quick question about soundsystems

[the wiggle baron]

Ive wondered this for ages, and figure I may aswell finally find out...
Basically, do speakers try and play the frequencies that are too low for them? Or is there some kind of low end filter? Like, my speakers only go down to 45hz, and im currently listening to Root by Loefah. Now, I really don't have it up too loud (compared to sometimes) but there still seems to be some sort of low end distortion going on? (only very slight, and I do have to whack it up a fair way)

Anyway, just wondering if thats my speakers trying to play the notes that they can't and suffering as a consequence?

[dubstepjustin]

Ive wondered this for ages, and figure I may aswell finally find out...
Basically, do speakers try and play the frequencies that are too low for them? Or is there some kind of low end filter? Like, my speakers only go down to 45hz, and im currently listening to Root by Loefah. Now, I really don't have it up too loud (compared to sometimes) but there still seems to be some sort of low end distortion going on? (only very slight, and I do have to whack it up a fair way)

Anyway, just wondering if thats my speakers trying to play the notes that they can't and suffering as a consequence?

From what i know, certain subwoofers can only go so low. I think that is called a subsonic filter when you go into a low enough frequency range the speaker will not respond to those hertz. Subs depending on how much excursion they can handle i also think plays a part. Maybe the amp also?

Also, i don't think you are going to damage your speakers by playing a low frequency at a low volume. It's when you turn it up to an excessive volume you should be concerned about.

[Pada]

Ive wondered this for ages, and figure I may aswell finally find out...
Basically, do speakers try and play the frequencies that are too low for them? Or is there some kind of low end filter? Like, my speakers only go down to 45hz, and im currently listening to Root by Loefah. Now, I really don't have it up too loud (compared to sometimes) but there still seems to be some sort of low end distortion going on? (only very slight, and I do have to whack it up a fair way)

Anyway, just wondering if thats my speakers trying to play the notes that they can't and suffering as a consequence?

From what i know, certain subwoofers can only go so low. I think that is called a subsonic filter when you go into a low enough frequency range the speaker will not respond to those hertz. Subs depending on how much excursion they can handle i also think plays a part. Maybe the amp also?

Also, i don't think you are going to damage your speakers by playing a low frequency at a low volume. It's when you turn it up to an excessive volume you should be concerned about.

you managed to post two paragraphs, confuse me and completely fail to answer the question.

[stenchman]

depends what the crossover point of the speakers is, i think most have a low cut off of about 30hz dont they? sometimes i play really low bass notes in reason tho n u cant hear anything yet the speakers wobble like fuckery, so by this reasoning im guessing that if i turned it up really loud i wouldnt like the results

[spire]

yeah on most systems theres a high pass (meaning low cut) filter around 30hz, its at a slope of anywhere from 12db to 96db's per octave, meaning if its a 30hz high pass filter with a 12db slope it STARTS at 30hz and by the time it gets down to 15hz (one octave) its reduced the output by 12db.

get it? or did i run around the question and not answer it?

we're supposed to be able to hear down to about 20hz, but thats pretty damn low. actually rediculous low.

then you also have transients which can be problems occasionally, but thats another small topic.

[spire]

and to answer about speakers playing low notes.

every octave you go down in pitch (tone, note, whatever) you need to move 4x as much air to produce the same db's. thats why larger speakers are required for subs, to move waaaaaaay more air.

the sound you might be hearing is actually the cone of your speaker bottoming out, hitting the frame or basket of the speaker.


and if you already know some of this i dont want to sound like im talking down to you, just trying to spread some knowledge.

[apathesis]

It's probably the speakers flapping indeed ^^^^

Hardly any speakers without independent subs go as far as 30Hz, unless you're prepared to spend lots of money. Most stop at 45-50 I think.

[spike01]

Hi.



This diagram is a frequency response curve for a speaker, based on a constant input. As you can see at the left end, the speaker reproduces lower frequencies, but the level at which it is able to reduces as the frequency approaches 20Hz. So, to answer your question, a speaker will try to reproduce very low frequencies, but will be unable to produce it at the correct level for various factors (insufficient power, insufficient cone size etc.) Some manufacturers will place a high pass filter to prevent people from trying to pump more power into the speaker (in the hope that it will produce those low notes) because in the majority of cases you will simply blow the speaker. Hope that answers the question clearly

[basser]

There are a fair few variables behind it, and a chunk of science

A lot of the frequency response is down to the enclosure. The distortion/flapping you're hearing is probably the driver "unloading" (assuming your speakers are ported and not sealed).

Basically, the driver is trying to play a frequency below that of the enclosure design. If you don't like your speakers much, download a 25Hz test tone and play it at full whack...they'll flap about a lot, then probably be toasted to death