Car Stereo Subwoofers

Car audio/video (car AV) or commonly known as mobile audio, are used to describe the sound or video system fitted in an automobile. Stereo is the reproduction of sound using two or more independent audio channels through a symmetrical configuration of loudspeakers in such a way as to create the impression of sound heard from various directions, as in natural hearing. Car stereo subwoofers are a specific type of loudspeaker for low frequency reproduction. Mobile ''subs'' are not very different from any other application of sub in terms of construction. However it is more common in aftermarket that visual aesthetics take on a more significant role in design than other types of sub drivers, including high contrast paint schemes, grill covers, translucent or refractive materials.

A car stereo subwoofer is used when existing low fre quency production is unsatisfactory, either in frequency range or in volume. Design goals have led to subwoofer, both driver alone and whole packages, with some extreme difference from one another. Space conscious design has reduced some driver depth to 2" or less, or enclosure depth to 3". Pure loudness through increasing sound pressure in DBL has led to some driver''s with excursion as great as 4" and vented components to cool the motor of the speaker. Quality and clarity has led to driver enclosures being tuned by construction to resonate or neutralize certain frequencies.

A car stereo subwoofers output level can be increased by increasing cone surface area or by increasing cone excursion. Since large drivers require undesirably large cabinets, most subwoofer drivers have large excursions. Unfortunately, high excursion, at high power levels, tends to produce more distortion from inherent mechanical and magnetic effects in electro-dynamic drivers. Subwoofers use speaker drivers (woofers) typically between 8" and 21" in diameter. But single prototypes that as large as 60" have been manufactured, and drivers as small as 4" may be used.

Car stereo subwoofers are typically constructed by mounting one or more woofers in a cabinet of medium-density fiber-board, oriented strand board, plywood, plastic or other dense materials. It is depending on the design of the loudspeaker enclosure, the desired sound pressure level, the lowest frequency targeted and the level of permitted distortion. The most common car stereo subwoofer driver sizes in professional audio are 10", 12", 15" and 18".