A subwoofer is considered an important part of the speaker system. Without it, it is difficult to use a home theater. This element works on low frequencies, which full-fledged stereo systems cannot cope with. In some equipment, these settings make playback clear. Home active sub does not affect the physical organization of the system too much.
The equipment can be placed anywhere, as it is compact. This is due to the fact that no matter where it is located, the signal will still be picked up. But nevertheless, the correct configuration and connection of the active subwoofer is required. It is necessary to familiarize yourself with some of the intricacies of the work.
Features
The main difference between active and passive subwoofers is the presence of an integrated power amplifier. Because of this, the equipment removes the low-frequency load from the main amplifier. The device also has an active crossover that filters high frequencies, simplifies the coordination of technology with broadband speakers.
Some devices have additional features. Active sub, the price of which is in the range of 30 - 35 thousand rubles, includes adjustment for different operating conditions. Such equipment is not considered premium, but has a middle class. It has support for adjusting the frequency spectrum, phase rotation, and setting the position of the crossover points.
Connection
Amplifiers often have the PCA channels needed to connect active subwoofers. Some devices even have multiple inputs, which expand the acoustic capabilities. The user needs to prepare an RCA cable of the appropriate length, and then connect it to a suitable connector. Most people have no connection problems.
If you use 2 inputs, you will need a powerful active sub, working with a cable splitter. With this interaction method, the input sensitivity is doubled, but this will not have a special effect on the sound. The subwoofer comes with a left and right channel.
If you use such acoustics, then you need to choose the right cable. It is best to purchase a copper stranded wire that preserves the signal volume. If a budget active sub is used, then an increase in performance does not make sense.
Connection to output terminals
How to connect an active sub in another way? The main output terminals are used for this. Speakers are attached to high-level outputs on a subwoofer. In front of the terminals are high-pass filters that provide 6 dB.
The system has a slight pressure on acoustics in the low frequency range. But when connecting an active sub using output terminals, the minus of such a scheme should be taken into account. If you use the described connection option through the direct outputs of the terminal and filters of the subwoofer, you can get the best sound with a slight error. But since the connection channels work in parallel, the entire load increases.
Customization
The basic setup of the equipment is based on the characteristics of the acoustics. It should be guided by it. The setting is adjusted in the parameters of the sound crossover and phase switch. But before calibration, you need to check the quality of the connection. Optimization of connection nodes is also required.
There is a home active subwoofer with wireless connection. In this case, you do not need ordinary cables for connection, since radio sensors are used for this. It turns out that you need to synchronize the equipment using Bluetooth or another wireless connection. Many users believe that the equipment will work correctly if all the quality is purchased for the system.
Crossover
Set up a crossover to set the frequency spectra of subwoofer separation. This knob allows you to adjust the equipment over the entire range. Some devices have an extreme significance of frequencies with which the equipment is not perceived by the human ear.
The classic value is 80 Hz. Depart from this indicator should only be when there is a booming bass. In this case, it is necessary to lower the frequency with the regulator.
Phase switch
A switch is needed to compensate for the difference between system installation. It is also needed in matching signals from various satellites. The subwoofer must be tuned when playing excerpts with a male low voice. The user should choose a mode with which vocals are heard naturally.
How are distortions eliminated?
Even in expensive equipment, the sound is not always absolutely clear. But such problems are resolved. For example, a rumble appears due to dispersion in the wires. In this case, cable quality is important. Therefore, you need to purchase a new wire or adjust the volume.
Powerful equipment must be included with high quality thick RCA cables. They must have a shielding function. Among users you can find different reviews. Many cancel that there is a loud hum. Eliminate the fault will allow the current filter in the cable.
The choice
A quality system may have average performance. If everything is connected correctly, this will allow the equipment to work without interruptions. Powerful subwoofers are sold at a price of 50-60 thousand rubles. Such systems do their job. But you can buy an economy model, which is similar in parameters to the head unit. It turns out that price is not always the main criterion.
When choosing, you must consider the material. Although plastic is in demand, wooden subwoofers remain popular. According to user reviews, it is clear that a system of natural material better suppresses vibration, and also evenly distributes the signal. But wood is not as practical as plastic.
For home, an active and passive subwoofer can be used. The latter system has one or more low-frequency speakers . For its operation, an external amplifier and an audio separation filter are required. Both types of equipment provide high-quality sound. Active subwoofers are more suitable for this. If you properly connect and configure the equipment, then it provides excellent sound quality.