If you doubt that your subwoofer has blown, there are several ways to check your suspicion if it is true or not.
Before getting it to the practitioner, you can conduct an easy diagnosis on your own to find the indeed problem.
There are a couple of reasons for a sub to be blown that you will also know while finding signs of a blown subwoofer.
However, today’s article covers everything about the blown subwoofer and the most important “what to do if you find it blown”?
How do you tell if your subwoofer is blown?
You can find out if the following signs blow your subwoofer.
- Instant Physical Inspection
Physical inspection is the easiest way to determine whether your sub has blown or not? For it, pay closer attention to the cone and start pressing it gently.
What do you feel after pushing the cone? If you think it is stuck in place or has fewer harsh movements, then it’s sure that your subwoofer has blown.
Feel every scratch and make a note of every moment you feel. If it is loose or sluggish, then it could be a sign of the worn suspension.
- Try Playing Some Audio
Playing some audio at low volume is another most accessible way to find out if your subwoofer has blown.
Play some audio playbacks and then gradually increase the volume until you listen for any disturbance. There will be only two results.
- If you feel any distorted sound, then it is sure that your subwoofer has partially blown due to some reason.
- However, your sub is fully blown after increasing volume/bass if you don’t listen to any kind of sound or movement in the cone.
- Diagnose Using Voltmeter
Use the digital meter to check your subwoofer. For it, just hook the device to both terminals (+,-) and check out the readings.
Remember that each sub has its ohms. For instance, the Compr 12-inch kicker subwoofer displays 20 Ohms.
If the voltmeter is reading a lower value than expected, it might signify a dead woofer.
Make sure to follow bullets while using the multimeter.
- Sub has disconnected from the power source.
- Audio input has disconnected from the woofer.
- There should be no wire attached to it.
- Your multimeter is reading value at ohms (Ω) scale.
- Insert the red probe to positive and black to negative.
- Measure the amount of resistance.
- The resistance should round it up to the nearest whole number.
What might have caused your subwoofer to blow?
As I described earlier, the fluctuation in power is the main culprit for most subs to blow. Let’s briefly discuss this here.
- Too Much Power
Sending too much power from the amplifier is the primary cause of a sub-blowing. When you don’t pair a compatible woofer with an amplifier, it gets unsuitable power except for its designed value.
The excessive range of powerful forces to operate the sub, regardless of its conditions. It produces extreme stress on the cone, and as a result, it blows itself.
For preserving your sub not to be blown, make sure your volume level is bearable.
- Too Many Singles
When the audio singles hit the amp’s power voltage, then it causes clipping. It is the main reason for your subwoofer to blow. So consider a clipping-proof amp while buying.
However, you can notice and break the clipping on your own while playing the audio tracks.
Keep noticing if your woofer suddenly starts playing the odd or louder sound while playing the tracks. Stop playing it instantly!
For the majority, the clipping occurs when too much base is applied. But the subwoofers are designed for the moderated volume/bass level.
So do not louder the volume and bass together while playing the tracks on subwoofers.
You may also check:
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It’s Blown Now What?
The first thing that you need to do is remove the blown speaker/woofer from your audio system. Letting it stay hooked with the amplifier can damage your audio equipment or cause full-blown if it is not.
If your product was new, then it can be covered with the given warranty by the company. Before you disassemble the subwoofer, check the valid date of the contract.
It’ll be replaced by the company if the warranty is valid till your sub has blown.
However, if it is too late, it’s an excellent opportunity to upgrade your audio system with a new subwoofer.
However, consider repairing it from a technician if you are on a budget and don’t want to buy a new subwoofer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to fix the blown subwoofer yourself?
It’s possible to repair your subwoofer or its damaged part on your own. But it’s not an easy task, and there are a couple of tools needed for it.
We advise you to take it to Pros for quality repairing, and they are professional in precisely installing the cone.
What to do if your subwoofer has blown?
We always advise you to remove it immediately if you have found your subwoofer blown. It can damage your other audio equipment or amplifier.
After removing it, check for its warranty. If you are lucky, then you’ll get it replaced or repaired by the manufacturer.
Do subwoofers have fuses?
Yes, subwoofers have fuses located in their in-line main wires. The appearances might be different, but if an amp is dedicated, your sub must have fuse there.
Why does clipping occur?
When speakers or subwoofers are overworking the amp, then clipping occurs. It suddenly starts loading when it’s clipping, and you should stop your favorite audio track immediately if you notice it.
What does a blown subwoofer sound like?
There are two results of blow subwoofers.
- On increasing bass or volume, it suddenly starts making a distorted sound.
- The subwoofer stop working and produces no sound.
The Conclusion
The main culprit of subwoofer blown is the fluctuation in power or singles. We advise you to remove it immediately if it has blown. It may damage your other audio equipment.
Multiple disorders occur in the speaker if it’s blown.
The cone might be stuck, and in this case, it will produce no sound.
If the cone is moving but gradually increasing bass or volume, it starts a distorted sound that sure the woofer is blown.
However, you cannot repair your subwoofer on your own because it needs precise installation of the cone. We advise you to take it to the technician for the most delicate repair.
