ProSoundWeb: Initially developed to extend low-frequency response in the 1960s, subwoofers have grown to become the most ubiquitous specialty enclosure. For years, dedicated subs accompanied modular full-range loudspeakers with predictable tops-to-subs deployment ratios, depending on the type or style of music: two-to-one for pop music, one-to-one for rock and one-to-two for reggae and rap. This was as complicated as subwoofer math initially got.
3 comments:
I found this article to be really interesting! I’m really interested in sound design, specifically in theatre and music, but I’ve found that I don’t really know very much about the actual technology itself. This article was really helpful; it explained what a subwoofer was, how it’s used, and the technology inside of it. It then went on to talk about different types of subwoofers on the market today, alongside a variety of their stats including size, type of subwoofer, and its frequencies. I think it’s a great resource to have, especially for designers that are looking to get a very specific sound out of their equipment setup, and it’s a comprehensive enough list that most designers could get a good idea of their options. Overall, I found this post to be both very informative and very practical, and it’s a resource I will definitely be coming back to later on in my career!
I'll be honest; I'm more of a lighting tech than a sound tech, but I enjoyed this article a great deal, and learned quite a bit from it. Never having thought before about the fact that a tone of 40 Hz has a wavelength of over 28 feet helps explain just how well bass fills an entire room regardless of where the speaker is placed. What I found especially interesting is how many of these subs now have cardioid mode capability, which I think would be very helpful in theater, as you don't want the low-end rumble to spread all around the stage and affect the actors. The inclusion of weight and rigging capabilities in this list was also quite helpful, considering that 300 pounds of cabinet space is going to affect placement within a set in theater. Even if I don't plan to be a sound designer, knowing this equipment will help me be a better collaborator.
Subwoofers are one of my favorite speakers to have and utilize to make the sound complete and feel impactful to the people around you. I think this kind of sound is super important to get into you mix and pay attention too. I appreciate how far subwoofer technology has come since they were first introduced into audio. I think its also important to look at how the technology has developed in order to be able to use it to the best of it’s abilities. Knowing what inputs you send to the sub, how it handles the frequency ranges, and what the best way to place it in a room will all impact your sound. Reading about the different brands and models highlights how different companies approach these considerations. I am continuing to learn more about how subs work and what they need to sound the best. I would love to read more about the equipment in the article and see how they compare to one another in real time.
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