Listening to music is a relaxing activity for most people. To really feel the intensity of the bass and treble, speakers with subwoofers are a must. However, commercially available subwoofers are costly. If you want to go the route of making DIY subwoofers without breaking the bank, our sound engineers listed all the essentials you need to know.
How Do Subwoofer Parts Work Together?
A subwoofer is designed to amplify low-pitched sounds like bass. It works by receiving low frequency effects in the form of electric current from the speakers. This electric current is then amplified using the subwoofer’s magnetic coils.
The amplified current then causes the diaphragm of the subwoofer to vibrate and this vibration causes the production of bass frequencies heard and felt by the user.
Building Your Own Subwoofer
Parts and Components
It is important to know the parts and functions of a subwoofer in order to successfully create a DIY version. However, the components will depend on your budget including the following:
- Basket: The framework of the subwoofer that holds all the parts together. Baskets should be steel or aluminum to provide a strong support.
- Diaphragm or Cone: Vibrates to create the sound. It is made of materials like Polyurethane, Aluminum and Magnesium, or Kevlar
- Spider: Regulates the movement of the diaphragm and assists the voice coil to its centered position within the magnetic cap
- Tinsel Leads: Carries the electrical current from the terminal to the voice coil
- Voice Coil: Made of coil of wire around the former (cylinder). The charging current makes the coil and the diapgraphn move creating the vibration.
- Magnet: Attached to the top and back plate and helps in making the diaphragm move as it retains the magnetic flux
- Top Plate: Connected to the underside of the basket and directs the magnetic flux to the coil
- Back Plate: Connected to the pole piece and creates the opposing force with the Top Plate. It also acts as a heatsink.
- Pole Piece: Directs the magnetic field produced by the magnet so it should have a high magnetic permeability.
Design
The design of the subwoofer largely depends on the available space of its supposed location.
Cylinder type subwoofers are easier to build as the process is straightforward and doesn’t need braces. Box designs need more work. They require internal braces to prevent collapse.
The internal volume is the most important factor to consider for both of these designs.
(Want an extra loud bass? Then, you should also consider our list of top-performing 18-inch subs here)
Measurements
To determine the size of the subwoofer, you have to be ready with your measuring tools. Before starting your design, you should identify the external dimensions by measuring the depth, height, and width of the subwoofer that will fit into your space.
Next is to compute the internal dimensions of the box. It is done by subtracting the size of the material you will use for the box or cylinder. To compute the internal volume, multiply the internal dimensions to each other.
You can adjust the dimensions to your liking as the internal volume will dictate the frequency range of the subwoofer.
Additions
Amplifiers can be added and connected to the subwoofer. This boosts input signal to produce a louder and more pronounced low frequency sounds.
(Looking for the most powerful subs? Why not check our list of high-performing PA subs here)
Cost and Labor
In order to create a premium subwoofer like those we listed as top-tier subwoofer for single cab truck, high quality materials should be used. High quality materials for basket, magnets, voice coils, and cones are a bit pricier but alternative materials are also available at cheaper prices.
Depending on your components, you’d need around $25 to build one. Cylinder subwoofer designs are also easier to make than box designs.
FAQ
Can I build my own subwoofer?
Yes, you can build your own subwoofer. You just need to identify the size of the space for placement, choose the components you want to use, and spend time in building your subwoofer.
What do you need to build a subwoofer?
You need the subwoofer components to build a sub. They include voice coil, magnet, and cone. You also need drills, screws, measuring materials, carpenter’s glue, paint, and fiberboard.
Conclusion
You don’t need to spend a lot of money purchasing that subwoofer as you can make your own DIY subwoofer. Our sound engineers summarized the things that you need to know so you just have to provide the materials, a space to put it, money, and time.
Looking for budget-friendly subs? Well, we have the following products below in different price ranges:
