“Everyone” knows that the interior cabin volume of an automobile tends to “add bass” to a woofer.  But, how much does it add?  The following table shows how much boost you will get, on average, in a typical vehicle, compared to half-space anechoic response.*  This data is an average of many measurements, so, your car will likely be different, and the amount of boost will likely be more irregular.  Nonetheless, this data can give you a general idea of what is going on.  For more exact data, measurements of a “known woofer/box” in your vehicle, in the location in the vehicle that you plan to use your sub(s), are recommended.  (Yes, this is something we can do.)  

Typical In-Car Frequency Response Boost

     (As compared with half-space anechoic response)

*The term “half-space anechoic response” refers to the output of a speaker mounted on a plane, into an infinite “space” in all directions in front of it.  This is also sometime referred to as a ”2 pi free field response”, as you see in our PRoResponse curves.

Keep in mind that in some cases, particular combinations of vehicle interior and woofer placement can result in quite a bit more boost than is shown above, at some frequencies.  Serious experimentation is needed in cases where maximum SPL is desired.  (If you do not have the resources and time to do such, and intend to compete in SPL contests, we suggest you work with an highly experienced installer.)  However, excellent results can be attained in most vehicles, with a much more casual approach.  In other words, with a good subwoofer, it doesn’t require “rocket science” to get good bass in most vehicles.  Or, on the other hand, if you are “in to it”, you can use a peaked response box to get a big powerful…

Boom!!!

Boom!!!

Boom!!!