Wondering how actually a soundbar works? The introduction of soundbars in the market has revolutionized the field with a hassle-free system, deeper bass, extraordinary frequency. All of which combine together to offer a psychoacoustic output. Thereby generating an optical illusion for listeners. Modern units also feature the 3D sound bouncing effect from walls and ceilings like Dolby Atmos Speakers. Thus, this article provides some insights into the working mechanism of soundbars depending on their types.
How does a Soundbar Works?
The soundbar is an audio device that works as a loudspeaker. The gadget can be connected to the main power source and has the ability to generate remarkable acoustic sound. The whole system consists of a wide variety of equipment, including multiple speakers that are placed together inside one single unit.
In addition to this, a subwoofer is also present in the model, along with other associated tools required for audio generation. The whole item can be utilized with a television, computer monitor, and other technological devices to generate extraordinary audio. Hence, providing a cinema-like experience at home.
Types of Soundbars
There are 5 major types of soundbars.
Soundbase
A sound base is a particular type of soundbar that is incorporated with a speaker. The speaker present in the apparatus possesses the ability to replace the sound from the traditional speakers embedded in the television. The equipment comes with a flat base and should be placed on top of your sound-emitting devices like television and computer monitor.
Additionally, despite the flat base, the tool is less wide than its other counterparts and thus, cannot generate a wide stereo image. However, the bass produced by the system is much deeper and provides incredible results. On the whole, the performance of the sound base depends mostly on the design of the particular model.
Active Soundbar
Most of the soundbars available in the market are active in nature and are highly efficient. Active soundbars are those that have built-in amplification. Therefore, they relieve the user’s from the extra cost of purchasing a separate amplifier. Unrivaled performance can be achieved by connecting the apparatus with a power source.
Passive Soundbars
Passive soundbars are less common in the market and are different from their above-mentioned counterparts. These items do not possess a built-in amplifier and thus, require an external source to convert sound waves into audio that can be heard by the human ear. Last but not least, they might cost more than the former ones because of the need for an external amplifier.
Surround Sound Soundbar
These units belong to the category of active soundbars and contain a built-in speaker. These gadgets consist of stereo speakers integrated into the bar along with the surround speakers to generate a pleasant and deep sound. Along with this, the speakers of this kind use the psychoacoustic technology that creates an optical illusion for listeners and indulges them in a real-life experience.
Dolby Atmos Soundbars
Dolby Atmos soundbar is another type of commercial soundbar available for daily use. This soundbar is different from others of its kind and uses an advanced system of bouncing off the three-dimensional sound. Moreover, the sound is bounced off through the ceilings and surrounding walls down to the listener’s position. Thus, giving off the feeling that the sound is coming from somewhere above them. A popular example of speakers using teh Dolby Atmos technology includes Samsung HW-Q70T 3.1.2 Channel soundbar.
Working Mechanism of Soundbar
The soundbars are an efficient tool developed specifically to provide illusionary optical and audio experiences to consumers. These gadgets work on the mechanism of psycho-acoustic effect. This effect ensures that sound is bounced off the walls from all sides. The soundbars consist of seven different speakers integrated together inside one unit.
The speakers are arranged in a specified way to achieve surround sound. The sound produced by the system tricks the user’s into feeling that audio is heard from behind when in reality, it is coming from another direction. In addition to this, the quality of sound generated by the soundbar is remarkable and can be compared with that of traditional sound production devices.
Some tools also work on the different methods by releasing different beams of sound for different channels. The sound can be heard from all directions as they are bounced off by the walls. Thereby offering a perfect surround experience without impacting the quality. Along with this, some Japanese products work on different mechanisms of decoding the Dolby Digital Surround. and do not require a reflective wall to bounce off the sound waves. Lastly, in case your soundbar isn’t working properly, try resetting your soundbar.
Performance and Arrangement of Soundbar
Soundbars have increased the convenience for users and are incorporated with advanced surround technology like Dolby Atmos. The highly developed units can produce even greater quality sound with the inclusion of a subwoofer and deep bass tones. As mentioned earlier, this can be done by arranging the speakers in a specified design to generate a cinema-like experience. Therefore, enabling consumers to hear audio from various directions at a time.
This is attributed to the proper frequency, volume, and bass adjustments in the system that fake the sound generation by multiple directions. However, the impact of the system on consumers and its performance varies with the construction and seating arrangement of the room that the item is placed in. The ideal efficiency can be achieved inside a room with a television and seating system arranged towards the center.
The reason for this is the availability of asymmetry between walls present on all sides of the living room. Thereby bouncing off the soundwaves effortlessly. Along with this, it is recommended to use the device inside the room with a ceiling that is not very high. The rear wall shall also be present inside the room for outstanding output.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size soundbar do I need for a 55 inch TV?
As it will generate outstanding output. Soundbars that are a few inches smaller than 40 inches or larger than the maximum limit described above can also be used with the system. But, they will not generate outstanding results as that of ideal size. Therefore, they are highly recommended for daily use.
Is it better to connect the soundbar with HDMI or Optical?
What is the difference between a 2.1 and 3.1 soundbar?
Do I need a subwoofer with a soundbar?
However, the inclusion of a subwoofer can further enhance the efficiency of the material by lowering the frequency of the produced sound. This can not be performed by most of the soundbars themselves, and thus, a subwoofer can make the task easier to achieve.
Do watts matter in soundbars?
Wrapping Up
There are multiple types of soundbars available in the market, including surround sound soundbars, Dolby Atmos soundbars, 2.1 soundbars, and sound bases. These units consist of multiple speakers integrated into a single bar. The sound is produced either by psychoacoustic technology or by bouncing the waves with the help of walls and ceilings. However, the performance of the gadget depends mostly on the design and arrangement of the room along with the surrounding conditions.
