How to Make a Subwoofer
A subwoofer is a type of speaker that reproduces only low-frequency sounds. Audio enthusiasts often make their own subwoofer to provide added bass to their sound system. The enclosure that houses the subwoofer speaker has specific requirements based on the size of the speaker.
Items Needed:
- Subwoofer speaker
- 3/4-inch medium density fiberboard
- Circular saw
- Jig saw
- Terminal cup
- Speaker wires
- Drill
- Wood screws
- Design the enclosure for the subwoofer speaker. The primary requirement for the enclosure is that it must have the correct volume for your speaker. An enclosure that is too small for the speaker will produce distorted bass. An enclosure that is too large will not have the air pressure needed to produce powerful bass.
- Multiply the height, width and depth of your proposed enclosure to obtain the volume of the enclosure. Speaker manufacturers provide specifications on the speaker, including the ideal enclosure volume.
- Cut the panels for your subwoofer enclosure from a sheet of medium density fiberboard with a circular saw. You will need to cut six panels consisting of the sides, front, back, top and bottom.
- Cut a circular hole in the front panel of your enclosure with a jig saw. This hole must have the same diameter as your speaker. Cut another opening in one of the other panels to accommodate the terminal cup. This hole will typically be in the rear panel.
- Assemble the sides, top and bottom of the enclosure into a frame with a drill and wood screws.
- Mount the speaker into the hole on the front panel with wood screws. Mount the terminal cup into its hole with wood screws. Connect a pair of speaker wires to the terminals in the speaker. Connect the other end of the speaker wires to the terminal cup.
- Attach the front and back panels to the rest of the enclosure with wood screws.