The plans shown on this page will suit our 12" and 15" CI series products. Currently down firing single driver sealed and vented versions are available.
New updated plans
Please note: previous plans were designed for earlier DS12 and DS15 drivers. Our current model 15" driver (DS1500 is slightly larger) and the plans have been updated to reflect this change. For the 15" plans, customers may choose to replace the outer baffle with a 1/2" MDF sheet to flush mount the driver. This is because DS1500 doesn't have a rubber mounting gasket.
We have four subwoofer plans for download. Click on the links above to save the PDF file to your computer. Links will open in a new window. To save permanently to your hard drive, right click the links and select "save target as."
Download manuals | A350 SE | A350 basic | A250 basic
Where to have your enclosure done
There are at least two places where you
can order your custom-built enclosures:
Meniscus (www.meniscusaudio.com) at Grand Rapids, MI.
Please contact Mark or Chad, (616) 534-9121
RAW Acoustics (www.rawacoustics.com) at Surrey, British
Columbia, Canada. Please ask Al (604)761-9874.
Want something different?
If you want something different, alternative designs can have equal performance. A sealed box is the simplest of designs, and is recommended for our 12" products. If the design is down firing, it is important that adequate clearance is provided. Other critical factors include the internal net box volume and the stiffness of the enclosure. If the box is made smaller than recommended there will be a reduction in low frequency extension and output. If it is made larger there may be a risk of bottoming the driver. In alternative designs, it is recommended that the box should have an equivalent stiffness by using solid materials and bracing.
If a vented box is used, careful attention should be paid to the design of the vent. Both internal and external ends should have adequate clearance. The diameter of the vent and flaring at both ends are critical to performance. Unflared or undersized vents will have audible turbulence at high excursion.
Our plate amps when installed correctly are suitable for installation in a sealed box without a separate chamber. There are no air leaks. If you do choose to install it in its own sealed chamber, ensure that there is adequate air space to avoid heat build up. You may choose to ventilate the chamber.
The subwoofer does not come with damping material. We recommend 2" polyfill to cover all walls.
top For many, achieving the best bass comes down to what their spouse will accept. Spouse Acceptance Factor (SAF) for many is the most important parameter. There is no point in buying the best subwoofer if it can only live in the garage!
This is one thing that sets our products apart. They can be adapted to suit any situation. You can tailor it to your room, matching the style of your interior. Here are some suggestions:
Choose a finish to match your room - painted, veneered or both
If you need more than one sub and space is limited, consider two small subs as well as one large
Look for unused spaces which can accommodate a subwoofer
Consider a built-in subwoofer (eg. a subwoofer in an unused fireplace).
Design a subwoofer disguised as furniture such as a coffee table or chest of drawers
A key advantage here is the ability to have control over the design. You can build it yourself or have it built by a cabinet maker. Either way, you have control and can shape the design to suit your needs. You can even put your own name on the result, and have a subwoofer that is a one of a kind. You can have all this while having the best technology available today.
Alternative subwoofer applications
Direct Servo can be used for any subwoofer, and is not limited to sealed and vented configurations.
In addition to the standard sealed, vented and passive radiator configurations, Direct Servo can work with the following types of subwoofers:
Infinite baffle
Band pass
Isobaric
Open baffle
Horn loaded
Transmission line
If you wish to use any of these alternatives, contact us regarding the purchase of a custom designed Direct Servo board.
Advice on driver break-in
Please also be careful when testing the sub using test tone signals. Playing a test tone continuously over an extended period of time is considered as abuse and will not be covered by the warranty. The correct way of breaking in a driver is to play the tone for 20 seconds, and then not playing anything for 40 seconds. This will give a duty cycle of 33%.