What's a Subwoofer?
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Actually, its more properly called a sub woofer/satellite combo (SSC). This is a type of speaker with 3 or more main pieces (not including cords and cables) instead of the typical two. The smaller, high-frequency speakers in a SSC are satellites, and are typically placed on either side of the monitor. The sub woofer is usually bigger than either satellites and is often hidden under a desk. A MIT engineer (Bose) realized that because human beings are bad at knowing what direction low noises are coming from you can put the largest woofers (making the low noises) most anywhere without greatly impacting the sense of space you get from "stereo" sound. Most sub woofer systems have two satellites and one sub woofer, though "5.1" (4 satellites and a sub) and "6.1" (5 satellites and a sub) are becoming more common for movies and games. Remember tweeters "tweet" like birds (high-frequency) while woofers "woof" like dogs (low-frequency). I guess sub woofers woof like Mastiffs or Great Danes (very low-frequency). Why do we care about any of this? Because satellites without their sub look an awful lot like plain speakers. This results in many getting separated from each other and ultimately, recycled. Additionally, sometimes 5 and six speaker SSCs will be matched only with two satellites because it is not realized that there are more pieces to the set. How does one tell that 2 speakers are satellites and not stand-alone? The usual answer is "follow the electricity!" Speakers will either plug directly from one speaker to the wall or via an AC adaptor. SSCs will plug directly (or with an AC adaptor) to the sub woofer. Remember: Speakers that can not be connected to the wall for power are probably satellites!