What is better? sealed or ported for frequency responce?

Question

I know that for the most part, sealed means more acurate sound and lower db. and ported means louder with muddier sound.. but then again I may be wrong. But, which one is better for achiving the best low frequencies? I have a sealed box with 2 12s in it now. it does metal like a champ but not so hot for rap, seems to botom out sometimes.

Answer 1

Sealed boxes: For deep, precise bass

A sealed box is an airtight enclosure housing your subwoofer. A sealed box is best for any music that demands tight, accurate bass. Expect flat response (not excessively boomy), deep bass extension, and excellent power handling. Since a sealed enclosure tends to require more power than a ported box, use an amplifier with ample wattage for optimum performance.

Ported boxes: For forceful bass

Ported boxes use a vent (called a port) to reinforce low bass response. You get more output than you would from a sealed box at any given amplifier wattage. Some people prefer the sound of ported boxes for rap, rock, heavy metal, or any hard-driving music. Ported boxes can deliver deeper bass than sealed boxes, though they need to be much larger than sealed enclosures to accomplish that.

Bandpass boxes: Maximum slam

Bandpass boxes are a special type of ported box designed for maximum slam. The woofer is mounted inside a dual-chambered box (one chamber sealed, the other ported), with the sound waves emerging from the ported side. The sound that comes out of the port is extra loud within a narrow frequency range.

Because bandpass boxes are super efficient within that range, they tend to boom. Their aggressive sound is great for rap, reggae, and hard rock. Not all subwoofers work well in bandpass boxes, though and they tend to sound muddy and are harder to tune.

Answer 2

wsup, I deal with the same thing. For a bigger thump, and better bass for rap, go with a ported box, the ported box is better for hip hop and rap music, your subs will hit the lower frequencies a lot better. also, make sure your subs are in a box that can help drive these subs.

Answer 3

The problem you're having may just be your speakers.  Or, maybe the box isn't built well or maybe it's the wrong size or something.

This may help clear things up for you ...

http://www.klausaudio.com/subwoofer-box-...

As long as you choose a quality speaker and build your enclosure properly, be it a sealed or ported enclosure, it should sound just fine.  Of course, the characteristics of the sub itself will play a part in this also.  But if you're building a ported enclosure, you have to make sure you get it exactly right.