Kicker SoloX Subwoofer
Recommended Applications / Version 1.1
January 14, 2002
SOLOX
Technical Manual
Features
y Mica Filled Polypropylene with a Titanium Deposit Impregnated Cone An Ultra High Performance
look that makes the SoloX truly a statement piece. Look at it this way, we needed a high tech look to the SOLOX
because the first thing you notice about speakers are their cones!
y Advanced Cone Technology The outer edge of the cone has been rolled to increase cone rigidity to
decrease cone flex under high excursion. The cone gives you deeper and stronger bass at higher listening levels
with less distortion due to less tendency to flex. Because, when a woofer cone flexes, there is a loss of output. This
loss of output translates into less bass.
y Massive Surround Radius High SPL=VMAX=Cone area + Xmax + surround radius. What does this mean?
According to Dr. Koneairea, the Vmax of the driver takes into account the cone area as well as the Xmax of the
driver. To increase the Xmax - the distance the cone can move in one direction - the surround must be large
enough to handle the demands. Taking this into consideration, the new SOLOX surround has been designed to handle the massive power needed for high SPL.
y SPAIR (Simple Pull Apart Insertable Replacement) (Patent Pending) Because this woofer assembly
weighs over 100lbs. (or 45.36 kGs. to you across the pond!) we developed a removable soft parts assembly to ease
the installation and removal of the speaker. Makes repairs ...a snap!
y SLAM (SPAIR Lockdown Attachment Mechanism) The aluminum frame attached to the SPAIR properly
secures the removable speaker assembly (SPAIR) to the BAM (Basket And Motor assembly). With the excursion capabilities of this woofer it is very important that there is a tight seal against the BAM to allow the speaker to perform
properly.
y SPLAT (Speaker Precise Location Alignment Tool) Locates and anchors the BAM to the baffle of your
enclosure. A picture frame like structure that must be used to insure a solid mount. It is inserted into the enclosure
prior to the BAM being installed. Once the BAM is in place the SPLAT is located on the baffle around the rear of the
speaker. The supplied mounting hardware should be inserted to make sure the SPLAT stays put. Once all 4 screws
are sufficiently tightened, the BAM will be secure.
y ARCTIC Cap (Aluminum Rapid Cooling Thermal Induction Centering Cap) Mounted on top of the
extended pole--piece it is responsible for insuring the voice coil on the SPAIR is properly centered when inserted
into the BAM, adds more mass for increased thermal transfer from the voice coil to the pole piece and channels air
into the “X” Vent for increased cooling.
y S4 Quad Spider Array One spider cannot handle the demands alone. Our engineers had to design a quad spi-
der array that would keep up with the demand of the enormous motor structure. 4 Poly nomex spiders make up
the array to properly center the voice coil under high excursion.
y Triple Stack Custom Tooled Magnets With excursion capabilities of this monster speaker a single magnet
structure just would not do. We figured it worked for Wendy’s, why not us? Triple stack is the only way to satisfy
even the largest appetite for sound and with a BAM this big, a single just wouldn’t fill the appetite of the SOLOX.
y Stitched Surround A signature of KICKER woofers has always been the stitched surround. It prevents the sur-
round from separating from the cone at high excursions. When the woofer is moving back and forth it puts a lot
of strain on the adhesive that is holding the surround to the cone and often causes the two to separate. Stitching
the surround to the cone eliminates this from happening.
If stitching were inexpensive, everybody would do it!
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 2
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 3
y ISD (Inverted Structural Dome
))
Kicker was one of the first companies to switch to the Inverted Structural
Dome. We have designed a cone with a groove for the ISD to lock into, further adding strength to structure. When
a cone reaches it’s peak it wants to buckle because it’s momentum keeps it moving out. The ISD provides structural support for the cone to resist buckling. NOTE: When the cone buckles, the output of the woofer decreases.
Therefore, the ISD is not just a cosmetic thing, it is an integral part of the woofer to maintain it’s maximum performance. While everyone has outies we decided innies work better!
y Dual Ultra-Length High-Temp 3.5” Voice Coils For high excursion, increased power handling and flexible
wiring options. With the increased circumference of the coil we needed to increase the size of our pole-piece. Our
engineers locked themselves in a room and got out their slide rules and calipers to come up with the proper size
pole needed for such an enormous motor structure. OK, so they just flipped a coin!
y Strain Relief Boots for Tinsel Lead Wires Large heavy gauge tinsel lead wire with strain relief boots.
Because the cone moves in and out with such force our engineers came up with strain relief boots for the lead
wires. This reinforces the lead wire so it will not break under stress.
y B3-Link 3-Way Connection System which allows you to use
1. Binding post
2. Terminal Block
3. Barrier strip for connecting the speaker wires.
y Uniplate V.2 with Vented Hyper-Extended Pole (Patent Pending)
1. Utilizes “X” Vent technology to insure proper heat dissipation. Slits were cut into the pole piece. The slits
increase the surface area of the pole as well as channel the air down the pole keeping it cooler.
2. Provides enhanced heat transfer for cool operation and maximum power handling. The heat is transferred
from the pole piece to the back plate, effectively acting like a radiator in an engine. This lowers the operating temperature of the voice coil. Note:The increase in temperature increases the impedance of the
speaker. This results in lower output and is referred to as Power Compression.
3. Reduces non-linear magnetic fields around the voice coil gap for superior cone motion control. The
extended pole assures the voice coil is always in the magnetic field when moving peak to peak. When the speaker
reaches it’s Xmax, the voice coil is still in the gap between the pole piece and magnet structure due to its extended
pole-piece.
4. Releases pressure under ISD for freer cone motion and enhanced low frequency response. Air trapped
under the ISD is forced out though the pole-piece to allow the cone to move freely. Heat and pressure build up
under the ISD and need to be released to allow the speaker to function properly.
Features cont.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 4
SoloX Cutaway View
Thank you for your support of Kicker products, and especially our SOLOX square subwoofer. The SOLOX is truly a
unique product in the world of subwoofers. Our technical and R&D staffs have designed some extreme enclosures
beyond the small sealed boxes KICKER woofers are famous for. They have truly outdone themselves with the
SOLOX.
In this paper we will explore some applications for the SOLOX complete with box drawings and cut sheets plus
some important information regarding the break-in period for this ground-breaking speaker.
Important Break-In Information
Due to the complex nature of the SOLOXs they require a little extra time to break-in. Especially in sealed enclosures, break-in is a must in order for woofers to produce optimum low bass response. Due to the high performance suspension system incorporated in the SOLOX it is very stiff “out of the box”. Approximately two weeks of
daily playing will allow the suspension to break-in and reach its optimum equilibrium. The “broken-in“ sub will
exhibit stronger bass performance, smoother response, and greater low bass extension.
For those of you with more sophisticated audio equipment, the SOLOX can be broken-in on the test bench
overnight with the following procedure.
SOLOX Freeair Break-in Procedure
1. Connect the speaker to a power amp with a minimum of 100 watts. The speaker should not be mounted in
any enclosure - just freeair.
Please make sure it will not walk off the bench while it is playing!
2. Connect an audio generator to the input of the power amp, and adjust the generator to approximately 25Hz.
3. Now adjust the gain on the amplifier and generator so that the cone is moving to Xmax. This can be deter-
mined visually by looking at the “blur depth” of the logo on the ISD. A close approximation will do. On the S18X this
will be about 1-1/2”.
NOTE: Keep in mind that as the speaker is used under normal conditions the break-in will continue, so if you don’t
have time for the complete break-in period the speaker will still break-in itself under normal usage.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 5
Break-In Procedure
Sealed Enclosure Applications
The SOLOX is designed for Vented enclosure/ High SPL applications and that is where maximum output and
power handling will be achieved. If you are willing to give up maximum SPL and power handling for more low bass
output, then you can utilize our sealed enclosure recommendations.These sealed enclosure recommendations will
give the smoothest response with the most energy at really low frequencies, around 20 to 30 Hz.
The recommended Tuner sealed box will deliver massive amounts of high impact bass and can be driven with
punishing levels of amplifier power.
One of the benefits of the SoloX series high performance suspension system is that they can operate in larger
sealed enclosures for ultra low bass performance (SUV applications) while still maintaining excellent control and
power handling.
SOLOX series woofers also perform well in any sealed enclosure between the Tuner and SUV sizes. These systems
will exhibit some benefits of both (high impact and low extension) generally sounding more like the box to which
they are most closely sized.
These enclosure volume recommendations are for the airspace inside the enclosure and include the displacement of the woofer. Do not make the airspace any greater than recommended.
S18X
Recommended Enclosures
Model
Tuner minimum: 3 cu.ft., F3= 31.6Hz,
Pmax= 6000W
Tuner maximum: 6 cu.ft., F3= 26.5Hz,
Pmax= 3500W
SUV minimum: 9 cu.ft., F3= 24.8Hz,
Pmax= 3000W
SUV maximum: 12 cu.ft., F3= 23.8Hz,
Pmax= 2500W
For more enclosure choices check out our website www.kicker.com or call Jerimy “WB” in Technical Services at
1-405-624-8583.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 6
The most basic and simple of all speaker enclosures is the sealed box or acoustic suspension design.
The acoustic suspension design has several advantages; it is easy to build, easy to tune and offers high power
handling, tight response and extended low end output. Acoustic suspension enclosures roll off at 12 dB
per/octave. Cone motion is better controlled at all frequencies because of the constant pressure on the back side
of the cone, which enables you to run more power to the woofer. They are called acoustic suspension enclosures
because the air inside the box acts like a viscous brake to control the woofer. That is why the box
must
be sealed
tight and braced. Shown below is an example of bracing needed. If there are any air leaks in the enclosure, the
woofer cannot function properly.
Pros
1 - High power handling capability
2 - Extended low frequency response and smooth rolloff (12 dB/octave).
3 - Excellent transient response.
4 - Tolerant of minor enclosure size variations.
5 - Easiest enclosure to build.
Cons
1 - Not as efficient as other designs.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 7
Characteristics of Sealed Enclosures
Sealed Box Response Curves
S18X 3.0cu.ft.
S18X 6.0cu.ft.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 8
C
SOLOX S18 Sealed Tuner Minimum Response Curve
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
10 Frequency 50 100 Hz 500 1K
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
C
SOLOX S18 Sealed Tuner Maximum Response Curve
C
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
10 Frequency 50 100 Hz 500 1K
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
C
Sealed Box Response Curves
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 9
S18X 9.0cu.ft.
C
SOLOX S18 Sealed SUV Maximum Curve
10 Frequency 50 100 Hz 500 1K
C
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
S18X 12.0cu.ft.
C
SOLOX S18 Sealed SUV Minimum Curve
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
10 Frequency 50 100 Hz 500 1K
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
C
Ported/Vented Enclosure Applications
Ported SOLOXs incorporate massive slot loaded ports with ultra low air velocity for ground pounding street bass
that will make your hair stand on end (if you have any left)! These are the enclosures of choice for outrageous
street bass and high performance SPL contests.
The following chart shows three recommended ported enclosures for each Solo-Baric driver.
Tuner has increased bass efficiency over a sealed enclosure, yet can still fit in tighter applications.
It is the smallest design that will work well for each woofer. Although it is the smallest ported enclosure the output
from 30 to 80 HZ will be considerably higher than that of a sealed box. The two other ported designs have proportionately more output in this region.
SUV is a medium sized enclosure that will kick out bass that can be heard for blocks away. And it does go LOW!
SPL is a high efficiency enclosure that delivers the output necessary to put up the big numbers.
If space is not at a premium and you want to get the most from your SOLOX, try one of these designs. You won’t
be disappointed. You may want to take a look at The Truckers Car Wash Enclosure if you got the room for it!
Note: You must add the port volume to the volume of the box! See the cut sheets.
Recommended Ported Enclosure
– High Efficiency –
Model Tuner SUV SPL
S18X 5 cu.ft. Port: 60sq.in. x 14.5” 10 cu.ft. Port: 150 sq.in. x 21” 10 cu.ft. Port: 300sq.in. x 9”
Fb= 35Hz, Pmax= 5000W Fb= 35Hz, Pmax=4500W Fb= 56Hz, Pmax= 10000
(with 25hZ subsonic filter) (with 25hZ subsonic filter) (Above tuning freq. only)
* See below!
*This enclosure is intended for SPL ONLY! It is designed to be used with test tones above 56Hz! Playing
music with frequencies below 56Hz will result in very, very bad things happening!! In other words,
THIS IS AN SPL ENCLOSURE ONLY!
NOTE: The use of a subsonic filter is necessary to insure the life of the woofer in a ported enclosure.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 10
Characteristics of Vented Enclosures
A vented enclosure is not much more complex than a sealed box. It consists, basically, of a box with a hole in it.
However, despite its simple design, vented boxes are considerably harder to get good performance from than
sealed boxes - although many times the extra effort can be worth it.
The vent in the enclosure interacts with the volume of air in the cabinet and the driver to help increase output
and reduce cone excursion at and around the tuning frequency. In fact, at box tuning, almost all the bass is produced by the vent - NOT the woofer.
The trick in building a vented box is to get the right size enclosure and the right size vent. You can’t be to far off
on either of these factors or your speaker’s performance will suffer. In particular, using a too-small box or a toohigh vent tuning frequency can eliminate bass instead of increasing it. Porting a sealed box that is too small usually
does nothing to improve frequency response. The vents placement within the enclosure is also important. You
must leave at least the equivalent of the vents diameter between the vent and any inside wall. For example, you
would not place a vent with a 3” diameter within 3” of any wall. The same is true for clearance between the vent
opening and the bottom of the enclosure.
Pros
1 - Reduced cone excursion and reduced distortion around vent tuning.
2 - Increased output capabilities around vent tuning.
3 - Vented boxes give you that extra “Bump” that is preferred in certain types of music.
Cons
1 - Total loss of cone control below vent tuning, which can result in high distortion and driver mechanical failure.
2 - Midrange sound coming from inside the box through the vent can produce unpleasant sound coloration.
3 - Vented enclosures are more sensitive to changes such as temperature, humidity and driver fatigue.
4 - Enclosure design is more complex and the enclosure itself must be more solidly constructed because internal
pressure at frequencies around vent tuning can be nearly twice as high as a sealed enclosure.
5 - Vented enclosures usually don’t sound as fast as sealed boxes because the resonant effects of the vent tuning
which is always slightly out of phase with the driver’s output.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 11
S18X Tuner Enclosure 5.0 cu. ft.
Vented Box Response Curves
S18X SUV Enclosure 10 cu.ft.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 12
C
SOLOX S18 Ported Tuner Response Curve
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
10 Frequency 50 100 Hz 500 1K
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
C
SOLOX S18 Sealed SUV Response Curve
C
95
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
10 Frequency 50 100 Hz 500 1K
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
C
Vented Box Response Curves
S18X SPL Enclosure 10 cu.ft.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 13
S18X The Truckers Car Wash
We know what you’re thinking...why The Trucker’s Car Wash? It’s simple Beavis...
It’s Big, it’s Bad and it doesn’t take $&@* off of no one!
C
SOLOX S18 Sealed SPL Response Curve
90
85
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
10 Frequency 50 100 Hz 500 1K
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
KDLKDL
SOLOX S18 The Trucker's Car Wash
C
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
20 Frequency 100 500 1K Hz 5K 10K 20K
Graph 1 > Acoustic On Axis Response: SPL, Phase dB
C
All the cubic feet numbers given in the supplied charts include the displacement of the woofer. For the ported
boxes the displacement of the port must be added to the final design. It will be impractical to use round ports for
these designs. The rectangular port information given will yield the best results.
Always use 1” or thicker MDF and make sure all the joints are
secure and well sealed. The peak pressure in a ported box can
exceed that of a sealed enclosure. All of these designs need some
internal bracing. Be sure to add a minimum 4”x 4” triangle braces
between each of the larger unsupported panels. Kicker recommends using a good grade of wood glue and silicone sealer for an
airtight box.
Note:If you prefer an ultra-smooth bass response, you should
loosely fill your ported SOLOX Enclosure with polyfil. If you do so,
the entrance to the port (inside the box) must be covered with
hardware cloth, chicken wire, or expanded metal to prevent the
polyfil from being blown out through the port. Use of polyfil will
slightly decrease efficiency, but will deepen and extend low bass response.
Do not install a ported box with the port against a solid
surface. The port opening must remain unobstructed.
Use the smallest dimension of the rectangular port as
the minimum amount of space required between the
port and any surface to insure unrestricted airflow.
Box Building & Mounting Hints
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 14
X
X
X
Chicken Wire or
Expanded Metal
50 % filled
with Polyfil
Chicken Wire or
Expanded Metal
At Least 4 "
Hatchback
OR
Trunk
Box Building & Mounting Hints
If you would like to use a vented enclosure, but the box designs we provide you with (in this manual) do not fit
because of width or depth, the designs can be modified. The shape of the enclosure is not vital, but
The VVolume IIs.
The volume, of the design you choose, must stay the same. The following diagrams provide you with some help to
insure your enclosure is built correctly.
Remember:
If yyou aare ggoing tto bbend tthe pport aat 990°° you wwill nneed tto aadd 11/2 oof tthe pports hheight tto tthe llength! SSee BBelow.
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 15
Example:
(Fig. 1)
H
port = 3”
W
port = 10”
L
port
= 20”
(Fig. 2)
Since
H
port
is 3” you need to add 1.5”(
1/2 of
H
port
) to
L
port
. This means that
L
1 + L2 = 21.5”
Always measure
L
1 and L2 down the
center to get an accurate measurement!
Front
45°
Wedge
Round Over
Inner Corner
Top
3"
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
3"
10"
10"
L 2
20"
3"
L 1
SideTop
Here are a couple more examples of the different shape enclosures you can build. The woofer can be mounted
on the same side as the port or the back side of the enclosure can be slanted to fit up against your back seat.. On
the cut sheets we provide, change the dimensions to accommodate the woofer and the vent on the same side.
Make sure the internal volume does not change!
Box Building & Mounting Hints
OR
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 16
SideTop
The following diagrams are the most popular wiring configurations when using Dual voice coil woofers. They
show a typical single channel wiring scheme. Check the amplifier’s owners manual for minimum impedance the
amplifier will handle before hooking up the speakers. If your like most people, you’ve already thrown it away, but
wait there is an alternative. Most manufacturers have discovered that the internet is on computers now. So go to
the website of KICKER and download the owners manual for the model of amplifier you have. If you bought someone else’s amplifier, we’re sorry, save your lunch money and buy one of ours. We always post our owner’s manuals
on our website to give our consumers the ultimate technical support! Okay a little wiring 101, Remember: 4 Ohm
mono is equivalent to 2 Ohm stereo. But you already knew that, Right!
Due to the extreme nature of this woofer, some applications may require the use of two amplifiers per woofer.
Double check the diagram to make sure you have the voice coils wired properly. For example, both terminals of
Coil 1 (Red and Black) are wired to a single amplifier and both terminals of Coil 2 ( Silver) are wired to the second
amplifier. Please make sure to check the polarity. We know that sounds obvious, but even a seasoned veteran of 2
weeks in the install bay can make that mistake! ! If you’re man enough, check out the next page for the lowdown
on using four amplifiers to one SOLOX. If you’re not, your probably the type of guy who puts import racing decals
on your camaro!
Wiring Options
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 17
Series
Parallel
Coil 1 +
COIL 2
#Ω
Coil 2 +
#Ω
COIL 1
Amplifer +
Speaker Connection
Coil 1 -
#Ω
COIL 1
Amplifer
Speaker Connection
Coil 2 -
Coil 1 +
#Ω
COIL 1
COIL 2
#Ω
COIL 2
#Ω
Coil 2 +
Amplifer +
Speaker Connection
Coil 1 -
#Ω
COIL 1
Amplifer
Speaker Connection
Coil 2 -
COIL 2
#Ω
Amplifer 2
Speaker Connection
Coil 2 -
Amplifer 2 +
Speaker Connection
Coil 1 +
#Ω
COIL 1
COIL 2
#Ω
Amplifer 1 +
Speaker Connection
Coil 1 -
#Ω
COIL 1
Amplifer 1
COIL 2
#Ω
Speaker Connection
Coil 2 +
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 18
If you are using our KX1200.1 amplifiers, you have the ability to run
Four
amplifiers to one mammoth SOLOX
woofer! For those of you who payed attention in math, one less than five, one more than three, or two more than
two! In other words a TON OF POWER! Check out the diagram below for the lowdown. If you still have questions
check out our website www.kicker.com or call Jerimy “WB” in Technical Services at
1-405-624-8583.
“The” Wiring Option
3.5mm/ 1/8"
Mono 2 conductor
Primary AMP
Out
In
-
-
+
+
Secondary AMP
Tip Sleeve
SIGNAL IN
AMP STRAPPING
OUT IN
Amplifer 1
Speaker Connection
COIL 1
Coil 1 -
COIL 1
#Ω
#Ω
Coil 1 + Coil 2 +
#Ω
COIL 2
-
+
Amplifer 1 +
Speaker Connection
COIL 2
#Ω
Coil 2 -
Primary AMP
Secondary AMP
Out
SIGNAL IN
In
+ +
-
+
AMP STRAPPING
OUT IN
Amplifer 2
Speaker Connection
Amplifer 2 +
Speaker Connection
27
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 19
5.0 cf, Fb=35Hz
.50 cf = Port Vol.
S18X2-TUNER Enclosure
Side View
B
E
POWER HANDLING:
5000W with 25Hz Subsonic Filter
set at 24dB/Octave
Without subsonic filter 2500W
D
14-1/2
Front View
C
R2-7/8
2-21/32
22
16-11/16
3
Cut List: 3/4" MDF
(2) 25" x 19" Top & Bottom(A)
(2) 22" x 19" Sides(B)
(2) 20" x 25" Front & Back(C)
(1) 14.5" x 20" Port(D)
(6) 4" x 4" Gusset(E)
A
16-11/16
2-21/32
19
1
20
R3/8
3
1
37
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 20
10.0 cf, Fb=35Hz
1.82 cf = Port Vol.
S18X2-SUV Enclosure
Side View
B
D
E
21
POWER HANDLING:
4500W with 25Hz Subsonic Filter
set at 24dB/Octave
Without subsonic filter 2250W
Front View
C
R2-7/8
5-5/32
27
16-11/16
6
16-11/16
2
25
Cut List: 3/4" MDF
(2) 25" x 35" Top & Bottom(A)
(2) 27" x 25" Sides(B)
(2) 25" x 35" Front & Back(C)
(1) 21" x 25" Port(D)
(6) 4" x 4" Gusset(E)
1
25
A
R3/8
6
1
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 21
37
10.0 cf, Fb=35Hz
1.56 cf = Port Vol.
S18X2-SPL Enclosure
Side View
B
D
E
9
POWER HANDLING:
10000W with 56Hz Subsonic Filter
set at 24dB/Octave
Without subsonic filter 5000W
Front View
C
R2-7/8
5-5/32
27
16-11/16
12
16-11/16
2
25
Cut List: 3/4" MDF
(2) 25" x 35" Top & Bottom(A)
(2) 27" x 25" Sides(B)
(2) 25" x 35" Front & Back(C)
(1) 9" x 25" Port(D)
(6) 4" x 4" Gusset(E)
1
25
A
R3/8
12
1
2001.8cu.yds, Fb= 6Hz
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 22
(2) single axle Dump trucks = Port Vol.
S18X2-The Trucker's Car Wash
Side View
B
D
E
96ft
23ft
POWER HANDLING:
1 Large Nuclear Facility with a Uranium Transsonic Filter
set at 384 dB/Octave
1 Small Nuclear Facility without Transsonic filter
Front View
C
R2-7/8
27
16-11/16 inches
8ft
16-11/16 inches
25
Cut List: 1 ft. thick Californian Redwood trees
96 years old preferred
(2) 25ft. x 94ft. Top & Bottom(A)
(2) 27ft. x 25ft. Sides(B)
(2) 25ft. x 94ft. Front & Back(C)
(1) 25ft. x 23ft. Port(D)
(6) 6ft. x 6ft. Roofing trusses(E)
1
25
8
A
R 3ft.
1
BASS
Resistance Formulas
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 23
BOOST
(dB)
0 11
X-OVER
FREQ. (Hz)
3
6 9 12
0
50 200
R
15
18
GAIN
BASS
BOOST
(dB)
0 11
X-OVER
FREQ. (Hz)
3
6 9 12
0
50 200
R
15
18
GAIN
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 24
Thiele/Small Parameters
Model S18X1 S18X2
Nominal Impedance 1 2
(Coil impedance)
SPL 1W/1M 90.27 89.7
Displacement, cc 3930 3930
Displacement, CuIn 239.8 239.8
Mounting Depth 11-3/8 11-3/8
Revc 2.05 4.07
VC Inductance, mH 3.247 4.289
Sd, SqM 0.1426 0.1426
BL 31.45 40.36
Vas, Liters 185.64 177.61
Vas, CuFt 6.55 6.27
Mms, gms 859.8 836.5
Fs 21.4 22.18
Qms 8.838 7.83
Qes 0.240 0.291
Qts 0.233 0.281
Pmax, Peak watts 10000 10000
RMS watts 5000 5000
EXmax, mm 24.48 24.48
( Excursion maximum, see next page.)
Excursion Maximum 101
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 25
As you read the specifications for your SoloX you may notice a new parameter called EXmax. EXmax stands for
Excursion Maximum and expresses the maximum one-way linear excursion capability of the driver based on:
1. Linearity (how much distortion the speaker system exhibits)
2. Excursion limits of the moving parts (how far it can move before it breaks)
3. BL (the strength of the motor assembly)
In other words, EXmax tells you just how far the woofer is capable of moving before reaching the physical limits of
the moving parts, diminishing motor strength and NOT taking into consideration how much distortion is created.
Strange statement huh?!
Let’s break it down.
When a woofer is used for EXTREME SPL (notice that
...
EXTREME SPL
) applications, it is driven well out of the linear
range that would be used if sound quality (low distortion/high linearity) were your goals. Any woofer can be driven
to the point where it starts exhibiting non-linear response. At this point the distortion of the system starts to rise
and BL starts to fall off. There may be more linear excursion available but your ears tell you it is starting to sound
bad, un-natural, so you stop turning up the volume as you have reached the limits of that system for a linear
response (low distortion). But what if low distortion was not a measuring criteria? What then?
This is where EXmax comes into play. SPL is all about compressing air, and besides, who cares if it is 40% distortion,
Mr. SPL Microphone sure doesn’t! Your not listening to it for pleasure, only trying to compress the air inside a vehicle to impress a microphone. We personally would never want to listen to a system at 40% distortion for more than
about .05 seconds...tops.(most people under the age of say...umm...80 would agree) But if you are standing outside a vehicle sealed up tighter than a frog’s bum burping test tones to get a really big number on a meter, subwoofer linearity (distortion) is not a factor. Compressing the air is your goal in this scenario, not necessarily linearity.
This does not mean a high SPL sub is designed to be non-linear or exhibit high distortion, it just means ANY sub
driven into non-linearity will exhibit high distortion. But if the sub can continue to compress air even though it is
operating at a high distortion level you will get more SPL. Make sense? Great!
The SoloX was designed to excel in vented enclosures and achieve extreme SPL numbers when asked to do so. That
is why the EXmax specification is shown, to let you know just how far this baby can go when asked to bring the
house down! The EXmax figure is derived from driving the SoloX until 55% linearity is achieved and measuring the
EXmax at that point. The SoloX has a
TREMENDOUS
amount of motor strength and an over-built cone/suspension
system which allows it to drive well into the non-linear operating range and still compress air to make SPL.
So what you are saying is that the SoloX is a high distortion/high SPL subwoofer? No! No! No! We are saying the
SoloX is capable of
EXTREME SPL
output and at those levels you will have high distortion. (ALL subs have high dis-
tortion when played into a very non-linear range) If the SoloX is played under NORMAL (in other words... NOT
EXTREME SPL
) conditions it can play very loud and very low with very high linearity/low distortion, just like you
would expect from a KICKER subwoofer.
Now that you know what EXmax is and what it means, hit the wood shop, eat some dust and get your enclosure
built. Your SoloX wants to go outside and play!
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 26
Mounting Hole Cutouts
“The AAdventures OOf SSam SStikman”
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 27
If you did not take the time to check out Sam before, Please take a
minute to read about SAM. It will save you a trip
to the Hospital, or worse, a broken woofer, an empty wallet, & NO chics!
The WRONG way!
The CORRECT way!
SEE SAM FLAT ON HIS BACK
IN AGONY!
(If SAM had read the Instructions he
would have known this speaker
weighs more than a Mini Cooper!)
SEE SAM HAULED OFF IN AN
AMBULANCE!
(Don’t be a SAM ...Read the
Instructions!)
SEE SAM!
(See SAM read the Instructions!)
(He now knows it weighs more than
a Mini Cooper!)
SEE SAM & SID FOLLOW THE
INSTRUCTIONS!
(Sam knew the speaker weighed
more than a Mini Cooper, so he
asked his friend Sid for help. In
return Sid gets to cruise with Sam.)
SEE SAM & SID CRUISIN’
WITH THE CHICS!
(Be a SAM ... Chics dig guys who
can read!)
SEE SAM!
(SAM failed to read the Instructions!)
AMBULANCE
R
T
FM
m
i
t
nd
a
p
m
k
i
l
t
ya
ru
r
si
e
g
f
rgigb
ym orhe
s
Unwrapping and Installing This Bad Boy
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 28
Now that you have read “The Adventures of Sam
Stikman” again and decided on which enclosure
design to use, you may now remove the SoloX
from it’s box. Please follow the instructions lined
out here to insure proper installation. Have you
found the “Optional” DVD yet? We haven’t either!
Huh, must be part of the STXL package!
1. With assistance from a friend (or an engine
hoist) remove the SoloX from the cardboard facilitation chamber or “box” if you will. Fig. 1
2. Once out of the carton remove the (4) four
acorn head nuts and (8) eight bolts securing the
SPAIR to the BAM and wood baffle assembly. Place
SPAIR in safe clean location! This does not mean
on the floor next to the car where it gets kicked
and tripped over everytime you walk by. Fig.2
ATTENTION!
3. Install the Gap Cap into the BAM around the
pole-piece to protect the motor assembly from
debris while you are installing the woofer. If any
metal shavings were to fall into the gap, they
would be impossible to remove! Please use the
Gap Cap! If this were not important we would
have taken the money we spent to design and
produce them and bought a spa for the tech bay!
So use the cap ! Fig.3
4. With the Gap Cap now installed remove the (4)
double end threaded studs that lock the BAM to
the wood baffle assembly. Be careful not to let
the SPLAT fall on you foot otherwise... you
guessed it, splat! Fig.4
The SPLAT and wood baffle will now come free
from the BAM. The baffle will now become your
mounting template. Fig.5
5. Place the wood template on your enclosure
baffle to mark the holes for mounting. Make sure
it is in the correct spot before you start cutting.
Remember, “Cut twice, but only mark once!” Fig.6
Fig.1
Fig.2
Fig.3
Fig.4
Fig.5
Fig.6
Installing This Bad Boy
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 29
6. Once the holes are marked remove template.
Using a jigsaw cutout the woofer hole and use a
3/8” drill bit for the mounting holes. Fig.7
ACHTUNG! ATTENTION!
You will need assistance for the following steps!
7. Insert the SPLAT into the cutout and move into
position. We know what your thinking ...How can
this fit in through the hole. Relax tried it once and
it worked, so we put it into production! Fig.8
8.Use masking tape to temporarily hold the SPLAT
in place while securing the BAM. This tape can be
removed after the corner hardware has been
started. Fig.9
9. With your assistant, insert the BAM and start
the corner hardware. Now is the time you remove
the unidirectional bonding strip! (Tape) Tighten
the double threaded studs to secure the BAM to
the baffle. Now take inventory to make sure nothing dropped on the floor while wrestling the big
unit into position. Fig.10
Fig.7
Fig.8
Fig.9
Fig.10
Baffle
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 30
B3 Link
10. Before you pull the wires through the BAM,
you must decide which of the three metods
you will use. The parts needed for this step are
shown in Fig. 11. In addition to the included
parts you will need a brain larger than a pea. If
you are not sure about the size of a pea, our
graphic artist has provided one here for your
use. Keep in mind, the pea is for measurement
purposes only and has no real purpose in the
final installation.
The Binding posts must be removed when using
the other methods of connecting the speaker
wire. When connecting the wire make sure you
are using proper polarity, otherwise the POLARITY POPO will be after you! If you reverse the
polarity you’ll know it, that 18 inch woofer will
slam like a solid 8 incher!
Fig.12-15
Fig. 12 shows the Binding Post method of connecting the speaker wires. Make sure the binding post is tight so the wires will not come out.
This is the B3 Link option as shipped from
factory.
Fig. 13 shows the Barrier strip method of connecting the speaker wires. Make sure the screw
is tight so the wires will not come off.
Fig. 14 shows the Terminal Block method of connecting the speaker wires. Make sure the screw
is tight so the wires will not come out.
Fig.13
Fig.11
Fig.12
Fig.14
Hooker Audio
8 ga Speaker Wire
Gary Biggs Approved
PEA
Hooker Audio
8 ga Speaker Wire
Gary Biggs Approved
Approved
Hooker Audio
8 ga Speaker Wire
Gary Biggs Approved
Gary Biggs
8 ga Speaker Wire
Hooker Audio
8 ga Speaker Wire
Hooker Audio
Gary Biggs Approved
Hooker Audio
8 ga Speaker Wire
Gary Biggs Approved
Hooker Audio
8 ga Speaker Wire
Gary Biggs Approved
Gary Biggs Approved
Hooker Audio
8 ga Speaker Wire
Fig.15 shows the wires being pulled out through
the BAM and after being connected using one of
our stylish B3 Link Methods!
11. Remove the Gap Cap before inserting SPAIR.
Relax Beavis, if you forget to remove the cap, the
SPAIR will not fit properly into the BAM. Fig.16
12. Insert the SPAIR back into the BAM. Be careful
not to damage the voice coil. The double threaded studs and the ARCTIC Cap will help to center
SPAIR as you lower it into the BAM. When properly aligned these assemblies slide together easily.
Fig.17
13. Using the 1/4”-20 acorn head nuts and eight
bolts secure the SPAIR to the BAM. When tightening the nuts follow the pattern in Fig. 19. This will
insure a proper fit. Remember, “Big Brother” is
watching to make sure you follow the correct
pattern! Fig. 18-19
ACHTUNG! ATTENTION!
Follow the pattern, hand tightening each, then
go back and tighten using the same pattern with
tool of your choice. Warning: Hammer is not recommended!
Fig.17
Fig.18
Fig.18
Fig.19
Installing This Bad Boy
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 31
Fig.15
Fig.16
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 32
14. Pop open a cold beverage and admire your work! You have just installed the 8th wonder of the Car
Audio World! See professionally drawn cartoon below for correct way to celebrate!
Installing This Bad Boy
Chics Phone Numbers
Kicker SoloX Subwoofers
Recommended Applications
Page 33
Hookups for Freebies
Who Owes Me Cash
• Install slips (screwdriver holes)
• Damage caused by exposure to water
and/or excessive heat.
• Damage through negligence, misuse, or
accident.
• Items physically damaged due to abuse.
• Freight damage.
• The cost of shipping product to Stillwater
Designs Service.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Stillwater Designs maintains a goal of 24-hour service for all returns. Delays may be incurred if lack of replacement inventory
or parts is encountered.
INTERNATIONAL WARRANTY
Contact your International Stillwater Designs dealer or distributor concerning specific
procedures for your country’s warranty policies.
P.O. Box 459 • Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 • U.S.A. • 405 624-8510
• Items previously repaired by any
unauthorized repair facility.
• Items returned from unauthorized
individuals or dealers.
• Return shipping on non-defective items.
• Speakers damaged due to amplifier
clipping or distortion.
• Speakers with silicon caulk used for gasket
material.
KICKER drivers are capable of producing sound levels that can permanently
damage your hearing! Turning up a system to a level that has audible distortion is more damaging to your ears than listening to an undistorted system at the same volume level. The threshold of pain is always an indicator that the sound level is too loud and may permanently damage
your hearing.
Please uuse ccommon ssense wwhen ccontrolling vvolume!
WARNING:
SPEAKER SYSTEMS LIMITED WARRANTY
Stillwater Designs warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period
of one (1) year from date of original purchase from an Authorized Kicker Dealer, unless this product is labeled
“B Stock”, in which case it is warranted for ninety (90) days from date of purchase. Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to manufacturing defect or malfunction during the warranty period, Stillwater Designs will replace or
repair (at its discretion) the defective merchandise with equivalent merchandise at no charge. Warranty replacements on “BStock” may have cosmetic scratches and blemishes. Discontinued products may be replaced with equivalent products.
This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and is not extended to owners of the product subsequent to the
original purchaser. Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to a 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; however you may have other rights that vary from state to state.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU NEED WARRANTY OR SERVICE
Defective merchandise must be returned to your local Authorized Stillwater Designs (Kicker) Dealer for warranty. Assistance in
locating an Authorized Dealer can be obtained by writing or calling Stillwater Designs direct. You can confirm that a dealer is
authorized by asking to see a current authorized dealer window decal.
If it becomes necessary for you to return defective merchandise, call the Kicker Customer Service Department at (405)6248510 for a Return Authorization (RA) number. Package all defective items in the original container or in a package that will prevent shipping damage, and return to
Stillwater Designs, 5021 North Perkins Road, Stillwater, OK 74075
The RA number must be clearly marked on the outside of the package. Return only defective components. Return of entire
cabinets, system packs, pairs, etc. increases your return freight charges. Non-defective items received will be returned freight
collect.
Include a dated proof-of-purchase from an Authorized Dealer. Warranty expiration on items returned without proof-ofpurchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage may be invalidated if this date is greater than 18
months previous to the date item is sent in. Freight must be prepaid; items received freight collect will be refused.
Failure to follow these steps may void your warranty. Any questions can be directed to the Kicker Customer Service
Department at (405)624-8510.
WHAT IS NOT COVERED?
This warranty is valid only if the product is used for the purpose for which it was designed.
It does not cover:
February 2003
Ok, you have read all the fine print on the opposing page describing the warranty on a Solo X Subwoofer, (enough there
to make even Judge Judy happy) but what does it all mean? Well, let's just lay it all out in as simple of terms as possible.
The Solo X is a high performance machine that is built to take gobs of power, play extremely loud and create enough
low bass to rattle the fillings out of your friend's teeth who lives in the next county. It is built using the finest materials
and highest degree of workmanship we have available. It is the NASCAR of subwoofers…designed to be driven hard
into all four corners…and we are sure you will drive it just that way!
With all that being said…we know some of you will still be able to break this product…it is a plain and simple fact. When
you build an extreme product to be used by extreme people these people can and will find the breaking point…just like
Tony Stewart snapping a rod in a motor.
That is why we designed the Solo X to have a permanently mounted BAM (Basket And Motor) assembly with a replaceable soft parts assembly, the SPAIR (Simple Pull Apart Insertable Replacement), so that when you find the breaking
point (and if you can still hear or feel) you can re-build it on the spot. If you read the big poster that came with your
woofer (you did…right?) you know Sam & Sid told you this thing weighs more than a Mini Cooper (well…really it weighs
in at near 100 pounds). The BAM which is about 90% of the weight in a Solo X stays mounted in your enclosure AND in
your car; you simply exchange the much lighter SPAIR. This saves you all the fun of wrestling with the entire Solo X and
the ENORMOUS costs of shipping a 100 pound woofer to Stillwater, Oklahoma.
The SPAIR and all the parts contained within it are not covered under warranty. This includes:
¾ Burnt, Shucked, Bent, Unraveled or Open Voice Coils.
¾ Torn, Ripped or Punctured Surrounds.
¾ Torn, Ripped or Punctured Cones.
¾ Torn, Ripped or Punctured Spiders.
¾ Burnt or Frayed Tinsel Leads.
We also do not warranty the SPAIR for:
¾ Wear and Tear under normal use.
¾ Product damaged due to abuse.
¾ Damage to Vehicle and/or other components of the sound system.
¾ Scattered, Smothered, Covered and Chunked units.
The SPAIR and BAM are not covered under warranty for any damage due to shipping or improper packaging.
So what will KICKER cover under warranty?
¾ Poor or misaligned glue joints.
¾ Poor or misaligned parts.
¾ Material, Machining or Assembly flaws with the BAM.
So in a nut-shell if and when you break it (which takes A LOT) you simply return the soft parts assembly (the SPAIR) to
your local dealer and purchase another SPAIR.
Special Note: OK that all sounds pretty black and white but we are KICKER and we know stuff happens. If your Solo X
stops working and after pulling the SPAIR you find a failure other than that mentioned above that you feel is a manufacturing defect or poor workmanship you may call Stillwater Designs (KICKER) for a RMA (Return Merchandise
Authorization). You will then have to wrestle the big unit, meaning the Solo X Subwoofer, (BAM and SPAIR both) and
pack them in the original shipping container that you got at the time of purchase. You MUST use the original packing to
protect the unit during shipping!!! You will be responsible for the freight charges.
After receiving your Solo X and examining it, one of three things will happen.
¾ If a problem is found that is indeed covered under warranty, we will repair the unit and return it to you at no
additional charge.
¾ If no problem is found we will return the unit to you and you will be responsible for the freight charge.
¾ If a problem is found that is not covered under the warranty as described in the warranty statements, you will be
charged for the cost of the repair and freight charge to return the unit to you.
SOLOX Limited Warranty
P.O. Box 459 x Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076 x U.S.A. x 405 624-8510 or www.Kicker.com
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