company offering not only radio tape recorders, but also quality subwoofers, characterized by deep bass and long service life. One of the best is the active model Alpine SWE-815. The price of this subwoofer for a car is 10,000 rubles.
   
   
   

   

2. Pioneer. A company known to every technology lover. One of the manufacturer’s areas of focus is the production of subwoofers. Despite the high cost, they are popular. User ratings include the passive model Pioneer TS-W304R, which represents the optimal price-quality ratio. Prices on store shelves start from 3,000 rubles.
   
   
   

   

3. Blaupunkt. A German company that was founded back in 1923. It specializes in the production of audio equipment. Distinctive feature is truly German quality. The disadvantage is the high cost. One of the popular models is the Blaupunkt GTb 8200A (price from 4,800 rubles), which is an active sub with clean bass.

Also among the companies producing high-quality subwoofers are JVC, Kenwood, Sony, Kicx.

How much does a subwoofer cost for a car?

The cost depends on the manufacturer and type of speaker. Passive ones will be more expensive because they provide high quality sound. Active models are slightly cheaper. The most expensive are compact subwoofers. This is explained by complex production technology and the need to fit a large speaker into a small body. The price range for this category of goods varies from 2,000 to 60,000 rubles. Everything will depend only on the capabilities of the car owner.

Purchasing a subwoofer is an opportunity to achieve high-quality sound in your car. If you don’t have enough money to buy a ready-made model, you can make it yourself, or rather, make a body. The video accompanying the material will tell you how to make a subwoofer in a car with your own hands.

Subwoofers can be divided into active and passive.

Passive subwoofer– this is a case with a speaker installed in it. To operate such a subwoofer, you need an additional external amplifier of sufficient power.

IN active Built-in low-frequency amplifier with volume control. Many active subwoofers also have bass level and audio frequency controls, thanks to which the subwoofer stops reproducing sound with more high frequencies. This is necessary for better matching of sound with speaker systems. The only drawback of an active subwoofer is its high cost.

Case forms

The shape of the cabinet does not affect the sound quality of the subwoofer as much as the material from which it is made. But still, the shape of the box remains an important topic for discussion. As a result of the impact of the reverse sound wave on the housing, it begins to vibrate and emit its own sound waves at a certain frequency. Such waves are usually called standing waves. Standing waves can dampen some frequencies and impart unwanted coloration to the sound. As a result, the frequency response of the subwoofer deteriorates. Let's consider several options for the shape of the box and the location of the speaker in it. Practice shows that the equidistance of the speaker from the walls causes the greatest vibration of the housing and the maximum impact of reflected waves on the speaker. Reverse sound waves from the speaker membrane simultaneously reach all the walls of the housing and, reflected from them, simultaneously affect the speaker. Of the four options presented in the figure, the best option is the right one, in which the distances from the speaker to all the walls of the box are different. The return waves do not reach the walls of the housing and the speaker at the same time, thereby minimizing their undesirable effect on the speaker. The frequency response of the subwoofer is improved.

Subwoofer Enclosure Types

Sealed enclosures(Closed box). Perhaps the most common form of enclosure today is the sealed enclosure. It is preferred due to the relative ease of development and construction. A sealed enclosure is an enclosure that completely isolates the subwoofer's internal airspace from the external airspace. The air inside the box supports the speaker membrane and acts as an additional suspension for it. This allows the speaker to handle more power.
The range of emitted frequencies of the subwoofer depends on the volume of the enclosure. If the volume of the box is less than optimal, then the pressure inside the box will increase, which will lead to cutting off some frequencies and enhancing others. Instead of pure deep bass, the subwoofer will produce a booming, “failed” bass. By increasing the volume of the box, the bass improves, but again to a certain level. the main task designing a box consists of determining its optimal volume for the selected woofer.
In practice, it often happens that a box is first designed based on the limitations of free space in the trunk of a car, and then a speaker is selected to fit the internal volume of this box. The following figure shows a graph from which you can determine the approximate volume of the internal space of the housing for a given speaker diameter.

Phase-inverted enclosures Subwoofers are widely used in home speaker systems. With the development of the car audio industry and the introduction of computer software to help with complex calculations, phase inverted or vented enclosures have become widespread in car audio systems. This body shape is unique in that the bass reflex (ventilation duct) helps in reproducing the lowest frequencies in the audible range. The bass reflex actually becomes a sound source that contributes to the overall sound of the subwoofer system.
Phase inverted systems produce more bass with less power than sealed systems. The backward wave, coming out of the hole outward, amplifies the frontal wave. A properly designed vent will produce increased output at the tuned frequency. The sound of phase-inverted subwoofers is cleaner, but their volume is larger than that of sealed subwoofers for the same speaker.
The disadvantage of this type of subwoofer is the possibility of distortion when reproducing frequencies from a range below the design one. Sometimes the channel of a vented enclosure can produce midrange frequencies that give the bass an undesirable coloration. Calculations of the parameters of a ventilated enclosure are more complex, and even small errors may not justify the effort and time spent. Even such parameters as temperature and humidity influence the sound picture of such a subwoofer. environment. Errors in the design and configuration of the bass reflex are the reason that the speaker system “mumbles” or the bass is “smeared”.

Isobaric hull design is a box in which two identical speakers are installed. This design is based on the idea of ​​having constant air pressure between the membranes of the two speakers. As a result, two acoustically coupled speakers function as one speaker. The advantage of this design is that it saves box volume. For example, for two 15-inch speakers, a minimum box volume of 0.1 cubic meters is required, and with an isobaric design, the box volume can be reduced by half. Which is a big advantage from a commercial point of view. The disadvantage of this design is that if there are two voice coils, only one membrane remains actually working. The overall output of an isobaric subwoofer is approximately 3 dB less than that of other subwoofers at the same input power. Structurally, a pair of speakers is located inside the housing on the same axis, membrane to membrane, magnet to magnet or magnet to membrane.

Bandpass enclosures They consist of two chambers between which a speaker is mounted (see Figure 20). One of the chambers is sealed, and the second chamber is phase inverted (single reflex). This design provides very high quality low bass compared to other subwoofers, making them very popular in the car audio market. However, their acoustic output is relatively low. When designing bandpass boxes, one should take into account this relationship between frequency response and the sound pressure that the body develops. The lower and better the bass, the lower the acoustic output and power of the subwoofer. And vice versa, the more powerful the bandpass subwoofer, the higher and worse the bass it produces. These subwoofers should never be overloaded. The disadvantage of this type of housing is the high complexity of calculations and relatively large dimensions compared to sealed or phase-inverted housings.
Labyrinth. The principle behind this shape is that the enclosure will be able to limit resonance and absorb all the energy from the return wave and produce excellent low-frequency response. This theory has some credence, as properly designed and constructed enclosures of this type exhibit extremely low box resonance along with excellent low frequency response. The way to achieve an increase in characteristics on the lower audio frequencies in this case, is that the rear wave from the speaker is shifted out of phase by 90 degrees before entering the listening compartment. This serves as a complement to the frontal wave. Due to the weakening of the oscillations in the labyrinth, there is a slight delay in the synchronization of the signal, which also enhances the output signal. On the other hand, the efficiency of such a housing is significantly lower than that of other designs and requires a lot of space in the car.
The labyrinth is also called a transmission line. Unlike other hull shapes, this is the most unpredictable design and has never been proven mathematically. All available information is based on practical research and many failed experiments conducted over the years.

Subwoofer housing materials

Multilayer plywood. There are many grades of plywood, many of which are not suitable for speaker cabinet construction. Regular plywood is not dense enough and will distort the sound. Multi-layer (12 ply) shiplap or Russian birch plywood is an excellent material for building small cabinet systems. This plywood is quite dense and lighter than particleboard (chipboard) and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). It is easy to work with, screw in screws without fear of delamination. A 12mm thick sheet has better resonance characteristics than most 16mm thick boards. The disadvantage of this multi-layer plywood is that large cases made from it begin to ring. It is not recommended for use on buildings with large flat spans. It is best suited for a pair of 8-inch speakers in a cabinet with a volume of less than 0.04 cu.m. Its second drawback is its high cost and scarcity.

Chipboard. It is the most common material used today. There are several types of chipboards on sale, but chipboards of the highest density are recommended for buildings. Although high-density varieties weigh more, they are easier to handle and sound better. High-density chipboard with a thickness of 16 mm is perhaps the most best choice for a more powerful low-frequency speaker system, since it has the highest density and weakest resonant qualities. Chipboards are inexpensive and easy to find. The disadvantage of this material is that it easily absorbs moisture and is difficult to cut with a circular saw or band saw. Chipboard cabinets should be painted to prevent swelling due to moisture.

Fiberboard medium density. DPV is essentially a form of compressed paper, has a high density and is easy to cut. The higher the density, the better body will produce sounds due to the limited flexibility of the walls. The disadvantage of DPV is that it is difficult to work with due to its tendency to delaminate when held together. It absorbs moisture a lot and quickly. As with chipboard, careful design must be taken both in terms of fastening and in preventing the effects of moisture. Despite this, the results are worth the effort. This is the best choice for quickly building mid-power subwoofer systems.

The case must be strong, otherwise its vibration will generate frequencies that will give an undesirable color to the sound. We'll tell you what material is best to make a subwoofer box from and what types of enclosures there are.

What materials are they made from?

Multilayer plywood. There are many grades of plywood, many of which are not suitable for subwoofer cabinet construction. Regular plywood is not dense enough and produces sound distortion. Multilayer plywood is an excellent material for building small subwoofers. This plywood is dense and lighter than chipboard and MDF. It is easy to work with, screw in screws without fear of delamination.

Particle board. There are several types of slabs on sale, but chipboard of the highest density is recommended for cabinets. Although high-density varieties weigh more, they are easier to handle and sound better. High-density 16mm chipboard is perhaps the best choice for a high-power subwoofer, as it has the highest density and weakest resonant properties.

The disadvantage of chipboard is that it easily absorbs moisture and is difficult to cut with a saw. The box made from it should be painted to prevent swelling due to moisture.

Medium Density Fiberboard. Essentially a form of compressed paper, it has a high density and is easy to cut. The disadvantage of fiberboard is that it is difficult to work with due to its tendency to delaminate when it is fastened together. It absorbs moisture a lot and quickly.

Case types

Sealed (closed box). The most common form of subwoofer is a sealed enclosure. It is preferred due to the relative ease of development and construction.

Sealed is a housing that completely isolates the internal air space of the subwoofer from the external one. The air inside the box supports the speaker membrane and acts as an additional suspension for it. This allows the speaker to handle more power.

The range of emitted frequencies of the subwoofer depends on the volume of the box. If the volume is less than optimal, then the pressure inside the tongue will increase, which will lead to cutting off some frequencies and enhancing others. Instead of pure deep bass, the subwoofer will produce a booming, “failed” bass. By increasing the volume of the box, the bass improves, but to a certain level. The main design challenge is to determine the optimal volume for the speaker.

In practice, it happens that first a box is designed based on the limitations of free space in the trunk of a car, and then a speaker is selected to fit the internal volume of this box.

They are widely used in home speaker systems and are widely used in car audio. This body shape is unique in that the bass reflex (ventilation duct) helps in reproducing the lowest frequencies in the audible range. The bass reflex actually becomes a sound source that contributes to the overall sound of the subwoofer.

Phase inverted systems produce more bass with less power than sealed systems. A properly designed vent will produce increased output at the tuned frequency. The sound of phase-inverted subwoofers is cleaner, but the volume is larger than that of sealed subwoofers for the same speaker.

The disadvantage is the possibility of distortion when reproducing frequencies from a range below the calculated one. Calculations of the parameters of a ventilated enclosure are more complex, and even small errors may not justify the effort and time spent. Errors in the design and configuration of the bass reflex are the reason that the speaker system “mumbles” or the bass is “smeared”.

is a box in which two identical speakers are installed. This design is based on the idea of ​​having constant air pressure between the membranes of the two speakers. As a result, two acoustically coupled speakers function as one speaker.

The advantage is volume savings. The disadvantage is that if there are two voice coils, only one membrane remains actually working. The overall output of an isobaric subwoofer is approximately 3 dB less than that of other subwoofers at the same input power. Structurally, a pair of speakers is located inside the housing on the same axis, membrane to membrane, magnet to magnet or magnet to membrane.

They consist of two chambers between which a speaker is mounted. One of the chambers is sealed, and the second chamber is phase inverted.

This design provides high-quality low bass compared to other subwoofers, which makes them popular. But their acoustic output is relatively low. When designing a bandpass, the relationship between the frequency response and the sound pressure developed by the enclosure should be taken into account. The lower and better the bass, the lower the acoustic output and power of the subwoofer. And vice versa than more powerful subwoofer, the higher and worse the bass it produces.

The disadvantage is the complexity of calculations and large dimensions compared to sealed or phase-inverted enclosures.

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

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. For particularly sensitive individuals, this figure may be lower.

The problem with conventional speakers is that they are technically incapable of reproducing low frequencies well. 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 acoustics 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 there is definitely a failure in the frequency response. Majority modern devices are not able to accurately reproduce frequencies up to 400 Hz.
2. The diameter of the speakers of two-way speakers is insufficient for sudden pressure surges. This parameter creates a juicy and thick bass.
3. When operating a wideband speaker, the frequency range is sharply narrowed. The signal is averaged due to the inertia of the membrane and the coil’s response is not fast enough. As a result, achieving rich bass is simply unrealistic.

The characteristics of a subwoofer clearly show how it differs from a speaker. Firstly, the device’s operating frequency range is forcibly cut off. For 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 membrane diameter can be 30-50 cm for models for home use and reach up to a meter for stage subwoofers.

Types of subwoofers

The first thing you need to know about a subwoofer is that models may have Various types receiving and processing the signal.

1. A passive subwoofer is a fairly simple device. It is equipped with a filter low frequency, large speaker. To drive a passive model, you will need an amplifier whose power exceeds that of an acoustic loudspeaker by at least one and a half times (the recommended value). There is no signal processing or conversion other than frequency filtering in subwoofers of this type.
2. Active brands of subwoofers do not require an external amplifier to operate. All electronics are already in engineering solution models. A speaker, control circuits, frequency filtering, and preliminary and final signal amplification are installed in the housing. The main advantage of an active subwoofer is that it can be easily integrated into 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 location of the model. For example, an active subwoofer is not suitable for a car. This product generates quite a lot of heat during operation; it cannot be installed in a limited, enclosed space.

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

Design solutions and their features

You can also select a subwoofer based on the design features of a particular model. All offered technical solutions there is a difference in sound. First of all, this is due to differences in the air movement pattern.

The closed subwoofer is completely sealed. It has a durable body with a built-in speaker. Typically these are passive models. The sound of a closed subwoofer is considered classic; the devices do not suffer from reverberation and do not resonate. 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 as the diameter of the sound emitter increases, the requirements for an external amplifier grow exponentially.

Subwoofers with bass reflex - optimal choice for home. These devices sound rich and bright. They are both active and passive. The mechanics of their operation are based on the reverse movement of air through the bass reflex when the membrane vibrates. As a result, there is no back pressure created and there is no need for a sharp jump in amplifier requirements as speaker diameter increases.

Bass reflex models are offered by numerous companies. They are really popular. But not a single product of this type is without its main drawback. With a powerful harmonic signal, resonance phenomena may occur. A company that produces really good bass reflex models provides either electronic circuits for damping the growing amplitude of oscillations, or the ability to regulate 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 truly pumping air, creating powerful, intense vibrations. The design of the subwoofer bandpass is a combination of a closed and bass reflex system. The device body is divided into two zones. A speaker is installed in the sealed part. The second chamber operates as a volume bass reflex with a resonator output tube.

Bandpass models also have disadvantages. Firstly, they are large, which is clear from the description of the design features. Secondly, they, like closed systems, place exponentially growing demands on the external amplifier as the diameter of the speaker increases. The ideal solution when purchasing a subwoofer bandpass is to consider active types of devices.

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

Specifications

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

• the frequency range must be declared no higher than 160 Hz. In practice, the upper frequency limit will be higher. However, the average value at the declared value does not exceed 200 Hz, which is considered normal;
• The cutoff frequency parameter sets the range limit above which the signal will be forcibly suppressed. It would be ideal to select a model with adjustment of this indicator. Products with a rigidly defined boundary, the adjustment of which is not provided, must be characterized by a declared cutoff frequency of 160-200 Hz;
• sound pressure - this parameter well characterizes the movement of the speaker membrane. It characterizes the maximum volume, but does not necessarily directly correlate with the power of the subwoofer;
• sensitivity is responsible for the speed of the system's response to signal fluctuations. The higher this parameter, the easier it is for the amplifier to work. There is also the opposite rule: a high sensitivity value means that the speaker will respond to noise and interference. The sound quality drops especially sharply if the signal source is a player that decodes MP3 or other compressed files. The normal parameter, if a car type of subwoofer is considered, is 90 dB, for 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 air shocks during its operation. You need to pay attention to the electrical resistance of the subwoofer if you need to match it to the speakers. It is desirable that the parameters of the existing acoustics and the selected product are the same.

The last step is to select a design solution. It is worth remembering that bass reflex subs are relatively inexpensive and undemanding. But closed and bandpass systems need to be chosen wisely, focusing on results and armed with a large amount of knowledge. Or - using the help of specialists.

The best manufacturing companies

It is quite difficult to name the best subwoofer manufacturing companies. These devices, due to their characteristics, are developed for specific applications. Therefore, a company that produces stage subs or models for stadium concerts may not even offer products for home users. However, it is quite easy to name interesting favorites.

1. Cabasse is a company that produces both stage devices and subs for home users. A striking example of products in the latter category is the Saturn 55. This is a real monster. The body weighs almost 200 kg, has a working volume of 500 liters, and the speaker weighs 27 kg. For all its monstrosity (including stylish decorative metal rod ties on the front panel), the device is perfectly balanced. When playing at maximum volume, the light steel pin mounted on top of the case does not even move.
2. Yamaha. This company's products are expensive. However, the manufacturer is a world leader in developing systems with ideal sound. The range includes both active and passive subwoofers. Electronic circuits companies are the standard for quality and minimal signal distortion.
3. Pioneer. A brand with a long history of decline and rise in popularity. However, one thing remains unchanged: the company has extensive experience in developing conversion systems sound signal. The range of offers includes any type of subwoofer, both for home and professional use.
4. The last participant in the list of the best is the JBL brand from HARMAN. He has been developing acoustics and audio electronics for over 70 years. Today in the produced line of models you can find any type of subwoofer.

How to choose a device

This may seem strange, but the people who have the most difficulty choosing a subwoofer are those 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 short distance to the listener;
• it is necessary to calculate the power in order to ideally fit the sub into an existing speaker system;
• for audiophiles, in addition to the above, it is important to coordinate the signal phasing and other parameters for truly ideal sound.

To make your choice easier best model, you can give some tips.

1. For a small room up to 20 sq.m, it is recommended to buy a closed subwoofer. It minimally distorts the sound and does not create sudden air blasts. A bass reflex sub sounds good in a medium-sized room. In addition, it is more affordable than 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 the home theater. It is advisable to have a double supply. This will allow the speaker not to work at the limit, ensuring sound transmission without distortion. So, for 50 W speakers, it is advisable to buy a subwoofer with a power of 150 W or more.
3. The sub should be positioned in such a way as to minimize wave overlap after reflection from the walls. The ideal place for it is in the corner. In this case, the wave reflected from the walls will have minimal delay from the main front of the oscillations generated by the device.
4. Impedance, or electrical resistance of a subwoofer, is an important parameter when purchasing a passive model. It must match the corresponding characteristic of the other speakers for normal operation of the amplifier and predictable adjustments.
5. The subwoofer must have its own volume control. Without this element of the design solution, it is very difficult to calculate the operation of the entire system as a whole.

Audiophiles are advised to buy sophisticated devices. The subwoofer must have an adjustable cutoff frequency. Ideally, the device allows you to adjust the phase shift. Using these functions, you can select subwoofer parameters for the ideal sound of the entire system.

As a conclusion

A subwoofer is a very functional and important addition to any speaker system. Saving on its purchase is simply irrational. A low price tag always means disappointment in sound. Sub in plastic case simply incapable of sounding juicy and fierce. And equipped with a bad amplifier and filters, it will ruin the entire sound picture. Therefore, the issue of choosing a model should be approached with all responsibility, carefully studying reviews, analyzing the parameters of the room and existing speakers.