Rockford Fosgate is a renowned brand when it comes to car audio systems. Their Power Series subwoofers are among the best in the market, particularly the P2 model. However, one of the most challenging aspects of installing this subwoofer is getting the wiring right. In this article, we’ll guide you through the entire process of connecting a Rockford Fosgate P2 subwoofer to your car audio system.
What is a Rockford Fosgate P2 Subwoofer?
Before diving into the wiring process, let’s briefly look at what a Rockford Fosgate P2 subwoofer is. The P2 series is a range of high-performance subwoofers that are designed to produce deep and powerful bass. It comes in different sizes, including 8, 10, 12, and 15 inches, which means you can choose the right size for your car.The P2 subwoofers are dual voice coil, which means they have two separate voice coils that allow you to wire them in different configurations. This feature makes it easier to match the subwoofer to your amplifier and achieve the best sound quality.
Wiring a Rockford Fosgate P2 Subwoofer
Now that you know what a Rockford Fosgate P2 subwoofer is, let’s look at how to wire it to your car audio system.
Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools
To get started, you need to gather the following tools:
- Wire cutters/strippers
- Amplifier wiring kit
- Soldering iron and solder (optional)
- Electrical tape
- Crimping tool
Step 2: Prepare the Subwoofer
Before wiring the subwoofer, you need to prepare it for installation. Start by removing the screws that hold the subwoofer in its enclosure. Once the subwoofer is free, identify the positive and negative terminals on it. The positive terminal is usually marked with a ‘+,’ while the negative terminal has a ‘-’ sign.
Step 3: Plan the Wiring Configuration
The P2 subwoofers have two voice coils, and you need to decide how you want to wire them. There are two wiring options: series and parallel.Series wiring connects the coils in a line, while parallel wiring connects them side-by-side. Series wiring results in a higher impedance, while parallel wiring results in a lower impedance. The wiring configuration you choose will depend on your amplifier’s requirements, as well as your sound preferences.
Step 4: Run the Wires
The next step is to run the wires from the amplifier to the subwoofer. This involves connecting the power wire, ground wire, and remote turn-on wire from the amplifier to the subwoofer. You also need to run the speaker wire from the amplifier to the subwoofer enclosure.
Step 5: Connect the Wires
Once you’ve run the wires, it’s time to connect them. Start by connecting the power wire from the amplifier to the positive terminal on the subwoofer. Then, connect the ground wire from the amplifier to a metal surface in your car. Finally, connect the remote turn-on wire from the amplifier to the subwoofer.Next, use the speaker wire to connect the subwoofer to the amplifier. This involves connecting each voice coil to the amplifier. If you’re using a series wiring configuration, connect the positive terminal of one voice coil to the negative terminal of the other voice coil. Then, connect the remaining positive and negative terminals to the amplifier.If you’re using a parallel wiring configuration, connect the positive terminals of both voice coils to the positive terminal on the amplifier. Then, connect the negative terminals of both voice coils to the negative terminal on the amplifier.
Step 6: Test the System
Once you’ve connected all the wires, it’s time to test the system. Turn on your car audio system and play some music. If everything is wired correctly, you should hear deep and powerful bass from your subwoofer.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between series and parallel wiring?
Series wiring connects the coils in a line, while parallel wiring connects them side-by-side. Series wiring results in a higher impedance, while parallel wiring results in a lower impedance.
2. How do I know what wiring configuration to use?
The wiring configuration you choose will depend on your amplifier’s requirements, as well as your sound preferences. You can consult the manual or contact the manufacturer for guidance.
3. Can I wire the subwoofer to a factory stereo system?
Yes, you can wire the subwoofer to a factory stereo system, but you may need to use a line output converter to convert the speaker-level signal to a line-level signal that the amplifier can accept.
4. Do I need to use a separate amplifier for the subwoofer?
Ideally, you should use a separate amplifier for the subwoofer. This allows you to dedicate more power to the subwoofer, resulting in better sound quality. However, some factory stereo systems have a built-in amplifier that can power the subwoofer.
5. Can I install the subwoofer myself?
Yes, you can install the subwoofer yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge. However, if you’re not confident in your abilities, it’s best to have a professional install it for you.
Conclusion
Wiring a Rockford Fosgate P2 subwoofer may seem daunting, but it’s actually a straightforward process. Just follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll have a powerful and deep bass in no time. Don’t forget to consult the manual or contact the manufacturer if you have any questions or concerns. Happy wiring!
