Gain setting for a sub in a sealed enclosure

[DIGIDIGIBOMBO 10+ year member]

Hi, is it true that a sub in a sealed encloser can be powered by more than its own rms? because it would require more power for the cone to move since the box is not vented? So when setting gain with DMM is it ok to power it a bit more when its an a sealed box? thx

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[DiamondFanatic 10+ year member]

Generally speaking a sub in a sealed enclosure can handle more power then one in a ported enclosure. When you're setting your gains your goal is to eliminate clipping and get a good clean signal. Just set them to what the amp is rated at RMS to produce, rather then setting your amp to what you think you should power your sub with (unless of course that is within the RMS power range)

 

[squeak9798 5,000+ posts]

Hi, is it true that a sub in a sealed encloser can be powered by more than its own rms? because it would require more power for the cone to move since the box is not vented? So when setting gain with DMM is it ok to power it a bit more when its an a sealed box? thx

There is no answer to your question; to many variables.

In smaller sealed enclosures mechanical power handling is increased. In larger sealed enclosures, mechanical power handling is decreased.

Likewise, the RMS power may simply be a rating of the thermal power handling of the subwoofer, which you would not want to exceed.

On top of that.....your gain should be set at the highest to the maximum unclipped output of the amplifier. If you want to give your sub more power than that, increasing the gain is not the way to do such as it could result in clipped output which can damage the sub.

 

[DIGIDIGIBOMBO 10+ year member]

On top of that.....your gain should be set at the highest to the maximum unclipped output of the amplifier. If you want to give your sub more power than that, increasing the gain is not the way to do such as it could result in clipped output which can damage the sub.

Hi and thx for the reply, we shouldnt just output the maximum unclipped power of the amp, some amps can provide 500rms with no clipping, powering a 200rms sub with clean 500rms amp also is not going to be ok, no?