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Ported box for JL 8W3v3

Florian Kreitz
- 9 posts
February 13, 2012 1:52:44 AM PST

Hey guys,

I wanted to build a proted enclosure for my 8w3v3. I'm using a 10W1v2 in a sealed box right now and want to have something new.

The sealed version works perfect for house music but I'm more into HipHop and R&B right now so I'd like to get lower.

Attached you can find my drawing with all the measurements.

I wanted to know if this would be a good box for a 8w3 or if I made some mistakes.

Can you let me know what you think?

I'm using a Mosconi Gladen One 120.2 Amp Bridged to 350W @4ohm.

The volume of the box will be around .42 cu ft.
Brad Stolberg
- 487 posts
February 13, 2012 6:45:11 AM PST

A ported box will give you more output but a sealed will help you hit lower frequencies...
Florian Kreitz
- 9 posts
February 13, 2012 7:38:35 AM PST

I want to have more pressure. Lower was the wrong term. My bad. I would like to know if this enclosure will work or if anything is wrong.
Brad Stolberg
- 487 posts
February 13, 2012 7:53:47 AM PST

did you run it through a box spec program? run the specs by JL tech support? it looks like it will be fine at first glance
Florian Kreitz
- 9 posts
February 13, 2012 7:56:43 AM PST

I used the specs from the JL Audio website but swapped the round port because I wanted to have a square one. All those apps I found on the web were just unuseful or I am to dumb for it :). That's the reason why I wanted to ask some professionals what they say.
Ross Melton
- 13 posts
February 13, 2012 9:25:45 AM PST

I just got through building a ported box for 2-8W3V3-4's. I ended up with 0.90 cu ft net tuned at 34Hz, that's after subtracting port and driver displacement. I designed this and a sealed box for them using Win ISD Pro. The sealed box was an "ideal 0.707 Qts" box according to Win ISD, and to be honest it sounded like poo. This ported box is actually about half of the "ideal" ported size according to Win ISD, but actually rocks!

These boys were made to go ported, and sound sooo much better. They also get much lower in the "less-than-ideal" ported box than the "ideal" sealed. This has just been my experience with the 8W3V3. I previously had a single 10W3V3-4 in a 0.625 cu ft sealed down-firing box that sounded tits!
Florian Kreitz
- 9 posts
February 13, 2012 9:35:37 AM PST

So u think this will sound good?

I can't increase the volume by much because I have no more room in the compartment in my trunk.
Ross Melton
- 13 posts
February 13, 2012 10:06:29 AM PST

I do think it'll sound good. My 2 drivers came out of the JL Microsub boxes (still have them), which they claim are designed by Lucio Proni (the "L" in JL) himself. The ported design from Win ISD sounds much better than the Microsub IMO. Link to Microsub: http://www.jlaudio.com/car-audio-subwoofer-systems-microsub

Mine are connected in parallel for a 2ohm load on the sub channel of an XD700/5, so there getting 300W or so.

BTW, what did you use to draft your design up? CAD? Sketchup?

This post was edited by Ross Melton at February 13, 2012 10:09:04 AM PST
Florian Kreitz
- 9 posts
February 13, 2012 10:17:25 AM PST

Adobe illustrator cs5.5 :). I'm a creative director and that was by far the fastest way :)

I've bought a 4ohm version of the 8w3 because it was easier to get here in Germany. And it will get 250-300W from the mosconi amp.

I think I'll build this box when it gets warmer :)
Anthony Marzella
- 54 posts
February 19, 2012 12:06:53 AM PST

What is it tunes to? The box is a little to big for that sub, but not outrageous. The 8W3 (by JL Specs) wants .34 tunes right around 35hz. Anything lower than that could be dangerous with that small sub. I have two 8w3s and they are incredible speakers sound to value wise. you should be good. I wouldn't set you amp higher than 150-200w due to being a "little" larger ported enclosure. Good luck!