Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Key Components Of Car Audio

By Tim Kiv


Car audio is the term used to describe video or sound systems that are installed in vehicles. These systems have existed since the early days of radio when enthusiasts would adapt their domestic equipment to be used in their vehicles. There have been many different types over the years, including tape players that utilize reel-to-reel equipment, 8-tracks, compact cassette players and CD players.

Stock units are OEM, or original equipment manufacturer, meaning that they have been applied by the manufacturer during the building process of the car. Generally speaking, these stock devices have evolved in many ways. So much so that many of them do not need extra parts for the purpose of enhancing quality or power of sound.

In modern vehicles, the main control device for these units is referred to as the head unit. This is installed in the center of a dash panel that is located between the passenger and driver seats. In older cars, that have the added option for audio components, these devices were mounted outwardly on the top or underneath the dash.

Speakers often include a space-saving design. For instance, the mounting of a tweeter over woofers or using non-circular cone shapes. A particular kind of speaker for low frequency reproduction is known as subwoofers. Motorcycles include similar equipment to give the driver a sound experience as well. Boom cars is the nickname given to cars that have loud sound systems that may violate local noise ordinances.

There are a variety of different components for these devices, in addition to the standard speakers, subwoofers and head units. Electronic car amplifiers are made separate from the other parts of these systems. Generally head units feature amps, but these may not be present or have the necessary features or power. Therefore, there are external amps available that can be purchased and installed.

Capacitors are devices used to store energy for the amps to take from on demand. They come in a range of sizes, calculated in farads. Damping refers to the sound deadening components that are often placed in doors, and the boot and trunk areas. These are used to damp the excess vibration of panels in the car to counter the loud subwoofer bass sounds, especially those in the trunk and boot area. Some other system components: gaming consoles, crossovers, cables, multiple CD changers, mobile video, car computer, controls, audio processors.

Car audio involves the audio or video devices that are placed in vehicles. These devices may be considered stock, manufacturer-installed versions, or owner customized. There are several elements to these units, such as head units, equalizers, controls, speakers, subwoofers and more.




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