If you are looking to set up a subwoofer for your car, the wiring diagram can be a daunting task. Whether you are a beginner or experienced with car audio systems, knowing how to wire a dual voice coil subwoofer can be an essential skill to have. This guide will take you through step by step to ensure you have a clear understanding of the wiring process.
What is a Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer?
A dual voice coil subwoofer, commonly known as a DVC, is a type of subwoofer that has two separate voice coils instead of one. This means that instead of having a single positive and a single negative wire, there are two positives and two negatives. This configuration allows for more flexibility when connecting the subwoofer to an amplifier, giving you more options for wiring.
The Benefits of Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers
One of the benefits of a DVC is that it can handle more power than a single voice coil subwoofer. The additional voice coil allows for more energy to be dispersed through the subwoofer, creating a more powerful sound. Additionally, a DVC can be wired in multiple ways, which allows for more customization when building a car audio system.
What Do You Need to Wire a Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer?
Before you start wiring your DVC subwoofer, there are a few things you will need:
- Dual voice coil subwoofer
- Amplifier
- Speaker wire
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Screwdriver
Wiring a Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to start wiring. There are several ways to wire a DVC subwoofer, but we will focus on the most common methods.
Wiring in Parallel
When wiring a DVC subwoofer in parallel, you will need to connect the positive terminal of one voice coil to the positive terminal of the other voice coil, and the negative terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil. Once this is done, connect the positive wire to one of the positive terminals and the negative wire to one of the negative terminals. This will create a 2 ohm load.
Wiring in Series
When wiring a DVC subwoofer in series, you will need to connect the positive terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil. Once this is done, connect the positive wire to one of the positive terminals and the negative wire to one of the negative terminals. This will create a 8 ohm load.
DVC Subwoofer Wiring Diagrams
Below are wiring diagrams for both parallel and series wiring of a DVC subwoofer:
Parallel Wiring Diagram
| Positive Terminal | Negative Terminal | |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Coil 1 | + | – |
| Voice Coil 2 | + | – |
Once the voice coils are wired together, connect the positive wire to one of the positive terminals and the negative wire to one of the negative terminals. This creates a 2 ohm load.
Series Wiring Diagram
| Positive Terminal | Negative Terminal | |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Coil 1 | + | – |
| Voice Coil 2 | – | + |
Once the voice coils are wired together, connect the positive wire to one of the positive terminals and the negative wire to one of the negative terminals. This creates an 8 ohm load.
FAQ
How do I know what ohm load my subwoofer is?
You can determine the ohm load of your subwoofer by checking the product specifications or by measuring the resistance of each voice coil using a multimeter. Once you have this information, you can choose the appropriate wiring method to achieve your desired ohm load.
Can I wire a DVC subwoofer to one channel of an amplifier?
Yes, you can wire a DVC subwoofer to one channel of an amplifier by connecting the positive wire to one positive terminal and the negative wire to one negative terminal. However, this will limit the power output of the subwoofer, so it is recommended to wire it to both channels of the amplifier.
Can I wire two DVC subwoofers together?
Yes, you can wire two DVC subwoofers together. You can wire them in parallel or series depending on your desired ohm load, and then connect them to the amplifier. It is important to make sure that the amplifier can handle the combined power of the subwoofers.
What is the difference between parallel and series wiring?
Parallel wiring connects the positive and negative terminals of both voice coils together, creating a 2 ohm load. Series wiring connects the positive terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil, creating an 8 ohm load. The ohm load affects the power output of the subwoofer, so it is important to choose the appropriate wiring method for your amplifier.
Can I use a DVC subwoofer with a single voice coil amplifier?
Yes, you can use a DVC subwoofer with a single voice coil amplifier. You can wire the subwoofer in either parallel or series, depending on your desired ohm load. However, it is important to note that the ohm load of the subwoofer must match the minimum impedance of the amplifier to avoid damaging the equipment.
Conclusion
Wiring a dual voice coil subwoofer may seem daunting at first, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done quickly and easily. Remember to choose the appropriate wiring method for your desired ohm load and make sure the amplifier can handle the power output of the subwoofer. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be jamming to your favorite tunes in no time!
