How Does a Car Subwoofer Work?

What is a Car Subwoofer?

A car subwoofer is a very loud speaker. The purpose of a car subwoofer is to create the lowest possible frequency or the lowest bass (deep) end of the audible sound range. A car subwoofer varies from 4 inches to 36 inches in diameter. The car subwoofer that ranges up to 36 inches in diameter is intended for highly dedicated scientific use. Generally, consumers use a car subwoofer that ranges in size from 4 inches to about 18 inches. However, the 6 1/2- to 12-inch size car subwoofer is used the most. Most car subwoofers are placed inside of box-like enclosures in order to realize its maximum, paramount audio power.

How Does a Car Subwoofer Work?

A car subwoofer possesses the utmost design potential to produce the lowest frequency. It consists of balanced cones that promote a back and forth motion referred to as XMAX. Middle frequencies consist of smaller cones with less movement or cone travel. Car subwoofer cones move back and forth for an extended length of time. This is because sound waves become longer the lower the frequency. The cones are constructed of firm substances, such as polypropylene, polymer laminates and carbon that conserve their shape when under stress. They also resist moisture and are exceptionally lightweight. The subwoofer cone functions a piston by compressing (squeezing) and, then, eradicating and emptying great masses of air. In order for this action to be performed efficiently and accurately, the subwoofer must also be attached to an amplifier. The amplifier generates the elevated amplitude waveforms that are capable of creating this motion and activity. These high signals necessitate a great deal of electrical power in order to manage and control the motion of the cones. Therefore, the highest possible power that is obtainable is specifically required for the reproduction of bass.

What Are the Parts of a Subwoofer?

The car subwoofer consists of several parts. These parts include a cone-shaped diaphragm, voice coil, dust cap, spider, basket, magnet, connecting wires and suspension (surround). The suspension part of the speaker is attached to the basket. However, the basket doesn't move. The voice coil is connected to the basket by way of the spider. The spider keeps the voice coil in position. However, the coil is able to move back and forth. The basket portion of the speaker basically holds all the parts together which is constructed of either plastic or metal. In addition, the basket also functions in a way to keep heat away from the coil. There are also two electric jacks located on the car's subwoofer. There are wires that connect and run from the stereo system to the woofer, and the electrical jacks are attached to what is referred to as a coil. The coil is an electromagnet which is generally constructed of copper. Whenever the coil receives electric charges, the coil moves and creates pulsating vibrations. This is accomplished because of the coils location within a magnetic field produced by the permanent magnet located within the woofer. When two magnets come together and are positively charged, they will push apart. In essence, the positively charged magnets cause the coil to push back and forth. The voice coil causes the cone shaped diaphragm to vibrate, and the diaphragm produces sound waves.

Resources

• More about car subwoofers
• Another subwoofer article
• eHow article "How Does a Car Stereo Speaker Work?"