Testing a subwoofer without a box?
Is it ok to test a subwoofer when it is not in a box/enclosure? I'm making a custom fiberglass box for it and I want to make sure the sub is working properly before I screw it in there (plus, I'm dying to hear this thing). Thanks.
Ok I'm getting two different answers here. One saying it won't hurt a thing, the other saying there's a good chance it will bust it...
@ grand lake bum: Way to sound mature... And I'm not talking about sound quality here. I just want to make sure it's actually working before I get it all situated.
Well I am seeing partially right answers and some wrong ones...
Yes, you can hook up a sub and play it without an enclosure. However, you will want to keep it at low volumes just to be safe. You could possibly go beyond the sub's mechanical limits if you push it too hard.
If you only want to test it that is fine. Just don't expect the sub to sound good because you will more then likely hear little bass from the sub. Don't be surprised as this is normal. Again, don't try to turn it up to get more performance from the sub. You should be able to tell that it is working at low volume.
If you do this you will experience how much of a difference the enclosure makes in the overall performance of your sub. You will be surprised how much louder having a simple enclosure will make the sub.
odinsragess, you are right that in car speakers are free air. However, they are designed specifically for free air applications. Most subs are not designed for this use so it can be bad to use a sub in free air.
Good Luck!!!
Wood / fiberglass sub enclosure
