what does sub sensitivity mean?

[Lakota 5,000+ posts]

It's one of the basic T/S parameters, derived from Vas, Fs and Qes. The formula;
SPL (sensitivity) = 112 + 10*log(9.64*10^-10 * Fs^3 * Vas/Qes)

where Vas is in litres. This will give you the true 1w/1m spec.

But a lot of manufacturers attempt to manipulate the Sensitivity of the sub, either by measuring the sensitivity with 2.83V on a non-8ohm driver (2.83V on a 4ohm driver is 2w, increasing "sensitivity" by 3db for example) or other unorthodox measurements such as "in car" measurements like Infinity used to do.

But you can use the above formula to determine a manufacturers accuracy.

Okay, I was under the impression that they actually place a free-aired sub 1 meter away and apply 1 watt to determine the SPL that it creates. I guess that clears that up.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

wow, this topic just got a lot smarter

 

[Buck 5,000+ posts]

wow, this topic just got a lot smarter

that takes to much work

 

[DBDRAGGUY 10+ year member]

And like I said, it's a totally worthless spec for a sub. What freq is the sensitivity rating given at? Usually 1kHz. Don't know about you but that isn't in the range I let my sub play. What about the enclosure? Yep, free air. Once again, in no way telling about how efficient the sub might be in real use.

I agree with the spec being useless, because the effieciency of the driver will be determined by the application. Much like bench testing an amplifier and publish a birthsheet.

I answered the OP question because this thread was jumbled with a bunch of bullshit. I figured if he took the time to ask the question , he deserved an actual answer.

 

[dragnix 5,000+ posts]

I agree with the spec being useless, because the effieciency of the driver will be determined by the application. Much like bench testing an amplifier and publish a birthsheet.I answered the OP question because this thread was jumbled with a bunch of bullshit. I figured if he took the time to ask the question , he deserved an actual answer.

he did get an answer, that's why the bullshit started