Which way should I face my sub

[14.5 drift]

I have a competition audiobahn 12 and I would like to keep it hidden under the cargo cover. I prefere the low smooth bass of a ported enclosure but it looks like it would be a difficult fit and build. Any suggestions will be appreciated.

 

[NOSLO2PT0]

Originally posted by 14.5 drift
Which way should I face my sub?

Whichever way it sounds the best to you.

 

[DSMRevolution]

it usually sounds best when the sub faces the ass end. That way, the sound waves bounce off the window and hatch area.

 

[TurBoGs-T]

Originally posted by NOSLO2PT0
Whichever way it sounds the best to you.

This is basically what it all boils down to.
I like mine facing into the car.... but as you can see others like it facing the hatch. it only takes a min or two to switch. You be the judge.

 

[PaulPDX]

Any difference you think it makes is purely psychological. Technically low frequency sounds are omindirectional so placement doesn't really matter a whole lot. It does however sound louder if you have a surface or object to refelect the sound waves off of.

This is the same reason that in home audio subs aren't designed to be directional and are allowed to be hidden. In some very exotic installations, the subs are built into the floor of the home. If you have a home sub you can do a simple test. Place the sub anywhere in the room and chances are it'll sound pretty much the same and you can't really tell where the sound is coming from just by listening. Put the sub in a corner and you'll noticed that you can achieve greater preceived volume at a lower acutal amp output.

 

[14.5 drift]

Originally posted by NOSLO2PT0
Whichever way it sounds the best to you.

I just dont wanna build a box 9 different ways til i find the right one. I really dont care about the loudest way cause just having that sub in the tiny of a cab it is going to make some noise. Geberally dont like high impact bass, shit hurts my ears. The only system that has been clean enough to turn up as loud as I wanted was a w7 in a high output box (ported). If i was to build a nice ported box (keeping in mind I want to keep the cargo cover) wich way should I face the sub?

 

[chriw21_2000]

Either up or back. I prefer backwards, but some installs wont allow it.

Laters

 

[14.5 drift]

And if I can't find enough space for the ported, how should I arrange the sealed box? Has any one tried both and can you explain to me the differences in sound that came from different set ups, thanks alot guys

Chris

 

[PaulPDX]

Read this: http://www.jlaudio.com/tutorials/magic/index.html

Should answer all of your questions.

 

[flowfx]

In a Hatchback I'd face it up, and I'd build it into the spare tire well.

Hidden instals =

 

[jepherz]

I have a custom fiberglass box angled up, forward and to the left at the same time! Like they all said, it really won't make a difference which is exactly why you get away having stereo sound with just one sub.

 

[nevermore]

I have a 12" Sub in my car I placed the box towards the back where the little bump is in the rear plastic on the 2G's. That I found pounds like hell and makes everything giggle around your car, even your private parts

 

[tunerkid]

its proven UP or BACK you get the best results, currently i have my 2 RF 12s facing upwards, and well, it POUNDS.

 

[14.5 drift]

thanks? Tunerkid, jepherz, flowfx were any of you guys able to retain the cargo cover?

 

[9D9 MITSU RS]

Face it towards the back and upwards at an angle.

 

[PaulPDX]

I repeat, low frequency sound is omni-directional. It matters not where you place the source. What matters is what you use to reflect the sound waves and how you use it. If you point it straight (paralle to) at a plane (like the rear hatch glass) you can end up reflecting the sound waves right back at sub and create standing waves or cancel out waves that the sub is emitting.

Basic high school physics.

 

[jepherz]

Originally posted by 14.5 drift
thanks? Tunerkid, jepherz, flowfx were any of you guys able to retain the cargo cover?

I didn't, only because when I purchased my car, the lady who owned it never included it in the sale. I do plan on making a shelf in the back or somehow finding a factory one, then if I need to make another fiberglass box, it shouldn't be a problem at all. All depends in the angle of your sub when its mounted.

 

[PaulPDX]

mitsubishi graveyard has the rear shelf for $50 shipped.

 

[tunerkid]

yea i still rock the cover, so joe smhoe cant look into my hatch area and be like "oh, system" breaks glass and runs, so #### that, ill rock the stock look.. i guess me driving around rattling my neightbors down the blocks windows doesnt help though i took it off and i cant tell a different, the "sound" prob goes through that little thing anyway.

so, floss da' cov-A, yo

 

[14.5 drift]

Thanks much I will. Decided on a rear fire ported box, the cover is too low and might be restrictive of the port. But any way you guys are all cool and I will letcha know how every thing turns out. Peace all,

Chris

 

[PaulPDX]

Build your own box. That way you can put the port where it needs to be. It isn't that hard... all it takes is some 5/8 MDF, caulk, carpet and wood screws.