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The purpose of this paper is to offer the formulas used to calculate proper loudspeaker enclosure
sizes and tunings ( alignments) to give the best performance for a given loudspeaker driver.
These formulas are only used on the bass loudspeakers, of course, as midrange and tweeter
units are typically sealed, self contained assemblies.
These formulas are based on the studies done in the last century by A.N. Thiele and Richard H.
Small, and use loudspeaker parameters which are now universally referred to as T/S parameters.
The formulas we are concerned with here fall into 3 categories:
1. Maximally flat (4th order)
2. Non-flat
3. 6th order assisted
The formula for calculating the tuning frequency for the box is:
Fb = 0.42(Fs)
Qt 0.9
By using those 3 formulas, you can calculate the required enclosure size, -3db down point, and
tuning frequency. If the box size is undesirable, or the -3db point not sufficient, then you can go
to another driver, and start the calculations again until a suitable driver is found.
Let us work through the formulas in case you are not comfortable with them. A simple
inexpensive calculator is all you need, or you can use the one built into Windows
(Start/Programs/Accessories/Calculator). Be sure to set it to scientific mode.
For our example, lets use the Selenium WPU1507QFC 15 woofer. Let us solve the first
equation to find the required box size.
Vb=(15)(Vas)(Qt 2.87)
For Vas, you can use cubic feet or liters. The result will be in the units you use. We will use
cubic feet for our example.
Looking at the data for the WPU1507, we see that Vas = 5.33 cu. Ft., and that Qts = 0.43, so
our formula looks like this:
Vb = (15)(5.33)(.43 2.87)
Lets first solve for .43 raised to the power of 2.87 (the yx button on your calculator). Enter .43
then press the yx button and enter 2.87, then the = button. You should get 0.088726728. With
this number on the display, work the rest of the equation. Multiply by the Vas (5.33), push =,
then multiply by 15. You should have 7.0937 on your display. That is the required box volume for
the WPU1507 driver for a maximally flat alignment, 7.0937 cubic feet.
The second equation will give us the -3db point in that box.
F3 = 0.26 (Fs)
Qt 1.4
First, solve for Qt raised to the power of 1.4, On your calculator, enter the Qt of the driver, .43 yx
1.4 = 0.3068 (save this in your calculators memory).
Now, multiply the free air resonance (Fs) by .26.
36 X .26 = 9.36
Now divide this number by the one in memory:
9.36 / 0.3068 and we get 30.5, which is our -3db down point, 30.5Hz (Which is very
respectable bass response).
The third formula will give us the box tuning frequency required:
Fb = 0.42(Fs)
Qt 0.9
We will again solve Qt raised to the power of 0.9 first. .43 yx .9 = 0.4678 (store this). Next, solve
42 X Fs:
36 X .42 = 15.12.
Now divide this number by the one in memory:
15.12 / 0.4678 = 32.316
This is our tuning frequency (or Fb) for our port calculations, 32 Hz.
Port calculations will be placed at the end of this paper, since all 3 categories we are covering
will need the same port calculations.
Qt squared is: .43 2 = 0.1849, multiplied by Vas (5.33) is 0.985517, multiplied by 4.1 is 4.0406, or
4.04 cubic feet. ( remember the max. flat alignment was 7.094 cubic feet).
Box tuning frequency is:
Fb = 0.3 (Fs/Qt)
Fs divided by Qt is: 36/.43 = 83.72, multiplied by 0.3 = 25.116 Hz
So we can see that the WPU1507 has a -3db point of about 25 Hz in a 4.04 cubic foot box when
used in a 6th order alignment. A nice alternative from the max. flat alignment of a 7 cubic foot box
with a 30 Hz cutoff!.
Port calculations
The last formula we need is to calculate our port size (or duct). A duct is a port (hole), that has
length. All ports are ducts, even if it is only the thickness (length) of the box material (typically
in.).
The formula for determining the duct length is:
Lv = (((1.463)(107)(r2)) / ((Fb2)Vbin))) -1.463 r