Installing a subwoofer can improve your car’s sound quality and make your listening experience more enjoyable. However, wiring a subwoofer can be challenging, especially for those who are not familiar with car audio systems. In this article, we will provide you with ten different subwoofer wiring diagrams to help you get started.
Single Voice Coil (SVC) Wiring Diagrams
Single voice coil subwoofers are the most common type of subwoofers used in car audio systems. They have one voice coil that is responsible for producing sound. Here are three different wiring diagrams you can use for single voice coil subwoofers:
Diagram 1: 2-ohm SVC Wiring
| Subwoofer | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
In this wiring diagram, the subwoofer is wired to a 2-ohm load. The amplifier should be able to handle a 2-ohm load to prevent damage. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the amplifier and the negative (-) terminal of the subwoofer to the negative (-) terminal of the amplifier.
Diagram 2: 4-ohm SVC Wiring
| Subwoofer | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
In this wiring diagram, the subwoofer is wired to a 4-ohm load. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the amplifier and the negative (-) terminal of the subwoofer to the negative (-) terminal of the amplifier.
Diagram 3: 8-ohm SVC Wiring
| Subwoofer | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
In this wiring diagram, the subwoofer is wired to an 8-ohm load. Connect the positive (+) terminal of the subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the amplifier and the negative (-) terminal of the subwoofer to the negative (-) terminal of the amplifier.
Dual Voice Coil (DVC) Wiring Diagrams
Dual voice coil subwoofers have two voice coils that can be wired in various configurations to achieve different loads. Here are four different wiring diagrams you can use for dual voice coil subwoofers:
Diagram 4: 2-ohm DVC Wiring (Parallel)
| Subwoofer | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
In this wiring diagram, the dual voice coil subwoofer is wired in parallel to achieve a 2-ohm load. Connect the positive (+) terminals of each voice coil to each other and connect the negative (-) terminals of each voice coil to each other. Then, connect one positive (+) terminal and one negative (-) terminal to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier.
Diagram 5: 2-ohm DVC Wiring (Series)
| Subwoofer | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Positive (+) |
| Positive (+) | Negative (-) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
In this wiring diagram, the dual voice coil subwoofer is wired in series to achieve a 2-ohm load. Connect one positive (+) terminal to the amplifier’s positive (+) terminal and one negative (-) terminal to the amplifier’s negative (-) terminal. Then, connect the other positive (+) terminal to the other negative (-) terminal and connect those to the amplifier’s positive (+) and negative (-) terminals, respectively.
Diagram 6: 4-ohm DVC Wiring (Parallel)
| Subwoofer | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
In this wiring diagram, the dual voice coil subwoofer is wired in parallel to achieve a 4-ohm load. Connect the positive (+) terminals of each voice coil to each other and connect the negative (-) terminals of each voice coil to each other. Then, connect one positive (+) terminal and one negative (-) terminal to the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals of the amplifier.
Diagram 7: 4-ohm DVC Wiring (Series)
| Subwoofer | Amplifier |
|---|---|
| Positive (+) | Positive (+) |
| Negative (-) | Positive (+) |
| Positive (+) | Negative (-) |
| Negative (-) | Negative (-) |
In this wiring diagram, the dual voice coil subwoofer is wired in series to achieve a 4-ohm load. Connect one positive (+) terminal to the amplifier’s positive (+) terminal and one negative (-) terminal to the other positive (+) terminal. Then, connect the other negative (-) terminal to the amplifier’s negative (-) terminal.
FAQ
1. Can I wire two subwoofers together?
Yes, you can wire two subwoofers together in various configurations to achieve different loads. However, make sure that your amplifier can handle the load to prevent damage. Consult your amplifier’s manual or an expert for guidance.
2. What is the difference between single voice coil and dual voice coil subwoofers?
Single voice coil subwoofers have one voice coil that is responsible for producing sound. Dual voice coil subwoofers have two voice coils that can be wired in various configurations to achieve different loads. Dual voice coil subwoofers offer more flexibility in wiring options compared to single voice coil subwoofers.
3. What kind of wire should I use for subwoofer wiring?
You should use a wire with a gauge that can handle the current and power requirements of your system. Consult your amplifier’s manual or an expert for guidance. It is also important to use high-quality wire to minimize resistance and distortion.
4. How can I test if my subwoofer is wired correctly?
You can test if your subwoofer is wired correctly by playing a test tone and measuring the output with a multimeter or using a dedicated subwoofer tester. If the output is not as expected, check your wiring connections and consult your system’s manual or an expert for guidance.
5. How can I protect my subwoofer from damage?
To protect your subwoofer from damage, make sure that your amplifier can handle the load and power requirements of your subwoofer. Use high-quality wire and make sure that your wiring connections are secure and free from short circuits. Avoid playing your system at high volumes for extended periods of time and monitor your subwoofer’s temperature regularly.
