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This manual outlines two specific types of enclosures that provide distinctly different
performance. This section is to help you decide which type is best for your application.
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Sealed enclosures are the simplest to build. The most important part of building a
sealed enclosure is to make sure that the enclosure is airtight. Using glue and some
type of sealant on all seams will ensure solid construction and prevent air leaks. The
box volume will directly impact the performance of the speaker. Larger enclosures will
provide flatter response and deeper bass where smaller boxes will provide a bump in
the response curve and generally higher output for greater SPL.
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Small enclosures
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Linear (Flat) response
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No port noise
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High power handling at all frequencies
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Excellent for sound quality
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Extended low frequency output when compared to vented enclosures
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Vented enclosures vary only from the sealed enclosure in that a vent or port is added to
“tune” the enclosure. The enclosures recommended are designed for great overall per-
formance. Larger boxes tend to be easy to tune to lower frequencies while medium and
small boxes are easier to tune to higher frequencies. The vented design is less linear in
response than the sealed box but with noticeably more output at the tuning frequency.
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Higher average output than sealed
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Tuning frequency can be easily adjusted by changing port length
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Deep bass response with lower power requirements
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Great for high output with limited power
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To work properly, the walls of the enclosure must be rigid and not flex when subjected
to the high pressures generated by the speaker's operation. For optimum performance,
we recommend using 3/4" MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) and internal bracing. The
enclosure should be glued together and secured with nails or screws.
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Calculating volume is merely a matter of measuring the dimensions in inches and using
the formula: H x W x D divided by 1728 (cubic feet). See block below.
If two facing sides are of uneven length, add them together and divide by two to take
the average. Using this number will give you the volume without the necessity of calcu-
lating the box in sections and adding the sections together. The thickness of the baffle
material reduces the internal volume so this must be subtracted from the outside
dimensions to determine the internal volume. The speaker itself also reduces the inter-
nal volume. The amount of air displaced by each model is listed on the specification
sheet and should also be subtracted from the gross volume calculation.
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CAUTION:
Before installation, disconnect the battery negative (-)
terminal to prevent damage to the unit, fire and/or
possible injury.
PRACTICE SAFE SOUND™
Continuous exposure to sound pressure levels over 100dB may
cause permanent hearing loss. High powered auto sound systems
may produce sound pressure levels well over 130dB. Use common
sense and practice safe sound.
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(1) Lightning Audio L2 Series Subwoofer
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(1) Painted ABS decorative trim ring
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Box Volume
Height" x Width" x Depth"
Divided by (cubic feet)
1728
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0
120.0
130.0
10
100
1000
Impedance (ohms) Excursion (mm)
SPL
(dB)
Frequency (Hz)
Closed Box SPL
Vented Box SPL
L
L2
2--D
D2
21
10
0
L
L2
2--D
D4
41
10
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0
120.0
130.0
10
100
1000
Impedance (ohms) Excursion (mm)
SPL
(dB)
Frequency (Hz)
Closed Box SPL
Vented Box SPL
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0
120.0
130.0
10
100
1000
Impedance (ohms) Excursion (mm)
SPL
(dB)
Frequency (Hz)
Closed Box SPL
Vented Box SPL
L
L2
2--D
D2
21
12
2
L
L2
2--D
D4
41
12
2
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
60.0
70.0
80.0
90.0
100.0
110.0
120.0
130.0
10
100
1000
Impedance (ohms) Excursion (mm)
SPL
(dB)
Frequency (Hz)
Closed Box SPL
Vented Box SPL