Building a smaller ported box, what do you lose?

[Moofs 1]

I have a 12inch dcon. It says that 2.25cu.ft. is "optimal" and the smallest you should build it is 1.75cu.ft.

Lets say they are both tuned the same. What is the difference in sound, etc? What is lost or gained by making the box that much bigger?

Also, I listen to mostly rock with a decent amount of rap music thrown in there. I'm looking for a nice middle ground tuning and a box that can be easily moved if needed. I was considering 2.0cu.ft. tuned to 32hz. Would you suggest something different? Thanks.

(also, I know less power usually calls for a bigger box, I'll be running 340rms or slightly over to the sub)

Thanks!

[16K 159]

smaller the box the more "peakier" it will sound.... bigger the box the more "boomy" it will sound...

smaller the box the more power you need.... subs dont move as much in smaller boxes....

for music i would tune between 33-35hz...

Edited July 7, 2012 by 16K

[Moofs 1]

I never really understood when people say "for music"

For rap music doesnt the box need to be tuning lower than 33-35 hz?

I thought that stuff plays down to 30hz at times. Wont I be pretty much "rolled off" by then?

Sorry for the noob questions. I've just never some across the answer.

[Julian 641]

You'll gain mechanical handling, but you'll lose efficiency.

I would take efficiency over mechanical handling as long as you set your SSF accordingly.

I would tune around 35-37hz

[Moofs 1]

so you mean you gain mechanical handling when tuning higher?

And sorry for asking, but I just want to double check. 35hz would be sufficient for rap and the occasional edited song such as decaf's stuff?

Thanks again.

Edited July 7, 2012 by Moofs

[shizzzon 461]

custom music needs to be tuned lower.. normal music usually peaks in the high 30s to the 40hz range.

Speaking mechanically, i don't see a problem here in which to bring up better mechanical handling in a smaller box because the power source in this scenario is nothing large for the driver being used. The only real way this driver could mechanically get damaged is simply by having the SSF off or extremely low.

The larger the box, the better it can produce the low end, the smaller the box, the more it can not do that.

If you tune low and build small, it will still tend to want to peak higher than normal.

IE- 2.25 at 32hz might want to peak in the mid to high 30s.

1.75 at 32hz might want to peak in the mid to high 40s.

[Moofs 1]

Makes sense. How does 2.0cu.ft. at 32-33hz sound?

For a mix of rap and rock?

I have very few custom tracks, maybe like 5. Rest is normal/non-edited.

Edited July 7, 2012 by Moofs

[swift 501]

Makes sense. How does 2.0cu.ft. at 32-33hz sound?

For a mix of rap and rock?

I have very few custom tracks, maybe like 5. Rest is normal/non-edited.

Just do the 2.0 at 33-34hz, I would also do around 22in of port area and be done with it.