Does one truly need a manifold?

[audiowize]

Is there any huge reason not to stack up 2-3 layers of 3/4" mdf between ceiling joists, then just mount my IB subs directly to that? (Obviously I would attach these sheets to the joists, not relying on the drywall to support them).

The only huge problem I see is the drivers clamping through the drywall, but I could use a rabbet bit on a router to let the woofers mount right to the mdf.

I'm not so worried about gravity and woofer cones.


Any thoughts?

[jman]

That would be a line array, which is another method. The spacing on joists is usually 16" on center, which is only 14.5" of actual space.

[ThomasW]

As long as the baffle is sufficiently stiff it should be ok. I'd do a layer of Baltic Birch ply between 2 layers of MDF