While using a subwoofer, sometimes you may have to face different issues with the voice coil. What’s a blown Subwoofer voice coil?
A blown subwoofer voice coil refers to a situation where the voice coils of a subwoofer become damaged or defective, typically due to improper installation, high power levels or excess heat, and speaker damage. Symptoms of a blown subwoofer voice coil may include distorted sound, loss of volume, and reduced functionality.
In this article, I will explain about symptoms and causes of the blown subwoofer voice coil and how to repair it.
You can also check out common problems with the subwoofer voice coil.
What are the symptoms of a blown subwoofer voice coil?
The main symptom of a blown subwoofer voice coil is no sound coming from the subwoofer or volume is low. Other symptoms may include distorted sound, humming, buzzing or rattling noises, and the subwoofer overheating.
Before we further discuss blown subwoofer voice coils, you should know about the functionality of the voice coil.
The component of a subwoofer that transforms electrical energy into sound is called the voice coil. The coil is made of thin wire that is wrapped around a former, or bobbin. The former is usually made of cardboard or plastic. The voice coil is suspended in the magnetic field of the subwoofer’s magnet.
When an electrical current is passed through the coil, it produces a magnetic field.
This interacts with the speaker’s magnet to create vibrations in the speaker cone. This causes the speaker to produce sound.
So, if the voice coil is blown, you can have problems with these things.
Let’s know in detail about the symptoms of a blown subwoofer voice coil.
Distorted sound
If you notice that the sound from your subwoofer is distorted, then it’s a symptom of a blown subwoofer voice coil. The coil may be damaged due to too much power or heat, and it produces distorted sound.
Loss of volume
Another common symptom is a loss of subwoofer volume. When the subwoofer voice coil is damaged, it doesn’t vibrate properly and directly affects the audio output from the subwoofer.
Reduced functionality
In some cases, the subwoofer may not work at all if the voice coil is damaged. If the subwoofer is not working, then it’s most likely due to a blown voice coil.
Popping, humming, or rattling noises
If you hear any popping, humming, or rattling noises coming from the subwoofer, then it may be due to a damaged voice coil. These noises are caused by the subwoofer cone vibrating improperly.
Overheating subwoofer
If the subwoofer is overheating, then it may be due to a blown voice coil. This is because the subwoofer heats up significantly when playing at high volumes for long periods of time.
Lack of Cone vibration
If the subwoofer cone does not vibrate when you play music, then it may be due to a faulty subs voice coil.
Inadequate frequency response
If the subwoofer is not able to produce low frequencies, then it may be due to a damaged voice coil.
What are the causes of a blown subwoofer voice coil?
There are several different causes of a blown subwoofer voice coil, including overheating, exposure to moisture, or being driven with too much power.
Let’s take a look at these causes in detail.
Excessive power
One of the most common causes of a blown subwoofer voice coil is too much power being sent to the speaker.
This can happen if the subwoofer is being used with an incorrect amplifier or other equipment, or if the subwoofer is damaged and pulling too much power.
Overheating
If your subwoofer is regularly exposed to high temperatures, such as in an enclosed vehicle or a hot room, it may overheat and damage the voice coil.
If you notice your subwoofer overheating, it’s best to take steps to cool it down and prevent further damage.
Improper subwoofer installation
Improper installation is one of the most common causes of voice coil damage and can be easily avoided by following your subwoofer’s instructions carefully.
If your subwoofer is not securely mounted or the electrical connections are loose, this can cause the voice coil to overheat and fail.
Playing the subs at high volume for long periods of time
Subwoofer voice coil damage is often caused by playing the subwoofer at high volume for long periods of time.
If you want to avoid this, try to limit your subwoofer use at high volumes and pay close attention to any symptoms of voice coil damage.
Short in the voice coil wire
In some cases, a subwoofer voice coil may be damaged due to a short in the sub’s voice coil wire.
If you notice any sparks or smoke coming from your subwoofer, this may be a sign of a short and you should stop using the subwoofer immediately.
Exposed to excess moisture
If the speaker is exposed to excess moisture from rain, spills, or from being stored in a humid environment, this can also cause the voice coil to fail.
It’s important to keep subwoofers away from moisture as much as possible, especially if they are being used outdoors or in other wet areas.
Amplifier clipping
Clipping is when the signal from an amplifier gets cut off or clipped due to a sudden power increase.
This can damage subwoofer voice coils, especially if the clipping is frequent or severe.
Speaker wiring mistakes
The subwoofer voice coil can also be damaged by electrical issues, such as faulty wiring. If the subwoofer is not wired correctly, it can cause a blown voice coil.
This is because the subwoofer will not be able to handle the amount of power it is being sent.
Make sure to check your subwoofer’s wiring diagram before connecting it to an amplifier or other audio equipment.
A malfunctioning amplifier
If the subwoofer is being driven by a malfunctioning amplifier, it can also damage the voice coil and cause it to fail.
This is because the subwoofer will be receiving too much or too little power from the amplifier, which can cause overheating and damage to the voice coil.
It’s important to make sure that the amplifier is working properly before using it with a subwoofer.
Worn subwoofer suspension
The subwoofer suspension can also wear out over time and cause a subwoofer voice coil to blow.
This is usually due to subwoofer usage over time and is not something that can be avoided.
If you notice your subwoofer’s suspension starting to wear out, it’s best to replace the subwoofer.
Corrosion
Subwoofer voice coils can also become corroded if they are exposed to moisture over time.
This is especially common in subwoofers that are used in marine applications.
If you notice corrosion on your subwoofer voice coil, it’s best to replace the subwoofer.
How can you test for a blown subwoofer voice coil?
Before you start fixing the blown subwoofer voice coil, you need to test it properly to fund out the problems and causes.
Here is how you can test for a blown subwoofer voice coil.
1. Measure the resistance with a multimeter.
One way is to measure the resistance of the voice coil with a multimeter. If the resistance is significantly lower than it should be, then the voice coil may be blown.
How to check a blown subwoofer with a multimeter
Here is the step to measure resistance with a multimeter.
1. First disconnect the subwoofer from its power source. If you aren’t sure about this procedure, don’t try it yourself. As it can be dangerous for you.
2. Unplug all audio inputs and cables and make sure you have only a subwoofer without any cables or accessories.
3. Next, you have to remove the subs from the enclosure.
4. Then, connect the positive multimeter probe to your subwoofer’s voice coil’s positive terminal and the negative multimeter probe to the voice coil’s negative terminal.
5. Now, turn on the multimeter and measure the resistance of the subwoofer’s voice coil in ohm.
- If the reading is significantly lower than the subwoofer’s rated impedance or is abruptly shifted, this is an indication that the voice coil is damaged or blown.
- If the reading is above 1.0 ohm, your voice coil isn’t blown.
2. Check for short in the voice coil wire.
To test for a blown subwoofer voice coil is to hold the speaker up to your ear and listen for a buzzing or humming noise. This noise may be caused by a short in the voice coil wire.
3. Test for damaged code or spider.
To test for a blown subwoofer voice coil is to disconnect the speaker from the amplifier and turn the volume up. If you hear a distorted or scratchy sound, this may be caused by damage to the cone or spider.
4. Check for any visual damage.
If you see physical damage to the speaker, such as a hole in the speaker cone or spider, this may indicate that the voice coil has been damaged.
Can you fix a blown subwoofer voice coil?
If you suspect that your subwoofer voice coil is blown, it is important to take it to a qualified technician for repair. Blown subwoofer voice coils are not covered by most warranties, so you will likely have to pay for repairs out of your own pocket.
However, it is important to get this issue fixed as soon as possible, as a blown subwoofer voice coil can cause permanent damage to your speaker.
Some repair shops may offer a replacement voice coil as an alternative to repairs, but this is not always an option.
How can you fix a blown subwoofer voice coil?
If you have a blown subwoofer voice coil, it is important to take it to a qualified technician for repairs. The technician will be able to examine the subwoofer and do what is right for your sub.
Because a blown subwoofer voice coil can cause permanent damage to your speaker, it is important to get this issue fixed as soon as possible.
Here are the ways to fix a blown subwoofer voice coil issue.
1. Replacing voice coils
The first way is to simply replace the blown subwoofer voice coil. This is the most effective way to fix a blown subwoofer voice coil, but it can also be the most expensive.
If you have a warranty on your subwoofer, you may be able to get a replacement subwoofer voice coil for free.
The technician will also repair the other damaged part of the subwoofer.
2. Repairing voice coil yourself
The second option is to try and repair the subwoofer voice coil yourself. This can be done by replacing the broken or damaged part of the subwoofer voice coil with a new one.
You may be able to find replacement subwoofer voice coil parts online or at your local electronics store.
3. Getting a new subwoofer
The third and final option is to simply buy a new subwoofer. This may be the most expensive option, but it will also be the easiest and quickest option for fixing a blown subwoofer voice coil.
Whether your subwoofer voice coil has been damaged by overheating, moisture, or excess power, it is important to take action right away to restore your subwoofer to proper working order.
With the right repairs and maintenance, you can continue enjoying the clear sound and powerful bass for many years to come.
How much does it cost to fix a blown subwoofer?
A blown subwoofer voice coil can be an expensive and frustrating problem to deal with. Depending on the severity of the damage, it may cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to replace the subwoofer, to several thousand dollars to repair or replace the entire speaker system.
Can you replace the voice coil subwoofer?
You can replace the voice coil subwoofer when it gets damaged. However, if it’s blown out badly or other parts of the subwoofer get damaged, you may need to get a new subwoofer.
What happens when a subwoofer blows?
When a subwoofer blows, you will get a distorted, low, or no sound. There may also be rattling or popping noises that cause the sub to become overheated.
Does a blown subwoofer still work?
When you have a blown subwoofer, it doesn’t work properly and sound quality becomes poor. However, it can work perfectly if your issue is mild, and replacing the voice coil or repairing fixes the issue.
Conclusion
A blown subwoofer voice coil will exhibit several different symptoms, including distorted or scratchy sound, low volume, or a buzzing or humming noise. This may be caused by a variety of factors, including a short in the voice coil wire, damage to the cone or spider, or physical damage to the speaker.
While subwoofer voice coil problems can be a frustrating issue, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to repair a subwoofer and get back to enjoying high-quality bass in your home or car audio system.
So, if you notice any signs of subwoofer voice coil damage, don’t hesitate to take action and get your subwoofer repaired as soon as possible.
I am Pallab Kishore, owner of Sound Gears Realm. I like to try different sound gears and home theatre systems. I like to share with you my experience with these devices, especially subwoofers so that you can get help to solve any problem.