Speaker wiring can be a daunting task for those new to it, but it is a necessary skill for any musician or audio technician. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to wiring two 12-inch speakers together, covering the different types of wiring, the materials you will need, and a step-by-step guide to completing the process.
Types of Wiring
Before we get into the specifics of wiring two 12-inch speakers, it is important to understand the different types of wiring that exist. The two most common types of wiring are series and parallel, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Series Wiring
Series wiring involves connecting the positive lead of one speaker to the negative lead of the other, and then connecting the remaining positive and negative leads to your amplifier or sound system. This configuration results in increased impedance and a lowered overall power output, but can provide a rich, deep sound for bass-heavy music.
When wiring speakers in series, it is important to match the impedance of the speakers to the amplifier to avoid overloading the system. This can be done by selecting speakers with the same impedance, or by using an impedance-matching device.
Parallel Wiring
Parallel wiring involves connecting both positive leads together, and both negative leads together, then wiring each combined lead to your amplifier or sound system. This configuration results in a lowered impedance and increased overall power output, but can result in a shallower, less defined sound.
When wiring speakers in parallel, it is important to match the impedance to avoid overloading the system, but this is often easier than in series wiring as it allows for greater flexibility in selecting speakers of varying impedance.
Materials
Now that we have covered the different types of wiring, let’s take a look at the materials you will need to wire two 12-inch speakers together.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Two 12-inch speakers | Speakers of your choice, with matching impedance |
| Speaker wire | 16- or 18-gauge wire, sufficient length for your setup |
| Soldering iron | For soldering wires together |
| Solder | For connecting wires together |
| Wire cutter/stripper | For cutting and stripping the speaker wire |
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have your materials, let’s dive into the process of wiring two 12-inch speakers together.
Step 1: Strip the Wires
Start by stripping a small section of insulation from the end of each speaker wire. You should have two wires for each speaker: one positive (red) and one negative (black).
Step 2: Connect the Speakers in Series or Parallel
Decide whether you want to wire your speakers in series or parallel, based on your desired sound output. If wiring in series, connect the positive lead of one speaker to the negative lead of the other, and then connect the remaining positive and negative leads to your amplifier or sound system. If wiring in parallel, connect both positive leads together, and both negative leads together, then wire each combined lead to your amplifier or sound system.
Step 3: Solder the Connections
Once you have your speakers wired in the desired configuration, use your soldering iron and solder to connect the wires together. Be sure to use heat shrink tubing or electrical tape to cover and insulate the soldered connections.
Step 4: Test Your System
Now that your speakers are wired together, it is time to test your system. Start by playing some music and slowly increasing the volume to ensure that there are no issues with the sound output.
FAQ
Do I need to use the same impedance speakers?
If wiring your speakers in series, it is important to use speakers with the same impedance to avoid overloading the system. When wiring in parallel, it is possible to use speakers with varying impedance, but it is important to match the overall impedance of the speakers to the amplifier or sound system.
What gauge wire should I use?
We recommend using 16- or 18-gauge wire, as this is sufficient for most setups and provides a good balance between flexibility and durability.
What is the difference between series and parallel wiring?
Series wiring involves connecting the positive lead of one speaker to the negative lead of the other, and then connecting the remaining positive and negative leads to your amplifier or sound system. This configuration results in increased impedance and a lowered overall power output, but can provide a rich, deep sound for bass-heavy music.
Parallel wiring involves connecting both positive leads together, and both negative leads together, then wiring each combined lead to your amplifier or sound system. This configuration results in a lowered impedance and increased overall power output, but can result in a shallower, less defined sound.
What is the best wiring configuration for my setup?
The best wiring configuration will depend on your specific setup and desired sound output. We recommend experimenting with both series and parallel wiring to determine which configuration provides the best sound for your needs.
That’s it! By following this guide, you should now have the knowledge and skills necessary to wire two 12-inch speakers together in either a series or parallel configuration, allowing you to create a robust and high-quality sound system for your musical endeavors.
