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