Vented Specialist

PHL Audio 3900-2

Best box: 2.2 L bass reflex tuned to 110.1 Hz · F3 138.2 Hz

Predicted SPL response of the PHL Audio 3900-2 in the recommended 2.2 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

  • Port length (81.1 cm) exceeds a straight internal run; use an elbow bend, slotted vent or 3D folded duct to fit the enclosure.

Recommended Bass Reflex (Vented)

PORT NEEDS ELBOW / 3D
Net Box Volume (Vb) 2.2 Liters
Tuning Frequency (Fb) 110.1 Hz
F3 (-3 dB Cutoff) 138.2 Hz
F6 / F10 Extension 115.4 Hz / 96.7 Hz
Port Inner Diameter Ø 10.0 cm
Port Physical Length 81.1 cm
First Pipe Resonance 212.0 Hz
Estimated MOL @ F3 116.1 dB SPL
⚠️ Port feasibility: a straight 10.0 cm tube needs 81.1 cm of internal length. Use an elbow bend, a slotted vent or a 3D folded duct.
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Recommended Sealed (Acoustic Suspension)

MAX TRANSIENT DAMPING
Net Box Volume (Vb) 1.4 Liters
System Q (Qtc) 0.707 (Butterworth)
System Resonance (Fc) 214.5 Hz
F3 (-3 dB Cutoff) 166.0 Hz
F6 / F10 Extension 132.8 Hz / 102.3 Hz
Air Spring Linearity High (Zero port compression)
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Thiele/Small Parameters

Resonance (Fs) 56.0 Hz
Total Q (Qts) 0.18
Electrical Q (Qes) 0.187
Mechanical Q (Qms) 4.71
Equivalent Volume (Vas) 20.3 Liters
Diaphragm Area (Sd) 308.0 cm²
DC Resistance (Re) 5.0 Ω
Efficiency Bandwidth Product (EBP) 299.2
Linear Excursion (Xmax) 4.5 mm
Thermal Power (Pe) 400.0 W
Nominal Diameter 10.0"
Catalog Source Load Forge catalog (manufacturer datasheets and retailer listings)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended ported (bass reflex) box volume for PHL Audio 3900-2?

Load Forge's calculated alignment puts PHL Audio 3900-2 in a 2.2 liter vented enclosure tuned to 110.1 Hz, reaching an F3 cutoff of approximately 138.2 Hz.

Can PHL Audio 3900-2 be used in a sealed box?

Yes. In a sealed (acoustic suspension) enclosure of 1.4 liters with a Qtc of 0.707 (Butterworth), the system exhibits an F3 of 166.0 Hz.

What port dimensions should be used for PHL Audio 3900-2 to avoid port chuffing?

Sized from cone displacement (Sd × Xmax), a minimum port diameter of 10.0 cm with a length of 81.1 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.

PHL Audio 3900-2 Enclosure Card
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