Active or passive subwoofer, which is better? Distinctive features of active and passive subwoofer

A subwoofer is an acoustic system that reproduces low-frequency sounds. The approximate range of frequencies converted by the device varies from 20 to 160 Hz. A person has difficulty perceiving low frequencies, which is why he feels more outgoing vibration. However, sound waves can create the necessary atmosphere when listening to music or watching blockbusters, so the device is often included in the speaker system.

There are two types of subwoofers in relation to the power amplifier:

passive;
active.

Passive and active subwoofers

The separation is associated with an amplifier, which is either built into the device or absent, which requires its additional connection.

Passive subwoofers

A passive subwoofer is quite simple in design. It consists of a housing and one or more low-frequency heads. It is they who are later connected to an external amplifier. This type of device also differs in connection type. When transferring sound signal both the subwoofer and other speakers experience strong sound distortion, so direct connection not recommended. To achieve purity when listening to music transmitted sounds, you should connect a passive subwoofer through a crossover filter, as it separates the bass from the higher frequencies.

Active subwoofers

An active subwoofer is a more advanced device, since it already has an amplifier and crossover filter built into it. This technique can be connected directly to the sound source, so it does not cause difficulties during the installation process. The active subwoofer has built-in functions for adjusting the signal level and frequency, back panel equipped with line-type input and output connectors. A high-quality device allows you to clearly reproduce sounds from a wide range low frequencies what is important for good speaker system.

The difference between the two types of subwoofers

Depending on the purpose for which the device is purchased, it is better to give preference to one type or another. Standard settings Active subwoofers are good for heavy or rhythmic music. The device better transmits low frequencies and allows you to adjust their degree of expression. WITH passive subwoofer you can also achieve a similar effect, but this will require expensive equipment connected to a powerful system.

Active subwoofers are already equipped with an amplifier, so problems with power differences cannot arise. A passive subwoofer requires a remote amplifier, since often the sound source and the speaker system have different powers. If they are connected directly, the sound waves will be distorted, causing noise to be heard or the sound will be quiet even at maximum volume.

A passive subwoofer, with high-quality tuning, is capable of producing a cleaner sound that will outperform active sub woofer. True, to achieve such a result you will have to spend a lot of time and effort. Moreover, not every average person understands these subtleties so deeply. Thus, for the average listener, an active subwoofer would be much preferable, while a passive subwoofer is more often purchased by true connoisseurs of high-quality sound.

Why does a passive subwoofer sound cleaner?

As already mentioned, a passive subwoofer correct settings capable of producing denser and surround sound. This is due to a number of parameters:

no overheating of the air inside the device;
possibility of connecting additional filters;
external amplifiers have a large number parameters to configure;
The power and depth of sound are enhanced due to the fact that there are no unnecessary obstacles in the cabinet.

In addition, when comparing active and passive subwoofers with similar parameters of converted sound waves, the latter will cost less, since they are not overloaded with additional devices. True, you will have to buy an additional amplifier, which will significantly increase the final costs.

How to connect an active subwoofer?

There are three ways to connect a powered subwoofer to a sound source. The diagram shows the most common version of the inputs and outputs of acoustic system devices.

The subwoofer has two inputs high level, so you will need a long and thick speaker cable to connect the device. When connecting, RCA cables or, in other words, “tulips” are used. One end is connected to the subwoofer, the other to the input on the rear panel of the receiver labeled “Subwoofer”. If there are two RCA type connectors or four on the panel, then a white connector is used.

You can also use the outputs to connect speaker systems. In this case, both the subwoofer and the system will operate in parallel in the low-frequency range. It is possible to connect active subwoofers to the amplifier, but this will only increase the load on the device, causing the sound quality to suffer.

How to connect a passive subwoofer?

If the subwoofer has two terminals, the device is connected through an amplifier to the Pre Out Subwoofer output. The connection diagram can be represented by the following chain: Passive subwoofer – Speaker cable – Amplifier – RCA cable – Receiver. In this case, it is necessary to set settings on the receiver that limit the frequency of reproduced frequencies.

Often, passive subwoofers are connected in parallel with the front speakers. To do this:

three terminals on the rear panel of the subwoofer are advantages of the front speakers and a common disadvantage;
The four terminals on the back of the subwoofer are the pros and cons of the front speakers.

To connect a passive subwoofer to an amplifier, it is recommended to use speaker cables with a thickness of 2.5 to 4 mm. During the connection process, the poles of the plugs and channels must be observed. When using the device in home theater The subwoofer outputs are connected to the satellites.

Connecting a subwoofer in a car

Since space in the car is limited, most owners vehicle prefer active subwoofers. This is due to the fact that connecting a passive one requires installation additional device– amplifier. To install the speaker system, you will need to perform a number of steps:

connect the linear outputs of the radio to the subwoofer inputs using a “tulip”. If there are no such outputs, the connection is made to HI INPUT;
The subwoofer is powered using a positive cable from the battery to the twelve-volt terminal of the subwoofer and a negative cable to the GND terminal. The fuse must be installed 20 cm from the battery;
The subwoofer is connected to the radio via the REM control wire. It is carried out from the radio to the terminal on the subwoofer; it is better to take a thinner cable.

Which device should you choose?

If you want to purchase a subwoofer, you need to decide which one is more suitable, taking into account the user’s goals. Some people need bass in their car, others need bass to listen to their favorite music, others prefer surround and multi-faceted sound when watching movies. For regular user an active subwoofer is more suitable, since it does not require complex settings and parameter comparisons different devices when connected.

Few users prefer passive devices, since their setup requires special knowledge. If you have a suitable amplifier and the ability to adjust the parameters to the required needs, you can give preference to this type, which can give a denser sound.

Subwoofers are designed for high-quality bass reproduction. 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 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 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 linear outputs and entrances, 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. It's a painstaking and delicate process, but the results can be superior to powered speakers. Price passive devices, as a rule, 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 configure them according to your own taste and preference. Then you will be guaranteed true surround sound.

The active subwoofer is responsible for high quality sound 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 - 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 technical excellence. This design is a mix of devices with a bass reflex and a closed one. The disadvantage is large sizes 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 options, but if used powerful amplifiers external type, then such a 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 may have different designs— bandpass, bass reflexes 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 the “+” 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 active device it happens more conveniently. 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. Will 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 that 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 who 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

From active device you can make 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. 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 a Pioneer TS W304R. The top subwoofers also include Alpine SBE 1244BR. The manufacturer is a French company.

Pioneer TS-WX210A. Different hypersensitivity and the ability to control remotely. 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. Possesses economical amplifier, which has 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, the following models are distinguished: Kicx ICQ 300BA, Pioneer TS-WX206, Alpine SWE-815.

A subwoofer is a special additional speaker that reproduces low frequencies. Conventional speakers contain speakers responsible for mids and . Even if your speakers are hung on the walls or on the table, it is still better to place the subwoofer on the floor, this will improve the sound of low frequencies. But when buying powerful subwoofer, it is important to make sure that your love for beauty is shared by your 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 first type of device differs in that a signal is supplied to the stereo amplifier simultaneously for speakers 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 frequencies so that each speaker receives only the signal corresponding to it.

An active subwoofer contains everything at once: it has both a crossover filter and its own amplifier. 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 provides good sound by expanding the dynamic range of the speaker system.

Which subwoofer to choose

If you want to connect everything and have the audio system work well right away, without additional settings or other actions, then choose an active subwoofer. The standard settings of such a device in the vast majority of cases satisfy the sound of heavy or dance music, bass frequencies are deeply transmitted. Plus, a powered subwoofer already has an amplifier, so you don't have to worry about it.

But if you can do a really good job of tuning your audio system (and are willing to figure it out), then a passive subwoofer may well be your choice. An expensive and high-quality audio system with a professional passive subwoofer allows you to adjust the sound much more fully than with an active subwoofer. Despite the fact that it can be quite painstaking and difficult, and you need to feel the sound of the music in order to cope, still, true lovers good sound This option is often chosen.

To summarize, we can say that precise and very high-quality tuning 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 are paying attention to car acoustics. Gained great popularity different types subwoofers. However, not everyone can afford such luxury. The way out of this situation is self-production passive subwoofer.

Instructions

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 making a square one. Chipboard is suitable for the job. fasten this material between themselves is best done using self-tapping screws. After that, use a jigsaw to make a round hole in the front of the box. You will need to install a speaker in it. Also make a hole on the back side. It is necessary for the output of wires.

Next, start finishing the inside of the body. To do this, lay sound insulation sheets in several layers. The box should not vibrate extraneous sounds. Interior decoration must be taken extremely seriously.

Once the box is ready, you can move on to filling it internally. The speaker must be positioned correctly, 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's unlikely that you want to hear creaks and knocks when playing music. Place the speaker into the housing and screw it tightly onto the self-tapping screws.

Next, place cotton wool in the body. She must fill it completely. Vata promotes good sound. Now all that remains is to finish the outside of the body. For this you can use the most different materials. Carpet is very popular. Cover the subwoofer with this material. Use regular Moment glue. Connect the wires to the amplifier and check the functionality of your homemade subwoofer.

Video on the topic

Tip 3: What is the difference between an active and passive pickup

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

The pickup is so called based on the principle of its operation. It picks up sound from the strings and transmits it to the amplifier, almost like a microphone. However, the microphone can also amplify others, even unnecessary sounds, while the pickup is aimed only at the strings. After all, without pickups we would never hear our fans at a rock concert.

Passive pickup

This type of pickup is common to see 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 that carries there is a sound, the more intelligible and louder it will be. However, there are also advantages: you connect the cable and you can play right away.

Active pickup

The principle of operation of such a pickup is similar to the first. The only difference is that it amplifies the signal in the housing itself, sending a strong, processed sound to the output. And nothing depends on the length of the cable here. Such pickups require a battery to be installed, from which the current will flow to the preamplifier.

Users who are thinking about purchasing a subwoofer are pursuing the most different goals. Someone wants to improve the sound of an existing speaker system. Someone wants to get a unique feeling of body vibrations from rich, powerful bass in their car. 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 structure of a simpler product. The housing, which houses a large-diameter speaker and frequency filters, is 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 housing with a speaker. This is called a closed passive subwoofer.

Another type of device is a housing with a path for air circulation, called a bass reflex. 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 uses it extremely rarely. The bandpass system is a two-zone emitter. The sealed segment of the housing in which the speaker is located is connected to the area of ducts for air passage.

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

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

The active subwoofer is self-sufficient. It is a housing that houses not only a speaker, every inch of which provides high-quality bass, but also its own power amplifier. This scheme is convenient, compact, and is generally rated by users as quite practical.

Features, pros and cons of active subwoofers

Active home subwoofer- 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 differences in the proposed sets of inputs and outputs, and signal formats.

An active sub has the following advantages:

easy to connect;
does not require an external amplifier;
features a compact design;
if there are outputs, you can connect speakers to the device, creating a compact speaker system;
you can buy top models with many adjustments and high power.

The active sub has good rating from consumers. Mainly due to its affordable cost and wide range of applications. An active subwoofer will perfectly complement the sound of an existing speaker system. It is easy to install in your home due to its compact size.

Cons 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 worsen the sound;
Operating at critical volume levels can result in amplifier failure due to rising temperature in the housing.

You need to carefully choose an active sub, focusing on power sound system, which he will complement. It is also recommended to strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding placement and cooling conditions.

Features, pros and cons of passive subwoofers

Passive subwoofer - extremely simple design. This may mean that it is not difficult to make yourself to install in your car. U passive system there are a number of advantages:

spaciousness of design;
bandpass class solutions, which are rarely found in active systems;
even a home passive sub sounds rich, delivering clean and rich bass;
there is 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, - a small price. And this attracts not only lovers of experimentation, but also music lovers who want to improve the sound of an existing speaker system. But a passive subwoofer also has disadvantages.

The main disadvantage is that a passive subwoofer requires an external amplifier to operate. Its power should be at least one and a half times higher than the maximum performance of the sound emitter. First of all, such a product is expensive. Secondly, installing a passive subwoofer to improve the sound of existing acoustics may require a complete replacement of the amplification equipment, since the existing one will not be able to pump the subwoofer without causing distortion.
The disadvantage associated with the formation of an external signal: a passive type subwoofer is not suitable for conventional amplifiers. You need to buy a device that works only in the low frequency band.
All sound adjustments are purely external. The amplifier controls the playback quality. The number of its adjustments is directly responsible for the richness of the bass, cutoff frequency, and other subwoofer parameters.
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 a sealed housing.

However listed disadvantages do not detract in any way from the wonderful sound of a passive subwoofer. According to the average statistical assessment, it will always show stable results, in contrast to the active one, where there is overheating and the influence of vibrations on electronic circuits.

What is better to choose

It’s 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 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 good performance of the installed speaker.

Today you can buy an active subwoofer with a wide variety of functional equipment. The devices may offer adjustments to the cutoff frequency and phase shift to perfectly complement the sound of a multi-speaker system.

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

Motorists have their own rules. Installed in the car only passive subwoofers. The reason is that the devices are installed in confined spaces where there is little or no air circulation. Therefore, the active sub will simply overheat and fail.

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