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Subwoofer Enclosures, Second Order, Infinite Baffle, Free Air
These are great for applications where trunk space is at a minimum and usually the
easiest and least expensive way to add a subwoofer to most sedans. Not having to construct a
box is an advantage, but many vehicles will require a new rear deck panel and/or
vent to be constructed to accomodate even smaller woofers. These custom vents and panels
could cost as much or more than a prefabricated or custom box.
Infinite baffle set-ups require a woofer with a beefier suspension for high power handling and
one with better cone damping. This set-up will be less efficient in reproducing the lowest frequencies as
compared to other second order or higher enclosures.
In any free air application, the back seat and
surrounding panels should be removed to seal any possible areas where energy could be lost.
It is crucial to separate (seal) the back wave of the loudspeaker (woofer) from the front wave
of the loudspeaker. If not, bass cancellation will occur. This is also a good time to rid and deaden
the trunk and surrounding areas of any unwanted noises and rattles.
Typical Rear Deck Installation/Infinite Baffle/Free |
Larger sedans, especially older ones, will have enough surface area to accomodate a
pair of 12 or 15 inch woofers. These will be the easiest to incorporate an infinite baffle set-up into.
Don't forget to seal any areas where energy could be lost that would cause any cancellation.
For smaller rear decks, a vent will have to be constructed.
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Back Seat Installation |
The baffle board may also be mounted behind the back seats (usually folding) instead
of under the rear deck. This is often easier and less expensive than cutting the rear deck and
will not require any modifications to the existing deck panel.
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Small Deck Installation |
Many of today's vehicles lack the surface area needed to mount a ten inch or larger woofer
in the rear deck. If this is the case, it is still possible to use free air woofers by venting them through
the rear deck as shown in the two diagrams below. Sealing the trunk area from the interior of the
vehicle is still critical to a successful installation. Try to keep the inside dimensions of the front and
rear walls of the vent at least four inches apart when working around trunk springs and other obstacles.
Another small deck configuration like the one above, but with the magnet structure mounted
inside the vent.
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