How To Make Subwoofers

You can make a dramatic addition to your home theater by learning how to make subwoofers. These can be the best sub you can ever have, as the amplifier is matched perfectly to the loudspeaker. Even if it is a difficult undertaking, you can find enough help from the internet and can save almost 90% of the cost.

Things you’ll need to make subwoofers:

• Plate amplifier
• Loudspeaker, component
• 3/4-inch birch plywood
• Hack saw
• PVC pipe
• Power drill
• Silicone caulk
• Speaker wire
• Non-drying caulk
• Wood putty
• Wood screws

Preparing the Speaker Box

1. Determine the size of the loudspeaker. Either 12” or 15”.
2. Select the amplifier plate that will mount on the box of the speaker.
3. Determine the subwoofer box type. Either sealed or enclosed box, though the sealed one is easy to make and it will deliver a tight bass response. A vented or ported cabinet, though more efficient in delivering lower end response, is big in size.
4. Get the Thiele/small or the T/S parameters which are generally given with all loudspeakers of good quality.
5. To aid the design of the subwoofer get the software like WinISD which is available for free to download.
6. Insert the speaker size and T/S parameters into the design software, which will generate the construction plans for the subwoofer.

Making the DIY Sub

1. Make the box panel by cutting wood to size. You can get the size of the panels from the plans generated by the software.
2. Make the port using the PVC pipe. It enhances the reproduction of sound with lower frequency. You can get the length and size of the port from the design. If you are making the sealed box, leave out this step.
3. Attach the side pieces to the bracing and bottom piece with the glue. Fasten the box with the furniture clamps. Keep it aside to dry for about 8 hours.
4. Create the amplifier cutout from the back panel. Glue or screw and clamp like in the previous step and let it dry for 8 hours.
5. Fasten the top panel. Secure it using the screws or glue and clamp it letting it dry for 8 hours.
6. Create the front panel cut outs for the loudspeaker. Caulk the box from inside using the silicone caulk before joining the front panel using screws and glue. Apply the front panel with silicone caulk from the cutouts. Fasten and leave for fifteen hours to dry.
7. Using the plastic PVC pipes make the speaker port. To minimize distortion, flare the ports’ outside end. Attach the port to the front panels back with glue and let it dry.Once dried apply the silicone caulk and let it dry completely. No air must escape the box except from the port. If you are making the sealed box, leave out this step.
8. Using the wood putty fill the counter-sunk screw holes. Sand the entire box and seams.
9. Set up the plate amplifier making sure that the RCA connections of the amplifier face out. Check the clearance of the amplifier with bracing. Attach it to the back panel using glue and let it dry. After drying apply silicone caulk and keep it for drying.
10. Connect the cables for the connection of the amplifier speaker. Attach the wires to the loudspeakers speaker terminals and fix it to the front panel. Seal it airtight using the wooden screws along with non-drying caulk.
11. Apply a coat of finish of your choice to the box.