Introduction

The Powerbass AutoSound Subwoofers S-1204 is engineered to deliver exceptional bass performance, making it an ideal choice for car audio enthusiasts. This 12-inch subwoofer features a dual 4-ohm voice coil configuration, allowing for versatile installation options and optimal sound quality. With a robust power handling capability of 600 watts RMS and 1200 watts peak, it ensures deep, resonant sound that enhances your listening experience. Priced at $199.99, the S-1204 offers outstanding value for powerful audio performance.

PARAMETERS 

(Due to Constant Improvements, Specifications and Parameters are subject to change without notice.)

RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURES
Please note that these enclosure volume recommendations are for the internal airspace inside the enclo-sure and include the displacement of the subwoofer and ports. When choosing your enclosure type, please pay close attention to your specific woofer, failing to use the correct enclosure may result in lower power handling and poor sound quality. To calculate the internal airspace available, take the internal dimensions of the box.

First multiple these number by themselves and then divide this sum by 1728. (W x H x D) / 1728. Please contact your authorized PowerBass Autsound dealer for other designs and specifications. (Even though these subwoofers can be used in a ported enclosure, PowerBass recommends a sealed enclosure for optimum performance and sound quality.)

S-1204D

POWERBASS AUTOSOUND "S" WOOFER FEATURES

• Improved 4-layer Black Paper/Wool Cone: The premium grade cones on these subwoofers are deli-cately balanced mix between Wool and Paper pulp. This results in a extremely warm and accurate sound while remaining exceptionally stable even under the stress of high sound pressure levels.
• Large Roll Foam Surround: This treated large roll surround is used to ensure long and linear travel throughout the entire excursion range resulting in more bass output and higher SPL.
• Rigid Tooled Stamped Basket with Voice Coil Perimeter Aero-Vents: This thick stamped steel basket is manufactured to the highest standards to ensure maximum excursion, exceptional alignment of the subwoofers motor structure and moving parts. A new basket coating offers improved damping and reduced resonance.
• Vented Motor Structure: Just like a car’s engine, the motor structure of a woofer drives the cone. This bumped and vented magnet assembly will allow your S-series woofer to handle lots of power while delivering accurate linear movement for tight deep bass.
• Chrome Push Input Terminals: These high strength compression loaded speaker terminals ensure maximum current and power transfer.
• Injection Molded Dust Cap: This newly redesigned larger dust cap reduces resonance and possible distortion along with non-linear movement.
• 2” BASV High Temperature Voice Coil: These specially designed resin coated high temperature voice coils ensure high power handling and precise linear excursion while maximizing thermal heat dissipation.
• Rubber Mounting Gasket: The protective rubber-mounting gasket ensures an airtight seal which elimi-nates bass robbing air leaks.
• Single and Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil: Made with pure PIW wire for multiple woofer applications and high energy and heat transfer. This makes the voice coil highly efficient and allows you to play louder for longer.
• Optimally Designed for Both Sealed and Ported Enclosures: for many sonic and installation applica-tions. This gives you a wide range of uses for the S-Series Woofers.

Description

The Powerbass AutoSound Subwoofers S-1204 features a 12-inch polypropylene cone with a rubber surround, ensuring durability and flexibility. The subwoofer is equipped with a high-quality voice coil and a robust magnet structure to handle high power levels. Its compact design makes it easy to install in various vehicle compartments, and the sleek black finish integrates well with most car interiors.

The S-1204 is designed to produce deep, accurate bass without distortion, making it an excellent choice for music lovers who appreciate a balanced sound. The subwoofer's construction includes a reinforced basket and a vented pole piece to enhance airflow and cooling, ensuring reliable performance over extended periods.

WIRING GUIDELINES

It is highly recommended that you seek an authorized PowerBass dealer to properly setup, wire and install your woofers for maximum performance. There are multiple ways to wire your woofers depending on your amplifier and system configuration. The use of multiple voice coils offers you more versatility in system configuration. It is important to know the limits of your amplifier to optimize its performance.

It is always better to use your subwoofer in a mono / bridged mode if your amplifier has the capabilities. There are basically four different types of wiring configurations: Series, Parallel, Series-Parallel or Parallel-Parallel. It is possible to change the impedance or load by how the speakers are to be wired and by the number of woofers used.

DUAL VOICE COIL WIRING

NOTE: Never connect only one coil of a Dual Voice Coil (DVC) speaker. BOTH voice coils must be connected to the amplifier

SINGLE VOICE COIL WIRING

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of PowerBass Autosound Subwoofers requires experience with a variety of mechanical proce-dures including enclosure construction. This manual only provides general installation and operation in-structions. If you have any reservations about your installation skills, please contact your local Authorized PowerBass dealer for assistance.

CHOOSING A SPEAKER ENCLOSURE

MULTI-ENCLOSURE COMPATIBILITY 
The PowerBass Autosound Subwoofers are engineered to perform well in various types of enclosures. These subwoofers offer the versatility of being used in either sealed, vented or band-pass enclosures. For maximum performance, we recommend you have your new Power-Bass Autosound Subwoofer installed by an Authorized PowerBass Autosound Dealer.

SEALED BOX
A sealed or acoustic suspension enclosure is easy to build and typically offers a smaller size enclosure and greater power handling. It has the most predictable frequency and phase response; the bass response will roll off slower than that of a ported design. Sealed boxes typically provide the best musical detail and definition. A well-designed sealed enclosure will exhibit smooth frequency response with excellent sound quality and great low bass extension. They also exhibit relatively accurate, punchy bass reproduction for most types of music. If a sealed enclosure is too large to fit into a specific area of a vehicle, it is possible to decrease the recommended box volume by using 1.5 pounds per cubic feet of low density, high heat specific box stuffing material.

PowerBass recommends Fiberglass, Dacron, Poly-Fill or long fiber wool for stuffing the enclosure. (Decreasing the box enclosure however should not exceed 20% of the recommended size.)

When using any type of box stuffing material be sure that the subwoofer’s vented pole piece is clear from any obstructions, since covering the pole piece will result in loss of bass and can possibly cause damage to your subwoofer. The most important aspect of a sealed enclosure is to make sure that it is airtight and solid. If your enclosure has any air leaks or if the panels vibrate or flex, you will experience a loss of bass output. Using glue and some type of sealant (caulk) on all seams will ensure a solid constructed box without any air leaks.

VENTED BOX
Also known as a ported or bass reflex enclosure, this type of box is almost as easy to construct as a sealed enclosure. This design however is more efficient and results in an increase of bass output at certain frequencies. Although vented enclosure has an output advantage at some frequencies, it also has a steeper roll off, which will only affect bass frequencies below port tun-ing. Air inside the port will move in phase with the subwoofer reinforcing frequencies above the F3 (-3dB point).

The SPL advantage of the vented enclosure comes from the fact that the effect of the vent tuning reduces the excursion of the subwoofer near the tuning frequency allowing more SPL to be produced before the subwoofer bottoms. Damping material should also be used to line the internal walls to reduce any sonic reflection. Because of the characteristics of a vented enclosure, subwoofers typically will become unloaded (act as if it is not in a box) at frequencies of ½ octave below the enclosure tuning frequency.

Using a high pass filter / subsonic filter will help prevent the subwoofer from unloading or exceeding its excursion capabilities. It is important to stay within the recommended enclosure designs. (PowerBass recommends port placement to coincide on the same panel or baffle that the subwoofer resides on.)

BANDPASS ENCLOSURE
The most common band-pass enclosure is a combination of a sealed and a vented enclosure working together (4th order or single reflex band-pass system). The rear of the speaker goes into the sealed chamber while the front of the speaker goes into the vented cham-ber. Because the vent produces all the sound generated from this type of enclosure, sound quality may not be as good as a well-designed ported or sealed design. Often the sacrifice for sound quality and subwoofer cone control is greater SPL output. However unlike a sealed or vented enclosure, you can effectively increase the enclosure sensitivity with the appropriate tuning choices.

You can choose to design a narrow frequency band with very high sensitivity or choose a wide frequency band with the sacrifice of lower sensitivity.

The damping effect of the vented chamber reduces the motion of the cone so that potentially higher sound output is achieved without the subwoofer reach-ing its mechanical limits. Minor deviations from design recommendations however may result in frequency response and distortion problems.

(If you are intending to use multiple subwoofers in your system, PowerBass recommends hav-ing separate chambers for each subwoofer if the subwoofers will be operated by two different amplified signals. This will prevent any possible cancellation.)

TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR S SERIES WOOFER

Your PowerBass Autosound subwoofer has been meticulously engineered and designed to handle high power musical reproduction. Despite their rugged construction, it is possible to damage your speaker if they are improperly used. In general, you will hear distortion as a warning before any damage occurs. If you hear distortion in your system, immediately reduce the musical level to the point where the sound retains its clarity.

1. All PowerBass Autosound subwoofers require an initial break-in period before it will reach optimum performance. Like any new precision machinery, allow a minimum of several days to one week with normal daily usage to ensure that the suspension has properly been broken-in.
2. With any dual voice coil subwoofers avoid using only one voice coil. Doing so will significantly de-crease the efficiency and power handling of the speaker.
3. Be sure you supply the speakers with enough unclipped amplifier power to drive them properly.(More damage can be done to a speaker by under-powering and clipping your amplifier than any other way!)
4. Where possible, run your Speakers in mono instead of stereo. Most bass is reproduced in mono so there is less chance of any cancellation if played in mono.
5. Where possible, wire your Speakers in parallel instead of series. Bass is reproduced either way but again there is less chance of cancellation in parallel. NOTE: Be sure the amplifier you are using is stable at the resulting impedance of the speaker load!
6. Where possible, a separate amplifier just for your subwoofers should be used with an electronic crossover to set the frequency range. One amplifier with passive crossovers will work (Tri-Way Setup), but the system will do more with less stress on the amplifier by using two amps.
7. Do not block the front of your speakers or ports. You want as much direct air coupling as possible. Also be sure to round off the inside edges of the port to reduce any port noise.
8. For ported enclosures, keep in mind that you must leave at least twice the port diameter size be-tween the subwoofer and the port itself. Leave at least the same distance between the port and any walls of the enclosure as the diameter of the port. (e.g. if you use a 4” port there should be at least 4” between the back of the port and the back of the box.)
9. Remember the Golden Rule “Measure twice…cut once.”

BOX CONSTRUCTION (SEALED OR VENTED)
 

The material used for enclosure walls should be solid, dense and free of voids or warps. Your enclosure should be made ¾” or 19mm material, Finland or Baltic birch type plywood is recommended where the enclosure will be transported frequently. High-density fiberboard - MDF (not chip board) can be used on permanently installed systems. Minimum of 1” (25mm) or double ¾” (1-1/2”) baffle is recommended on high-powered SPL applications. Corners must be strong and air tight and should not have any air leaks or openings. Joints should be properly filled with glue that will not crack under high stress or impact.

If the integrity of the glue seal can’t be determined, hot glue or RTV caulking should be used to seal all seams. Fiber reinforced resin may also be used to form custom shapes. However avoid making large panels with resin to eliminate any chances of box flexing, cracking or ratting under high pressure. Bracing made of 2 x 2” or 2 x 4” should be liberally applied either inside or outside the cabinet, depending on whether the cabinet is to be permanently installed or portable. This principle applies to any walls of the enclosure spanning more than 18” long. Any braces should also be liberally glued or screwed down on edge.

Edge-wise drilled, and countersunk holes through the braces can be used for #10-2 Flathead wood screws to avoid the use of more expensive lag bolts. The majority of strength from an enclosure comes from the glue. When using screws be sure to pre-drill holes to avoid splitting the wood.

WARNING! The use of silicone rubber to seal in a speaker will void the Warranty! If any sealing is needed in addition to the speaker’s gasket, use caulking cord or vinyl weather strip.

SUBWOOFER CROSSOVER SETTING

Your PowerBass subwoofers will perform best if they are used in conjuction with a subwoofer crossover of some kind. Using a crossover will remove unwanted high frequencies and allow them to concentrate only on bass. The two most common types of crossovers are "passive" or "active" (electronic crossovers are active). Many amplifiers have a built in Low Pass (LPF) electronic crossover circuit.

For optimum subwoofer performance we recommend an initial electronic crossover setting between 80-100Hz and then tuning the bass to your liking.

PREPARING FOR INSTALLATION

NOTE: The tools listed below may be required for basic installation.

• An electric drill with bits
• Saber, circular and jig saw
• Phillips-head and standard screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Crimping tool and needle-nose pliers
• Silicone sealant (for enclosures), closed cell weather-stripping (for the speakers)

INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS

NOTE: Proceed only if you are a qualified installer otherwise; let your dealer do it.

• Always wear protective eyewear when using tools.
• Turn off all electrical devices before you begin.
• Disconnect the (-) negative lead from your vehicle’s battery.
• Keep the speakers in the package until final installation, and always rest it with the cone facing up. Never use force when installing a speaker.
• Locate all fuel lines, brake lines, oil lines, and electrical cables when planning your installation.
• Check to see if there is enough clearance behind the mounting surface before drilling holes or install-ing screws for proper speaker ventilation.
• Also make sure there’s enough front clearance for speaker cone excursion. Failure to do this could cause the cone to vibrate against any obstructing object.
• Use a utility knife to trim away fabric from the speaker mounting hole location before drilling. It is hard to get a good seal if you have both the carpet & subwoofer gasket between the speaker and the enclosure.
• When running speaker wires through sheet metal, be sure to use grommets to properly insulate the wires from metal edges.

Setup Guide

To set up the Powerbass AutoSound Subwoofers S-1204, 

1. Start by selecting an appropriate location in your vehicle that allows for proper airflow and minimal vibration. 
2. Ensure the mounting surface is sturdy and can support the weight of the subwoofer.
3. Connect the subwoofer to your car's amplifier using the provided wiring harness, ensuring correct polarity to avoid damage. 
4. Configure your amplifier settings according to the subwoofer's specifications, and adjust the crossover settings to optimize the bass response.
5. Finally, test the subwoofer at low volumes to ensure proper installation and adjust as necessary to achieve the desired sound quality.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Powerbass AutoSound Subwoofers S-1204, here are some common problems and solutions:

• No Sound: Check wiring connections for correct polarity and ensure the amplifier is turned on and set to the correct input.
• Adjust crossover settings or reduce volume to prevent overloading the subwoofer.
• Ensure proper airflow around the subwoofer and check for any blockages in the vented pole piece.

Always refer to the user manual for detailed troubleshooting instructions and follow all safety precautions to avoid damage or injury.

Pros & Cons of Subwoofers S-1204

Pros

• High Power Handling: Capable of handling 400W RMS and 800W peak power.
• Deep Bass Response: Produces deep, clear bass notes down to 25Hz.
• Durable Construction: Robust materials ensure long-lasting performance.
• Compact Design: Easy to install in various vehicle compartments.

Cons

• Weight: Weigh approximately 15 lbs, which may require additional mounting support.
• Installation Complexity: Requires careful wiring and configuration for optimal performance.
• Pricing: May be higher than some budget options available in the market.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the Powerbass AutoSound Subwoofers S-1204 for its exceptional bass response and durability. Many have noted that it significantly enhances their car's audio system, providing a more immersive listening experience. However, some users have mentioned that the installation process can be complex and requires careful attention to detail.

Warranty

PowerBass Autosound Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year.