Subwoofer Parts and Components — Everything You Need to Know

Subwoofers have become incredible parts of a home theater system because of their critical role in producing clear bass sounds. However, they are liable to damages, and it’s crucial that you know and understand these subwoofer parts to fix them right away. Hence, our sound experts provide you this guide about subwoofer parts and its components.

Functions of a Subwoofer

A subwoofer is a speaker that reproduces bass sounds with better clarity than typical speakers. It does this by playing low-frequency sound waves. 

When connected to a receiver or preamp, the latter sends low-frequency signals, usually between 20 Hz to 200 Hz, often referred to as low-frequency effects via currents to the subwoofer. These low-frequency effects vibrate, and that’s how bass sounds are heard.  

Various Parts of a Subwoofer

1. Cabinet

The cabinet houses all the subwoofer components. It’s an enclosure built from either plywood, fiberglass, or MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) materials to enhance its durability and rigidity. The material used in making a cabinet has a significant impact on the kind of bass sound from the drivers.

Cabinets vary in size and shape. The shape and size of the cabinet help to tune the sub’s bass output. They also determine how low the sub will play and the sound clarity that’s produced during pressure levels. 

2. Woofer/Driver

The driver or woofer creates sound waves from the cabinet. A driver may be more than one in a cabinet, but their function remains the same.

Like cabinets, drivers vary in size and make. The driver can be aluminum, graphite, or copper, and the more massive the surface area of the driver, the deeper the bass production. For example, a 10″ subwoofer will play deeper than an 8″ subwoofer if everything is equal. 

3. Cone

The cone, unlike other parts, isn’t stationary because it’s excited by the continuous back and forth movement of the voice coil. This oscillatory movement caused by the voice coil produces sound waves, as well. 

4. Surround

As the name suggests, the surround encircles the cone on all sides and keeps the cone in place. The surrounding part guides the cone and keeps it within the designated linear path to not deviate too much during an excursion. The surround also attaches the cone to the frame.

5. Dust Cap

The dust cap is a little curved piece of material mounted over a large hole in a subwoofer. The dust cap not only keeps the parts under it safe but strengthens the cone’s structure. Dust caps are primarily designed of the same material as the cone.

6. Voice Coil

The voice coil is one of the most elementary parts of a subwoofer. The function of a voice coil is divided between two parts – the coil and the former.

The coil winds around the former strongly. It creates an alternating field that contributes to sound waves’ movements within the motor. The coil is typically made of either aluminum or copper wire.

The former shapes the coil and secures it in place. Generally, the voice coil transmits energy to create the force to push the woofer.

7. Basket

The basket holds the other parts of a subwoofer (the cone, surround, dust cap, and spider) in place. The rigidity of the basket contributes to the sound quality of the subwoofer.

8. Spider

The spider consists of wavy pieces of material that suspend the voice coil and cone. It sustains the movement of the voice coil by keeping it in the center of the magnetic gap.

9. Magnet

The magnet is another part that plays a crucial role in the reproduction of bass sounds. The magnet is the largest part of the motor that dictates the movement of the driver. The larger the magnet, the more powerful the driver [1].

10. Top and Bottom Plate

The top and bottom plate holds the magnet in place. That’s not all; they sustain the magnetic field by creating oppositional force. 

The top plate is situated above the magnet, underneath the basket, while the bottom plate sits below the magnet. The bottom plate, alternatively called the T-Yoke, also disperses heat.

FAQ

What are the parts of a subwoofer?

The parts of a subwoofer are the woofer or driver, the cabinet, cone, surround, magnet, and voice coil. Other subwoofer parts are the top and bottom plate, spider, basket, and dust cap. These components function together to produce low-frequency sounds.

What is the subwoofer driver?

The subwoofer driver produces the low-frequency sounds transmitted by the receiver or a preamplifier. The driver is responsible for the sound waves that come from the cabinet. 

What is the cone on a subwoofer?

The cone on a subwoofer is connected to the frame by the surround. The cone and the voice coil create oscillatory movements that produce sound waves in a sub. 

Conclusion

Subwoofers parts are numerous, and understanding their functions is necessary to fix any minor issues that may arise from the device. Thankfully, this post by our audio team of experts made you understand their functions and importance. You won’t encounter any issue replacing them if you know what part has been damaged. 

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