How to connect a subwoofer to car speakers

Audio devices for high-quality sound reproduction consist of several components. This is a low-frequency amplifier and a certain number of speaker systems called satellites. The high-quality sound system is labeled 7.1. This means that it includes seven devices with full-range speakers and one low-frequency or bass system. This device reproduces a narrow band of audio frequencies. The lower threshold is 20-25 Hz, and the upper one usually does not exceed 150-180 Hz. Low frequency design comes in two types. This is a passive or active bass system.

The passive unit for reproducing bass frequencies consists only of a cabinet and a woofer. The resistance of the device matches the resistance of the voice coil. The passive unit can be connected in parallel with full-range speakers, and the total resistance is reduced. To avoid burning out the low-frequency amplifier, you need to calculate the resulting system resistance. The main component of an active sound system is a low-frequency amplifier with a correction filter at the input.

Connecting a subwoofer through speakers

Often the sound system does not have a low-frequency block, and there are not enough bass frequencies for high-quality music reproduction. Then the low-frequency device has to be connected independently. Typically, this problem has to be solved in a car because the standard package includes only front and rear speakers and you have to connect the sub through the speakers. Some models of car radios are equipped with a special connector for connecting a low-frequency device, but standard radios do not have such connectors. If you plan to install a passive speaker, then to obtain high-quality reproduction of low frequencies you need to install a separate amplifier. Many car owners, in order not to create unnecessary problems for themselves, connect the low-frequency unit through car speakers. To connect an active subwoofer through the speakers, you will have to lay an audio cable and power wires.

Price

Most experts believe that the price of an element depends on the price of the speaker system and should be 10% of its cost. For example, if the system was purchased for $1000, then the speaker cable should cost at least $100.

When purchasing a cable, you need to start from your own financial resources. If there are not too many of them, you can buy a small cable from a well-known manufacturer. Instructions are provided with the speakers. Sometimes it contains a description of the cables that are suitable for a given system. Such recommendations will save the owner from searching for the required type.

When connecting the speaker cable to the speakers, be sure to measure the length of the wire correctly. It should connect in a straight line and not have any twists. Such defects will affect the quality of the reproduced sound.

Connecting an active subwoofer through the rear speakers

In a car, the main sound comes through the front speaker systems. Rear speakers are additional, so a low-frequency device is often connected to them. Connecting a subwoofer through the rear speakers ensures normal reproduction of bass frequencies, without the need for an additional amplifier. Connecting a subwoofer from the rear speakers depends on the design of the device. There are two terminals on the rear panel of the passive low frequency system. This is the plus and minus of the woofer. These terminals are connected by speaker cable to the corresponding terminals of the rear speakers of the car. The low-frequency system is connected by a bridge to the plus and minus of different channels of the amplifier, as shown in the figure. The cross-section of the copper stranded wire should be as large as possible, as this reduces resistance and losses during signal transmission. The subwoofer is connected through the rear speakers using a cable from 2.5 to 4.0 mm2.

Synchronization of two Bluetooth speakers and one phone

There is another way to connect your smartphone to both Bluetooth speakers. There is one very useful application in the Google market and Appstore called AmpMe. By downloading the latest version of the application, you will forget about this problem forever. The application is very easy to use and can connect simultaneously to a large number of speakers, which will ultimately simultaneously reproduce surround and high-quality sound without the slightest delays or errors. The application supports any smartphone.

It doesn’t matter what brand and model of speaker you have, by choosing one of the above methods, you will definitely be able to enjoy your favorite songs at any time, wherever you are. From two speakers the sound will be much richer and more pleasant

How to connect a subwoofer to speakers in a car

In order to improve the quality of low frequency reproduction, it is recommended to connect the subwoofer to the speakers in the car through a passive crossover filter. You can use an industrial product or assemble the filter yourself. For a cutoff frequency of 150 Hz with a speaker resistance of 4 Ohms, the following ratings of radio components will be required:

Capacitor capacity – 180 mF
Coil inductance – 6 mH

For the filter to work correctly, you need to use special capacitors for speaker systems such as K73-17 or K78-34. To wind the inductance, copper wire with a diameter of 1.0 mm and a length of 84 meters is used. The mandrel can be any, made of wood or plastic. Connecting the subwoofer through the rear speakers will allow you to almost completely get rid of unnecessary frequencies in the audio range. If the speaker has a different impedance and a different cutoff frequency is needed, the easiest way is to use an online calculator to calculate filters. When connecting an active subwoofer through speakers, use the high level inputs.

Some low frequency systems do not have high level inputs. Then to connect the device you need to use an adapter for the subwoofer through the speakers. In its simplest form, the device is a resistive voltage divider-signal adder. The wires without connectors are connected to the rear speakers, the black wire should be connected to the vehicle ground, and the wires with connectors are connected to the low-level inputs of the low-frequency acoustics. The lines going to the rear speakers and ground can be increased in any convenient way.

When modifying a car acoustic system, additional amplification units and low-frequency speakers are introduced into the system. The user can independently connect the amplifier to the speakers and configure the resulting system, achieving a harmonious sound of music.

JBL Connect app

To work with portable Bluetooth speakers, the company has released the Jbl Connect application, which allows you to:

update software;
configure Jbl operation;
connect two Djibiel Bluetooth speakers to a stereo pair.

The app is supported on the following portable speakers:

Turn over 3, 4, 5.
Pulse 2, 3, 4.
Charge 3, 4.
Boombox and Boombox 2.
Xtreme and Xtreme 2.

You can visually determine whether the application supports the purchased Bluetooth speaker by the presence of a button in the form of an infinite angle icon located next to the power key.

Run the application as follows:

Download the program for Android smartphones on Google Play and for iOS devices on the App Store.
Confirm your agreement to the license agreement by checking the box next to "End User License Agreement" and the privacy policy by adding a checkbox next to "Harman Privacy Policy."
Allow search access.
Turn on the speaker, then press the Bluetooth button.
On the device, also turning on Bluetooth, a connection is established with the acoustic device.
After the application recognizes the gadget, instructions for using the program in pictures will be displayed on the smartphone screen.
Scroll down, on the last page click the "Start" button, an image of the connected device should appear.
Every time you touch the screen with it, the acoustics make a sound.

In addition to connecting two speaker systems, using the program you can:

turn off the sound that accompanies turning on and off the acoustics;
give the gadget a different name in a special field, which will allow you to identify it when connecting several identical models;
using the microphone built into the speaker, communicate with the voice assistant and receive answers from it in the form of text and audio;
control the playback of a musical work;
in the columns with lighting effects, select one of the installed ones and also set the color.

What you will need

Before starting installation, you need to prepare the following materials:

insulating tape;
metal tubes for connecting cords;
switching parts for connecting to vehicle electrical circuits;
acoustic and electrical cords with clamps;
fasteners for brackets.

The list of additional equipment expected to be installed depends on the financial capabilities and preferences of the owner. It is important to remember that the further operation of the acoustics depends on the characteristics of the amplifier. For example, if you connect a sub to a 2-channel amplifier, you will need to cut the playback frequency range for 2 channels. In this case, it is recommended to install a 4-channel unit using the rear outputs to bridge the subwoofer.

Tools

To install the equipment and connect connecting cords, you will need the following tools and materials:

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side cutters for cutting cables and removing insulation;
screwdrivers and wrenches for dismantling plastic casings;
connecting clamps;
test device for checking the integrity of power circuits;
additional terminals and tool for installing lugs.

How to choose a wire cross-section

Since the external amplifier consumes current up to 40-50 A (depending on the modification), it is necessary to select a suitable power cable for connection. To calculate the cross-section, you will need to find out the rated power of the equipment, which is indicated in the operating instructions and on the factory label. The total energy consumption is equal to the product of power and the number of channels involved. For example, when a 50 W signal is supplied to 1 loudspeaker, the total consumption for 4 channels will be 200 W.

Then you need to calculate the length of the cord going to the battery. Based on the obtained figures, a multi-core copper cable with the required cross-section is selected from the table. It is recommended to take a wire with a margin of 10-15%, which will allow you to safely connect the amplifier in the car. It is not recommended to use aluminum strands or elements with a copper-plated surface.

To connect acoustic components, interconnect cables supplied with the products are used. To improve sound quality, it is recommended to purchase improved cords equipped with high-quality switching elements. The connecting speaker cables have a standard design, differing only in the quality of the materials used.

Fuse selection

The fuse protects the vehicle's electrical wiring and amplifier from damage due to short circuits or increased current due to overload. The element is installed in the positive connection wire near the battery terminal. The rating of the insert is determined based on tables taking into account the cable length and cross-sectional area. Additional automotive-type fusible links (knife) are located in the housing of the amplifier unit.

Connection diagrams

To properly connect the speakers, you need to develop a device layout and calculate the cable routes. To connect the amplifier to the speakers in a car, you need to use an acoustic cable with a metal screen that reduces the impact of electromagnetic waves (from radio transmitters, control units or the ignition system).

Switching circuits allow you to connect the front and rear speakers side by side into common circuits, freeing up the remaining rear channels of the amplifier unit for switching the subwoofer. The subwoofer is connected by a bridge, which increases the transmitted power while reducing the load on the electronics of the amplifier circuit.

Sequential

The circuit for connecting the amplifier to the car radio includes speaker connection circuits. When the loudspeaker windings are switched in series, the total resistance increases. A similar connection is used when connecting elements for additional sound located in the rear part of the cabin. The number of loudspeakers connected in a common circuit is unlimited. The permissible total resistance must correspond to the parameters of the amplifier unit.

To connect speakers to an amplifier in a car, you need to connect the positive terminal of one of the channels to the positive input of the speaker, the negative output from the same channel goes to the negative terminal of the additional speaker. The remaining speaker terminals are connected with an acoustic cord. By analogy, symmetrical channel loudspeakers are connected.

Parallel

Parallel connection of speakers through an amplifier allows you to reduce the load resistance, which drops in proportion to the number of elements installed in the circuit. In this case, an increase in power is observed; the number of connected speakers is limited only by the characteristics of the amplifier unit and the power of the speakers themselves. Car amplifier units allow you to connect circuits with a total resistance of 1-2 Ohms (there are modifications that can operate at 0.5 Ohms).

The positive cable from the first channel goes to the positive terminals of the loudspeakers, and the negative cable is similarly routed to the negative terminals. The speakers on the opposite side are connected in the same way; the second channel of the amplifier unit is used for switching.

Series-parallel

A combined technique is used when it is necessary to connect an amplifier to a radio to reproduce sound on an increased number of speakers. The circuit allows you to increase the output power of the speaker system while maintaining the standard level of impedance per channel. The car owner connects an unlimited number of speakers with a total resistance of 2-16 Ohms to each channel (depending on the characteristics of the amplifier circuit).

For example, in a channel circuit it is supposed to mount 4 speakers. A positive signal is supplied to the positive terminal of the first and third speakers. The negative outputs of these speakers are connected to the positive terminals of the second and fourth loudspeakers. The remaining free speaker outputs are connected to the negative terminal of the channel.

User Misconceptions:

Misconception #1. When you are finished playing you should switch everything back for correct operation. If you keep one of the on-the-fly encoding technologies always on, you will not be able to view and listen to files with multi-channel audio, since they are already encoded and require output directly to S/PDIF.

Solution: you don’t need to switch anything, watch a movie in stereo - it’s laid out at 5.1, watch a video with a DTS or Dolby track - the sound is perfectly laid out across channels. This can be seen even on a player that can switch audio tracks, for example, The KMPlayer.

Misconception No. 2. On-the-fly encoding of stereo sound from an mp3 file using Dolby Digital Live or DTS Connect will be several times inferior to hardware decomposition of such sound on speakers or a receiver.

Solution: If acoustics of similar quality are connected to the receiver, the difference will not be so significant. The main thing in the settings of THX Studio Pro (or a similar “improver” of the sound card) is not to forget to disable the options that create various effects: for example, it makes the voice stand out from the general sound background. Much depends on the sound card; Creative Titanium HD copes with this with a bang.

How and where to install

The amplification unit is located in the passenger compartment or luggage compartment of the car. The product body is rigidly fixed with brackets; it is not recommended to tilt or turn the module over due to disruption of ventilation and cooling conditions. The location of the equipment under the seat reduces the length of switching lines and improves sound quality (due to reduced losses).

It is possible to install the amplifier in the car under the rear parcel shelf located behind the back of the seats. The device is mounted using brackets; cables for power supply and speaker connections are routed under the plastic trim of the interior. Some machines use 2 amplifier units designed to connect standard speakers and a subwoofer. The units are installed separately - in the passenger compartment and luggage compartment of the car.

How to setup

The car owner, having installed the unit, configures the operating parameters in accordance with the documentation attached to the product. The methodology and specifics of tuning depend on the technical characteristics of the equipment and the personal perception of the sound picture by the tuner. If the user is not confident in his own abilities, then it is recommended to contact a specialized center that installs and configures car acoustic systems.

To set up an amplifier connected to standard speakers, you will need to follow these steps:

Select the high pass filter level at 60-80 Hz.
Set the Gain sensitivity control to the minimum position, and then increase the volume level on the head unit to maximum. Start gradually increasing the Gain level until noise or distortion appears in the broadcast sound.
Set the volume parameters based on your own perception. Additionally, it is possible to adjust the frequency cutoff value specified by the filter. To improve the sound picture, it is possible to activate the low frequency enhancement mode (bass boost).

If the amplifier circuit is also connected to a subwoofer, then it is necessary to limit the high frequencies using a high-pass filter. When setting, a value within the range of 50-80 Hz is selected. If the car uses a subwoofer with a bass reflex, then a subsonic corrector is used for adjustment. Some amplifiers use an additional phase corrector, which makes it possible to coordinate the operation of the subwoofer with the rest of the speakers.

Connection diagram for subwoofer and speakers

The connection diagram for the subwoofer and speakers is necessary for all those who decide to install a subwoofer in their car. Without a diagram, it will be difficult to carry out this process correctly, since there are several nuances in its implementation that need to be paid attention to.

Find out how to connect a subwoofer to active speakers quickly and correctly.

The main differences between passive and active subwoofers

To answer the question about the distinctive aspects of active and passive subwoofers, you must first understand what each of the designs is individually.

What is a passive subwoofer

A passive sub is a design of one or more low-frequency (LF) dynamic drivers enclosed in a single housing, the material of which can be either plywood or wood. In order for such a device to reproduce sound vibrations, it is necessary to connect to an external audio amplifier through a low-pass filter, which passes only the signal band with low frequencies.

A passive subwoofer is a separate unit of speakers, filters and amplifier. Each of these blocks is purchased separately and connected to each other during installation.

What is active

An active sub is a single ready-made acoustic unit, consisting not only of a speaker and a filter, but also an amplification device. Such equipment is somewhat simpler to connect, and there is also an opinion that the sound quality is superior to the sound from a passive subwoofer. But if you look in more detail, the sound quality directly depends on how the settings are made.

The active subwoofer has a built-in amplifier, which saves space in cars with little free space. To connect to the radio, you only need to supply power and an audio signal.

Difference between them

To decide which design to give preference to, it is worth considering the main points that car owners pay attention to when choosing:

Price indicator - the cost of an active subwoofer is higher, which is due to the presence of an amplifier and other expensive elements in the device.
Advantages of installation - passive structures are more difficult to install due to the need to additionally install a filter and amplifier. The presence of an amplifier in the active system saves space, which is especially important for small cars.
Sound quality - Many would argue that the sound of an active system should be better. However, the sound directly depends on the correct setup of the system. Based on practice, with high-quality setup of a passive subwoofer, the sound surpasses the performance of the active system.
Ease of setup - an active speaker system has more advanced setup options, but if a good external amplifier is used, then this feature is negated.

Pros and cons of systems

The positive aspects of a passive subwoofer include its relatively low cost due to the lack of a built-in amplifier. In addition to this point, the use of passive systems allows you to assemble an acoustic device with exactly the requirements that will correspond to high-quality sound as you understand it. In order to get a subwoofer with optimal sound quality, you will need to select an amplifier, frequency filters, and a set of dynamic drivers in boxes. Compared to active ones, different types of enclosures are used for passive designs: bandpass, bass reflex, and standard boxes. As for active devices, it is difficult to use different types of housings due to the need to accommodate additional electronics.

The main advantage of active is the presence of a built-in amplifier and filter, which allows you to connect the system to a car radio without additional devices. This positive feature is also a disadvantage. Due to the fact that both the speaker and electronics are located in one case, something has to be sacrificed. The main caveat is the insufficient power of the amplifier.

Types of subwoofers

Connecting speakers to an active subwoofer

As you know, subwoofers can be divided into two main types: open and cabinet. At the same time, the open speaker does not have a closed housing, so it is installed directly into the car panel.

Let's look at the features of each of them:

For high-quality sound, the speaker must reproduce frequencies below 20 Hz. And if you use an open type device, then achieving such an indicator will be almost impossible.

Note: Even if the device is filtered, the maximum it can output is approximately 100 Hz.

In the case of a cabinet subwoofer, the speaker is located in a special housing . By the way, such a closed contour can be created with your own hands. Due to this, the resonance is significantly increased, so the frequency of the sound can be much lower.

How to connect an active subwoofer to the rear speakers

Subwoofers can also be passive or active. Passive devices do not have an additional amplifier, while an active device already has one.

Active subwoofer design

Connecting 3 JBL devices with different functions

Let's see how to connect JBL Connect audio equipment to Connect+:

We connect the phone through an adapter to the splitter.
Then use 2 x 3.5mm stereo cables. Connect them to a splitter.
Bluetooth is optional when connecting via cable. Open the holes hidden behind the protective tabs and insert the plug into the provided socket.
Play music on your smartphone to evaluate its quality.

If all the steps are completed correctly, the speakers will play the same tune in sync. In this case, the sound will be slightly different, providing a deep stereo effect.

Several connection features

If you connect a passive speaker, then you need to do this through an amplifier. It already has special inputs and outputs designed for connecting a low-frequency device.

Its connection also occurs through the use of an speaker cable.

Connecting an active subwoofer to speakers

Note: to select a wire with a suitable cross-section for the subwoofer, you can use special tables.

Table for selecting wires for a subwoofer

The amplifier is connected directly to the radio using a cable with an RCA connector:

If it is not possible to purchase an additional amplifier, then you can do without it. In this case, the device will be connected directly to the front speakers. But you need to understand that in this case the sound quality will be much lower. At the same time, when connecting an active device, you can do everything the same, but the speaker system will sound good;

RCA cable

In order for sound to be filtered, a special filter can be installed at one specific connection point (see It’s not difficult to make a filter for a subwoofer yourself). Its location is usually indicated on the diagram.

Cable cross-section and proper selection

Note: It acts as an amplifier to some extent, but the bass performance is only slightly improved.

Therefore, it is better to choose a connection through an amplifier, due to which the load on the speaker becomes less pronounced.

How to connect speakers to an active subwoofer

Subwoofer connection diagram

Before starting work, you should turn off the power to the car. To do this, you need to disconnect the negative terminal from the battery.

Only after this you can start working:

First you need to decide where exactly the device will be located. After this, you will need to run a cable from the radio to it;
The wires are laid under the interior trim. To facilitate work, there are special technical holes through which cables are routed.

Connecting an active subwoofer from the rear speakers

Note: it is advisable that the cable be run overhead, under the roof. Due to this, the load on the cable will be greatly reduced.

The wire must be secured along its entire length. For this you can use special clamps. To prevent it from being visible in the future, the cable can be carefully disguised;
In the place where the subwoofer will be installed, it is recommended to lay shock-absorbing material, which will protect the device from unnecessary vibrations;
The amplifier should not be placed near the subwoofer as this may cause interference. It is desirable that it be located at some distance from it. In this case, both devices must be fixed with bolts;
The cables must be inserted into the connectors provided for this purpose.

Speakers for subwoofer

Before connecting your speakers and subwoofer to your amplifier, it is important to select your speakers. Owners have different tastes when it comes to car stereo systems. Loud music for a teenager who has just received his license will become tiresome for a lover of quiet sound. The subwoofer's subwoofer bass and front bass are enhanced or sounded quieter by different sized speakers. The suggested range is from 6 to 15 inches. What to choose:

Speaker diameters up to 10 inches will not produce rich sound. They are suitable for a car enthusiast who is not ready to spend a lot of money and does not strive for loud and surround sound;
Speakers from 10 to 15 inches are the golden mean, and provide rich sound at an affordable price;
Speakers larger than 15 inches are used for car audio competitions. High volume and very powerful sound make them not the best option for a family car. It should also be noted that the volume allowed for car audio competitions often does not comply with current legislation, and such speakers cause installation problems due to their size.

We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with our rating of car subwoofers.