Print Page | Close Window

Subwoofer enclosure advisory

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=42736
Printed Date: May 11, 2024 at 2:01 PM


Topic: Subwoofer enclosure advisory

Posted By: matrixlu
Subject: Subwoofer enclosure advisory
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 9:48 AM

OK, so I've finally found enough inspiration to begin a DIY subwoofer box. I want to make an identical one to this:

posted_image

https://www.cardomain.com/memberpage/470207

A few questions first. It seems like that setup is made out of particle board. Does anyone know what type of particle board subwoofers enclosures are made out of?

2nd, what do I use to seal up the box and since the box is suppose to be sealed 100%, how do I run the wires out so that the box will still be sealed 100%.

I am not asking for a DYI set of instructions, but more in part of any hints or advice that anyone has. BTW: instead of 1 15" sub, I am thinking about 2 10" subs. Any suggestions on which type to get?   Also, should I build a ported or sealed box?  Thanks a bunch everyone




Replies:

Posted By: boxmaker85
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 9:59 AM

Um... ok are you going for sound quality or just a "loud" setup?  That will be a determinging factor in ported or sealed.  The wood used for a good sub box is 3/4 mdf (medium density fiberboard).  Seal the box with silicone caulk.  Where I have boards screwed together on my box i went and got a tube of roofing caulk.  It is a tar based sealent/glue.  Once it sticks it's stuck for good.  Never leaked.  As far as running wires terminal cups are not recomended.  They are hard to seal up and if you do fiberglass it's a pain.  Just drill a small hole (just large enough for the wire to fit through) run the wire through that and put some caulk around that.  Now for the size of subs... another factor of spl (loudness) vs sq.  I'm a fan of 10" subs b/c they are clean, hit good, and normally handle bout the same amount of power (or close to) as 12".  Now a 15" will be loud but might not be as accurate as 10" or 12".  What kind of subs are you looking at?

Oh and this is your first DIY?  That box that guys got in the pic looks kinda complicated.  I would try something a little easier for a first.  Something like that takes experience to make all the right cuts and volume size correct and make sure everything is where it's suppose to be.  But if you're up to it then go for it.





Posted By: auex
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 10:06 AM
Is it just me or does that just look lopsided, even in the finished pics? I mean it looks like the people who built in knew what they were doing but it just doesn't look right.



-------------
Certified Security Specialist
Always check info with a digital multimeter.
I promise to be good.
Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.




Posted By: matrixlu
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 10:42 AM
It is my first DIY on enclosures.  I am looking for both sound quality and loudness.  I am open to suggestions on which subs to purchase since I do not have any, so don't have experience with them.  I check most of the 10" subs and decided that if I want to go with them, then I'm going to create 1.25 cubic feet enclosures.  The box does look complicated, but I will be able to break it down so that I am making one box at a time and then assemble them onto the base board.




Posted By: switch_hitter
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 10:53 AM

the angle on the amp rack on the right is steeper than the angle on the left side..i guess thats what gives it that look



-------------
2 Memphis HPO 12s
1 Memphis 1000D
2 Memphis 8s
1 Memphis MC200
4 Memphis 3way 6 1/2s
1 Memphis MC3004
4 Memphis Tweeters
1 Memphis 3-way electronic crossover
2 Memphis 5 1/4
2 Memphis 4s




Posted By: heavilymedicate
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 11:02 AM

That pic bothered me fromt the start, and you just nailed why.  It does look lopsided.

You can look at the project as 3 seperate projects, the sub box intself (looks like a rectangle), the sides (one for the amp, one for the cap and conections) and the floor.  That should be easier then looking at the project as one big chunk.  To seal I use liquid nails when I assmeble.  Wood glue or caulk can be used after the assembly, but I would use a adhesive when I assembled if I where you.  A enclosure of that size needs bracing.

How much money do you have for subwoofers?  In the 200$ (us) range I could recommend Alpine Type R, JL w3v2, MTX 7500, Punch Stage 3.  Do you have the amp yet?





Posted By: boxmaker85
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 5:25 PM

Also check into some Infinity Kappa Perfect 10".  They're bout the same as those that heavilymedicate mentioned (actually a little less i think).  I would do two 10" subs.  Go with about .7 cu ft for each and seal it (actually this depends on the sub but on average...).  The sealed box will give good sound quality and the subs will put off good spl.  A good 600 rms mono block amp will push any of those subs good.





Posted By: matrixlu
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 7:06 PM
i have not purchase the amps nor the subs yet.  i'm just thinking of building the boxes and having everything set up.  I can then go back and cut out the holes to fit the subs that are choosen.  Is a bigger cubic space good or bad for the sub?  A lot of 10" subs have enclosures from .6 square ft. to 1.5 square ft.




Posted By: boxmaker85
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 7:41 PM

Look at the sub's specifications.  It all depends on the sub.  Some have a range (ie- .6 to .9 cu ft) some have a set value to play in (ie- .75 or 1.2).  Some subs are suppose to play in a smaller box and vice versa.  If a sub ment for a small box is in a big box then it doen't have much to push against when it plays so it will not sound nearly as good or loud.  And a sub with a big volume in a small box will not be able to play as low or loud as it can because it has already compressed the air as much as it can.  Like I said check into the sub.  The .7 cu ft I previously mentioned is for an Infinity Kappa or Kappa Perfect. 

An incorrect volume (if enough) can damage a sub when it plays at higher volumes (possibly even lower).





Posted By: heavilymedicate
Date Posted: November 11, 2004 at 9:24 PM
Sealed enclosures are forgiving of a enclosure that is too large.  Sounddomain is having a great sale on JBL amps, referb, I got mine 2 days ago (JBL 1200.1).  It was dirty when I got it, but a bit of multipurpose Windex, and a few sprays of amrorall later and its almost as good as new.




Posted By: matrixlu
Date Posted: November 16, 2004 at 3:17 AM
should i put any type of damping material inside the box?




Posted By: boxmaker85
Date Posted: November 16, 2004 at 11:48 AM
Maybe some pollyfill but usually not necissary if the box is the right dimensions.  You might want to put a layer down to help keep the standing waves to a minimum, but like I said usually don't need it.





Print Page | Close Window