Electrical Pulses
Subwoofers, like traditional speakers, work by interpreting vibrations in the from of electrical pulses. Whether via a stereo amplifier or computer soundcard, subwoofers utilize the speaker cones in their construction to interpret these electrical pulses as sounds. This is a process not unlike what occurs when the human brain takes vibrations from the world around them and similarly translates these signals into sounds. The speaker cones of the subwoofer vibrate to the electrical pulses and play music. Subwoofers usually rely on an outside power supply, and are not self-sufficient.
Sound Cones
Subwoofer cones are used in different ways depending upon the type of speaker. The design differs somewhat from model to model, and specifications can range. Two or three cones can be utilized that each specialize in a different range of sound frequencies. Generally, the cone that handles high range sound frequencies is also the smallest, and on down. The bass tone is a large cone that handles all the lowest sounds. Subwoofers are known for providing a more powerful bass experience than normal speakers, helping to enrich the overall sound experience. This specialization in sound makes the subwoofer an indispensable part of the home audio sound system.
Sound Specialization
A greater bass experience is achieved thanks to the subwoofers ability to utilize the low cone. The other components of the speaker system can provide more resources toward achieving high and mid range sound frequencies via the small and mid-sized cones. Meanwhile, the subwoofer can focus on boosting the power of the sound output by controlling the low cone bass sound output. Thanks to this cone specialization, the subwoofer alters the entire dynamic of the sound system without distorting the bass sound.
Quality and Quantity
Subwoofers not only specialize in improving the sound experience through a dedication to the bass sound, but also in quality. More bass sound is not the only upside to the use of subwoofers. Outside of simply less distortion, bass sound quality is also significantly improved. Subwoofers achieve this greater bass sound by only broadcasting in a limited frequency range. This frequency range is roughly around 20-100Hz.
Placement
Another unique feature of subwoofers versus other sound components is their flexibility in placement. Bass sounds, or the low 20-100Hz frequencies that subwoofers are dedicated to, are not purely directional signals, and as such there are more options with subwoofer placement. Regular speakers typically need to be aimed to some extent. Subwoofers can accommodate a specific room's layout.
Tags: bass sound, range sound, range sound frequencies, sound frequencies, bass experience, bass sound only
