[ogurechny]

LFE audio channel is different from subwoofer output.

Subwoofers come with multichannel audio systems in which directional speakers usually can't cover the lower range of audio frequencies. They are responsible for bass content from all channels, and get it from software or hardware crossover filter which is independent from specific input formats. Placement of low frequency speaker does not matter much because of human perception.

LFE track is an additional effects channel for movie theaters and similar amusement rides in which audio system plays low frequencies from other channels just fine. Dedicated LFE emitter then adds rattling and other wub-wub effects without overloading audio speakers with all that extra energy. Movies that lack car chases and explosions routinely have completely silent LFE tracks.

[Doxin]

So it's essentially a bass shaker track?

[ogurechny]

Today, it seems to be it. The article does mention that historically the limits of transmission and playback systems were the reason for introduction of independent channel for lowest frequencies (instead of mixing it into main audio channels).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-frequency_effects