Does Subwoofer Box Shape Matter?
We are going to discuss everything about subwoofers, types of subwoofers and the answer to one of the most debatable questions on the internet ” Does Subwoofer box shape matter? ” In this article, so keep reading fellas!
If you don’t know what subwoofers are then, do not worry We got you here too! Subwoofers are devices installed in speakers to generate lowest frequencies. This low pitched audio frequency is commonly known as Bass. They also boost the lowest frequencies in speakers.
Let us get back to our actual question and find out the answer to it.
So, does subwoofer Box shape matter? Yes, it does matter a lot. Whether or not the speaker box will produce a good woofing sound depends entirely on the kind of woofer amp used. A speaker box’s main function is to prevent the diaphragm’s antiphase sound from canceling out the sound coming from the front. Particularly at low frequencies, this is significant. All speaker boxes, to varied degrees, are concessions on this ideal because it is virtually unachievable in a finite box. Complicated arrangements of transmission lines, compensatory resonant ports, and sound-absorbing gaps are necessary to achieve the optimum compromises. Therefore, in shorter terms, along with a variety of other variable elements, the shape can indeed matter a lot.
The shape of your subwoofer box doesn’t matter, according to some people, who believe that this is the broad opinion on the subject and the shape of the subwoofer box is irrelevant because it doesn’t significantly alter the audible quality of the sound.
Instead, focus on the driver’s architecture and the engineering inside of the subwoofer shell
So, does subwoofer box shape matter? If really not then why are most of them in cubes or square shapes?
The short answer is due to their simplicity in construction, ease of storage and transportation, and minimal intrusion, cubes are the most common subwoofer boxes or enclosures. Cost reductions are a major factor in the basic cube shape. The MDF, metal, and plastic panels used to construct those enclosures typically arrive in a flat shape, making it simple to cut them into panels to construct a cube. In addition, cube enclosures are simple to brace in order to reduce acoustic energy loss. Subwoofers are also convenient to store and move because of their cube shape.
Does Subwoofer box shape matter? Here is my personal experience.
The size of the baffle (the front, where the speaker is attached), in contrast to higher frequencies, has far less of an impact on the tonal qualities for low frequencies. It doesn’t even matter much which side the speaker is positioned on. If the membrane can move freely, it doesn’t matter if it’s on the back or the bottom. I’ve created subwoofers that can be concealed under a cabinet, behind curtains, or as a flat box that resembles a little side table or a short pillar. I created one just for my son that is shaped like a desk leg. And I have one in my study that is concealed behind a closet’s width.
The frequency response of the device is significantly influenced by the enclosure shape, which will also have an impact on the enclosure resonance and standing waves.
A trapezoidal enclosure is more resistant to standing waves than a fully square enclosure. A trap enclosure is, however, very infrequently utilised in automobile audio because the focus is more on fitting the damn heavy, blasted thing inside the car than it is on things like standing waves, air load anomalies, etc.
Small to medium sized cars with limited interior space benefit most from sealed boxes. If you only have one subwoofer speaker, choosing a sealed box is also more cost-effective. If you are an audiophile who enjoys playing loud music during lengthy car rides, think about choosing a ported or a bandpass box.
Types of Subwoofer Boxes :-
Sealed Boxes
A sealed enclosure is an airtight box with one or more cutout apertures for the speakers but no vents. The speaker’s body experiences additional pressure as it oscillates because air cannot enter the enclosure. The greater pressure helps the cone to travel back and forth more quickly, giving you a more precise sound, even though your speaker may need a lot more power to overcome it.
Bandpass Boxes
Bandpass boxes mix a sealed and a ports design and are on the bigger side. The layout has two chambers, the first of which is a sealed enclosure that contains the subwoofer and is followed by a ported box. As a result, the ported box and the subwoofer are divided. Compared to the alternatives above, this design aids in producing a louder bass.
Ported Boxes
Ported or bass reflex enclosures feature a second, smaller port at the bottom or sides that aids in air venting and balancing pressure inside and outside the speaker. You won’t receive as accurate sound as you would with a sealed box, but it still creates a powerful bass and lowers the power requirements for your subwoofer.
Free Air Subwoofer Boxes
These devices are simple to install but only work with free-air subwoofers. Free-air enclosures involve mounting a woofer on a board, which is then fastened to the back deck or a trunk up against the back seat. The trunk would act as the enclosure in such case, isolating the low frequencies from the back of the car. This solves the issue of distorted sound coming from subwoofers that are not enclosed.
Conclusion
In the end, after hearing all the debates and personal experiences along with scientific reasons and engineering architecture, do we have an answer to the question “Does Subwoofer Box Shape Matter? ” Yes, the shape can unquestionably have a significant impact on the system’s sound.
This marks the end of our current topic. We hooe you found your answer to the question does subwoofer box shape matter?. If you still feel unsure about certain facts, then we recommend you to go through the article one more time and clear up your thoughts.