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A place to discuss member's DIY audio projects & post pictures/schematics. NOTE: There is a limit of 2MB per attachment, and a maximum of 3 attachments per message. If you need to post more than 3 attachments, just add another message.
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Bucket subwoofer observations

October 6th, 2019, 9:07 pm

There was a mention one time about bucket subwoofer project for CAF. I was kinda against it because of the appearance of it being below what DIY is capable of doing, but I still see it as a fun project.

They usually use a 5 gallon bucket. How about a 2 gallon bucket? Smaller airspace. But, what about for a smaller driver? Do you really need multiple 12 inch subwoofers for your bedroom? Can an 8 inch be enough?

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 6th, 2019, 9:20 pm

I was the one who mentioned it and I think it is an interesting project, enough that I actually bought the drivers so that I could try it out. I will have to rethink my Hi-Fi setup when we move to Australia. It needs to be more portable.

Unfortunately my health issues got in the way and I have not even bought the buckets. By the way my wife's visa just came through and we will now make the move in spring next be year.

My health is gradually improving but I suspect that carrying heavy weights will be a future problem.

The specs for the bucket subwoofer are very specific. Of course you can change things but then the results will probably be different.

I am making slow progress on my 45 amp.

Ray

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 6th, 2019, 10:51 pm

I can’t say that it’s a good looking thing, but some people have made them less ugly than an orange Home Depot bucket.
It actually does use an 8” driver. Take a look:
https://www.transcendentsound.com/bucket-sub.html
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index.php ... ed.658794/
https://tubehifi.websitetoolbox.com/pos ... ct-6426090
http://thehornshoppeforum.com/index.php?topic=406.0
They’re a fun project!
Pete

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 6th, 2019, 11:40 pm

Most example I see online are 12 inch drivers for car audio use. Normally, they are going for loud.

If you take an 8 inch and put it in the 2 gallon, would poly-fill help with the volume?

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 7th, 2019, 9:26 am

Steve:

I'm including an Excel spreadsheet that will allow you to determine how drivers will work under different conditions. Up to four drivers can be compared side to side at the same time. I have an example of a Dayton driver already in there so you can see how it works.

You input the Fs, Qts, and VAS from the driver spec sheet and then can use three sections to input the desired Qb, Fb, or box volume. In your case you would use the section to input the volume of the bucket you will use taking into account the space that will be lost to the driver itself. Using fill if done correctly will increase the apparent volume by up to 25%.
Attachments
Sample driver parameter calculator .xls
(36.5 KiB) Downloaded 571 times

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 7th, 2019, 9:35 am

How about a 2 gallon bucket?


I believe the orange "homer" bucket at Home Depot is 5 gallons, so why use a 2 gallon bucket? The 5 gallon bucket is easy and cheap to get.

David

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 7th, 2019, 9:42 am

I you do not like orange, Lowes' bucket is blue. Home Depot has 5 gallon food grade buckets in white that cost a little more than the homer buckets. If you want to have a little more volume and fit a larger driver, go to a home brewing shop and get a 7 gallon fermentation bucket (without spigot).

David

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 7th, 2019, 12:00 pm

Lowes sells white 2 gallon buckets with optional lids as well.

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 7th, 2019, 12:04 pm

The original design includes concrete to stop the bucket moving around on the floor. You probably will need to do the same in a two gallon bucket.

Ray

Re: Bucket subwoofer observations

October 7th, 2019, 12:15 pm

I saw a video where they used dirt.

But, would it really be vibrating around on a carpet at low volumes?
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