Ora

Can You Put a Sub Facing Up?

Published in Car Audio Subwoofer Placement 2 mins read

Yes, you can absolutely put a subwoofer with its speaker facing up, and it's a popular and effective placement strategy for car audio systems, particularly in certain vehicle configurations.

Preferred Placement in SUVs

For many car owners, especially those with SUVs, positioning a subwoofer with the speaker facing upwards is a preferred "school of thought." This setup often involves a ported enclosure, where the subwoofer's speaker directs sound towards the ceiling of the vehicle.

Optimal Positioning for Up-Firing Subwoofers

When opting for an up-firing subwoofer setup, specific considerations help maximize performance and sound quality:

  • Port Orientation: It's common for the enclosure's port to face the rear of the vehicle.
  • Proximity to Hatch: The subwoofer enclosure should be placed as close as possible to the vehicle's rear hatch. This proximity can leverage the vehicle's interior acoustics to enhance bass response.
  • Clearance for Port: Ensure there is adequate space between the port and any obstructions, such as the hatch. A recommended clearance of 2 to 3 inches is typically sufficient to prevent interference and allow proper airflow for optimal bass delivery.

This configuration is chosen by many car audio enthusiasts for its ability to integrate well within the vehicle's space and deliver impactful low frequencies.