Subwoofers are an important part of any car audio system. They provide the deep, rich bass that can make your music come alive. Installing subwoofers in your car can be a bit of a challenge, especially when it comes to wiring. In this article, we will discuss the different types of subwoofer wiring diagrams and how to choose the right one for your system.
Understanding Subwoofer Wiring Diagram
Before we get into the details of wiring your subwoofers, let’s discuss the basics of how they work. Subwoofers are designed to reproduce the low-frequency sound waves in music. To do this, they require a lot of power. The wiring diagram for your subs will help you to provide that power in the most efficient way possible.
There are two main types of subwoofer wiring diagrams: parallel and series. Parallel wiring involves connecting the positive terminals of each sub together and then connecting the negative terminals together. Series wiring involves connecting the positive terminal of one sub to the negative terminal of the other, and then connecting the remaining terminals to your amplifier.
The type of wiring diagram you choose will depend on the number and impedance of your subs, as well as the output impedance of your amplifier.
Parallel Wiring Diagram
Parallel wiring is the simplest and most common type of subwoofer wiring. It involves connecting the positive terminals of each sub together and then connecting the negative terminals together. This results in a total impedance that is lower than the impedance of each individual sub.
For example, if you have two 4-ohm subs and you wire them in parallel, the total impedance will be 2 ohms. If you have two 2-ohm subs and you wire them in parallel, the total impedance will be 1 ohm.
To wire your subs in parallel, follow these steps:
- Connect the positive terminal of one sub to the positive terminal of the other sub.
- Connect the negative terminal of one sub to the negative terminal of the other sub.
- Connect the positive terminal of one sub to the positive terminal of your amplifier.
- Connect the negative terminal of the other sub to the negative terminal of your amplifier.
When wiring your subs in parallel, it is important to make sure that your amplifier is capable of handling the total impedance of your subs. Using an amplifier with a lower impedance rating than your subs can result in damage to your equipment.
Series Wiring Diagram
Series wiring involves connecting the positive terminal of one sub to the negative terminal of the other, and then connecting the remaining terminals to your amplifier. This results in a total impedance that is higher than the impedance of each individual sub.
For example, if you have two 4-ohm subs and you wire them in series, the total impedance will be 8 ohms. If you have two 2-ohm subs and you wire them in series, the total impedance will be 4 ohms.
To wire your subs in series, follow these steps:
- Connect the positive terminal of one sub to the negative terminal of the other sub.
- Connect the positive terminal of one sub to the positive terminal of your amplifier.
- Connect the negative terminal of the other sub to the negative terminal of your amplifier.
When wiring your subs in series, it is important to make sure that your amplifier is capable of handling the total impedance of your subs. Using an amplifier with a higher impedance rating than your subs can result in reduced power output.
Common Questions about Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams
1. Can I mix different types of subs in my system?
Yes, you can mix different types of subs in your system. However, it is important to make sure that they are compatible with each other in terms of impedance and power handling. Mixing subs with different impedances can result in an uneven distribution of power, which can cause damage to your equipment.
2. What is the difference between a single voice coil (SVC) and a dual voice coil (DVC) sub?
A single voice coil sub has only one set of terminals, while a dual voice coil sub has two sets of terminals. DVC subs allow for more wiring options, as they can be wired in series or parallel to achieve the desired impedance. They also allow for greater flexibility in terms of amplifier selection.
3. Can I wire my subs in a way that will increase their power handling capacity?
No, wiring your subs in a certain way will not increase their power handling capacity. The power handling capacity of your subs is determined by their design and construction. Overpowering your subs can result in damage or failure.
4. Will wiring my subs in parallel or series affect the sound quality?
No, wiring your subs in parallel or series will not affect the sound quality. However, it is important to choose the right wiring diagram for your system to ensure that your subs receive the correct amount of power.
| Number of Subs | Impedance per Sub | Total Impedance (Parallel) | Total Impedance (Series) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 ohms | 2 ohms | 2 ohms |
| 2 | 4 ohms | 2 ohms | 8 ohms |
| 2 | 2 ohms | 1 ohm | 4 ohms |
| 3 | 4 ohms | 1.33 ohms | 12 ohms |
| 3 | 2 ohms | 0.67 ohms | 6 ohms |
Table 1: Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams and Total Impedance
Conclusion
In conclusion, subwoofer wiring diagrams are an important part of any car audio system. Understanding the different types of wiring diagrams and choosing the right one for your system can help you to achieve the best possible sound quality. Whether you choose parallel or series wiring, make sure to follow the proper steps and use the correct impedance to ensure that your equipment is not damaged.
