Subwoofers (also referred to as woofers) are loudspeakers equipped with a large cone-shaped driver that produces bass sounds. They’re commonly used in professional sound applications like live concert sound reinforcement, churches and nightclubs.
They are typically enclosed by a high roll foam surround that increases the cone area for improved output and linear cone stability during peak excursion of the speaker.
Polypropylene
Subwoofers with polypropylene surrounds are an ideal choice if you’re searching for a sleek design. Not only is this material cost-effective, but it can be reinforced with minerals for extra strength.
An excellent example is the Pioneer TS-A300D4, which boasts a polypropylene cone injected with glass fiber and mica for increased rigidity and durability. Furthermore, it uses high roll foam surround to give the cone more surface area so it maintains its shape even under heavy loads.
This 300 watt woofer boasts a dual 2 ohm design and boasts advanced air flow cooling technology and a high flux ferrite motor for powerful car stereo sound that goes deep. An excellent option for car stereo speakers, this subwoofer delivers impressive bass response as well.
Treated Paper
Subwoofers with high roll foam surrounds produce powerful low-end audio that’s great for free air or sealed enclosures – not to mention they look good doing it! Subwoofers is a subs that produce great sound quality.
Many have commented that the material of a surround can affect bass quality, but this is not entirely accurate. The woofer cone still plays an important role in creating overall sound quality.
Treated paper is a sheet that has been coated with an impermeable chemical emulsion. This coating is applied to the sheet using a vertical size press.
The VSEP membrane system utilizes membrane filtration to concentrate solids (coating materials) from a diluted coating process order into an effluent stream that meets discharge and reuse criteria. Once filtered, this water can then be discharged or recycled back into the paper mill coating process.
This is an ideal solution for the coated paper industry to reduce waste and recycle coating materials. Furthermore, VSEP helps mills reduce operating expenses and enhance their environmental footprint.
Foam
Subwoofers with high roll foam surround provide a directional effect to help with low frequency sound dispersion. This directionality can be beneficial in many settings such as music festivals, where multiple bands perform on different stages simultaneously; large raves or EDM events; and multiplex movie theatres where sound engineers strive to keep bass frequencies from causing loudness complaints.
Refoaming and replacing a speaker’s foam surround is an easy DIY project that can be accomplished with the correct materials and tools. These include new polyether foam surrounds, special poly-acrylic adhesives, cardboard gasket sets, paper shims, and applicators.
There are three types of surrounds for cones: flat, angle and straight attach. The flat attach foam will have a lip that fits over the cone; however, straight attach has no lip and requires cutting down slightly in order to fit over the cone.
Rubber
When selecting subwoofers, the surround material is an important consideration. Speaker manufacturers use various surround materials and each has its own advantages and drawbacks.
Foam surrounds are often chosen due to their durability and affordability. Unfortunately, they have some drawbacks such as sagging or hardening over time.
Rubber is more costly than foam, but it’s much more durable and resistant to extreme weather conditions – ideal if you plan to use your speakers outdoors. This feature makes rubber the better option in this regard.
High roll foam surrounds expand the cone’s surface area, making it easier for it to push air and create sound waves. This enables speakers to produce bigger and deeper low-end tones. Furthermore, this material is more corrosion resistant than most other surround materials and allows drivers to move more freely for a more detailed and accurate audio signature.