Introduction

The PowerBass PowerSports Subwoofers XL-1240SS are engineered for high-performance audio in rugged environments, making them ideal for off-road vehicles and marine applications. With a robust construction and a 12-inch diameter, these subwoofers produce deep, resonant bass while maintaining clarity at high volumes. They feature a dual 4-ohm voice coil configuration and are optimized for both sealed and ported enclosures. The cost of the XL-1240SS is approximately $149.99.

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 required, 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 dealer for other designs and specifications. (Even though these subwoofers can be used in a vented enclosure.

RECOMMENDED ENCLOSURES
Please note that these enclosure volume recommendations are for the internal airspace inside the enclosure 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 required, 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 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.)

XL-1240DSS

XL POWERSPORTS CERTIFIED WOOFER FEATURES

• FreeAir Design: Optimized for use in infinite baffle or sealed enclosure applications.
• Polypropylene Injected Cone: Chosen for its strong yet lightweight body this waterproof woofer cone has UV inhibitors to minimize cracking and fading.
• Proprietary Composite Polycarbonate / Glass Fiber Basket: Turbine design provides a rigid and stable woofer platform.
• TPO Thermoplastic Polyurethane Surround: A synthetic material known for its toughness and flex-ibility, the black TPO surround rejects water, sun and salt-spray while at the same time offering superior cone-edge suspension.
• Kapton Voice Coil and Treated Damper: A Kapton voice coil former gives the speaker increased power handling while the textile damper has been specially treated to repel moisture and maintain uniform shape.
• Voice Coil Protection: Red and black tinsel lead insulation not only easily identifies positive and negative inputs, but also prevents against corrosion thus increasing the life of the speaker.
• Additional Features: Moisture sealed basket rings for snug water tight fit, marine grade stainless steel hardware, and nickel plated connection terminals for protection against corrosion. Black powder coated aluminum grill included.

Description

The PowerBass PowerSports Subwoofers XL-1240SS is constructed with durability in mind. The subwoofer features a rugged, marine-grade woofer cone and a heavy-duty basket that can withstand the harsh conditions often encountered in powersports environments. The weather-resistant design ensures that the subwoofer can perform optimally even when exposed to rain, dust, or extreme temperatures. The high-excursion woofer allows for greater movement, resulting in deeper and more powerful bass notes that enhance the overall audio experience.

WIRING GUIDELINES XL-1040SS, XL-1240SS

It is highly recommended that you seek an authorized PowerBass dealer to properly setup, wire and install your woofer(s) for optimum performance.

Your XL PowerSports Woofer is a Single 4-ohm or Dual 4-ohm Voice Coil subwoofer. There are multiple ways to wire your woofer(s) depending on your amplifier and 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 offers this capability. Always observe the amplifiers minimum stable imped-ance and do not go below what is recommended by the manufacturer!

Below are several types of wiring configurations for a 4-ohm single voice coil speaker: Series, Parallel and Series Parallel. Note that it is possible to change the impedance or load by how the speakers are to be wired and the quantity of the woofers used.

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of powersports audio speakers can require extensive experience with a variety of mechani-cal and electrical procedures. Although this application guide explains how to install a PowerBass Xtreme woofer in a general sense, it may not show the exact installation method for your particular situation. If you feel unsure about personally installing the speaker system, don’t attempt the installation yourself. Ask your Authorized PowerBass audio dealer about professional installation options.

GENERAL INSTALLATION TIPS

Your PowerBass XL PowerSports woofer was specially designed for providing high-fidelity sound out in the harsh environment. Despite the rugged construction, it is possible to damage your speaker if it is improperly used. Overdriving the system and causing the sound to distort will cause permanent damage to the speaker.

1. Be sure to carefully read and understand the instructions before attempting to install this product.
2. Turn off the audio system. For safety, disconnect the negative lead from the battery prior to beginning installation.
3. For easier installation, we recommend that if additional wiring is required, you run all wires prior to mounting your speaker in place.
4. The harsh environment can quickly accelerate corrosion so always use the highest quality connectors for a reliable installation and minimal signal or power loss.
5. Always use caution before you drill or cut! Be careful not to puncture gas tanks, fuel lines, hydraulic lines or electrical wiring when working on any vehicle.
6. Never run speaker wires underneath or exposed on the vessel, keeping the wiring behind cover provides the best protection from environmental elements.
7. Avoid running any speaker wire or signal cables near the vessel’s electrical system to prevent noise from “bleeding” into the audio system.
8. Correct speaker polarity must be observed. Speakers wired out of phase will have little bass output. Follow the wiring directions carefully.
9. Leave a little slack in the speaker wire for easier installation, this will prevent pulling or stretching the wire and possibly causing a connection to come loose.
10. Always protect your speakers during installation; it is a good idea to keep the speakers in their original package until they are ready to be mounted.

Preparing for Installation

• An electric drill with drill bits
• Phillips-head and standard screwdrivers
• Wire strippers
• Crimping tool and needle-nose pliers
• Silicone sealant or closed cell weather-stripping
• Metal file
• Dust mask (when cutting into fiberglass)
• Hole saw or jig saw
• Punch or countersink tool

NOTE: The stainless steel hardware supplied with your PowerBass Xtreme speaker has been chosen to resist rust and corrosion. If the particular hardware supplied will not work for your installation purposes, please be sure to use only appropriate marine grade (stainless steel) mounting hardware.

INSTALLATION APPLICATION

Your PowerBass XL PowerSports woofer is specifically designed for PowerSports applications. The XL Pow-erSports Woofer is capable of reproducing impressive levels of bass. Whether you choose a FreeAir, sealed or a ported enclosure, the XL PowerSports Woofer opens up a whole new range of installation options for marine audio enthusiasts.

CAUTION: These speakers are designed to be water and spray resistant, they are not designed to be submerged or to withstand high pressure water spray. Care must be exercised when washing your vehicle to avoid damaging your speakers.

FREEAIR MOUNTING

These specially designed PowerBass FreeAir woofers allow them to work effectively in infinite baffle ap-plications. This does not mean, however, that the driver doesn’t require an enclosure. What it means is that the enclosure can be of very large volume, such as a boat hull or car trunk. In these applications the woofer needs a relatively rigid panel to mount to so it will not vibrate or reduce efficiency during operation.

Also, the panel should effectively “seal” the air behind the panel from the air in front of it. If your mount-ing panel doesn’t meet these requirements you may need to modify it with bracing or consider building a sealed enclosure using the parameters set forth in this owner’s manual.

CHOOSING A SPEAKER ENCLOSURE

This speaker is designed optimally for FreeAir applications, but will work well in a sealed or a ported enclosure (see below)

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 recom-mended 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.)

The most important aspect of a sealed enclosure is to make sure that it is airtight and solid. If your enclo-sure 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 (NOT OPTIMUM): 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 rolloff, which will only affect bass frequencies below port tuning. 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.

SEALED BOX CONSTRUCTION

Building an enclosure for powersports applications requires special care. The material used for enclosure walls should be solid, dense and free of voids or warps. Your enclosure should be made ¾” or 19mm mate-rial, Marine Grade Plywood resists warping and rot in harsh water environments. Under no circumstances it is recommended that particle board be used, it does not hold a screw well and tends to fall apart when wet.

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 any difficult 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.

Setup Guide

To install the PowerBass PowerSports Subwoofers XL-1240SS,

1. Begin by verifying that your power sports car is equipped with a suitable audio system.
2. Install the subwoofer in a secure position, such as beneath the seat or within a specialized enclosure, ensuring it is shielded from direct environmental exposure.
3. Attach the subwoofer to the amplifier with premium wire, then adjust the amplifier settings to align with the subwoofer's specs.
4. Ultimately, evaluate the system to confirm its functionality and modify settings as required for peak performance.

SPEAKER LOCATION

The sound produced by woofers is non-directional. Find the best location in your vehicle. If using an enclosure, it is important that the enclosure is properly mounted. After determining the best mounting location(s), carefully check the areas where the mounting hardware will be placed. The installation surface must be level and the installation must be “watertight”. No moisture or dampness should be allowed to get behind the speaker. Use caution to make sure there are no objects behind the installation surface that may become damaged during drilling.

WARNING: These speakers must be installed at least 3 feet (1 meter) away from any nautical equipment (ie., compass, sonar, etc).

WIRING PROCEDURES

Once the mounting holes have been cut, run the speaker wire from the speaker mounting locations back to the amp. If you are running wires through, drill holes for the cable and use a marine-grade grommet to properly insulate any rough edges from the wire insulation. Make sure the wires will clear any mechanical devices and secure them with wire ties.

Carefully place the speaker wire (not included) in a location that is free of standing water and moving components. Be sure to observe proper polarity—most speaker wire is marked (ie, colored wires, ribbed wire, etc). Connect the other end of the speaker wire to the amplifier in accordance with its owner’s manual.

After connecting your new PowerBass XL PowerSports speakers to the sound system you are ready to carry out a listening test. Please listen the first time at a low volume setting and check to make sure everything is operating properly.

GENERAL CARE

The woofers may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use any cleaners or solvents on the grills or speaker cones, otherwise the UV inhibitors may be affected and/or the plastics may discolor.

Troubleshooting

Should you experience difficulties with your PowerBass PowerSports Subwoofers XL-1240SS,

1. Examine for prevalent issues such as inadequate wiring or insufficient power supply.
2. Verify that the subwoofer is adequately secured and shielded from moisture and high temperatures.
3. Should the subwoofer fail to produce sound, ensure that all connections are secure and that the amplifier is appropriately configured.

Caution: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's guidelines for installation and operation to prevent product damage or personal harm.

PowerBass PowerSports Subwoofers Pros & Cons

Pros

• Superior bass performance
• Durable and weatherproof construction
• High-excursion woofer for superior bass enhancement
• Cost-effective pricing range
• Simple to install

Cons

• Restricted frequency response relative to some other subwoofers
• Demands enough sealing to provide weather resistance
• Additional components may be necessary for maximum performance.

Customer Reviews

The XL-1240SS PowerBass PowerSports Subwoofers have received rave reviews from satisfied customers thanks to their powerful bass and long lifespan. The subwoofer greatly improves the aural experience on powersports cars, according to several reviewers. Users have noted, however, that for best performance and weather resistance, proper installation is required.

The necessity of supplementary parts like an amplifier and housing, as well as the significance of adequate sealing to preserve the design's resistance to the elements, are frequent points of criticism.

LIMITED WARRANTY POLICY

PowerBass Xtreme Speakers are to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year. The warranty is extended to three (3) years for parts and labor, if an Authorized PowerBass Xtreme Dealer completes the installation.