What Is a Subsonic Filter
Article summary
- A subsonic filter acts as a high-pass filter to control low-frequency notes in your subwoofer.
- It reduces the volume of frequencies below a certain threshold, preventing distortion in audio playback.
- Important for vinyl enthusiasts, it addresses issues like woofer pumping due to warped records.
- Adjust the subsonic filter settings on the 1723 and 1961 Subwoofers for optimal performance.
- Enhance your audio-visual setup with the 1723 Subwoofer 1S, designed for tight, controlled bass and clear sound reproduction.
A subsonic filter is a component on your subwoofer that reduces the intensity of notes which come through at lower frequencies. It decreases the amplitude of those low notes that you feel more than you hear. In other words, it’s what we know as a high-pass filter: a filter that lets through signals above a certain Hz threshold and attenuates any signal below that threshold. It’s the opposite of a low-pass filter, which only attenuates signals above a certain line.
For example, If your subsonic filter is set to 40 Hz, 30 Hz notes will still get through but will be much quieter. Think of the filter as a slope, not an on-off switch.
Subsonic Filters are particularly important if you spin vinyl records as they can have possible warping that causes a phenomenon known as woofer pumping. These warps can produce frequencies well below 20Hz and can introduce distortion into your playback system. It is recommended to set up a very subsonic filter with a very steep slope (attention factor) to combat this issue.
You can set the subsonic filter on your 1723 Series Subwoofers in the Crossover Menu and for the 1961 Subwoofers in the Setup Menu. You can select the subsonic filter frequency (frequency at which you want to begin filtering) and subsonic filter slope (the rate at which you want to attenuate the frequencies).
Frequently asked questions
What is a subsonic filter and how does it work?
A subsonic filter on a subwoofer reduces the intensity of low-frequency notes that you feel more than you hear. It acts as a high-pass filter, allowing signals above a certain frequency to pass while attenuating those below it.
How does a subsonic filter differ from a low-pass filter?
A subsonic filter (high-pass filter) lets signals above a specific Hz threshold through, while a low-pass filter only allows signals below a certain frequency to pass, attenuating higher frequencies.
Why is a subsonic filter important for vinyl records?
Subsonic filters are crucial for vinyl records as they can prevent woofer pumping caused by warped records, which can produce frequencies below 20Hz and lead to distortion in your playback system.
How do I adjust the subsonic filter on my Arendal Sound subwoofer?
You can set the subsonic filter on the 1723 Series Subwoofers in the Crossover Menu and on the 1961 Subwoofers in the Setup Menu. You can adjust both the frequency and slope of the filter.
What frequency should I set my subsonic filter to?
It is recommended to set the subsonic filter frequency based on your system and listening preferences. A common starting point is around 30-40 Hz, but it can vary depending on the material you are playing.
What does a steep slope on a subsonic filter mean?
A steep slope on a subsonic filter means that frequencies below the cutoff frequency are attenuated more quickly, resulting in a sharper transition and reduced low-frequency interference.
Can I hear the effects of a subsonic filter?
While you may not hear the low frequencies directly, the effects of the subsonic filter can be felt in the overall clarity and performance of your audio system, especially in preventing distortion.
