Subwoofers are a crucial part of any car audio system. They provide that extra thump and bass that makes your music come alive. But wiring them can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’re new to car audio. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about sub amp wiring diagrams, so you can get the most out of your subwoofers.
What is a Sub Amp Wiring Diagram?
A sub amp wiring diagram is a visual representation of how to wire your subwoofers and amplifier together. It shows you the connections between the subwoofer, amplifier, and power source, and helps ensure that everything is connected correctly. Sub amp wiring diagrams come in different configurations, depending on the number of subwoofers you have and the type of amplifier you’re using.
Before we get into the specifics of sub amp wiring diagrams, let’s first discuss the different types of subwoofers and amplifiers you might encounter.
Types of Subwoofers
There are two main types of subwoofers: single voice coil (SVC) and dual voice coil (DVC). A voice coil is the part of the subwoofer that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, producing sound. The difference between SVC and DVC subwoofers is the number of voice coils they have.
SVC subwoofers have one voice coil, while DVC subwoofers have two. DVC subwoofers are more versatile than SVC subwoofers because they can be wired in different configurations, allowing you to adjust the impedance and power handling of your subwoofer system.
Types of Amplifiers
There are also two main types of amplifiers: mono and multi-channel. Mono amplifiers are designed to power one or two subwoofers, while multi-channel amplifiers can power multiple speakers, including subwoofers.
When choosing an amplifier, it’s important to match the power handling of the amplifier with the power handling of your subwoofers. If your subwoofers can handle 500 watts RMS, you want to choose an amplifier that can deliver at least 500 watts RMS to each subwoofer.
How to Read a Sub Amp Wiring Diagram
Sub amp wiring diagrams are typically labeled with the number of subwoofers and the type of amplifier being used. For example, a diagram for two DVC subwoofers and a mono amplifier might be labeled “2 DVC 4-ohm subs + mono amp.”
The diagram will typically show the electrical connections between the subwoofers, amplifier, and power source. It may also include information about the impedance and power handling of the system.
Let’s take a closer look at a sub amp wiring diagram for two DVC subwoofers and a mono amplifier.
| Wire Color | Function |
|---|---|
| Red | Power (from battery to amplifier) |
| Black | Ground (from amplifier to chassis) |
| Blue | Remote (from head unit to amplifier) |
| Green/White | Positive (+) from subwoofer 1 to subwoofer 2 |
| Gray/White | Negative (-) from subwoofer 1 to subwoofer 2 |
| Green | Positive (+) from amplifier to subwoofer 1 |
| Gray | Negative (-) from amplifier to subwoofer 1 |
| Purple | Positive (+) from amplifier to subwoofer 2 |
| White | Negative (-) from amplifier to subwoofer 2 |
In this diagram, the power wire (usually red) runs from the battery to the amplifier. The ground wire (usually black) runs from the amplifier to the chassis of the car. The remote wire (usually blue) runs from the head unit to the amplifier, and is used to turn the amplifier on and off.
The two subwoofers are wired together in parallel, with the positive terminal of subwoofer 1 connected to the positive terminal of subwoofer 2, and the negative terminal of subwoofer 1 connected to the negative terminal of subwoofer 2. This creates a 2-ohm load, which is then connected to the amplifier.
The positive terminal of subwoofer 1 is then connected to the positive terminal of the amplifier, and the negative terminal of subwoofer 1 is connected to the negative terminal of the amplifier. The same is done for subwoofer 2.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the difference between SVC and DVC subwoofers?
SVC subwoofers have one voice coil, while DVC subwoofers have two. DVC subwoofers are more versatile than SVC subwoofers because they can be wired in different configurations, allowing you to adjust the impedance and power handling of your subwoofer system.
2. What is the difference between a mono and multi-channel amplifier?
Mono amplifiers are designed to power one or two subwoofers, while multi-channel amplifiers can power multiple speakers, including subwoofers.
3. How do I determine the power handling of my subwoofers?
The power handling of your subwoofers should be listed on the manufacturer’s website or on the packaging. Look for the RMS power handling, which is the continuous power the subwoofer can handle without being damaged.
4. How do I choose an amplifier for my subwoofers?
Match the power handling of the amplifier with the power handling of your subwoofers. If your subwoofers can handle 500 watts RMS, you want to choose an amplifier that can deliver at least 500 watts RMS to each subwoofer.
5. How do I wire my subwoofers to my amplifier?
Refer to a sub amp wiring diagram for your specific setup. Sub amp wiring diagrams show the electrical connections between the subwoofers, amplifier, and power source, and help ensure that everything is connected correctly.
Conclusion
Sub amp wiring diagrams may seem overwhelming at first, but they’re crucial for getting the most out of your subwoofers. By understanding the different types of subwoofers and amplifiers, and reading a sub amp wiring diagram, you can ensure that everything is wired correctly for optimal performance.
