Create a soundbar with your own hands

Every year the number of connoisseurs of good sound only increases, so it is not surprising that the number of homemade speakers, brought to mind, is growing. Connoisseurs of good sound will never put up with a flat, dull "sound", mis-adjusted sound reflection and sound absorption. In the article, on the example of a single manual assembly system, the process of building a soundbar for a house with your own hands will be considered.

Soundbar design

The soundbar represents sound speaker systemcollected for specific needs. Often the device uses a DAC (central audio processor) from sound cards that were available at hand. To extract and install a DAC in the assembled system, you must have the appropriate skills (know the structure and operation of the soldering iron).

The soundbar in appearance is a flat rectangular panel capable of replacing massive speakers and their satellites.

For a better understanding of the principles of operation of the considered acoustic system, let us examine what it consists of:

• First is the player itself - the basis on which the whole system is built. Therefore, many experts recommend to opt for reliable and more technologically advanced models.
• Secondly, it is, of course, acoustic system - speakers, without them not a single soundbar will do. The choice today is huge, from famous brands to rare, highly specialized small firms that assemble devices to order. There are cases when enthusiasts assembled systems of high-class soundbars using columns created specifically for the schemes developed by the customer. All that is important to know for a beginner amateur collector: a good sound does not happen much, so you should not save on speakers.
• Third, the DAC. The heart of any soundbar - central audio processor. It is he who is responsible for the encoding and transformation of the signal, as well as its derivation to the line. Much depends on the processor.Someone, of course, can be limited to the DAC extracted from the sound card for $ 15, but this music fan will not be enough. The space for fantasy here is limited only by the financial capabilities and capabilities of the hardware, otherwise, virtually any processor that has the necessary set of codecs on board will be suitable for assembling the soundbar.

The soundbar may contain up to 16-20 speakers different power. The secret is to distribute them at a well-defined angle, otherwise you can guess the direction of the sound, which will spoil the overall picture of the sound. As you know, nobody canceled low frequencies, so instead of a subwoofer (as a rule, having a very high power consumption threshold), a bass speaker is mounted here. The principle of their work is similar, but there are certain structural differences in the conversion of sound frequencies.

Using the soundbar is simple and easy, and if it is assembled by hand, it means that it is as precisely as possible adjusted to the needs of its creator. In this capacity, the self-made soundbar undoubtedly surpasses any, even the highest quality and advanced analogue of the factory assembly.In the end, who does not like you to know what is best for you.

Another component of almost any soundbar - remote control. Here, everything is limited only by the fantasy of the collector. An enthusiast is free to choose between Bluetooth, IR and Wi-fi data transmission channels, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. Often there are difficulties in binding the remote control to the device itself, but they are also solved in the process of debugging. Most often, in order to implement a complex signal transmission scheme, it is necessary to disassemble more than one device, and this requires additional costs and time, therefore, beginners can be limited to the usual IR (infrared) remote control.

Building a soundbar (for example, ordinary home speakers)

So, if you have old unused but still working columns at home, they can serve as good source material for creating a soundbar. In addition to the speaker system for an example, we will need Bluetooth-module (for example, MP3862VT, but any other one may come up, the main thing is to carefully study its characteristics).

It is necessary to be prepared for the fact that a full-fledged “from and to” soundbar scheme on the Internet will most likely not be obtained, so you will have to be content with what you have and make your own adjustments as you go.

In the presence of the necessary module and the columns themselves, it is clear that it will take solder stabilizer, and also the scheme, the coordinating linear exit. It will not take a lot of time for knowledgeable people, but it will be better for beginners to get acquainted with the relevant literature in order not to “find additional trouble for themselves”. In fairness it should be noted that even experienced and knowledgeable people do not always get the solder from the first time, it is likely to spoil a technologically sophisticated electrical device. Here the main thing - to show perseverance and perseverance. So, first we adjust the linear output and solder the stabilizer.

It is worth taking a closer look at the Bluetooth module. In fact, this integrated boardable to reduce DC / DC converter with high efficiency and low noise. This module boasts a high input voltage level that reaches 32-35V. The given frequency is well suited for integration into almost any household appliances, as it is universal and is used everywhere.In the center of the device works well-known to many connoisseurs of hand-assembled Bluetooth-module, working with chip ОVС3860.

Here we have one interesting design feature: the circuit matching the chip with a linear output is placed directly on the board itself, which is very convenient. In addition to the circuit, there are a couple of knobs that allow you to adjust the balance levels when the device is already connected. Another nice bonus: right on the board there are special terminals under the screwdriver to facilitate the assembly process. I must say that not every manufacturer is puzzled by this technical solution.

Please note: if there are conclusions on your board directly on the connected side, the assembly can be done without soldering, and this greatly simplifies the process, but this is rather an exception to the rule.

The module is also equipped with power indication, which is very useful and functional (you can visually notice the failure in the work).

Further it will be necessary to disassemble the columns. This will not be labor, as a rule, they are held on just a few screws (2-4 pieces). It is worth remembering that the simpler the speaker system is, the easier the module connection system is.As a rule, connecting them to the board is very convenient and not at all difficult. If necessary, you can find a diagram, but more often than not everything becomes clear when the column is opened.

For starters, power out from external nestin which the adapter is connected. This is done with the help of almost any wires, and assembly will do. To connect your module to the line-in, you can also use the available tools (for example, pieces of an unused but working USB cable from a charging device or an MFP). Such a cable usually has a solid screen to which you can connect leads that are not planned to be used in the future. It is thanks to this dense screen that this cable is the best fit for the connection (it does not allow external finishing).

In the case under consideration, the connection is made to contact with a socket having a standard input, 3.5 mm in size. This will allow you to beep to the speakers via a laid cable.

It is important to remember that the above described process of assembling a soundbar is nothing complicated. In some cases, as already mentioned, it is possible to do without soldering at all, though you really should not count on it.

Connecting a homemade soundbar

So, the old speakers, standing idle, turned into a full soundbar. Next, you need to turn on the wireless connection on your smartphone, after the end of the search, click on the device called BT-speaker and connect to it. The first connection of the soundbar is carried out without a password; afterwards it will be possible to establish it, however, there is hardly any need for this:

1. Please note: it is not always possible to connect the system the first time. In this case, proceed to the process of debugging, the search for the causes of problems from the very beginning. First you need to check whether the soldering was carried out correctly (if it was carried out). As we remember, the board on which the soundbar was going to have a work indicator light, so there should be no problems.
2. Then, using a special device, they “ring out” all entrances and, if everything is all right with them, it remains recheck the communication protocol. To do this, it would be best to restart the smartphone or another remote control (remove the batteries from it).
3. To connect to the sound bar remote control you must have a receiving infrared port and a device that decodes and sends a signal to the DAC.Building such a soundbar is a bit more complicated; in addition to the above, it will be necessary to integrate the appropriate controls. This can be done with the help of drawings and diagrams that are present on the Internet.
4. Of course, using an ordinary smartphone as a remote control is much easier, so many people stop at such a constructive solution.

Returning to the collected soundbar, it should be noted that it can also be used as a signal amplifier throughout the apartmentby linking several similar devices over a wireless protocol. This action will require from the collector knowledge of the basic principles of the implementation of radio communications, but anyone who can understand it, most importantly, desire can understand it.

The basic principle of deploying a signal amplification system using several devices is the presence of an active (sending) and passive (receiving and amplifying) system. The assembly of the passive system will require the appropriate sensors, but the principle of assembly will remain the same, without much change.

Such a soundbar can work not only as an ordinary stereo system, but also as a radio tape recorder in a car,however, in the case of the machine will have to acquire the appropriate adapters to the output wires. Also, don't forget about rated voltagewhich in cars is different from domestic. Without knowing the basic principles of working with electricity, you can burn the wiring and "get" for expensive repairs.

For assembling and connecting the soundbar in the car, it would be best to use the available schemes or to attract knowledgeable people to work: there are a few more nuances in this work.

Some devices are assembled for uniform distribution of sound throughout the room, this is the most complex and time-consuming process, which the collector will take the most time. In addition, knowledge of acoustic principles and a sensitive ear are needed to figure out which system sounds quieter and which one is louder.

But this process can already be classified as building complex speaker system rarely resorted to. Only very persistent people or real music lovers who cannot imagine their lives without music can do such a thing. In most cases, an ordinary person with a single output soundbar consisting of a pair (or a larger number) of columns will be sufficient for the average person.

A device consisting of several speakers and one low-frequency one is assembled according to a similar principle, except that there will be more work with soldering. Accordingly, there is a risk of damage to the board on which the assembly will be carried out. Despite the seeming complexity, in the work on creating a soundbar with your own hands there are not too many nuances, it is only necessary to carefully examine the existing scheme-drawing and show patience and attentiveness.

Conclusion

The soundbar received during the assembly process will be more adapted to the tastes and needs of the owner than the system acquired in the store. It is only important to be able to pay attention. on the details: Choose the right elements correctly and follow the assembly instructions one by one.

As you can see from the article, the creation of a soundbar with your own hands is a difficult task, though, but fascinating and, most often, expedient. This helps not only to develop technical skills, but also to create the device that you want. It remains to wish future collectors good luck and great sound.