Car subwoofers

A car subwoofer is a speaker system that reproduces sound in a 20–120 Hz frequency range. It isn’t stand-alone; rather, it supplements the existing broadband speaker system.

Operating principle

Most often, the devices operate via the transmission of a signal from an amplifier to a coil located near a magnet and connected to a cone. The coil cylinder is wound with thin copper wire. Under the influence of a magnetic field, the coil drives the cone. The cone creates vibrations of the air perceived as sound by human beings.

Types of available subwoofers

By design type:

• Free air (unenclosed) subwoofers. These are usually integrated into the rear shelf of the vehicle. They require filtering of the output signal. The sound quality directly depends on the type of materials used for the interior in the resonance area.
• Enclosed subwoofers. These subwoofers are easy to install. They may be passive or active. The former require sound amplification with an external source and syncing with the rest of the audio system, but are inexpensive. The latter have a built-in amplifier with the means for adjusting bass and volume. They are easy to install.

By quality of sound transmission:

• Sealed box subwoofers. These devices have a sealed housing. They do not distort the sound but cannot reproduce ultra-low frequencies.
• Ported box subwoofers. These have a built-in tunnel of a certain length and surface area. They are highly efficient.
• Subwoofers with passive radiators. A diffuser without coil and magnet is integrated into the housing of such subwoofers. This leads to an increased sound pressure level.

Bandpass box subwoofers. A partition with a built-in subwoofer is installed inside the enclosure. The rear part of the device operates in a sealed box, while the front part operates in a ported box. This design achieves the loudest possible sound.

The devices furthermore vary in speaker diameter, rated and peak power, sensitivity, and frequency response.

Recommendations for using subwoofers

1. Connect the wires of the device through a fuse, placing them as close to the battery as possible. The rating of the fuse should be equal to the maximum amperage of the amplifier plus 5 A.
2. Adjust the cutoff frequency of your equipment for optimal sound reproduction.
3. Do not use the subwoofer at full power during the first 20 hours of operation. Start at half the maximum volume and gradually increase it every day. This will allow the washers and the suspension to reach the parameters set by the manufacturer.
4. Play music at no more than 50% of the maximum volume at ambient temperatures below freezing. In the cold, the speaker’s rubber elements lose their elasticity and condensation forms on the coil. This may damage the product.
5. Insulate the interior since the sound pressure may provoke loosening in some parts.
6. Use an amplifier of equal or slightly greater power with a passive subwoofer. An amplifier that is too weak may burn out when working at the limit, while a high-powered amplifier will damage the speaker.
7. It is better to entrust the installation of the elements of an audio system to specialists of a repair workshop.

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