woofer

A woofer is a type of loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds. In many multi-driver loudspeakers, the woofer handles bass and lower midrange, while higher-frequency ranges are produced by other drivers such as midrange or tweeters. Subwoofers are specialized units focused on very low frequencies and are often used separately from main loudspeakers.

A woofer consists of a cone or diaphragm attached to a voice coil that sits in a magnetic gap. When an electrical signal is applied, the coil moves the cone to generate sound. The cone is mounted in a rigid frame with a suspension system, typically including a surround at the edge and a spider at the inner portion, to control movement and restore the cone after each pulse. Materials for the cone vary and may include paper, polypropylene, dogged composites, or fibers such as Kevlar or carbon. Common sizes range from about 6 to 18 inches in diameter, with larger woofers moving more air and producing deeper bass but requiring larger enclosures and more power.

Performance is influenced by enclosure design, cabinet volume, and porting. Sealed enclosures tend to produce tighter, more accurate bass, while ported (bass-reflex) enclosures extend low-frequency response by using a tuned port. Crossover networks divide the audio signal among drivers to optimize overall response. Placement and room acoustics also affect perceived bass, with walls and corners often reinforcing low frequencies.

Woofer technology is used across home audio, cinema systems, car audio, and professional PA setups, where reliable bass reproduction is essential for overall sound balance.