If you want to improve the sound output of the subwoofer, then you need an amplifier that will create a louder and clearer sound. Also, it will ensure that the sound output remains the same throughout the room where you have placed the subwoofer.
There are also other techniques to amplify the sound. If you do not want to spend on an amplifier, then here are DIY ways that can make a subwoofer box louder and amplify the sound output.
In This Article:
Types of Subwoofer Box
There are three types of subwoofer box, such as:
- Sealed: If you prefer clean, crisp, and tight bass, then a sealed subwoofer is the one that contributes to the volume.
- Ported: In a ported enclosure, the cone moves without any restrictions. Here you can feel that the bass appears to be louder and it also works best in the case of rock or metal music.
- Bandpass: this is a combination of sealed and ported enclosures with an acoustic filter that limits the upper end of the frequency response.
9 Ways to Make Subwoofer Louder
Here are the best possible ways to make the subwoofer louder:
1. Placement of the Subwoofer
You need to position the subwoofer in a different way to make the sound output louder. You might have placed it in a corner of the room, which cannot be an ideal position. However, it might give the highest base sound output but everyone will not get the same experience.
Some might hear a low sound, while others will have a lot louder experience. So, to even out the sound experience and make the sound equally available for everyone in the room, you can place it at the center. This will even out the bass response and also create equal sound output in every part of the room.
But, if you have a smaller house, then you can try to place a subwoofer at least 3 inches away from the wall if you have a rear-port subwoofer. Also, if the subwoofer is larger, other than being rectangular or square, then you can try an asymmetrical position. Place it behind the couch if there is a shortage of space.
2. Fine-tune the Subwoofer
If you want to amplify the base effect, then you need to tune the subwoofer properly. You have to adjust the controls of the subwoofer and make it tune in correctly. Try not to put a strain on the machines so that you can get the desirable boom effect from the subwoofer.
3. Adjust the Crossover and Phase Setting
The crossover and phase settings are also important factors that will make the subwoofer louder. So, it should be in phase with other parts of the sound system. With the single-phase switch, you can adjust the setting of the subwoofer. You can also use the flat metals to get the accurate phase for adjusting the crossover. Moreover, you can change the dial within the range of 0 to 180 degree position.
You might have to go through a few errors and trial methods before you get the desired output. The crossover frequency depends on the speaker size and the lower frequency works best in the case of larger speakers and a higher end is best for smaller compact subwoofers. Keep making the adjustments until you are getting a clear sound instead of a shabby voice.
4. Use High-Quality Files
You might not like to play a distorted sound, so always get a high-quality audio file to play on the subwoofer. It will help you to get the desired sound effect. If the audio file is not perfect, then the subwoofer alone might not be the only aspect responsible for the distorted output. So, try to avoid compressed and small-size files as they lose the higher and lower frequency output quality.
If you are using a headphone to listen to the sound from a compressed audio file, you might not be able to detect the missed frequencies. So, always use advanced music files that would be suitable for the subwoofer. It is usually recommended to go for FLAC and AIFF audio files.
If you are planning to stream music from an app, you can opt for advanced applications that provide the highest-quality audio files. Moreover, you can also fine-tune the music apps and get the best possible streaming service.
5. Reduce the Electrical Impedance
When you are playing your favorite music, the subwoofer converts the electrical energy into sound. However, if the connection goes through any resistance, then the sound quality drops as high impedance leads to a loss of efficient sound output.
While you are using the subwoofer you need to check whether it is in proper condition and has not gone through wear and tear or physical damage. You also need to check the teeth magnet and coil condition which leads to a higher impedance. Also, go through the control units to ensure that you tune the audio quality and minimize the impedance. If you find that there is any damage within the subwoofer, then you can get professional help.
6. Use Sound-Damping Resources
If you put in extra vibration, then the sound can get affected so add dampening materials or insulators to cancel out unwanted vibration. It can also help to maximize the music output and lead to louder sound with bass effects. You also get to experience sharper frequency and increased sound accuracy. So, get cubical or rectangular enclosures that are lined up with dampeners, but you need to be careful, as if you do not get the perfect design then the sound waves can get changed in the wrong way.
The most recommended dampener is an acoustic foam that absorbs sound reflection and results in a flatter bass output. You won’t get any sound distortions by placing the acoustic foam on the side of the subwoofer. Also, if you have a larger subwoofer, then you can place a layer of acoustic foam on every side, simply plaster the foam using hot glue and you are good to go.
7. Replace the Cables
If the cables are worn out, then it can also lead to distortion in the sound output, as they won’t be able to carry the electricity at the required level. Also, as the cables get older the VC valves get degraded badly leading to bad sound output. So, get premium quality cables and also try to replace them every 12 months to maintain the sound quality of the subwoofer. This would also help to make the subwoofer louder.
8. Add a Heatsink
Subwoofers running for longer hours generate too much heat and this can eventually damage the gadget and also create sound distortion. Also, if the subwoofer has a built-in amplifier then it would emit more heat comparatively. So, you need to equip the subwoofer with a heat sink so that the heat can get dissipated for a better sound output. It would also help to enhance the longevity of the subwoofer.
When you buy a subwoofer, you can either choose the one that comes along with a built-in heat sink or you can also get a separate one. To attach an external heat sink, you simply need to use hot glue or industrial glue and place it on the sides of the subwoofer.
9. Do not Place the Subwoofer on the Floor
If you are getting a poor sound quality output, then the subwoofer might be in direct contact with the floor. Usually, a subwoofer creates a lot of vibration and if you place them directly on the floor then the vibrations can increase. Also, the subwoofer might not work properly due to the reverberations created by the subwoofer in direct contact with the floor.
So, isolate the subwoofer from the floor and use special subwoofer stands to place it. This will create a small gap of at least three inches from the subwoofer to the floor. You can also enhance the sound output by using air circulation and it also helps the subwoofer to work optimally.
How to Make the Subwoofer Louder if Placed in a Locked Enclosure Custom Box?
If your subwoofer is placed in an enclosure, then here are hacks that you need to apply:
- You can opt for a customized ported box that will help you to get loud and deep bass tones along with amplified effects. Also, you can go for a ported sound box instead of an enclosed woofer.
- You can also fill the subwoofer with polyfill if you are using a small and compact-sized subwoofer. The result would be increased bass sound output. Moreover, these layers slow down the sound waves inside the box. You can also try to use a polyfill layer or attach polyfills at the side of the box. You have to place the thickest layer at the bottom and as you go up the layers become lighter. To prevent the polyfill fibers from coming out of the box, you have to attach cotton gauze and only when necessary do you have to use paper glue.
- While choosing the box, keep in mind that it should be made of sturdier material and also ensure that it is long-lasting. It is always recommended to use fiberglass or MDF for designing the box.
- If you are using a box that has holes so that the air can pass without any disruption, then you can use plastic rubber and change the container into a sealed box. Closing the box can create an acoustic-dampening effect, which makes the subwoofer louder. Basically, plastic rubber absorbs the sound waves and redirects them back to the box and this amplifies the sound. A compressed sound wave can create more volume and power and plastic makes an external material for isolating and trapping sound.
Why is the Subwoofer not Loud Enough?
The subwoofer is not loud enough due to improper polarization and phase problems which makes the subwoofer’s output weak. You can try to flip the polarity of the sub and it would help the drivers to move inward. Reverse polarity can make the subwoofer sound louder.
What Damages the Subwoofer?
If you overpower the subwoofer, then it can lead to potential damage and also distorted sound. Basically, if you overpower the subwoofer, it moves the con beyond the intended limit.
