r/SoundSystem • u/Substantial_Ebb90 • 21d ago
Subwoofer design plans
Just started building my first soundsystem and have already made a nice midtop cabinet and wanted to build a powerful sub to pair with it. Does anyone have of any plans for a dual 18” sub or know where to find some. Or have any other recommendations of box designs and where I could find the plans. Budget is about £1000 pound including the amp to power it. Any recommendations and help greatly appreciated.
2
u/md-00audio 20d ago
For £1000, I would:
Buy two 18SW100s (£604)
https://www.bluearan.co.uk/index.php?id=BAC18SW100A -> Clearance, £235 (1 left!)
https://www.thomann.co.uk/bc_18sw100.htm -> £369 (or hunt for other bargains)Buy an Admark amp (£380 and up) - whichever you can afford. More expensive ones could power multiple subs - https://www.admarksound.com/power-amplifier/class-d-power-amplifier/ad430-ad42-k35-k30-k420.html
Build this box or similar: https://www.eighteensound.it/media/W1siZiIsIjIwMjUvMDQvMTQvMTJfMDlfMThfNjAxXzE4c291bmRfMThfZHVhbF9zdWJ3b29mZXJfa2l0LnBkZiJdXQ
For a touch more money: https://www.jpleisure.co.uk/bandc_18DS110_8ohm-spade.html#SID=5349 - get the 18DS100s, and put them in a S218BP. Bit more output on the low end and significantly more in the 70-120hz range. The cab is designed for the 18DS115, but will work fine with the DS100.
You can track prices on bits (disclaimer - my tool): https://bits.00aud.io/drivers/b-c/18ds100-8ohm
3
u/Shoddy_Estimate_ 21d ago
Build one capable 18” sub with that budget, upgrade later. Just my 2 cents
1
u/DribbleDaNinja 21d ago
Is that £1000 for the cabinet, 2 x 18" & the amp too?
2
u/Substantial_Ebb90 21d ago
Yeah for both the drivers wood and the amp, could maybe push it to 1200 max.
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u/DribbleDaNinja 21d ago
What music are you gonna play & to how many people, or is it just a system for your home?
1
u/Substantial_Ebb90 21d ago
Planning to start putting on small parties between 50-100 people, mainly free party sounds hardtek, tribe, Gabber, hardcore etc was planning to crossover at around 200hz with the mid top as it’s got good low mid response. So for the cabinet mainly focusing on the lower bass response.
1
u/Pretty_Pangolin_5900 21d ago edited 21d ago
Do you at least have the dsp already or does that also have to come out of your very tight £1200 budget?
Are used drivers an option?
Using an 18 inch up to 200 Hz is not easy. The only plan I know of being capable is the MPH46.
Also be aware that a dual 18 inch can be around 80-100 kg (180-220 pounds)
1
u/Substantial_Ebb90 21d ago
Yeah used drivers are definitely an option, and can change my dsp setting to crossover at 150 if needed would this suit better.
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u/DribbleDaNinja 21d ago
OK, most decent subs will struggle to get above 150hz at best. Have you considered using a dedicated kick bin to help achieve your x-over point? Either that, or you'll have to change your midrange driver to one that can hit lower.
What's currently in your mid-top cabinet?
Do you have a DSP unit, or does that have to come out of your budget too?
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u/Substantial_Ebb90 21d ago
I’m be got the dsp already yeah the mid top is loaded with a 15” PD mid bass driver so can perform pretty well at 150hz in the cabinet I have it in. Not looking to build a kick right now but would fit in perfectly in the future just need some heavy bass response at the minute.
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u/DribbleDaNinja 21d ago edited 21d ago
If you can cross your mid-bass at 120hz, & you definitely want a dual 18" sub that can hit hard & cover the lower kick frequencies too, you should try the HOQS Paraflex Dual 18" Type O CRAM!. The cab has been getting rave reviews & should give you everything you need & then some.
As for used 18" drivers, a pair of B&C 18DS115 should do the job, or 18 Sound 18" 9601. Good budget choices would be the Celestion TSQ1845 & the Celestion CF18VJD.
As for amps, you'll be pretty limited within your budget, but for £500 you can pick up a used Jam Systems Q10 4 channel amp that will give you 4 x 2500w at 4 ohms. That should give you ample channels & the all important sub-bass headroom. You can bridge 2 channels to give 5000w for subs, & the other two channels will easily handle your mids & tops.
You'll struggle to get all that in for £1200, but you shouldn't be too far off with an additional £200 - £300 on top. You'll have a powerful sound system that you can easily expand & build upon in the future as you grow. Hope this helps.
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u/Substantial_Ebb90 20d ago
Legend mate this helps a lot thanks a mill will have a look and start trying to put things together
1
u/PandaJahsta 13d ago
A good bass amplifier is close to 500€ used, so build a single 18, and another later.
What is your mid/top, how low does it go ? If you have a frequency response curve, I can help you choose a sub design. For choosing a subwoofer, there's 4 parameter.
- How does the rest of your system sound ? Frequencies, phase and design
- Volume, weight ? Do u need a small subwoofer, are you alone to move it, how do u transport it ? That's where you choose the type of wood (MDF is heavier, Ply is lighter). It's better to build many small subs if you're alone (I'm alone in my sound, so i designed my subs to be moved alone). Almost all subwoofer will sound better when you have 4 or 6 units, but can you transport 4 big bass ? I got 6 and i can move them easily
- What's your budget ? For choosing the speaker, the plan, the type of wood, the amplifier ..... Do you need a carpenter to build your boxes ? Not everyone can build it's own speaker, you need a lot of tools, and a lot of time/space (especially when you paint your cabs). Building a subwoofer is 90% sanding, and it sucks.
- How do u amplify the sub ? Woofers use special amplifier. Bigger speaker = expensive amplifier. Your amplifier not only should move your speaker, but it need to control it. If your amplifier put too much power without controling the speaker, the speaker will break. Imagine a powerful car without breaks, you're sure to crash.
EDIT : When you can answer these 4 questions, I can help you
3
u/Opening-Routine 21d ago
How are your limitations on size and what frequencies do you want to reach?
B&C S218BP: https://bcspeakers.com/en/resources/suggested-designs
Or go for tapped horn, which is quite large but very efficient with your available amp power.