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Glite Dictionary
active subwoofer

active subwoofer

5.6
A speaker with a built-in amplifier that makes low bass sounds
  • noun
  • /ˈæktɪv ˈsʌbˌwuːfər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : subwoofer activo
  • You only need to connect the active subwoofer to your receiver; the amplifier is built in.

Examples

  • Most compact soundbars are paired with an active subwoofer to enhance low-frequency sound.

  • The new home theater system includes an active subwoofer for powerful bass performance.

  • The active subwoofer produced deep bass sounds.

  • I bought an active subwoofer for my home theater.

  • The movie's sound quality improved significantly after we added an active subwoofer to the system.

  • For a better audio experience, I decided to invest in an active subwoofer that connects directly to my speaker setup.

  • He installed an active subwoofer in his car to enhance the bass for his favorite music.

Antonyms

passive subwoofer
  • Specialized
6.7

A speaker for low bass that needs a separate amplifier to work

How Powered

active subwoofer
  • Specialized
5.6
subwoofer
5 6.2
passive subwoofer
  • Specialized
6.7

Surface Forms

active subwoofer singular
active subwoofers plural

Morphology

active + subwoofer

The meaning 'a subwoofer that includes a built-in amplifier' is directly derivable from combining 'subwoofer' (a speaker for low bass frequencies) with 'active' (indicating something is powered or functioning on its own). This adjective+noun composition is a common pattern (contrastive with 'passive' speakers), so a B1 learner who knows both words would likely infer the intended technical sense.

Etymology

Active subwoofer uses active to mean 'powered' and subwoofer to mean a speaker for deep, low sounds. Imagine a bass box with its own little amplifier inside so it can work by itself, and that's why an active subwoofer today means a subwoofer with a 'built-in amplifier'.