Cut dual 12" sub enclosure in half?

**nitefallz** · 09-21-2009, 04:33 PM

I have a box similar to this, http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...12+-GRAY-.html

It's got a port in the middle that goes straight back and then small ports on each side of that port into each sub.

I don't want the dual sub setup anymore, could I just cut the entire box in half down the port and use a single sub without compromising the "sound quality?"

**trader007** · 09-21-2009, 04:40 PM

no reason you couldn't. i would seal it completely myself with one sub, i like the extra punch of a sealed sub when you only have one. really depends on your application though.

**nitefallz** · 09-21-2009, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by trader007

no reason you couldn't. i would seal it completely myself with one sub, i like the extra punch of a sealed sub when you only have one. really depends on your application though.

I could do that. Guess I have a project when I get home tonight.

**trader007** · 09-21-2009, 04:52 PM

it looks like youll end up with about 1.5+ cubic foot sealed if you do that. for many subs, that is a lot of room and will create a very deep sound. it completely depends on what sub you have though.

**nitefallz** · 09-22-2009, 09:29 AM

I'm wondering if I should leave the middle port and cut slightly next to it, that way it's still at least a properly constructed single port box.

I might do that, nothing to lose.

**ik632** · 09-22-2009, 09:47 AM

The port length is connected to the tuning frequency of the box. If you cut it in half and shorten the port length you will affect how the box sounds. It's been a while since I built a ported box (I'm into sealed or infinite baffle right now) so I can't remember if you should stuff the port with acoustifill or pull all of the stuffing out of the box.

You'll need to play around with it because the sound will change quite a bit.

**soundman98** · 09-22-2009, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by ik632

The port length is connected to the tuning frequency of the box. If you cut it in half and shorten the port length you will affect how the box sounds. It's been a while since I built a ported box (I'm into sealed or infinite baffle right now) so I can't remember if you should stuff the port with acoustifill or pull all of the stuffing out of the box.

You'll need to play around with it because the sound will change quite a bit.

i like to line all of my boxes with fiberglass insulation(acoustafill sucks in comparison) to cut down on inner box resonances.

for the box that you linked to, it will be ok to cut half of it off, as each side looks to have its own slot port. but,on your box, if both sides share a single output port, than you will neeed to do some tuning to get it to work properly.

**Phoenix750** · 09-22-2009, 11:38 AM

ik632 and soundman98 are right.

No matter what you do, assuming you want a good sound, you should:

- Use the correct volume that your specific driver (subwoofer) requires
- If doing ported, tune it to manuf. spec and keep port velocity down
- Use 3/4" MDF and proper bracing

Now, if you can't build your own and must buy one, try to find a premade box as close to the manuf spec as possible.

WinISD is the standard program for testing driver/enclosure configurations to predict SPL, response curve, xmax, etc.

ik632, are you in the Cult of the Infinitely Baffled?

**trader007** · 09-22-2009, 11:47 AM

hes not trying to build a competition subwoofer box, he just wants to know if he can simply cut the one he has in half and still get decent sound out of it...

**nobb** · 09-22-2009, 11:57 AM

That's alot of hassle. You'll have to recarpet the thing, and it'll probably look ugly after. Dual ported boxes are worth more, why dont you just sell off the box on craigslist and buy a new one?