Subwoofers are essential components of car audio systems, capable of enhancing the listening experience with their deep bass and low-frequency sounds. However, setting up a subwoofer can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. One of the most important aspects of subwoofer installation is wiring, which can make or break the overall sound quality. In this article, we’ll be discussing the five most common subwoofer wiring diagrams, how to wire your subwoofers correctly, and frequently asked questions.
Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams
There are five common subwoofer wiring diagrams:
- Single Voice Coil (SVC)
- Dual Voice Coil (DVC)
- Parallel Wiring
- Series Wiring
- Series-Parallel Wiring
Single Voice Coil (SVC)
Single voice coil subwoofers have one coil that receives power. To wire a single voice coil subwoofer, follow these steps:
- Choose the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier.
- Connect a wire from the positive terminal of your amplifier to the positive terminal of your subwoofer.
- Connect a wire from the negative terminal of your amplifier to the negative terminal of your subwoofer.
This wiring diagram is ideal for those who only have one subwoofer to connect.
Dual Voice Coil (DVC)
Dual voice coil subwoofers have two coils that can receive power. To wire a dual voice coil subwoofer, follow these steps:
- Choose the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier.
- Connect a wire from the positive terminal of your amplifier to one of the positive terminals of your subwoofer.
- Connect a wire from the negative terminal of your amplifier to one of the negative terminals of your subwoofer.
- Connect a wire from the other positive terminal of your subwoofer to the positive terminal of your amplifier.
- Connect a wire from the other negative terminal of your subwoofer to the negative terminal of your amplifier.
This wiring diagram is ideal for subwoofers with two coils, allowing them to be wired in either parallel or series wiring.
Parallel Wiring
Parallel wiring involves connecting multiple subwoofers so that the positive terminals are connected and the negative terminals are connected. To wire multiple subwoofers in parallel, follow these steps:
- Choose the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier.
- Connect a wire from the positive terminal of your amplifier to the positive terminal of each subwoofer.
- Connect a wire from the negative terminal of your amplifier to the negative terminal of each subwoofer.
Parallel wiring results in a lower overall resistance, which means higher output and more bass.
Series Wiring
Series wiring involves connecting multiple subwoofers in a chain, with the positive terminal of one subwoofer connected to the negative terminal of the next. To wire multiple subwoofers in series, follow these steps:
- Choose the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier.
- Connect a wire from the positive terminal of your amplifier to the positive terminal of the first subwoofer.
- Connect a wire from the negative terminal of the first subwoofer to the positive terminal of the second subwoofer.
- Repeat step 3 for as many subwoofers as you have.
- Connect a wire from the negative terminal of the last subwoofer to the negative terminal of your amplifier.
Series wiring results in a higher overall resistance, which means lower output and less bass.
Series-Parallel Wiring
Series-parallel wiring involves combining both series and parallel wiring, making it ideal for those who want to connect multiple subwoofers in complex configurations. To wire multiple subwoofers in series-parallel, follow these steps:
- Choose the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier.
- Connect a wire from the positive terminal of your amplifier to the positive terminal of the first subwoofer.
- Connect a wire from the negative terminal of the first subwoofer to the positive terminal of the second subwoofer.
- Repeat step 3 for as many subwoofers as you have, until you have two groups of subwoofers.
- Connect each group of subwoofers in parallel, by connecting the positive terminals of each group to each other, and the negative terminals of each group to each other.
- Connect the positive and negative terminals of each group to the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier.
Series-parallel wiring results in a balance between output and bass, making it ideal for those who want a compromise between the two.
How to Wire Your Subwoofers Correctly
Wiring your subwoofers correctly can make a big difference to the sound quality of your car audio system. Here are some tips to ensure you wire your subwoofers correctly:
- Check your amplifier’s manual to ensure you’re using the correct wiring diagram for your subwoofers.
- Use high-quality, thick cables to ensure the best possible conductivity.
- Ensure the polarity of the wires is correct, by matching the positive and negative terminals of your amplifier with the positive and negative terminals of your subwoofers.
- Securely fasten all wires to prevent them from coming loose or getting damaged while driving.
- Test your subwoofers thoroughly after wiring to ensure everything is working correctly.
FAQ
1. Can I connect multiple subwoofers to one amplifier?
Yes, you can connect multiple subwoofers to one amplifier, as long as you use the correct wiring diagram, and the amplifier can handle the load.
2. What happens if I wire my subwoofers incorrectly?
If you wire your subwoofers incorrectly, it can result in poor sound quality, damage to your subwoofers, or even damage to your amplifier.
3. Can I wire subwoofers in different sizes?
Yes, you can wire subwoofers in different sizes, as long as they have the same impedance and you use the correct wiring diagram.
4. Can I wire subwoofers in different brands?
Yes, you can wire subwoofers in different brands, as long as they have the same impedance and you use the correct wiring diagram.
5. How can I test my subwoofers after wiring?
You can test your subwoofers after wiring by playing music at different volumes and frequencies, ensuring there are no distortions, and the sound quality is optimal.
Conclusion
Wiring your subwoofers correctly is crucial to achieve the best possible sound quality from your car audio system. By following the above subwoofer wiring diagrams and tips, you can ensure that your subwoofers are wired correctly, resulting in an optimal listening experience. Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and test thoroughly before hitting the road.
