Vented vs Sealed Subwoofers
Article summary
- All Arendal subwoofers utilize a sealed box design for accurate low-frequency performance.
- Sealed subwoofers work well in smaller rooms and can produce deep, room-shaking bass.
- Adjustable EQ settings on Arendal subwoofers allow customization to suit your room and preferences.
- Vented box options enhance low-frequency output, providing different bass character when desired.
- Enhance your audio-visual setup with the 1723 Subwoofer 1S for tight, controlled bass performance.
Sealed box
All Arendal subwoofers start with an optimally damped, low Q sealed box design. Low-frequency performance is accurately damped delivering a tight impulse response – the time the driver takes to stop moving after the signal has passed is very short – and rolls off at the natural sealed box rate of 12dB/octave below the combined box and driver resonant frequency. This frequency (quoted as the -3dB point for the bass extension) is somewhat higher than a vented alignment, but the roll-off below a vented subwoofers -3dB point happens at 24dB/octave. On paper, the vented alignment will look deeper, but the sealed subwoofer compensates with a more extended roll-off.
As with Arendal speakers, but even more so because of the even lower frequencies involved, the sealed alignment naturally suits smaller rooms and positions closer to a wall. Room gain really kicks in hard below the rooms lowest resonant frequency, delivering 6-12dB of extra gain per octave below about 40Hz. This dovetails in nicely with the sealed alignment to give a surprisingly extended and naturally flat, in-room response and in the right room, will register output down into room-shaking single figure Hertz!
In all Arendal Subwoofers, we are offering options to tailor the output to suit your room and your tastes. Our Subwoofers have a multitude of adjustability, with 2-6 preset EQ settings to suit different room sizes and placements. The EQ1 settings are the ones that dig the deepest.
Of course, many will be quick to realise that this extra lift can also add additional bass in rooms that don’t really need it, turning action movie soundtracks into a bombastic bass-fest! We deliver the choices, you use them to suit your taste without worry because our sophisticated DSP has your back protected.
Vented box
Due to our vented subwoofers sheer internal volume, they also offer the ability to also be used in a vented alignment. By removing the foam plug from the big slot port, the low-frequency output can be extended with different bass character. Damping is slightly less optimal than the sealed alignment, but the compensation is sheer sound pressure level. Maximum extension is slightly more restricted than sealed operation, but at all audible frequencies, there is a lot of output.
Frequently asked questions
What is the design of Arendal subwoofers?
Arendal subwoofers feature an optimally damped, low Q sealed box design that allows for tight impulse response and accurate low-frequency performance.
How does the sealed box design affect sound quality?
The sealed box design delivers a natural roll-off rate of 12dB/octave below the resonant frequency, providing a more extended and flatter in-room response compared to vented designs.
Are Arendal subwoofers suitable for small rooms?
Yes, the sealed alignment of Arendal subwoofers naturally suits smaller rooms and placements close to walls, offering beneficial room gain at lower frequencies.
Can I adjust the output of Arendal subwoofers?
Absolutely! Arendal subwoofers come with 2-6 preset EQ settings that allow you to tailor the output to suit different room sizes and personal preferences.
What happens if a room doesn’t need extra bass?
If additional bass is added in a room that doesn’t need it, it can enhance soundtracks dramatically, but our sophisticated DSP ensures optimal sound performance without overwhelming bass.
What is the difference between sealed and vented configurations?
Sealed configurations offer tight impulse response, while vented configurations provide extended low-frequency output and increased sound pressure level, albeit with slightly less optimal damping.
Can I use Arendal subwoofers in a vented alignment?
Yes, by removing the foam plug from the port, Arendal subwoofers can operate in a vented alignment for different bass characteristics and extended low-frequency output.
What is the maximum frequency extension for vented subwoofers?
While vented operation provides more output at audible frequencies, its maximum extension may be slightly more restricted compared to sealed operation.
