Elemental Designs e3.8
8″ subwoofer · DVC · 350 W RMS
| Source | web.archive.org · manufacturer data |
|---|---|
| Checked against source | October 2026 |
| Thiele/Small parameters | complete |
| Mounting dimensions | 3 of 4 — missing: magnet diameter; the designer will use an estimate |
- The spec sheet's Qts 0.3 doesn't match its Qes and Qms (they give 0.34).
Recommended box
For a sedan, one sub, 350 W. It’s the same math as the designer’s step-by-step mode, where you can fit the box to your space, vehicle and amp and get plans, a cut sheet and DXF.
Sealed
smaller, tighter| Bass character (Qtc) | Tight and punchy · 0.80 |
|---|---|
| Fc | 54 Hz |
| F3 (−3 dB, no cabin gain) | 52 Hz |
| Example box (outside) | 10 1/4″ × 10 1/4″ × 10 1/16″ |
Ported
deeper, louder| Tuning (Fb) | 30 Hz |
|---|---|
| Port | slot 1 × 14 5/16″, 36 7/16″ long |
| Port velocity at 350 W | 65 ft/s |
| F3 (−3 dB, no cabin gain) | 29 Hz |
| Example box (outside) | 31 1/2″ × 15 3/4″ × 7 3/4″ |
Deeper: 1.09 ft³ (31 L) tuned to 28 Hz, 31 1/2″ × 15 3/4″ × 8 1/8″ outside — a bigger box with flatter deep bass. Open in the calculator
Projects with this subwoofer
Boxes that users designed and published: plans, cut sheet and response graph.
Thiele/Small parameters
| Size | 8″ |
|---|---|
| Voice coils | DVC |
| RMS power | 350 W |
| Fs | 23 Hz |
| Qts | 0.34 |
| Qes | 0.38 |
| Qms | 3.5 |
| Vas | 1.59 ft³ |
| Re (one coil) | 7.4 Ω |
|---|---|
| Sd | 35.8 in² |
| Xmax | 0.56″ |
| Vd | 19.9 in³ calc. |
| Mms | 80 g calc. |
| BL | 15 T·m calc. |
| EBP | 61 — sealed or ported calc. |
| Sensitivity, 1 W / 1 m | 83.6 dB calc. |
Mounting dimensions
| Cutout diameter | 7 1/4″ |
|---|---|
| Mounting depth | 4 3/8″ |
| Overall diameter | 8 3/8″ |
“≈” means the value isn’t in the spec sheet and a typical value for the size is used; “calc.” means it’s calculated from the published parameters. Check the manufacturer’s spec sheet before you build.
Data sources
Other Elemental Designs 8″ models
- Elemental Designs 9Kv.2 8″ · DVC
- Elemental Designs e8A 8″
Similar 8″ subwoofers from other brands
Close in Fs, Qts and Vas — a box of similar volume will suit them.
- ARC Audio ARC 8D4 0.32 ft³ sealed · 1.06 ft³ ported
- RE Audio REX8 S4 0.32 ft³ sealed · 1.02 ft³ ported
- Gladen Zeta 08 (DVC 2 ohm) 0.28 ft³ sealed · 0.95 ft³ ported
- Dayton Audio SD215A-88 0.42 ft³ sealed · 0.95 ft³ ported
- Infinity Beta EightX (8X) 0.32 ft³ sealed · 0.99 ft³ ported
- Bomber Upgrade 350W 4 Ohm (SW8UP-350-4) 0.35 ft³ sealed · 0.95 ft³ ported
FAQ
What box does the Elemental Designs e3.8 need?
Recommended net volume: 0.35 ft³ sealed, 1.06 ft³ ported tuned to 30 Hz — for one sub in a sedan at 350 W. Fit the box to your space and amp in the free calculator, with plans and a cut sheet.
What are the Elemental Designs e3.8 Thiele/Small specs?
Fs 23 Hz, Qts 0.34, Vas 1.59 ft³, Xmax 0.56″, Sd 35.8 in².
What is the Elemental Designs e3.8 mounting depth?
Mounting depth is 4 3/8″, cutout diameter 7 1/4″. The inside depth of the box must exceed the mounting depth by at least 1″.
How much power does the Elemental Designs e3.8 handle and how do I wire it?
RMS power rating: 350 W. Wiring for several subs and amp power — in the wiring calculator.