Each week we aim to demystify the world of AV equipment and event services lingo and reveal exactly what those techs are talking about. In this weeks #TechieTuesday we look at Sub Speakers, or ‘Subs’ as they are more commonly known and find out what part they play in your audio visual solution.
AV Discipline: Audio
AV Category: AV Equipment
AV Jargon: Subs, Doof Doof, Bottom Whackers, Woofer, Thumper or Bass
What is a Sub Speaker?
A Sub is a speaker specifically designed to reproduce a narrow band of low frequencies ranging from approx 20Hz up to approx 150Hz. Low frequencies require a lot of energy to be heard, and the large round drivers in a sub speaker move huge amounts of air to create low frequency sound waves. Low frequencies are not only heard but also felt, providing that thump or rumble through the body, enhancing the auditory experience for the audience.
Source: Meyer Sound | USW-1P
What events are Sub Speakers used on?
Subs are commonly used at concerts, festivals, clubs and cinemas where the full spectrum of sound is required to be reproduced at loud volumes. For corporate events such as meetings and conferences where there is a lot of verbal discussion, there is not much acoustical benefit from using sub speakers due to the human voice not producing many frequencies below 150Hz.
However for events such as gala dinners and product launches, where you want to make an impact on the audience, drawing them in through the play back of music tracks and video clips, then sub speakers should be used to provide that extra experience. Imagine the affect on your audience, who are not only hearing the soundtrack but also feeling it. You are now communicating with your audience on a completely different level!
Where are Sub Speakers placed at an event?
Sub speakers have a low profile and are typically positioned on the floor near the stage area where connectivity to power and audio signals are readily available. Very little is required to add sub speakers to an existing audio visual system, technically it is just an extension to the frequency response of the existing system.
Don’t just hear the sound, feel the sound!
Next time you want to make an impact with your audience and get them feeling your message as well as hearing it, make sure to request sub speakers.
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