Can Subwoofers Go in the Same Box as Speakers or Do They Have to Be in a Separate Box?

Subwoofers are specifically designed for use within an enclosure to enhance the reproduction of low-frequency sounds. The common choice for subwoofers is the box enclosure also known as a bass box but you can also opt for a tube subwoofer tube. Factors such as the size and power of the subwoofer will influence the quality of the output sound.

There is a trend in combining subwoofers and speakers within the same enclosure, often referred to as a single-box system. This set-up is ideal for compact or bookshelf speaker systems where space is limited. However, the integration of a subwoofer with other drivers can lead to potential issues. The performance of the subwoofer may be compromised due to space constraints and the interactions with the other drivers in the enclosure. This might result in a less deep and impactful bass response compared to using a dedicated subwoofer enclosure.

The decision to place subwoofers and speakers in the same box or separate enclosures depends on your specific audio requirements, available space, and desired performance. Both approaches have their pros and cons. For example, integrating subwoofers and speakers in a single box allows for a more compact design and simplifies the overall setup, but it could negatively impact the performance of the subwoofer. Conversely, using separate enclosures might offer better performance in terms of bass response but at the cost of a less compact design.

The Answer: It Depends on Your Definition of "Box"

Frank Malitz explains that while it is possible to place subwoofers along with other drivers in the same box, it is not recommended due to potential interference. Despite this, I have both single-box and multiple-box systems. One notable example is a PA system I designed, where I used separate boxes for low and mid/high frequencies. Since the high-frequency (HF) speaker was self-contained, it did not interfere with the mid-frequency (MF) speakers.

I also own a Definitive Technology BP8060 speaker that is renowned for its superior sound quality, making you forget about the speaker itself. It features a subwoofer section that extends down to 20 Hz and is all in one box. However, the individual speakers are meticulously positioned within the box to avoid interference. Each speaker in the box includes a powered subwoofer, a midrange, a high-frequency bipolar mid/high speaker, and an Atmos speaker, with a total of six speakers per box. The sensitivity of this system is 92 dB and the range extends to 30 KHz.

Whether you choose to place subwoofers and speakers in the same box or separate enclosures depends on several factors such as the size of the room, the desired bass response, and aesthetic preferences. Both approaches have their unique advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential to carefully consider these factors when making your choice.