Product Feature

January 2015

TECH TALK

To SuperCharge or not to SuperCharge?

A couple of years ago we introduced the world to SuperCharging (SC), a natural subwoofer enhancement option that was developed through our Z motor research. This custom option has proved itself a valuable tool amongst many of our customers when they want ultimate subwoofer performance for their install application. A SuperCarged sub presents sharper impacts, crisper details, and the transients are more dynamic when compared to a like model of a non-SuperCharged sub. Simply put, with the SC option you will hear even tighter, cleaner bass throughout the power bandwidth .

All that being said, there is still some confusion as to what SuperCharging actually does? Here's a quick rundown that might help to answer some of the F.A.Q when it comes to this mysterious woofer magic.

Q: What exactly is Supercharging?

A: By adding a custom formed neodymium shorting ring on top of a flush cut pole piece, opposing polarity side down, you redirect otherwise lost magnetic energy into the voice coil gap. This increases the usable motor strength by 20-25% allowing smaller motors to equal the drive energy of larger motors.

Q: If I run TS parameters on a SuperCharged sub and plug them into my box building program why does it say the bass performance will be worse than a standard build DD sub?

A: Most box modeling programs extrapolate data via outdated algorithms that originated when power amplifiers were much smaller and most listening was done at 1-5 watts of power. These programs see the increased motor energy and show decreased bass due to more control on the voice coil movements. Per these models, too much damping on the coil puts the brakes on low frequency. The truth is, in today's systems, the amplifier power dominates the whole system, the resulting high forces generated are more and more difficult to control. Our real world testing proved that overdamped systems, where the suspension and motor have tighter control, allow the cone to move with the original source signal. Traditional systems that look good on the modeling programs always lose control at real world power levels and cannot track the original source signal.

Q: Can I run more power to a SuperCharged sub?

A: No. SuperCharged subs will use the power you give them more efficiently, but you still have the same heat dissipation system and the same voice coil. This means the power handling will remain the same as a standard build sub.

Q: Will I instantly get a higher SPL score by adding the SC option to my subs.

A: SuperCharging is intended for improving the audible clarity of the your substage, not for an increase in measurable output. However, as a byproduct of the stronger more efficient motor system some customers have achieved slight gains by adding the option. This will depend on the variables of your specific application.

Watch a video demostration below of the DD SuperCharge Option.

ddaudioTV

Visit our youtube watch a short video on SuperCharging. Don't forget to subscribe while you're there, and be the first to know when we upload new videos!

DEALER SPOTLIGHT

Dealer: Audio Props
Location: Lakeland , FL, USA

Audio Props of Lakeland, Florida is a custom car, home, and marine audio shop which has been family owned and operated since 2002. The owners took a break from the business in 2005, but decided a few years later that their passion remained in retail audio. So after relocating to North Palm beach in 2012 they reopened Audio Props with intent on taking over the Northern and Central Palm Beach markets with a renewed commitment to quality and customer service.

This decision eventually led them to pick up the DD line of products. With DD Audio they felt that not only would they be offering the best customer service, but they would also be offering the the best products available. Owner, Ken Strzepka, who has over 26 years of retail and manufacturing experience in car audio said he feels DD is the company that best fits his philosophy of not only meeting, but exceeding the customers expectations.

INSTALL OF THE MONTH

Last month we introduced the DD SW-2508. For this months featured install we thought it would be cool to share the story of where the first production pair ended up being installed. John Coualtre from Baton Rouge had been working with the guys at MST Car Audio on ideas for a system in his 2012 Ford Raptor. John had spent a lot of time on performance mods, exterior enhancement, and was ready to get some sound. John and the guys at MST decided the soon to be released SW-2508 would work perfectly in the limited space of the Raptors cab. The subs feature platinum composite caps, blue DD logos, and are powered by the DD-M1c. Future plans include full DD component front stage,and DD amps to power it.