QA

How To Build A Marine Subwoofer Enclosure

Can you use plywood for a sub box?

Plywood can be used but you better use higher quality plywood,not the cheapo stuff that looks like it was picked up in the lane.

Do Marine subwoofers need a box?

Most marine subwoofers are designed for infinite baffle applications. If you have an infinite baffle subwoofer, it does not need to be in a box. If you have a subwoofer that is designed for an enclosure, it does need to be installed in an enclosure. Most marine subwoofers are designed for free air applications.

Where should a subwoofer be placed on a boat?

If you want a subwoofer, place it in a stowage locker in the bow, amidships or stern. “Also, if you have space available, installing the subwoofer in a well-built enclosure will almost always improve sound quality and output,” Brumbaugh adds.

Is MDF good for subwoofer boxes?

MDF is the most popular, and the best overall material for subwoofers for many reasons. This manufactured wood is very durable. It’s dense and thick, which helps bring out the best sound quality from your subwoofer, rather than a thinner board that would allow the sound to resonate and distort.

What is the best material to build a subwoofer box out of?

Enclosures should be built with very dense and heavy wood. We recommend MDF (medium density fiberboard) or Medite (high density fiberboard), They are rigid, heavy and not porous like some particle boards. We recommend 3/4″ (19mm) MDF although 1/2″ (12.5mm) MDF is acceptable for woofers 8″ and smaller.

Is a ported box louder than sealed?

PORTED / VENTED SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURES These types of enclosures, when built with the properly calculated volume and tuned to the correct frequency for the subwoofer, are generally louder than a sealed enclosure. They allow subwoofers to reproduce the lower frequencies found most often in Rap and Hip Hop music.

What is free air sub?

Let’s get this out there right away, as simple as possible: a free air subwoofer is a specially designed speaker that does not require installation in an enclosure. Typical mounting is through your car’s rear package shelf or on a mounted panel in the trunk.

Do I need a marine subwoofer?

Infinite Baffle subwoofers mount into your vessel’s sidewall and don’t require an enclosure. Whether it’s on a boat or in a car, subwoofers are a vital part of every sound system due to their unique ability to reproduce the low frequencies (bass) that a conventional component or coaxial speaker cannot.

What is a marine subwoofer?

Marine subwoofers are key elements to outdoor sound systems because a sound system needs bass and volume to overcome background noises. Marine subwoofers are perfect for outdoor applications, because marine technology was invented to protect audio equipment from light rain, moisture and sun rays.

How many speakers should I put in my boat?

If you decide you only want to use 2 speakers then you should just put electrical tape over the bare ends of the wires for the other 2 channels and not use them. You definitely want to use at least 2 speakers to provide stereo sound. The difference in sound quality from one speaker to 2 speakers is significant.

Can you put subs in a boat?

Boat subwoofers can be mounted with a baffle (free air) or in a box. You can also install manufacturer enclosed marine subwoofers. Some of the most popular enclosed marine subs are bass tubes. Bass tubes are water-resistant cylindrical enclosures loaded with subs.

Can I port a sealed sub box?

You can place a port in your now sealed box. A simple hole saw and drill will do the trick nicely. Youll have to determine the net cubic air space. (net= space left after the subwofer is in) Then determine what tune frequency you want to port the subwoofer at.

What happens if a subwoofer box is too small?

If the box is too small (by a reasonable amount) add power. It will help the driver overcome the lack of volume present to still belt out that bass! If the port becomes too small, it may result in port noise, or allow the woofer to simply unload.

Does subwoofer box shape matter?

Yes, the shape certainly can have a huge effect on the sound of the system.

How thick should a fiberglass subwoofer box be?

the normal that I use for fiberglass boxes is 1.5oz cloth/mat (whichever you prefer) I like to work with mat sometimes better than cloth just depends on the box and size/shape. but you try to shoot for 1/4″ thickness. This is well laid meaning little to no air bubbles.

How do you make a Fibreglass box?

How to Build a Fiberglass Box Create a form in the shape of your box, or build several forms that will fit together in one box. Finish your form by sanding it smooth, and then paint it and finish it with Bondo if needed. Apply your fiberglass strips and resin to the form.

What does MDF stand for?

MDF is an abbreviation for Medium Density Fiberboard. People tend to look down on MDF and automatically assume solid wood is the better choice.

Is plywood good for speaker boxes?

Baltic Birch Plywood Popular for its rich density and rigidity, this wood type is also the best wood for a speaker box since it facilitates better clarity and tone. In comparison to MDF, Baltic birch plywood is more expensive. Nonetheless, the quality of sound is superior.

Is Birch stronger than MDF?

Baltic Birch is a plywood, so it is made up of many high quality plys. Baltic Birch is considered stronger then MDF because of its composition, though this can vary based on the thickness of the material used.