Passive subwoofer in modern speaker systems. Active and passive acoustics

Probably, any fan of high-quality music would like to enjoy their favorite compositions on good and powerful sound equipment. Well, this is why speaker systems with powerful subwoofers appeared. As a rule, the main dilemma when purchasing such a system is which subwoofer to choose - active or passive.

Definition of passive and active subwoofers

Passive subwoofer It is distinguished by its extremely simple design - it consists of a housing and one or more low-frequency heads, which are then connected to an external amplifier. There are also two types of passive subwoofer connections. The first type is the least preferable due to the presence of sound distortion and lower quality of its transmission - in this case, the stereo amplifier signal is supplied not only to the subwoofer, but also to other speakers. Connecting with an electronic crossover filter makes much more sense because it effectively separates the bass from the signal going to other speakers.
Part active subwoofer includes both a crossover filter and a power amplifier. Thus, an active subwoofer is a mobile combination of several devices that can be found separately. The active subwoofer has line inputs and outputs, as well as a function for adjusting the signal level and crossover frequency. As a rule, a good active subwoofer significantly expands the dynamic range of the speaker system, which, of course, will have a beneficial effect on the quality of the music.

Comparison of passive and active subwoofers

Firstly, an active subwoofer with its standard settings is on average better suited for heavy or dance and rhythmic music, since it conveys bass frequencies better and has more flexible settings and adjustments (except when using an expensive speaker system and a very high-quality passive subwoofer ). Secondly, active subwoofers have their own amplifiers, while passive subwoofers require external amplifiers. However, a system with a passive subwoofer can be tuned to sound better than a system with an active subwoofer, but this is a very painstaking and delicate process. In this regard, an active subwoofer is much more convenient, because it is much faster and easier to set up, but many connoisseurs of good sound prefer to spare no time and effort in setting up passive systems.

TheDifference.ru determined that the difference between a passive and an active subwoofer is as follows:

An active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier. A passive subwoofer requires connection to external audio amplifiers.
Setting up a speaker system with an active subwoofer is much faster and easier.
With the most accurate and high-quality tuning, a system with a passive subwoofer, as a rule, produces more spacious and dense sound than a system with an active subwoofer.

What is a subwoofer? Essentially, a passive subwoofer is a speaker that is connected to a computer or speaker system. It is capable of reproducing low-frequency sounds (from five to two hundred Hz). There are passive and active subwoofers. This affects their ability to transmit sound.

For a good audio system sound, one large speaker is enough, which can be placed under the table for convenience. By choosing the most suitable location for placing the subwoofer, you can try to dampen standing low-frequency waves that appear in a closed small room. Most often, a passive subwoofer is used in home theaters for watching movies with special effects and listening to music. He conveys well

It happens that subwoofer systems do not fit well with the equipment connected to them due to a mismatch between their phase and amplitude-frequency characteristics. To overcome such sound defects, some subwoofers have the ability to adjust the phase and upper frequency.

Types of subwoofers

There are two types of subwoofers: active and passive. Questions arise about how they differ from passive ones, what functions they perform in acoustic systems?

An active subwoofer has a built-in subwoofer that makes it capable of removing low-frequency load from the amplifier. In addition, an active subwoofer has an active crossover, which allows you to filter high frequencies and helps coordinate the operation of the subwoofer with a wideband acoustic system. Quite often it has additional customization options to suit the application. It has a tone and volume control.

Unlike an active subwoofer, a passive subwoofer does not have an amplifier. It is subordinate to the device to which it is connected: to a computer, speaker system. Therefore, it is connected as a supplement to the main stereo speakers. It can also be connected to a separate power amplifier. The main disadvantage of a passive subwoofer is that it creates additional load on stereo channels, which reduces the volume and dynamics of the audio system. But, the higher the sensitivity of the subwoofer, the less it loads the amplifier.

The design features of a passive subwoofer make it difficult to place in the room. It should be moved until a good bass sound is found. that a subwoofer has can be divided into three types: deep (from twenty to forty Hz), medium (from forty to eighty Hz), and high (from eighty to one hundred and sixty Hz) bass. The sound a subwoofer produces depends on the area of the diffuser. The power and organic quality of the bass depends on this.

Subwoofer designs

Based on their design, passive subwoofers are divided into: horn, bass reflex and bandpass. They have their advantages and disadvantages. The horn subwoofer is located on the wall of the sealed box. Closed types of subwoofers can have large, bulky sizes, despite the fact that they have the ability to reproduce rich, deep bass.

Bass reflex speakers have a speaker that is located in the housing. Most often there is a hole on one side. These types of subwoofers produce lower-pitched bass than closed speakers because the cone travel is increased. They are more suitable for large rooms due to their high volume.

The next type that a passive subwoofer can have is a bandpass subwoofer. It is a bandpass filter that combines the properties of the two types described above. This is manifested in the fact that the subwoofer consists of two parts: a closed box and a bass reflex. Therefore, the sound pressure increases, but the frequency range becomes smaller.

For home use, closed-type or bass-reflex subwoofers are more suitable. When choosing them, you should pay attention to the following. The subwoofer amplifier must exceed one and a half times the power of the speaker system. Compliance with this condition will ensure sound quality.

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). A compact active subwoofer is a good option if you need to mount the device discreetly in your 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. The speakers provide good sound when mounted in the trunk and use the vehicle's interior 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 tune 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 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, 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

There are special programs that 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. Cuts 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 turn 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 an active version of the Kicx ICQ 300BA subwoofer and a Blaupunkt GTA-475 amplifier 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. The best manufacturers such as Sony, Alpine, Pioneer, Helix, JBL, Kicx, Yamaha have proven themselves well.

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 are the following models: Kicx ICQ 300BA, Pioneer TS-WX206, Alpine SWE-815.

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

Passive type devices are 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 can have two different types of connection. 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 element is 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 line outputs and inputs, as well as an additional option that allows 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 better?

It is easier and more practical to purchase an active type device. It is suitable for rhythmic and dance music. Wide functionality includes 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. It's a painstaking and delicate process, but the results can be superior to powered 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 an experienced audiophile, look for good passive speakers and configure them to your own taste and preference. Then you will be guaranteed true surround sound.

The era of cassette car radios and the “tinny” sound that poured into the ears of passengers and car drivers from homemade speaker systems or speakers from the NONAME company is receding into history. Very quickly, car enthusiasts appreciated the benefits of digital sound and the advantages of high-quality audio equipment, in particular subwoofers. These devices complemented the standard acoustics with powerful bass, which made it possible to enjoy rich sound that caused a friendly run of “goosebumps” on the skin. In our rating of the best active and passive subwoofers for cars, we tried to cover the most interesting (according to reviews from car enthusiasts and experts) models in different price categories.

How to choose a subwoofer

Selecting a subwoofer wisely is not only a question of the quality of the speaker or the power of the amplifier. Its design itself has a noticeable “sharpening” for specific styles of music- for example, subwoofers with a bass reflex are perceived by ear as having a sharper attack (the rear volume does not dampen the movement of the diffuser, and also acts as a sound source), therefore they have long been loved for the synthetic “tink-tink”, while a softer and more natural-sounding attack Subwoofers with a closed rear volume will allow you to enjoy not only the blues, but also many rather extreme styles of instrumental music on the move. A Band-pass type case, where the diffuser works on the internal volume on both sides, and all the sound comes out through a hole in the box, gives maximum efficiency, but with a pronounced “hump” in the region of a certain frequency band - such a subwoofer can only be recommended for certain tastes , so in any case you need to listen to a specific instance.

Which subwoofer is better - active or passive? Here the question is solely about budget and requirements: of course, an active subwoofer is easier to connect and install, but sound quality will most likely have to be sacrificed - it’s not for nothing that most high-end products are passive, the amplifier for them is already selected for a specific installation.

Closed enclosure, bass reflex or bandpass? But we’ll answer this question simply - choose a subwoofer by at least listening to it in a car of similar volume, and not in a store: the difference will be very strong. And, of course, listen to exactly the music that you like - then you can understand exactly how suitable it is.

Which brand's car subwoofer is better? Over the years, the domestic car audio equipment market has developed a group of favorites whose products are always popular. Car subwoofers from companies such as Sony, Alpine, Pioneer, Helix, JBL, Kicx, Yamaha and other famous manufacturers have long proven themselves to be the best.