Hey gang, I got a question for the carpenters and mathmaticans in the crowd.

I want to build a new box for my Kicker C12. The box I have sounds good, but it takes up too much space in the trunk and I want a more factory look, also I have some wood laying around calling me.....make a box out of me. (Ha Ha).

How do I figure what size the box needs to be to get the right amount of air space?


Signed,

Tim

tim look up the specs in the owners manual. That should tell the correct size for your set up. You will also have to decide wether or not you want to port the box. Most manuals will even give you the dimensions for a perfect box. Good luck and let me know if you need more help.

Thanks Bret,

If the box calls for say 2 cubic feet, how do I know what the measurements would be?? Like Length x wid height. There should be a formula for that right?

The sub was given to me so I don't have any manuals or anything. I can find out the cubic feet for the box no problem. I just don't know how to make the correct measurements for the box.


Thanks,
Tim

measurements can be anything...you could have the box 8" deep and x" long and x" high. doesn't matter as long as the interior of the box is the correct volume.


Boxes should be made of MDF, so unless that is the wood you have laying around. I would suggest going to pick up a sheet (4x8 should be about 22 bucks)

Once you determine the box volume you want (which should be chosen based on the music you listen to and personal preference) box building can expand from there.

EDIT: through some research kicker reccomends:
Sealed Box Volume 1.25 - 3.5 cubic ft.
Ported Box Volume 1.75 - 2.25 cubic ft.

if you believe in downloading software illegally (of corse i dont condone such activity) but try to find a program "bass box pro" with that you enter ALL the perameters of the sub and it helps you design a box to suit your needs, a fully licensed copy is $200+

there are free ones and websites that will do it.

any of the free ones i have tried didnt do nearly as much, and wernt nearly as in depth as the above montioned software

Ok Gotcha vette. MDF does just happen to be what I have. Snagged a couple pieces from work. Ok I get that the measurments can be x by x by x for the exterior. How will I arrive at the internal volume?? If it is 1.25 for example how will I get that measurement?? I listen to christian music but it does have a nice kick to it.
And besides I like nice tight bass so no ports.

Thanks for the help,

Tim

You would be amazed at what a properly constructed port will do. But with christian music a sealed box may be the way to go.

You want to buy 3/4" mdf at any lumber yard. Get one of those programs like oats suggested. Look around and you should be able to find a free one that will meet your needs.

If you're just building a single chamber box for one sub, here'* what ya wanna do.

1.25 cubic ft = 12*12*12*1.25 cubic inches.

So, 12*12*12*1.25 = 2160

Let the external dimensions of the box be x, y, z in inches.

so 2160 = (x-2*t)(y-2*t)(z-2*t) where t is the thickness of the wood you're using.

So you can choose any dimensions for x y and z as long as they satisfy that equation.