A passive PA subwoofer draws power from a separate amplifier to improve the sound quality of existing PA speakers. Used frequently in larger venues such as nightclubs and live music venues, connecting to a network of other PA speakers allows the passive subwoofer to work effectively. Subs help to focus and boost a bass signal, effectively allowing other speakers to focus solely on the mid and treble frequencies in the final mix.
Buy Passive Subwoofers
Subwoofers redefine the low-end frequencies in all genres of music, filling out the overall sound output for a richer listening experience. As with any passive speaker, these subs require connection to a power amplifier to receive a sound output. Each sub is built within a highly robust speaker cabinet complemented with a metal grille to help shield the inner speaker driver.
Passive subwoofers are always used as part of a larger network as they are not self-amplified like their active counterparts. The sub can be placed on the floor during use, however, the sizes available in this collection are suited for use in venues of medium to large size. They can, of course, be professionally rigged up above a DJ booth or staged area to save floor space in more compact areas.
Passive Sub
A passive sub is a loudspeaker that can help to focus and clarify bass signals within audio by connecting to a compatible amplifier unit. Some passive speakers will already contain a crossover component, crossovers spread frequency signals throughout your network of speakers, ensuring bass frequencies are directed toward the sub. Middle and treble signals are then handled by the main PA speakers in the network creating a rich and balanced output between the two, crossovers are also sold separately for DIY speaker enhancement projects.
Passive subs help to achieve a better balance between low and high frequencies in sound, this is mostly a genre sensitive personal preference and will take a small degree of individual knowledge to refine the sound and integrate it smoothly into/out of your mixer. As a result, bass-heavy music will have a great deal more clarity and far more space for tweeters to deal with the mid and treble signals. This method allows a passive sub to enhance your overall sound output greatly providing an improved quality ready for the final live mix.
As mentioned, a passive PA subwoofer is mainly used in large venue audio installations as they have the capability to widen the scope of music mixes, offering a new level of depth to the final master audio. A team of audio experts are ready to advise customers on specific project needs, we know the importance of selecting the right tools for the job therefore customer calls are always welcomed during office hours. Emphasising the bass signal with a passive subwoofer is now a common practise at nightlife hotspots across the world.
Passive PA Subwoofer
A passive PA subwoofer is a substantial addition to an existing PA setup, however, overdriving the bass signal can affect your overall sound. Pushing the volume of the bass frequencies beyond the capability of the speaker system is not advised, bass signals should indeed be prevalent in the final mix, but not so much that it overpowers the other sounds in the music. The low-end sound should always be balanced tastefully with the treble and middle frequencies in the master mix, complementing each other to achieve the optimum results of the subsystem.
As is the same for any passive subsystem, if pushed too far the bass will overshadow any other element of the music causing the sound to distort and become unlistenable. Controlling the overall sound with a mixer is advised, there are mixer-amplifiers elsewhere in the store that can both power a passive system and fine-tune the final mix output. Bass naturally travels further than mid or treble signals, the bottom speaker/sub allows them to be heard from much further away than normal, this is helpful in sizeable venues or outdoor spaces that hold a larger audience capacity.
Top speakers/the remaining PA speakers in the passive network focus on the upper frequencies in the range, the overall scope of the music sounds a lot more cohesive to the ear as a result. Most passive speakers are customisable and the drivers in the cabinets can be upgraded and enhanced at will using several various components. There are replacement speaker drivers also in store for general repair purposes or the convenience of speaker DIY enthusiasts.
Do I need a subwoofer for my PA system?
A PA system distorts sound whenever the bass signals are pushed too far/overloaded. This happens when the main speakers in a PA system cannot handle the full sound design of the music being played. Consider a subwoofer to give speakers a helping hand and share the workload demanded from modern audio design.
The subwoofers found here are designed toward live PA use and not for use at the typical home. However, there is a subwoofer available in the home audio collection that is designed for home use and will not take up much floor space. This compact unit provides a similar job to the passive PA subwoofer, deepening the low-end sound for more immersion in movies and television.
This system essentially allows users to hear the often neglected underside of their favourite music tracks. As mentioned, bass should always be a prevalent aspect to your final mix output, but take care not to push the bass too far to avoid distortion. A tasteful balance between high and low frequencies is the best way to achieve a professional master mix.