Connecting a car subwoofer to a computer. Home active subwoofer: connection and setup
A subwoofer is a speaker capable of reproducing sound in the low frequency range. In some cases, for example, in sound settings programs, including system ones, you can find the name “woofer”. Speaker systems equipped with a subwoofer help extract more fat from the soundtrack and add more color to the music. Listening to songs of some genres - hard rock or rap - without a subwoofer will not bring as much pleasure as using one. In this article we will talk about the types of subwoofers and how to connect them to a computer.
Most often we have to deal with subwoofers that are part of speaker systems of different configurations - 2.1, 5.1 or 7.1. Connecting such devices, since they are designed to work in conjunction with a computer or DVD player, usually does not cause difficulties. It is enough to determine which connector this or that type of speaker is connected to.
Difficulties begin when we try to turn on a subwoofer, which is a separate speaker purchased in a store or previously included in another speaker system. Some users are also interested in the question of how to use powerful car subwoofers at home. Below we will discuss all the nuances of connecting for different types devices.
There are two types of low-frequency speakers - active and passive.
Option 1: Active woofer
Active subwoofers are a symbiosis of a speaker and auxiliary electronics - an amplifier or receiver, which, as you might guess, is necessary to amplify the signal. Such speakers have two types of connectors - input for receiving a signal from a sound source, in our case, a computer, and output for connecting other speakers. We are interested in the first.
As you can see in the image, these are RCA or “Tulip” type jacks. In order to connect them to a computer, you will need an adapter from RCA to miniJack 3.5 mm (AUX) of the “male-male” type.
One end of the adapter is connected to the “tulips” on the subwoofer, and the other to the connector for the low-frequency speaker on the PC sound card.
Everything goes smoothly if the card has the necessary port, but what happens when its configuration does not allow the use of any “extra” speakers other than stereo?
In this case, subway exits come to the rescue.
Here we also need an RCA – miniJack 3.5 mm adapter, but of a slightly different type. In the first case it was “male-male”, and in the second case it was “male-female”.
There is no need to worry that the output on the computer is not specifically designed for low frequencies– the electronic filling of the active subwoofer will “separate” the sound itself and the sound will be correct.
The advantages of such systems are compactness and the absence of unnecessary wire connections, since all components are placed in one housing. The disadvantages follow from the advantages: this arrangement does not allow you to get quite powerful device. If the manufacturer wants to have more high performance, then the cost increases along with them.
Option 2: Passive woofer
Passive subwoofers are not equipped with any additional units and normal operation require an intermediate device - an amplifier or receiver.
The assembly of such a system is carried out using the appropriate cables and, if required, adapters, according to the “computer - amplifier - subwoofer” scheme. If the accessory is equipped sufficient quantity output connectors, you can also connect a speaker system to it.
The advantage of passive low-frequency speakers is that they can be made quite powerful. Disadvantages are the need to purchase an amplifier and the presence of additional wire connections.
Option 3: Car subwoofer
Car subwoofers, for the most part, are characterized by high power, which requires an additional 12 volt power source. A regular power supply from a computer is perfect for this. Please ensure that its output power matches the power of the amplifier, external or built-in. If the power supply turns out to be “weaker,” then the equipment will not use all its capabilities.
Due to the fact that such systems are not intended for home use, their design has some features that require a non-standard approach. Below is an option for connecting a passive subwoofer with an amplifier. For an active device, the manipulations will be similar.
- In order for the computer power supply to turn on and begin supplying electricity, it must be started by closing certain contacts on the 24 (20+4) pin cable.
- Next, we need two wires - black (minus 12 V) and yellow (plus 12 V). You can take them from any connector, for example, “molex”.
- We connect the wires in accordance with the polarity, which is usually indicated on the amplifier body. For a successful start, you must also connect the middle contact. This is a plus. This can be done with a jumper.
- Now we connect the subwoofer to the amplifier. If the latter has two channels, then we take “plus” from one, and “minus” from the second.
On the speaker we connect the wires to the RCA connectors. If you have the appropriate skills and tools, you can solder “tulips” to the ends of the cable.
- We connect the computer to the amplifier using an RCA-miniJack 3.5 male-male adapter (see above).
- Next, in in rare cases, audio adjustments may be required. How to do this, read the article at the link below.
Done, you can use your car woofer speaker.
Conclusion
The subwoofer will allow you to get more pleasure from listening to your favorite music. Connecting it to a computer, as you can see, is not at all difficult, you just need to arm yourself with the necessary adapters, and, of course, the knowledge that you received in this article.
Connecting an active subwoofer to a computer is somewhat different from installing a conventional sound system; here you can no longer get by with a regular audio adapter, since connecting a subwoofer requires an additional connector.
You will need
- - acoustic wires.
Instructions
Probably everyone has heard about such a device as a subwoofer. However, not everyone knows what it is.
A subwoofer is a device used in musical equipment to more fully convey sensations. It produces low frequencies that are physically felt by humans.
Subwoofer - a source of sensations
The subwoofer is high-quality bass. One of the properties of low frequencies is their good propagation in a confined space, which complicates the search for the sound source. Thanks to this, you can place it in any place convenient for you, where it will not interfere. And this will not affect your feelings in any way.
The subwoofer has quite bulky dimensions, which are directly related to its power. Therefore, if you want to experience an unforgettable experience of watching a movie with powerful bass, be prepared to allocate a separate corner in your home to the subwoofer. These devices received widespread. They are used everywhere: in home theaters, clubs, cars, and so on.
What types of subwoofers are there?
So, if you decide to purchase a subwoofer, you need to study a certain minimum of information about them. Well, at least to avoid getting into an unpleasant situation when choosing and purchasing.
Now you know what a subwoofer is, then we will tell you what they are, and most importantly, how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. These devices are either active or passive.
Active subwoofer
An active subwoofer is a whole system, housed in a housing of a certain shape and size. In principle, this is the simplest option for the average user who has little understanding of frequencies, electronics, and physics in general. But for reference, it’s worth knowing that in the case, in addition to a high-quality amplifier and a powerful speaker, there is also a device that allows you to filter out high frequencies, a device that coordinates the operation of the subwoofer with connected signal sources, and additional panels that allow you to adjust it for a specific situation. All this together gives you high-quality bass.
Connecting an active subwoofer
Now let's look at how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. IN in this case you shouldn't have any problems big problems. First, you should make sure that your computer's sound card is compatible with the subwoofer. This information You can find it in the documentation for the device or simply ask the seller when purchasing. There are several ways to connect a subwoofer to a computer, depending on the available connectors, plugs and amplifier capabilities or sound card. The connectors on the device come in a variety of colors, and they often match the connectors on your computer's sound card. If this is not the case, or there are not enough connectors, do not worry.
If the colors do not match, please note that under each pin there is usually an illustration or caption that informs about its purpose.
If the number of connectors on the subwoofer and sound card differs, you can experiment with alternative method connections - through the speaker input.
Now that we have decided on all the subtleties, we can proceed directly to the question of how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. To connect via the speaker connector, we need an inexpensive and fairly simple adapter cable from Jack 3.5 mm to the usual two “tulips”. You can purchase such a wire or solder it yourself; in any case, it is not a difficult task. Turn off the computer and amplifier. Next, we connect stereo speakers to the amplifier, observing the polarity, so as not to spoil the sound of our system. We connect the “tulips” to the amplifier outputs, and the Jack 3.5 connector to the sound card outputs. We connect the subwoofer to the amplifier via a special connector. If there is none, then to the terminals of the side speakers. We start the computer and after it is fully loaded, turn on the amplifier. Next, we adjust the volume parameters and set the sound mode we need. Now you can fully enjoy clean bass and cause anger and envy among your neighbors.
Passive subwoofer and its connection
This device is a simple design of a powerful speaker in a box of a certain size and shape. You can connect this type of subwoofer to your music system through an amplifier. If you already have one, then there will be no problems, but if not, you will have to fork out more. After that, it can be connected, just like the active one. If you decide to connect a subwoofer without an amplifier, you should know that you are acting at your own peril and risk, you may burn something. So, it is connected to the circuit in parallel, that is, in the same way as ordinary speakers, or to a separate output of the amplifier. Besides, additional resistance A sufficiently powerful speaker in the circuit has a bad effect on the quality and volume of the system. At the same time, some processes occur with frequencies that deteriorate the quality of the bass. So to get good sound, you will have to move it around the room until you get the optimal sound.
Conclusion
Now you have enough knowledge to go to a specialized store yourself and go through all the procedures: purchases, consultations, connections and settings - on your own. If you are not burdened with financial difficulties, it would be better to purchase an active type device, and then you will not have questions about how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. However, if you want to save money, or the hidden talents of radio electronics have awakened in you, you can safely purchase components at a reasonable price and create a full-fledged speaker system with your own hands. In any case, with a subwoofer you are guaranteed a life with rich bass, a lot of pleasure and the indignation of your neighbors.
A subwoofer is one of the most important components of a multi-channel system. The organization of home theaters rarely does without it. The classic concept of this element of acoustics provides for more detailed elaboration compared to full-size stereo systems. In addition, in some complexes such settings muffle the distorting factors of the sound, making the playback cleaner. More importantly, home has minimal impact on the physical organization of the system.
As a rule, this is a compact installation, the placement of which also does not matter from the point of view of the listener's sound perception. This is due precisely to the specific propagation of a signal from the low spectrum, which is equally captured regardless of the position of the source. Nevertheless, connecting and configuring the equipment still requires knowledge of some technical and operational nuances of the subwoofer.
What is special about an active subwoofer?
The main difference between active subwoofers and passive equipment is the presence of integrated It is thanks to this addition that the equipment effectively removes the low-frequency load from the base amplifier. In addition, the device also has an active crossover, allowing you to filter high frequencies and simplify the coordination of equipment with wideband acoustics. Provides additional features in some models. Thus, a home subwoofer, the price of which is more than 30-35 thousand rubles, is usually equipped with functions for adjusting to special conditions operation. These are not premium models, but quite sturdy middle class. Representatives of this segment support adjusting the frequency spectrum, phase rotation, adjusting the positions of crossover points, etc.
How to connect an active subwoofer through an amplifier?
The amplifier is most often equipped with a special RCA channel designed for connecting active subwoofers. Some models even provide several inputs, which expands the acoustic capabilities of the equipment. The user only needs to prepare an RCA cable of the optimal length and connect it to the appropriate connector. Regarding simultaneous use two inputs, then powerful home subwoofers connected via a splitter cable help implement this scheme. With this method of interaction, the subwoofer will double the input sensitivity, but this solution will not have a noticeable effect on the surround sound.
It is also worth keeping in mind that subwoofers are usually equipped with right and left high-level channels. In the case of such acoustics, it is especially important not to make a mistake in choosing a cable. It is advisable to give preference to solid copper wire, which will preserve the maximum signal volume. However, if you are using a home active subwoofer from the budget category, then there will be little point in increasing the performance of the connected equipment.
Connection to output terminals
Another connection option involves using the main output terminals. In this case, they are connected to the high-level outputs on the subwoofer. High-pass filters are also located in front of the terminals, providing an average of 6 dB. This configuration ensures minimal pressure on the acoustics in the low-frequency range. But when deciding how to connect an active subwoofer through the input terminals, it is important to take into account the disadvantage of such a circuit. If the described connection model is selected through direct output terminals and filters of the subwoofer itself, then optimal sound quality can be achieved over the entire range while minimizing acoustic palette errors in the low frequency spectrum. But since the connection channels will operate in parallel, the overall load on the system will be significantly increased.
Setting up a home subwoofer by frequency
Basic setup of the equipment is carried out taking into account the characteristics of the main acoustics. In any case, it’s worth focusing on the main parameters. The setting itself can be adjusted in the parameters of the audio crossover and phase switch, which will be discussed below. But before the moment when it is possible to begin direct calibration of acoustic indicators, you should check the quality of the connection and, if possible, optimize the connection nodes. Moreover, modern subwoofers for home theaters in certain lines are equipped with wireless communication modules. This means that such equipment does not require the use of traditional physical cables at all and is connected through radio communication sensors. That is, you only need to synchronize the equipment via a Bluetooth module or other wireless communication system.
Crossover adjustment
The crossover setting is designed to set the frequency spectrum of the woofer separation. That is, with the help of this regulator, subwoofers for home theaters are precisely adjusted over the entire range of signal reproduction. Some models even provide for extreme frequencies at which the equipment is not perceived at all human ear. The standard value will be the average position of 80 Hz. You should deviate from this value in cases where there is a booming bass sound. In such a situation, it is recommended to move the regulator towards a lower frequency.
Setting the phase switch
The phase switch, in turn, is designed to compensate for the difference in the gaps between the main subwoofer installation and its components. This control also helps to coordinate signals from different satellites. It is recommended to configure a home active subwoofer using this parameter while playing music excerpts with a man’s low voice. The user must determine during the listening process in which phase switching mode the vocals sound most natural and spacious.
Eliminating acoustic distortion from a subwoofer
For a number of reasons, even expensive branded subwoofers do not always provide crystal clear sound in the low range. However, in some cases such problems can be corrected. For example, pronounced acoustic hum may be caused by dispersion in the subwoofer wires. This is exactly the case when the quality of the cable plays a significant role in the characteristics of the sound transmission. This problem can be corrected either by updating the wire, or by manipulating it in order to find the optimal clean sound. In particular, it is recommended to initially connect powerful home subwoofers via a thick, high-quality RCA cable with an effective shielding function. Often, subwoofer users also note a loud hum, which by all indications is provoked by third-party factors. The so-called current filter in the cable will help eliminate such flaws.
How to choose the best subwoofer?
A high-quality system may well have average performance characteristics and, subject to proper connection, produce a decent acoustic palette. Thus, a powerful home subwoofer, the price of which is about 50-60 thousand rubles, with more likely will cope with its tasks of processing the low frequency range within the limits allowed by the main acoustics. However, the same effect will be provided by an economy class model, which in its maximum performance parameters corresponds to the capabilities of the head unit. That is, overpaying for equipment is not always justified, as is the case with satellites.
In addition to the basic characteristics of impedance, power and frequency range, you should also pay attention to the material of manufacture. Despite the popularity of plastic, the demand for a wooden active subwoofer continues. Reviews note that a body made of natural material is most advantageously involved in suppressing vibrations and uniformly dissipating the operating signal. True, wood is inferior to plastic in terms of practicality from an installation point of view.
Conclusion
The subwoofer as such is included in the speaker system due to the desire for high-quality sound. Active installations with amplifiers achieve this result to a greater extent. And provided the correct connection is made, a home active subwoofer will fully justify the investment in it. According to music lovers who use similar configurations with active subwoofers, in the same home theaters they can achieve powerful playback energy with deep, well-developed bass. The potential of the system to reveal these characteristics is primarily determined by the quality of the connection. In second place are the subwoofer settings for the frequency range.
Some car owners are not satisfied with the sound of the standard radio. The situation can be corrected by installing an active or passive subwoofer. Installation of the device in the car is possible on your own, for which you should select necessary materials and tools, familiarize yourself with the connection diagram and step by step algorithm process. Then installing the equipment and connecting it will not be difficult.
The main differences between passive and active subwoofers
To answer the question about the distinctive aspects of active and passive subwoofers, you must first understand what each of the designs is individually.
What is a passive subwoofer
A passive sub is a design of one or more low-frequency (LF) dynamic drivers enclosed in a single housing, the material of which can be either plywood or wood. For such a device to reproduce sound vibrations, requires connection to an external amplifier audio frequency through a low-pass filter, which passes only the signal band with low frequencies.
A passive subwoofer is a separate unit of speakers, filters and amplifier. Each of these blocks is purchased separately and connected to each other during installation.
What is active
An active sub is a single ready-made acoustic unit, consisting not only of a speaker and a filter, but also an amplification device. Such equipment is somewhat simpler to connect, and there is also an opinion that the sound quality is superior to the sound from a passive subwoofer. But if you look in more detail, the sound quality directly depends on how the settings are made.
The active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier, which saves space in cars with little free space. To connect to the radio, you only need to supply power and an audio signal.
Difference between them
To decide which design to give preference to, it is worth considering the main points that car owners pay attention to when choosing:
- Price indicator - the cost of an active subwoofer is higher, which is due to the presence of an amplifier and other expensive elements in the device.
- Advantages of installation - passive structures are more difficult to install due to the need to additionally install a filter and amplifier. The presence of an amplifier in the active system saves space, which is especially important for small cars.
- Sound quality - many would argue that the sound of an active system should be better. However, the sound directly depends on the correct setup of the system. Based on practice, with high-quality setup of a passive subwoofer, the sound surpasses the performance of the active system.
- Ease of setup - an active speaker system has more advanced setup options, but if a good external amplifier is used, then this feature is nullified.
Pros and cons of systems
TO positive aspects A passive subwoofer has a relatively low cost due to the lack of a built-in amplifier. Apart from this point, the use passive systems allows you to assemble an acoustic device with exactly the requirements that will correspond to high-quality sound as you understand it. In order to get a subwoofer with optimal sound quality, you will need to select an amplifier, frequency filters, and a set of dynamic drivers in boxes. Compared to active ones, different types of enclosures are used for passive designs: bandpass, bass reflex, and standard boxes. As for active devices, it is difficult to use housings in them different types due to the need to accommodate additional electronics.
The main advantage of active is the presence of a built-in amplifier and filter, which allows you to connect the system to a car radio without additional devices. This positive feature is also a disadvantage at the same time. Due to the fact that both the speaker and electronics are located in one case, something has to be sacrificed. The main nuance is the insufficient power of the amplifier.
How to install a subwoofer in a car and connect it to the radio
To install a subwoofer, in addition to the device itself, you will need the following tools and materials:
- wiring (power, “tulips” and positive wire to the amplifier and car radio);
- fuse;
- capacitor;
- pliers and wire cutters;
- insulating tape;
- screed;
- a set of wrenches and an adjustable wrench.
Where to install
Installing a sub can be a real challenge, depending on the car model. And it’s not just a matter of connecting the device, but also choosing a place for its installation. As the owner of a minivan or hatchback, the issue with space does not raise any questions, since the trunk has large sizes. With sedans the situation is somewhat different and, as a rule, the sub is mounted in the armrests or on the rear parcel shelf. The most inconvenient body type is considered to be a convertible, since such cars have a small trunk volume. However, if you really want to, you can install the device in question in such cars.
Connecting a passive
Let's consider a sequential algorithm for installing a device. The installation will take about 1–3 hours, depending on the experience and model of the machine. One of the difficult steps is laying the power cable to the amplifier. Since the subwoofer is mounted in the trunk, all wires must be routed through the cabin to the power source. Before starting work on the battery, remove the terminals, which will eliminate the possibility of a short circuit.
- The first thing that is necessary is to find a technological hole, which is closed with a special plug. On domestic cars it may be missing, as well as the hole itself. Therefore, you will have to drill it and, after pulling the cable, seal it with sealant. It is best to insert a piece of hose into the hole to prevent chafing of the wire.
- The wiring in the engine compartment can be located in the standard harness and led out into the cabin. You first need to decide where and how the power cable will be laid. For wires in some places you will need to remove the trim, as well as the sill trims. Avoid kinking or pinching the wiring. After installation, all facing elements are installed in their places.
- In the luggage compartment, the wires to the amplifier are also routed through a hole in the body. Power is connected to the device in compliance with polarity.
- After connecting power to the amplifier, it must be connected to the radio. In this case, you will need wires of the “tulip” type, as well as a wire that allows you to control the power of the amplifier. To dismantle the radio, special keys are used, but you can carefully use a knife or a screwdriver of a suitable size.
- We connect the “tulips” according to the colors of the connectors. If it is necessary for the subwoofer and the radio to be turned on simultaneously, then use the corresponding positive wire.
- Then we pass the wires together with the power cable through the interior. We connect the “tulips” to the amplifier.
- If the power wire was connected to the radio, it should also be supplied to the amplifier so that the devices turn on simultaneously. We look for the terminal and connect it to the power cable of the radio.
- All that remains is to connect the subwoofer to the amplifier. When installing a two-channel amplifier, for power distribution, both channels are connected to the device in question.
Adapter high level used for radios without line-out connectors. The device converts the signal from the radio output into a linear signal
Connecting a subwoofer from a computer to a radio
Sometimes the quality of standard music in a car is not satisfactory and various ideas arise to improve the sound. One of the issues is connecting a computer subwoofer to the radio. In fact, the device can be connected in two ways: by supplying power through a 12/220V inverter or by finding the necessary contacts (+12V) on the amplifier board for the subwoofer. To do this, you need to arm yourself with a tester and have some experience in radio electronics. Having sorted out the power supply, we apply an audio signal to the subwoofer input, taking it from the linear output of the radio, using a shielded cable of the required length.
Crossover connection
Before considering connecting a subwoofer via a crossover, you need to understand what this device is. Crossover allows you to separate frequencies into ranges, i.e. plays the role of a filter. For example, there are speakers called “tweeters”. If you did not apply a frequency filter, then a signal from the entire frequency range would be supplied to the dynamic heads - from low frequencies to high frequencies. Without signal separation, the detail of the music will be worse. Crossovers come in active and passive types, as well as one- and two-way.
Pros, cons and connecting a passive crossover
A passive filter has no active elements, i.e. it consists of inductors, resistances and capacitors. This leads to a significant disadvantage - loss of signal power. Also among the disadvantages, peak load restrictions should be highlighted, which leads to quick exit devices are out of order. To connect a passive crossover, it is placed directly in front of the load, i.e. in front of the dynamic heads. In this case, only one amplifier can be used, which is an advantage. Such filters can be built into the acoustics or form a separate unit.
Pros, cons and connecting an active crossover
An active filter is installed in front of the amplifier, so it is impossible to use one device to amplify the signal. In this case, the speaker is connected to a separate amplifier channel, regardless of the type of frequencies. One of the advantages of an active filter is the ability to fine-tune frequency cuts. It is this factor that is decisive in more high cost of this design compared to a passive one.
Security measures
- Any work in the car related to electrical equipment must begin with de-energizing, i.e., disconnecting the terminals from the battery.
- All connections must be reliable and safe, for which seals, electrical tape, clamps, and special corrugation are used.
- Only high-quality wires are used for installation.
- The choice of fuse must be carried out in accordance with the passport data of the connected devices.
- Acoustic equipment in a car must be mounted conveniently and securely.
Video: connecting a passive subwoofer
Installing a subwoofer in a car allows you to get decent sound quality. If a passive design is used, each of the system devices can be selected according to the specified characteristics. For self-installation, it will be enough to purchase the necessary components and familiarize yourself with possible schemes connections, and you can save on visiting a car service.
