Qual ​​è la differenza tra un woofer e un subwoofer?

Se sei un appassionato di car audio, potresti aver sentito i termini "woofer" e "subwoofer" usati in modo intercambiabile.

Ma qual è la reale differenza tra loro? Scopriamolo.

I subwoofer riproducono frequenze inferiori a 30 hertz, mentre i woofer coprono la gamma di frequenze medio-basse da 60 a 2000 hertz. I subwoofer sono più grandi e più pesanti dei woofer e richiedono più potenza per funzionare, spesso da un amplificatore dedicato.

Nell'articolo seguente, esplorerò la differenza tra woofer e subwoofer in modo più dettagliato, comprese le loro caratteristiche principali, vantaggi e svantaggi.

Woofer e subwoofer:qual è la differenza?

Quando si tratta di car audio, vengono lanciati molti termini. Due che probabilmente hai sentito sono "woofer" e "subwoofer". Ma qual è esattamente la differenza tra i due?

I woofer sono un tipo di altoparlante specificamente progettato per riprodurre suoni a bassa frequenza. Queste frequenze sono generalmente comprese tra circa 60 e 2.000 Hz.

Per produrre queste basse frequenze, i woofer devono essere molto più grandi e pesanti dei tweeter o degli altoparlanti di fascia media (che riproducono frequenze più alte).

D'altra parte, i subwoofer sono progettati esplicitamente per riprodurre frequenze molto basse, spesso a partire da 30 Hz.

Queste frequenze sono così basse da essere al di sotto della gamma dell'udito umano. Tuttavia, possiamo ancora sentire le loro vibrazioni, specialmente quelle con 20Hz o meno.

Poiché i subwoofer riproducono frequenze così basse, devono essere installati in custodie solide e solo raramente installati in casse come subwoofer free-range.

I subwoofer free-range sono rari nell'autoradio e tendono a non funzionare bene come i subwoofer in casse solide.

Se vuoi aggiungere un subwoofer al tuo sistema audio per auto, ti consiglio di dare un'occhiata a Skar (collegamento ad Amazon).

Come funzionano i woofer e i subwoofer?

Subwoofer e woofer funzionano in modo simile, con la differenza principale nelle dimensioni e nella gamma di frequenza.

Entrambi i driver ricevono il segnale dall'amplificatore, lo convertono in suono e quindi emettono le onde sonore.

Sia i woofer che i subwoofer necessitano di un amplificatore per funzionare correttamente. Questo perché la radio invia segnali a bassa frequenza, indicati nelle colonne sonore come effetti a bassa frequenza (LFE), tramite corrente elettrica all'amplificatore.

Quindi l'amplificatore amplifica la corrente e la converte in suono attraverso una bobina magnetica che provoca la vibrazione del cono del driver.

I woofer sono più piccoli dei subwoofer (sebbene alcuni subwoofer siano realizzati con un design da 6,5″ o 8″) e funzionano nella gamma di frequenza di 60Hz-2000Hz.

Producono frequenze medio-bassi, principalmente altoparlanti integrati nelle portiere dell'auto e possono avere altoparlanti coassiali o componenti. Un woofer utilizza un cono che è attaccato alla singola molla elicoidale. La dimensione del cono determina la gamma di frequenze che il woofer può emettere.

D'altra parte, i subwoofer sono più grandi e funzionano nella gamma di frequenza di 20Hz-200Hz. Di conseguenza, producono basse frequenze e vengono utilizzati nelle auto per migliorare la qualità del suono.

Un subwoofer utilizza coni più forti che, a seconda del tipo, possono essere circolari o quadrati, ad esempio Kicker L7 Series (link ad Amazon).

A differenza dei woofer, che hanno una sola bobina mobile, i subwoofer possono avere una bobina mobile (SVC) o due bobine vocali (DVC), che ne influenzano le prestazioni e la qualità dei bassi.

Woofer e subwoofer:qual è quello giusto per te?

Dipende da cosa cerchi in un altoparlante, ma in un sistema audio per auto progettato correttamente dovresti avere entrambi i tipi installati.

Un woofer è adatto a te se desideri un altoparlante che produca frequenze medio-bassi.

Tuttavia, un subwoofer è la scelta migliore se stai cercando un altoparlante che produca le frequenze dei bassi più basse.

Ecco una tabella che riassume la differenza tra woofer e subwoofer:

Woofer

• Frequenze medio-bassi

• Gamma di frequenza 60Hz-2000Hz

• Design dell'altoparlante coassiale o componente

• I coni sono fissati a una singola molla elicoidale.

• La dimensione del cono determina la gamma di frequenza.

Subwoofer

• Frequenze dei bassi

• Gamma di frequenza 20Hz-200Hz

• Può avere un numero diverso di bobine vocali

• Forma conica circolare o quadrata

• I coni sono più robusti dei woofer.

I vantaggi di avere un woofer in auto

I woofer possono fornire una serie di vantaggi al tuo sistema audio per auto, tra cui:

#1. Migliore qualità del suono:

I woofer riproducono le frequenze medio-bassi che sono responsabili della creazione di un suono pieno e ricco. Ciò può migliorare notevolmente la qualità del suono generale del sistema audio della tua auto.

#2. Soundstage migliorato:

I woofer possono aiutare a creare un palcoscenico sonoro più ampio e spazioso. Questo perché le frequenze medio-bassi sono responsabili dell'emissione dei segnali direzionali dei suoni dagli altoparlanti su entrambi i lati dell'auto.

#3. Bassi più stretti:

Woofers can provide tighter and better-defined mid-bass as compared to subwoofers. This is because woofers have a smaller cone surface area, which results in less cone flex.

The Benefits of Having a Subwoofer in Your Car

Subwoofers can provide a number of benefits to your car audio system, including:

#1. Enhanced Bass:

Subwoofers are designed to reproduce low-bass frequencies. This means that they can provide enhanced bass as compared to woofers.

#2. Improved sound quality:

The enhanced bass that subwoofers provide can also improve sound quality because the low-bass frequencies are responsible for giving sounds their fullness and richness.

#3. Improved soundstage:

Subwoofers can also help create a broader and more spacious soundstage.

The low-bass frequencies make the space better filled with low-end sounds.

Can I Use a Woofer as a Subwoofer?

You cannot use a woofer as a subwoofer because woofers are designed to reproduce mid-bass frequencies, while subwoofers function by reproducing the lowest frequencies.

You can have several woofers installed in the car, even as standalone drivers in dedicated enclosures, but although they will create strong and clear mid bass, they will not be able to make the same low-end sound as a quality subwoofer.

How to Install a Woofer in Your Car

Installing a woofer in your car is a relatively simple process and is not much different from installing standard coaxial speakers in the car:

#1. The first thing you need to do is to remove the trim panel on the door. Once the trim panels are removed, you can access the speakers.

#2. Next, unscrew the speakers from the door panel and disconnect the wires. Once the cables are detached, remove the speakers from the door.

#3. Now, connect the wires to the new speaker. Once the cables are connected, you can place the new speaker on the door and screw it to the door panel.

Finally, you must reassemble the door panel and screw it back.

How to Install a Subwoofer in Your Car

Installing a subwoofer in your car can be a bit more challenging than installing a woofer, but it is still a relatively simple process:

#1. The first thing you need to do is to find a suitable location for the subwoofer. The trunk is often the best location for the subwoofer.

#2. Next, you must select the subwoofer’s amplifier and connect it to the battery and stereo via remote wire.

#3. Finally, you must run the wires from the subwoofer to the amplifier. The best way to do this is to use a speaker wire of adequate gauge.

Do I Need an Amplifier for My Woofer or Subwoofer?

An amplifier is not required for a woofer, but it is recommended. When it comes to the subwoofers, an amplifier is a must unless you use a powered (active) subwoofer.

This is because amplifiers can provide more power than no car stereo can achieve.

Having a subwoofer without an amplifier will not give you any good bass.

The subwoofer will work, but it won’t produce any sounds you want to hear. Instead, there will be just a faint rumble.

What Size Woofer or Subwoofer Do You Need for Your Car?

The woofers have a standard common size of 6.5″, which can be installed in most cars without any fitment issues.

The subwoofers have a bit more diverse size options, and their size actually depends mainly on the size of the trunk. The most popular and standard sizes are 10″, 12″, or 15″ with either single or dual enclosure designs.

If you have a smaller car, I recommended to go with a 10″ subwoofer. If you have a larger car, such as an SUV, it is recommended to go with a 12″ or 15″ subwoofer so the cabin can be better filled with the low frequencies.

Also, a larger subwoofer can naturally create more SPL (sound pressure level), so it will be easier to reach higher volumes without distorting the sound.

How Much Does a Woofer or Subwoofer Cost?

The woofers can cost anywhere from $30 to $200, depending on the quality and features. As for the subwoofers, they can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000, again depending on the quality and features.

For the woofers, there is no need to spend a lot of money unless you are looking for high-end models, and the vast majority of woofers are combined with tweeters in either coaxial or system design.

The subwoofers, on the other hand, can be quite expensive, but it is worth it if you want to create a quality sound system in your car.

The simplest way to get a solid and deep bass is to buy a quality, ready-made subwoofer set with a loaded enclosure, designated amplifier and all the wiring.

An excellent example is the SKAR Single SDR Package (collegamento ad Amazon).

This package has several main pros over similar products:

• Strong and deep bass

• One of the cheapest sets on the market

• Clear installation diagram

• Easy set-up

Troubleshooting Your Woofer or Subwoofer

If the woofer or subwoofer is not working correctly, there are a few things you can do to try and troubleshoot the problem:

#1. Check all the wiring connections and make sure they are tight and secure.

#2. Ensure the stereo and amplifier are turned on and set to the correct volume.

#3. Check all the fuses and replace them if necessary.

#4. Check the amplifier’s gain setting and ensure it is set correctly.

If, after checks, you still have a problem with the sound coming from the woofer or the subwoofer, you may need to take it to a professional to have a look at it.

Domande frequenti

What Is the Difference Between a Woofer and Subwoofer?

The main difference between a woofer and a subwoofer is that a woofer covers frequencies between 60 Hz to 2 kHz, while a subwoofer covers frequencies between 20 Hz to 200 Hz.

Additionally, woofers are typically larger than subwoofers.

Can I Use a Subwoofer Without an Amplifier?

You will need an amplifier to power the subwoofer. Without an amplifier, the subwoofer will not produce any sounds you want to hear.

What Size Woofer or Subwoofer Do I Need for My Car?

Most woofers have a standard common size of 6.5″, which can be installed in most cars without any fitment issues.

The subwoofers have a bit more diverse size options, and their size actually depends mainly on the size of the trunk. The most popular sizes are 10″, 12″, or 15″.

How Much Does a Woofer or Subwoofer Cost?

The woofers can cost anywhere from $30 to $200, depending on the quality and features. As for the subwoofers, they can cost anywhere from $100 to $1000, again depending on the quality and features.

What Is the Difference Between a Coaxial Speaker and a Component Speaker?

The main difference between coaxial and component speakers is that coaxial speakers have the tweeter and woofer in the same housing.

In contrast, component speakers have the tweeter and woofer in separate housings.

Additionally, component speakers typically provide better sound quality than coaxial speakers.

Can I Use a Subwoofer Without a Box?

You can use a subwoofer without a box, but it will not perform as well as it would with a box. The enclosure helps to increase the bass response, increases the sound pressure, and protects the subwoofer from damage.

Do Subwoofers Come With an Amplifier?

Unless there are active models, most subwoofers do not come with an amplifier. Therefore, you will need to purchase an amplifier separately to power the subwoofer.

Conclusione

In conclusion, there are many differences between woofers and subwoofers, including their size, frequency range, and price.

Woofers are smaller and lighter than subwoofers and cover frequencies between 60 Hz and 2 kHz, while subwoofers cover frequencies between 20 Hz and 200 Hz.

Additionally, subwoofers cost more than woofers and need an amplifier to function correctly, while many woofers can be powered by the car radio.

When choosing between a woofer and a subwoofer, you must consider the size of the vehicle, the type of music you typically listen to, and your budget.

If you are looking for deep bass and are on a tight budget, then standard woofers in the coaxial speakers will do the job.

If you are looking for a better sound dynamic and are willing to spend more money, then a subwoofer is the way to go.