TYPES OF DRAWERS FOR SUBWOOFERS

The subwoofer is a complex structure with a delicate balance. Among the mechanic
al properties (membrane, suspension ...) and electric (coil, mainly) must take i
nto account all the specifications to define a precise mathematical model. In fa
ct, there are numerous theoretical works on the speakers but for now, would not
provide too much water to our mill. Fortunately, modeling allows us to deduce a
number of vital characteristics of the acoustic package. And is that without its
wrapper, a subwoofer, for expensive and costs may be, is nothing. The opposite
would be too simple, because the wrapper, the box exerts a crucial influence on
the speaker, making him an inseparable pair. The problem is not confined only to
the performance, but also, for instance, focuses on the size of the box. Optimi
sm would be stupid to believe that larger box, higher benefits, which reduce the
calculation load to a minimum:! Paste a subwoofer in the box any more be given
to measures of trunk and you're done! But the calculation of how it should be th
e housing must be in perfect agreement with the speaker characteristics, which d
etermine the optimal levels. How to proceed? On this basis, the most rational me
thod is to choose a model of subwoofer according to your limits to buy a subwoof
er and then wake up with the available elements. Okay, not always easy to keep c
ontrol after being flashed by a model and reverse repeat that suits our needs. W
e have a perfect example in the JBLW15GTi, a spectacular model but, assuming you
to have permitÍroslo funding for more than you would with a song in the teeth
to verify the amount of load necessary for its proper functioning. Generally, th
e larger the membrane surface, the greater the volume of cargo. But there are ma
ny variables. Some 30 cm, for example, are content with a dozen liters to functi
on at their best, while others require five times more space. In fact, the size
of the membrane does not tell us anything by itself. Call the list of the parame
ters of the speaker (Thiele and Small parameters), usually provided by the manuf
acturer. To determine the ideal acoustic package require different data. Input r
esonance frequency (Fs) outdoor speaker. Then the total voltage coefficient (Ots
), which is an average value of the coefficients of mechanical stress (Qms) and
electrical (Qes) that gives an accurate indication of the behavior of the speake
r to its resonant frequency. The next step is the equivalent air volume (Vas)
in relation to the volume of air displaced by the membrane. We also need to know
the active surface of the membrane (Sd), expressed in square meters or square c
entimeters, and finally, continuous resistance (Re, not to be confused with the
characteristic impedance of the speaker to 4 ohms). These parameters express all
the characteristics of the speaker and are closely related. Sufficient to deter
mine how the package should be sound.
IT'S EASY TO SAY ... In principle we have in hand all the pieces to get to expla
in without giving much can ... But we still exploit these data conveniently. The
re are worksheets "simplified" to put all these values into an equation and dete
rmine the whole sketch. ! Simplified! ! It gives us a laugh! Or as Saint and the
estimate is too risky, or they are really accurate and the calculation process
is more than annoying. The easiest way is to refer to a simulation software like
the excellent Focal Works. Naturally, there are many others. Simulations can be
trusted, because they overlap almost perfectly with the measurements made in a
drawer, and after this one (actually, the drift of manufacturing tolerances of t
he speaker in question). The method has its advantages, starting with the abilit
y to customize the package to 100%, speaking about a necessary parameter. The mo
st obvious drawback is that they must have access to a computer. Furthermore, ev
en the most easy and intuitive programs require a good knowledge base. Even easi
er and quicker is to leave the problem aside and that the seller of the day you
advice. Their knowledge should be useful to you, but this way you will not have
the immense joy (expressed as caffeine, nicotine, aspirin ...) have got their ha
nds on the process.€Another possibility: the service of the builders can give y
ou clues to the investigation, or simply make it easier for ideal height of the
wrapper for each type of speaker. Finally, one may refer to the technical specif
ications that come with the subwoofer, which is generally listed numerous types
of packaging with their respective heights and sizes, but this requires having a
blind confidence in these policies. Do we stay here? No, because to deal with e
verything there are still many types of packaging to evoke. We start again! THE
DRAWER CLOSED This is the simplest package to study and perform, but not less go
od. Physically, the box is limited to a perfectly hermetic cavity, lined with ab
sorbent materials to remove the emitted wave behind the membrane. The single big
gest flaw in this type of charge is that the yield is generally lower than that
obtained with other types of packaging. To listen to "normal" (those that are no
t intended to disrupt the "score" in SPL contests), this restriction is very rel
ative terms, since the power of the "amps" current enough, generally, to overcom
e this lack of efficiency . Moreover, the fall in gentle slope of the pass band
to the severe end is often
offset by the acoustics of the vehicle, as if by magic, has a tendency to realig
n this. Another advantage is locked drawer is usually much less compact than the
others. It is not uncommon, according to the manufacturers, found some 30 cm th
at work very well in a tiny package of 10 or 15 liters. In fact, the ideal volum
e is generally more consistent, but the drawer closed is very tolerant from this
point of view, allowing major changes without affecting litraje bound to benefi
t. This does not mean you can do anything with them, but if we can afford to inv
estigate the best possible relationship between performance and drawer. In liste
ning, this type of load is normally translated as a marked Hi-Fi, while neutral,
balanced and well supported, of course, this is the type of cargo advised to st
art at the subwoofers, with the (almost) security to get a flawless result.
EL CAJON BASS-REFLEX Things are getting serious, this time with an envelope clea
rly more complex to manage. The box is no longer closed, but open to the outside
by an air embolus. Objective: This is not content to absorb the energy produced
behind the membrane and try to recover part of it, transmitted by the piston, s
o that dramatically increases performance in extremely serious. In fact, it crea
tes a resonator. In contrast to the drawer closed, it is virtually impossible to
do it without going through the simulator program. The size of the box and pist
on dimensions simultánemanete interact, so that the mathematical formula is mor
e complex to implement. But in good hands a Bass-Reflex box thunderous sounds ca
n play much higher than the drawer closed. Better maintenance of power, performa
nce and dialed the pass band are the representation of a dynamic and an amplitud
e higher. Completing the package, but is complicated to calculate, does not gene
rate, usually more trouble than the drawer closed, since there is more to do an
extra hole. In contrast, the volume is often very consistent and the ends of reg
ulation much wider problem: every time the volume of the box is changed, you hav
e to recalculate the size of the plunger. In reality it is a box reserved for th
e initiated eager thrill.
THE DRAWER SYMMETRICAL In this case the complexity is proverbial. This time the
speaker is enclosed in the envelope, attached to an intermediate latched and ide
ntified two separate volumes: one closed and the other connected to a piston. We
do not have a single parameter (the volume of closed box) or two (the volume an
d the plunger to the Bass-Reflex), but three ... Inextricably linked to each oth
er! Nightmare in perspective so that this time the package is much more tricky t
o build. But despite that, this formula has its followers, in effect, playing wi
th the proportions of the cavity front and rear, it is possible to favor one app
roach over another, either by improving the response of very low frequencies at
the expense of performance (which may require a facility mainly Hi-Fi), or the o
pposite, concentrating on performance but on a restricted bandwidth (this config
uration may be required for a competition SPL).€The technical quality and music
ality are strongly under the definition of all: the best you can to surround the
worst. Essential peculiarity of this type of load, the subwoofer does not arise
outside and the bass is transmitted only by the piston. Only the external serio
us as this package has a natural tendency to filter out frequencies below 80 or
120 Hz (it is very variable, actually), one more parameter to consider. This giv
es a bell-shaped response curve, in which the symmetrical box restores only a po
rtion of band. Also called box "bandpass" "pass-band in English) in some publica
tions. Reserved mostly for more experienced aficionados.
VARIATIONS AND DISTORTIONS
I watched three most common types of packaging within the confines of the earth
and its vicinity, we say that there are many variants, among which, some accumul
ate the three basic principles: asymmetric dual cavity package together, wrappin
g triple cavity that is, more refined, if possible. Here, more than ever, it is
a work of specialists. On the other hand, we have not discussed the number of sp
eakers that can be mounted in a drawer. There is a principal to withhold informa
tion: when it is folded in number of speakers (necessarily the same type) is to
double the volume of the box and recalculate, if any, the cohesion of the whole.
The same applies if multiplied by four, eight or sixteen subwoofers, if you ask
this body. Except in one case: In particular configuration of subwoofers usuall
y called isobaric. In this case the two boomers are faced, so that a small volum
e of air, sealed, become trapped between the membranes of each of them. Operatin
g for coupling air and pushing each other, this time divide the cargo volume by
two. An interesting case, this time divide the cargo volume by two. An interesti
ng case for those who do not go more than enough space, but of money.
THE "FREE AIR" There remains, finally, speaking of the subwoofers that work with
"open air" in an infinite burden. Infinite load means a volume of air for consi
stent enough not to intervene sensitively on the outcome. Put another way, subwo
ofers is designed to be fixed on a rear shelf, coupled directly to the volume of
the trunk. Usually, this kind of subwoofers should have precise characteristics
to be exploited in this way. Sometimes, certain manufacturers offer two choices
between a family of subwoofers, for mounting in a drawer and "free air". This w
ill
will close the chapter with a prevention message: there are no multi subwoofers,
designed for operation under all possible conditions, but models more or less a
dapted to a specific use in locked drawer or trailer, or even infinite burden. O
ne more reason to consider when making your choice. CONCLUSION The study of the
drawer of serious and steadfast partner subwoofer / box is a complicated busines
s but, as you will have proven. Therefore, we do not have the intention of beati
ng with things that will have to face it yourself. On the contrary, our stronges
t desire is incite to take the bull by the horns. Know that the beginning is har
d, but you will also have the satisfaction of having been able to resolve a comp
lex issue.