Subwoofer
What is a subwoofer?
Subwoofers (also called „sub“) were specially developed for reproduction of low-frequency sounds. As soon as frequencies fall below a certain range, they are passed on to the sub. This is usually the case at around 100 Hz. With its large cone area, the subwoofer has the ideal prerequisites to make the significantly larger volume of air that is usual in the low frequency range vibrate. This is also the reason why subs are usually significantly larger than conventional speakers in the mid and treble range.
Active or passive? Closed or bass reflex? Flat or built-in?
Subwoofers are available in various designs. You can find an overview of the different designs, including advantages and disadvantages, here:
- Active or passive: With active subwoofers, the amplifier for the sub is also housed in the cabinet. This offers the advantage that it can be controlled wirelessly by the receiver. Newer models are usually active loudspeakers. One of the reasons for this is that current AV receivers often no longer have connections for passive subwoofers.
- Closed or bass reflex: Closed and bass reflex subs differ in terms of their cabinet design. Bass reflex speakers have an additional opening that boosts the bass in certain frequency ranges. This is why bass reflex models are generally preferable to a closed enclosure.
- Flat or built-in: Subwoofers are traditionally quite bulky, but they are also available in special shapes that allow them to be harmoniously integrated into the room. Flat subwoofers are one option for the best living room integration. The flat cabinet design allows them to be conveniently placed under the sofa or behind the sideboard. This makes flat subwoofers particularly suitable for retrofitting into existing home theater systems. The situation is different with built-in products. The sub can be integrated into walls, floors, ceilings or wall units. Breathtaking sound that is audible and perceptible but not visible - that's possible with built-in subwoofers!
Closed or bass reflex - which subwoofer is better?
A sealed subwoofer, also known as a closed enclosure, is a subwoofer in which the enclosure is completely sealed, with no openings or ports. This design offers a more precise and controlled bass response as the sealed enclosure better dampens the movements of the woofer. This results in a tighter and more detailed bass, which is often preferred by music lovers.
A bass reflex subwoofer, on the other hand, uses a housing with one or more ports (openings) that relieve the internal air pressure and increase the efficiency of the woofer. This design extends the frequency response and increases the bass performance, especially at low frequencies. This results in a louder and more powerful bass, which is particularly appreciated in home theaters where a deep, powerful bass is desired.
The choice between a closed and bass reflex subwoofer therefore depends on individual sound preferences and the intended use. ComPeri will be happy to advise you on choosing the right subwoofer for your home cinema experience.
<p
Subwoofer: for cinematic sounds
Sound systems without a separate subwoofer are also capable of reproducing sounds in the low frequency range. Where the subwoofer is superior to these is the low cut-off frequency, which is significantly lower with the sub than with other loudspeakers. Depending on the model, subwoofers can reach low cut-off frequencies of 30 or even 25 Hz. It therefore makes sense to use a sub if the bass in the sound image is important.
This is particularly the case with movies. Heated car chases, thrilling action scenes or the scream of Godzilla - these are sounds that only sound half as spectacular without a subwoofer. So a lot depends on the sub in home cinema. A good subwoofer creates a real cinema feeling in your living room and takes home cinema to a new dimension. Feel the sound waves - that's possible with a good subwoofer.
Flat or built-in subwoofer?
Flat and built-in subwoofers are special types of subwoofers that have been developed to save space in certain applications and at the same time deliver good bass reproduction. Both types have their own advantages and are suitable for different applications.
A flat subwoofer is, as the name suggests, flatter and more compact than conventional subwoofers. These subwoofers are designed to be placed in tight spaces, such as under car seats, behind sofas or in narrow areas of home theater systems. Despite their reduced size, flat subwoofers can deliver surprisingly powerful bass as they use special drivers and cabinet designs to maximize efficiency. They are ideal for situations where lack of space is an issue, but solid bass performance is still desired.
In-wall subwoofers, also known as in-wall or in-ceiling subwoofers, are designed for permanent installation in walls or ceilings. These subwoofers offer the advantage of seamless integration into the room as they are virtually invisible and do not take up valuable floor or shelf space. Built-in subwoofers are particularly popular in modern home theaters and living rooms where a minimalist design and unobtrusive installation are desired. Despite their hidden design, they can deliver impressive bass reproduction, especially when installed and calibrated correctly.
Subwoofers from ComPeri: high-quality products from renowned brands
At ComPeri we stock a wide range of high-quality subwoofers. For our media technology, we work exclusively with well-known brand manufacturers whose names stand for first-class quality and service.
We have put together a selection of our products for you:
Bose
Bose develops innovative solutions in the professional audio sector and is one of the leading manufacturers of audio technology. Experience powerful bass with a subwoofer from Bose. The Bose Bass Module 700 delivers top sound in a comparatively compact form. Even smaller is the Bass Module 500, which, with a side length of just 25 cm, fits discreetly into any living room. Connect your Bose subwoofer wirelessly to your soundbar for an even more immersive sound experience.
Fohhn
Fohhn offers innovative audio system solutions especially for conference rooms. Fohhn subwoofers also cut a fine figure in your home theater. The products from the X series in particular, such as the XS-30 active, impress with their precise bass reproduction, high power handling and versatile application options. We will be happy to advise you on choosing the right product.</p
Genelec
The Finnish manufacturer Genelec specializes in the production of active speaker systems. The range also includes several subwoofers with first-class sound quality, including the Genelec 5041A. With its slim design, it was specially developed for wall installation. The device impresses with a high transmission range between 35 and 95 Hz and a sound pressure level of 105 dB. This will undoubtedly make your next home cinema evening an unforgettable experience!
The ComPeri 360° media technology service: We are here for you
ComPeri is your full-service provider for advice, planning and integration of high-quality audio systems. We provide you with full support in the selection and installation of your home theater, including a high-quality subwoofer. Our 360° media technology service extends far beyond applications in the high-end home entertainment sector and also includes professional applications such as media technology equipment for conference rooms, educational institutions and museums. We not only support you in the selection and integration of suitable audio technology. Our core competencies also include video technology installations, software solutions and even the right furniture. In this way, we provide you with comprehensive support for the media technology equipment of your premises - for unforgettable multimedia experiences that are second to none!