Subwoofer Design

[ReMmy]

Could someone explain the technical reasoning behind why some subs (usually active, it seems) have closed fronts with limited porting, as opposed to an unobscured arrangement like you see with most passive subs? Thanks!

[ReMmy]

I'm mainly curious because I have a mackie srs1500 active sub, and wonder if I should get another of the same model, or get the swa1501 (one of each have come up cheap lately on CL). Might running the two different cab designs be a plus or a negative? Thanks!

RW

[Dantreige]

Try to never mix different designs. You will need different eq to get even responce.

[T-Bird]

Hi.

Those are band-pass enclosures, nothing to do with 'em being active or passive.

Usually, running two identical subs can be troublesome without careful planning and/or processors, but I wouldn't mix different types of enclosures for any reason.

Regards
Sam

[ReMmy]

so i'm hearing that i shouldn't match one srs1500 with a swa1501, right? Even though the 1501 is the current version of the discontinued 1500?

[modulusman]

Originally Posted by ReMmy

so i'm hearing that i shouldn't match one srs1500 with a swa1501, right? Even though the 1501 is the current version of the discontinued 1500?

I have owned both and the 1501 sounded better IMO. The notes seamed more defined.

[Gizmot]

Placement and processing have a lot to do with overall performance. The question about whether you want sealed box or a vented box is a good one - a ported design can usually deliver more extended lows and lower distortion than a sealed box. However, a sealed box is a lot easier to design.