Subwoofers are a type of speaker that are specifically designed to produce low-frequency sounds, such as bass. They are an essential component of any car audio system and play a crucial role in providing a high-quality listening experience.
Breaking in a new subwoofer helps to loosen the spiders, enabling higher excursion and the ability to play lower frequencies efficiently. However, there is a common myth that breaking subwoofers makes them get louder.
In this article, we will take a closer look at subwoofers, the myth of subwoofers getting louder with break-in, and the real causes of perceived loudness change. We will also provide tips on how to properly break in subwoofers to optimize their performance.
Understanding Subwoofers
To understand why subwoofers do not necessarily get louder as they break in, it is important to understand how subwoofers work. Subwoofers work by converting electrical signals into mechanical vibrations that produce sound.
The mechanical components, such as the voice coil, cone, and surround, work together to produce the desired sound.
There are two main types of subwoofers: sealed and ported. Sealed subwoofers are more efficient and produce tighter, more accurate bass.
Ported subwoofers are designed to produce more volume, but at the cost of accuracy. The type of subwoofer you choose will depend on your personal preferences and the type of music you listen to.
There are several factors that can affect subwoofer performance, including the size and shape of your car, the type of subwoofer you have, and the type of enclosure it is housed in.
Room acoustics, amplifier power, audio source quality, and speaker positioning can also play a role in how your subwoofer sounds.
The Myth of Subwoofers Getting Louder with Break-In
The myth of subwoofers getting louder with break-in is based on the idea that subwoofers need to be “broken in” to reach their full potential. However, this is not true. Subwoofers do not get louder as they break in, but they may sound better.
The reason for this is that break-in is simply a process of loosening up the mechanical components of the subwoofer.
As the subwoofer is used, the mechanical components, such as the voice coil, cone, and surround, will loosen up, allowing them to move more freely. This can result in a more accurate and balanced sound.
However, it is important to note that the perceived increase in loudness is not due to the subwoofer itself getting louder, but rather due to the user getting used to the sound.
This is a common misconception and can lead to the belief that subwoofers get louder as they break in.
Real Causes of Perceived Loudness Change
As mentioned earlier, the perceived increase in loudness after breaking in a subwoofer is not due to the subwoofer itself getting louder, but rather due to the user getting used to the sound.
There are several other factors that can contribute to perceived loudness change, including:
Room Acoustics:
Room acoustics can have a significant impact on how your subwoofer sounds. The size, shape, and materials of a room can affect the sound in different ways, and can result in a change in perceived loudness.
Amplifier Power:
The power of your amplifier can also affect how your subwoofer sounds. A more powerful amplifier can result in a louder sound, while a less powerful amplifier can result in a quieter sound.
Audio Source Quality:
The quality of your audio source can also play a role in how your subwoofer sounds. High-quality audio sources, such as lossless audio files or CDs, will provide a better listening experience than lower quality sources, such as MP3 files.
Speaker Positioning:
Speaker positioning can also affect how your subwoofer sounds. Proper placement of your subwoofer can result in a more balanced sound, while improper placement can result in a boomy or uneven sound.
How to Break In Subwoofers
Breaking in your subwoofer is a simple process that can result in improved sound quality and accuracy. Here are some recommended methods for breaking in your subwoofer:
Recommended Methods:
The best way to break in your subwoofer is to play a variety of music, from classical to rock, at a moderate volume for at least 8-10 hours. This will help to loosen up the mechanical components and result in a more accurate sound.
Recommended Playlists:
There are several playlists available online that are specifically designed for breaking in subwoofers. These playlists feature a variety of music styles and frequencies, and can be found by searching for “subwoofer break-in playlist”.
Recommended Duration:
It is recommended that you break in your subwoofer for at least 8-10 hours, but you can continue to play music for longer if you wish. Breaking in your subwoofer over a longer period of time will result in a more accurate and balanced sound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, subwoofers do not necessarily get louder as they break in. The perceived increase in loudness after breaking in a subwoofer is not due to the subwoofer itself getting louder, but rather due to the user getting used to the sound.
Room acoustics, amplifier power, audio source quality, and speaker positioning can also play a role in how your subwoofer sounds.
Breaking in your subwoofer is a simple process that can result in improved sound quality and accuracy, and is highly recommended for optimizing subwoofer performance.
How long does it take for a subwoofer to break in?
The break-in process for a subwoofer typically takes 8-10 hours of playing music at a moderate volume. It is recommended to play a variety of music styles and frequencies to help loosen up the mechanical components and achieve a more accurate sound.
Is it necessary to break in a subwoofer?
While breaking in a subwoofer is not necessary, it is highly recommended to help optimize the subwoofer’s performance and achieve a more accurate and balanced sound.
Can I use a test tone to break in my subwoofer?
While test tones can be useful for setting up and calibrating your subwoofer, they are not recommended for breaking in your subwoofer. It is best to play a variety of music styles and frequencies for at least 8-10 hours to achieve a more accurate sound.
Does the volume level affect the break-in process?
The volume level can affect the break-in process, as playing the subwoofer at high volume levels for extended periods of time can cause damage to the mechanical components.
It is recommended to play the subwoofer at a moderate volume for 8-10 hours to break it in properly.
Can I break in multiple subwoofers at once?
Yes, you can break in multiple subwoofers at once by playing music through all of them at the same time. However, make sure to play the subwoofers at a moderate volume to avoid damaging the mechanical components.