Activ subwoofer

Bass reflex subwoofer

Bass reflex subwoofers are available in all sizes and price ranges, from the affordable simple models for smaller rooms and systems, to powerful bass monsters that can make the whole house shake! A bass reflex subwoofer is characterized by having a ported design, which in most cases also means that the subwoofer is slightly larger than a corresponding closed subwoofer.

The sound of a bass reflex subwoofer is often violent, and can go very deep, while being both powerful and airy - of course still contact and tight. All the same, of course, depending on the quality and how powerful the subwoofer amplifier is.

Bass reflex subwoofer with folding horn

The type of port on a bass reflex subwoofer can either be one or more regular round ports that lead into the subwoofer via a shorter or longer tube - or a folding horn construction, as part of the cabinet.

Pressure chamber subwoofer

If you want a subwoofer that is powerful and extremely consistent in sound, while not taking up too much physical space, then a pressure chamber subwoofer is clearly the one you should look at. Closed/sealed subwoofers are often intended for limited room sizes, but on the other hand they are extremely well-conducting and play both basement-deep and powerful for any stereo system or home theater.

To achieve a powerful bass from a closed subwoofer, it places great demands on all components, from the bass unit itself, which is often very tightly suspended, to the amplifier, which must be extremely powerful to kick the unit into life. It is therefore not uncommon to see active subwoofers with amplifier power from 300 Watts and above in closed/pressure chamber subwoofers, which also means that they also rarely belong to the lowest price range of subwoofers.

Slave bass subwoofer

As an intermediate between a bass reflex/ported subwoofer and a pressure chamber/closed subwoofer, there is the type of slave bass (passive radiator) subwoofer. Here, instead of a port, an additional passive bass unit is used, which provides some other design options without having to compromise on performance.