5
BAND-PASS ENCLOSURES
Band-pass enclosures can provide the
most output from any amplifier and
subwoofer combination over a limited
band of frequencies, but that additional
output comes at the expense of sonic
accuracy. Band-pass enclosures combine
a sealed or vented enclosure that houses
the subwoofer along with a vented chamber
into which the subwoofer outputs its sound.
The vented chamber acts as an acoustic
low-pass filter which attenuates high
frequencies in the subwoofer’s output.That
attenuation of high frequencies can make it
very difficult to hear amplifier and speaker
distortion; consequently, you may not be
able to determine when the subwoofer is
in danger of being damaged.
See accompanying data sheet for specific
enclosure dimension requirements.
BAND-PASS-ENCLOSURE PERFORMANCE
ADVANTAGES
• An optimum band-pass enclosure provides
higher output over a limited bandwidth
than an optimum enclosure of any other
type.
BAND-PASS-ENCLOSURE PERFORMANCE TRADE-OFFS
• Band-pass enclosures achieve high output
at the expense of sonic accuracy.
• An optimum band-pass enclosure has a
more limited bandwidth than an optimum
enclosure of any other type.
• The enclosure’s low-pass filter character-
istics can make it difficult to hear if the
subwoofer is in danger of being damaged.
• An optimum band-pass enclosure is usually
larger than an optimum vented enclosure.
BAND-PASS-ENCLOSURE CONSTRUCTION
Band-pass-enclosure construction is more
difficult than vented-box construction and,
as with vented enclosures,the design
parameters for the vented section must
be followed carefully. (The sealed section
is more forgiving of small design and
construction variations.) Fortunately,
there are many prefabricated band-pass
enclosures that are designed to extract
the most output possible from nearly
any subwoofer. Prefabricated band-pass
enclosures are strongly recommended
if you must have a band-pass enclosure.
If you choose to build your own band-pass
enclosure, use medium-density fiberboard
(MDF), glue and screws to construct the
enclosure, and be sure to seal all joints
with silicone caulk.
THE INFINITY RECOMMENDATION
Band-pass enclosures are recommended
only for enthusiasts who want high sound-
pressure levels (SPL) without regard for
sonic accuracy. If high SPL AND great-
sounding bass are your goals,choosing a
vented enclosure is recommended instead.
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