Ferrari 

Round sub. Making a car subwoofer at home. Video: connecting and setting up a subwoofer

subwoofer box

A subwoofer is the most well-known way to take the quality of your car's audio system to the next level. With a subwoofer, any tracks you listen to most often in your car begin to sound new, deeper and more spacious, even those that have a little bass. But in order for a sub to play well, it needs acoustic design, in simple terms - a box or box for a subwoofer. The option of installing a speaker into the rear shelf is categorically not welcome, since it plays poorly in such an installation.

It is also not recommended to buy ready-made subwoofers in stores, since they are usually made of thin plywood that rings even when tapped lightly, have a cheap built-in amplifier and contain speakers from the simplest lines of little-known manufacturers.

Therefore, it is best to make a subwoofer to order, when the speaker you need is individually calculated subwoofer box, which will be made of thick, durable material and will be made to fit exactly the trunk of your car. for such a subwoofer there must be an external one and also matched in power to the low-frequency speaker.

What boxes are the most popular? There are several of them, let's start with the most common:

1. Closed box (CL). The easiest to manufacture and calculate subwoofer box. It plays well and takes up fairly little space. In order to calculate the required volume for it, you just need to know how many liters a particular speaker needs. After this, it remains to use simple arithmetic to calculate the dimensions of the box. But the efficiency of this acoustic design is the lowest, this is its only drawback.

Closed box built into the trunk of the nine

2. Bass reflex box (FI). The second most popular type of acoustic design. It is a box with a port, that is, a pipe or slot. The back side of the speaker cone emits sound through this port, which almost doubles the efficiency of such a box. It plays well and loudly, but takes up a little more space than a closed box. The calculations are a little more complicated. If you are too lazy to count manually, you can find on the Internet that will count for you and provide all the necessary data for a specific speaker.

Bass reflex box for subwoofer

3. Quarter-wave (QW), or labyrinth. This type of design allows you to get a very pleasant, musical and fast lower bass, much better than in the two previous options. It’s easy to calculate, because the HF is essentially a collapsed port into which a speaker is inserted. All that needs to be calculated is the area of ​​the port and its length, which will be greater than the tuning frequency of the subwoofer. The efficiency of a quarter wave is enormous! Its only drawback is the same huge size of the box.

subwoofer box - quarter wave

4. Bandpass (BP). It looks like a combination of a closed box with a bass reflex. It has a very pleasant and powerful sound, high output. The dimensions of the box are large, but smaller than the CV. The only difficulty is the calculations. Since it is very difficult to correctly calculate the dimensions and settings, it is used for installation in high-level systems, and even then very rarely.

box for subwoofer - bandpass

In order to fully enjoy modern music in the car, you need a good sound system, and the subwoofer plays a fairly important role in it. Of course, many cars are initially equipped with high-quality acoustics, but they cost quite a lot. Therefore, many are interested in how to assemble a subwoofer into a car with their own hands, because now this is the best option that will allow you to get good quality . In this article we will talk about this.

The reason why a subwoofer is necessary in a car is quite simple - it is designed for the highest quality reproduction of low frequencies, which is extremely important for a number of musical genres. At the same time, we must not forget about the need to complement the sound of the subwoofer with a high-quality acoustic system that reproduces mid and high frequencies.

Choosing a speaker for a subwoofer in a car

In order to make a subwoofer in a car with your own hands, you must first choose the right speaker. This is quite important, because it is this choice that will affect the size of the box and the range of reproduced frequencies. The following speakers are currently standard options:

  • 6 inches - used as a mid-bass source (in combination with larger subwoofers);
  • 8 inches - used to reproduce front bass;
  • 10 inches is an excellent option for speakers whose internal volume will be from 15 to 20 liters;
  • 12 inches - give very high-quality sound, but they require a box from 25 to 35 liters;
  • 15 inches - give very powerful bass, but require a fairly large case with a volume of 60 to 90 liters.

Also, if you want to assemble a subwoofer in a car with your own hands, then a fairly important parameter is choosing the correct voice coil resistance. In this case, you need to remember the following relationship - the lower the resistance of the amplifier, the higher its power. But this does not mean that you need to choose the minimum values, because with a resistance of 1-2 Ohms, the sound quality will be much worse. An acceptable option would be a resistance of two to four ohms.

Experts do not have a consensus on the optimal speaker power. One thing is certain - the best option would be if the power of the speaker is slightly higher than the power of the amplifier. After all, most systems are not designed for long-term operation at maximum volume, which can lead to a decrease in sound quality and the appearance of nonlinear distortions.

Designing a subwoofer for a car

In order to make a homemade subwoofer for your car, you need to understand exactly what its future housing will look like, what size, shape it will be, etc. The best option for this would be to use the WinISD program, which will allow you to virtually make a subwoofer for your car in accordance with its main characteristics.

To do this, you need to know the following speaker parameters:

  • Vas – equivalent volume;
  • Qts – speaker quality factor;
  • Fs – acoustic resonance frequency in open space;
  • Z – speaker resistance;
  • Pe – maximum noise power;
  • Qms – mechanical quality factor;
  • Qes – electrical quality factor;
  • Dia – diffuser diameter.

Standard speakers already have certain preset characteristics. For example, the equivalent volume:

  • For GDN35 – from 40 to 50 liters;
  • For GDN50 – 90 liters;
  • For GDN75 – 80 liters.

For other models, these characteristics can be found on the original packaging or the official website. In addition, the parameters of most branded speakers are already in the WinISD database.

The most important parameter when sizing a speaker box is Qts, which describes the speaker's efficiency at resonant frequencies. When calculating the box, it is necessary to take into account all possible values ​​of this parameter.

After entering all these parameters, the program will calculate one of three types of box for a car subwoofer, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages. These types of box are:

  • A standard closed box is simple to manufacture and design, but has a fairly low efficiency in terms of sound reproduction. In addition, such boxes must be airtight, which is a bit of a problem when assembling them;
  • A bass reflex is a more complex case to calculate and manufacture, but will give a sound that will be better than that of a conventional box;
  • Bandpasses of the 4th and 6th order. The most difficult to manufacture and design, but they have the ability to dampen high frequencies and emphasize low ones. Accordingly, they give the best sound.

In order to start making a subwoofer project for a car, you must first create a new speaker in the program and load its parameters into the database. To do this, you need to click “New”, select “Own drivers”, select “New” again, and load your parameters, confirming the download by clicking on “OK” and “Close”.

After this, you need to create a new project based on the selected case type, to do this you will have to repeat this procedure described above, using different types of box. The design process itself consists of changing the box parameters, adjusting the bass reflex frequency using the diameter and length of the pipes.

Depending on this, the frequency graph will change. It will be optimal if the graph crosses the line at -3 dB, at a frequency of 25-35 Hz, and then passes along the line at 0 dB, and goes down at a frequency of 150-200 Hz. Next, it will be necessary to adjust so that the permissible deviations are within the acceptable range.

As a rule, the subwoofer is located in the trunk of the car. However, the sound pressure inside the car depends on where exactly it is located, which can fluctuate within one and a half decibels. If you are planning to compete in a car audio competition (SPL), the correct placement of the subwoofer can make the difference between defeat and victory.

How to make a box for a subwoofer in a car

So, now let's figure out how to make a subwoofer in a car with your own hands. To do this, we first need to prepare the necessary materials. Straight walls are made of plywood, chipboard, and very rarely solid wood. Curved surfaces are made of fiberglass, which is glued in layers to the desired shape. It is very important to observe the dimensions as accurately as possible.

Directly assembling the subwoofer into the car is done using glue and self-tapping screws.

When you are going to make a subwoofer in a car with your own hands, the housing for the subwoofer should be as sealed as possible. This is necessary to prevent moisture from condensing on the speaker. In addition to treating the seams with sealant, it would not hurt to additionally coat the walls with nitro varnish, which will not allow moisture to pass through.

After assembling the housing for a car subwoofer, you can cover it with leather, leatherette or furniture fabric.

In addition, it would be useful to take care of protecting the speaker from mechanical damage, moisture or dust. This can be done in two ways:

  • Protection with a special acoustic fabric is not the cheapest method, which provides excellent protection from dirt and dust, but cannot prevent mechanical damage;
  • Protection with a metal grill is a relatively inexpensive option that helps prevent mechanical damage, but will not save you from dirt and moisture.
  • A rather important point is that at low frequencies the direction of sound is practically not felt. This means that the location of the subwoofer in the car is not particularly important.

DIY stealth subwoofer for a car

The main advantage of a stealth subwoofer in a car is its invisibility, while still providing the highest quality sound possible. As a rule, it is located in the trunk behind the rear fender arch, where it does not take up much space. Since a good car subwoofer requires a box of decent volume, which can exceed 18 liters, you may need to remove its panel, thus taking up the volume intended for the rear wheel. The floor may also need to be trimmed.

Of course, in order for such a subwoofer not to be very noticeable, it will be necessary to take care of its finishing, which in appearance will coincide with the design of the car.

LED lighting for a subwoofer in a car

Of course, high-quality sound will go well with spectacular lighting effects. The simplest option would be to use an LED strip that can be glued around the speaker. Also quite an interesting solution would be to use a neon equalizer, which reacts to the peak amplitudes of the subwoofer and makes the luminous liquid rise up the columns.


Designing and building your own subwoofer enclosure can be a rewarding endeavor. Not only will it save you money, but it will also provide better quality than store-bought products. You can also customize the enclosure to suit your needs.

Designing a box for a subwoofer with your own hands may seem like a difficult task, but in this instruction I will show you what and how to make a box for a subwoofer, as well as my visual calculations, drawings and design options. To make the body, you will need woodworking skills. Woodworking work will include assembling the frame, reinforcing the interior, and painting. Building a subwoofer can take anywhere from a few days to a week depending on your skills and desires.

Step 1: Parts and Tools

Necessary things:

  • A circular saw
  • Wood glue
  • Computer
  • Long clamps (length depends on what size body you want to make)
  • Pencil or pen (for marks)

Items that are optional but highly recommended:

  • Sandpaper (to sand the surface)
  • Wood screws (to seal the cabinet)
  • Drill
  • Large ruler
  • Help from another person (if you need to carry heavy objects)
  • Truck (to deliver lumber)
  • Router (this is needed to cut out the holes for the speaker; this is not necessary, but it will help greatly in maintaining the correct size)

Items you need to buy:

  • Subwoofer of your choice
  • Lumber
  • Speaker terminals
  • Speaker wire

Additional items you can buy:

  • Subwoofer feet (optional)
  • Paint or carpet (optional)
  • Isolation (optional, insulated enclosure will give clearer and deeper bass)
  • Speaker Grilles

Step 2: Selecting a Subwoofer and Enclosure Type


Choosing a subwoofer is, in my opinion, the most difficult step, mainly because there are so many options.

Some criteria to consider when choosing:

  • Necessary subwoofer functionality
  • Xmax subwoofer
  • Efficiency
  • Impedance

There are many types of enclosures. I'll only cover the most common ones, but if you're interested, you can Google others.

  1. Sealed: Provides flat frequency response, bass sounds are tight, generally these enclosures can handle more power.
  2. Ventilated: efficient, excellent bass response, has port noise issues
  3. Passive radiator: has a good gain of tuned frequencies, like a ventilated one, no port noise, excellent response, such devices are more expensive

For this project I chose a TC Sounds PRO 5100 (older generation) with a pair of VMP18 passive radiators as shown in the photos.

Step 3: Designing the Case Using WinISD

Now create a housing project.

  • Go to the main WinISD website
  • Download WinISD PRO.
  • Once the download is complete, run the executable file.
  • Follow the installation instructions.
  • After installation is complete, launch the program.

A window similar to the image above will appear.

Notes: If you are making a subwoofer for use in a car, you will likely need to tune the enclosure to resonate between 25 and 35 Hz depending on your desired frequency response. Home audio and home theater applications typically require frequencies between 16 and 24 Hz.

Notes: Please note that this is a simulation program only, the final product will not be identical to the design. In reality, the sound will also be affected by the room in which the case will be placed - causing amplification and reduction at certain frequencies.

Step 4: Determining Box Size

Once you have decided on the parameters of your subwoofer, you need to design the enclosure in which it will be located. Here is a site that will help you calculate the volume.

Offer:

When constructing the box, you will have to fix all the walls. This is necessary so that it does not shake and fall. You also need to calculate the volume that will occupy all the fasteners inside the case. If you decide to put a port in your case, be sure to calculate the volume it will occupy inside. This is what I did - I doubled it and built the walls of the box (I was going to attach a piece of plexiglass to the wall so I could see inside). This way you won't need to expand the box.

Step 5: Buying Components

Now buy all the components and lumber you will need.

  • There are many types of wood, I personally like hardwood, birch and fiberboard.
  • Avoid thin wood because compression and decompression will occur within the cabinet.
  • Don't buy expensive components, it's not required.

Step 6: Cutting the Wood

Once you have purchased all the components, it is time to get started.

  1. Lay the boards on a flat surface
  2. Make the necessary measurements according to the project
  3. Once you have marked your cut locations, move the boards to a surface where you can cut them
  4. Cut the boards according to measurements
  • When cutting wood and making boxes, you need to remember safety. Be sure to wear safety glasses, gloves, clothing, and follow all safety guidelines.
  • Seven times measure cut once
  • Saw wood in a ventilated area, do not breathe sawdust.

Step 7: Assembling the Case





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Now it's time to assemble the subwoofer. Assemble the box according to the project.

  • Make sure you haven't missed anything. There is nothing worse than seeing that you missed a part after assembly.
  • When assembling, make sure you secure everything tightly. You can use wood screws.
  • If you notice any gaps, be sure to fill them with glue or other sealant. You need the subwoofer to be sealed, otherwise you will hear whistling while listening to music.

Step 8: Aesthetics






The design of the subwoofer box is entirely up to you. This is where you can use your creative imagination.

In my project, I decided to install a sheet of plexiglass on top so that I could see inside. I cut the corners of the body at 45 degrees. I made the walls of the case 3 cm and 5.5 cm thick. I also decided to paint the case and cover it with several layers of varnish to make it shiny.

Step 9: Installing Accessories

Once the body has the look you want, you need to install accessories inside.

It can be:

  • subwoofer feet
  • speaker switches
  • speaker grilles
  • wires
  • insulation inside the housing

Step 10: Installing the Case


Once the case is finished, install it where you intend to use it.

Tip: The sub can be heavy and awkward to carry, ask for help if needed. After moving the subwoofer, install the speakers.

Note: Be careful when installing speakers inside the cabinet. Be careful not to pinch your fingers and damage the subwoofer. Also remember to run the wires from the subwoofer before installation.

Connect the subwoofer to the main amplifier.

Step 11: Conclusion


Congratulations, you have finished building your subwoofer.

A subwoofer is a low-frequency speaker capable of reproducing frequencies below one hundred and fifty hertz. They are used in cars, at home, and installed in small desktop speaker systems. Literally translated, the name of this equipment sounds like a bark maker.

All subwoofers can be divided into two types: the first dampens radiation from the rear of the speaker, the second reverses the radiation in phase and re-radiates it from the rear. The type is selected depending on the appearance and technical requirements.

There are also powerful, small and passive subwoofers.

How to make a small, passive and powerful subwoofer

This sound range is difficult for the human ear to perceive, so there are no restrictions on placing a subwoofer in an apartment. Unfortunately, the layout of modern housing does not always allow for the correct placement of the required number of amplifiers. Therefore, making your own low-frequency link will help not only save money, but also get clear sound.

Assembling a sub with your own hands is initially quite a difficult task. You need to choose the right speakers. The lower the load resistance of the amplifier, the higher the power. Fifteen-inch speakers require a subwoofer with a volume of at least sixty liters. For 12-inch speakers you only need half the latter volume. 10-inch speakers are the optimal solution; they work perfectly in a closed subwoofer with a volume of fifteen liters. Six-inch speakers can serve as an additional source of mid-bass.

With a resistance of 1-2 Ohms there is a risk of loss of sound quality. Therefore, a resistance of 2-4 ohms is most often used. The speaker must be more powerful than the amplifier. Otherwise, it will have to operate at maximum volume, which will lead to rapid breakdown.

To create a working subwoofer, it is necessary to carry out calculations using a special program. Parameters will be required Thiel-Small: equivalent volume, speaker quality factor, resonance frequency for open space.

The quality factor of the speaker is most important when calculating the volume of the box. This indicator indicates the efficiency of the speaker at its resonant frequency. It is worth remembering that different manufacturers have different parameters.

For the calculation, several more indicators will be required: resistance (can be checked on the speaker label), maximum noise power, electrical and mechanical quality factor, diffuser diameter.

It is important to determine the type of box. There are several types: closed (the easiest to design, but has the least useful power and there will definitely be a need to assemble it hermetically), bass reflex (the complexity of the calculation pays off with higher useful power), bandpass (the most difficult to calculate and manufacture, but the quality is worth the effort). To a large extent, the choice of box depends on the type of speaker. When making calculations, the program will suggest the optimal type of box. Subwoofer speaker

After all the calculations, it is necessary to make the body. The optimal shape would be a truncated pyramid. In order to know the volume, you need to draw a drawing of the body and calculate all its characteristics.

It is better to make the front wall from chipboard two to three millimeters thicker than the side ones. Connections are made with glue and self-tapping screws. The latter are best screwed in at intervals of five centimeters. It is most convenient to make holes in advance with a drill. On the side you need to mark and cut a hole for the acoustic terminal. You need to make a hole on the front wall to install the speaker.

Furniture nitro varnish will help protect the cabinet from moisture and condensation accumulation. They should process all the walls and the inner end. For an attractive appearance, the subwoofer can be covered.

The same nitro varnish should be used as glue.

The most powerful subwoofer will come out if you select the bandpass box type. Achieving success is extremely difficult even for experienced masters. But the purity of sound and usable power are worth the risk. In addition, it is the most protected from external damage.

The calculation can also be done in a computer program. It is important to calculate not only the size of the case, but also each camera. The assembly must be as precise as possible. The structure is assembled using screws and glue.


Subwoofer box

After completing the assembly, it is necessary to treat the seams with sealant. The partition on which the speaker is placed must be made of two sheets of chipboard. Where it connects to the speaker, it must also be treated with a sealant.

The inside needs to be covered with soundproofing. Batting is perfect for these purposes. For better sealing, you can cover the seams on top with tape. The bass reflex can be purchased ready-made or made independently. It is made from a plastic tube. A sewer with a diameter of ten centimeters will do the job perfectly. There should be sockets on both sides. The plastic pipe can be heated and expanded.

Through a hole in the lid, a carpet and bass reflex are placed into the body. Fixed with liquid nails. WITH The back side of the cover is covered with sound insulation. The outside is covered with carpet.

How to make a do-it-yourself subwoofer box for a car

A stealth subwoofer is perfect for a car. It is compact and invisible, which makes this model ideal for a car. A good speaker will require at least eighteen liters of volume. The placement problem can be solved by moving the front panel into the trunk or using a niche for a spare wheel.

The front panel slides out during installation and connects to the trunk trim. The latter is cut along the junction line of the amplifiers and subwoofer. Then the surface is masked where it comes into contact with the polyester resin. The form can be made from corrugated cardboard. You can glue the parts together with tape. The metal frame is assembled with orientation towards the edge of the fiberglass. The latter is used to make the amplifier cladding panel. Between the parts there should be a thickness equal to the rest. Fiberglass and putty will help give the device a more presentable appearance.


Column installation

How to make a drive for a car

The most common storage device is one that uses a capacitor. The fact is that a modern amplifier consumes a large amount of current, which increases during music production. A car battery cannot provide this amount of current. And because of this, gaps appear in the sub’s work. The main mission of a capacitor is to accumulate charge, which is given to the subwoofer as needed. After the current is transferred, it again accumulates voltage.

The capacitor is connected in parallel to the subwoofer and battery. The capacity must exceed sixty thousand microfarads. When choosing a capacitor, you need to remember the voltmeter, it will allow you to directly observe the operation of the element.

As a rule, the subwoofer is placed under the seat, the capacitor in the trunk, next to the amplifier. There should not be more than half a meter between the latter. Capacitors from different manufacturers differ in materials, capacity and design. It is better to opt for narrowly focused manufacturers.

Many people like to listen to music with good bass, which literally rumbles and fills all the air in the house. It is in this quality that energetic music charges with positivity, and when watching films with excellent sound design, the picture seems more realistic, and you literally feel like you are in the very center of the events. But it’s not at all necessary to go to the cinema for all this or go to the concert of your favorite artist, spending a lot of money. It is quite enough to improve the quality of acoustics at home. This article is devoted to how to assemble a subwoofer box with your own hands. There is no particular difficulty in this work. You need basic skills in working with carpentry tools and a little patience.

Where to begin?

The assembly of the box must be approached responsibly, since the purity of the sound depends on the quality of the assembly. Before you build a drawing and start making a box, decide on the speakers. For a subwoofer, the best option is imported speakers of 10-12 inches.

Classification

Here are the most popular subwoofer designs:

  1. Closed box. This is the simplest option for design and execution. The woofer is housed inside a sealed wooden housing. However, the efficiency of such a device is the lowest.
  2. Bandpass 4 orders. The body of such an acoustic system is divided into separate chambers. One is designed to accommodate the speaker, the other is for the air duct. The peculiarity of this type of acoustic system is the ability to limit the frequencies reproduced by the diffuser.
  3. The 6th order bandpass differs from the described system by one more chamber and one more air duct. This is the most difficult type of box to implement, but its efficiency is the highest.
  4. Bass reflex. This subwoofer is equipped with a special tube built into the housing. The tube removes air. This provides additional sound from the rear of the speaker. In terms of sound quality and complexity of implementation, this is an intermediate option between a bandpass and a closed box.

Is it possible to independently calculate a complex acoustic system?

Of course, if you want optimal sound quality, a bandpass is preferable. But its creation is preceded by a large number of high-precision calculations. You can use special software for this - WinlSD, which will help not only accurately calculate all the parameters of the system, but also provide its three-dimensional model. In addition, the program will calculate the dimensions of all parts.

Important! The disadvantage of the program is that using the software requires knowledge and skills, so the average user is unlikely to be able to use it. And for correct calculation, certain characteristics of the speaker are required, which may be unknown to you.

The optimal solution for a homemade box would be a bass reflex. It is easy to manufacture, and the sound quality is quite decent.

Important! Before you begin selecting materials and assembling the system, check the speakers you have in your arsenal. To make this process take only a couple of minutes, use our instructions.

Requirements for manufacturing materials

The box must be made of durable and dense material with a good soundproofing effect. Plywood with several layers or chipboard are ideal in this regard. In addition, these are inexpensive and easy-to-process materials.

So, you will need:

  • Multilayer plywood 30 mm thick.
  • Self-tapping screws for woodworking - 100 pcs, 50-55 mm.
  • Soundproofing material.
  • Screwdriver or drill.
  • Electric jigsaw.
  • PVA glue.
  • "Liquid Nails".
  • Terminal block.
  • Carpet (about 3.0 m).

Construction of a drawing

We take a 12-inch speaker as a basis:

  • The optimal volume of a box for a speaker is 40-50 liters.
  • The dimensions of the box are 700x450x260 mm.

How to properly make a box for a subwoofer - procedure:

  • The diameter of a 12-inch speaker is 30 cm. The first thing to do is cut a hole for the speaker.
  • The shortest distance from the subwoofer wall to the center of the diffuser is 200 mm. Cut the hole using a jigsaw.
  • The next stage is cutting a hole for the bass reflex slot with parameters of 350x50 mm.

Important! The gap can be replaced by an air duct.

  • Assemble the bass reflex slot and attach it to the front panel of the speaker system.
  • Lubricate the joints with “liquid nails” and secure with self-tapping screws.

Important! Tighten the screws as tightly as possible. If you leave voids, they can become a source of resonant vibrations, and the sound will be spoiled.

  • After this, assemble the side parts of the box, coating them with “liquid nails” and securing them with self-tapping screws.
  • Cut a hole on the back wall for the terminal block.
  • Insert the speaker.

The hardest part of the job is over.

Interior finishing of the box:

  • First of all, seal all joints with sealant or epoxy.
  • Carefully cut out the soundproofing material and cover the walls from the inside.

Important! PVA glue is quite suitable for this.

  • Cover the outside of the box with carpet, including the bass reflex slot.

Important! You can use a furniture stapler or epoxy for this.