Subwoofer

A loudspeaker designed to reproduce low-frequency sound, especially bass and sub-bass. It is often used alongside other speakers to extend a system’s low-frequency range.

Loudspeaker: An electroacoustic transducer that converts electrical signals into sound. A subwoofer is a specialized loudspeaker optimized for low frequencies.
Frequency: The number of repetitions of a periodic event per unit time, measured in hertz for sound and other waves. A subwoofer is defined by the low-frequency portion of the audible spectrum it reproduces.
Home theater: A home audio and video system designed to recreate aspects of a cinema experience. Home-theater systems use subwoofers for low-frequency effects and bass extension.
Woofer: A loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce low and midrange audio frequencies. Woofers cover a broader and generally higher range than subwoofers.
Driver (loudspeaker): A loudspeaker’s sound-producing transducer, typically a moving diaphragm driven by an electromagnet. The driver moves air to generate a subwoofer’s low-frequency output.
Sound pressure level: A logarithmic measure of sound pressure relative to a reference pressure, expressed in decibels. Low-frequency output is commonly compared by its sound pressure level.
LFE channel: The Low-Frequency Effects channel in multichannel sound formats, carrying effects intended for subwoofer reproduction. A subwoofer commonly reproduces the dedicated LFE channel in cinema sound.
Full-range loudspeaker: A loudspeaker intended to reproduce most or all of the audible frequency range from one driver or system. A full-range speaker handles more frequencies, while a subwoofer specializes in the lowest ones.
Enclosure (loudspeaker): A housing that supports a loudspeaker driver and shapes its acoustic output. Enclosure design strongly affects a subwoofer’s bass response and efficiency.
Wavelength: The distance between corresponding points on successive cycles of a wave. Bass wavelengths are long, shaping how subwoofers interact with rooms and placement.

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