However, it is necessary to correctly calculate the resistance. If the connection is incorrect, the subs will simply move around pumping air from each other without much volume. It is possible to install a subwoofer using a makeshift method with your own hands, but it is not a fact that everything will work as it should, and then at the service center the entire structure will have to be dismantled and reinstalled, and this will obviously cost more than if everything was done from scratch. Parallel left and serial connection. What is the easiest way to connect an active subwoofer to a car radio? Only the sound quality may suffer from this. When the filter is turned on, only bass will be heard.
The final stage of connecting a passive subwoofer is connecting it to an amplifier. This is not entirely true. If in doubt, consult your retailer when purchasing both devices. After purchasing a subwoofer or amplifier, check the quality of the standard wire included in the kit. It should be located as close as possible to the battery in the engine compartment.
If you lose sight of it, the system simply will not work. Happy connections! A story about How to install (connect) a Subwoofer in a car 400w Subwoofer
Re: Connecting a subwoofer
Wires should be copper, stranded. This is a very dangerous limit, since with such resistance the damping coefficient is greatly reduced and distortion increases. It's a completely different matter if the subwoofer has two voice coils or two or more of them. So you can connect a subwoofer to a two or four channel amplifier, using 2 channels for acoustics, and the remaining 2 for the subwoofer. Most of the difficulties are caused by connection diagrams with two dual-coil subwoofers.
Each speaker is connected to a separate channel, while the subwoofer is installed as a bridge. To purchase the required set of wires, simply contact any store that sells sound systems for cars and tell them the model of your car and radio. Active subwoofer connection diagram. Inaccuracies when connecting the subwoofer to the standard radio and setting up the system cause resonance in the car and rattling of individual elements of the plastic trim.
Connecting to a subwoofer via a terminal block Connecting to a subwoofer directly Connecting a subwoofer with a bridge In the case of using a multi-channel amplifier, the sub can be connected to two channels simultaneously, using the minus of one and the plus of the other, this connection is called a bridge, with this method the power output by the amplifier significantly increases the specific numbers, see characteristics. General diagram Connection cost The average cost of connecting a subwoofer is 15 thousand. The first is needed to increase the power of the amplifier with a general calculation for a low load. How many ohms should I connect the subwoofer to?
How to connect a subwoofer to an amplifier
Single channel connection
Connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier is not difficult; just connect the amplifier's audio output jack to the subwoofer coil or coils using speaker wires.
The wires should not be thin. In most cases, choose copper wiring with a cross-section of 4.2 square meters. mm and there will be no problems.
Connecting speaker wires
This subwoofer connection diagram is suitable for one channel of an amplifier or monoblock. If a 1-channel amplifier has two pluses and minuses, then don’t get lost, these pairs are simply paralleled for ease of switching. And it makes no difference which of the pluses and minuses the corresponding wire is connected to.
Monoblock is a single-channel amplifier designed specifically for subwoofers.
Connecting to a subwoofer via terminal block
Connecting to a subwoofer directly
Connecting a subwoofer with a bridge
In the case of using a multi-channel amplifier, the sub can be connected to two channels simultaneously, using the minus of one and the plus of the other, this connection is called bridged, with this method the power output by the amplifier increases significantly (see the specifications for specific numbers).
So you can connect a subwoofer to a two or four channel amplifier, using 2 channels for acoustics, and the remaining 2 for the subwoofer.
To connect a subwoofer with a bridge, make sure that your amplifier supports this feature.
If you connect a low-frequency speaker to an amplifier by changing the polarity, that is, connect the plus of the subwoofer to the minus of the amplifier output and vice versa, then the speaker will work in antiphase, there is nothing wrong with that, sometimes such a connection is used intentionally if the amplifier does not have phase adjustment (more about adjustment phases).
Connecting the subwoofer coils
The technical documentation for the subwoofer states the resistance of its coils (1 Ohm, 2 Ohm, 4 Ohm, rarely 0.5 Ohm), and the technical documentation for the amplifier indicates what resistance it can work with, this information is needed so that you connect correctly and effectively subwoofer to amplifier. The lower the resistance of the sub, the more power the amplifier will produce, provided that it can operate at this resistance. A subwoofer speaker may have several coils (1 or 2, rarely 4).
When the coils are connected in series, the resistance increases, while in parallel it decreases. If you don't want to learn definitions and count fractions, just save this cheat sheet (parallel and serial connections).
Connection options
How many ohms should I connect the subwoofer to?
The higher the resistance, the better the sound quality; the lower, the more power the amplifier delivers. If you need a lot of loud bass, then turn it to the minimum that the amplifier can provide, and if the overall sound quality of the system comes first, then it is 2 Ohms or 4 Ohms, depending on the power output.
Video on how to connect 2 subwoofers or more. Subwoofer connection diagram 2x2 Ohm, 4x4 Ohm, 1x1 Ohm. Serial connection of speakers. Parallel connection of speakers. Basic principles.
Happy connections!
Where to install
As a result, the resistance is equal to 1 Ohm. The standard option would be to connect two speakers and one subwoofer. It is also possible to route two subwoofers into separate rear channels.
To do this, it is advisable to choose wires with a large cross-section.
Two wires are used to connect the speaker, the remaining ones can simply be hidden from view. In most cases, a properly selected speaker system allows you to achieve good quality of broadcast music. In this article we will try to figure out how to properly connect a subwoofer to an amplifier.
Before installing the subwoofer and amplifier, you need to decide where exactly the car amplifier will be located. For different speakers connected together, the impedance can be calculated easily by finding a formula on the Internet. If you have experience and knowledge in radio electronics, connecting a subwoofer to a radio tape recorder will not require much time and effort.
Before you start connecting the active and passive subwoofer to the amplifier, it makes sense to compare the RMS values of the power at which the equipment can operate with a real sound signal for an hour without damaging the subwoofer and amplifier. In order for everything to work correctly, it is necessary to take into account a number of quite important parameters.
This is one of the schemes that allows you to connect a two-coil sub. Those who prefer the loudest bass possible may need a level of 40 Hz. At the same time, the current increases, and, consequently, the power. To the standard radio To connect the subwoofer to the standard radio, you first need to check whether there are connectors for the corresponding wires on its rear panel. After power is found, an audio signal is supplied to the input of the subwoofer, which can be taken from the radio with its linear output.
It can be found in auto stores. It works with a low-impedance load. How to connect a subwoofer to an amplifier First of all, it is worth remembering that the power of the subwoofer and amplifier must match. The acoustic power will be reduced, but the nonlinear distortion factor will also decrease. For this, parallel or sequential circuits are used. How to connect a subwoofer (series and parallel speaker connections)
Connection diagram for a subwoofer in a car, 1 ohm, 1+1, 2+2, 4+4, Pioneer, Mystery, Ural, Supra
Connection diagrams for a subwoofer in 1 ohm, as well as 1+1, 2+2, 4+4 ohm
In order to successfully connect a subwoofer in your car and not burn anything, you will need everything - nothing. The subwoofer itself, one or two, is a power amplifier with sufficient power reserve, and this is at least a quarter more than the total power of both connected subwoofers. You will also need wires of sufficient quality, possibly other components of the audio system - head unit, crossovers and other devices.
But having devices alone in the household is not enough; we also need knowledge. To get them, we will look at various diagrams for connecting a subwoofer in a car; these diagrams are suitable for the most popular subwoofers of such common brands as Pioneer, Mystery, Ural, Supra and subs from other manufacturers. A subwoofer, or even two, can be connected to a power amplifier in a variety of ways, most often this is one of the connection types: serial, parallel and independent. The circuits are also divided into connections in 1 ohm, 1+1 ohm, 2+2 ohm and 4+4 ohm. Any of these methods of connecting subwoofers to an amplifier contains some nuances and rules, which we learn about from connection diagrams and a video lesson from the YouTube channel of the famous car audio store Loudsound.
Connection options: independent, serial and parallel methods, 1+1 ohm.
Connecting one subwoofer in serial and parallel way. 1+1 and 2+2 ohms. Pay attention to the impedance of different connection methods.
Also one subwoofer with two coils of two ohms - connection in series and parallel, in 4 (2+2) ohms and 1 ohm.
The same method of connecting 2 coils is a little more detailed. Serial connection 2+2 Ohm.
Connecting two fairly powerful subwoofers with two 4 Ohm coils using a 4+4 connection diagram - working in 4 Ohms. Serial connection.
Various connection schemes. Serial and parallel connection. Works in 1 Ohm, 2 Ohm, 4 Ohm, 8 Ohm.
The same diagram as presented above, in this form you may come across in various instructions, textbooks and other technical literature. We present it to you so that you can read any diagrams. Works also in 1 Ohm, 2 Ohm, 4 Ohm, 8 Ohm.
Video training for connecting a subwoofer in a car
An excellent addition to the diagrams, or even the diagrams are an addition to it. Video lesson from Loudsound in which they talk in great detail, clearly and clearly about the correct connection of subwoofers in a serial and parallel way. From the video you will learn how to select an amplifier, navigate the power of subwoofers, how not to make mistakes, and not to plant or burn anything. The knowledge presented in the video will save you from many mistakes, help save you time and money, and protect your equipment. We strongly recommend viewing!
Stereo (2-channel) and bridged connection
Stereo is a standard two-channel connection used for high-quality sound reproduction.
We need a bridge connection to increase the power delivered by the sound amplifier by reducing the resistance. Its essence is approximately the same as that of parallel connection of subwoofers.
Options for a two-channel stereo connection to an audio amplifier, as well as a bridge connection “bridge mode” (single-channel connection) of a subwoofer, and connecting a radio to an amplifier + connecting the amplifier to a battery.
Detailed wiring diagram for the subwoofer and other audio system components, view from the amplifier. Here we see the connection of a subwoofer via a bridge connection. As well as a possible option for setting up an audio amplifier.
With a bridge connection we can connect not only a subwoofer, but also connect two power amplifiers. The meaning of this action is the same - an increase in the power output from the amplifiers. You can see how to do this from a video about a bridge connection of two amplifiers from the Loudsaind YouTube channel.
More about connecting a subwoofer to an amplifier and radio in a car
We looked at possible schemes for connecting subwoofers to a power amplifier. In addition, in the presented video, we were told in sufficient detail how to do this carefully and without harm to the equipment. And yet, in order to assimilate all this information, you will need elementary, so to speak, school knowledge of physics about the nature of electricity, the flow of currents, voltage and current strength, how they are measured (power - in Watts, voltage in Volts, current strength - in Amperes, resistance - in Ohms). Without this primitive knowledge, you will do everything “at random”, risking not only the equipment, but also your own health, which, you see, is the most important. When working with currents, including the power supply system in a car, you must follow safety precautions. The wiring should be well insulated, there should be no rings, bracelets or other metal jewelry on the hands, so as not to short-circuit the contacts with them... However, this is all a separate, extensive topic, or rather even a cycle of topics. We mentioned this only to once again remind you of the need to follow safety precautions. We will be very glad and grateful to you if you listen and don’t forget about it! Thank you also for reading our article, we wish you good luck in connecting subwoofers in your car! See you on the article pages of our website!
Selection of cables and wires
This also applies to the connection of the windings of the dynamic heads. How to route wires to a subwoofer?
This audio inductance resistance allows for maximum output power, but some car enthusiasts connect two subwoofer windings in parallel.
Since the built-in power of the radio is not enough for the subwoofer to work properly, you will not get normal bass.
Powering the amplifier Now you need to provide power to the car amplifier. Next you need to connect the signal wires from the linear outputs of the radio.
Related article: Electrical laboratory
How to connect a 2 ohm sub with 1 4 ohm coil?
It can be found in auto stores. When connecting a subwoofer with 2 coils, an important rule must be observed. Otherwise, the sound will not be of sufficient quality, and voltage surges can completely damage the system.
Connecting coils To reduce resistance, subwoofers use elements such as coils. Parallel left and serial connection.
I would also like to add that if the resistance of the connected coils exceeds the permissible load of the amplifier, this is not at all scary, it’s just that the output power of the amplifier will be less. Wires should be copper, stranded. Two sound windings allow you to change the resistance of the speaker system, its power and sound character. This also applies to the connection of the windings of the dynamic heads. Otherwise, the sound will not be of sufficient quality, and voltage surges can completely damage the system.
Pass the cut part of the wire back, leaving a margin of 30 cm. Connecting to the amplifier Subwoofer connection diagram If you try to compact all of the above into a single diagram, it will look like this: battery, amplifier, radio tape recorder, amplifier, subwoofer. In this case, you only need to lay the coaxial cable into the screen to the corresponding connector. The first is needed to increase the power of the amplifier with a general calculation for a low load. At the same time, there is an opinion that an active sub is simpler and more convenient to operate, install and configure. How to connect a subwoofer and amplifier. Fast and clear.
Connecting the subwoofer to the radio
It is necessary to connect the subwoofer to the radio only through an amplifier. Since the built-in power of the radio is not enough for the subwoofer to work properly, you will not get normal bass. The connection chain is simple: radio-amplifier-subwoofer. The radio transmits the signal to the amplifier. The amplifier, in turn, amplifies this signal and sends it to the subwoofer.
What is an amplifier for?
The amplifier is used to increase the volume headroom, reduce distortion and improve the sound quality of music. The built-in amplifier of the radio is not enough to drive a heavy low-frequency speaker, which will cause large distortions, the volume level will be low and, with a high probability, the subwoofer may fail or simply “burn out.”
If you have an active subwoofer, then you will not need an additional amplifier, because it is already built into the subwoofer housing (more about active subwoofers). For a passive subwoofer you will have to choose an amplifier (read how to do this correctly on this page).
