infinite baffle
 

anyone ever try to mount infinite baffle subs in the side compartments

Since infinite baffles by definition are designed for a free air usage (ie no box) I can't see why you would, but assuming you already own them and just want to make use of them, then I would say you can, you will just find that your bass doesn't go quite as deep...

d-

Maybe I'm not understanding your post. But I will explain my a little more clearer. First off, yes you are correct, free air subs. I beleive JL made a really good sub for this application. It is possible to put these subs in the side cargo area and retain a semi stock look without having to build a sealed box.

Entirely possible I'm not understanding what you are suggesting. What side cargo area are you talking about?


All I was trying to point out is that if you mount the sub into anything other than a giant enclosure (note that it does need an enclosure to separate the front from the back of the subwoofer) the sub will not perform as intended. Free air subs are basically designed for use in the rear deck of a sedan with the deck separating the front (interior) from the back (trunk) of the sub. You could build a giant box in the back of your vehicle, but I don't think that is what you are going for :) Mounting it anywhere else (say, in a side panel) would give the speaker different characteristics than intended since it would be in an enclosure...

d-

Well I dont think the sides of our X5's are totally sealed where the OEM amp is on the left side and on the right side where the fuses are. I assume that chamber will and could act as an isolated chamber for infinate baffle subs. I would be willng to try if I could find a set of used covers to cut into. I am sure I could mount from the back side fiberglass a grill cover and re-carpet that cover in acustically transparent carpet to match the OEM carpet

DocMike,
You are right, the cargo spaces are not totally sealed. But a question for you please... Why would you want to do this when JL makes a sealed Stealthbox for that exact location, (as does BSW) which is hidden, maximizes available volume, and is vibration free? A free air sub is only going to introduce noise and vibration around that small chamber (fuse box, wiring harnesses, clips, gas door, etc.), and the airspace is tiny anyway, far from what you need for a true infinite baffle setup. The cargo cover is not rigid enough to be a distortion free mount for a sub. It will never hit super low in that space. That cargo space is way too small and closed-in to function optimally in a free-air setup. So what are the benefits of what you are trying to do? Thanks.

just looking at options right now. I am pretty good with fiberglass and have no problem making an enclosure to fit that space ala http://kward1.homestead.com/X5subpics.html. But was just exploring options

I see. Nothing at all wrong with exploring.
Good luck with it.

True, they are not totally sealed, but at the same time they will not act as necessary to keep the front of the sub separated from the rear and will therefore suffer from cancellation and muddy sound.

SUV's are typically not designed for use with an infinite baffle sub - every sub I've ever seen, including those from the factory, come mounted in an enclosure.... Too hard to tune an area such as you are discussing (since you can't easily measure the volume) and too many things to vibrate (wires, etc).

d-