What is the difference between a sealed and a ported subwoofer enclosure?
The difference between a sealed and a ported subwoofer enclosure lies in how the enclosure is built and how it affects bass reproduction.
A sealed enclosure is completely airtight, whereas a ported enclosure has one or more openings, known as bass reflex ports, tuned to reinforce bass reproduction within a particular frequency range.
Both designs can produce very good bass, but they have different characteristics.
Sealed enclosure
A sealed enclosure has an airtight design in which the air inside helps control the movement of the subwoofer driver.
This often produces smooth, controlled bass reproduction.
Typical characteristics:
Often more compact than an equivalent ported enclosure.
Smooth, controlled bass reproduction.
Gradual roll-off at the lowest frequencies.
A good choice if you prioritise precision and sound quality.
Ported enclosure
A ported enclosure, also known as a bass reflex enclosure, has one or more ports that work with the driver to reinforce the sound around the enclosure’s tuning frequency.
This means a ported enclosure can often play louder than a comparable sealed enclosure with the same amplifier power.
Typical characteristics:
Higher efficiency around the enclosure’s tuning frequency.
Can produce higher sound pressure levels and more powerful bass.
Usually requires a larger enclosure volume.
The driver’s movement needs to be controlled at frequencies below the enclosure’s tuning frequency.
For ported enclosures, a correctly set subsonic filter can be important to protect the driver from excessive cone movement at very low frequencies.
Which enclosure sounds best?
It depends on the type of bass reproduction you prefer.
A sealed enclosure is often a good option if you want a compact installation and smooth, controlled bass reproduction.
A ported enclosure is often more suitable if you prioritise high sound pressure levels and want plenty of bass within a particular frequency range.
However, it is not as simple as sealed enclosures always being more accurate or ported enclosures always playing louder. The driver’s characteristics, enclosure volume and tuning have a major influence on the result.
Can I convert a sealed enclosure into a ported one?
Simply making a hole in a sealed enclosure and fitting a port is not recommended.
A ported enclosure needs to be designed with the correct enclosure volume, port area and port length for the driver’s characteristics. An incorrectly tuned enclosure can sound worse and increase the risk of damaging the driver.
Need help choosing between a sealed and a ported subwoofer enclosure? Contact our customer service team or visit one of our stores for advice.