Building a box softwear.

[yogi_pahl]

I seem ppl all over the place take about how they have software that they can put in the dimensions and play with it to get a few blue prints to build a sup box and all they good stuff you would have to do with pen and paper. Any one know one that is free and not a trial.

[nevrdun]

Dont know of one off the top of my head. Most you will have to buy because its kindof a specific thing. The math on them is easy tho. LxWxH/1728 is cubic feet.

[yogi_pahl]

Ya i know i seen one a few weeks ago at a shop. They but it all the info for my speaker and then he would click on a tap and it would be the same size just a diff shape.

[nevrdun]

Yeah Ive seen some really cool software we just dont go that crazy with boxes and just do it on paper. If you cant figure it out on paper youre probably going to have a hard time building it.

[LilMsPrelude]

Oh... this section is DEFINATLY for me.. LOL!

Please make sure to read the requirements before downloading any programs, depending on your computers O.S., primarily, and the cost or use restrictions. Some of them are free, some are Demo versions, and of course there are some to buy. Please feel free to add your own. I ALSO have a LOT of pre-designed ported boxes from a contributor of another car audio forum if you want I will get permission from a mod to post up a page worth of em.
Thanks and Happy Building!
~Renee

1) AJ Design software-free download : http://www.ajdesigner.com/speaker/index.php (http://www.ajdesigner.com/speaker/index.php)
More for the advanced designer... most design platforms are for rectangular boxes. A little experience and you can modify for trapezoid and other style boxes.

2)The Subwoofer Design Toolbox--cost $19: http://www.mfr-eng.com/toolbox.htm (http://www.mfr-eng.com/toolbox.htm)
Very user friendly "TAB" style interface

3) WinISD, Free: http://www.linearteam.dk/ (http://www.linearteam.dk/)
one of the most popular of the available programs. Downloadable for free and great support on their site. A bit of a learning curve involved but well worth the time.

4) The Speaker Workshop by Audua: Free: http://www.audua.com/ (http://www.audua.com/)
as quoted, "Speaker Workshop makes it possible to design and test loudspeakers using a PC with a sound card. It is a very feature-rich technical product for people serious about designing their own loudspeakers."

5) WinSpeakerz by True Audio: http://www.trueaudio.com/win_demo.htm- (http://www.trueaudio.com/win_demo.htm-) Demo version-- avail for purchase.
The demo version allows you to upload specs for one speaker and play with it in an unlimited number of configurations.

6) Blaubox: designed by Blaupunkt, Simple DOS program: Free Download, Lots of sites offer this program, I found it at: http://www.caraudiohelp.com/subwoofer_enclosure_software/subwoofer_enclosure_software.htm (http://www.caraudiohelp.com/subwoofer_enclosure_software/subwoofer_enclosure_software.htm)

7) Sub Simulator: http://www.pvconsultants.com/audio/boxmodel/subsim.htm (http://www.pvconsultants.com/audio/boxmodel/subsim.htm)
"a subwoofer simulation package, box modeling program accepting driver and enclosure parameters to build models of a physical subwoofer. The program models, compares and manually optimizes Closed Box, Ported/Vented/Passive Radiator and 4th, 6th and 8th order Bandpass designs....."

8)- And we Saved one of the Best for Last: RE Audio! (check this one out!!) for building that L- shaped Port in a precisely tuned Box.
http://www.reaudio.com/speaker_box/LPort_Box_Calc.html

[LilMsPrelude]

Here is another need to know if you are considering building your own box.

Round To Square Port Conversions

Is super easy to figure out with one simple formula

Pi x R squared ( 3.14 multiplied by the radius of the port squared)

For example:
Say you have a 6" diameter port that is 13" long, take half of the port size (Radius), in this case 3".

6 / 2 = 3

Now multiply 3 x 3 =9, (R squared).

3 x 3 = 9

Now do 9 x Pi,

9 x 3.14 = 28.26


The square inch of your port, in this example, is 28.26.

Now you can design a square, rectangle, triangle or a port that is the sub logo. As long as you match the square inch.

For example: 28.26 square inches could be made into a 3"x9 3/8" opening, 13" long.

You will notice that in this scenario that the length of the port stays the same. (13") It determines the tuning frequency and is not effected by the conversion.

[LilMsPrelude]

This one seems VERY basic, but there are some new people to Car Audio that need to know this:
__________________________________________________ _____________

How Do You Determine the Cubic Volume of an Enclosure?

First, find out what 1 cubic foot equals in inches:

1 foot = 12 in.
since a cube has three dimensions we multiply 12 to the 3rd power

or: 12 x 12 x 12 = 1728

This is our base for a perfect 1cu/ft box.

now lets take a the maximum allowable size for, say, a trunk installation.
our maximum height is 13"
our maximum width is 25"
and maximum depth is 16"


13(H) x 25(W) x 16(D) = 5200

so this space allows for 5,200 cubic inches of volume--without any structure.
We are probably building it with 3/4" MDF (I hope) so you must subtract 1.5" (for example) to each dimension.

11.5 x 23.5 x 14.5 = 3918.625 cu in. useable volume in a perfect world.
(subwoofer structures, mounting depths, bracing, etc. take up a certain amount of volume but we will not delve into that at this time)

to calculate the cubic volume use simple division: 3918.625 / 1728 = 2.267 (dont split hairs--call it 2.25)

So now you know that you have available airspace volume of 2.25 cubic feet and can plan your new box and subwoofer purchase accordingly.

[98BB6SH]

good post. i'm gonna be using this real soon to build mine.

[LilMsPrelude]

I have a ton of Pics of pre-designed ported boxes...with Dims, etc.
just let me know how many subs and the tuning that you are looking for and I may be able to help you out there as well.

[98BB6SH]

I have a ton of Pics of pre-designed ported boxes...with Dims, etc.
just let me know how many subs and the tuning that you are looking for and I may be able to help you out there as well.

i've made a bunch of sub boxes over the years. never really followed any formulas. i may need to for this one. currently i have a 12" Alpine Type R from the Blazer i sold. not sure if i wanna use it in the lude though. i was thinking of 2 10's or even 3 8's just to be different. can you recommend what you think is best for a 5th gen. i like bass but not crazy bass. i listen to everything from hip hop to house to metal. so it needs to be well rounded.

[LilMsPrelude]

I am not familiar with the trunk space/volume or hatch opening in a 5th gen.... i am a 4th gen owner myself...
so here are a couple samples for u:
disclaimer: Credit for this reference information goes to MoeLester at CarAudio.com. One of the few respected members of that forum.

1.25 cu'ft at 35Hz (for 1 12" sub)
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u4/TheDancingDuck/OldAkPics/1-1.png

2 cu/ft @ 27Hz (1 sub)
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u4/TheDancingDuck/OldAkPics/2at27.png

2 cu/ft at 34Hz
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u4/TheDancingDuck/OldAkPics/2cubes34hz36sqin7fh.png

2 cu/ft at 35Hz for two subs
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u4/TheDancingDuck/OldAkPics/2cubes35hz4025sqin9vv.png

(more available.. please PM)

[LilMsPrelude]

The examples above are for pretty low hitting systems. They are tuned to peak at a particular frequency and hence the ported design is the best for competition/loudness. IMO they seem too boomy, the bass in my system is for my enjoymnet and not the neighborhood. Not saying a Sealed box does not get loud, of course.

But if you want something that is diverse (ie: reaponsive to most any type of music/range) and is MORE forgiving in the design area.. I would suggest you go sealed. A little known trick, well, not the trick, but the formula, is, if you have to go with a relatively small enclosure, you can increase the perceived enclosure volume by adding "pulled" or loose fiber-fill. (think pillow stuffing)
".....as far as the quantity to use... 1 to 1.5 lbs of polyfill per cubic foot volume of the enclosure. It is NOT an exact art, but the benefit is about 25-30% increase in perceived volume."

This Thread (http://www.fiberglassforums.com/showthread.php?t=3113) (same user name) may help you a little more in understanding the proper use of Polyfill (if you need it for a small sealed enclosure)

[98BB6SH]

any chance you have a diagram for a box with 3 8" or 10" subs. if i do this i'd prob want something like this:
http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s249/bravoelement/PreludeSubwooferBox.jpg

[LilMsPrelude]

sealed or ported? for the type X, I assume from your pictures? what kind of and how much trunk space--are u actually going to go with 8" or 10" (yes, it makes a difference)

The more detail you can provide us the better the design we can come up with for you. How are your wood working skills? Do you do any, or know how to fiberglass?

[si96Lude]

On rockford fosgates website they have a program to do it.

[LilMsPrelude]

sweet... bout time manufacturers quit trying to keep secrets... LOL...

I see my pics are dead.. i will re-link them when I get home.

[bdizzel124]

iF YOU GET A QUICK STETCH DOWN ON PAPER I CAN CAD IT UP AND YOU CAN HAVE BLUE PRINTS ALSO!!!!!! THAD BE BAD