Building a 12" Subwoofer with Concrete Base - by SoundBlab
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 28 авг 2024
- This Subwoofer build with Concrete Base uses the concept of a Linkwitz Transform (LT). It essentially boosts the bass output of a subwoofer driver in a smaller sealed enclosure compared to the typical larger enclosure required by a ported enclosure.
I am using a miniDSP 2x4 to implement the LT. The subwoofer uses a 300 Watt amplifier that I have built a few years ago. The driver is a JBL GT4-12 inch subwoofer and the enclosure is roughly 35 litres sealed.
Buy the miniDSP 2x4 here on Amazon.com:
► (US) amzn.to/2aWkeXG , (UK) amzn.to/2KA2YbX
You can read more on the LT here: www.minidsp.co... or here: www.linkwitzlab...
Please be sure to subscribe to this channel and don't miss out!
►► Subscribe to my channel ►► goo.gl/EWMSXV
Follow me on Instagram: / soundblab
Follow me on Twitter: / soundblabs
Follow me on Pinterest: / soundblab
Recommended Tools:
- Makita 18V Cordless Drill & Impact Driver: amzn.to/2b56Oev
- Makita Finishing Sander: amzn.to/2b57nVG
- Makita Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/2aC8GXa
- Makita Beltsander: amzn.to/2aHi63k
- Makita Circular Saw: amzn.to/2bbhKGP
- Makita Jigsaw: amzn.to/2bbiM5H
Music: Kai Engel - Comatose #soundblab
COOL! "It's all about the base, for the bass, no treble."
Seems like your idea has a good foundation.
Thanks!
SoundBlab is there any concrete evidence that this improves the bass
feels like a cheesy reddit pun string in the comments haha
I think its the vibration of the enclosure that reduces the bass. Because of the weight of the concrete it reduces the over all vibration of the enclosure that cancels the bass w/c in return produces the bass right on the subwoofer driver itself.. Try to listen on a light enclosure over a heavier one and you'll see the noticeable difference.. :)
The true "rock solid bass"
This subwoofer was cool ... What a beautiful design with this concrete base.
Thank you
Entranced by the music, Great build
Me too!
Try Tipper. Good stuff. i met him at his show at alex greys house, very cool trippy music.
Cheers Bud
the background tune did a good job by just convincing us to finish watching the whole clip too :D Its like waiting for it to finish the whole video :D
I like the fact he built this bad ass box with 3 tools that everyone has sweet job
This subwoofer sure has a solid base/bass xD
Nice build, with a heavy solid bottom support, stopping the unit from jumping around in use, the bass must be clean and articulate. Nice one.
Thanks
I found your channel when I was researching my first DIY speaker build and have now watched ALL of your videos. You Sir, are an artist!! Great builds and really great videos!! Love the accent too - makes the commentary very relaxing to listen to!!
Thanks man, appreciate the comments and encouragement!
What I feel badly missing in your videos is good narrative, the commentary explaining the logic behind your every step, the story the technical details, the science. I liked both your videos I saw but I feel there is a great scope to improve.
can u do a sound review just cause the ending part sounded good
Amazing craftsman, design, and video editing. Very impressed.
Thanks
For your information, when measuring VAS with the added mass method, the mass should be attached to the driver's cone. Bluetack works well.
This is so satisfying to watch.
Thanks
Great Video, lovely finished product, trouble is normal folk like me can't do that, the amount of tools and experience needed is considerably high.
me too just envy this kind of tools :D
you definitely need a few tools but you may be surprised what you can do if you try. just watch a few videos like this and you can do the same. these days you can literally learn anything pretty quick. do'nt need to go to school you just need to try. but of course if you do'nt ever use power tools then be freaking careful lol. i learned how to work on cars and computers just tinkering and watching videos and help from friends teaching me things. i am going to start making subs/enclosures like this soon just need to get my new garage sorted. looks like a ton of fun and im a bass head. good video
you used Concrete Base but this idea i had seen almost 20 years ago in ADS subs, they used very thick solid one piece marble base, and they gave choice also so you can choose the color also. good job you had done.
Thanks
I wish I could work that fast.
you can with your right hand with just 1 simple trick! bedum tss
Excellent cabinet build, but the vid editing is exquisite
Thanks
Wow great looking wish I could have heard it in person. One small thing is the concrete base. Good idea but maybe you should have done it a couple times to work out the kinks. But as it is you did a great job.
Thanks. Definitely learned a few things on casting concrete on this build...
That's amazing work, wish the actual sound quality would come through the video. I am sure the sound is much better than the video can replicate.
Thanks yes, it sounds much better in real life! Low frequencies are difficult to record.
very nice work!
Thanks
Whilst watching this, I was thinking Mr. Meade would appreciate this. Should have known that a true bass head will venture off to all ends of youtube , researching and gathering knowledge.
SoundBlab , hi!, can you do a subwoofer with a enclosure with the shape like a turbine from a jet airplane?
SMD 😎
Very nice, something I may have to try in the living room and get the 11cf box out.
You'll definitely save some space ; )
Very nice build. I've done a few car enclosures in the past, but this is inspiring me to make a home enclosure now. I probably won't go with a concrete base the first time, but this is definitely a cool idea. I hope yours sounds as good as I think it does.
all that tech, there, and he whips out a fold-up ruler. nice.
I use the floor instead of the concrete. Nice sound.
lol
Beautiful craftsmanship, modern and contemporary. Also, love the PAM.
Love the background music in this. What a great idea to use concrete!
Thanks
Music name ??
-solid bass-
Thank you for the awesome build log, really good work. The backing track is absolute nectar to this 20yr old pioneer champion series. Keep up the good work :)
Thank you very much!
Great way to generate deep bass!
DIY subwoofer build on another level :D Very nice.
Looks really cool. a bit like the old Sub from DAK. the Krakatoa from the late 80's. That subwoofer was in use from 1989 ish until the fall of 2015. When I went all SVS including dual PB-1000s.
Just found your channel and really enjoy your videos. I am a woodworker looking into building my own speakers.
Thank you, good luck on your journey into speaker building. Its a great hobby!
You do superb work! Every one of your videos has amazing craftsmanship. (I know, because I can’t do any of this!) Please keep making them.
Thanks
amazing vídeo ! thanks for sharing. The only problem is that most of us don't have the tools to do this kind of Job.
Thanks
Thats amazing
Thanks!
SoundBlab jbv
Awesome. I wish I could have an actual listen. Very encouraging. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Thanks man!
the box itself is freakin flawless 😍 id have tinted the cement tho 😝
good call
J Lynn I would have put cross braces internally on the inside of the cube too
Beautiful design and build tho
***** i love this 💖... wish i had the tools to make it
just buy concrete garden slab.
excellent craftsmanship, great audio processing and you chose that entry level automotive sub :(
Thanks. This JBL sub is entry level, however it is a very good unit that had the required specs I was looking for for this type of application. I was not looking for something that had loads of excursion or power. I wanted a balanced sub that can perform well musically and for movies up to a required point. Many other higher power subs deliver lots of low end, but lack in the detail when it comes to mid sub frequencies. Price is not always an indication of performance and this one performs more like a sub intended for home theatre application than most other car subs.
If the result is satisfying you that's all that matters. I just thought a sub intended for car use would not have enough low end (because in car there's the natural cabin gain). But I'm sure the DSP corrects any of these issues if exist and yes, the sub is build very well.
nice build
Very very nice made, specialy the concrete base. But i would have chosen for example a Hypex DS 8.0 amplifier.
Thanks. The idea was to experiment with the Linkwitz Transform in a sealed enclosure to extend the bass. The Hypex amp does not give me that functionality.
OK, i did not know that. In that case you can choose for a DSP amp like a Dayton Audio SPA.... DSP series. And to say again, looks great.
Velho! você e muito inteligente; esse sub é show!!!
Very nice , i wish i had your job , awesome seeing more locals coming into RUclips, maybe one day you can build me a system lol ill save on shipping cause I'm in Cape Town :)
really cool design! the baseplate is a real turn on :) But I know from experience that curves like that aren't really telling the truth, they look good but it won't tell you how it really sounds! but overall cool build :) I would add some dampening material inside the box, like stonewool to eat up some resonating frequencies:)
Hey thanks! The curves you see in the video are the simulation curves for the Linkwitz Transform circuit based on the Thiele Small parameters of the chosen driver. But true, nothing is better than hearing it for yourself, the simulation is only an ideal theoretical outcome. I did actually add damping materials, didn't show it on the video, sorry :)
very beautiful. shouldn't there be anything between the concrete and the wooden enclosure to reduce vibration ? like rubber or some kind of glue? the wood finish is beautiful.
You are the best thing dude. MAKE MORE SPEAKERS
Thanks man! Keep on watching!
Sure men! Sure! Iam crazy with sound
Nice work man
Thanks
Very Nice build!
Tx
Classy stuff, I have a sub with a similar set up but it has square metal legs, your concrete base looks much better.....glad I dont have to move yours though :)
Thanks Jayme, luckily I don't have to move it often :)
Imagine a translaminate bamboo or cocunut plywood 3/4". Bamboo is a steel substitute in Asia. Cocunut and Palm exhibit similar tension load characteristics of steel. I think natural cork could substitute glue , it could be loaded with threaded rod under tension. It could remain tunable in Port length and chamber volume. Translaminate allows anticoic chamber shapes as an alternating pattern of layers. That concrete base is genius.
Thanks
Really impressive work, the concrete base looks amazing and goes well with the overall look. But how come you don't have a bass port on this sub?
There is a link and explanation to the concept of the Linkwitz Transform Circuit principle I applied of a sealed subwoofer to extend the bass frequency in the description of the video.
Great work! Very nicely made video with a cool music track to go with it. It had plenty of bass and I was thinking you could test the subwoofer with it! One suggestion regarding the production: can you please consider muting the sound of power tools? Sped up, they're extremely screechy and unpleasant... Was listening with headphones and had to mute a few times.
Liked and subscribed even before I reached and end and heard your request. :)
Thanks man. I'll consider the tip :) I don't generally listen with headphones so its good to know.
Really nice design ! Cheers
Thanks
good SOLID base
Thanks
Concrete doesn't like vibrations so good luck with that ;)
Song at the end of the video used to test the sub is "Listen" by Vaun for anyone who wants to know.
Thanks, I could not remember.
unbelieveable that is truely amazing dude
Thanks!
Incredible.
Thanks
As always great workmanship. I was wondering if you have thought about front firing sealed 10" subwoofer with 12" ported subwoofer in one cabinet and working as one subwoofer? 10" working between 120Hz to 60Hz and 12" working between 60Hz to 10Hz. I know it's bit crazy but I think it will sound really good.
Thanks. It'll be a bit like a two-way subwoofer. I haven't seen that before. Will give it some thought...
@@SoundBlab thanks.
nice one. I like. what's your opinion on using metal rather than wood to make a speaker or sub?....
Thanks. Depend on what type of metal you have in mind. Typically aluminum is a good choice for speakers because you can use a relatively thick wall thickness to weight ratio. Using something like steel would be impractical as it will be very heavy at the same wall thickness. A company like Magico typically uses aluminum for speaker enclosures.
If its just weight thats the issue, then a semi permanent steel high fi should be ok right, Like your concrete one? I was wondering if the resonating of the steel pannels would become a benefit or a problem for the sound, I work with metal on my channel and I'm also a PA technition for a church . we're building a community cinema and I'm thinking of building some quallity sound systems at a trade price. who do you use for speaker parts? Love your videos and thank you so much for replying. J
Any added resonance by the panels would be bad.
Absolutly fantastic build.
Would the subwoofer work without dsp and still be decent ? Is it possible to simulate the DSP with a good sound card in your PC ? What driver did you exactly use and why ? You said there will be build plans available soon, so when will that be ?
Sorry for the many questions but I'm very interestet in this build as a newbie to loudspeaker building but experienced in woodworking.
Keep it up.
To integrate properly into a system any subwoofer will require some form of crossover. This project relies on the DSP to perform the crossover duties and therefore can not be omitted. The driver I used should be linked in the video description. This JBL driver has good excursion and was for that reason suitable to apply a bass boost too via the DSP unit. It uses a principle called Linkwitz Transform to boost the bass in a sealed enclosure, thus allowing to use a smaller enclosure than in a ported box to achieve the same amount of bass output.
I have many projects on in the pipeline and can not say when build plans will be available, but it is still on the cards.
Good Build!
Thanks
Nice work
Thanks
Are you not using any sound dampening materials? If not then you should it would improve the acoustics quite a bit :)
The video does not show it, but I did include some stuffing in the enclosure.
Ok. This is genius. You've given concrete evidence.
Thanks
as usual great taste with your designs guys. What is the lowest frequency this bad boy could reach?
Thnaks! -3dB at roughly 25Hz.
very nice work.
Thanks you!
Hej! Like your builds a lot. Will you also show how you made your speakers one could slightly see at the end of the video? Keep going!
Thanks! I don't have a build video of that, but I will do a more conventional speaker build in future.
Really looking forward to this! :)
Awesome work mate.
I hope the speaker was previously broken in before he took the ts perameters, if not then the ts perameters will change as the spider lossesns up.
It was.
Although, in a sealed enclosure the TS parameters are not as crucial as in a ported enclosure. Slight variations will have very little effect on the audible outcome.
can you go into some more detail on how to find the qes and vas of a driver? I've been looking around for ages.
Very nicely done
I see some of your own standmounters, any videos of them being built?
Unfortunately not. I finished them some years ago.
very good looking subwoofer. i kinda like this cement stand, but somehow i also dont. really great work though :)
Thanks.
i feel you on the base. it just looks more unrefined unlike the bamboo box. perhaps a stain on the cement or some other kind of texture.
exactly what im thinking :P
Exelente tutorial se puede sustituir la base añidiendole colchon de fibra de bidrio
Tx
Hi there. Very nice build! I'm going to be doing soon. Is your enclosure waterproof? Did you spray a sealer on the wood? I would love to build out of MDF and the cover with a nice outdoor wood and stain to match furniture.
It's a really nice build but it would be cool when you could explain what you made an which products you used like in some other videos. And I have a question is the a possibility to see more videos like this and is it possible to buy some of your works their quite amazing O_O
Thanks for the feedback. There should be links in the description to all the parts I used. Right now this video is more a showcase for entertainment of what I have built rather than a complete build log. In future I plan to make more detailed videos together with plans that you can download.
The bass must hit hard
amazing!!! this look premium! what detail...
Looking gorgeus! Good work :) pls show us more of that!
Thanks man! There is more to come.
Thank you for sharing your aknowlegement with all of us! Coud you share this excel (and other information) to learn how to calculate aproximately the behaviour of the speaker before being build? I mean, before being able to compute it by ARTA or symilar software? Thx! Keep going! I learn so much with your videos.
Thanks. I will be doing another subwoofer build in the future similar to this. I can include it in that video. Thanks for the feedback!
Nice well done.
Thanks
Beautiful
I like the idea that use DSP to do the LT. Is the max output of the lower end frequency affected ?
You need a driver that can handle the excursion of the lower FQ being boosted.
Im a total audiophile noob. Don't subwoofers need an opening or a port?
No, not necessarily. A ported enclosure will give a lower bass output, but with the Linkwitz Transform applied via the MiniDSP, we can boost the bass output in a sealed enclosure to be similar to that of a ported subwoofer. You might still ask why? A sealed subwoofer in my opinion has many advantages: The enclosure is smaller and the bass sounds tighter and more accurate.
Thanks for the info
So instead of pumping up the bass output where the sub drops it's capacity to make a linear bass physically with a port or passive radiator you pump it up by "software" digitally?does the MiniDSP is for compensating that loss?
its a diff type of enclosure w/c is a sealed one..
correct and with a cleaner sound w/out the farting port noise :D
thanks☺
Ficou beleza, fantástico! Rio RJ Brasil
Keep up your great work.
I ahve that exact sub in my car, doesn't need much to pack a punch tough ;)
Very Cool. What kind of wood is on the outside of the box?
não tem como ficar sem dar laik nos seus vídeos você é o cara!
You are the best bro, i Like your Work!
Thanks
It made no sound what-so-ever! The concrete kept all the sound within the cabinet! Maybe a little resonance is a good thing?!
You've got some nasty skills man, love da subwoofer. Keep it going... 👍
Thanks
this nail pistol is awesome, i want one too :D
Isn't that a car audio speaker? Why would you use it for hifi? And why did you choose such thin walls? Don´t get me wrong, it´s a realy nice build, I´m just kinda confused by your design decisions.
It is a car audio speaker. This particular one has Thiele Small parameters that is ideal for using it in a sealed enclosure and applying a Linkwitz Transform circuit. Sure, there are many car subs that is not ideal for home theatre (HT) or Hifi and has been built specifically for providing high excursion and SPL, but most are no different from any other subwoofer driver and can be used in HT or Hifi.
Well, what is a thin wall in your opinion? These are 21mm thick and they seem to hold up very well. I could go thicker, but I don't see the need to. Thanks for your reply!
Sorry my bad, I must have missed the mdf construction. Just saw the 5mm plates you glued on the outside. Sweet woofer!
wonderfull video and subwoofer! keep going Like this!
You'll get much stronger concrete if you ease off the water. You want "earth moist" concrete, which is not at all flowable. Use the drier mix and pound it into the forms about 1" at a time. You might get "bug holes" --holes that make the finish look like Colby cheese --but to people that know, that's a sign of good concrete, and part of it's charm.
Also did you know that they make white portland cement? A least they do in the US. Start with that and you can dye the concrete practically any color.
Thanks for the tip. It was really my first time experimenting with concrete and I would like to do some more builds incorporating it. I love the texture and feel of it.
I've seen the white concrete in my local hardware shop. Will try it sometime.
Good job. I like build this!
Seems like familiar with my yamaha yst sw315 subwoofer
I wanted to ask here: I want to build a bluetooth speaker too. How important is the whole where air can get out? Pls I need a answer and you are the expert :)
Each enclosure and port (or hole) is very specific for the driver that goes into it. If the size of either is not optimised for the driver, the result will not always be desirable. If you can wait, I will be releasing a future design and build plans and where you can buy the components.
+SoundBlab ok thank you :)