passive subwoofer
- noun
- /ˈpæsɪv ˈsʌbˌwuːfər/
- Specialized
:
subwoofer pasivo
- A passive subwoofer needs an external amplifier.
Examples
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To use a passive subwoofer, you'll need a separate amplifier capable of powering it.
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The new home theater system includes a passive subwoofer that connects to an external amplifier.
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Many audiophiles prefer a passive subwoofer for greater customization of their audio setup.
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Many audiophiles prefer a passive subwoofer for its sound quality.
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Many audiophiles prefer a passive subwoofer for greater customization of their audio setup.
-
The new home theater system includes a passive subwoofer that connects to an external amplifier.
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To use a passive subwoofer, you'll need a separate amplifier capable of powering it.
Antonyms
How Powered
Surface Forms
Morphology
The compound is compositionally related to its parts: 'subwoofer' is a bass speaker and 'passive' in technical contexts means not self-powered, so a learner who knows the technical sense of 'passive' could infer that it needs an external amplifier. However, B1 learners will often know 'passive' only in a social sense (unassertive) and may not map that to 'unpowered' electronics without domain knowledge, so the meaning is only partially predictable.
Etymology
The term passive subwoofer joins passive (meaning 'not powered') and subwoofer (a speaker for 'low bass' sounds). It paints a simple image: a bass speaker with no built-in power that therefore 'needs an external amplifier', so it means a subwoofer you must power from another amp.