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12W3v3-2 / 12W3v3-4 / 12W3v3-8
Subwoofers
owner’s manual
Congratulations on your purchase of a JL Audio subwoofer component. Your JL Audio subwoofer is a
precision loudspeaker which has been engineered to produce the highest quality sub-bass performance
in your vehicle. Authorized JL Audio dealers have extensive technical information for many different
applications of your new speaker. They also have the knowledge, skills and tools to build a high-quality
enclosure that will maximize the performance of your speaker. We highly recommend that you have your
enclosure built by an authorized JL Audio dealer.
Inside you will find specifications and two recommended enclosures for your speaker; one is a sealed
enclosure, the other is a ported design. Both types of enclosures will give you excellent sound quality and
low-frequency extension. The sealed enclosure is a better choice if space is extremely tight, but the ported
enclosure will produce 3dB more output at the same power if you have the extra space to work with.
If you decide to build one of these enclosures yourself, you must have the construction of the box
inspected and approved by your authorized JL Audio dealer in order for the 1 year limited warranty to
be valid. Please read the warranty information carefully.
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JL AUDIO 12W3v3-2 / 12W3v3-4 / 12W3v3-8
U.S . PATENTS : #5, 734,734 #6 ,501, 844 # 6,219,431 #D4 80,7 09 Other U. S. & For eign p atents pending.
#
"
$
12W3v3 SUBWOOFER PHYSICAL
Mounting Hole Diameter (B):
SPECIFICATIONS
Nominal Diameter:
Overall Diameter (A):
Bolt Hole Circle (C):
Magnet Diameter (D):
Mounting Depth (E):
12.0 in.
305 mm
12.5 in.
318 mm
11.0625 in.
281 mm
11.7 in.
297 mm
5.5 in.
140 mm
6.65 in.
169 mm
!
SUBWOOFER 12W3v3-2 12W3v3-4 12W3v3-8
Free Air Resonance (Fs): 27.97 Hz 26.72 Hz 28.28 Hz
Electrical “Q” (Qes): 0.534 0.472 0.553
Mechanical “Q” (Qms): 7.678 7.572 6.936
Total Speaker “Q” (Qts): 0.500 0.444 0.512
Equivalent Compliance (Vas):
One-way, Linear Excursion (Xmax)*:
Efficiency (1W/1m)**: 87.15 dB SPL 87.15 dB SPL 87.02 dB SPL
Effective Piston Area (Sd):
2.806 ft³
79.47 litres
0.510 in.
13.0 mm
80.600 ft²
0.0520 m²
2.844 ft³
80.54 litres
0.510 in.
13.0 mm
80.600 ft²
0.0520 m²
%
2.729 ft³
77.29 litres
0.510 in.
13.0 mm
80.600 ft²
0.0520 m²
Net Weight:
Driver Displacement:
2 JL AUDIO 12W3v3-2/12W3v3-4/12W3v3-8
14.50 lbs.
6.58 kg
0.071 ft³
2.01 litres
Power Handling (continuous): 300W 300W 300W
* Xmax specifications are derived via one-way voice coil overhang method with
no correction factors applied.
** Efficiency (1W/1m) is not an accurate indicator of a subwoofer’s output capability and should
not be used as a comparison to other subwoofers to determine which one is “louder” !
DC Resistance (Re): 1.658 ohm 3.563 ohm 7.310 ohm
Nominal Impedance: 2 ohm 4 ohm 8 ohm
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All specifications are subject to change without notice.
SUBWOOFER RECOMMENDED SEALED ENCLOSURES
12W3v3-2
12W3v3-4
12W3v3-8
Volume
(net int.)
1.250 ft³
35.4 litres
1.125 ft³
31.8 litres
1.250 ft³
35.4 litres
External Dimensions
(Width x Height x Depth)
23 in. x 14 in. x 10 in.
584 mm x 356 mm x 254 mm
23 in. x 14 in. x 9.25 in.
584 mm x 356 mm x 235 mm
23 in. x 14 in. x 10 in.
584 mm x 356 mm x 254 mm
F3
(Hz)Fc(Hz)
Qtc
41.8 50.4 0.96
43.7 50.2 0.83
41.5 50.5 0.91
SUBWOOFER RECOMMENDED PORTED ENCLOSURES
12W3v3-2
12W3v3-4
12W3v3-8
Volume
(net int.)
1.75 ft³
49.6 litres
1.75 ft³
49.6 litres
1.75 ft³
49.6 litres
Enclosure External Dimensions
(Width x Height x Depth)
29 in. x 14 in. x 12.625 in.
737 mm x 356 mm x 321 mm
29 in. x 14 in. x 12.625 in.
737 mm x 356 mm x 321 mm
29 in. x 14 in. x 12.625 in.
737 mm x 356 mm x 321 mm
Slot Port Specs
Slot Area x Slot Length
17.1875 sq. in. x 26.125 in.
110.9 sq. cm. x 664 mm
17.1875 sq. in. x 26.125 in.
110.9 sq. cm. x 664 mm
17.1875 sq. in. x 26.125 in.
110.9 sq. cm. x 664 mm
Rec. Slot Port Internal Dimensions
Slot Width x Slot Height x Slot Length
1.375 in. x 12.5 in. x 26.125 in.
35 mm x 318 mm x 664 mm
1.375 in. x 12.5 in. x 26.125 in.
35 mm x 318 mm x 664 mm
1.375 in. x 12.5 in. x 26.125 in.
35 mm x 318 mm x 664 mm
• The enclosure recommendations listed are external
dimensions which assume the use of 3/4" (19mm)
thick material. If you are using 5/8" (16mm) thick
material, subtract 1/4" (6.5mm) from each dimension.
Do not use any material with a thickness of less than
5/8" (16mm) as this may compromise the rigidity of
the enclosure.
Tune to:
(Hz)
30.0 36.0
30.0 35.0
30.0 35.0
F3
(Hz)
• All enclosure volumes listed are net internal volumes!
Box volume displacement, port displacement and
brace displacement must be added to obtain the final
gross internal volume. All enclosure dimensions listed
have already taken this into account.
• When using two subwoofers in a common
enclosure simply double the required volume and,
“EL” (Port Extension Length)
12W3v3-2: 13.5 in. (343 mm)
12W3v3-4: 13.5 in. (343 mm)
12W3v3-8: 13.5 in. (343 mm)
in the case of a ported enclosure, use two times the
recommended port(s).
• We recommend the use of this speaker in a bi-
amplified system using high-quality satellite speakers
and amplifiers. We do not recommend the use of
this subwoofer with a passive crossover (coil), as this
type of device will adversely affect performance.
JL AUDIO 12W3v3-2/12W3v3-4/12W3v3-8 3
!!
Prolonged exposure to sound pressure levels in excess of 100dB can cause permanent hearing loss. This high-performance
speaker can exceed this level. Please exercise restraint in its operation in order to preserve your ability to enjoy its fidelity.
When installing a subwoofer in your vehicle, it is extremely important to secure the enclosure firmly. We recommend
bolting the enclosure through the metal of the floorpan or the frame of the vehicle with large diameter washers for
reinforcement. If an enclosure is not firmly attached, it can become a projectile in a collision. This is particularly important
CAUTION
in a hatchback, station wagon, sports utility vehicle, or van.
!!
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RECOMMENDED CONTINUOUS (RMS) POWER RANGE FOR ONE SUBWOOFER DRIVER:
7 7 7 7 7 7
7V
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7!22!.496/)$
MEDIUM GRAY (MINIMUM):
From a reliability standpoint, this zone represents
a very comfortable operating power range for
each driver. This level of power will not stress the
woofer but will not extract all of its performance
potential, either.
Use of less than the minimum power level will not
damage the woofer, but may result in unsatisfactory
performance.
JL Audio offers an extensive line of high-performance subwoofer drivers to fit a wide variety of enclosure and power applications. When designing systems with our drivers, it is very important to
achieve a good power match between the subwoofer amplifier and the subwoofer driver's capabilities. The power levels listed in the above chart represent continuous (RMS) amplifier power per
woofer and assume that the user will regularly make full use of that power without drastically overdriving the amplifier(s). Make sure you factor system impedance and the total number
of subwoofers into your calculations. Adhering to these power recommendations will result in systems that are both reliable and enjoyable.
LIGHT GRAY (OPTIMUM):
This zone represents the best compromise
between long-term reliability, high-output and lowdistortion performance and is centered on each
woofer's continuous power rating (as published in
its specifications). In this zone, you will be taking full
advantage of the woofer's optimum, low-distortion
performance range without undue risk of failure.
DARK GRAY (MAXIMUM):
In this zone, low-distortion output and long-term
reliability will be compromised (especially by an
aggressive user). Slightly more SPL will be gained by
pushing the power into this zone, but typically not
more than 2dB, compared to the light gray zone.
The closer you are to the black zone, the higher the
likelihood of driver failure. Operate with caution.
BLACK (WARRANTY VOID):
We do not recommend operating woofers at
this level of power. In this zone, there is a very high
probability that the driver will fail due to excessive
heat and/or mechanical stress.
Subwoofer drivers operated at these levels of
power are NOT covered under warranty.
JL AUDIO LIMITED WARRANTY (USA)
Automotive Subwoofer Components
JL AUDIO warrants this speaker to be free of defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase,
contingent upon installation being performed or approved by an authorized
JL AUDIO dealer, in writing, on the original sales receipt. If the preceding
condition is not met, the warranty term is limited to ninety (90) days
from the original purchase date.
Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to the period of the
express warranty as provided herein beginning with the date of the original purchase
at retail, and no warranties, whether express or implied, shall apply to this product
thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, therefore these
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, misuse,
abuse, product modification or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions,
unauthorized repair attempts, misrepresentations by the seller. This warranty does not
cover incidental or consequential damages and does not cover the cost of removing
or reinstalling the unit(s). Cosmetic damage due to accident or normal wear and tear
is not covered under warranty.
This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original
purchaser of the product from an authorized JL AUDIO dealer.
Warranty is voided if the factory-applied product serial number is
removed or defaced.
Should service be necessar y under this warranty for any reason due to
manufacturing defect or malfunction, JL AUDIO will, at its discretion, repair or replace
the defective product with new or remanufactured product at no charge.
If you need service on your JL AUDIO product:
All warranty returns should be sent to JL AUDIO freight prepaid through an
authorized JL AUDIO dealer and must be accompanied by proof of purchase (a
copy of the original sales receipt.) Direct returns from consumers or non-authorized
dealers will be refused unless specifically authorized by JL AUDIO with a valid
return authorization number. Warranty expiration on products returned without
proof of purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage
may be invalidated as this date is previous to purchase date. Return only defective
components. Non-defective items received will be returned freight-collect. Customer
is responsible for shipping charges and insurance in sending the product to JL AUDIO.
Freight damage on returns is not covered under warranty. Always include proof of
purchase (sales receipt).
JL Audio customer service: (954) 443-1100 during normal business hours (Eastern Time)
For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call:
JL Audio, Inc
10369 North Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025
International Warranties:
Products purchased outside the United States of America are covered only by that country’s distributor and not by JL Audio, Inc.
Printed in USA JL12W3v3-01-27-2006_011202
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