How to Install Audiobahn Subwoofers

Audiobahn subwoofers represent a category of subwoofer that boasts high-power handling with quality output at a reasonable price. While the Flame subwoofer may be Audiobahn's most recognizable, they offer a variety of subwoofer options. Installing Audiobahn's dual-voice coil subwoofers is a straightforward process, regardless of which model you choose. As long as you purchase an amplifier that can power your subwoofer, you will be very pleased with your Audiobahn self-installed subwoofer.

Things You'll Need

• Audiobahn 4-ohm DVC subwoofer
• Speaker wire
• Wire stripper
• Hex tool

Instructions

Wiring in Series

1. Cut three individual lengths of wire. Two should be the same size, long enough to reach from the amplifier to the subwoofer, and the third should reach between the voice coils of the subwoofer. Strip the plastic from each end so the wires are exposed for connection to the terminals.

2. Connect one end of a longer length to the positive terminal on a mono amplifier, or to one of the positive terminals on a two-channel amplifier. If you are using a two-channel amp, use the terminals labeled for bridging on the amp. Connect one end of the other longer length to the negative terminal on the amplifier.

3. Connect the other end of the positive wire to a positive terminal on one voice coil of the subwoofer. Audiobahn includes a hex tool to tighten the terminal connection.

4. Connect the other end of the negative wire to the negative terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer.

5. Use the remaining wire to connect the open positive terminal on one voice coil to the negative terminal that is still open on the other voice coil.

Wiring in Parallel

1. Make sure your amplifier is safe at 2 ohms. This will be listed in the manual for the amplifier.

2. Cut four lengths of wire--two long enough to reach from the amplifier to the subwoofer and two long enough to reach between the voice coils of the subwoofer. Strip the plastic so they can be connected.

3. Connect one end of a longer length to the positive terminal on the amplifier. Connect one end of the other longer length to the negative terminal on the amplifier.

4. Connect the positive wire to a positive terminal on the subwoofer. Connect the negative wire to the negative terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer. Do not tighten these connections yet.

5. Connect one of the shorter lengths to the same positive terminal on the subwoofer as the wire from the amplifier. Feed it in with the other wire, and tighten the terminal connection using the provided tool. Connect the other end of the shorter positive wire to the positive terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer.

6. Connect the remaining shorter wire to the two negative terminals on the subwoofer. Feed one end with the end of the negative wire from the amplifier into the terminal on the subwoofer. Tighten the connection. Feed the other end into the other negative terminal on the subwoofer.

7. Make sure that all connections are secure.

Wiring the Voice Coils Separately

1. Use a two-channel amplifier that produces enough power when using both channels at 4 ohms. Check the manual against your specific Audiobahn subwoofer demands to make sure you are providing enough power. Audiobahn subs can handle a large amount of power, and many amplifiers are not up to the challenge.

2. Cut four equal lengths of wire long enough to reach from your amplifier to your subwoofer. Connect one end to the first positive terminal on the amplifier. Connect the other end of that wire to a positive terminal on the subwoofer. Tighten using the provided tool.

3. Connect one end of another wire to the negative terminal on the same channel of the amplifier as the wire that is already connected. Connect the other end to the negative terminal on the subwoofer on the same voice coil as the other wire.

4. Connect another wire end to the second positive terminal on the amplifier. Run the other end of this wire to the positive terminal on the other voice coil of the subwoofer. Connect the wire to that terminal.

5. Connect the final wire to the remaining negative terminal on the amplifier. Connect the other end to the final terminal on the subwoofer.

Tips & Warnings

• Connecting in parallel will provide the most sound if your amplifier can handle it. If you add more subs, the ohm load will change.

• Don't use an amplifier that isn't safe at the ohms you are running; this is primarily a problem in parallel wiring.