Video: Where to Position your Subwoofer Box
Big bass isn't just about power. Placement matters, too.
Getting loud bass in your car isn’t just about power — where you place your sub in the trunk can make a huge difference.
We decided to find out for ourselves just how much of an effect placement has on the quality of a sub’s bass. Using an SPL meter, we measured the loudness of a 12” sub in a ported enclosure at various positions in the trunk of a mid-sized sedan. The differences in intensity were readily apparent.
No matter what kind of vehicle you have or what kind of subwoofer system, placement of the subwoofer enclosure DOES impact the sound. So if you think the bass sounds louder when the sub is facing one way rather than another, well, you're probably right.
For answers to other subwoofer questions, be sure to check out our Subwoofers FAQ.
Matthew Rotundo from Allentown
Posted on 12/24/2019
I have a 2014 Subaru WRX. I get the most bass when I face my 12" subs in a sealed enclosure toward the hatch about 6 inches away, but the sound quality is not very good. If I put my sub toward the trunk by the fire in front I lose a little bit of bass but the sound quality is so much better! I would focus more on sound quality.
Patrick Crossan from Broomall
Posted on 10/3/2019
Hi, have a 1986 olds cutlass 442, jus wired a kenwood 823 to 2 -10" kickers in a box, un ported, have box facing front of car now, not get getting bass id like, any recommendations? Thanks
Timothy Sepella from Ambridge
Posted on 7/22/2019
I have 2 Rockford Fosgate P3s in a vented box with a 2500 watt 2 channel amp. These are in my 2000 Honda Civic, which way should my box be facing?
Dion from Los Angeles
Posted on 3/14/2019
I have a Chevy Silverado extended cab..where would it be better to position my 12 " shallow subwoofers for better sound
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 3/20/2019
Ryan Federici from Erial nj
Posted on 3/10/2019
I have a Chrysler town &country mini van, Im taking all seats out of the back to use as work van, I do home rem but I want a nice system with deep bass,im considering on changing my stock car speakers as well. But what subs and sub box would be perfect, should i get a fully enclosed sealed box due to the amount of open space or is a sealed ported box ok?? I want two subs that run at 1,000 watts rms. Please help me with what subwoofers would sound perfect for all music i. My mini van
Alexander H. from Crutchfield
on 3/12/2019
Bob
Posted on 2/27/2019
If you can't face it to the rear, face it down so the sound bounces off the floor.. It's the 2nd best option.
matt from sedalia
Posted on 12/28/2015
My 15 box is to big to face towards the back . it's gotta be straight up. But the port slot is on the side s . should I face the port slot towards the back of car or front ?
Alexander Hrabe from Crutchfield
Posted on 12/28/2015
Chris, check out our Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams article for the best way to hook up your subs. When it comes to subwoofer positioning, you'll be the best judge of the sound. Try out as many positions as you can and listen for what sounds the best to you.
Chris from Charlotte,N.C
Posted on 12/24/2015
I have a Ford Explorer and I have 2-12s in a ported box and I have the speakers bridged to the amp.. Is that my best way to get the best bass or should I hook them up sepreatly.Also I have my box faced towards the back so the bass bounces off the back window. In a Ford Explorer it's just a big glass box so you get the best bass from an suv I think.. So should I turn my box around facing the front of the suv..
Henry renfrow from United States
Posted on 7/9/2015
I've got two fifteens in a small Grand Am and I got mine facing backwards that's the best way I could get the deepest and the best sound in an airtight box and it sounds awesome he's got the deepest bass I've ever heard and I got a 3000 watt amp pushing