Sealed Specialist

Dayton Audio DCS380-4

Best box: 379.6 L bass reflex tuned to 18.9 Hz · F3 17.6 Hz

Predicted SPL response of the Dayton Audio DCS380-4 in the recommended 379.6 L bass reflex box versus the alternative — open it in the simulator Open and tweak this box live ↗

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⚠️ Engineering Notice for Builders

  • Large enclosure volume (379.6 L) requires extensive internal matrix bracing to prevent panel resonance.

Recommended Bass Reflex (Vented)

PORT BUILDABLE
Net Box Volume (Vb) 379.6 Liters
Tuning Frequency (Fb) 18.9 Hz
F3 (-3 dB Cutoff) 17.6 Hz
F6 / F10 Extension 15.9 Hz / 14.2 Hz
Port Inner Diameter Ø 10.0 cm
Port Physical Length 10.2 cm
First Pipe Resonance 1684.0 Hz
Estimated MOL @ F3 109.9 dB SPL
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Recommended Sealed (Acoustic Suspension)

MAX TRANSIENT DAMPING
Net Box Volume (Vb) 168.8 Liters
System Q (Qtc) 0.707 (Butterworth)
System Resonance (Fc) 33.5 Hz
F3 (-3 dB Cutoff) 35.3 Hz
F6 / F10 Extension 26.4 Hz / 19.8 Hz
Air Spring Linearity High (Zero port compression)
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Thiele/Small Parameters

Resonance (Fs) 21.5 Hz
Total Q (Qts) 0.44
Electrical Q (Qes) 0.498
Mechanical Q (Qms) 3.79
Equivalent Volume (Vas) 267.0 Liters
Diaphragm Area (Sd) 819.4 cm²
DC Resistance (Re) 2.9 Ω
Efficiency Bandwidth Product (EBP) 43.2
Linear Excursion (Xmax) 8.4 mm
Thermal Power (Pe) 250.0 W
Nominal Diameter 15.0"
Catalog Source Load Forge catalog (manufacturer datasheets and retailer listings)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended ported (bass reflex) box volume for Dayton Audio DCS380-4?

Load Forge's calculated alignment puts Dayton Audio DCS380-4 in a 379.6 liter vented enclosure tuned to 18.9 Hz, reaching an F3 cutoff of approximately 17.6 Hz.

Can Dayton Audio DCS380-4 be used in a sealed box?

Yes. In a sealed (acoustic suspension) enclosure of 168.8 liters with a Qtc of 0.707 (Butterworth), the system exhibits an F3 of 35.3 Hz.

What port dimensions should be used for Dayton Audio DCS380-4 to avoid port chuffing?

Sized from cone displacement (Sd × Xmax), a minimum port diameter of 10.0 cm with a length of 10.2 cm is suggested; check the port air velocity at your drive level in the Load Forge Studio.

Shareable Acoustic Card for Forums & Social Media

Embed this design card on DIYAudio, AVSForum, Reddit, or Facebook. It shows the calculated F3, MOL (when the power rating is published) and box parameters.

Dayton Audio DCS380-4 Enclosure Card
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