Do midrange boxes need to be sealed?

[RcRacerDrew 10+ year member]

Im about to start my new system and Im going to order some OZ Audio Matrix 180 components for my Ford Explorer. Is there an advantage to putting the midrange in a sealed enclosure as opposed to the free air type system that is stock (just mounting the speaker in the door). Im thinking it wouldnt be too hard to make a small fiberglass box to house my mids in the door using the stock location....WinISD says I only need a .02 cu ft box for these mids. Will this be worth it? Thanks!

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[Gauntlet 5,000+ posts]

Most midrange speakers are designed to work in free-air applications...but a lot of people seal them for a tighter response.

 

[paikiah 5,000+ posts]

ramos says his mids performed better in a sealed baffle.

I remember reading in MBtech that all their speakers are designed for free-air, therefore, it might not sound as good in a sealed enclosure.

But going by my theories, I'm sure the mids can handle more power if they were in a sealed application.

 

[DaBaller504 10+ year member]

Most people tend to go free air, first off it's easier and usually reccomended but a sealed enclosure may give you a tighter response and create more pure sound. You just have to try and see.

 

[RcRacerDrew 10+ year member]

Whats the best way to build a door enclosure? Just use fiberglass or make a mini MDF box or what?

 

[paikiah 5,000+ posts]

Originally posted by RcRacerDrew Whats the best way to build a door enclosure? Just use fiberglass or make a mini MDF box or what?

MDF might be too thick for your doors, so fiberglass might be a better optio. As it's small, you should be able to get accurate volume raeadings by filling up with water. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/smile.gif.1ebc41e1811405b213edfc4622c41e27.gif

 

[RcRacerDrew 10+ year member]

Im running the OZs with about 40 watts... A PCX-440 is running them. Im wondering if they would be more efficient without a box?