Beginner subwoofer building question

Yes you can. You just have to make sure the box is the correct size.

Sonosubs are fairly inexpensive and easy to build. You can find a few builds around here.

Phase can be important depending on positioning and interaction in relation to the mains.

There are quite a few to choose from. SMS1, Mini DSP, DEQ2496, BFD, XT32, etc. Each has it's pros and cons.

I would definitely stay away from triangle due to extra complications of building and the like.

I guess I don't understand what you are trying to accomplish. Most modern receivers will allow you to change phase, and once it is set properly, why change it? The same with volume control. You want to calibrate your subs to your mains, whether that be even, cold, or hot. I do understand the need on rare occasions to bump the output a bit for certain movies, but that doesn't happen a lot. The only thing I could think of there is either use an SMS1 which has a dedicated sub volume control and DSP function; thereby killing 2 birds with one stone, or setting up a macro in your remote that would allow you to access the speaker levels in your receiver bumping them up or down as you see fit.

Well a square is a lot easier to build than a triangle for sure. There are a lot of angles to figure to get the joints to line up properly.

Also keep in mind a triangle will need to be a little bit larger in all dimensions to match the cf of a standard square cab. If only going with a single driver it's probably not a huge deal but for reference; a 4.29 gross volume square cab will need to be 21" cubed whereas a triangle one will need to be 26.5" cubed. You also have to take driver mounting depth into consideration based on the triangle shape.

Other than that, go for it.
Edited by bass addict - 2/10/13 at 10:47am

The overall shape of the box does not matter. It's all about the internal volume of the box. I agree that you should stick with a square, rectangle, or cylinder for this build.

As for DSP - I would build the sub box to the correct size and specs for your driver (which we can help with here), hook it up to whatever amp you are choosing to go with (again we can suggest options here) - and see how it turns out before you start adding things that you may not need. I agree that Audyssey (along with most receiver low pass settings) should take care of most of the work for you as far as DSP goes. Depending on the build you choose you my need a high pass filter on the low end. But again, let's see what you decide to go with. Which leads me to my next point - BUDGET. What is your budget for this overall project and what are the room dimensions? Also, what is your main purpose for the sub (movies, music, video games, etc.)? Is there a WAF we need to worry about (size restrictions)?


Let's get this thing built!

dbl

Well there could be a couple reasons behind this that are easily remedied. First off; have you ever calibrated your sub to your mains? I'm assuming you have never calibrated the FR of your sub either.

If your sub is setup really hot in relation to the mains, it could definitely lead to overpowering everything, hence you wanting to turn it down. Placement could also have a lot to do with it. It might be sitting in an area which is creating some nasty peaks that are lending to a boomy feeling. A small 8" single driver is hardly going to play that low, or loud, and can lead to erratic FR. You push the volume to make the lower tuned stuff sound better, and at the same time increase the upper frequency SPL too much.

Needless to say, just about any DIY sub will be a huge improvement over what you are currently working with. Keep us informed about your current progress and we will help out as needed to get you going with a great sounding LFE setup.