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.

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 JL AUDIO 12W3v3-2 / 12W3v3-4 / 12W3v3-8
U.S. PATENTS: #5,734,734 #6,501,844 #6,219,431 #D480,709 Other U.S. & Foreign patents pending.

#
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$ !
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12W3v3 SUBWOOFER PHYSICAL SUBWOOFER 12W3v3-2 12W3v3-4 12W3v3-8

SPECIFICATIONS
Free Air Resonance (Fs): 27.97 Hz 26.72 Hz 28.28 Hz
12.0 in.
Nominal Diameter:
305 mm Electrical “Q” (Qes): 0.534 0.472 0.553

12.5 in. Mechanical “Q” (Qms): 7.678 7.572 6.936

Overall Diameter (A):
318 mm
Total Speaker “Q” (Qts): 0.500 0.444 0.512
11.0625 in.
Mounting Hole Diameter (B):
281 mm 2.806 ft³ 2.844 ft³ 2.729 ft³
Equivalent Compliance (Vas):
79.47 litres 80.54 litres 77.29 litres
11.7 in.
Bolt Hole Circle (C):
297 mm 0.510 in. 0.510 in. 0.510 in.
One-way, Linear Excursion (Xmax)*:
13.0 mm 13.0 mm 13.0 mm
5.5 in.
Magnet Diameter (D):
140 mm Efficiency (1W/1m)**: 87.15 dB SPL 87.15 dB SPL 87.02 dB SPL

6.65 in. 80.600 ft² 80.600 ft² 80.600 ft²

Mounting Depth (E): Effective Piston Area (Sd):
169 mm 0.0520 m² 0.0520 m² 0.0520 m²

14.50 lbs. DC Resistance (Re): 1.658 ohm 3.563 ohm 7.310 ohm
Net Weight:
6.58 kg
Nominal Impedance: 2 ohm 4 ohm 8 ohm
0.071 ft³
Driver Displacement:
2.01 litres Power Handling (continuous): 500W 500W 500W

*X  max 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” !

2 JL AUDIO 12W3v3-2/12W3v3-4/12W3v3-8

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 All specifications are subject to change without notice.

SUBWOOFER RECOMMENDED SEALED ENCLOSURES

Volume External Dimensions F3 Fc

Qtc
(net int.) (Width x Height x Depth) (Hz) (Hz)

1.250 ft³ 23 in. x 14 in. x 10 in.

12W3v3-2 41.8 50.4 0.96
35.4 litres 584 mm x 356 mm x 254 mm

1.125 ft³ 23 in. x 14 in. x 9.25 in.

12W3v3-4 43.7 50.2 0.83
31.8 litres 584 mm x 356 mm x 235 mm
1.250 ft³ 23 in. x 14 in. x 10 in.
12W3v3-8 41.5 50.5 0.91
35.4 litres 584 mm x 356 mm x 254 mm

SUBWOOFER RECOMMENDED PORTED ENCLOSURES

Volume Enclosure External Dimensions Slot Port Specs Rec. Slot Port Internal Dimensions Tune to: F3
(net int.) (Width x Height x Depth) Slot Area x Slot Length Slot Width x Slot Height x Slot Length (Hz) (Hz)

1.75 ft³ 29 in. x 14 in. x 12.625 in. 17.1875 sq. in. x 26.125 in. 1.375 in. x 12.5 in. x 26.125 in.
12W3v3-2 30.0 36.0
49.6 litres 737 mm x 356 mm x 321 mm 110.9 sq. cm. x 664 mm 35 mm x 318 mm x 664 mm

1.75 ft³ 29 in. x 14 in. x 12.625 in. 17.1875 sq. in. x 26.125 in. 1.375 in. x 12.5 in. x 26.125 in.
12W3v3-4 30.0 35.0
49.6 litres 737 mm x 356 mm x 321 mm 110.9 sq. cm. x 664 mm 35 mm x 318 mm x 664 mm

1.75 ft³ 29 in. x 14 in. x 12.625 in. 17.1875 sq. in. x 26.125 in. 1.375 in. x 12.5 in. x 26.125 in.
12W3v3-8 30.0 35.0
49.6 litres 737 mm x 356 mm x 321 mm 110.9 sq. cm. x 664 mm 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.

• 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 “EL” (Port Extension Length)
have already taken this into account. 12W3v3-2: 13.5 in. (343 mm)
12W3v3-4: 13.5 in. (343 mm)
• When using two subwoofers in a common 12W3v3-8: 13.5 in. (343 mm)
enclosure simply double the required volume and,
in the case of a ported enclosure, use two times the
recommended port(s).
!!

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.
CAUTION

• We recommend the use of this speaker in a bi-

amplified system using high-quality satellite speakers When installing a subwoofer in your vehicle, it is extremely important to secure the enclosure firmly. We recommend
and amplifiers. We do not recommend the use of 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
this subwoofer with a passive crossover (coil), as this in a hatchback, station wagon, sports utility vehicle, or van.
type of device will adversely affect performance.
!!

JL AUDIO 12W3v3-2/12W3v3-4/12W3v3-8 3

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RECOMMENDED CONTINUOUS (RMS) POWER RANGE FOR ONE SUBWOOFER DRIVER:

25W 75W 150W 300W 600W 1000W

12W3v3

LEGEND:
MINIMUM OPTIMUM MAXIMUM WA R R A N T Y V O I D

MEDIUM GRAY (MINIMUM): LIGHT GRAY (OPTIMUM): DARK GRAY (MAXIMUM): BLACK (WARRANTY VOID):

From a reliability standpoint, this zone represents This zone represents the best compromise Slightly more SPL will be gained by pushing the We do not recommend operating woofers at
a very comfortable operating power range for between long-term reliability, high-output and power into this zone, but typically not more than this level of power. In this zone, there is a very high
each driver. This level of power will not stress the low-distortion performance. This power level is 2dB, compared to the light gray zone.The subwoofer probability that the driver will fail due to excessive
woofer but will not extract all of its performance lower than the woofer’s continuous power rating driver is designed to operate safely up to this power heat and/or mechanical stress.
potential, either. (as published in its specifications), but you will still range, but not beyond. Operate with caution. Subwoofer drivers operated at these levels of
Use of less than the minimum power level will be taking advantage of the woofer’s, low-distortion power are NOT covered under warranty.
not damage the woofer, but may result in performance range without undue risk of failure.
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.

JL AUDIO LIMITED WARRANTY (USA)

Automotive Subwoofer Components

JJL AUDIO warrants this speaker to be free of defects in materials and Any applicable implied warranties are limited in duration to the period of the
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase. 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
Damage caused by the following is not covered under warranty: accident, misuse,
thereafter. Some states do not allow limitations on implied warranties, therefore these
abuse, product modification or neglect, failure to follow installation instructions,
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
unauthorized repair attempts, misrepresentations by the seller. This warranty does not
may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
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.
If you need service on your JL AUDIO product:
This warranty is not transferable and applies only to the original
All warranty returns should be sent to JL AUDIO freight prepaid through an
purchaser of the product from an authorized JL AUDIO dealer.
authorized JL AUDIO dealer and must be accompanied by proof of purchase (a
Warranty is voided if the factory-applied product serial number is
copy of the original sales receipt.) Direct returns from consumers or non-authorized
removed or defaced.
dealers will be refused unless specifically authorized by JL AUDIO with a valid
Should service be necessary under this warranty for any reason due to return authorization number. Warranty expiration on products returned without
manufacturing defect or malfunction, JL AUDIO will, at its discretion, repair or replace proof of purchase will be determined from the manufacturing date code. Coverage
the defective product with new or remanufactured product at no charge. 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).

For Service Information in the U.S.A. please call:

JL Audio customer service: (954) 443-1100 during normal business hours (Eastern Time)
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 JLA12W3v3_MAN_01_08_011202