BIG BASS with entry level gear? - Making the Sub Box!

Car Audio Speakers, Subwoofers and Amplifiers range from Entry Level to High End, but with the advancements in subwoofer and amplifier design, how good of performance can we achieve with gear on the entry level side of the scale from a reputable manufacturer? In this build we find out! We kick things off with building this custom ported subwoofer enclosure for our subwoofer, the JL Audio 12W1v3-2. Let's build the box, wrap it with carpet and vinyl, test the bass and plan our next steps!
A special thank to JL Audio for providing the gear for this project!
Visit JL Audio here: bit.ly/CAFandJL
🔨 Recommended Tools and Materials:
✔️ Premade Design Blueprint of the box in this video: www.caraudiofa...
✔️ Custom Subwoofer Box Design Blueprints: bit.ly/CAFdesigns
✔️ Templates & Router Bits: bit.ly/CAF-Mob...
✔️ Wood Glue - amzn.to/3eEJ9xG
✔️ Brad Nailer - amzn.to/3esi7cR
✔️ Flexible Air Hose - amzn.to/2V9sgU8
✔️ Upholstery Adhesive - amzn.to/3hSvJAh
✔️ Olfa Knife - amzn.to/3drBPUZ
✔️Trunk Liner Carpet - amzn.to/2AUSSBL
✔️ Upholstery Vinyl - amzn.to/3esVIfF
✔️ Speaker Terminal Male - amzn.to/2CHGCoz
✔️ Speaker Terminal Female - amzn.to/2VixNrC
✔️ Large Cable Stipper - amzn.to/2ATNm2f
✔️ Small Cable Stripper - amzn.to/3eu5oGO
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
🔊 Want more? Check out these links:
✅Car Audio Tutorial Library: bit.ly/CAFlearn
✅ FREE weekly training program: bit.ly/CAFlist
✅ Box Designs, BUILD YOUR OWN BOX!: bit.ly/CAFdesigns
✅Join the CAF Patreon Member Team: bit.ly/CAFpatreon
🔊🔊🔊 FULL VIDEO SERIES PLAYLISTS:🔊🔊🔊
Ported Downfiring Subwoofer Build: bit.ly/CAFdown...
Dad's Sound Quality Daily Driver Build: bit.ly/CAFdadsSQ
SEMA F150 Subwoofer Box Build: bit.ly/CAFf150
LOUD Wrangler Build - bit.ly/CAFloud...
SQ Grand Cherokee Build - bit.ly/CAFgran...
Stealth Hidden Bass SQ Build - bit.ly/CAFstea...
Here at Car Audio Fabrication I teach you how to Master Car Audio in an effort to Design, Build, and Install your ideal car audio system. Whether you are a hardcore basshead or a HiFi focused audiophile I would love to have you subscribe and join our community!
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Website: www.caraudiofab...
Facebook: / caraudiofabrication
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Music:
Hot Coffee - KZbin Audio Library
Sunspots - KZbin Audio Library
Unstoppable - KZbin Audio Library
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Use of information from this video is at your own risk. You MUST view the full disclaimer here: www.caraudiofab...
Car Audio Fabrication - Master Car Audio - Design, Build, Install

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for tuning into the build! A TON of you have been emailing asking to purchase the design from this video so I have added it to the site: ✔️ Premade Design Blueprint of the box in this video: www.caraudiofabrication.com/product-page/f0010-jl-audio-12w1v3-1-60-cubic-ft-32hz ✔️ Custom Subwoofer Box Design Blueprints: bit.ly/CAFdesigns Thank you guys for watching!

[@JamesMurphy-re3hm]

proper preporation prevents piss pore performance

[@heavychevy383]

thats a good lookin build man ...i subscribed a while back & ur videos helped me with the build on my 98 formula ...& on that note, still lookin to add a sub to my system, so do u happen to have a blueprint for a small (10"?) sub box for the little triangle shaped nook in the back of a 98-02 camaro/firebird? ive seen em before, & crutchfield used to sell em, but apparently they dont make em anymore, so i was considering making one? thanx

[@robertdouglas4414]

Got a tip to maybe make things a little easier, a small sprinkling of table salt on the glue after you spread it, great reduces the boards wanting to slip back and forth as you clamp or tack it together.

[@Jacblack69]

Hello there are you close to Indianapolis, I'll come to you,I have a 2010 Escalade

[@donaldbanks9150]

A ex police man👮 lost his house🏠, his car🚘, and his girlfriend🏃🏾‍♀️. What did he lose first?😂 I won against @ckhaos132@@lastamericanhero59A ex police man👮 lost his house🏠, his car🚘, and his girlfriend🏃🏾‍♀️. What did he lose first?😂 I won against @ckhaos132

[@XxHyJyNxX]

9:10 “ I feel like I could do a whole video on braces...” I’m WAIIIIIIITING. Love your work, man! Pure excellence as always!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

You definitely will want to make sure to see the next video then. ;) Thanks for being subscribed for two years!

[@XxHyJyNxX]

CarAudioFabrication Absolutely! Watching the progression you’ve made over the last couple of years has been inspiring to say the very least! Thanks for all the content you produce and I truly mean it when I say excellence as always!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

New video just dropped! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKezdniLaqhjZ9U

[@Mike.Macmyazka]

I was about to ask about a few of your tools when I expanded the info and found that you had everything listed with links. I really appreciate that level of detail when you and others put that much into your videos. Not only the quality video, but the quality info to go with it. Thanks!

[@markphilpot4981]

Mark, any video you put out will help anyone who is interested in car audio fabrication and even those who aren’t. Those who watch want to see your how to’s. Your instructions are clear and if the need help, you will answer their questions. The half million mark is only a heartbeat away!

[@HifiVega]

This is the sickest entry level enclosure ever! Can’t wait for the next video because I’m digging the Anderson connectors.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Thanks for tuning in bro!

[@jerichotm2122]

I'm not particularly interested in building car sub-woofers, but I have watched this video right through the end because what you're doing here is ART! No doubt that proper tools are needed to complete this great job, but it needs much patience and this sense of perfection to accomplish this! Great work! Maybe if you wood like to do a video regarding DiY floorstander enclosures for home ... this will be interesting to watch, and perhaps, trying to do it myself! Or, because the name of this channel is Car audio fabrication, I would like to know how to built a complete audio system for a car... I know that is really tricky!! Again, great work!!!

[@douglasamadei]

Hi Mark ... I'm from Brazil and I really admire your work .... very clean and with good aesthetics ... unfortunately we didn't find professionals of your level here in Brazil .... Congratulations on your excellent work !!!

[@robland6118]

You absolutely do an amazing job man. The enclosure looks great. You pay a lot of attention to detail. I like it a lot. Can't say enough of how good of a craftsman you are!

[@larsvegas1505]

that said ur better off just buying a 200 dollar premade box.. since getting all the stuff together and making it will cost about 3 times as much.. unless ur already making tonns of them.

[@DjGrahnstettoOffical]

Just a suggestion, could you use a Beta 52 mic or something to record bass to get a better impression?

[@jdizzle3740]

So many don't understand what goes into custom box building and why it can be so expensive and time consuming. This is a great video that I think more people should watch before they go to a shop and expect a custom box to be done in an hour and a half.

[@stephendverner]

Building my first sub box. Been doing pro AV for 20 years. Just having fun with some car audio now.

[@941Earl]

Outstanding as always. You have reinvigorated my old passion for car audio!

[@oddhelgeb8560]

where art meets craftsmanship. Premuim that is !!

[@JoseHernandez-tc1kl]

Wow that’s awesome you make it look so easy to make. If I would do one it wouldn’t come out like the one you just did. I respect your work.

[@dougwilson377]

Nice vid... would love to see a single cab behind the seat box build, something where airspace is a challenge

[@miller61785]

So glad you added demo's to your box builds!

[@jacksonscott8451]

I have almost the same sub and amp setup with a ported box. I’ve had subs before, but it just sounds so clean unlike my other subs. It sounds good with all types of music! If you’re thinking about getting a setup like this, I would definitely recommend it!

[@luispauloArq]

After so many projects you have become a master, and it is great to see your beautiful works of art.

[@nanope773]

That's top of the line quality wise! Jl is legendary! Dual or the hand me down no name 12"s you get @ a thrift store or a buddy is entry level! Lol

[@angelthegutarhero]

Im going to build a box like this for a high output subwoofer. Thanks for making it first so that i wont go wrong with building it. Love your channel. Very professional.

[@LukeTheJoker]

That box came out really nice, looking forward to the next video in the series.

[@denseleit]

Absolute master of your craft... Wicked job!!!

[@oryanmackie-smith2423]

Just recently found your stuff appearing on my recommendations and I love your work... Definately going to be sticking around to learn some more techniques for sound system installs etc... I think you explain and show your talents really well... keep up the great work.

[@DGALVIN45]

We need a build video on your stereo system powering the amp and sub. Love the content brother, as always 💯

[@TJsVette]

I def need those quick disconnects for my van. It would make taking out the system a whole lot easier!!

[@tsar-bomba2413]

I love your take on basic enclosure design, next level when it comes to design. I'd love to see a competition style build out of you. Maybe hidden amp racks with actuators.. Your designs are always so clean.

[@christianbateman4530]

You make wrapping that box look super easy. Great video and its great that you share your knowledge with the world.

[@timothy5977]

Man, if I had access to videos like this back in 2000, I would have stayed in the audio industry.

[@chriscassady6623]

so clean! mad skills i like how you use simple affordable tools and give great detail throughout your videos. Thank you!

[@jayweb702]

JL Audio, classic car audio goodness!

[@Robertb00]

Entry level is some OSB, drywall screws, and liquid nails. I’m no JL audio fanatic but I have had great results even with the W0 12 in a small stealth fiberglass enclosure I built for a Camaro.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

No its not, thats just someone who is not educated in how to properly build a box. Nothing wrong with the screws approach but with a little research people would find that MDF and proper wood screws are a better choice.

[@Robertb00]

There was no disrespect intended, for me in the mid 90’s that what I started with. You have the best tutorial videos and show how to get professional results with proper planning and education.

[@jeffwaicak8704]

I'd have run particle board. But yes spot on. Now I run MDF wood glue and drywall screws

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

this build of the car audio speaker box bring tear to my eye very nice.

[@davidharmon1966]

You truly help the sound of music 🎶 in Auto . Thanks for your dedication..

[@rondamon8004]

Beautiful box, very clean and professional...Great chanel for audio enthusiasts...!!!

[@LocksmithInTampaFL]

Next level build. Thanks for all the details.

[@StuffWithKirby]

This peaks my interest. Ive been wanting to add a subwoofer to my work van.

[@Rick_Dunaway]

Clean and Simple, looks great!

[@robjodicarter]

You build such awesome boxes!!! I'm a newbie and I have tried to build a box 3 different times and I cant seem to get it to sound good.its a sundown sa 8v1.5. Built to mfg specs but sounds horrible... thanks for all your great videos!!!!

[@Mikiemike0051]

Well, you said you wanted 500k subscribers, I see 522k! Congratulations! I am interested in learning more about box tuning for Hz. Gonna dig through the channel here to see what gem I can find. Thanks for the awesome work! (And sharing it of course!)

[@MikeRoe24]

Amazing work I enjoy learning from your videos and getting new ideas on how to do things to my cusom audio build. You are very talented and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@garyseymour6319]

Have you ever done a rear parcel shelf bass build? If not why not? Also what kind of power do you use in your Sub builds as them wires are MASSIVE!!!!

[@darren7650]

Nice build Mark. YES, I’d love to see an amp/sub combo box with quick disconnects. I need that for my(wife’s) new Nissan Rogue.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Coming soon!

[@traktion9]

Entry level subwoofer build......slot port....with double baffle....double bracing.....corner 45s....front insert.....ya sounds pretty entry level to me.

[@CarAudioFabrication]

The subwoofer is entry level. Everything you mentioned can be done with basic tools and some pride.

[@flanigas]

@@CarAudioFabrication Specs for that sub may be "entry Level" but the price sure isn't. $230 is nowhere near entry level. JL does make nice sounding stuff but you are definately paying a premium for the name.

[@GahhDamnAlex]

@@flanigasFor the same RMS power rating and a low price, you can also look at the Skar Audio IX 12. It is only 50 dollars and it sounds great. I had the IX 12 for a year and it is still slapping. PS. The IX series from Skar Audio is their entry level sub.

[@rlg222]

I sure do miss building speaker enclosures. I like your videos.

[@publius1776ad]

Holy cow that was a lot of good information. Thank you.

[@mikethatguy27]

Looks beautiful my man! I bet it thumps.💯🙌💪

[@iamkustom]

Hello I've been watching your videos for a while this my first time adding a comment, can you if you haven't already done a video on how to do the male and female pieces, I'm starting to buy tools from Mobile Salutations can you give a list of what tools are needed from them just to start off thanks and keep up the good work 💪

[@brianbrown3065]

Wow. Just wow. Can't believe your level of skill man. You are frickin amazing! Nice work. Damn I'm jealous lol

[@SpaceheadStones]

You are truly a master of the craft!

[@MrShiffles]

I always enjoy watching you build works of art out of common materials that function beautifully! One question: isn't W0 considered entry level? I wouldn't think of W1 as entry level, considering the price is out of range for alot of people just starting out...

[@CarAudioFabrication]

I consider the W0 to be "budget". To me entry level means you are serious about getting into the hobby and willing to invest a little, but not looking to obtain the best high end gear.

[@MrShiffles]

@@CarAudioFabrication ok that makes sense...i always tended to associate "budget" and "entry level" as the same thing...thanks for the clarification and keep doing what you do! I've learned quite a few little tricks from time to time watching your videos...Cheers! \m/

[@alamarij]

You rock! yes you actually do! I've been flipping throu your channel in the last 2 days or so.... and yes you rock!

[@johncochrane2667]

Hi Mark! I would kill to be as skilled as you, but I'm working on it! I don't know if this has been answered before, but I noticed you don't use terminal cups on your boxes. I saw you use some sort of "grommet" port for the speaker wire to exit the box. What is that peice exactly, and would it work for a sealed box application as well? Thanks for this and all the knowledge you have shared over the years!

[@ericjorgensen7276]

Nice build looks great nice work. I use the same glue and finish nail gun never had a problem.

[@cedricklanteigne]

really love your channel! been suscribed for a week and im EATING your content! new to this car audio world and surpassed my car audio friends in knowledge just by watching your videos! keep it up! :)

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Welcome aboard! Thanks for watching

[@DIYAudioGuy]

Nice work as always.

[@josemacon7385]

Definitely would like to see a video of the different braces you use in your builds and how you determine the size of them!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

New video about window braces just dropped: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKezdniLaqhjZ9U

[@jikushiaromotojng6206]

Nice job men 💪💪💪💪💪💪

[@alverkoro435]

Thanks for the well-detailed video, just have a question, the manufacturer recommendation was 25 in x 15.5 in x 13 in why you used 30x15x13. Thanks.

[@AdamYarris]

I'm just starting on making a little dual amp rack for my system (inspired by your stuff), and I'm _very_ tempted to get a second sub and making a box for them. Damn you, mark!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Always a fun project to build more stuff!

[@AdamYarris]

@@CarAudioFabrication Well I can't deny that

[@bigdaddya735]

Nice trick to mark out a circle...👍

[@jeremytill2908]

Great video! I always wanted to know how that was done!!!

[@rodolfosotelo5929]

Man o mannnn what a beautiful sub box i just discovered your KZbin channel love the content man keep up the great work

[@grnwhitewidow76239]

Your work is amazing !

[@jasonandrewz2214]

Love the car audio kitchen builds.. Sound man is just jealous.

[@MarkoVukovic0]

Excellent build, well done dude!

[@DAVIDDTHEDUDE]

Great video and build, as usual! Where did you get that mini pry bar? looks like a nice tool

[@JosephOlar]

You asked if to mount the power amp to the box well it all depends on the vehicle. Can the amp be tucked away and just have the cable to the speaker. How about a quick latch or tie down for the speaker box to make sure it secured to the floor of the vehicle. Cheers

[@MrMasterDin]

If you use a heat gun carefully, you can knock down any stray trunk liner fuzz. Love the content!

[@SkylarMelo]

I'm a little confused with the you referencing 250W RMS in the videos of this series from the JD250/1. Yes the amp can do that wattage but at 2ohms. The 12w1v3-4 is a 4ohm sub so that'll only receive 150W RMS from that amp. Can you confirm?

[@74midwestbass74]

NICE!!!

[@chr1st14n3d]

Hello i've been watching some of your videos lately and it is very informative especially for beginners like me, but i'd like to see on how to install a template or layout for car trunk panel. Thank you so much.

[@marsrover001]

I'm that next video, could you talk about mounting the amp to the box and if you believe the vibrations will affect amp lifespan. I personally keep my amp mounted separately for this reason. Not to mention in many cars you can hide the amp very well and just use connectors like the speaktron to allow easy box removal. I just don't see or understand the need for amp removal.

[@evankaiser5767]

Love the tutorials. Could you consider a tutorial on a under sub box using fibrglass and factory undersear storage? For example Ford Ranger px2 space cab rear seat, Thanks afain for the tutorials.

[@shak180]

You are the GOAT Mark. You got me over here looking at buying all kinds of wood working tools to build some cool stuff. I love your router and table saw setups 👍🏽

[@joey-cn6mt]

Hi I love your show and have lured a lot from you. Can you explain why my 2000w amp 1500 10" sub does not play loud enough to hear it over the 1200w amp with my 2 2x9s 2 6.5s I the door I all so have 300 w tweeter on the dash that sounds great!. But for the life of me can't understand why the sob does not keep up?. Out of all the guys I know no one is that deep in car tunes. Thank You very much.

[@elijahevangelista3772]

Man your a legend..your job is superb.. new subcriber here in the philippines😆

[@samisvideo]

Love it, fantastic work!!!

[@roadlife9312]

You do some awesome work. Always learn something..really enjoying the box you design for me..

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for watching, and being subscriber a year!

[@roadlife9312]

@@CarAudioFabrication yep that's about howl long it took me too finish 🤣🤣 THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO!

[@chuyvelazquez9970]

Super box . Gracias desde México.

[@reneerichards7478]

How do these great sounding boxes fit in a small or mid sized car?

[@hippo-potamus]

Love your videos mate, you explain everything so well! Fantastic work!

[@mrupholsteryman]

Question for you. Not sure if this is already in the world of Google...but how much difference is there between the doubling up of the front wall of the sub side with wood....and is there added benefit to doubling all the walls? I am being asked to build a sub box for for someone (who states he's an audiophile) and I'm not sure exactly if internal bracing is enough for stiffening...or should I double up on the exterior panels as well. I'm open to your insight/opinions. Thanks! 😇😎

[@davidreeves2596]

Can I just bring my car to your shop? You do Amazing work!!

[@lkjyuiop1987]

It would cost you a lot

[@ameanudean]

Mighty clean!!

[@nichtsooft]

Is the followup announced @ 20:05 already out? I was unable to find it searching through the huge amount of brilliant vids on your channel. 🤯

[@denzilvarghese]

Recently I've purchased the Ported single 12" design from the website for Rockford Fosgate P2D4 12". However I changed my mind and thinking of getting the T1D2 12", will it be recommended to use the same enclosure for this model ??

[@TroyTeyema]

I'm new to your channel, so excuse my ignorance if you already covered this, but do you have a video showing your shop and going over all the tools you use? Thanks!

[@allensholes6216]

Totally awesome dude hell I am 55 years young and I hunger for Bass

[@jprock73]

Awesome build!

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Glad you think so!

[@mariofarrugia7455]

Hey i love your video, SUPER informational, i was designing a box trying to perfect the airflow but after watching.. I've realized i have bit of ALOT more then i can chew, i used to run that same JL sub but i now have the Alpine's SWR-1242D 12" and R-W12D4 ( Killer haha ) to soon be powered with the Audio DM2500a monoblock, (dual battery and isolator with capacitor), i was intending on making the port start at the back of it as it comes up and over the top via slim port, but after seeing your setup wrap around, I'm so lost in how to make something like that and have to perform to its peak (cubic inches inside the box i didn't think of optimizing its performance, something i didnt think of with all my sketches) i have a EK 99 Civic hatch (Almost type R Civic with type R subs 😜), i was wondering if you may have any advice on what i should really be doing and making for these subs to get my boot popping off its hinges 😂

[@franklynfrancis5516]

CarAudioFabrication What’s the best wood to use for making a box

[@VictorRodriguez-rd5xl]

Wow, that's what I call professional job...You make it look easy or like making art not work 😆👍, thanks for sharing w/ us novices. I always learn something from ur vids, thank you! God Bless...

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Appreciate it, thanks for tuning in

[@johnathansmith1373]

Maybe I missed it- is friction all that holds in the decorative panels? I model cnc parts in Fusion 360. If I commission a design do you also send a model or is everything only 2d? I have a shapeoko and though it might be easier to cut some features on the cnc? Thanks

[@SlowZX2]

I bought one DS18 SlC-12S which handles 250W RMS and peaks at 500w rms... what amplifiers would you recommend?

[@flipsidefishin7822]

What table saw are you using? I love it!

[@bradleyharper7093]

I really enjoy your builds they are very education and fun to watch. So would you ever build a system for you subscribers, if they buy the material and you make a video on it? Think it’ll be a win, win for both parties. Lol if so I’m down to get that done!!!! I know it’ll be right and sound amazing, also have a video of you building haha

[@CarAudioFabrication]

Doing a free build for the cost of materials would not be a win win....

[@bradleyharper7093]

@@CarAudioFabrication no! Not free build, who ever wants you to build them a system they’ll pay your rate, and buy the material is what I was saying. Sorry if I said it wrong! Didn’t mean to offend you by my miss typing. Also how much would it be? Just a rough estimate? Thinking 3 8in subs enclosure to fit a 2door mustang gt 05-09 years

[@johnsmith-qz4bv]

looks great nice work

[@kylefite6630]

Dude I've been binge watching your videos and I LOVE your work! I have a question you might be able to answer. I want to make a stereo for my shop. You made yours with a head unit. I want to make one with component speakers and an internal board just for Bluetooth. I found everything I need but I'd like to be able to hook up an outboard sub like a JL in it's own box. With 2 tweeters, 2 mids and an outboard sub I'd want a 4 channel amp right?

[@joedirt8222]

How did you get the vinyl inserts to stay on the box?

[@HighVybeTribe]

That box is a beast ! How much does that bad boy weigh ?