A subwoofer's ability to play low

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

Obviously the enclosure has a lot to do with it, but what parameters should you look for when trying to find subwoofers best suited for playing lower end bass, loudly? I know FS is somewhat related, as is frequency response, but I'm not sure what else to look for.

I guess it would be important to know what the "lower end" of the range is for car audio environment as well. Does most music stay above 30htz or does it normally drop as low as 20htz, etc.

Thanks.

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[RangerDangerV2 5,000+ posts]

fs, mmd, mms, and I think vas...

 

[Julian 10+ year member]

most normal music wont drop below 20hz... as 20hz is inaudiable however it'll cause body sensations.

 

[dbeez 5,000+ posts]

all subs can play low honestly the design and tuning helps a ton to bring the low notes to life.

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

How important is FS when determining a subwoofer's ability to play the 20-30htz range well?

 

[dbeez 5,000+ posts]

not near as important as you would think

 

[Kangaroux 5,000+ posts]

How important is FS when determining a subwoofer's ability to play the 20-30htz range well?

Not that important, since Fs is a measurement of free air resonance and not its resonance once placed in a box. Most SPL subs have a high Fs in the 40's - 50's so that could be a sign of weaker authority on the lows, but besides that it's dependent on the box...I don't really pay too much attention to sub specs, I prefer the test-and-tune approach

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

I have three of the 2012 Alpine Type E 12"s in 6 cubes tuned to 28 htz, desperately trying to increase my low end. I think it has more to do with my vehicle than the setup. I'm going from an Escape to a Vibe, which is really peaky. The lows just aren't as profound as in the Escape, which I loved.

 

[snoopdan 5,000+ posts]

free air resonance isn't that important in the end. Its a calculation of best circumstances.

 

[Villeza1 10+ year member]

How important is FS when determining a subwoofer's ability to play the 20-30htz range well?

Subs with lower fs will play the lows with more authority than subs that have higher fs. But like everyone is saying, all subs will be able to play low depending on the enclosure. mms, xmax, and vas need to be taken into consideration as well.

 

[Villeza1 10+ year member]

free air resonance isn't that important in the end. Its a calculation of best circumstances.

Indeed, also calculations towards an environment where that specific sub(s) will shine.

 

[mazdakid 5,000+ posts]

fs on my sub is 18hz but have heard they dont play the lows that great, like below 30hz.

 

[Villeza1 10+ year member]

fs on my sub is 18hz but have heard they dont play the lows that great, like below 30hz.

You heard or tested? Also mostly enclosure dependent.

 

[psych0ticnemes1 5,000+ posts]

You heard or tested? Also mostly enclosure dependent.

I'd also say that it is vehicle dependent. Vehicles resonate differently, so inherently some vehicles will like low freqs while others like higher freqs.

 

[mazdakid 5,000+ posts]

ive heard. i play in the lower 20s with it pretty good.