Should Mid-Bass and Coaxial Speakers Be Separated for Optimal Sound?

Optimizing Your Speaker Enclosure: Why Mid-Bass and Coaxial Speakers Should Be Separated

When building a high-performance audio system, enclosure design plays a crucial role in delivering clean, powerful sound. One common mistake enthusiasts make is housing mid-bass speakers and coaxial speakers in the same enclosure. While it might seem convenient, this setup can significantly impact sound quality.

The Problem: Interference & Distortion

Coaxial speakers are designed to cover a broad frequency range, while mid-bass speakers focus on lower frequencies. When both are placed in a shared enclosure, the air displacement and vibrations from each speaker interfere with the other. This can lead to muddied sound, distortion, and an overall loss in clarity.

Enclosure Tuning Matters

Mid-bass speakers thrive in properly tuned enclosures that amplify their frequency response. On the other hand, coaxial speakers perform best in a more open environment. Mixing them in one enclosure compromises the tuning of both, making it harder to achieve crisp highs and punchy lows.

Avoiding Resonance & Phase Issues

 

Each speaker type has different resonance characteristics. When forced to share an enclosure, their vibrations interact unpredictably, sometimes causing phase cancellation—a phenomenon that reduces sound accuracy and weakens audio dynamics.

The Solution: Separate or Partitioned Enclosures

For maximum clarity and performance, it’s best to:
✔ Use separate enclosures for mid-bass and coaxial speakers
✔ Partition the enclosure to isolate each speaker’s airspace
✔ Tune each enclosure properly to match the speaker’s specifications

By taking these steps, you ensure each component of your audio system operates at peak efficiency, delivering the immersive sound experience that Insane Asylum Motorsports customers expect.

Need Help Designing Your Setup?

Our team specializes in custom audio systems and enclosure tuning for the most insane builds. Contact Insane Asylum Motorsports today, and let's take your sound system to the next level!