Why Does My Subwoofer Sound Weak? 12 Reasons & Methods
It will be an annoying experience when your subwoofer emits weak bass. This phenomenon can be a warning about problems with your device. Why does my subwoofer sound weak?
There are many reasons, for example, an underpowering woofer, the wrong size amplifier, or a motor failure.
These problems can stem directly from the device or sometimes due to user confusion. To determine the details of each error and how to solve it, let’s continue reading the article below!
Why Does My Subwoofer Sound Weak? 12 Possible Reasons
The main function of the subwoofer is to output low-frequency sound to produce rich tones. A song without bass will not be complete.
This device only works when it detects low frequencies in the sound. So, there are many reasons why it doesn’t hit hard enough.
Minimum Or No Low–Frequency Sound
Extreme close-up of a subwoofer pulsating
Many newbies to subwoofers are often disappointed when they can’t hear any bass. However, this problem is completely normal.
This device can only output low-frequency sounds, such as drums, bass guitars, or movie explosions. If the song or movie you’re listening to doesn’t have these sounds, the speaker won’t work.
Before you start worrying and trying to repair your speakers, double-check what you’re listening to. Please look for other causes only after confirming this issue.
Lowered Volume Level
Another common cause is that your subwoofer volume is too low to be heard. If you encounter this problem, you should check and turn the volume back up to the desired level.
Although it sounds simple, many people often neglect to adjust the volume. They think of subs as separate audio devices.
In most remote control types, you can find a “woofer” button to adjust the subwoofer’s volume in the soundbar.
If your remote does not have this button, contact the manufacturer or check the user manual.
Incorrect Sound Settings
An improperly set up sound system can also cause your subwoofer to sound weak.
To avoid frequency conflicts, you need to make sure that the frequency settings of the woofer and the main speaker are the same.
The clash in frequency levels can also cause the sound to be distorted and weak.
You should check the volume knob, bass knob, and volume levels of various components, such as the head unit.
If you are using an amplifier to increase the sound quality of your woofer, check the settings for compatibility. The bass quality of the subs can weaken if you set the settings incorrectly.
Room acoustics
Poor Room Acoustics
Room acoustics have a powerful effect on the performance of your home audio system, especially the woofer.
With more listening space, you’ll need a larger subwoofer to fill the sound. You certainly can’t use an 8-inch sub in a 4,000 cubic feet room.
The key to this problem is arranging the sound equipment in the room properly. You should check them out before you rush to blame the quality of the device.
If the layout and arrangement are difficult for you, look for specialized equipment. It has an adjustment system to match the structure of your room.
Weak Sources Configuration
A woofer can sound weak if the sound source configuration is poor.
You often encounter this problem when using equipment in the studio when many devices are not compatible with the speaker.
You should check the areas where the microphone or similar programs are in your configuration. Make sure the connection is stable and strong.
If you want to test, connect the sub to other devices such as phones or iPods.
If the bass output is still stable, the problem is definitely in the remaining sound configuration sources.
Underpowered Subwoofers
Owning an underpowered woofer also means that it will not be able to hit as hard as you would like.
You can’t expect powerful sounds when the device is not receiving enough power.
So, always make sure you have enough power for the subs to work optimally. The simplest way is to equip a compatible amplifier.
Many people often use a single amplifier for multiple subwoofers in an audio system. You should make sure it’s powerful enough to handle heavy workloads.
If not, the best advice is to get a separate amp for each woofer. Putting too much pressure on a device can cause it to overheat and deflate.
However, an amplifier that is too large is also not a good idea. It can distort the sound and make it tinny.
Vintage style amp and guitar
Incorrect Amp Size
If the subwoofer’s bass weakens when you increase the volume, the amplifier size is too small for the device’s requirements.
In this case, you will need to replace it with a larger and more powerful amp. Even many audio systems will require the help of multiple amplifiers.
Motor Failure
If all of the above is not true in your case, check the engines to see if they are working properly.
The causes of motor failure of the woofer can be a faulty fuse or an unstable power supply. These malfunctions can affect the bass quality of the device.
Therefore, you should hire a professional to repair or check the engine yourself if you have enough knowledge.
Improperly Polarized Subwoofers
If you want to set up subwoofers in your audio system, you need to make sure they’re polarized correctly relative to each other.
In case of incorrect polarization, your device will experience a lower sound pressure level (SPL).
Insufficient SPL will weaken any bass output. That’s why professionals often test speaker polarities after setting up an audio system.
Cables of subwoofers
Damaged Cables
The bass output may be interrupted if the RCA cable running behind the speaker is damaged or tangled at any point.
In addition, worn and dirty cables also reduce the quality and reverberation of the bass. So, check to ensure the quality of the line to prevent any cracks or clogging.
Receiver/Head Unit Issue
If your subwoofer has no problem, check the head unit settings again.
It is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and instructions when installing new equipment.
A few other notable parameters are the equalizer and crossover. It can help you achieve the bass you want.
Improper Wiring
Incorrect wiring can weaken the bass output from your subwoofer. This phenomenon occurs when one of the two subs you use is wired “out of phase.”
When the wiring is wrong, the directions of the two speakers can move in opposite directions. It will contribute to suppressing the bass.
The simplest solution is to rewire the subwoofers “in-phase.” You should disconnect the device before doing this.
Make sure the positive terminal of the woofer is connected to the positive terminal of the amp and vice versa. It will ensure the devices work together instead of canceling each other out.
How To Make Your Subwoofer Hit Harder?
Adjusting the volume
Change The Sub’s Spider
One way to increase the sound of a sub is to change its spider. If you don’t know what a spider is, it looks like a small cone in front of a woofer.
This unit is quite similar to the tweeter in mid-range or full-range speakers.
Check Your Amp
Make sure you have selected the right amp for the woofer in your sound system. The most important factor is that the amp’s power output must be compatible.
Ensure The Subwoofer Closure
One way to help the woofer hit harder is to cover it properly. The principle of using a subwoofer is to place it in a sealed and sealed container.
If you’re packing your own, make sure you’ve followed the manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations.
Tune The Woofer Properly
Tuning also plays a critical role in determining performance and making the loudspeaker’s operation as quiet as possible. Proper tuning will help reduce distortion and flatten the bass response.
Buy A Bandpass Box
You can use a bandpass box to maximize the audio output of your subwoofers. However, they are not compatible with all woofers, so you need to make sure that they matter before buying.
Your device’s manuals can tell you if it’s compatible with the bandbox.
Supply Power Sufficiently
Your subwoofer will need quite a bit of power to produce low-frequency sound. Therefore, you will need to provide a lot of power to the device to avoid distorted sound output.
Excessive distortion distorts the sound and can also damage the coil. To prevent this, consider getting a powerful amp.
A powerful amplifier will deliver a deeper and more resonant sound. It enhances the audio signal entering your woofer without straining it.
However, do not choose too powerful amps because it will cause the risk of burning the coil.
FAQs
If you have any questions regarding the subwoofer and how it works, let’s find the answer in this article.
Why Is Your Sub Vibrating?
The woofer vibration comes from the low bass that the device reproduces. However, it usually operates at a fairly uniform frequency.
If you notice any unusual vibrations, the cause could be under-power or overload. Another reason is that the parts of the subs are not tight enough.
In order to improve the sound quality, it is recommended that you tighten the unit more and provide a suitable power supply.
What Is Room Gain?
Room gain is a natural increase in deep bass energy. It is the result of a combination of sound and the size of the listening room.
This phenomenon allows the audio equipment to produce more power than it is rated for by controlling the room. As a result, it emits bass at lower frequencies.
Many people use room gain to significantly increase the device’s ability to extend the deep bass. It’s a great way to get low frequencies without costing an arm and a leg which you can refer to in the video below.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why your subwoofer can’t hit harder. Some subjective reasons include equipment being too weak, power not effective, or amplifier size being too small.
However, you should also pay attention to other objective causes, such as sound without bass or unreasonable volume settings.
Whatever the reason for the low frequencies produced by your subwoofer, you should make a proper diagnosis before doing anything else.
Hopefully, this article on My Car Gears can help you find the exact cause and solution to make the subwoofer work more powerful. Thank you for reading!
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