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How To Check If A Subwoofer Is Blown with a Multimeter [7-Step Guide!]

Subwoofers are usually not so easy to be blown away. But there are actually instances where this happens. Make sure to check the subwoofer with a multimeter. Also, here comes the ultimate question:

How to check if a subwoofer is blown with a multimeter?

First, in order to check the subwoofer, these are the things you can do. Turn off the subwoofer. Now, unplug the power source. Remove all the audio output. Remove it from enclosures. Now connect all the multimeter probes. After all, this, turn it on.

Okay, now you know multimeters make your job so much easier. But what you actually require is a proper guideline. Drum rolls please! I’ve everything that you need to know about the process.

Let’s look into it!

Why are Subwoofers Blown [4 Reasons Why!]

Before we start with the step-by-step process we need to know why it happens. It might get dangerous if we don’t know what causes this problem. 

The subwoofers are sometimes blown apart due to excess usage. The subwoofers can get ruined and blown away due to a lot of reasons. 

Let us see how it happens.

Reason 1: Too Much Signal

When the speakers send too many signals then sometimes the ears are blown apart. Clipping causes an overabundance of signals to enter your subwoofer. 

Clipping happens when audio signals collide with the power voltage supplies of the amplifier. The truncated signal that results can potentially damage your subwoofer.

If your subwoofer suddenly starts sounding strange and loud, it’s time to replace it. The indication is when you can’t hear your favorite tracks’ low notes (bass notes).

When you apply a bass boost to a low-quality amp, it is more likely to clip.

Reason 2: Power Override

Overpowering your automobile subwoofer might also cause it to blow. Overpowering, as the term implies, is when too much power is passed to your sub. As a result, it happens in settings that were not initially intended for it. 

Excessive power entering the sub causes additional pressure to build upon the speaker magnets. As a result, the surroundings of your woofer, spider, and even the sub itself are subjected to undue strain.

Start with measuring the voltage, resistance, and current with a multimeter. This allows you to detect a lack of electrical resistance. This lackings usually indicates a faulty coil.

It should be noted that if the reading has problems sticking in one spot. This means your sub’s cone is most likely blown.

Reason 3: Sound Problems

Poor quality of sound is one of the most obvious indications of a blown sub. If you hear any crackles, it’s time for an audio test. This is to be done for every speaker, even when AirPods are not working.

First, turn down the level and start listening to the audio. Increase the loudness and bass gradually, paying close attention to the sound. 

If it sounds distorted, your subwoofer is partially blown or damaged. If there’s no sound at all, it’s full-blown.

Reason 4: Physical Evidence

Remove the cover of your subwoofer. Try to gain access to the cone of your subwoofer’s speaker. Now try to carefully inspect it for spotting the damage. 

Press the cone’s sides with both hands.

Keep in mind not to use too much force. If cones travel faster than usual. And sometimes it does not move at all, then you have a blown subwoofer. 

If it travels smoothly, listen for any scraping sounds that could suggest that it is damaged.

How to Check with a Multimeter

The multimeter is to check the subwoofer that has been blown. The multimeter has to be ready and available, in order to use it. 

There are some recommended multimeters. These can be used in order to fix the subwoofer and for a check:

Product 1
Product 2

Now, as we have our hands on these multimeters, let’s start working. This will help us for a perfect start to the checking process. 

This can also be done with speakers however not dysfunctional corsair headsets.

Let’s see how to do it!

Step 1: Turn off the Subwoofer Completely

First, we need to turn the subwoofer off. The entire sound system has to be off. Otherwise, while fixing it in the process one may ruin it. 

Step 2: Unplug Any Power Source

Unplug it from the power source. We need to check so that the power is not on and connected. 

The connection needs to be disrupted for fixing the subwoofer. After this, let us remove all audio inputs.

Step 3: Remove all audio inputs or any cables

Try to remove all the inputs to or any cables connected to the power source. This will avoid any sort of accidents happening when fixing it.

Step 4: Remove the Subwoofer from the Enclosure

Now try to remove the subwoofer from connection to the enclosure. Do it immediately after the disconnection of the cables from the input. 

This way the process of fixing can be executed nicely. 

Step 5: Attach the Positive Multimeter Probe

Attach the positive part of the probe to the positive terminal of the subwoofer’s coil. After this, you have to connect to the other end too.

Step 6: Connect the Negative Multimeter Probe

The negative multimeter probe is to be connected to the negative terminal. As it is done, almost every step has ended. If you mess up the connection to the probes, it will not work. 

Step 7: Turn on the Multimeter

After everything is done, it is time to turn on the multimeter. The blown subwoofer will start to work properly.

If this helps you, I also know how Turtle Beach mics can be fixed. You can look into it too. That is if you have any turtle beach mics and it needs fixing.

FAQs

Question: How can I repair my rattling subwoofer?

Answer: Here are the steps on how you can repair it. Locate the Source of the Vibration. Make use of an Automotive Sound Deadener. Tighten the Parts That Are Loose. Modify the Bass Frequency.

Question: What’s causing my subwoofer to crackle?

Answer: Speaker cracking is nearly always the result of a connection issue. It is located somewhere between the speaker driver and the amplifier. A faulty wire is forcing the driver to move abruptly. This is causing a problem.

Question: How to repair a distorted subwoofer in the best way?

Answer: High Pass Filters are required for the subwoofer to remove distortion and low bass. This gives your system a crisp and clean sound. You can experiment with the crossover point for the low pass filters.

Conclusion

Now you know how to check if a subwoofer is blown with a multimeter. This process is so much easier for you to do yourself. 

You can always use this to check the subwoofers, whether blown or not. 

So let’s not wait any longer for checking it. Good luck!