yields f3?

[JoshC 10+ year member]

What does yields an F3 of 50hz mean? I understand Hz, just what exactly are they trying to say about the sub. It hits hardest at that frequency? thanks

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[RAM_Designs 5,000+ posts]

f3 refers to the -3db point of the subwoofer system in relation to the 0db starting reference point. It's basically where the box is going to start dropping off rather sharply(with a traditional ported box). How it will react in your vehicle will vary, but a f3 of 50hz is pretty damn high...is this a sealed box?

 

[JoshC 10+ year member]

yes, thats what the sundown SA10 is rated at in a .55 cube box. So honestly what does that mean for me? Sub would be in a dodge ram single cab 08 pushed by a memphis mcd1500

 

[SicAudio 5,000+ posts]

means it aint gonna be too loud on the lows lol

 

[Moble Enclosurs 10+ year member]

means it aint gonna be too loud on the lows lol

Not necessarily, lol. But yea, not as great as something with a much lower F3. The high F3 frequency gives an indication that SQ will become the designs ideal output. This is figured by adding the transfer function of the vehicle to the response. Other responses can be added as well, such as losses and gains due to frequency changes, but generally not as major. So, this driver will be vehicle dependent in this design for anything below 50Hz for average efficiency. And when you think about efficiency, you have to consider the amplifiers ability to push the driver as well as the driver being able to handle it. Most of the audio we seem to desire for LF response on here falls below 50Hz, but that is something that needs to be figured on what YOU want as a musical choice as well. With an F3 of 50Hz, some music will sound phenomenal on that in an in-car environment.

Compare it to what you hear at a concert. Most, if not all of those enclosures built for the 15s and 18s, or really any driver has the same cutoff of around 50Hz....and that's in a partially anechoic environment with much more loss than a vehicle. If you like the sound of concert bass, you will likely enjoy what you have as well. You can use that as a comparison.

 

[JoshC 10+ year member]

Well ive always liked the sound of sealed vs ported. The sealed boxes ive used in the past have been prefab but i have a built to spec ported at 35hz JBL power 10 now and its WAY to loud and takes up to much room, plus some of the higher hz songs dont hit well. So you think if i liked prefab sealed sound a good box built for that sub sealed will sound good to me? Anyone ever heard a sealed SA10?

 

[Moble Enclosurs 10+ year member]

Well ive always liked the sound of sealed vs ported. The sealed boxes ive used in the past have been prefab but i have a built to spec ported at 35hz JBL power 10 now and its WAY to loud and takes up to much room, plus some of the higher hz songs dont hit well. So you think if i liked prefab sealed sound a good box built for that sub sealed will sound good to me? Anyone ever heard a sealed SA10?

Of course. The change in the compression to match the driver better will likely yield a broader response from the prefab as well. Most of these prefabs were made specifically to keep excursion control in tact and space availability, and using the 50Hz rule is based on the concept of different styles of music, not a single style, as most music will not play below a 30Hz tone unless it has been modified, and from 30-50 with gain can get pretty musical. But having the driver in a prefab will also either limit the drivers capabilities, or let them run wild. But controlling it to the free air response curve will allow the driver to play much more accurately, hence more satisfaction on your part.

 

[sundownz Pro Seller]

With an F3 of 50 or so in a sealed box (shallower rolloff than ported) you can get fairly flat response after vehicle transfer function. I used an SA-10 sealed in my ride for a while and it was enjoyable.

 

[JoshC 10+ year member]

okay cool, and that was in a .55 cube box?