The basic acoustic system of the radio often does not suit the owner of the car with the sound, the presence of interference, and the fuzziness of the reproduced frequencies. Music lovers certainly want to equip their car with a subwoofer - a device that allows you to hear the full range of bass in any composition. Find and buy desired device today, it is not the slightest difficulty, since there are many options. Therefore, it is important to know what is different active subwoofer from passive, taking into account not only its cost, but also the features of sound and operation.

The design of any subwoofer is one or more low-frequency speakers placed in a single housing. The difference between an active subwoofer and a passive one is as follows:

1. The passive option is actually a set of speakers in the case. In order for low-frequency sounds to be reproduced with the required clarity, additional equipment is needed - an amplifier and a filter that eliminates interference from the sound and highlights the bass;
2. Active. The design already provides for a built-in amplifier and filter in the subwoofer cabinet.

It is definitely impossible to say which subwoofer is better - active or passive. First you need to consider all the advantages and disadvantages of each system.

Pros and cons of active and passive subwoofer

To evaluate what is better active or passive subwoofer should be based on vital criteria. This:

• Sound quality. It would seem that the active version has all the advantages - the built-in amplifier and filter should independently "lay out" the frequencies and produce a finished high-quality sounding product at the output. However, car music lovers, who have encountered a problem in practice, unanimously claim that a clear sound will depend on the system settings;
• Dimensions. How to understand whether an active or passive subwoofer should be purchased for a particular car model? Indeed, the question is urgent, since the space of the trunk (the traditional place to install a subwoofer) or the cabin is often limited. It is worth remembering that the passive design requires additional equipment, respectively, they are more often placed in cars with large interiors and trunks, such as crossovers. If the car cannot boast of spaciousness, then the subwoofer is placed in the back of the cabin or in the armrests. In the latter case, preference is given to active options;
• Price. It is higher for an active subwoofer due to the expensive electronics responsible for the operation of the total system - speakers, amplifier, filter. And, of course, compactness is also a priority. A passive subwoofer by itself costs less, but requires the purchase of an amplifier, frequency filters, etc. On the other hand, it makes up for it in sound quality;
• Possibility of independent connection. Installing a subwoofer of any type is not difficult if you approach the work responsibly. With the passive option, you will have to spend a little more time. The complete set with the device always comes with a detailed diagram and. It is important to observe safety measures - use high-quality components, de-energize the car before work, etc.;
• Possibility of customization. True music lovers prefer to manually equip the speaker system with devices that, in their opinion, give the best sound quality. Therefore, they are much more likely to choose passive subwoofers. Of course, if you do not want to waste your time, then an active subwoofer would be a better option.

So, active or passive subwoofer? Which to choose? The answer is that everything is individual. First of all, when choosing, you need to accurately determine your expectations from the modernization of the audio system, as well as the financial capabilities and features of your car. Based on this, it will be possible to choose the appropriate option. The main thing to understand is that both an active and a passive subwoofer cannot be of high quality, at a low cost. Therefore, you need to either buy the most expensive option, or make a reasonable compromise.

Of course, before buying it makes sense to familiarize yourself with the most popular models. This can be done thanks to our rating of active and passive subwoofers.

Manual setting of an active or passive subwoofer

The factory settings of active and passive subwoofers do not always allow you to get quality sound. To achieve the perfect sound, the user can try to adjust the device on their own. For instance:

• Frequency tuning. It is made taking into account the main characteristics of the device. They are listed in the user manual. Naturally, the selection of the best sound occurs by ear;
• Crossover adjustment. This device sets the required frequency for each speaker, which makes the sound of the system smooth and harmonious. The default crossover setting is 80 Hz. If the sound is booming, the value is lowered. For clarity of sound, increase accordingly;
• Phase switch setting. This device is designed to compensate for the difference between the remaining satellites in the system. It is recommended to tune it by playing records with male voices - bass, tenor and alto. That is, with different range sounds;
• Elimination of acoustic distortions. They may also have good models active or passive subwoofers. What can cause distortion? For example, cable dispersion is often the cause of acoustic hum. Adjusting the volume will help fix this problem. But most often, the reason is the poor quality of the wire. In this case, it would be best to change the connection cables to RCA wires with a shielding function.

If knowledge about the subwoofer is not enough, but you want to get high-quality sound from the radio, the best way out is to contact the appropriate car dealership or workshop. Professionals use special equipment for tuning, which allows to achieve optimal quality for specific model saba.

Is it possible to convert an active subwoofer into a passive one?

Home craftsmen often put their own knowledge into practice. For them, sound improvement speaker system a car is often not just a task to be completed, but a kind of challenge and an interesting adventure. Moreover, if you clearly understand the design of an active and passive subwoofer, then this similar alteration is not something complicated. For this, you will need:

1. Active subwoofer enclosure. You can use an old, outdated and building system.
2. An amplifier with bass and treble characteristics of 50 and 50–250 Hz, respectively. Power - 4 ohms. Bass boost up to 12 dB.
3. Wires - power, tulips.
4. Glue Moment, sealant.
5. Knife, screwdrivers, chisel and mallet.

The purpose of the work: to turn an active subwoofer that does not please with its sound, or simply does not work, into a passive model with better sound quality.

Stages of work on converting an active subwoofer into a passive one

Often, car owners face the task of creating a subwoofer for a car with their own hands. Often, the simplest option is chosen for this - converting an active subwoofer into a passive one. Since the standard amplifier of the active subwoofer does not suit, or simply does not work, its use is impractical. It is better to use 2 of the four channels to bridge the subwoofer, which will increase the sound power and improve the quality. Getting Started:

1. Carefully disassemble the subwoofer. It is important not to damage the wooden box. To do this, use a chisel and a mallet to open the back cover. After exposing the space, you can see what the subwoofer is like inside - a box with numerous partitions;
2. Wooden partitions need to be knocked out. The space of the box must remain completely empty;
3. Now the cover is cut to the size of the wall of the former active subwoofer. The material is thick plywood. Previously, a hole is cut in the back cover for the output of the speaker connection wire;
4. The wall should be strengthened with self-tapping screws and glue Moment. The joints are carefully lubricated for better adhesion and to prevent debris and air from getting inside;
5. A speaker is inserted into the round hole. The wire is preliminarily brought out through the back wall through the hole, which is then carefully sealed. Contacts are fixed on the corresponding holder, glued or screwed on self-tapping screws, on the back cover of the future passive subwoofer;
6. Now connection. Tulips are inserted into the corresponding sockets of the car radio. The ends are bridged to the subwoofer. It is important to observe the polarity.

So, is it possible to turn an active subwoofer into a passive one? Can! Of course, its sound will also depend on other components of the system (amplifier, crossover), and in direct comparison, the sound quality may be inferior to branded systems. However, this option will cost significantly less than purchasing a new subwoofer, and the opportunity to demonstrate the presence of straight arms should not be underestimated either.

Speaker systems that are designed to reproduce audio frequencies ranging from 20 to 120 Hz are called subwoofers. Principle of operation this device is to convert electrical signals into acoustic. When potential consumers ask what a subwoofer is, the above explanation is sometimes not enough. For this reason, specialists have to describe in more detail specifications presented device.

Device types:

• Active;
• Passive.

In fact, it is not so difficult to explain what an active subwoofer is, because it is a model that includes a power amplifier in its design, as well as an active crossover. Such devices are capable of receiving and converting, as a consequence, signals related to the line level. Active subwoofers can easily be connected between the signal source itself, as well as full-range speakers. This type connection is called end-to-end by experts. Corresponding subwoofers quite often have additional features in order to adapt to specific conditions of use. In this situation, we can talk about the steepness of the cut, adjusting the frequency response, the position of the cut points of the crossover itself, etc.

Quite common autonomous active subwoofers are characterized by the fact that they combine in one design not only a subwoofer with a crossover filter, but also a power amplifier of very high quality in its design. This type of subwoofer is endowed with line inputs, which serve to connect to a very important preamplifier from a technical point of view. Line outputs are also included in the design. They emit a signal that goes to the power amplifier. For ease of use, stand-alone models also include a special regulator in their design, which is designed to control the subwoofer signal. The crossover frequency is also overwhelmingly adjustable on the device.

It is absolutely logical that motorists are wondering what a passive subwoofer is, which is also very popular among buyers. It should be understood that such models consist not only of the case, but also of the speaker. This allows them to connect to a power amplifier without any problems. To put it as simply as possible, a passive subwoofer is one or even several woofers that were placed in the case. These heads must be connected to an external amplifier.

There are several options at once, thanks to which a passive type of subwoofer is connected. One of the most well-known schemes involves the signal from the side of the stereo amplifier. In the future, those same signals are sent not only to the subwoofer, but also to the most basic speakers. In fairness, it should be noted that this connection option is far from the most desirable. The fact is that this circuit provides for the output signal from the power amplifier to the input of the subwoofer itself. This circumstance leads to the fact that the crossover filter is engaged in the removal of low frequencies from the signal. The main speakers subsequently receive an already filtered signal.

Types of acoustic design

by the most simple view acoustic design of the subwoofer is a traditional closed box, but this option is definitely not the only one. A fairly well-known type is the phase inverter. On one of the walls of the subwoofer in this case contains a tunnel with a well-defined diameter and length. An almost identical option is a passive radiator. However, this type of acoustic design contains an additional speaker instead of a tunnel. True, it is not equipped with a magnetic system and a voice coil. Another very interesting option is the labyrinth. The back wall of such a subwoofer is designed to work on a zigzag sound guide.

A closed box is a type of construction that does not provide for the presence of additional emitters. The box is completely sealed, and on one of its walls there is a subwoofer. Depending on its design, the quality of the final sound may vary.

Bandpass. This type of design is a bass-reflex box. In the middle of this design, a special wall is installed that separates the chambers, which differ in different volumes. As for the speaker, it is located directly on the partition between the cameras. It should immediately be noted that such a design is characterized by a fairly high efficiency of its work. As for the name Bandpass, its origin is easy to explain. The fact is that such a case without problems can significantly limit the frequency response that a subwoofer has.

Distinctive features of car subwoofers

Knowing thoroughly what an active and passive subwoofer is, it becomes clear that similar devices can be installed not only in vehicles, but also in the house. However, the difference lies in the installation process. Home models are very easy to install, but in the case of automotive counterparts, certain requirements must be met. It is no coincidence that drivers are actively interested in what a car subwoofer is and its main technical properties. These models are small in size, so they can be easily placed in the trunk.

Main problems

Before you learn about what an active car subwoofer is, you need to consider certain theoretical problems that may subsequently arise. First of all, it should be noted the need to use additional electronics. Initially, the bass sound quality may also be quite low. Of course, it is also important to know what a passive car subwoofer is, but the possible disadvantages should by no means be ignored. For example, not in all situations the sound of the presented device may coincide with the most basic speakers. These and other purely theoretical shortcomings are best known in advance and minimize the likelihood of occurrence during operation.

A fairly common problem is also the situation in which subwoofers are forced to reproduce quite deep bass in the course of their work. Due to high-quality controllability, this goal is still achieved, but the level of sensitivity of the device increases. This situation results in most subwoofers sounding somewhat slow or exaggerated. It is not uncommon to lose important details.

You should also not forget that subwoofers in certain situations are able to fill the vehicle with low-frequency energy. As a result, many resonant phenomena occur inside the machine. In order to avoid such consequences, it is necessary to pay special attention to the correct placement of the subwoofer inside the car. If you miss this fact, then there will be a high probability that the so-called "musical results" will be far from the most high level. If you install two subwoofers at the same time, you can somewhat mitigate the problem associated with excitation of frequencies in the car interior.

Causes of Subwoofer Hearing and Not Bass

The highest quality subwoofers are characterized by the absence of cabinet vibration. However, it is not uncommon for the case walls to emit sound as well. Vibration may also be encountered by other elements and panels. As a result, overtones become even more high-frequency. It happens that the problem arises trivially due to the fact that the filter settings of the amplifier were made with some errors.

Among other things, unwanted overtones may well be a logical consequence of air turbulence. Experts clearly know that at fairly low frequencies, the cone stroke is in most cases very significant. When exposed high temperatures it can even reach several centimeters. It is clear that in such a situation, the movement of air will be very significant, and this already leads to its turbulence.

The subwoofer manufacturer must have a positive reputation and good reviews. Otherwise, consumers run the risk of purchasing a subwoofer, the case of which is characterized by poor assembly. That is why before buying a subwoofer it is necessary to study it very carefully. Without exception, all panels of the device must be fitted in such a way that even the smallest gaps are completely absent. As you know, the smallest hole will automatically have a negative impact on the final sound.

An active subwoofer is responsible for the quality sound of low tones in speech and musical compositions. This is a complex sound system. Only 1 device is enough, because the human ear will not recognize where low sounds come from. It does not matter where the device is located.

Types and features of subwoofers

The standard small subwoofer has a cutoff frequency range of 40 to 20 Hz. The product is made 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 instrument designs. For example, a closed subwoofer is sealed. Its construction is solid, the sounds are practically not distorted. Among the shortcomings - the larger the speaker, the greater the power of the membrane movements.

Bass reflex subwoofer is well suited for the home. The sound will be bright and rich.

The operation is based on the reverse movement of air flows through the phase inverter during the oscillation of the membrane.

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

For a car, a good option is devices like FreeAir. It is a closed subwoofer with an air chamber. The speakers give good sound when mounted in the trunk and use the interior of the vehicle to create deep bass.

Active

An active subwoofer for cars is a speaker system in which there is a powerful built-in amplifier that separates the filter and several speakers. This means that such a structure is a single block.

The sound quality is better than the passive option, according to most users. Although it depends on the settings. Yes, and connect an active subwoofer is much easier.

Passive

Considering what a passive subwoofer is, we can say the following: this 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, 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 details are already built in.
• Sound quality. Active ones have better sound quality, but it depends on the settings. In practice, if you qualitatively establish a passive subwoofer, then the sound can be much more effective. In addition, the settings can be chosen independently, depending on your own perception.
• Settings. Active ones have more options, but if powerful outdoor-type amplifiers are used, then this feature is not important. In addition, the ability to connect a bass regulator is taken into account.

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

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

Passive subwoofers can have different designs - bandpass, phase inverters or a 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 the car radio without other devices. But because of this, in 1 case you have to place either electronics or dynamics.

Installation in the car

Many are interested in how to properly connect an active subwoofer on their own. A beginner can handle this too.

Installing an active subwoofer in a car is as follows:

1. During installation, use signal and power wires. The positive cable must be connected to the "+" on the battery. It must have a large diameter.
2. Install a fuse against short circuits and overloads. It is recommended to leave the part in the engine compartment, as close to the battery as possible. If needed, it will be freely available.
3. Fix 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.
4. 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. On one side, the cable is fixed 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.

You can connect to a stereo amplifier in several ways:

1. The subwoofer is connected to the outputs to which speakers are already connected. There will be parallel operation in the low frequency range.
2. You can connect a subwoofer to the receiver, and acoustics to the outputs on the sub itself. In front of them are high-pass filters that will get rid of wheezing, noise, etc. But keep in mind that with this method of connection, the load on the speaker system increases, so it may break.

Manual setting

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

Consideration must be given to cabin size, amplifier power, and music direction when creating a wooden subwoofer box.

The following filters are used:

• LPF. cuts off high frequencies. Standard located on the amplifier. Open access to the regulator and turn with a screwdriver until the frequency is 60 Hz.
• subsonic. Responsible for cutting infrasound. Located on the back of the amplifier. The screwdriver must be turned so that it is 5 Hz less than the frequency of the phase inverter port.
• Gain level setting. This is the input sensitivity of the device. located on the amplifier. First you need to turn the knob to a minimum and turn on the sound with a gradual increase in volume. Continue until the first defects appear. Then turn the knob back so that a clear sound appears. Now you need to turn the regulator clockwise until defects occur. Then return a few divisions back.

How to turn active from passive

From an active device, you can make a passive device, and you don’t even need to spend money. This increases the space in the trunk.

For example, there is an active version of the Kicx ICQ 300BA subwoofer and a Blaupunkt GTA-475 amplifier with 4 channels. 4 speakers are connected to the latter. But those located in the rear doors do not apply. 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:

1. Disassemble the subwoofer.
2. Remove barriers. After removing the amplifier, there is a lot of space left.
3. Cut out the back wall from the plywood sheet. Attach it with Moment glue and self-tapping screws. Cover the joints with sealant inside. The thickness of the plywood sheet should be 1.2 cm.
4. Holes should be sealed with sealant. Contacts - pin.
5. When everything is dry, you need to connect the devices. That is, channels 3 and 4 will be under the subwoofer.

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

When choosing a subwoofer, they pay attention to the manufacturer, build quality, price, installation, and the possibility of settings. Well proven such the 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 a lot of experience in developing such products. You can buy subs for both home and professional. A prime example is the Pioneer TS W304R. The top subwoofer also includes the Alpine SBE 1244BR. The manufacturer is a French company.

• Pioneer TS-WX210A. Differs in increased sensitivity and the ability to remotely control. Of the shortcomings - fastening only to the floor.
• Alpine PWE-V80. The disadvantages include only the fact that the setting is carried out from the remote control.
• JBL Basspro SL. It has an economical amplifier with low cooling requirements. But keep in mind that the connectors are inconvenient.
• Eton USB 10. Small in height and low power.

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

A subwoofer is a special additional speaker that reproduces low frequencies. Normal speakers contain speakers responsible for mids and . Even if your speakers are hung on the walls or standing on a table, it is still better to put the subwoofer on the floor, this will improve the sound of low frequencies. But when buying a powerful subwoofer, it is important to make sure that your love of beauty is shared by the neighbors below.

A passive subwoofer is quite simple. Its housing contains one or more low-frequency "heads" that are connected to an external amplifier. Passive subwoofers come in two types. The device of the first type differs in that the signal is fed to the stereo amplifier simultaneously for the loudspeakers of all frequencies. Thus, the speakers must reproduce all frequencies, including those unusual for them, and the sound is unclear. The second type of passive subwoofer is equipped with an additional electronic crossover filter that sorts the frequencies so that only the appropriate signal is sent to each speaker.

An active subwoofer contains everything at once: there is a crossover filter and its own amplifier. On the device, you can find various line inputs and outputs, as well as crossover frequency controls and signal level settings for various frequencies. An active subwoofer is often the preferred option, as it produces good sound by expanding the speaker's dynamic range.

Which subwoofer to choose

If you want to connect everything, and for the audio system to work well right away, without additional settings or other actions, then choose an active subwoofer. Standard settings such a device in the vast majority of cases satisfy the sound of heavy or dance music, bass frequencies are deeply transmitted. In addition, the active subwoofer already has an amplifier, and you do not need to take care of it.

But if you're able to get really good at setting up your audio system (and are willing to figure it out), then a passive subwoofer might well be your choice. Expensive and high-quality audio system with professional passive subwoofer allows you to adjust the sound much more fully than with an active subwoofer. Although it can be quite painstaking and difficult, and you need to feel the sound of music to cope, nevertheless, true lovers good sound often choose this option.

To summarize, we can say that the precise and very high-quality setting of a passive subwoofer allows you to get a much more spacious and dense sound than a speaker system with an active subwoofer. But the latter option sounds good right from the start and is noticeably better than a cheap passive subwoofer.

Nowadays, more and more people pay attention to the acoustics of the car. Gained great popularity different types subwoofers. However, not everyone can afford such a luxury. The way out of this situation is to independently manufacture a passive subwoofer.

Instruction

First you need to think about making a box for your future subwoofer. To do this, you need to select a form. Please note that making a cylindrical box is much more difficult than a square one. Chipboard is suitable for work. It is best to fasten this material together with self-tapping screws. After that, using a jigsaw, make a round hole in front of the box. It will need to install a speaker. Also make a hole on the back side. It is necessary for the output of wires.

Next, finish the case from the inside. To do this, lay soundproofing sheets in several layers. The box should not make extraneous sounds during vibration. Interior decoration must be taken very seriously.

After the box is ready, you can proceed to its internal filling. The speaker must be correctly positioned, otherwise you will not get the expected effect. It is recommended to lay a good seal around the edges of the round hole. The fact is that the speaker will constantly vibrate. It is unlikely that you want to hear creaking and knocking when music is playing. Place the speaker in the case and screw it tightly onto the screws.

Next, put cotton wool in the body. She must fill it out completely. Vata promotes good sound. Now it remains to finish the body outside. For this you can use the most different materials. Carpet is very popular. Paste the subwoofer with this material. Use regular Moment glue. Connect the wires to the amplifier and check the performance of your self-made subwoofer.

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Tip 3: What is the difference between active and passive pickups

Every guitarist knows what a pickup is, but not everyone is aware that there are two types: active and passive. What is the difference?

The sound pickup is so called according to the principle of its operation. It picks up the sound from the strings and sends it to the amplifier, much like a microphone. However, the microphone can amplify other, completely unnecessary sounds, while the pickup is aimed only at the strings. After all, without pickups, we would never have heard our fans at a rock concert.

Passive Pickup

This type of pickup is commonly seen on electric and bass guitars. It converts the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal and sends it to the amplifier. The fact is that such pickups send a weak, unprocessed, "raw" signal to the output. The shorter the cable there is a sound, the more legible and louder it will be. However, there are pluses: I connected the cable and you can immediately play.

active pickup

The principle of operation of such a pickup is similar to the first one. The only difference is that it amplifies the signal in the case itself, sending an already strong, processed sound to the output. And nothing depends on the length of the cable. In such pickups, it is required to install a battery, from which the current will go to the preamplifier.

Users who are thinking about purchasing a subwoofer have a variety of goals. Someone wants to improve the sound of an existing speaker system. Someone wants to get in the car a unique feeling of body vibrations from a juicy, powerful bass. Another part of consumers wants to create a crystal clear, completely authentic sound environment of a concert hall. An active or passive subwoofer has certain advantages and disadvantages, and can solve certain problems.

To better understand how an active subwoofer differs from a passive one, you should start by getting to know the device of a simpler product. The case in which the large diameter speaker is placed, the frequency filters are a classic design. This is how you can describe a passive subwoofer.

There are several options for this type of equipment. The most common design is a sealed enclosure with a speaker. This is called a closed passive subwoofer.

Another type of device is a housing with a route for air circulation, called a phase inverter. Such subs have a stable increase in volume from the supplied power, which closed systems cannot boast of.

There is one design option in which a passive subwoofer can differ sharply from an active one. The latter is rarely used. The bandpass system is a two-zone emitter. The sealed segment of the case, in which the speaker is located, is connected to the region of the channels for the passage of air.

As a result of the work of such a tandem, the sub sounds very good, especially in large rooms. It forms a juicy, rich bass due to intense air vibrations.

For a passive subwoofer to work, a good external amplifier is required. The more signal parameter adjustments it provides, the best quality sound picture can be achieved.

An active subwoofer is self-sufficient. It is a case where not only the speaker is located, every inch of which provides high-quality bass, but also its own power amplifier. Such a scheme is convenient, compact, and generally rated by users as quite practical.

Features, pros and cons of active subwoofers

An active home subwoofer is an almost perfect device. He has everything he needs on board. Here is an amplifier, an adjustable filter to adjust the cutoff frequency. In expensive models, it is possible to change the phase shift of the signal. Individual products may have a difference in the proposed sets of inputs and outputs, signal formats.

An active sub has the following advantages:

• just connects;
• does not require an external amplifier;
• features a compact design;
• if there are outputs, speakers can be connected to the device, creating a compact speaker system;
• you can buy a top model with many adjustments and high power.

active sub has good rating at consumers. Mainly due to the affordable cost and the widest range of applications. An active subwoofer will perfectly complement the sound of an existing speaker system. It is easy to put it in the house due to its compact size.

Minuses active system the following:

• due to the heat generated by the amplifier, the air inside the speaker chamber heats up, which can affect its electrical characteristics and degrade the sound;
• operation at critical volume levels is fraught with the failure of the amplifier due to an increase in temperature in the case.

You need to choose an active subwoofer carefully, focusing on the power of the sound system that it will complement. It is also recommended to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding placement, cooling conditions.

Features, pros and cons of passive subwoofers

A passive subwoofer is an extremely simple design. This may mean that it is not difficult to make it yourself to install in the car. The passive system has a number of advantages:

• design space;
• bandpass class solutions, which are rarely found in active systems;
• even a homemade passive sub sounds juicy, delivering clear and rich bass;
• no overheating of the speaker and air inside the case during system operation;
• you can easily modify the characteristics of the subwoofer by adding self-made or purchased frequency filters.

But the main thing that distinguishes the product of this type, is a small price. And this attracts not only fans of experiments, but also music lovers who want to improve the sound of an existing speaker system. But the passive subwoofer also has disadvantages.

1. The main disadvantage is that a passive subwoofer needs an external amplifier to work. Its power should be at least one and a half times higher than the maximum performance of the sound emitter. Such a product, firstly, is expensive. Secondly, installing a passive subwoofer to improve the sound of existing acoustics may require a complete replacement of amplifying equipment, since the existing one will not be able to pump the low-frequency speaker without distortion.
2. The disadvantage associated with the formation of an external signal: conventional amplifiers are not suitable for a passive type subwoofer. You need to buy a device that works only in the low frequency band.
3. All sound adjustments are purely external. The playback quality is controlled by the amplifier. The number of its adjustments is directly responsible for the richness of the bass, the cutoff frequency, and other subwoofer parameters.
4. In closed subwoofers, the required increase in power supplied to the device, depending on the volume, increases exponentially. This is due to air resistance in the sealed enclosure.

However, these shortcomings do not detract from the excellent sound of a passive subwoofer. According to the average estimate, it will always show stable results, unlike the active one, where there is overheating and the effect of vibrations on electronic circuits.

What is better to choose

It is not difficult to give an exact answer whether an active or passive subwoofer is worth buying, if you focus on the needs of the average user (except for motorists). An active sub wins by all criteria. This is a self-sufficient device with its own amplifier, the power of which is carefully selected for the good performance of the installed speaker.

Today you can buy an active subwoofer with a variety of functional equipment. Units can offer cutoff frequency, phase shift adjustment to perfectly complement the sound of a multipoint speaker system.

With increasing power active amplifiers start to cost significantly more. However, if you don’t want to bother with installing additional filters, looking for a suitable amplifier, the additional investment is justified, and the cost of a subwoofer with built-in electronics fades into the background.

For motorists - their own rules. Only passive subwoofers are installed in the car. The reason is that the devices are mounted in a limited space where there is little or no air circulation. Therefore, the active sub elementary overheats and fails.

But the amplifier for a passive subwoofer can be placed in an area where it is convenient to provide the necessary temperature regime including forced ventilation.