A specialized speaker, known as a subwoofer, is responsible for this experience. The subwoofer is designed only to reproduce the lowest of audible frequencies.
With the popularity of home theater sound systems resulting in specialized speakers for center channel dialogue, main soundtracks, and surround effects, the need for a speaker to reproduce just the deep bass portion of a movie soundtrack is all the more important. Although these subwoofers are not quite as "thunderous" as the subwoofers employed at the local movie theater, these unique loudspeakers can still shake the house down or annoy the downstairs neighbors in your apartment or condo complex.
Subwoofers come in two basic types, Passive and Powered.
Passive Subwoofers
Passive subwoofers are powered by an external amplifier, in the same fashion as other speakers in your system. The important consideration here is that since extreme bass needs more power to reproduce low frequency sounds, your amplifier or receiver needs to be able to output enough power to sustain bass effects in the subwoofer without draining the amp. How much power depends on the requirements of the speaker and the size of the room (and how much bass you can stomach!).
Powered Subwoofers
To solve the problem of inadequate power or other characteristics that may be lacking in a receiver or amplifier, powered subwoofers are self-contained speaker/amplifier configurations in which the characteristics of the amplifier and sub woofer are optimally matched.
As a side benefit, all a powered subwoofer needs is a line output from an amplifier. This arrangement takes a lot of the power load away from the amp/receiver and allows the amp/receiver to power the mid-range and tweeters more easily.
Additional Subwoofer Characteristics
Additional subwoofer design variations include Front-firing , and Down-firing, and the use of Ports or Passive Radiators.
Front-firing subwoofers employ a speaker mounted so that it radiates the sound from the side or front of the subwoofer enclosure. Down-firing subwoofers employ a speaker that is mounted so that it radiates downward, towards the floor. In addition, some enclosures employ an additional port, which forces out more air, increasing bass response in a more efficient manner than sealed enclosures. Another type of enclosure utilizes a Passive Radiator in addition to the speaker, instead of a port, to increase efficiency and preciseness. Passive radiators can either be speakers with the voice coil removed, or a flat diaphragm.
Sony XSLB10S Slim Line Subwoofer with Enclosure
- 10 Slim Enclosure Design
- Polypropylene cone woofer
- Gold plated 5-way binding posts
- Pre-wired 4 ohm mono configuration
- 1200W Peak (330W Rated)
MTX TNP212D2 Dual 12" Subwoofer And Amplifier
The new Terminator amplified bass systems, provide all the power you need for a chest pounding audio experience. Combining the sleek looks and power of a Terminator mono block amplifier with either a sealed enclosure housing two 12" Terminator subwoofers, TNP212D2, or a vented enclosure with a single 12" Terminator subwoofer. Both models are ideal solutions for anyone looking to add bass to their vehicle . The Terminator enclosures are ruggedly constructed using 5/8" MDF and aviation grade black carpet with an embroidered Terminator logo. The Terminator subwoofers are capable of handling 200W RMS each and are based on solid construction . Both Terminator packages deliver rock solid performance at an unbeatable price.Pioneer TS-W302R 12-Inch Subwoofer with 800-Watt Maximum Power
- 12" 4-ohm Subwoofer
- Injection-molded polypropylene composite cone with urethane surround
- Power range: 50-150 watts RMS (800 watts peak power)
- Sensitivity: 97 dB
- Mounting depth: 5-3/4"
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