The Subwoofer Frequency is the Driving Force of the Channel

Shakespeare refers to music as “the food of love” in his play Twelfth Night. There is no doubt regarding the influence of music and sound in our lives. Music aids in improving the emotions and ambiance of our favorite movies and TV shows, and, with an appropriate song, one may move to tears or psych you up for important occasions. Sound is so important in how we perceive the world. You owe it to yourself to get the most out of what you’re listening to. Delivering proper speaker and subwoofer frequency is the purpose of high-end audio systems.

You may dismiss the idea of spending hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on a new speaker or other systems, but there is a discernible difference in sound quality with a good hardware setup. Perhaps, adding a subwoofer to your audio system will boost the low frequencies and bring your audio experience to the next level, whether listening to music or watching the newly released movie you have been waiting for.

Delivering Low Frequency Bass

Having a high-end audio system is no longer a matter of discrete components. The sound quality is proof that a soundbar can produce good audio quality in an integrated long box or tube. However, for low frequency bass, the subwoofer is the specialist equipment delivering authentic deep sounds.

Sound is a wave, and wavelength and amplitude are the two fundamental metrics for measuring waves. The former determines the distance between peaks, whereas the latter determines the height. On the other hand, frequency quantifies the distance between a wave’s mountains and is the inverse of wavelength. The gap between two such peaks is referred to as a wave cycle. The electrical energy pulsing through the sound system breathes life into speakers.

What frequency Should a Subwoofer be set at?

When a wave is measured at one hertz (1 Hz), it signifies that one wave’s cycle takes one second to pass through a specific place in space. Moreover, the pitch is intimately related to frequency so that a lower frequency corresponds to a lower angle. However, pitch frequencies in the ultrasonic and infrasonic (or subsonic) ranges are too high and too low for human ears to hear. Thus scientific machines are used to identify such frequencies. As for a subwoofer, its frequency is set up depending on when and where it is used. If you buy a subwoofer with a fixed Hz rating, you should ensure it is lower than 80 Hz if the bass is essential to you.

You will need a subwoofer regardless of your current audio setup. You may be surprised by how it may give a breath of fresh life into your sound systems in ways that even the most outstanding speakers cannot. Some speakers are proud of their superior bass handling. However, no speaker, including those with a built-in subwoofer, currently offers a range comparable to a dedicated subwoofer.

Creating a Home Theater and Music Listening Experience

A subwoofer is required if you want to elevate your movie-watching and music-listening experience to the next level. We may say that a subwoofer is all about the bass. It is a form of loudspeaker designed to reproduce low-pitched audio frequencies known as bass and sub-bass, which have a lower frequency than those that a woofer can ideally reproduce. For the devices utilized by many consumers in the market, the standard frequency range for a subwoofer is somewhere around 20–200 Hz. It may be different when used for professional live sound (which goes below 100 Hz) and is usually below 80 Hz for THX-certified systems.

Subwoofers are never intended to be used on their own since they are created to supplement the lower frequencies range of loudspeakers that encompass higher frequencies in the band. There are two types of subwoofers, the passive subwoofers, powered by an external amplifier, unlike the other speakers in your system. The second type is the active subwoofers (often called powered subwoofer), which have an amplifier built into them that requires its own AC power source.

Let’s have a quick glimpse as to how subwoofers made a difference throughout time. In the 1960s, the first home audio subwoofers were designed to increase bass response to home stereo systems. Although subwoofers gained popularity in the 1970s with the debut of Sensurround in films such as Earthquake, which created strong low-frequency sounds using enormous subwoofers. With the introduction of the compact cassette and compact disc in the 1980s, the reproduction of deep and booming bass was no longer restricted by the capacity of a phonograph record stylus to trace a groove, and producers were able to add more low-frequency information to recordings. In addition, throughout the 1990s, movie companies increasingly produced DVDs with “surround sound” that featured a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel that viewers could hear through the home theater receivers subwoofers.

The subwoofer relative to other system components became more prevalent in home stereo systems, specialty automobile audio installations, and public address systems during the 1990s. Subwoofers had practically become ubiquitous in sound reinforcement systems in nightclubs and concert venues by the 2000s. As to what it seems like, the impact of using a subwoofer in today’s era brings out a whole new experience. As technology progresses, we could see different types and styles out in the market available for both music and movie enthusiasts.

While, technically speaking, “subwoofer” was used to refer specifically to the speaker’s driver only. However, today, the terminology generally relates to a subwoofer driver installed in a speaker enclosure and is often made with a built-in amplifier. Subwoofers are composed of one or more woofers installed in a loudspeaker enclosure capable of withstanding air pressure while at the same time resisting deformation, which is why manufacturers make use of wood in making the enclosure.

Added Bonus from Enclosures

Subwoofer enclosures are available in a variety of styles, including bass reflex, acoustic suspension, horn-loaded, tapped horn, infinite baffle, transmission line, bandpass, or isobaric designs. Each has its own set of tradeoffs in terms of the best performance, low-frequency range, cabinet size, and of course, in a variety of prices. The styles emphasize the different aspects of the subs. Some speakers start with the pressure chamber. The speaker pumps sound waves to the pressure chamber where these get compressed and pushed out to the audience. The enclosures have different shapes for the pressure chamber and these have different acoustic effects on the output. There are some systems that don’t use an enclosure and rely on the open air instead of a pressure chamber.

A single design can have different enclosure types. An example is the Labtec LCS-2424 subwoofer design for computer audio. The Labtec design was bought by Logitech and used in the Z340, Z540, Z640, Z3, and Z4 models. The technique combines a primary passive radiator bandpass enclosure that features a bass reflex dividing chamber. On the other hand, the tiniest subwoofers are often designed for computer desktop audio and multimedia systems. The biggest subwoofer enclosures are for concert sound reinforcement systems or dance and club sound systems. The Electro-Voice MT-4 “Bass Cube” system, featuring four 18-inch (45-cm) large drivers, was a huge 1980’s concert subwoofer enclosure.

Advantages of Having Low Frequency Sound of a Subwoofer

There seems to be a persistent notion in the audiophile community that subwoofers are particularly helpful for home theater. The advantages of music playback are uncertain, even though not harmful. Indeed, less expensive subwoofers are not built to handle the pace, intricacy, and complexity of some songs, but this is not the case for all subwoofers. A good sub speaker improves the listening experience in ways that no other audio component can. The following are several reasons why a well-constructed subwoofer is indeed crucial for music listening:

• It reveals the intent and emotions that your speakers cannot reproduce – Most speakers begin to fade off at 50Hz, losing the depth and clear notes of bass tones. An excellent sub will have a frequency response of 20Hz or below, which limits human hearing. Subwoofers ensure that the lowest notes are correctly rendered, and you can feel the weakest notes from instruments such as a traditional organ, kick drum, or bass for a far more immersive experience.
• Subwoofers can play music without harmonic distortion — When you start pounding music at high levels in many systems, the woofers may struggle to keep up with the mids and tweeters. No matter how challenging the musical content is or its loudness, a quality subwoofer promises to produce tones that play quickly at a high volume and harmonic distortion-free.
• Every note in the low-frequency range is accurately reproduced. In contrast to the standard speaker level, which might have a “sonic signature,” a superb sub is true to the music as it delivers deep bass notes just as the artist played it. A good subwoofer can be used with any brand or type of speaker to improve on the deep notes and add to the rich sound experience that consumers long for.
• Improves Low-End Transient Speed and Control – Many kinds of music have quick starts and pauses in vocalists and instrumentals that smaller sub speakers have a hard time playing, resulting in a baffled or muted acoustic picture. By using a subwoofer, you will not have to worry about any of those.
• A superb subwoofer possesses the quick and crisp responsiveness to convey bass that adheres true to the original, rendering even the sharpest bass lines with emotion and precision.
• Blends Effortlessly with Full-Range Speakers — An excellent subwoofer should serve and sound like it is integrated with the best speakers, never dominating or playing solo. A great sub helps speakers produce the best sound across the frequency band when properly mixed, so highs shine and mids are clear without being overpowering.
• Makes Smaller Speakers Have More Sonic Potential – A powered subwoofer comes with its amplifier. With correct bass sound management, an AV receiver or amplifier may drive smaller speakers in the mid and high frequencies beyond the crossover point, enabling speakers to provide their best performance regardless of the subject matter.

Harmonic Distortion Free

With the fact that you will enjoy all these advantages just by owning a subwoofer, one can say that these offer a whole new dimension to the music, even if other people may argue that the technical improvements are not that noticeable to some.

Let’s always remember that a good sub should never be overpowering or boomy but should instead provide color, depth, and impact to the overall output delivery. It reveals levels of sound that a typical speaker just cannot handle, from addictive bass guitar riffs and captivating drum rhythms to the most intricate electronic bass compositions.

Phase Controls

Properly setup a good sub delivers the lowest frequency response without any harmonic distortions. Additionally, bass management is achieved with phase control and crossover setup. Bass management and phase controls sets subs apart from other speakers because these controls allow for more flexibility in placing the boxes. Bass management also allows for less placement experimentation. Owners may play around with placement all day, but professional sound engineers can work with the controls to achieve the best results.

While some subwoofers only provide a few notes, a genuinely fantastic sub bass enriches the listening experience distinctly and viscerally. A type of audio experience that will satisfy every penny’s worth that you may have spent. It’s ironic how a small device can give a gigantic difference. Subwoofers, big or small, can become a game-changer in this excellent sound experience that you hope for.

What is the Expected Frequency Response of a Subwoofer

You have undoubtedly heard the term frequency response if you’ve spent enough time in audio circles. It may come up in almost every conversation, from headphones and speakers to DACs and external amplifiers and even room acoustics. Here’s all you need to know about frequency response, whether you’re acquainted with the concept or are entirely unfamiliar with it. As the name implies, we talk about frequency and how well a specific component can reproduce all of the tones that humans can hear.

Human hearing spans from extremely low frequencies of 20 Hz to extremely high frequencies of 20 kHz. Even though individual hearing abilities will range between these two extremes, this is frequently divided into bass, middle, and treble portions into musical terms. These are not hard and fast rules, but usually, the bass range encompasses frequencies between 20 and 300 Hz. The mid contains frequencies between 300 Hz and 4 kHz, and the treble has frequencies above 4 kHz. The frequency response of an audio component determines whether or not it reproduces all of the audible frequencies and whether or not it modifies the signal on the way through.

The Speaker’s Optimum Frequency Output

What is, for example, the lowest frequency that subwoofer X can reproduce? To avoid tampering with the signal, the optimum frequency output of a component should be identical to the input, excluding any intentional EQ adjustments. “Flat” frequency response is one in which a set volume sine wave (measured in dB) may be swept through the system and has the same amplitude at all frequencies at the output. In other words, an ideal frequency response does not change the volume of our source’s bass, midrange, or treble.

In comparison, if you’ve ever fiddled with the EQ settings in any music software, you’ve probably seen a non-flat EQ setting that increases bass or decreases treble, etc. As a result, if a component (such as a headphone driver) does not have a flat frequency response, you may end up hearing more or less specific frequencies than you should, damaging the listening experience.

Nonetheless, a speaker’s frequency response specification describes the range of frequencies or tones that can reproduce in hertz (Hz). A subwoofer’s frequency range extends from a low-frequency bass of 20 to the highest frequency bass of 200 Hz. Professional concert sound system subwoofers, on the other hand, typically run at frequencies lower than 100 Hz, whereas THX-certified systems produce sounds lower than 80 Hz. The frequency range that most subwoofers can reproduce depends significantly on a wide range of criteria such as cabinet size and design and build of the enclosure and drivers. The relevance of frequency response specifications is entirely dependent on an associated amplitude value — these are measured with a more significant amplitude tolerance.

Subwoofers also differ in terms of the sound pressure levels they can generate and the level of harmonic distortion they produce throughout their frequency range. A few subwoofers, like MartinLogan’s “The Abyss,” can reproduce frequencies as low as 18 Hz (approximately the pitch of the most profound notes on a traditional pipe organ with 16Hz 32-foot bass pipes) and as high as 120 Hz (3 dB). Even though the Abyss has a range of 18-120 Hz, its lowest frequency and maximum SPL with a 10% harmonic distortion restriction are 35.5 Hz and 79.8 dB at 2 meters. When selecting a subwoofer, a customer should not depend solely on the subwoofer’s lowest pitch.

The Big Booming Bass Sound from Low Subwoofer Hz

At times, we can never express the rush we get when we hear that specific thud in the music we’re listening to. Caused by deep bass, it adds to the pleasure and excitement we feel whether listening to music or watching a movie. Lower subwoofer Hz suggests more bass in general.

What Frequency Should Bass Be At?

The frequency range indicates that as you progress down the scale, the bass becomes deeper until you reach a point where you are mostly feeling the bass rather than hearing it. Consequently, in most tracks, a speaker with a low Hz rating may offer the deepest bass. But, how high and low can bass go? The audio spectrum at which humans can hear spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. This audio spectrum covers different bands, including the bass range, which dictates whether such a sound is thick or thin. The bass range is where the fundamental rhythmic tones are located. The majority of bass impulses in current existing music recordings are in the 90-200 Hz range. The frequencies around 250 Hz, for example, can give warmth to the bass without sacrificing clarity. However, we need to avoid over-emphasis on the bass that tends to make the song seem boomy.

What is the Best Hz for a Subwoofer?

Some commercially available subwoofers can produce sub-bass at 1 Hz frequency. However, before planning on purchasing a device that promises you such a claim, you should validate its range. By utilizing some scientific equipment, you can do that as no one can ever hear frequencies so low with their ears alone. You should also be aware that whenever the frequency approaches zero, the subwoofer’s efficiency will decrease. As a result, the bass sound “vibrations” created are expected to be less likely to be generated as one planned.

If you want a subwoofer that can create the lowest tones, you can go for something with a greater diameter. Other than what was mentioned, factors such as excursion, wattage, enclosure design, and of course, the quality of the materials can play an essential role in the production of a very low-frequency subwoofer.

The maximum upper limit you’ll typically find on a subwoofer, on the other hand, will be 200 Hz. Standard loudspeakers could go through this limit, but subwoofers are only capable of handling the lowest frequencies. A subwoofer is built to recreate very low frequencies. It’s indeed possible to locate a subwoofer with an upper limit tweaked to surpass 200 Hz, but the lower frequency sounds produced will be not pleasing to hear. If you want speakers that can generate frequencies of 200 Hz and higher, you should check into different speakers used in your sound systems.

What is the Best Subwoofer Frequency for a Car?

Listening to music is not restricted to our homes, theaters, or concerts. The sound system in the automobiles we use daily is also present. Now, suppose you want to listen to music while in traffic; what is the best subwoofer frequency you should have in your car? Automobiles are not well suited for the “hidden” subwoofer approach because of space limits in the passenger compartments. Subwoofers are often mounted in the trunk or back seat area since such large drivers and enclosures are too large to fit through doors or dashboards. Some car audio enthusiasts seek to create dangerously high sound pressure levels inside the confines of their vehicle’s cabin. These frequencies may vary significantly depending on the precise type of speaker system in your car. There are even some car sound systems that use multiple subwoofers.

A Range of Best Frequencies

Here is a list of frequency ranges that will work well in most scenarios to assist you: Subwoofers: 70-80 Hz (low pass), the primary function of a subwoofer crossover is to suppress midrange noises. Car main speakers: 50-60 Hz; the most crucial aspect of main speaker crossovers is to stop low-end bass (frequencies 80 Hz and lower). 3-3.5 kHz (high pass) for 2-way speakers; 1-3.5 kHz for midrange; and 300 Hz and 3.5 kHz for 3-way systems.

Depending on the exact type of speaker system in your car, these frequencies can vary slightly. But when everything is correctly set up and in working condition, you can have the best sound for your vehicle. These frequencies may differ significantly depending on the specific type of speaker system in your vehicle. On the other hand, an automobile audio system sounds best when everything is correctly set up and working.

Expert Recommendations for Subwoofer Crossover Frequency

The accurate portrayal of Bass frequencies contributes significantly to the sensory pleasure, whether for movies or music. Unfortunately, achieving an excellent bass bump is a complex process. In creating the perfect audio system, one needs to achieve an ideal subwoofer crossover frequency as well.

As with many complicated things, there is always a starting point! Because it influences your whole sound system, bass control is an essential technique when constructing your audio system. The crossover setting on your subwoofer is what determines the optimal audio mixture. If you don’t get it right, every speaker in your sound system will be out of sync, which we don’t want, do we?

When configuring the subwoofer crossover, you want to ensure that there is enough overlap with the speakers. Powered subwoofers may take your system to a whole new level, but you don’t want to be aware of their presence. A peak is formed when there is too much overlap. A discontinuity is formed when there is too little overlap. At the same time, harmony is created when there is just the perfect amount of overlap.

The sound frequency number utilized as the limit for crossovers is known as the crossover frequency. Depending on the built-in crossover type, sound frequencies above or below that point will be significantly filtered out, effectively blocking them. The crossover frequency is defined as the point at which the original sound signal level is lowered by 3dB (12 of the input signal level).

The Behavior of Crossovers

Crossovers are not flawless in the actual world, and they do not block sound beyond the crossover frequency. In terms of sound production, they have a progressive decrease. The “slope” of a crossover is measured in 6dB increments per octave. An octave is the number of times a sound frequency is doubled. The steeper the slope (, the higher the number), the more effectively a crossover suppresses undesirable noises. For example, -12dB/octave is a reasonable steepness for most applications and is widely used in automobile audio components.

The steepness is sometimes referred to as the “order,” determined by the number of crossing sections employed. Each crossover stage provides additional -6dB/octave steepness. The irony is that people talk about crossovers as if they completely “block” sounds that you don’t want to go to your speakers. While they sort-of-do, crossovers are indeed filters that minimize the number kick of undesired sound frequencies supplied to speakers.

Crossover Controls

A crossover is built into every two-way or more excellent speaker. It controls what frequencies go to what driver. Without a crossover, a tweeter would be getting the same signal as a woofer—and vice versa. It’s always better when significant drivers get the range of frequencies for which it is designed. Now, if you take that principle and apply it to the subwoofer, you get the same thing. A subwoofer is like a low-frequency driver for your main speakers—just one that is separated on its own.

Crossovers are designed to reduce any speaker’s frequency response. In the best subwoofers, the crossover mechanism is referred to as the low-pass filter. With this arrangement, only the source of low frequencies of a particular hertz and below can reach the subwoofer, resulting in a subwoofer capable of producing sounds between 20 and 200 hertz. However, it may only be able to emit noises between 100 and 200 hertz. This configuration is appropriate if you have extra speakers that can handle frequencies beyond 100 Hz and want your subwoofer only to step in when a shallow bass bump is necessary.

Altering the Crossover Frequency

The frequency at which your speakers begin to roll off and your subwoofer kick in with LFEs and bass notes are referred to as the subwoofer crossover frequency. Most new AV receivers include an auto EQ software that will automatically assign the correct crossover frequency based on the capabilities of your loudspeakers. It is often better to leave these settings alone. However, whether you’re utilizing an AV processor, preamplifier, or DSP subwoofer to alter the crossover frequency in a two-channel or surround sound setup, here are a few pointers to obtain the best results.

• Set the crossover point around 10 Hz above the lowest frequency your speakers can if you know their frequency range.
• The most often suggested (and THX standard) crossover frequency is 80 Hz.
• The figures in the table below are basic standards for speaker/subwoofer crossover frequencies.
  • 150-200 hertz for On-the-wall or teeny-tiny satellite’ speakers
  • 100-120 Hz for a small center, surround, and bookshelf.
  • 80-100 Hz for a mid-sized center, surround, and bookshelf.
  • 60-80 Hz for the large center, surround, and bookshelf.
  • 40-60 Hz for Center, surround, and bookshelf
  • 60 Hz for tower speakers with 4″-6″ woofers
• 40 Hz or Large/Full-Band (i.e., full-range) for Tower speakers with woofers ranging from 8″ to 10″
• If you’re unsure of the optimal crossover frequency for your speakers, use the SVS Subwoofer Matching Tool, which will recommend the best SVS subwoofer for your speakers and tell you the optimal crossover frequency is.
• Check for a seamless transition between the speakers and the subwoofer. Ideally, the mixing will be so fluid that you won’t tell where the bass is coming from, and everything will play in sync.
• If you notice a bass boost at the crossover frequency, adjust the volume control to match the output of your main speakers.
• Check out the Digital Bass Management Primer for a more in-depth look at crossover frequencies.

It is recommended to set the crossover to a frequency where your main speakers can handle sounds above the crossover point comfortably. The subwoofer handles everything below that point. For most systems, THX recommends 80Hz. However, some satellite speakers are incapable of reproducing extremely low frequencies. Larger speakers, on the other hand, can handle virtually full-range sound (but not always). These may need the use of customized settings. There are times that all of your speakers match and have the same frequency response. When this happens, you can consider yourself lucky because specific systems establish the crossover.

How about dealing with different speakers?

Setting the crossover on another existing system will be a lot more challenging because your primary speakers may have the possibility to play lower than your surroundings. In this scenario, adjusting the crossover to the frequency required for the small speakers is recommended. There is an exception to this. Regardless of your speakers, it is not recommended to put the crossover over 100-120Hz. At these frequencies, your subwoofer will most likely be producing muffled sound.

You can also choose to have more than one sub. You would need to have a Y adapter to split the signal from the amp going to the two subs.

Choosing the Best Sub Placements

You’ve probably heard this simple trick before: putting your subwoofer in a corner or near to a wall to get more outstanding bass. That is correct. However, it may not be the type of bass you are looking for. It might be one of the reasons you’re experiencing peaks or dips with your sound system, despite adjusting it to get the desired results. Unfortunately, it does not apply while looking for a location for your subwoofer. You may use the following easy test to determine where you should place your subwoofer:

• Place your subwoofers in the center of the room.
• Play a sound with deep bass or anything else that sounds familiar to you.
• Move about the room to find the best-sounding LFE and save these locations.
• Continue moving around until you have three or four areas where the bass sounds best.
• Place your subwoofer in each of these spots, then do a bass frequency sweep.
• Leave it where it produces the best results, and then configure the crossover, low-pass, and high-pass based on the test results.

This approach may be inconsistent, and you may wind up with your subwoofer in the most inconvenient places. However, to get the desired degree of overlap, you will need to rethink and reconstruct your media room in some cases.

The Rule of Thirds

If you don’t want to reorganize your media room, you might use the Rule of Thirds when putting a subwoofer.

The Rule of Thirds states that if you measure the size of your room from the entrance to the next wall, then use one-third of that measurement as the gap between your wall and subwoofer; you will obtain a more robust bass output. The Rule of Thirds may not always result in the finest bass, but it does help limit the incidence of standing waves and nulls.

A full-range subwoofer is required for any sound system. It has the potential to elevate your music-listening experience, but you must set it up appropriately. The subwoofer crossover is an essential aspect of getting your speakers to operate together and minimize discrepancies in output.

Evaluating Your Crossover Settings

When evaluating your subwoofer crossover, three factors might have an impact on the output of your sound system:

• Speaker overlap between your prominent, small, and primary speakers
• The output loudness of your subwoofer and speakers
• The location of your subwoofer in the media room.

All of these factors must be considered when configuring your subwoofer crossover since they can significantly impact the output.

The Subwoofer in Your Audio System

It’s not just about getting additional bass when you add a subwoofer. With a superb sub, the dynamics of the audio system rock harder, and the depth and spaciousness of the soundstage improve. A capable subwoofer will drastically improve your system’s overall sound; thus, adding the proper sub will make a more considerable impact than updating electronics. The best subwoofers are most effective when they do not draw attention to themselves. That is much like you are not aware of any bass coming from it; instead, all of the basses should appear to emanate from the speakers. But, when you switch off the sub, you’ll be surprised at how much bass the sub was producing, even on tracks with too little bass!

Putting out More Power from the Audio

Many people are astonished to hear that two speakers, a left and right stereo speaker, are not enough for high-end home systems. The subwoofer is usually one of the most significant speakers in home music or home theater systems. They are essential because most tower speakers in an audio or home theater system cannot reproduce the full spectrum, specifically, the low frequencies sent to them by your audio source. That will result in you losing part of the output if you do not have a subwoofer. Because undeniably, low frequencies also contribute to the whole, rich, three-dimensional feel that we enjoy in movie soundtracks and music.

The ability to generate larger-than-life sounds without considerably increasing the size or expense of a home theater system is perhaps the most prominent advantage of having an excellent subwoofer in a system. Because a subwoofer does not have the same limits as a typical speaker, it may offer unparalleled audio while taking up little space in a living room. Investing in powered subwoofers may make all the difference when putting many speakers throughout the area to generate deeper, richer sound. The most obvious advantage of adding the best subwoofers is the creation of a real movie experience.

Subwoofers are required to replicate noises with low frequencies, like the blowing of a car’s horn, the smash of an ocean wave, or the rumbling of an earthquake properly. While spectators may hear the sound without this addition, there is no doubt that a powerful subwoofer can make a movie as engaging and lifelike as possible, significantly improving the film-viewing experience. Subwoofers are an essential component of any home audio system. They provide a fuller sound, deeper bass for music and movies, be positioned practically anywhere in the room for better room acoustics, and take up less space than most people imagine.