Characteristics of Vented Enclosures

A vented enclosure is not much more complex than a sealed box. It consists, basically, of a box with a hole in it. However, despite its simple design, vented boxes are considerably harder to get good performance from than sealed boxes - although many times the extra effort can be worth it.

The vent in the enclosure interacts with the volume of air in the cabinet and the driver to help increase out- put and reduce cone excursion at and around the tuning frequency. In fact, at box tuning, almost all the bass is produced by the vent - NOT the woofer.

The trick in building a vented box is to get the right size enclosure and the right size vent. You can’t be to far off on either of these factors or your speaker’s performance will suffer. In particular, using a too-small box or a too-high vent tuning frequency can eliminate bass instead of increasing it. Porting a sealed box that is too small usually does nothing to improve frequency response. The vents placement within the enclosure is also important. You must leave at least the equivalent of the vents diameter between the vent and any inside wall. For example, you would not place a vent with a 3” diameter within 3” of any wall. The same is true for clearance between the vent opening and the bottom of the enclosure.

Pros

1 - Reduced cone excursion and reduced distortion around vent tuning.

2 - Increased output capabilities around vent tuning.

3 - Vented boxes give you that extra “Bump” that is preferred in certain types of music.

Cons

1 - Total loss of cone control below vent tuning, which can result in high distortion and driver mechanical fail- ure.

2 - Midrange sound coming from inside the box through the vent can produce unpleasant sound coloration.

3 - Vented enclosures are more sensitive to changes such as temperature, humidity and driver fatigue.

4 - Enclosure design is more complex and the enclosure itself must be more solidly constructed because inter- nal pressure at frequencies around vent tuning can be nearly twice as high as a sealed enclosure.

5 - Vented enclosures usually don’t sound as fast as sealed boxes because the resonant effects of the vent tun- ing which is always slightly out of phase with the driver’s output.

Kicker Solo-Baric L7-Series Subwoofers

Recommended Applications

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Kicker L7 technical manual Characteristics of Vented Enclosures
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L7 specifications

The Kicker L7 series is renowned in the world of car audio for delivering impressive bass and unmatched performance. Known for its square design, which maximizes cone area, the L7 subwoofers are engineered to push the limits of sound quality and output. One of the standout features of the Kicker L7 is its unique Solo-Kon technology, which incorporates a square cone shape to deliver more surface area than traditional round subwoofers, resulting in deeper bass and higher sound pressure levels.

These subwoofers are crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring durability and consistent performance. The injection-molded cone is lightweight yet incredibly strong, paired with strong reinforced ribs that help to support the cone during high excursions. This combination minimizes distortion and provides a clear, powerful bass experience. The subwoofers also come equipped with a strong motor structure, which ensures precise control over the cone movement even at high volumes.

In terms of power handling, the Kicker L7 subwoofers excel with their ability to handle significant wattage. They often feature dual voice coils, providing flexibility in wiring configurations, and making it easier to achieve the desired impedance for optimal performance in any system. This ability to handle high power input translates into an impressive output level, making the L7 a favorite choice among serious audio enthusiasts.

The Kicker L7 subwoofers also integrate advanced cooling technologies, such as a vented pole piece and perimeter venting, which help dissipate heat during prolonged use. This ensures reliability and longevity, reducing the risk of thermal failure – a common issue with many high-performance audio components.

Additionally, the Kicker L7 subwoofers are designed for customizable installation, allowing car audio enthusiasts to build their systems according to specific needs. With a variety of sizes available, including 12-inch and 15-inch models, users can easily find the perfect fit for their vehicle and audio system.

Overall, the Kicker L7 series stands out for its innovative design, superior construction, and penchant for delivering powerful, deep bass that bass enthusiasts crave, making it a cornerstone in the realm of car audio. Whether you are looking to enhance your daily drive or bolster your sound system for competitive use, the Kicker L7 delivers uncompromising quality and performance.
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