How do you choose the correct enclosure?

Choosing the subwoofer enclosure for your setup is vital in the system design process. Different styles of boxes will yield different sound from your subwoofer, correct design and construction is crucial to the performance of your woofer. First, you can choose to design and build your own enclosure, to purchase a pre-made box, or to have a custom enclosure constructed to your needs. We offer advice on all three of these choices to help you make a better decision.

Whichever route you choose to go, you will need to pick the enclosure that will best compliment your system and your taste. The three most common types of enclosures include sealed, vented, and bandpass.

Sealed:
These enclosures are just what the name says, sealed. There is (in a properly built enclosure) no air moving in or out of the enclosure when the sub plays. This is the smallest enclosure of the three, requiring the least amount of airspace to perform properly. This is the most acoustically accurate enclosure, and the best choice when someone demands excellent quality in their music.

Vented:
Also known as "ported", this type of enclosure has a 'vent' that allows air to escape from the inside of the box when the sub is playing. The port increases efficiency of the subwoofer, and can yield 3 dB or more than a sealed box using the same amplifier. At higher volume levels, most of the sound is actually resonating from the port, not the subwoofer. This box also allows the sub to play lower frequencies than a sealed box. It does, however, require more airspace - and is not recommended if you are trying to conserve trunk space.

Bandpass:
This type of enclosure is able to produce extremely loud bass for the power in a given frequency range. Because of it's design, it is somewhat limited on the frequency response, and can sound 'boomy'. Although the design and construction is more complicated, if maximum bass reproduction is needed, this box is for you.

Subwoofer enclosures need to be very ridged to stand up to constant vibration (bass) and not lose sound because of absorbsion and cancellation. All Able Audio enclosures are constructed from 3/4" high grade MDF to be able to stand up to the harsh conditions they are exposed to. Enclosures that use 5/8" MDF or lesser quality materials are trying to save a buck, at the expense of sound quality.

Our designs fit the widest range of subwoofers on the market. They are real-world tested by us and our dealers to ensure quality sound is heard at all volumes with every subwoofer. The box is about 80% of the sound, don't spend all that money on the subwoofer and expect an inferior enclosure to properly fit. Go with the box that is proven to sound good, and proven to withstand whatever is thrown at it. Go with one of our enclosures.

All prefabricated enclosures can be purchased here.

Of course, with the huge selection of subwoofers on the market, it is impossible to have every size, shape, and design accounted for.  That is why we regularly create custom enclosures for our customers. For your convenience, and to help us both out, the following is a list of information needed when requesting custom enclosures:

If you need custom work performed, please free to email and ask. We are more than willing to help, and try to respond to any emails within 24 hours.

See our services page for details.