Subwoofers are different. Manually setting up an active or passive subwoofer

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Subwoofers are designed for high-quality reproduction bass However, few people know how these speakers differ and which ones are better.

Devices passive type characterized by extreme simplicity and reliability of design. They consist of a solid body and several heads (most often one), which are connected to an external amplifier. The equipment may have two different types connections. The first option is that the stereo amplifier signal is transmitted not only to the speaker, but also to other speakers. The second method involves connecting using a crossover filter. This item designed to effectively and efficiently separate the signal from the bass.

Active subwoofers contain a power amplifier and the above-mentioned separator filter. As a result, the equipment is a combination of several devices that can be purchased separately. It is equipped with linear outputs and inputs, as well as additional option, allowing you to adjust the crossover frequency and signal level. A high-quality device can expand the range of the entire speaker system, which will ultimately have a positive effect on the purity of the sound of a musical work.

Which type of subwoofer is best?

It’s easier and more practical to purchase a device active type. It is suitable for rhythmic and dance music. Wide functionality consist of various settings and adjustments of frequency and volume. These speakers boast their own amplifiers, which are not found in any passive models.

Active subwoofers are easier to connect and configure. Despite this, many music lovers prefer to purchase other types of devices. Although they require external audio amplifiers, they can be configured manually. This is a painstaking and delicate process, but the result can be higher than that active speakers. The cost of passive devices is usually lower.

If you are a beginner and have little knowledge of audio equipment, we recommend buying active subwoofers. If you are a music lover with extensive experience, take a look good speakers passive type and customize them to your own taste and preference. Then you will be guaranteed true surround sound.

Many people wonder, in search of high-quality music sound, what is the difference between active and passive subwoofers. Which one is better to choose? Let's look at the features, advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

What does active subwoofer mean?

For high-quality music sound you need a subwoofer. These devices can be divided into two groups: active and passive.

In order to understand the difference between an active and passive subwoofer, you need to understand what each of them represents.

There's no need to choose sound system only in terms of power - some manufacturers deliberately underestimate or overestimate it.
Optimal size The speaker for high-quality sound is 12 inches (30 cm).
You should only choose products from trusted manufacturers.
Knowing the size and height of the voice coil, you can easily check the real power of the speaker.
A car amplifier should be less powerful than a subwoofer.
It is worth choosing an aluminum box and a rubber top suspension.
Depending on the location of the subwoofer in the car, it is worth taking an additional amplifier. If the speaker system is located in the trunk, then the sound may be somewhat distorted.

When purchasing car speakers, the question of choosing a subwoofer – passive or active – often arises. To briefly answer the question at the very beginning of the article, how an active subwoofer differs from a passive one, we need to give a definition. It's about about a special woofer that expands the bass frequency range and makes it richer and deeper.

A passive speaker is connected to an amplifier, giving the sound more High Quality. Active is an all-inclusive system with built-in amplifier. At the same time, convenience and savings affect sound quality.

Features of choice: which subwoofer is better

There is no clear answer as to which subwoofer is better: active or passive. It all depends on the specific situation of choosing between these proposals. WITH passive system will cost more. It will be more hassle to install and will require the purchase of an amplifier. But with proper installation, sound awaits you Hi-Fi class. With this formulation of the question, which is better, there is no point.

True, in order to get professional sound in a car, in addition to high-quality acoustics, you will need a car radio with sound processor. This device takes into account the features of the interior shape of the cabin. So, with all the advantages “at the exit”, passive subwoofer It has two major disadvantages - high cost and installation complexity.

You can connect the active sub yourself immediately after purchase. Moreover, with some preparation for the issue, you can purchase a very high-quality speaker. When choosing specific brands, it is quite difficult to say which is better and choose between an active and passive subwoofer.

Manufacturers come up with various tricks that level out differences in sound quality, while the active version has a number of advantages (in such models the question of which is better is not relevant):

compact sizes;
no need to purchase additional equipment;
ease of installation.

The principles described will help you understand the differences and differences, and choose which subwoofer is best for you. If desired, you can make a passive subwoofer into the car yourself by adapting the housing to the car’s interior. In this case, the difference in ease of connection and price will not greatly affect your media system. But such installations are for passionate people and professionals.

So, active and passive subwoofer: we figured out what the difference is. Now let’s look at the question of what is different, the choice of functions and qualities of the system, let’s look at it in more detail.

What does the choice promise?

As they say, every case is personalized. If the car owner has paid close attention to the issue, then they know perfectly well what the difference is. The purchase is related to certain factors: price, personal, installation features in the car. In general, we can recommend taking the active version from a good manufacturer.

This will protect you from a number of problems. If you want a sound no worse than the Maybach, then go for the passive model, but provided that you have a complete stereo system in your purchase plans good quality. Putting this all together is not that easy.

It is quite difficult to complete such a system, since, by definition, the passive versions are intended for home theaters. Models with a bass reflex are designed only for large rooms.

They are not intended for cars. Thus, the smaller your salon, the more you need to lean towards a good quality active model. This option is also suitable for those users who do not place excessive demands on car acoustics and are looking for best option for your car.

Conclusion: between rationality and functions

As a result, the difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one is its purpose. The first version is more suitable for regular class cars. The second is exclusive cars with a large interior or versions for those people who love good acoustics and masterfully understand it.

High quality model with a built-in amplifier solves most organization problems good sound. In most cases, the sound improvement will not be felt in a small car interior, so you can choose a system with average parameters.

The passive version is purchased mainly by connoisseurs high quality sound, giving preference modern music. Since the sub makes the bass richer. Choose this option if this is the difference you are interested in. Now you have a clear idea of what is better: an active or passive subwoofer. You can also watch a video on how to connect speakers to the system.

The difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one

The difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one is obvious, since both devices perform different functions. A subwoofer is a low-frequency speaker designed to reproduce a wide range of frequencies, working in conjunction with any type of speaker system.
Knowing how an active subwoofer differs from a passive one, you can safely make your choice in favor of one speaker or another.

Types of subwoofers

For a subwoofer to work, three elements need to interact. This is the housing itself, the subwoofer and the amplifier.
Depending on this layout, subwoofers are divided into two types:

Active subwoofer;

Main differences between subwoofers

A passive subwoofer is a low-frequency speaker enclosed in a special acoustic housing. For it to work, you must connect to an external amplifier.
It can also be connected using an electronic frequency separation filter. This arrangement allows you to achieve deeper bass and significantly expand the frequency spectrum.

Note: it is worth considering that at higher volumes, linear sound distortion is significantly reduced, so it is advisable to listen to songs at an average sound volume.

A low-frequency subwoofer is usually complemented by a system home theater, or the sound system in the car. This allows you to achieve rich bass and separate sound.
An active subwoofer can significantly reduce the load on the receiver in a home theater system. When choosing a subwoofer, you need to take into account the properties of the space where it will be installed.
A bass reflex subwoofer has deeper bass and is designed for a larger room size. In a confined space, such as a car, this type the subwoofer may begin to resonate.

Advantages and disadvantages

Each type of subwoofer has its own advantages and disadvantages, due to its design features. A passive subwoofer has deeper and richer bass compared to an active one.
This is due to many different factors:

No air overheating inside the case;
Possibility of connecting additional electronic filters (see);
The external power amplifier has a large number of settings;
Due to the absence of foreign components in the housing, the power and depth of the bass becomes more saturated;
Lower cost compared to an active subwoofer with similar technical characteristics.

Can be used as a portable device if there are outputs for additional speakers;
Various execution options.

When choosing between an active and passive subwoofer, you should decide directly where it will be used and what sound characteristics are needed.

The effect of the enclosure on the sound of the subwoofer

The subwoofer housing is the main element of the speaker system. Thanks to it, you can create directional, dull or diffuse bass.

An active subwoofer is responsible for high-quality sound of low tones in speech and musical compositions. This is a complex speaker system. Only 1 device is enough, because the human ear will not recognize where low sounds are coming from. It doesn't matter where the device is located.

Types and features of subwoofers

A standard small subwoofer has a cut-off frequency range of 40 to 20 Hz. The product is manufactured with a sound emitter. The diameter of the flat membrane in the center is about 30-50 cm. Such a subwoofer is considered home, but sometimes it can be up to 1 m (stage). Compact active subwoofer - a good option, if you need to mount the device discreetly in the car so that it does not take up much space.

There are also differences in the designs of the devices. For example, a closed subwoofer is sealed. Its design is durable and sounds are virtually undistorted. One of the disadvantages is that the larger the speaker, the greater the power of the membrane movements.

A bass reflex subwoofer is well suited for home use. The sound will be bright and rich.

Operation is based on the reverse movement of air flows through the bass reflex during the vibration of the membrane.

The bandpass subwoofer is considered the most expensive option due to its technical excellence. This design is a mix of devices with a bass reflex and a closed one. The disadvantage is the large size of the device.

A good option for a car is devices like FreeAir. It is a closed subwoofer with an air chamber. Columns give good sound when mounted in the trunk and use the interior vehicle to create deep bass.

Active

An active subwoofer for a car is an acoustic system that contains a powerful built-in amplifier, a separating filter and several speakers. This means that such a structure is a single block.

The sound quality is more effective than the passive option, according to most users. Although it depends on the settings. And connecting an active sub is much easier.

Passive

Considering what a passive subwoofer is, we can say the following: it is a design in which there are 1 or more low-frequency speakers that are assembled into a single housing. The material used is wood and plywood.

In order for the device to reproduce vibrations, you need to connect it to an amplifier.

Comparison

If you need to understand how an active subwoofer differs from a passive one, pay attention to the following criteria:

Price. Active costs more. Due to the fact that it has a built-in amplifier, there are more expensive parts.
Installation. The difference is that the passive version is more difficult to connect: you need to additionally install an amplifier and filters. And the active one will save space, because the parts are already built-in.
Sound quality. Active ones have better sound quality, but it depends on the settings. In practice, if you properly install a passive sub, the sound can be much more effective. In addition, you can choose the settings yourself depending on your own perception.
Settings. Active ones have more capabilities, but if powerful outdoor amplifiers are used, then this feature is not important. In addition, the possibility of connecting a bass regulator is taken into account.

When choosing which subwoofer is best, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages. The advantages of passive include: low cost, the ability to customize the sound according to your own needs.

But for this you need to select an amplifier, filters and dynamic heads.

Passive subwoofers can have different designs - bandpass, bass reflex or classic box.

Active ones will not be able to use different cases due to additional electronics. But their advantages include built-in filters and amplifiers. The system can be connected to a car radio without other devices. But because of this, either electronics or dynamics have to be placed in one case.

Installation in the car

Many people are interested in how to properly connect an active subwoofer on their own. Even a beginner can handle this.

Installing an active subwoofer in a car is as follows:

During installation, use signal and power wires. The positive cable must be connected to “+” on the battery. It must have a large diameter.
Install a fuse short circuits and overloads. It is recommended to leave the part in the engine compartment, as close to the battery as possible. If needed, there will be free access to it.
Secure the negative cable to the vehicle body. For this, a nearby point is used. You will get a “-” connection between the weight of the body and the GND of the device.
If the car radio has separate connectors, then the connection with the active device is more convenient. It is required to lay a coaxial type wire in the screen with the required connector. The cable is fixed on one side with the SubOut output on the car radio, and on the other with Lineln on the subwoofer.

This connection scheme is the most common. It can also be used after equipment repair.

There are several ways to connect to a stereo amplifier:

The subwoofer is connected to the outputs to which the speaker systems are already connected. There will be parallel work in the low frequency range.
You can connect the subwoofer to the receiver, and the acoustics to the outputs on the subwoofer itself. In front of them are high-pass filters, which will eliminate wheezing, noise, etc. But you need to take into account that with this connection method, the load on the speaker system increases, so it may break.

Manual setting

Exist special programs, which can . They are called tone generators. This option is simple and convenient.

You need to consider the size of the interior, the power of the amplifier and the direction of the music when creating a wooden box for the subwoofer.

The following filters are used:

LPF. Trims high frequencies. Standardly located on the amplifier. Open the regulator and turn it with a screwdriver until the frequency is 60 Hz.
Subsonic. Responsible for cutting infrasound. Located on the rear of the amplifier. You need to turn the screwdriver so that it is 5 Hz less than the frequency of the bass reflex port.
Adjusting the Gain level. This is the input sensitivity of the device. Located on the amplifier. First you need to set the control to minimum and turn on the sound with a gradual increase in volume. Continue until the first defects appear. Then turn the knob back until a clear sound appears. Now you need to turn the regulator clockwise until defects appear. Then move back a few divisions.

How to turn active into passive

An active device can be turned into a passive device, and you don’t even need to spend money. This increases trunk space.

For example, there is active option subwoofer Kicx ICQ 300BA and amplifier Blaupunkt GTA-475 with 4 channels. The latter is connected to 4 speakers. But those located in the rear doors are not used. A subwoofer can be connected to 2 channels. This option is used when they want to replace the built-in amplifier with a more powerful one.

The process is as follows:

Disassemble the subwoofer.
Remove partitions. After removing the amplifier, there is quite a lot of space left.
Cut out the back wall from a plywood sheet. Attach it with Moment glue and self-tapping screws. Seal the joints inside with sealant. The thickness of the plywood sheet should be 1.2 cm.
The holes must be coated with sealant. Contacts - secure.
When everything is dry, you need to connect the devices. That is, channels 3 and 4 will be under a subwoofer.

The sound of bass becomes better, as users note, unpleasant defects disappear.

When choosing a subwoofer, pay attention to the manufacturer, build quality, price, installation, and customization options. These have proven themselves well best manufacturers, like Sony, Alpine, Pioneer, Helix, JBL, Kicx, Yamaha.

As for the latter company, the devices are quite expensive, but the sound is good. Electronic circuits are the standard of quality.

Pioneer also has extensive experience in developing such products. You can purchase subs for both home and professional use. A striking example is the Pioneer TS W304R. The top subwoofers also include Alpine SBE 1244BR. The manufacturer is a French company.

Pioneer TS-WX210A. It is distinguished by increased sensitivity and the ability to remotely control. The disadvantage is that it can only be attached to the floor.
Alpine PWE-V80. The only drawback is that the settings are carried out from the remote control.
JBL Basspro SL. It has an economical amplifier with low cooling requirements. But you need to take into account that the connectors are located inconveniently.
Eton USB 10. Small in height and low power.

Among the best active subwoofers There are also the following models: Kicx ICQ 300BA, Pioneer TS-WX206, Alpine SWE-815.