When it comes to wiring subwoofers, there are a number of different configurations that you can use. One of the most popular options is the 2 dual 4 ohm wiring diagram, which allows you to wire two subwoofers together in a way that maximizes their power and performance.
What is 2 Dual 4 Ohm Wiring?
Before we dive into the details of how to wire a subwoofer using the 2 dual 4 ohm wiring diagram, it’s important to first understand what this wiring configuration is and how it works.
Put simply, 2 dual 4 ohm wiring means that you’re connecting two subwoofers together, and each of those subwoofers has two voice coils with a resistance of 4 ohms each. By wiring these subwoofers in a specific way, you can create a final load that has a total impedance of either 1 ohm or 4 ohms.
The reason why this wiring configuration is so popular is because it allows you to get the most power out of your subwoofers. This is because a lower impedance typically means that you can get more power out of your amplifier, which in turn means that your subwoofers can hit harder and play louder.
How to Wire a 2 Dual 4 Ohm System
Now that you have a basic understanding of what 2 dual 4 ohm wiring is and why it’s so popular, let’s take a look at how to actually wire a subwoofer using this configuration.
The first step is to determine the final impedance that you want your system to have. As we mentioned earlier, you can create a final impedance of either 1 ohm or 4 ohms with this wiring configuration. Once you know what impedance you’re aiming for, you can move on to the actual wiring process.
Wiring a 1 Ohm System
If you’re aiming for a final impedance of 1 ohm, here’s how to wire your subwoofers:
| Subwoofer 1 | Subwoofer 2 |
|---|---|
| Voice Coil 1 (+) | Voice Coil 1 (+) |
| Voice Coil 1 (-) | Voice Coil 1 (-) |
| Voice Coil 2 (+) | Voice Coil 2 (+) |
| Voice Coil 2 (-) | Voice Coil 2 (-) |
As you can see from the table, you’ll be connecting each voice coil in parallel with its corresponding voice coil on the other subwoofer. This will result in a final load of 1 ohm.
Wiring a 4 Ohm System
If you’re aiming for a final impedance of 4 ohms, here’s how to wire your subwoofers:
| Subwoofer 1 | Subwoofer 2 |
|---|---|
| Voice Coil 1 (+) | Voice Coil 1 (-) |
| Voice Coil 2 (+) | Voice Coil 2 (-) |
| Parallel (+) | Parallel (-) |
In this configuration, you’ll be connecting each voice coil in series with its corresponding voice coil on the other subwoofer. Then, you’ll connect the two subs together in parallel. This will result in a final load of 4 ohms.
FAQ
What is the difference between series and parallel wiring?
Series wiring involves connecting the positive terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil, and then using the remaining positive and negative terminals to connect to your amplifier. Parallel wiring, on the other hand, involves connecting all of the positive terminals together and all of the negative terminals together, and then connecting those two groups of terminals to your amplifier.
What is the benefit of wiring subwoofers in a lower impedance configuration?
A lower impedance typically allows you to get more power out of your amplifier, which in turn means that your subwoofers can hit harder and play louder. However, it’s important to make sure that your amplifier is capable of handling a lower impedance before you wire your subwoofers in this way.
What happens if I wire my subwoofers incorrectly?
If you wire your subwoofers incorrectly, you may end up with a load that is too low for your amplifier to handle. This can cause your amplifier to overheat and/or go into protect mode, which will prevent it from operating properly. Additionally, wiring your subwoofers incorrectly can cause them to perform poorly or even damage them.
Can I use the 2 dual 4 ohm wiring diagram with other subwoofer configurations?
While the 2 dual 4 ohm wiring diagram is specifically designed for subwoofers with two voice coils, there are other wiring configurations that you can use with different types of subwoofers. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re using the correct wiring configuration for your specific subwoofers and amplifier to ensure the best possible performance.
