How To Select Custom Subwoofer Enclosures

You would probably be amazed at the number of people who buy a subwoofer in hopes of improving their vehicle's sound system without giving any real thought to the installation process. Unlike most speakers which can easily be installed in door panels or rear decks, car audio subwoofers require a specific type of enclosure which is dictated by the subwoofer manufacturer.

If you are reading this before buying a subwoofer, please consider the enclosure and amplifier as a first step.  This enables you to decide exactly where you will install your sub and allow for measuring your available space.  But as mentioned, through the years the majority of us find ourselves with a subwoofer first and then have to come up with a subwoofer box.

Most subwoofers require the most common type of sub enclosure which is a small sealed enclosure, but there is much more to it then just throwing your new subwoofer into any type of box and just hoping for the best.

So lets look at the steps that need to be followed if you are going to enjoy the best sound that your subwoofer has to offer. 

Assuming you already have a subwoofer:

First, you have to read the manufacturer’s spec sheet that accompanied your new subwoofer.  Of course that is assuming you purchased a new, boxed sub directly from a retailer.  If you purchased a used subwoofer on eBay or from some other source, you can search out the manufacturer’s web site and contact them for the specifics of you sub.  This is really an important step and if you fail to take this seriously, you can either find yourself with a lousy sounding system at best or damage your sub at worse.

Now check the specifics of your subwoofer. See if it recommends using a sealed, vented/ported or bandpass enclosure. A Sealed Box, which is also known as an acoustic suspension enclosure is great for all kinds of music and has the broadest range of frequency response. Sealed boxes deliver tight, controlled bass with excellent Sound Quality and are best for jazz, classical, country or pop music.  These are definitely the most popular boxes in use and also take up the least amount of room in your vehicle. They also are the easiest to match to any specific sub.

Custom fit subwoofer enclosures are always a good choice if available for your specific car or truck.  These are usually molded in fiberglass or special plastic composites and fit in ‘out of the way’ locations such as under seats or on sidewalls in SUV’s. These will tend to be a bit more expensive then standard sub boxes but most buyers feel the custom appearance and convenience are well worth the cost. Normally these come as small sealed type enclosures and most standard style, steel framed subwoofers should work well in them. 

You've already noted down the air volume required from your subwoofer's specs, now check to see if there is a custom fit subwoofer enclosure for your vehicle.  You will find the most popular vehicles will be covered by JL Audio Stealthboxes, QLogic Custom and MTX Thunderform enclosures.  These are all made from various forms of molded composite materials and do provide excellent sound quality.  JL Audio and MTX Thunderforms offer the convenience of coming loaded with their best subwoofers and MTX also offers an amplified version which makes installation a breeze.

Another type of sub enclosure is the Ported or vented boxes and are usually larger and tend to have a boomier, richer, more resonant sound which lends itself to hip hop and heavy metal music.

Two companies named Obcon and Atrend make a good variety of MDF custom fit subwoofer enclosures.  While not having the same OEM style appearance as the molded styles mentioned above, these brands do offer several vented versions.  These MDF vented versions will provide a bit louder bass then their sealed versions.

Although there are a variety of types and applications of enclosures, there are some general rules that might help you narrow your search.  Don’t necessarily choose the least expensive. Reason on this point: why spend good money on a great subwoofer and then buy a cheap piece of junk for a box.  Without the proper box, even the best subwoofer will sound like garbage. 

Of course if there is no specific custom fit subwoofer enclosure for your vehicle, don't despair.  You will just have to use the same specs and look for standard or universal style subwoofer enclosures.  You should find vented and ported versions as well as sealed boxes to fit just about any subwoofer you select.