EN
there will be no volume of air to stiffen the subwoofer’s suspension
and prevent overexcursion. If you choose infinity-baffle mounting,
consider the RMS and peak power-handling ratings to be half of
what is listed in the specifications in this manual.
You should choose and enclosure type based on the amount
of cargo space you can devote to the enclosure, the amount of
power you will use to drive your subwoofer(s), and your listening
habits.
SEALED ENCLOSURES
The air trapped inside a sealed enclosure is compressed when the
subwoofer moves rearward and is rareified when the subwoofer
moves forward. In both cases, the air inside and outside the box
will seek equilibrium by pushing and pulling on the subwoofer
cone. The result is a stiffer suspension when compared to the
subwoofer operating in free air. This means that the subwoofer’s
cone will be harder to move at low frequencies, a condition which
protects the subwoofer from physical overexertion, but requires
more power than other designs to achieve a given acoustic
output.
SEALED ENCLOSURE
PERFORMANCE ADVANTAGES
• The in-vehicle performance will have the flattest overall
frequency response.
• The in-vehicle response will have the widest bandwidth.
(Usable low-frequency response inside the vehicle will be
below 20Hz.)
• An optimum sealed enclosure will always be smaller than an
optimum enclosure of another type.
SEALED-ENCLOSURE
PERFORMANCE TRADE-OFFS
• An optimum sealed enclosure will have lower overall efficiency
than an optimum enclosure of another type.
• A subwoofer in an optimum sealed enclosure will require more
amplifier power to achieve a given acoustic output than in an
optimum enclosure of another type.
SEALED-ENCLOSURE
CONSTRUCTION
Sealed-enclosure construction is straightforward and forgiving of
errors in volume calculation, but air leaks should be avoided. Use
medium-density fiberboard (MDF), glue and screws to construct
the enclosure, and seal all joints with silicone caulk.
RECOMMENDATION
Subwoofers in sealed enclosures are recommended for
enthusiasts who prefer accurate music reproduction and flat
frequency response, for those who have a smaller space to
devote to a subwoofer enclosure, and for those who have plenty
of amplifier power devoted to driving the subwoofer. The sealed-
enclosure design indicated in this manual represents the best
compromise between low-frequency extension and flat response.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING A JBL
ARENA SUBWOOFER
It has been designed to suit a broad range of car audio
applications and can be used in a wide variety of enclosure types
to produce extended, powerful bass in a limited amount of vehicle
space. To get the most performance from your new subwoofer,
it is strongly recommended that you have a qualified professional
install it. Although this manual provides general instructions about
installing the subwoofer, it does not include enclosure construction
details or exact installation methods for any particular vehicle. If
you do not feel that you have the necessary experience, do not
attempt the installation yourself, but instead ask your authorized
JBL dealer about professional installation options.
Remember to keep your sales receipt in a safe place, along with
this manual, so that both are available for future reference.
WHAT’S IN THE BOX
1X
1X
1X
1X
8X
2X
WARNING
Playing loud music in a vehicle can hinder your ability to hear traffic
and can permanently damage your hearing. The maximum volume
levels achievable by JBL speakers when combined with high-
power amplification may exceed safe levels for extended listening.
Using low-volume levels is recommended when driving. JBL,
Inc., accepts no liability for hearing loss, bodily injury, or property
damage as a result of use or misuse of this product.
REPRODUCING BASS IN VEHICLES
Depending on the size of your vehicle’s interior listening space,
reproduced bass frequencies below 80Hz will be boosted
by nearly 12dB per octave as frequency decreases. This
phenomenon, known as the vehicle’s transfer function (or
cabin gain), plays an important role in shaping the subwoofer’s
frequency response in your vehicle.
SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURE TYPES
The subwoofer is designed to perform best in moderately
sized sealed enclosures, vented enclosures, and prefabricated
bandpass enclosures. Infinite-baffle mounting is possible, but the
subwoofer’s mechanical power-handling will be reduced because
Arena Subwoofer
