Subwoofers are an essential part of any car audio system. They provide the bass and low-frequency sounds that make the music more enjoyable. However, wiring subwoofers can be a daunting task, especially for those who are new to car audio systems. In this article, we will look at the four most popular subwoofer wiring diagrams and how to wire them correctly.
Single Voice Coil Wiring Diagram
The single voice coil wiring diagram is the most basic subwoofer wiring diagram. It involves connecting a single voice coil subwoofer to a mono amplifier. The wiring is simple, with just two terminals to connect. However, it is essential to make sure that the subwoofer is wired to the correct impedance.
When wiring a single voice coil subwoofer, the impedance should match the amplifier’s output impedance. If the subwoofer has a 4-ohm impedance, the amplifier should also have a 4-ohm output impedance. If the impedance does not match, it can damage the subwoofer or amplifier.
To wire a single voice coil subwoofer, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Connect the positive (+) terminal of the subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the amplifier. |
| Step 2 | Connect the negative (-) terminal of the subwoofer to the negative (-) terminal of the amplifier. |
Once the subwoofer is wired correctly, it should produce clear and powerful bass sounds.
FAQ
Q: Can I wire a single voice coil subwoofer to a stereo amplifier?
A: Yes, you can wire a single voice coil subwoofer to a stereo amplifier. However, the subwoofer will only receive one channel of audio, resulting in a mono sound output.
Dual Voice Coil Wiring Diagram
The dual voice coil wiring diagram is more complex than the single voice coil wiring diagram. It involves connecting a subwoofer that has two voice coils to a mono or stereo amplifier. The wiring allows for more wiring options and helps to achieve a specific impedance.
When wiring a dual voice coil subwoofer, it is essential to determine the impedance that the amplifier can handle. For example, if the amplifier can handle a 2-ohm load, the subwoofer should be wired to a 2-ohm impedance.
To wire a dual voice coil subwoofer, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Determine the impedance that the amplifier can handle. |
| Step 2 | Connect one positive (+) terminal of the subwoofer to one positive (+) terminal of the amplifier. |
| Step 3 | Connect the other positive (+) terminal of the subwoofer to the other positive (+) terminal of the amplifier. |
| Step 4 | Connect one negative (-) terminal of the subwoofer to one negative (-) terminal of the amplifier. |
| Step 5 | Connect the other negative (-) terminal of the subwoofer to the other negative (-) terminal of the amplifier. |
Once the subwoofer is wired correctly, it should produce rich, deep bass sounds.
FAQ
Q: Can I wire a dual voice coil subwoofer to a mono amplifier?
A: Yes, you can wire a dual voice coil subwoofer to a mono amplifier. However, the subwoofer will only receive one channel of audio, resulting in a mono sound output.
Parallel Wiring Diagram
The parallel wiring diagram involves connecting two or more subwoofers with the same impedance to an amplifier. It produces a lower overall impedance, resulting in more power and volume. It is critical to match the impedance of the subwoofers to the amplifier’s output impedance.
When wiring subwoofers in parallel, the impedance of each subwoofer decreases. For example, if two 4-ohm subwoofers are wired in parallel, the overall impedance would be 2 ohms. If three 4-ohm subwoofers are wired in parallel, the overall impedance would be 1.33 ohms.
To wire subwoofers in parallel, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Determine the impedance of each subwoofer. |
| Step 2 | Add the impedance of each subwoofer. |
| Step 3 | Divide the sum by the number of subwoofers to get the overall impedance. |
| Step 4 | Connect the positive (+) terminals of all subwoofers to the positive (+) terminal of the amplifier. |
| Step 5 | Connect the negative (-) terminals of all subwoofers to the negative (-) terminal of the amplifier. |
Once the subwoofers are wired correctly, they should produce more power and volume than a single subwoofer.
FAQ
Q: Can I wire subwoofers with different impedances in parallel?
A: No, you should not wire subwoofers with different impedances in parallel. It can damage the subwoofers or amplifier.
Series Wiring Diagram
The series wiring diagram involves connecting two or more subwoofers with the same impedance to an amplifier. It produces a higher overall impedance, resulting in less power and volume. It is critical to match the impedance of the subwoofers to the amplifier’s output impedance.
When wiring subwoofers in series, the impedance of each subwoofer increases. For example, if two 4-ohm subwoofers are wired in series, the overall impedance would be 8 ohms. If three 4-ohm subwoofers are wired in series, the overall impedance would be 12 ohms.
To wire subwoofers in series, follow these steps:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Determine the impedance of each subwoofer. |
| Step 2 | Add the impedance of each subwoofer. |
| Step 3 | Connect the positive (+) terminal of one subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the amplifier. |
| Step 4 | Connect the negative (-) terminal of that subwoofer to the positive (+) terminal of the next subwoofer. |
| Step 5 | Connect the negative (-) terminal of the last subwoofer to the negative (-) terminal of the amplifier. |
Once the subwoofers are wired correctly, they should produce less power and volume than a parallel wiring diagram.
FAQ
Q: Can I wire subwoofers with different impedances in series?
A: Yes, you can wire subwoofers with different impedances in series. However, it can result in an uneven power distribution between the subwoofers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wiring subwoofers requires proper knowledge and attention to detail. The single voice coil, dual voice coil, parallel, and series wiring diagrams are the most popular ways to wire subwoofers. It is essential to match the impedance of the subwoofers to the amplifier’s output impedance to avoid damaging the equipment.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can wire subwoofers correctly and enjoy clear, powerful bass sounds in your car audio system.
