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Subwoofer
A subwoofer (or sub) is a loudspeaker designed to reproduce low-pitched audio frequencies known as bass and sub-bass, lower in frequency than those which can be (optimally) generated by a woofer. The typical frequency range for a subwoofer is about 20–200 Hz for consumer products, below 100 Hz for professional live sound, and below 80 Hz in THX-approved systems. Subwoofers are never used alone, as they are intended to augment the low frequency range of loudspeakers that cover the higher frequency bands. While the term “subwoofer” technically only refers to the speaker driver, in common parlance, the term often refers to a subwoofer driver mounted in a speaker enclosure (cabinet), often with a built-in amplifier.
Subwoofers are made up of one or more woofers mounted in a loudspeaker enclosure—often made of wood—capable of withstanding air pressure while resisting deformation. Subwoofer enclosures come in a variety of designs, including bass reflex (with a port or vent), using a subwoofer and one or more passive radiator speakers in the enclosure, acoustic suspension (sealed enclosure), infinite baffle, horn-loaded, tapped horn, transmission line, bandpass or isobaric designs, representing unique trade-offs with respect to efficiency, low frequency range, cabinet size and cost. Passive subwoofers have a subwoofer driver and enclosure and they are powered by an external amplifier. Active subwoofers include a built-in amplifier.The first subwoofers were developed in the 1960s to add bass response to home stereo systems. Subwoofers came into greater popular consciousness in the 1970s with the introduction of Sensurround in movies such as Earthquake, which produced loud low-frequency sounds through large subwoofers. With the advent of the compact cassette and the compact disc in the 1980s, the easy reproduction of deep and loud bass was no longer limited by the ability of a phonograph record stylus to track a groove, and producers could add more low frequency content to recordings. As well, during the 1990s, DVDs were increasingly recorded with “surround sound” processes that included a low-frequency effects (LFE) channel, which could be heard using the subwoofer in home theater systems. During the 1990s, subwoofers also became increasingly popular in home stereo systems, custom car audio installations, and in PA systems. By the 2000s, subwoofers became almost universal in sound reinforcement systems in nightclubs and concert venues.
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Bass (adjective)
Of sound, a voice or an instrument, low in pitch or frequency.
“The giant spoke in a deep, bass, rumbling voice that shook me to my boots.”
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Bass (noun)
A low spectrum of sound tones.
“Peter adjusted the equalizer on his audio equipment to emphasize the bass.”
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Bass (noun)
A section of musical group that produces low-pitched sound, lower than the baritone and tenor.
“The conductor preferred to situate the bass in the middle rear, rather than to one side of the orchestra.”
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Bass (noun)
A male singer who sings in the bass range.
“Halfway through middle school, Edgar morphed from a soprano to a bass, much to the amazement and amusement of his fellow choristers.”
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Bass (noun)
An instrument that plays in the bass range, in particular a double bass, bass guitar, electric bass or bass synthesiser.
“The musician swung the bass over his head like an axe and smashed it into the amplifier, creating a discordant howl of noise.”
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Bass (noun)
The clef sign that indicates that the pitch of the notes is below middle C; a bass clef.
“The score had been written without the treble and bass, but it was easy to pick out which was which based on the location of the notes on the staff.”
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Bass (noun)
The perch; any of various marine and freshwater fish resembling the perch, all within the order of Perciformes.
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Bass (noun)
The fibrous inner bark of the linden or lime tree, used for making mats.
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Bass (noun)
Fibers from other plants, especially palm trees
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Bass (noun)
Anything made from such fibers, such as a hassock, basket or thick mat.
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Bass (verb)
To sound in a deep tone.
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Subwoofer (noun)
An electronic speaker designed to produce low-frequency sound, especially bass.
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Bass (noun)
the lowest adult male singing voice
“his bass voice rings out attractively”
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Bass (noun)
a singer with a bass voice.
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Bass (noun)
a part written for a bass voice.
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Bass (noun)
denoting the member of a family of instruments that is the lowest in pitch
“a bass clarinet”
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Bass (noun)
a bass guitar or double bass.
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Bass (noun)
the low-frequency output of a radio or audio system, corresponding to the bass in music.
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Bass (noun)
the common European freshwater perch.
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Bass (noun)
any of a number of fish similar to or related to the perch.
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Bass (noun)
another term for bast