| Box BuildingEach type of sub requires it's own type of | | | | sure the hole is as perfect as possible to minimize |
| box. If a sub is installed in a box larger or smaller than | | | | gaps between the box and the tube. A couple wood |
| what is supposed to, it will sound distorted/bad and | | | | braces can be added for screwing the port top the |
| could be destroyed. Boxes can be built in many | | | | box. Seal the gaps using a proper sealant (Evo Stick |
| shapes, but it is important that the box volume is | | | | or even silicone can be used).BracingBoxes that are |
| calculated accurately to achieve maximum | | | | more than a foot in width or length or height, should be |
| performance.MaterialsA box MUST be very sturdy. | | | | braced so that the box becomes more sturdy. This |
| Most common building materials are 5/8" or thicker | | | | can be accomplished with a piece of wood maybe 3 |
| particle board or medium density fiberboard. If building a | | | | or 4 inches wide across the box). It is a good idea to |
| box with Plexiglas, do not use anything less that 1/2 | | | | put wood blocks on the corners for reinforcement. |
| inch thick. A common material used to mold complex | | | | Always consider that blocks, braces, neon lights, etc. |
| shaped boxes is fiberglass, but it is very hard to work | | | | inside a box take up space and should be accounted |
| with, and require several layers for a smooth | | | | for when calculating internal volume.Damping |
| finish.Gluing, SealingGlue should be used at all joints to fill | | | | FillingDamping increases subwoofer efficiency by |
| any spaces. Any spaces will degrade the | | | | dissipating some energy that affects the sub, |
| performance of your subs, not to mention the | | | | particularly the voice coil. It is advisable to put damping |
| annoying noise air makes when being pushed out of a | | | | material inside a box. Pillow polyfill and fiberglass |
| small hole. On applying the glue, let it cure for at least | | | | insulation are common, though polyfill is a lot easier on |
| 24 hours before mounting the subs. This is a | | | | your skin. Polyfill also "tricks" a sub into thinking it is in a |
| precautionary mesure to protect the rubbers used to | | | | bigger box. Play around with different amounts of |
| make the subs from the high fumes that some | | | | polyfill until you get the desired results.Making it look |
| manufacturers glue products have.Holding Joints | | | | professionalMake the box surface free from holes |
| TogetherIn connecting box joints, it is best to screw | | | | and spaces by adding wood fill. If you decide to paint |
| the joints every four inches or so using 2" - 2-1/2" | | | | the box, then you should apply primer first. Carpet or |
| screws. Pre-drill about 3/4" deep, so that screws do | | | | Vinyl padding is the best covering to use since they |
| not split the wood at the edges, especially when | | | | easily cover any outer blemishes on teh box and give |
| working with particle/bashboard.Should I have a Box | | | | the box a 'smooth' outlook. Be carefull when cutting the |
| for Each Sub?It is advised to have a separate | | | | vinyl or carpet since such cutters tend to be very |
| chamber for each sub. Even though not necessary, | | | | sharp. Cut a piece of carpet (or vinyl) big enough to |
| here are two reasons why such a directive should be | | | | cover the whole box. Apply adhesive to both box and |
| taken: First, if one of the subs blows, then the volume | | | | carpet (EvoStick works great). Wait about a minute |
| of the box will be "twice" as big for the one remaining | | | | and place the fabric over the wood. For the best fit, |
| working sub. This could cause problems and even | | | | stretch the fabric when applying it. The fabric should |
| damage the other sub. The second reason is bracing. | | | | wrap around and end in a place of the box that will not |
| Building a box with a divider in the middle will make the | | | | be seen. Do one side at a time, cutting excess carpet. |
| box more rigid.PortsPorts must be built into your box | | | | If possible, add staples preferabke heavy duty staples |
| design to channel out the air made by the sub's | | | | that can penetrate the box, to hold the fabric at the |
| vibrations. If a pre-made port is not available, the most | | | | ends. NOTE: Do not cover each panel of the box |
| common material is PVC . PVC is very rigid, comes in | | | | before mounting it together since it would be |
| different diameters. Cut the tubing at the desired length. | | | | impossible to find any 'leaks' that may exist in the box |
| Consider the volume the port takes up when | | | | design much less fill these leaks.Get more Auto/Car |
| calculating the box volume. Cut a hole in the box. Make | | | | Audio and Video help. |