Definition:
The middle of the bass part of the frequency range, from approximately 50 to 100 Hz (upper bass would be from 100 to 200 Hz). Also used as a term for loudspeaker drivers designed to reproduce both bass and midrange frequencies.
Reality:
Midbass is often overlooked in a custom car audio setup and replaced by large numbers of speakers to try and fill the gap between highs and lows.
Lots of companies have produced mid-bass speakers but they are often overlooked for a component sets instead.
Why do I need it?
You need mid-bass speakers because they bridge the frequency response allowing for a fuller, cleaner sound. They also allow for you to use lower wattage subwoofers as you are able to create upfront bass similar to what you would experience at a live concert. Bottom line is that the addition of midbass to a system can bring it that much closer to live performance in your vehicle.
I don't use seperate midbass speakers, just a frequency offset for my 8" subs and my rear components.
Midbass is a very touchy subject in high end audio. Does it do a lot of good in a sound system? No question about it, yes. It does add a lot of depth and fullness into a sound system.
Midbass fills a void often left in audio, between the bass and the midrange. Is it audible? Yes. Is it noticed when one has it? Sometimes. Mostly when someone says "There is something I am hearing here that I don't usually hear."
Because sub-bass carries the hard hit, and the long flow of the low end spectrum. While Midbass tends to hold musically, the reverberation. Between two beats, you have a decay time, and those decays, are an integral part of music. In betwen the beats, in between the bass licks, or the guitar riffs, it is the filler. It is what keeps the sound "warm." Mid bass is often left out of car audio because, honestly, not to offend anyone, but most car audio is aimed towards the electronic music types, techno, hip hop, pop, and the likes, where you have more clean breaks and less reverb or decay. These types of music are based in a 3 part system, bass, treble, and vocal. Midbass is often overlooked because there is less of it. Where as in more analog based music, using actual guitars, bass, drums, well, actual instruments, the natural, and effected reverb, delays, tubes, and the liked add that extra warmth, midbass os more noticed. Also, in analog based music, there is more frequency flow and variation that would merit the need for midbass, more than the electronic style.
Should everyone buy them? There is a better question. And not an easy one at that.
I will explain..
It is an addition that adds much depth and richness overall to the sound in car audio, and has been a long time feature in the very high end home audio market. (note the cream of the crop uses both sub bass and mid bass)
In Car audio, one is faced with a unique situation, being space and power requirements, vs. what space and power is available.
Most experienced audiophiles add the midbass speakers (space and power be damned). Many do a frequency offset between the midrange and the sub-bass speakers usually within the amplifier frequency control , or replace rear speakers with full range speakers instead of seperate components. (that is the cheap way to go, and not the most efficient)
Do these methods give the same quality that you would get from mid-bass components, cross-over settings, and amplifiers? Not really, but it can get one close.
Now, don't take offense, I am not countering your statement, or your ad in anyway. But there is some clarification that must be made, especially when you are talking about sound in a car as small as an Aveo, that the addition of midbass will increase the clarity of the sound, but depending on the type of music one is commonly listening to, it may not be such a noticible effect as many may expect. (note: the last statement is one that relies much on personal view)
Now, that being said, I must add that if I had the space, say like open speaker areas in my rear doors, I would probably have a set of midbass speakers in my car, but in my case, trying to keep the car looking as close to original on the interior as possible, there is just not enough room for it in my car. I am trying to keep from cutting any un-needed holes in my car, or making changes to the interior look of my car.
But if someone is looking at going all out on car audio, midbass is a wonderful addition, and your ears will be pleased.
Other midbass speakers include:
Kicker CVT65
Kicker SSMB6
MB Quart QSC-164
MB Quart RSC-164
Eclipse 8061
A/D/S/ 235is
A/D/S/ 344is
And a bunch of cheap knock-offs that I usually don't note, like Lanzar, Pyramid, Audiobahn, Pyle, and others
(No offense if you use any of the brands noted in the previous line, hey we do what we can with what we have)
Another note to the original post that should be mentioned is that the statement about midbass allowing lower wattage subs IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. It also extends the life of your subs and your midrange by allowing cut-off frequencies to be set in the crossover for both. It will decrease the "flutter" for when the sub is trying it's best to make up for the midbass, and will put less strain on your midrange by allowing you to set the cut-off frequency decreasing the possibility of over-extending your speakers.
I could not have said it better myself, thank you for weighing in and helping bring awareness of the differences between natural music and electronic music. Keep up the great contribution genefitz.
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