Many individuals do not understand how to properly measure a subwoofer. However, precise speaker measurement is essential for optimizing your setup. With this article, Hooke Audio will tell you exactly how to measure a subwoofer.
Contents
What Subwoofer Aspects Should You Measure?
To determine the subwoofer’s total size, you need to measure its diameter, mounting height, and depth. Sub measurements go beyond, so it doesn’t matter if you need a sub 10” or 12″. Below is a description and illustration of each.
- Speaker diameter – the measurement of the outside diameter of the speaker frame, excluding any mounting lugs present. By measuring the speaker’s diameter, you can find a new speaker that is the same size as your old one. It will fit into the existing mounting space.
- Cutout diameter – This indicates the measurement of the sub, including the mounting holes. This is necessary for the surround to be clear of the speaker’s mounting plane.
- Mounting height – This measurement indicates how far the front-end of the subwoofer projects from the front mounting surface. You can ensure that the sub does not project too high.
- Mounting depth – This refers to the length of the subwoofer’s rear. This will let you to measure the distance between the rear of the speaker and the front mounting plane.
How To Measure A Subwoofer
Method 1 – Measure Dimensions Of The Subwoofer
Step 1 – Remove the Subwoofer Driver From the Old Enclosure
Turn off the subwoofer, and then remove it from the mounting or enclosure. This can be done with a screwdriver.
Remove the covers from the subwoofer’s back and loosen the screws. Once you’re done, remove the sub from the enclosure and disconnect all wires. Make sure the driver is removed completely from the enclosure.
Step 2 – Measure the Subwoofer’s Mounting Depth
To measure the depth of the mounting in inches, place the sub upright.
The mounting depth is the distance between the speaker’s back and the mounting frame.
Let’s now discuss how to calculate the depth of subwoofer mounting. Start measuring from the bottom to the mounting frame, which is the flat metal or plastic plate surrounding the cone.
Two measurements should be taken: the subwoofer’s top mounting depth and bottom mounting depth. This refers to the distance from the counting frame to the sub.
Step 3 – Measure the Mounting Heights
This is done by measuring the mounting frame of the subwoofer from the bottom to its highest projection point.
Place the subwoofer so that the wide end of the cone faces upwards. With the driver upright, calculate the distance with a ruler or tape measure. Measure the size from the bottom to the metal or plastic surrounding the cone. This is known as the mounting frame.
Measure from the bottom of the mounting plate to the highest point on the sub. Then, examine it from the side. This will allow you to determine how far it extends beyond the mounting frame.
This measurement is necessary to ensure that your sub is safe. You could endanger the sub if the height exceeds the limit. You shouldn’t place the sub too high. It shouldn’t be too tall, or it could cause serious damage.
Step 4 – Measure the Cutout Diameter
This is how to calculate the diameter of the subwoofer. To ensure that the cone’s largest part faces down, flip the sub speaker upside-down. Measure the size from one mounting hole to the other of your driver’s widest parts. Keep track of the dimensions to ensure you don’t forget the details later.
Let’s now discuss how to measure a square Subwoofer. You should calculate the width of the sub from the largest point on each side, even if it is not round. Measure the distance from the four mounting holes to measure diagonally.
Method 2 – Measure Mounting Holes
You can find out how big the holes in new subwoofers are so you can choose one that fits your enclosure.
The above method is more valuable than the one described because you can drill new holes to support the subwoofer if needed.
This method can also be used to measure your subwoofer accurately. Here’s how to test it:
Step 1 – Determine the Mounting Hole’s Outer Diameter
Find the largest area of the hole, and place your ruler or measuring tape across it. Measure from the edge of the mounting hole to its opposite side. It should be larger or equal to the baffle cutout diameter on the subwoofer.
If the hole is not circular, make sure to check the largest point on all sides.
Step 2 – Determine the Inner Diameter of the Hole
If you notice recessed lips at the location where you plan to mount your subwoofer, this is a crucial step.
This is a common problem that causes the mounting frame to lay flush. Put your ruler on the other side of the hole and measure the inner diameter. Measure straight across the enclosure hole to determine the length.
Subwoofer closures are designed with a recessed lip. You should locate the largest point on each side of the hole that is not round.
The cutout diameter of a recessed lip should be slightly smaller than normal. It won’t fit into the mounting hole. This could cause severe damage.
Step 3 – Measure the Subwoofer Space Depth
To make the best purchase decision, you should know the depth of the space in which the sub will be placed.
You can calculate it by sticking the ruler inside the mounting hole. Record the measurement once the ruler reaches the surface’s end. This is how much you can charge for your subwoofer.
The mounting height of your sub should not exceed the space’s depth. To ensure that the sub fits perfectly within the enclosure, measure the space.
Step 4 – Determine the Unique Features Of The Screw Pattern
Examine the layout of your old enclosure. Find the distance between different screw holes and the one opposite.
Determine the distance between each screw. Write down what you find and compare it to the subwoofers you plan to use.
As mentioned above, if the pattern of the screws is not compatible, you can always drill new ones.
Measure the Subwoofer Box Cubic Feet
Your enclosure’s air space has a significant impact on your sound. Subwoofers that sound better in bigger boxes will produce deeper bass, while those with smaller enclosures will be able to hear more. To calculate how many cubic feet your enclosure holds, multiply the enclosure’s height, width, length. This is the total volume of your box. Divide this number by 1,728.
What is the Subwoofer Impedance and Why is it Important?
Before purchasing a subwoofer, you should be aware of its impedance. This information may be found on the magnet’s back or on the backside of the speaker. It is also possible to double-check the Ohms by using a multimeter to calculate them. It is crucial to know the impedance as it will determine the load the amplifier receives from the sub. It’s more than just the size. Make sure that your sub has the same impedance as the one you have before the replacement subwoofer to prevent overloading the amp.
How Do You Measure A Subwoofer Size?
The difference in the measurement of a subwoofer or any loudspeaker driver is illustrated below. The measurement of a 13-inch woofer is the diameter of the circular metal frame that surrounds the front of the driver. Measurements are therefore taken externally using the diameter of the outer frame.
What Size Subwoofer Hits The Hardest?
Subwoofers come in sizes from 8 to 15 inches or even larger. The most common sizes for subwoofers in-car music systems are 10-inch and 12-inch. But if you want the bass to hit the hardest, you should think about getting a 15-inch subwoofer.
A 15-inch subwoofer is perfect for making deep, strong bass that you can feel all over the car. This is because a 15-inch subwoofer has a bigger surface area than smaller subwoofers, which lets it move more air and make more bass.
Also, a 15-inch subwoofer usually needs more power to run, which can also make it hit harder.
The size of the subwoofer is not the only thing that affects how hard it hits. The subwoofer’s structure, materials, and power handling capabilities might also affect its performance.
Read more:
- How Many Speakers Are In My Car?
- Best Budget Subwoofer Car 2023: Top Brand Reviews
- Best Wireless Subwoofers
FAQs
How do I measure the power handling capabilities of a subwoofer?
The RMS power number is a way to figure out how much power a subwoofer can handle. This rating refers to the amount of power the subwoofer can continuously handle without being damaged. To measure the RMS power rating, consult the manufacturer’s specifications for the subwoofer.
How do I measure the frequency response of a subwoofer?
To test a subwoofer’s frequency response, you’ll need a sound level meter and a test tone maker. Play a test tone at various frequencies and measure the sound level using the meter. Plot the results on a graph to visualize the subwoofer’s frequency response curve.
How do I measure the sensitivity of a subwoofer?
Playing a test tone at a given frequency and measuring the sound level at a fixed distance from the subwoofer can determine sensitivity. The resulting measurement is the subwoofer’s sensitivity, usually expressed in decibels (dB) at 1 watt/1 meter.
Conclusion
Subwoofers are fundamental to any sound system, but measuring them correctly is crucial. If the dimensions are measured incorrectly, the driver won’t be able to move enough air to create adequate sound levels. Hopefully, this article can support you built your own subwoofer with the correct measurements.
