Machine subwoofer at home. Connecting a passive audio system to a PC. Connecting an active subwoofer to the receiver

Probably everyone has heard of such a device as a subwoofer. However, not everyone knows what it is.

A subwoofer is a device used in musical equipment to convey the sensations more fully. It produces low frequencies that are felt by a person physically.

The subwoofer is a source of sensation

A subwoofer is quality bass. One of the properties of low frequencies is their good distribution in a confined space, which complicates the search for a sound source. Thanks to this, it can be placed in any place convenient for you, where it will not interfere. And this will not affect your feelings in any way.

The subwoofer has a rather bulky size, which is directly related to its power. Therefore, if you want to experience an unforgettable movie experience with powerful bass, be prepared to give the subwoofer a separate corner in your home. These devices are widely used. They are used everywhere: in home theaters, in clubs, in cars, and so on.

What are the subwoofers

So, if you decide to purchase a subwoofer, you need to study a certain minimum of information about them. Well, at least not to get into an unpleasant situation when choosing and purchasing.

Now you know what a subwoofer is, then we will tell you what they are, and the most important thing is how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. These devices are active and passive.

Active subwoofer

An active subwoofer is a complete system completed in a housing of a certain shape and size. In principle, this is the easiest option for an ordinary user who is poorly versed in frequencies, electronics, and physics in general. But for reference, it is worth knowing what is in the case, besides quality amplifier and powerful speaker, there is also a device that allows you to filter out high frequencies, a device that matches the operation of the subwoofer with the connected signal sources, and additional panels that allow you to adjust it for a specific situation. Together, all this gives you quality bass.

Connecting an active subwoofer

Now let's take a look at how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. In this case, you shouldn't have big problems. First, make sure your computer's sound card is compatible with the subwoofer. This information can be obtained from the documentation for the device or simply ask the seller upon purchase. There are several ways to connect a subwoofer to a computer, depending on the available connectors, plugs and capabilities of the amplifier or sound card. The connectors on the device are colored differently and often match the connectors on your computer's sound card. If this is not the case, or the connectors are not enough, do not be upset.

If the colors do not match, then please note that under each conclusion there is usually an illustration or a signature that informs about its purpose.

If the number of connectors on the subwoofer and the sound card is different, then you can experiment with an alternative connection method - through the speaker input.

Now that we have decided on all the subtleties, we can proceed directly to the question of how to connect the subwoofer to a computer. To connect via the speaker connector, we need an inexpensive and fairly simple adapter cable from 3.5 mm Jack to the usual two "tulips". Such a wire can be purchased or soldered by yourself, in any case it is easy task... Turn off the computer and amplifier. Next, we connect the stereo speakers to the amplifier, observing the polarity, so as not to spoil the sound of our system. We connect the "tulips" to the outputs of the amplifier, and the Jack 3.5 connector to the outputs of the sound card. We connect the subwoofer to the amplifier through a special connector. If not, then to the terminals of the side columns. We start the computer and after full load, turn on the amplifier. Next, we adjust the volume parameters, set the sound mode we need. Now you can fully enjoy clear bass and arouse the anger and envy of your neighbors.

Passive subwoofer and its connection

This device is a simple construction of a powerful speaker in a box of a certain size and shape. You can connect this type of subwoofer to your music system through an amplifier. If you already have one, then there will be no problems, and if not, you will have to fork out. After that, it can be connected, just like the active one. If you nevertheless decide to connect a subwoofer without an amplifier, you should know that you are acting at your own peril and risk, you may burn something. So, it is included in the circuit in parallel, that is, in the same way as ordinary speakers, or to a separate output of the amplifier. In addition, the additional resistance of a sufficiently powerful speaker in the circuit has a negative effect on the quality and loudness of the system. At the same time, some processes occur with frequencies that degrade the quality of the bass. Therefore, to obtain good sound you will have to move it around the room until you get the optimum sound.

Output

Now you have sufficient knowledge to go to a specialized store on your own and go through all the procedures: purchases, consultations, connections and settings - on your own. If you are not burdened with financial difficulties, it would be better to purchase an active type device, and then you will not have any questions about how to connect the subwoofer to a computer. However, if you want to save money, or the hidden talents of radio electronics have awakened in you, you can safely purchase components at a reasonable price and create a full-fledged speaker system with your own hands. In any case, with a subwoofer, you are guaranteed a life with rich bass, lots of pleasure and indignation of neighbors.

Probably everyone has heard of such a device as a subwoofer. However, not everyone knows what it is.

A subwoofer is a device used in musical equipment to convey the sensations more fully. It produces low frequencies that are physically felt by humans.

The subwoofer is a source of sensation

What are the subwoofers

So, if you decide to purchase a subwoofer, you need to study a certain minimum of information about them. Well, at least not to get into an unpleasant situation when choosing and purchasing.

Now you know what a subwoofer is, then we will tell you what they are, and the most important thing is how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. These devices are active and passive.

Active subwoofer

An active subwoofer is a complete system completed in a housing of a certain shape and size. In principle, this is the easiest option for an ordinary user who is poorly versed in frequencies, electronics, and physics in general. But for reference, it is worth knowing that in the case, in addition to a high-quality amplifier and a powerful speaker, there is also a device that allows you to filter out high frequencies, a device that matches the operation of the subwoofer with connected signal sources, and additional panels that allow you to adjust it for a specific situation. Together, all this gives you quality bass.

Connecting an active subwoofer

Now let's take a look at how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. In this case, you shouldn't have big problems. First, make sure your computer's sound card is compatible with the subwoofer. This information can be obtained in the documentation for the device or simply ask the seller upon purchase. There are several ways to connect the subwoofer to your computer, depending on the available connectors, plugs, and the capabilities of your amplifier or sound card. The connectors on the device are colored differently and often match the connectors on your computer's sound card. If this is not the case, or the connectors are not enough, do not be upset.

If the colors do not match, then please note that under each conclusion there is usually an illustration or a signature that informs about its purpose.

If the number of connectors on the subwoofer and the sound card is different, then you can experiment with an alternative connection method - through the speaker input.

Now that we have decided on all the subtleties, we can proceed directly to the question of how to connect the subwoofer to a computer. To connect via the speaker connector, we need an inexpensive and fairly simple adapter cable from 3.5 mm Jack to the usual two "tulips". Such a wire can be purchased or soldered by yourself, in any case it is not a difficult task. Turn off the computer and amplifier. Next, we connect the stereo speakers to the amplifier, observing the polarity, so as not to spoil the sound of our system. We connect the "tulips" to the outputs of the amplifier, and the Jack 3.5 connector to the outputs of the sound card. We connect the subwoofer to the amplifier through a special connector. If not, then to the terminals of the side speakers. We start the computer and after full load, turn on the amplifier. Next, we adjust the volume parameters, set the sound mode we need. Now you can fully enjoy clear bass and arouse the anger and envy of your neighbors.

Passive subwoofer and its connection

This device is a simple construction of a powerful speaker in a box of a certain size and shape. You can connect this type of subwoofer to your music system through an amplifier. If you already have one, then there will be no problems, and if not, you will have to fork out. After that, it can be connected, just like the active one. If you nevertheless decide to connect a subwoofer without an amplifier, you should know that you are acting at your own peril and risk, you may burn something. So, it is included in the circuit in parallel, that is, in the same way as ordinary speakers, or to a separate output of the amplifier. In addition, the additional resistance of a sufficiently powerful speaker in the circuit has a negative effect on the quality and loudness of the system. At the same time, some processes occur with frequencies that degrade the quality of the bass. Therefore, to get a good sound, you have to move it around the room until you get the optimum sound.

Output

How do I connect a subwoofer to my computer?

A distinction is made between active and passive subwoofers. The first one has a built-in amplifier and does not imply any special difficulties in connection. The second type requires the purchase of a separate amplifier to connect the subwoofer to a computer. Today we will look at how to properly connect the device.

Look for the types of subwoofers and advice on choosing a device in our article.

How to connect an active subwoofer to a computer

First you need to make sure that your sound card is compatible with your device. To do this, study the instructions of the technique or look for information on the Internet by typing desired characteristics... Also, check if the number of inputs on the card matches the number of speaker inputs. The subwoofer connector is separate. If there is no dedicated connector, you can experiment and connect the device through the speaker input.

Turn off your computer (subwoofer and speakers must also be turned off).
Fasten the terminals to the speaker wires on both sides.
Connect one end to the speaker and the other to the subwoofer (inputs are located on the back of the units). Connect all available speakers in the same way.
Connect the speakers and sound card with a 3.5mm jack cable.
Connect the subwoofer to the sound card through the dedicated input. If there is no input, connect a subwoofer instead of side speakers.
Plug the subwoofer into a power outlet and press the power button on the device and speakers.
Adjust the volume and click the "OK" button.

Connecting the subwoofer to a laptop or TV is carried out in a similar way. Sometimes the kit comes with a special wire for connecting devices.

Before connecting the subwoofer to your computer or laptop, make sure all the necessary drivers are installed.

How to connect a passive subwoofer to a computer

When connected passive subwoofer you need to purchase an amplifier for your computer or laptop.

Turn off your computer (subwoofer and amplifier must also be turned off).
Connect the subwoofer to the amplifier with a connecting cable through the corresponding inputs located on the rear walls of the equipment.
Connect the subwoofer to your computer with a 3.5mm Jack cable.
Connect the other end to the amplifier.
Turn on your computer and wait until the operating system is fully loaded.
Plug the subwoofer into a power outlet and press the power button on the device and amplifier.
If a dialog box with a text message appears, you must click on the "Ok" button.
Next, you need to right-click on the speaker icon, which is located on the computer's taskbar.
Select "Volume Options" and select the necessary checkboxes.
Adjust the volume of the amplifier and press the "OK" button.

Make sure the wires are connected correctly before turning on the subwoofer and amplifier.

Check out our other article on the selected topic.

To connect two subwoofers to a computer or laptop, you need to purchase a special adapter or connect instead of side speakers.

Read the instructions carefully before starting work. If you have any difficulties, then consult with a specialist or entrust the connection to a specially trained person.

Some car owners are not satisfied with the sound head unit... The situation can be corrected by installing an active or passive subwoofer. Installation of the device in the car is possible on your own, for which you need to select the necessary materials and tools, familiarize yourself with the connection diagram and the step-by-step algorithm of the process. Then it will not be difficult to install the equipment and connect it.

The main differences between passive and active subwoofers

To answer the question about the distinguishing points of active and passive subwoofers, you first need to figure out what each of the designs is individually.

What is a passive subwoofer

A passive sub is a construction of one or more low frequency (LF) dynamic drivers, enclosed in a single case, the material of which can be either plywood or wood. In order for such a device to reproduce sound vibrations, it is necessary to connect to an external audio amplifier through a low-pass filter, which passes only the signal band with low frequencies.

A passive subwoofer is a separate speaker, filter, and amplifier unit. Each of these blocks is purchased separately and is interconnected during installation

What is active

An active sub is a single ready-made acoustic unit, consisting not only of a speaker and filter, but also an amplifying device. Such equipment is somewhat easier to connect, and there is also an opinion that the sound quality is superior to the sound from a passive subwoofer. But if you look in more detail, the sound quality directly depends on how the setting is made.

The active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier, which saves space in vehicles with limited space. To connect to the radio, it is enough to supply power and an audio signal

The difference between them

To decide which design to give preference to, it is worth considering the main points that car owners pay attention to when choosing:

Price indicator - the cost of an active subwoofer is higher, due to the presence of an amplifier and other expensive elements in the device.
Installation advantages - passive structures are more difficult to install due to the need to additionally install a filter and an amplifier. The presence of an amplifier in the active system saves space, which is especially important for small cars.
Sound quality - Many would argue that the sound of an active system should be better. However, the sound directly depends on the correct setup of the system. If we proceed from practice, then with a high-quality adjustment of the passive sub, the sound surpasses the work of the active system.
Ease of setup - an active speaker system has more advanced tuning options, but if a good external amplifier is used, then this feature is nullified.

Pros and cons of systems

On the positive side of a passive subwoofer is the relatively low cost due to the lack of a built-in amplifier. Beyond this point, the application passive systems allows you to collect acoustic device exactly with those requests that will correspond to the high-quality sound in your understanding. In order to get a subwoofer with optimal sound quality, you will need to select an amplifier, frequency filters, and a set of dynamic heads in boxes. Compared to active ones, for passive designs, different types of enclosures are used: bandpass, bass reflex, and standard boxes. As for active devices, it is difficult to use enclosures in them. different types due to the need to accommodate additional electronics.

The main advantage of the active is the presence of a built-in amplifier and filter, which allows you to connect the system to a car radio without additional devices. This positive feature is also a disadvantage. Due to the fact that the speaker and electronics are located in the same housing, you have to sacrifice something. The main caveat is the insufficient power of the amplifier.

How to install a subwoofer in a car and connect it to a radio tape recorder

To mount the subwoofer, in addition to the device itself, you will need the following tools and materials:

wiring (power supply, "tulips" and positive wire to the amplifier and car radio);
fuse;
capacitor;
pliers and wire cutters;
insulating tape;
screed;
a set of wrenches and an adjustable wrench.

Where to install

Installing a sub can be a real challenge, depending on the car model. And it's not only about connecting the device, but also choosing a place for its installation. Being the owner of a minivan or a hatchback, the question of the place does not raise any questions, since the trunk is large. With sedans, the situation is somewhat different and, as a rule, the sub is mounted in the armrests or on the rear shelf. The most inconvenient body type is considered to be a convertible, since such cars have a small trunk volume. However, with a strong desire, the device in question can also be installed in such cars.

Passive connection

Consider the sequential algorithm for mounting the device. The installation will take about 1-3 hours, depending on the experience and model of the machine. One of the difficult stages is laying the power cable to the amplifier. Since the subwoofer is mounted in the trunk, all wires must be routed through the passenger compartment to the power source. Before starting work with the battery, the terminals are removed, which will exclude the possibility of a short circuit.

The first thing is to find a technological hole, which is closed with a special plug. On domestic cars, it may be absent, as well as the hole itself. Therefore, you have to drill it and, after pulling the cable, seal it with a sealant. Best of all, to avoid chafing the wire, insert a piece of hose into the hole.
The wiring in the engine compartment can be located in the standard harness and displayed in the passenger compartment. First you need to decide where and how the power cable will be laid. For wires in some places, it will be necessary to remove the casing, as well as the door sills. Avoid kinking or pinching the wiring. After installation, all facing elements are installed in their places.
In the luggage compartment, wires to the amplifier are also routed through a hole in the body. The power supply to the device is connected with the correct polarity.
After supplying power to the amplifier, it must be connected to the radio tape recorder. In this case, you will need tulip-type wires, as well as a wire that allows you to control the power of the amplifier. To dismantle the radio, special keys are used, but you can carefully use a knife or a screwdriver of a suitable size.
We connect "Tulips" according to the colors of the connectors. If you want the subwoofer and the radio to turn on simultaneously, then use the corresponding positive wire.
Then we pass the wires together with the power cable through the salon. We connect the "tulips" to the amplifier.
If a power cable was connected to the radio, then it should be fed to the amplifier so that the devices turn on at the same time. We are looking for a terminal and connect it to the power wire of the radio.
It remains to connect the subwoofer to the amplifier. When installing a two-channel amplifier for power distribution, both channels are connected to the device in question.

Adapter high level used for radios without connectors line-out... The device converts the signal from the output of the radio tape recorder into a linear signal

Connecting a subwoofer from a computer to a radio tape recorder

Sometimes the quality of the standard music in the car does not suit you and various thoughts arise to improve the sound. One of the questions is connecting a computer subwoofer to a radio tape recorder. In fact, the device can be connected in two ways: by supplying power through a 12 / 220V inverter or by finding the necessary contacts (+ 12V) on the amplifier board for the subwoofer. To do this, you need to arm yourself with a tester and have a little bit of experience in electronics. Having dealt with the power supply, we feed the audio signal to the input of the subwoofer, taking it from the line output of the radio, using a shielded cable of the required length.

Crossover connection

Before considering connecting a subwoofer through a crossover, you need to understand what this device is. The crossover allows you to split frequencies across ranges, i.e. plays the role of a filter. For example, there are speakers called “beepers”. If you do not apply a frequency filter, then a signal of the entire frequency range would be fed to the dynamic heads - from LF to HF. Without splitting the signal, the detail of the music will be worse. Crossovers are of active and passive type, as well as single and two-way.

Pros, cons and passive crossover connection

V passive filter there are no active elements, that is, it consists of inductors, resistances and capacitors. This implies a significant disadvantage - the loss of signal power. Also, among the shortcomings, one should single out the limitations on the peak load, which leads to the rapid failure of the device. To connect a passive crossover, it is placed directly in front of the load, that is, in front of the dynamic heads. In this case, only one amplifier can be used, which is an advantage. Such filters can be built into the acoustics or be a separate unit.

Pros, cons and active crossover connection

An active filter is installed in front of the amplifier, so it is impossible to use one device to amplify the signal. In this case, the speaker is connected to a separate channel of the amplifier, regardless of the type of frequencies. Of the advantages active filter you can highlight the ability to fine-tune the frequency cuts. It is this factor that is decisive in the higher cost of such a design in comparison with a passive one.

Security measures

Any work in the car related to electrical equipment must begin with de-energizing, that is, disconnecting the terminals from the battery.
All connections must be reliable and safe, for which seals, electrical tape, clamps, special corrugation are used.
Only high-quality wires are used for installation.
The choice of the fuse must be carried out in accordance with the passport data of the connected devices.
Acoustic equipment in the car must be fixed comfortably and securely.

Video: connecting a passive subwoofer

Installing a subwoofer in your car allows you to get decent sound quality. If a passive design is used, each of the devices in the system can be matched to the specified characteristics. For self-installation, it will be enough to purchase the necessary components and get acquainted with possible schemes connections, while you can save on visiting a car service.

Each person is a universe. And each of us has our own unique taste. One likes watermelon, and the other likes pork cartilage. This article is for those who seek to fill their universe with high-quality sound and do not know how to connect a subwoofer to a computer. Or you need to clarify some details.

Subwoofer (subwoofer) - this word refers to a separate speaker for reproducing low frequencies. After all, without them, the sound becomes completely "beggar". This speaker is also called "subwoofer", but this word is difficult to pronounce. Therefore, the name "subwoofer" has stuck.

Distinguish:

Active subwoofer - structurally contains a built-in power amplifier. It has the ability to fine-tune the sound wave (in amplitude or phase), and also performs the function of cutting off high-frequency vibrations. Connects through between acoustic system and a sound source.

Passive subwoofer - works in the absence of a power amplifier. Therefore, it must be connected in parallel to stereo speakers or to one of the amplifier channels. If connected through a pass-through connection, it will have a negative effect on the sound quality. This is manifested in a decrease in volume and dynamics. The passive sub has no means of adjusting the sound.

Multichannel sound systems

Now let's deal with the sound system. In order for the reproduced sound to receive a beautiful (high-quality) color, it is technically divided into strips. "Split into stripes" - means that with the help of filters (in a certain way assembled elements or microcircuits), several overlapping ranges are selected.

Then each of these bands is sent to its own individual driver. (speaker). This is how the sound system is formed:

When a sound system is said to be two-way, it means that it uses one speaker for the bass (bass) and mid-frequency (MF) plus one speaker for the high frequency (treble). Scheme - LF / MF + HF;
Three-band scheme - LF + MF + HF;
2.5-band scheme - LF / MF + HF.

For simplicity (so that everything is clear at a glance), multichannel sound systems are usually designated by a combination of two numbers separated by a dot. The number before the dot indicates the number of mid and high frequency speakers (tweeters). The number after the dot denotes the number of subs (most often it is 1). Once upon a time 3.1 (now you know what that means) was cool. Then 4.1, 5.1 systems appeared and new ones continue to appear.

And now the audio system plus the computer

To connect to personal computer you need to study his audio card. (It is better to choose it, as you already understood, in advance, when buying a computer). You need to study the sound card to see how many inputs it has.

Connecting a passive audio system to a PC

It is clear that the signal source is your computer. Before the sound gets to the speakers, the signal must be amplified and fed to them through the receiver. Nowadays, usually the amplifier and receiver are in one person. There are very expensive ones, but their advantage is the ability to receive both analog and digital signal... As well as audio and video. Moreover, any of them can be configured as you like. It almost makes a home studio.

There are also the simplest ones - for receiving simple analog ones.

But how do you connect? - In most cases, on motherboards with built-in sound and sound cards there are both digital and analog outputs. With digital - everything is clear. Consider analog ones made in the form of a minijack. Each such connector has three contacts: two "channels" and "minus". On slot sound cards, RCA connectors are possible. That is, to connect the speakers of the 5.0 system (without considering the subwoofer), you will need three wires, which will have a minijack at one end and two RCA at the other end.

Redirecting the connectors (reassigning them) is done manually using the sound control panel (in the tray next to the clock, do not confuse it with the Windows sound manager).

The subwoofer requires a corresponding additional analogue input and output on the receiver. It will be easier to connect all this to a computer if you have such a scheme before your eyes.

In this case, a connection diagram for motherboard owners with three connectors (microphone input, line-in and line-out) was considered. For those who see six connectors on the motherboard of their computer, you need to connect passive acoustics through all six (without redirecting through the control panel).

Connect active sound system to a computer is much easier. The connection diagram itself looks like this.

Scheme of connecting active acoustics to a PC

Connecting Autosabac PC

By virtue of their design features(small free space in the car) car subwoofer has a small size. But the low frequencies are quite decent. Therefore, many people come up with a great idea - to use it as a bass speaker in small places.

In order to connect a passive car sub to a computer, you will need:

Computer power supply (depending on the sub);
Car power supply;
PC multimedia system providing Output output;
3.5 TRS cable, on one end of which there should be two RCA plugs (cinch).

The order of implementation of the plan:

Form a "plus" by twisting the four yellow wires of the power supply unit;
Twist one green (from the big block token) and four black ones and form a "minus";
The resulting "+" and "-" must be connected to those on the amplifier;
Apply a jumper wire from the "+" amplifier to the "Remote" or "Rem";
Connect a sub to the amplifier in the usual way;
Connect the speakers to the amplifier using a 3.5 TRS cable;
Turn on the power supply unit - start testing the operation at low volume.

We wish you the best of luck with your musical inclination so that you can customize the sound to your preference. But don't forget about safety rules!