How to open a column without screws
A way to open a speaker, regardless of model and brand: Aiwa, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Pioneer, Samsung, LG. Below we have two images where the white and yellow arrows show where we will open the column using 2 or 4 flathead screwdrivers.
In the image on the right, this is where we should start (indicated by the yellow arrows), this is the bottom of the speaker with two holes where we place a flathead screwdriver.
In the Image on the left, the white arrows show where we should open the column. The next image is an open speaker.
Opened sound box in image
Increase volume using special programs
In some cases, it is possible to increase the volume using third-party applications.
Audio Amplifier
An application for changing the volume level in selected files. With its help, you can easily equalize the tonality for a list of songs, eliminating the need to constantly adjust the sound.
SRS Audio Sandbox
A small paid version (there is a free trial period), in addition to increasing the volume, also has a number of additional options:
- Bass boost;
- 3D playback effect;
- Multi-channel audio separation, etc.
Sound Booster
Another paid one is for increasing the volume level. With its help, you can easily and simply increase the volume by one and a half times without losing sound quality.
What to do to improve the sound of your speaker
As you can see, we have 3 small speakers and when the one in the middle, known as the tweeter, does not work, the sound becomes dull and therefore loses its sharpness.
Since these tweeters have a non-polarized electrolytic capacitor, we continue to look inside the speaker terminals. It is very important to find this component as we will change the electrical connection.
It's also important to reexamine your speakers because their coil or magnet core may be dirty. In this post, I will show you how to clean your speaker.
We find the terminal inside. The picture shows a non-polar electrolytic capacitor, the green component, whose voltage ranges from 2.2uF to 100V.
We remove the capacitor and make a bridge by welding right where the legs of the capacitor are welded. Then we will have the speaker wires going straight to the tweeter.
These three small speakers are held by the frame and screwed together as shown in the picture and are indicated by the yellow and red arrows.
Once the frame is removed, we can adapt the operation of our tweeter.
If the speaker they are going to upgrade is not like this, then there is no problem as this method is suitable for all types of speakers.
Where to start setting up a subwoofer?
Setting up a subwoofer begins from the moment the box is manufactured. By changing the characteristics of the box (volume, port length) you can achieve different sounds. In this case, you need to know in advance which audio files will be primarily played in the car, as well as which amplifier will be connected to the audio system. When the subwoofer is already supplied in a manufacturer's housing, the flexibility of configuration is, of course, limited, although if you have the necessary knowledge, it is quite possible to achieve the desired sound quality.
One of the important factors affecting sound quality is the amplifier; we recommend that you read the article “How to choose an amplifier.”
Setting up the LPF (lowpass filter) filter
First, you need to set up a low-pass filter (LPF). Every subwoofer today has a built-in LPF filter. The filter allows you to select the threshold at which it begins to block high frequencies, which allows you to naturally mix the subwoofer signal with the signal from other speakers.
Installing a filter, like setting up an active subwoofer, consists of many experiments - there is simply no specific correct “formula”.
The subwoofer is designed to reproduce low frequencies; it cannot sing; this is the task of the speakers. Thanks to the LPF low frequency filter, we can make the subwoofer play bass. You need to make sure that the filter value is not set too high and that the subwoofer does not overlap the woofers of your full range speakers. This can result in over-emphasis on one frequency range (say around 120 Hz) and the speaker sounding unclear. On the other hand, if you set the filter too low, there may be too much difference between the subwoofer signal and the speaker signal.
The playback range of a subwoofer is usually from 60 to 120. Try setting the LPF filter at 80 Hz first, and then test the sound. If you don't like it, adjust the switch until the speakers sound the way you want. On the radio itself, the filter must be turned off.
Setting up a subsonic
Next, you need to activate the infrasonic filter, which is called “sabsonic”. Subsonic blocks the ultra-low frequencies that occur naturally in some songs. You cannot hear these frequencies because they exist below the threshold of human hearing. But if they are not cut, the subwoofer will waste additional energy to reproduce them. By blocking infra-low frequencies, the device will be able to more effectively reproduce exactly those frequencies that are within the audible range. Moreover, in this case, failure of the subwoofer coil due to the accelerated movement of the diffuser is eliminated.
What is Bassboost for?
Many amplifiers also include a Bassboost switch, which can increase the power of the subwoofer by setting a specific frequency. Some motorists use the switch to make the sound more "saturated", although, as a rule, it is used to distribute bass evenly. If you set the switch to the maximum value, the subwoofer may burn out; however, you should not turn off Bassboost completely, because in this case the bass may be completely inaudible.
Setting the input sensitivity (GAIN)
Some motorists do not understand how to properly adjust the input sensitivity. Input sensitivity indicates how much signal can be applied to the input to produce the rated output power. It must be adjusted to normalize the input signal voltage.
It is very important to set the input sensitivity correctly to avoid signal distortion, poor sound quality, or damage to the speakers.
To set "GAIN" you need
- digital voltmeter, which can measure AC voltage values;
- a test CD or file on which a sine wave is recorded with an initial level of 0 decibels (it is very important not to use a weakened test signal);
- instructions for the subwoofer, which indicate the permissible output voltage.
First you need to disconnect the speaker wires from the subwoofer. Next, you need to make sure that the bass, equalizers and other settings on the head unit are turned off to get clear sound. The level of input sensitivity should be minimal.
Which speaker to use to improve sound quality
The tweeter I mentioned is of Brazilian origin.
This is what his box looks like.
In this case we remove the cover so that the tweeter fits better; in some speakers there is no need to remove it.
As you can see, Twitter is already installed. The bolts indicated by the yellow arrow are the original ones that were originally there. The bolts with the white arrow are the ones we adapted.
The electrolytic capacitor (2.2uF - 100V) that we removed earlier will be used to create a new connection. This time we will only use it for the speaker with the small magnet, which is indicated by the red arrow.
How do you know if you have configured your subwoofer correctly?
If the subwoofer is connected correctly, then people in the car simply cannot hear it, since it should not interfere with the main signal. If you listen to music at low volumes, it may seem that there are not enough bass frequencies. The absence of bass at low volumes is a sure sign that the subwoofer was connected correctly. Of course, there should be no noise, distortion or delay in the audio signal, and it makes no difference what type of design is used. The percentage of bass in each track must be different, that is, the playback must completely match the original track recorded by the producer.
The next article we recommend reading is called “How does a subwoofer box affect the sound?”
How to connect a speaker to a speaker box
If we are going to install a high power speaker, we will use a 2.2uF to 250V ceramic capacitor and a 10 micron 10W resistor.
In the following image we see the correct way to perform the installation, that is, we must connect a resistor and a ceramic capacitor in series.
We provide tweeter related components and as the last step we apply silicone glass.
This problem can also occur in other brands such as Sony speakers.
In the box that the tweeter came in, you will find instructions on the correct way to connect the tweeter according to the speaker you will be installing it into.
Why does the volume decrease
Hardware problems
- Your sound card has an outdated type of speaker connector, or the output connector has become loose during use, which ultimately causes poor contact with the speaker plug. In this situation, the connector must be replaced.
- The sound card may be faulty. You can check this in Device Manager by right-clicking on the card and selecting “Properties” from the menu.
- If your speaker system has a subwoofer, check it - unfortunately, it can also fail.
- The audio cable is faulty. This reason occurs very often, but users usually overlook it. Most often, computer speakers are equipped with budget cables, which break down very quickly.
Outdated drivers
As practice shows, most problems with quiet sound are associated with incorrect operation of the software. Therefore, before starting any actions, you need to check that the installed drivers are up to date. You can do this using the auto-update function or download the latest versions from the audio device manufacturer's website.
FAQ
Here we will answer frequently asked questions related to this topic that you left us in the comments.
What is the difference between 2, 4 and 8 ohm speakers?
Difference between different 2, 4 and 8 ohm speakers:
- 8 ohm speakers were designed for power equipment. Mosfet transistors, STK type ICs, these speakers typically support more current depending on the type of audio power they use. In this type of speakers, the cable and the distance between the equipment speakers can be increased. IMPEDANCE is very important at the moment when the speaker is working. It should be emphasized that impedance is not equal to speaker resistance. Impedance formula Z = R + jX, where j is the imaginary component, √ (-1). Here j is used instead of i to avoid confusion with I.
- In 4-ohm speakers, the power of the amplifiers is reduced, that is, the current is filtered to a greater extent due to the devices used in audio amplifiers.
- 2-ohm speakers with SMP-type sound amplifiers, low current consumption. They do not have powerful and high-quality sound. You also cannot add an extension cord to them, this is fatal for the audio amplifier.
What does Om mean in speakers?
Speaker OM is the resistance measured by the speakers of audio equipment. It determines how the speaker will sound: the smaller the OM, the louder the speaker. Speakers with an impedance of 4 or 8 ohms are best for any audio equipment.
How to connect speakers in parallel?
When speakers are connected in parallel, the output power increases and the impedance decreases. When two out of four speakers are connected in this way, their total resistance becomes 2 ohms. You can calculate the resistance that will be after connecting the speakers in parallel using the formula: R = (R1 R2) / (R1 + R2).
How to connect speakers?
With a series connection, the total resistance increases and the output power decreases. It is always best to connect no more than two speakers, as more than that will significantly reduce the output power. When connected in series, the impedance of the speakers is calculated using the formula: R = R1 + R2.
What is a subwoofer?
A subwoofer is a speaker that provides the lowest or strongest sound from a group of speakers in a sound system. Thanks to this sound, a feeling of vibrating movements arises, it is more convenient to use it in 5.1 home theater systems when watching movies.
Why does the sound of the speakers deteriorate?
It usually happens that the problem is not in the audio amplifier system, but in the speaker box. For this reason, it is necessary to check the tweeter because when it is not working, the speaker will lose the clarity and brightness of the sound.
Why do you need to set up a subwoofer?
First of all, tuning the acoustics is necessary to enhance the required frequencies and increase the “drive” of the music. Theoretically, this process can be avoided by using factory presets (i.e. settings). However, not everyone is satisfied with their quality. Firstly, the factory does not take into account the features of your car's interior. Secondly, equipment manufacturers are completely unaware of your musical preferences.
Many car owners believe that having a large and powerful subwoofer guarantees excellent music sound quality.
Subwoofer Gain
Of the entire speaker system, the most difficult to amplify is the subwoofer. Therefore, currently on sale you can find a huge variety of amplifiers for this component of the speaker system. They have a specialized purpose and are used only to amplify low frequencies.
Buffer Strengthening
If there is a need to improve the sound of a subwoofer, then you need to consider the following points:
- 1-channel amplifiers function normally only with a wide impedance range. In this case, there is already an additional setting for the timbre of the voices. There are also separate filters that help the bass deliver its full power;
- Two- and four-channel devices also provide excellent subwoofer amplification. However, they cannot cope with the effect of low impedance. This is due to the fact that they heat up too quickly when the subwoofer is playing at full blast.
Useful amplification circuit
Note: therefore, the ideal option for subwoofers are amplifiers that will allow the sub to produce a balanced sound. It is recommended to choose devices with parameters of 50-200 W.
Application and implementation of low frequency sound amplification
So, amplification of low frequencies and devices that perform this function are the basis of all devices from which sound vibrations are heard. The requirements for these devices and for the low frequencies generated are different and depend on the purpose of the device. For example, in a telephone handset, for a full conversation, it is enough that the audio frequency is in the range of 200-3 kHz, and for devices used in the Hi-Fi and Hi-End class of music playback, the range should be in the range of 20 Hz-20 kHz only then in the speakers A rich, full sound effect will be heard, recorded on media or transmitted into a microphone.
Low frequency amplifiers (ULF) , or as they are also called audio frequency power amplifiers (UMPA), or audio frequency power amplifiers (AF), are electronic devices created on the basis of semiconductor elements or radio tubes, capable of amplifying and transmitting sound vibrations to loudspeakers, which correspond to the range audible to human hearing. These sound-reproducing devices can be designed as separate devices, or consist of more complex ones, such as televisions, music, radio stations and radios, a Wi-Fi signal amplifier and many other objects surrounding a person.
So, the implementation and amplification of low frequencies is performed by devices consisting of:
- A preliminary stage, which serves to amplify the signal received from a source, most often a microphone, and bring its value to the levels required for the operation of the final amplifier. The pre-amplifier includes elements for adjusting volume and tone. For more detailed frequency control of the timbre of the audio signal transmitted to the final amplifier, a multi-band equalizer is used;
- The final amplifier (power) transmits alternating voltage, carrying sound waves, to the load, which is the speakers and acoustic systems assembled on their basis.
What to consider
It is important to understand that finding a suitable amplifier is not a difficult task. In this process, the following points must be taken into account:
- The subwoofer impedance must be nominal. Otherwise, one of the devices will fail;
- The amplifier must have sufficient power to withstand the loads that appear due to the influence of the subwoofer;
- The most suitable power is called rated power or RMS. This is the power that the subwoofer can withstand without changing parameters.
Note: for an amplifier this power should be maximum.
