andrewsfm

iTrader: (3)

I finally found a good deal on a brand new single 12" Alpine Type-R (dual 2-ohm) and it's on its way.

Now the problem I face is, before it gets here, is to decide what type of box to build for it.

I can either build a very quick and simple sealed box, or a slightly more complex ported box. Either recommended design is under my limit of 2 cubic feet.

I'm looking for an all around good sound. Hard hitting, yet able to rumble.

I'm curious to hear what Type-R owners have tried, and what you prefer.

Did you guys use the recommended Alpine specs, or did you use a box calculator program, or just throw it in any box and hope for the best?

jerdavey

I used to own 2 of them. I put them in a 1.5 cubic foot sealed enclosure for each sub. They sounded really clean and accurate. Lots of output, but I found that there wasnt alot of low end grunt, the kind that makes your voice go funny. From what I hear from other people, they are more geared towards ported box, so I would go for that, and you can tune the box lower if you like that.

Joshv06

iTrader: (1)

he's totally correct, from my experience if your are looking for nice deep, hard hitting bass go ported for sure. A sealed box wont give you that output for this driver. Make sure you tune it nice and low too, my type R really shines when it hits the lower notes. My box is tuned to 31hz @ 2.5. If you are looking for a box of smaller proportions go with alpines specs (which is 1.7 cu ft i beleive)

andrewsfm

iTrader: (3)

I would definitely go with Alpine's smaller 1.7 cu. ft. optimal ported box recommendations as opposed to something bigger like you have if I do go the ported route, because I'm trying to save trunk space which is why I switched from a 15" sub.

The only problem I have with a ported box is the port dimensions. It's hard to meet them using such a small box design. I believe it calls for a 23" long port.

Joshv06

iTrader: (1)

You could always use a vented enclosure if port length is an issue, not sure if this could help you in your situation

andrewsfm

iTrader: (3)

It might. I'm actually looking into different box shape / port designs using enclosure design software. Thanks for the tip.

andrewsfm

iTrader: (3)

I've actually decided that I'm going to go with the ported design.

I want all the bass I can get.

Joshv06

iTrader: (1)

Good choice, what size are you going with?

andrewsfm

iTrader: (3)

I'm going to go with what you recommended, and get the size as close as possible to Alpine's recommended specs.

1.9 cu. ft. overall including port/driver with a total of 1.3 cu. ft. net. internal size tuned to 35hz, vented as opposed to ported like you suggested, because of port length, noise, etc.

The only problem I have now, is that I'm still unsure if I should build it myself, get someone to custom build one for me to my exact specs (cause I'll probably be very picky about the accuracy and build quality and might **** them off - lol), or buy one of those Bassworx or similar pre-tuned boxes.

1 - If I do it myself, I need to buy the tools, material, and whatnot at retail price to use once to build the one box, during whatever free time I have to the best of my ability.

2 - If I get someone who does this sort of thing all the time, and is good at it, to build it, they'd have all the tools and can do it fast, but I'd wanna be there while it is being made, and lend a hand so I can learn and make sure I'm going to be happy with the final result.

3 - If I buy one, I'd want to ensure I find one that matches my specs as close as possible, and cost less than what I paid for the driver itself.

Joshv06

iTrader: (1)

Some of the materials required to build the box might require a higher cost then getting the box professionally built. An error in the ported construction can also cause adverse effects as well. When i built my first box, some of the materials i used were the sheet of MDF, Nail gun, Glue, Silicon and a jigsaw (something to consider), of course space is an issue, as well getting nice clean cuts will require a table saw to ensure all cuts are the exact same size.

Many custom shops will build a box to your specs and will usually garuantee there work as well (they build them on a daily basis).

On a side note check the quality of the basswork boxes before you purchase one to see if it is the quality you desire. My bass slammer i bought several years ago was ok.. but not would I would allow if i built it my self.

Good luck, any questions PM me and ill try to help.