Hey guys,

Would there be a down side to putting two identical subs in two different size boxes, if they were both within specs of the subs ?

Thanks!


Ken

 

you mean if you took two subs, in a box, and put them in a different box, either smaller or larger?

The smaller box will hit higher hz wise, and be punchier, the larger box will be "looser", and hit lower.
Then you can get into ported/sealed etc.

 

It may create a little bit of distortion but if both boxes are within the proper size limits then it shouldn't be too bad.

 

I ran two different subs in a custom odd-size chambered box - couldn't have imagined it sounding better if they were both the same subs (both were cheap) or were both had the same sized chamber. Specced each chamber for each sub and it turned out nice. Very clear, tight, and accurate for cheapos. Just had to EQ out a bit of the higher bass, but not by much... Too bad I don't run those anymore

It really depends on the subs and the chamber sizes, and some luck. If you just have two boxes, and both are within specifications for your subs, give it a shot - may sound good, may not

 

Thanks guys,

Sounds like I can at least give it a shot!
Just to make it clear what Im looking to do - Im making two separate enclosures. But due to space restrictions, one is going to be just above the minimum size suggested, while the other is going to be a little larger and right at the recommended size.


Ken

 

Just be careful with the enclosure that's too big, particularly if it's played at or near full output. You may want to put some wood or something in the enclosure to make it smaller Unless you're making it, then look at a smaller size...

It also depends on the subwoofer..

 

LOL, I guess I explain myself like an @55 (d@mn foreigners, right )

It's like this:

2 10" subs.
Manufacturer says sealed box should be from 0.5 to 1.0 cu/ft, recommended is 0.75.
In my case Im looking at one arond 0.52 and one right around 0.75

So, one is on the low end of the scale while the bigger one is right in the center on the recommended size.


Ken

 

Sorry, you're right... I misread your post

That should work out fine. May lack a bit on the low end, may not, you'll have to try it... Definately post back and let us know what they sound like, and what brand/model of subs they actually are

 

Ok, thanks! Will do


Ken

 

you're looking at a 30% difference, so yeah, it'll have an audible effect, but whether it's bad enough for you to consider it unpleasant is another issue.

The frequency response will vary between the two drivers, which can lead to a bit of a sloppy or unclear sound. If it's an issue of space, I'd try to split the difference and put both drivers in a .65cube enclosure, but if that's not an option, pack about a half pound of polyfill into the smaller box and don't put any into the larger box. See how you like it. If you don't like the sound, put something like bricks or styrofoam blocks into the larger box to help equalize the volumes.

 

Jim,
You are right - it is a fairly large difference. And it is no problem making the larger box smaller, even as small as the other one. I'll try to do some exact calculations on the smaller box when I get it finisheded, and see where Im at and if it is desirable to try to match the other one with it.

BTW, are there any clever suggestions on how to measure the volume of rather odd shaped boxes? Seems like I recall reading something about that a while back...


Ken

 

why not make two .60 boxes instead of having different sizes? just my .2. I may be totally wrong

 

Well, the initial problem was the available space for one of them - which limits that one to roughly .51 - .55
So, my thought was to make one that was at the optimal size and the other one as large as possible over the minimum suggested size. I was hoping that maybe it was not a disadvantage and infact that the one in the smaller box would possibly "firm up" the overall bass a little bit.

Anyway, as I understand from Jim, it can possibly cause issues - so I'll see where Im at exactly after completing the smaller box and take it from there.


Ken

 

Ken, you can measure the volume of a box by filling it with liquid, or sand, or styrofoam peanuts (though that can be slightly innacurate), then pouring the materal into a square box to figure out the volume.

Make sure to subtract the volume that the woofer takes up from your measured value. When you're dealing with such small boxes, the sub's volume makes a difference.