Simple Explanation

A speaker designed to handle low-frequency sounds, such as bass.

Concise Technical Definition

A woofer is a loudspeaker specifically designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, typically in the range of 40 Hz to 500 Hz. It is responsible for handling the bass and mid-bass frequencies in a speaker system. Woofer designs vary, but they typically feature a large diaphragm to move a significant amount of air and create deep, rich low-end sounds. In a multidriver speaker system, the woofer works alongside other drivers (like tweeters) to ensure full-range audio reproduction.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of a woofer like the big drum in a marching band. Just as the big drum makes the deep, thumping sounds you feel in your chest, a woofer handles the deep bass and low sounds that you can feel as well as hear. If you imagine a speaker system as a team, the woofer does the heavy lifting by providing those low-end frequencies that give music its depth and power.

Industry Usage Summary

Woofers are commonly used in full-range speaker systems, home audio setups, and professional sound reinforcement systems, where they handle the lower end of the frequency spectrum. In multidriver designs, woofers typically handle frequencies from 40 Hz to 500 Hz, ensuring that deep bass and lower midrange frequencies are accurately reproduced. In subwoofers, woofers are designed to extend even lower, reaching down to 20 Hz or below. The performance of a woofer is critical to producing full-bodied sound.

Engineering Shortcut

A loudspeaker driver designed to reproduce low-frequency sounds, usually from 40 Hz to 500 Hz.

Full Technical Explanation

A woofer is a type of loudspeaker specifically designed to handle low-frequency audio signals, typically in the range of 40 Hz to 500 Hz. Woofers are characterized by their larger diaphragm size compared to midrange or tweeter drivers, as they need to move a significant amount of air to reproduce deep bass sounds. The design of a woofer typically includes a large voice coil, a stiff cone, and a strong magnet to ensure precise control over the movement of the diaphragm. In a speaker system, the woofer plays a key role in delivering the low-end energy that forms the foundation of music and other audio content. Woofers are commonly used in home theater systems, full-range speakers, and subwoofer designs, and are often paired with midrange drivers and tweeters in multi-way speaker systems to cover the entire frequency range.