As the mobile electronics industry grows and adapts to the ever-changing needs of the consumer, the age-old question still exists; that is, what is the best way to add bass to an existing audio system? Perhaps "age old" is not the most fitting description of this dilemma, but those of you not unlike myself who have completed their tour of duty on the mobile electronics sales floor or in the installation bay can certainly attest to the frequency of this type of request.
The origin of this common request lies in the fact that most factory audio systems, and even some aftermarket systems without subwoofers (shame on you!), do not deliver adequate bass for someone who enjoys hearing the entire musical spectrum. For those of you enlisting the former, I am relatively certain that for the money you spent on the upgraded audio system from the factory, it should sound great. If that is what it takes to satisfy your musical cravings, then more power to you. However for many consumers, hearing your favorite tunes one time with the impact that the recording artist intended is all it takes to make you feel it's never quite the same without some bass.
For the purpose of establishing some general guidelines for this type of upgrade, I wanted to shed some light on the various alternatives available for upgrading the bass response in your vehicle while discussing the pros and cons for each. Needless to say, an attempt to name and describe every bass upgrade available would be futile, so instead I have categorized them into four classes and identified examples from each group.
Bass Enhancer
MaxxBass processor from Waves
The first class of bass upgrade is the bass enhancer or processor. These devices manipulate the audio signal to improve bass response before it makes it to the speaker or subwoofer. Products like Audio Control's Epicenter have been around for years and employ an elaborate digital processor to dramatically enhance the performance of a subwoofer. But not everyone has room for or wants a subwoofer in their car. To address this, Waves Car Audio came up with a solution, the aptly named MaxxBass. This processor is designed to enhance the bass response of both subwoofers and midbass/midrange speakers alike by employing a process dubbed "psychoacoustics." Simply put, the MaxxBass processor optimizes the bass response of any speaker through patented technology that produces a much lower audible signal than what it is typically capable of playing. It is not the case that the MaxxBass processor allows a speaker to defy the laws of nature, but instead it is the audible response from the speaker that it is modified, giving the impression of much stronger bass response. The effect of the MaxxBass processor on the human ear could be likened to that of a television on the human eye. The images we see on television are recognizable as a whole, but when broken down are actually comprised of thousands of red, blue and green pixels that are combined by our eyes to create the desired picture. A similar principle applies to the signal output from the MaxxBass processor, meaning that smaller speakers give the impression of much greater bass response due to the combination and levels of notes being played. Just as our eyes are able to assimilate the thousands of pixels on a television screen, our ears translate the processed signal into much tighter and powerful bass response.One of the most obvious benefits of the MaxxBass processor is that it does not require the addition of a physical subwoofer and enclosure to increase the bass response in the vehicle. For those who are unwilling to compromise cargo space for bass, this may be the product for you. And, if you decide that you want to add a subwoofer later, the same processor can be used to enhance the sub's performance as well, much like the Audio Control Epicenter. On the downside, while the MaxxBass processor absolutely improves the response of the existing audio system, those who are looking for more substantial bottom end may not be satisfied. Additionally, the processor must be used in conjunction with an external amplifier to power the speakers, which may repel some potential buyers.
The addition of the MaxxBass processor requires very little spaceB and needs only to be accessible for fine-tuning. The unit itself takes up no more space than a crossover or small amplifier; therefore, it can be mounted under a seat or elsewhere out of sight in the vehicle, so aesthetics are not much of an issue with this product.
Powered Subwoofers
The universal powered subwoofer is the next step up in adding bass to your ride. These units feature an all-in-one design that combine an enclosure, subwoofer and amplifier into one unit. Perhaps the most familiar example of this type of product is the ever popular Bazooka Bass Tube which has been around for years, but other products such as the unique BassLink series of enclosures from Infinity also fit this model.
Infinity BassLink II powered subwoofer system
These types of products appeal to many due to their relatively small footprint and the ease of installation. One of the benefits to an all-in-one design is that it simplifies installation by eliminating the need to find a location for an external amplifier. Additionally, all wiring is routed directly to the unit, which significantly reduces installation time. These products are ideal for the consumer who seeks a simple, yet effective upgrade that can be installed with little modification to the vehicle. On the downside, however, these products are inherently limited in performance due to both size and power constraints. Small amplifiers and subwoofers are utilized because it doesn't make much sense to make an all-in-one unit that takes up your entire trunk. Instead, these units are intended to mount behind a seat or off to one side of a trunk to avoid consuming spare space.
Bazooka's BTA10200 amplified Bass Tube
Most buyers of these products find that they produce more than adequate bass and tend to blend well with their factory or existing low powered audio system. Aesthetically speaking, their designs are usually quite simple and compact in size, which makes them somewhat unobtrusive when installed correctly. Do they sound any good? Of course they do or else they would not be selling as well as they do. Are they for everyone? Probably not, but they are an excellent way to give your system that extra kick it needs without the complex installation of multiple components.
Prefab Enclosures
Audiobahn ABP102N pre-loaded sub enclosure
The third class of bass upgrade is the prefabricated subwoofer enclosure. Included in this category are the various types of sealed, vented and bandpass enclosures (including bass tubes), each with materials ranging from carpet- and vinyl-covered MDF to elaborate acrylic or even molded plastics. For those of you not going for the ultra-custom look, there is an endless supply of these types of enclosures and for nearly every application.In addition to the wide selection of these types of enclosures, another positive aspect is that most are available empty, so you are still able to load them with your favorite subwoofer(s). Performance from these types of enclosures is largely dependent on the sub(s) and amplification being utilized, but with the right equipment choices, optimal bass response can be achieved without the expense of having a custom enclosure built.
Unfortunately, this universal characteristic is also a negative aspect as well, because in order to accommodate a variety of subwoofers, the internal volume of the unloaded enclosures may not meet the recommendations for your particular application. Each subwoofer has its own specific requirement for the type of enclosure (sealed, vented, bandpass) and airspace volume they are designed to operate most effectively within. However, as I mentioned earlier, careful product selection can provide optimal performance from these types of enclosures. For those enclosures that already come loaded with subwoofers, enclosure matching is a non-issue (assuming the manufacturer has designed the enclosure for the particular sub it contains). Whether you purchase the enclosure and subwoofer separately or as a single product, careful selection of the appropriate amplifier is still required to ensure great performance.
Q-Logic prefab Dual 12" sub enclosure
Aesthetically, these types of enclosures are all over the map. Some applications can look downright gaudy (such as a bass tube secured with clamps and nylon straps) while others are able to blend nicely with the vehicle's interior. It really comes down to selection here; common sense in selecting the size and finish of your enclosure can have a significant impact on how it looks when it is installed. Choose wisely and smiles will emanate from your friends' faces.
Vehicle-Specific Enclosures
Rounding out our four categories are vehicle-specific enclosures such as those offered by JL Audio and MTX. These enclosures are designed to integrate into specific vehicles without compromising a tremendous amount of interior or cargo space. Their integration comes from construction derived from simple MDF to the more highly refined ABS plastic or fiberglass models, often with color-keyed fabrics and carpet. A wide variety of applications for many popular cars, trucks and SUVs are available and typically come pre-loaded with subwoofers.
It should be no surprise that the price tag on the higher-end models is somewhat steep, but for the individual who wants substantial bass response in the most aesthetically pleasing package, you definitely get what you pay for. Typically these enclosures are either bolted into place or secured by interior components that makes for a much cleaner installation and generates significantly tighter bass response than something that is not secured to the vehicle. The engineering behind them typically results in elevated sound quality and high output levels since they are specifically designed with a subwoofer and vehicle in mind and thus have been tested and refined in the same environment. As well, there is no guesswork required when selecting these products for your particular application, because they were designed to fit your vehicle. Many applications are barely visible or completely concealed when installed, which makes them even more appealing for those who wish to preserve the factory appearance of their vehicle. An added benefit to this low profile appearance is that it is less likely to tempt potential thieves than other products. With most of the vehicle-specific enclosures the addition of an amplifier is required (MTX offers many of their ThunderForm enclosures in powered models that makes for a more clean and simple installation).
MTX Thunderform for Chevy 2500 and 3500 HD Crew Cab
On the downside, while the selection grows larger each year, these enclosures are not available for every type of vehicle. Because they are designed to occupy minimal space, quite often a single 8" or 10" sub is all that can be squeezed in, and most audio junkies feel comfort in pairs or more.
As I have already stated, these products are unrivaled in regard to aesthetics, and if the price scares you, try getting a quote on having something comparable custom fabricated. My bet is that you won't match the sound quality or the fit and finish for anywhere close to the same price, which makes this type of enclosure even more appealing.
The Bottom End
Whether you are looking for just a bit more out of your existing system or if you are in the market for something to really get your heart pounding, there is a vast selection of products available from a variety of manufacturers. With any luck, you now have the knowledge necessary to make an informed decision on which product best suits your needs. Whatever the case may be, let this be fair warning: Once you upgrade, it is hard to live without bass in your vehicle. In fact, you may want to keep this article handy for when you are looking to upgrade your future vehicles!