Why do you need a car capacitor for a subwoofer?

Many lovers of powerful low-frequency loudspeakers face the same problem. At peak power, when the bass frequencies should sound at full strength, there is a decrease in the volume of the sound until it disappears completely. This lasts a short period of time, but significantly affects the quality of the musical fragment. A car battery produces constant voltage over a short period of time. Typically this is 13.8-14.8 volts. No battery can produce a higher voltage level.

A powerful car low-frequency system, with an output power of hundreds of watts, at moments of maximum volume consumes a very large current, while what the battery produces is simply not enough. Why do you need a subwoofer drive - to be able to add energy to the amplifier. A large capacitor is used as an additional power source. It can be from half to several farads. Capacitors for a subwoofer in a car are not just an energy storage device, but an electronic device with a microchip and an LED indicator.

Operating principle and purpose

The operation of a capacitor for acoustic systems is based on the law of conservation and accumulation of energy of the simplest element found in many electrical circuits. The simplest capacitor consists of two conductors with a dielectric between them. The length of these conductors, depending on the capacity, can reach from one meter to several tens, as well as the dielectric located between them. This entire design is very compact, so even with such a huge capacitance for electronic devices as one Farad, the dimensions of the capacitor for the subwoofer allow it to be placed in a car.

The principle of operation of a car capacitor connected to the power circuit of an amplifier or subwoofer is that in normal mode, when the supply voltage is at least 12 Volts, it is capable of accumulating an electrical charge. When a fan of loud music turns up the regulator and increases the power of the audio system, the current in the power circuit increases greatly and can reach up to 100 Amps, and a voltage drop occurs, since neither the generator, nor, especially, the battery is designed to work with such a large constant load. Moreover, in the car circuit, especially at night, there is already a load caused by the switched on lighting devices, wiper motor, air conditioning and other devices, depending on the configuration of the car’s electrical equipment. When listening to powerful bass, the acoustic capacitor for the subwoofer will compensate for the decrease in the supply voltage, that is, its drawdown. Without this device, the voltage at some points will drop to 8-9 Volts, which is unacceptable both for installed stereo systems and for the entire on-board circuit of the car.

Thus, we can identify several obvious signs that will be noticeable to the driver due to the absence of a high-capacity capacitor in the subwoofer power circuit:

• Flashing headlights in time with the music;
• Increased fuel consumption associated with increased load on the generator;
• Disabling or significantly reducing the sound quality of the audio system with increasing power and especially with strong low frequencies emitted by the subwoofer.

Methods for selecting a capacitor for powerful speaker systems

In order to choose the right acoustic capacitor for a subwoofer

you need to take into account the maximum and operating power of the sound amplifier. For 1000 W of stereo system power, a capacitance in its power supply circuit is required equal to 1 Farad. This is a very large capacitance that can compensate for the voltage drop; mainly in electronics you can find capacitors whose capacitance is measured in microfarads.

Also required for stable operation of the system is an electronic circuit built into the device body, designed for:

1. voltage indication in the amplifier power circuit;
2. supplying energy from a backup energy source (capacitor) at the desired peak moment of drawdown;
3. adjusting the amount of energy to protect against blown fuses.

An acoustic capacitor for the subwoofer is connected in parallel to the power circuit, being sure to observe polarity and minimize its distance from the amplifier terminals.

Review of the most common acoustic capacitors

Brax IPC

• from connection with incorrect polarity;
• from overvoltage, that is, if the voltage rises above 17.5 Volts.

It is equipped with a bright three-digit indication of the voltage value of the amplifier supply circuit, which displays the average value for a time of 1.5 seconds, which is very pleasant and distinguishes this model from cheaper ones. There is also an indication that the protections described above are enabled.

Power Ampere SPV 100D

Signat ECC1

. Listed market price $230. It is compact, since its diameter is 7 cm. The process of fully charging the acoustic capacitor is notified by 5 LEDs of different colors. Charging time and ability to work in normal mode is about 1.5 minutes. An emergency shutdown occurs when the supply voltage on the subwoofer increases to 16.5 V.

Thus, lovers of creating powerful car audio will have to fork out for another necessary tool to obtain high-quality sound and maintain the car’s on-board voltage system in normal mode.

What to look for when purchasing?

The main thing that a car owner who wants to buy an electrolytic capacitor for a subwoofer should take into account is the ratio of its capacity and the power of the system. The rule is quite simple. The minimum limit is 650 to 850 µF per kilowatt. To simplify calculations, it is recommended to take 1F per 1 kW of sound system power.

It is ideal if a capacitor with a capacity exceeding the nominal values ​​is installed in the car. Other features of a good element are as follows:

• The delivery kit should include everything you need to install the electrolytic capacitor in the machine. These include the wires that connect the amplifier, and special protected brackets that prevent damage to the element shell and the occurrence of other emergency situations;
• The pulse voltage of the capacitor should be 24 V. This is a sufficient reserve (the corresponding operating parameter of the on-board network is from 12 to 18 V) so that the drive does not overheat during charging;
• for a sharp release of high power and the formation of large currents, the capacitor must have powerful connectors with thick leads and a large area. Responsible companies offer products with gold-plated contacts;
• Charge indicators are a huge help, including for the convenience of monitoring the status of the drive during operation. This could be a simple circuit with a row of LEDs or a digital display;
• if you need a drive that you can simply connect and count on long-term stable operation, it is recommended to buy products equipped with a charge and condition monitoring system. Such models must be equipped with an indicator.

The last, but one of the main, remark: you should not save on buying an electrolytic capacitor for a subwoofer. On specialized forums you can find many examples, videos and photos of disassembling cheap products. They clearly and accurately show the discrepancy between the actual characteristics and the declared ones, and also describe the dangers of using this type of drive.

Before purchasing an electrolytic capacitor, you should definitely look for reviews on specialized resources. Or - look through the ratings and get acquainted with the characteristics of suitable products on the website of their manufacturers. Today, the mass market offers both electrolytic capacitors and ionistors that are quite sensitive to temperature fluctuations.

Installing a capacitor in the on-board network, in addition to purely utilitarian results in the form of stable operation of the speaker system, has several other advantages. In particular, current surges during operation of the ignition system are smoothed out. Also, the operating mode of the on-board generator improves, as it begins to experience less surges in consumption. And most importantly: the installed capacitor perfectly helps the starter work in winter, transferring power to the general network.

Why do you need a capacitor for a subwoofer?

Fans of loud, high-quality music with powerful bass often encounter problems when sound drops occur in certain situations. In such cases, there is no need to risk breaking the subwoofer or speakers.

Let's go back to school physics lessons somewhere in the seventh grade. , when playing powerful bass, it can briefly consume current that even the strongest battery cannot provide. The wires connecting the subwoofer and the amplifier, even if they are very thick, have resistance, which at the peak of the signal leads to a decrease in voltage. At these moments, the so-called sound failures occur. It is at such moments that a capacitor for a subwoofer is needed. It is a high-capacity electrolytic device that is connected in parallel to the amplifier and car battery. When connecting nodes in parallel, during current peaks, the device absorbs excess voltage, which helps smooth out the so-called dips of the subwoofer. Due to the very low internal resistance of the capacitor itself, it charges in a split second and absorbs subsequent voltage surges.

True or not

To this day, on the Internet, in various forums and blogs, there are heated debates regarding the need or uselessness of such a storage device as a capacitor. The debates themselves, to the great regret of car audio lovers, do not lead to any truth. They are completely useless, due to the fact that opponents do not even have a basic school understanding of physics.

Note. The biggest nonsense that can be read from forums is that you need to install a capacitor based on only farads per kilowatt. Such recommendations are fundamentally wrong, since you will not understand where they came from.

So, to lift the veil somewhat, let's go back to our physics lessons. As valuable knowledge is updated in our memory, all myths will disappear like morning smoke.

Differences between a capacitor and a battery

• A capacitor for a woofer is the same power consumer that is not capable of generating electricity itself. But it is capable of accumulating it and then consuming it for its own leaks, but not for battery leaks;
• The capacitor's task is to accumulate energy and then release it to the consumer. The drive itself has extremely low internal resistance and for this reason “parts” with energy very quickly (by the way, it does not accumulate it slowly either).

Note. The difference between a capacitor and a battery is that the peak energy output of a capacitor occurs only for the first moment, and then there is a sharp drop in charge. Thus, the recoil speed drops along with the charge.

Differences between a capacitor and an ionistor

Capacitor for subwoofer

Ionistors are what most music lovers carry in their trunks. It differs from a capacitor in the following parameters:

• Huge losses;
• Greater resistance;
• Releases charge much more slowly;
• It costs several times less than a capacitor of the same capacity.

The optimal operating time of the ionistor is: 1 sec/83 cool.

Checking the ionistor

It is recommended to check the ionistor to clearly understand how it works:

• We connect the ionistor to the speaker system with power drawdowns;
• We start it up and observe that the voltage at the terminals increases. So far so good;
• We increase the volume and notice that the voltage drops from 13 to 10 volts.

Note. All this means that at the first hit of the subwoofer, the charge will drop and the ionistor will turn into an extra power component, since it is useful and active only when its charge is greater than the voltage in the network.

This situation among car audio enthusiasts is called sag, but it can be much worse if thin, low-quality wires and cheap copper-plated aluminum are used in the power supply. In this case, cable subsidence is also added to the normal subsidence.

Note. You need to know the dangers of cable sag. The fact is that with a sharp increase in consumption, reactance occurs. The more and faster the user tries to take energy from the cable, the more it (the cable) will interfere with this (if it is thin and long).

The problem of a cheap and low-quality cable will also be reflected in the ionistor, which, having discharged, will no longer be able to receive energy.

Main characteristics

The subwoofer drive is used not only in high-end audio systems, but also in conventional ones. This technique can significantly improve the properties of the amplifier. Modern subwoofers consume quite a lot of electricity at peak moments of the audio signal. Even the most advanced battery cannot quickly supply significant current. The gadget in question is used to solve this problem.

Also, do not forget about the operation of other electrical appliances in the car. For example, an air conditioner, which can absorb up to thirty percent of the energy generated by the generator. This often leads to sound distortion, especially when delivering powerful bass. A car subwoofer drive solves this problem. It is an electrolytic type capacitor, the capacity of which is sufficient to accumulate electric current. This device is used to supply energy to the subwoofer.

The equipment is installed in close proximity to the amplifier. It is often equipped with voltmeters and charge indicator lights. The equipment set includes everything necessary for installation. Note that the capacitor and amplifier should be located at a distance of no more than fifty centimeters. The connectors of the equipment in question are most often gold-plated. This is necessary to reduce resistance as much as possible. The operating voltage of the equipment can reach twenty-four volts.

From us you can buy a subwoofer drive of various models. Our specialists will help you choose the device that best suits your audio system. The price of a gadget directly depends on its characteristics and the company offers a wide range of these devices. Therefore, choosing a subwoofer storage capacitor will not be difficult at all.

Choosing a good capacitor

In order for the capacitor to work smoothly, it must initially be selected correctly. Most of the modern energy storage devices for bass speakers have a huge electrical capacity, but that’s not all - if you look, you will be able to find not just powerful capacitors, but devices equipped with voltmeters and light charge indication. For proper and simplified installation, various components are included with the drive. It is believed that the capacitor should be placed as close to the amplifier as possible (see How to connect an amplifier and subwoofer to a car radio: you are your own master). The connectors of good and high-quality capacitors are always gold-plated, which effectively reduces resistance.

Connecting a capacitor to a subwoofer

When choosing a capacitor for a subwoofer, you need to pay attention to the presence of a voltmeter, which allows you to measure the current performance of this element. In high-quality capacitor models, the connectors for connecting the amplifier are in most cases gold-plated, which minimizes electrical losses and reduces resistance in the electrical circuit

In high-quality capacitor models, the connectors for connecting the amplifier are in most cases gold-plated, which minimizes electrical losses and reduces resistance in the electrical circuit.

In most cases, the subwoofer is placed under the seat, and the electrolytic capacitor is placed in the trunk near the amplifier. It is believed that the distance between the capacitor and the amplifier should not exceed 50 centimeters.

In this case, the appearance of this element will be important. As a rule, they consist of several completely transparent glass flasks. Today you can find numerous models of automobile acoustic bulbs on sale.

They differ in the components used, the eclectic capacity indicator and their appearance. We recommend choosing products from those manufacturers who specialize in the production of car acoustics, which will allow you to make the right choice.

To equip your car with a good audio system, you need to take into account all the nuances. You must definitely buy a drive for your car with sufficient power. This equipment will allow you to “squeeze” the maximum out of the audio system and make the sound high-quality and pleasant to the ear. Below we will talk in detail about this technique.

Capacitor in a vehicle's electric motor

Capacitors for electric motors of cars can be working or starting. Working capacitors ensure correct operation of the electric motor, and starting capacitors are used to improve the starting torque.

Tasks of starting automotive capacitors for the engine

• economical operation of electrical equipment;
• increased torque;
• ability to withstand high loads;
• ensuring optimal service life of the electric motor.

Unlike running capacitors, starting capacitors are switched on when the engine is started. Running capacitors ensure the correct functioning of the engine directly during operation.

Review of capacitors for a snack

Brax IPC

Capacitor costing 300 US dollars. The model name IPC stands for “intelligent power capacitor.” It has the following features:

• The user will find in this model a luxurious, superbly finished, clearly thought out device with the highest electrical performance;
• The length of the capacitor body is 280 mm, and the diameter is 75 mm;
• The operating principle is based on automation, which will provide charging with a normalized current and protect the acoustics from overvoltage;
• The Brax capacitor operates at 17.5 V, if connected incorrectly, automatically connected to the power network and disconnected;
• Provides continuous indication of voltage at the amplifier terminals (see);
• The capacitor is made in a stylish, beautiful case with a transparent head, in the center of which a 3-charge digital indicator is displayed. This indicator becomes active as soon as it senses the slightest voltage ripple on the amplifier and shows a voltage of up to 0.1 V;
• The capacitor readings are not carried out by continuous blinking, as on some cheap models, but are averaged with a time constant of about 1.5 s;
• For rapid fluctuations, the answer is another indicator, operating on 2 LEDs. If one of them or two blinks at once, this indicates short-term voltage ripples;
• There is also a third indicator called CPS. It is needed to report danger: if it lights up red, the polarity is reversed; if it lights up yellow, the overvoltage protection has tripped.

What equipment capacity is needed?

There is no exact formula here. Many follow this rule: 1 kW. from the power of the amplifier must correspond to 1 F of the capacitor capacitance. This is normal and most users purchase the design precisely for this reason. For example, if your car has an audio system with a power of 2 kW, then you need to purchase a drive with a capacity of 2 Farads. But experts recommend choosing a device with a large supply of capacity.

Subwoofer amplifier and capacitor

Some models have built-in voltmeters. They control the system voltage level. Devices with voltmeters are more expensive.

Installation and charging

Thus, we explained why this component is needed in a car. Now let's move on to the useful topic of how to install and connect a capacitor.

Installation

The installation process itself has the following features:

• The capacitor is installed no further than half a meter from the amplifier to avoid a decrease in the amplitude of the current due to the resistance of the connecting wires;
• In no case should you skimp on a capacitor, and if you decide to install it, it must be a high-quality one, and not some Chinese one, so that it will be of any use.

• If there is still no electronic circuit in the capacitor, then it is recommended to initially recharge the element with a 12-volt light bulb;
• Interestingly, you can install a capacitor in a system of any power, regardless of the number of amplifiers.

Charger

As for charging the capacitor (see), as mentioned above, it is useful to charge with a 12 V light bulb, which will let the user understand how the process proceeds. It itself implies the following:

• A light bulb or resistor (preferably a 12 V light bulb) is connected to the battery positive on the wire;
• The other end of the wire is connected to the positive terminal of the capacitor;
• During the charging process, if the capacitor has a display with a light indication, it will light up. The voltmeter value on the capacitor will also increase, but as soon as it stops, charging must also be completed;
• Remove the light bulb or resistor.

Connection recommendations

1. The system can be connected to circuits of any power. Even in cases where one amplifier built into the head unit is working. But when installing a capacitor in an audio system equipped with an external amplifier, the first step is to start with the minimum system power (from 250 to 300 W).
2. Such a device does not have to be connected only to a sound system that has a special battery. It’s just that such a “sonic” battery can quickly supply current and just as quickly unload the car’s network.
3. If you are going to connect the device yourself, it is better to have protective circuits. Also, you should have on hand devices that monitor the state of the on-board network.

Be sure to follow the diagram when connecting elements. It has visual drawings showing the location of electrical circuits. All important information is also present on the diagram.

How to choose and install a car capacitor?

In this publication, we will touch on all the nuances of choosing a car capacitor and methods for its correct installation. We will also not ignore its structure and the reasons why it may fail.

What is a capacitor used for?

A car audio system, which includes a separate amplifier and a powerful subwoofer, can draw very high current from the battery. The amount of current is so enormous that special thick wires are used to properly connect the amplifier. Sometimes the thickness of such a wire is greater than a human little finger. To provide a power supply system that can accumulate an electric charge of power for a long time, and release it at lightning speed at the right time, a subwoofer capacitor is used. I install this radio-electronic component to help the battery transfer current to the load very quickly. The capacitor helps especially strongly at peak moments in the reproduction of the most powerful low-frequency sections of musical compositions. The capacitor is also an excellent impulse noise filter. It reduces the noise level that inevitably occurs when starting powerful consumers in your car. An electrolytic capacitor for cars is an integral part of a complete car audio system with a subwoofer.

Subwoofer storage, myths and reality

I won’t overload you with technical concepts and terms; I’ll write generalized useful information from the Internet + knowledge from personal experience.
So, let's go. Anyone who has a subwoofer in their car has probably wondered “what is a storage device (capacitor) and why is it needed at all? Maybe you can listen to music without it.” Let's figure it out.

Axiom No. 1 . The subwoofer drive is a CONSUMER on the network. That is, it is NOT capable of generating electricity itself! It is capable of ACCUMULATING it and consuming quite a bit for its own needs, various types of losses and leaks in capacitors, but this is absolutely minuscule. This means that BY DEFINITION he cannot, no matter how hard he tries