Introduction

These top-of-the-line speakers are the result of years of extensive engineering and testing, resulting in the finest car audio subwoofers you can purchase today.

The PowerBass Shallow Subwoofer Speaker XL-1240TD is engineered to deliver powerful bass in a compact design, making it an ideal choice for vehicles with limited space. With a slim profile and a 12-inch driver, this subwoofer produces deep, rich sound without sacrificing performance. Its durable construction ensures longevity, while the easy installation process allows for quick setup in various audio systems. Priced at approximately $199.99, it offers an excellent solution for enhancing your car audio experience.

Usage Purpose

The PowerBass Shallow Subwoofer Speaker XL-1240TD is ideal for car audio systems where space is a constraint. It can be easily installed in smaller enclosures or tight spaces without sacrificing performance. This makes it a great choice for sedan owners, truck drivers, or anyone looking to upgrade their vehicle's sound system with deep bass.

Detailed Specifications 

• Power Handling: 400W RMS / 800W Peak
• Frequency Response: 25 Hz - 250 Hz
• Sensitivity: 86 dB
• Impedance: 4 Ohms
• Voice Coil: 2-inch Copper Voice Coil
• Magnet: High-Strength Y35 Ferrite Magnet
• Dimensions: 12 inches (Diameter) x 2.5 inches (Depth)
• Weight: Approximately 10 lbs

POWERBASS XL SHALLOW WOOFER FEATURES

1. Flat Injection Molded Cone
   Ridges strengthen the poly cone to withstand punishment while ensuring low distortion in a small enclosure.
2. Large Roll Santoprene Surround
   This large roll surround allows maximum excursion and precision bass reproduction.
3. Composite Basket
   Custom tooled Turbine style low resonant cast polycarbonate basket provides a very rigid high strength foundation.
4. Chrome Push Input Terminals
   These high-strength compression loaded speaker terminals ensure maximum current and power transfer.
5. 2” KSV Voice Coil Former 
   These specially designed resin coated high temperature voice coils ensure high power handling and precise liner excursion while maximizing thermal heat dissipation by forcing air through the coil wire out to the vents on the basket sides.
6. Optimally Designed for Small Sealed Enclosures 
   Engineered to get the most bass in a small place.

Santoprene is a registered trademark of ExxonMobil Chemical Co.

Description

The PowerBass Shallow Subwoofer Speaker XL-1240TD boasts a sleek design that fits snugly into tight spaces without compromising on performance. The 2-inch copper voice coil ensures efficient heat dissipation, while the high-strength Y35 ferrite magnet delivers robust magnetic field strength. This subwoofer is engineered to produce deep, clear bass notes that enhance your overall listening experience.

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. 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 quantity 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

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

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

CHOOSING A SPEAKER ENCLOSURE

ENCLOSURE COMPATIBILITY
The PowerBass XL Shallow subwoofers are engineered specifically to per-form their best in small sealed enclosures.  For maximum performance  we recommend you have your new PowerBass Xtreme subwoofer installed by an Authorized PowerBass Xtreme 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 recom-mends 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: Not recommended
• BANDPASS ENCLOSURE: Not recommended

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

ENCLOSURE VOLUME

To calculate the volume required for your enclosure please refer to the Recommended Enclosures secction of this guide for your specific model number. These are listed in both cubic feet and liters. One cubic foot is expressed as 12” x 12” x 12” = 1728 cubic inches (see picture below).

Setup Guide

To set up the PowerBass Shallow Subwoofer Speaker XL-1240TD:

1. Choose an Enclosure: Select a suitable enclosure that matches the recommended dimensions.
2. Mount the Subwoofer: Securely mount the subwoofer to the enclosure using screws provided.
3. Connect Wiring: Connect the positive and negative terminals to your amplifier or receiver.
4. Configure Settings: Adjust settings on your amplifier or receiver to optimize performance.
5. Test Sound: Play music to test the sound quality and adjust settings as needed.

TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR XL WOOFER

Your PowerBass Xtreme subwoofer has been meticulous 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 so-called 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 Xtreme 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. 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!)
3. 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.
4. 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 to the resulting impedance of the speaker load!
5. Where possible, a separate amplifier just for your subwoofers should be used with an electronic crossover to set the frequency range.
6. 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.
7. 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 one time the port diameter between the port and any walls of the enclosure.

Note: The XL woofer basket is constructed of composite materials. Please use the enclosed paper template if you are pre-drilling speaker mounting pilot holes-do not use the woofer as a template.

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.  

A 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 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. 

Note: Do not mount the woofer in the enclosure within 24 hours of sealing the internal joints. The gasses given off as the sealer cures can affect the surround of the speaker resulting in permanent damage that will void the warranty. 

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.

BREAK IN PERIOD

To get the most from your woofer we recommend a “break-in” period of at least 40 hours at no more than 1/3 of maximum volume. During this time the cone and spider assembly will gradually break in resulting in greater performance and more listening enjoyment.

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 stereo and other 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 installing 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.

PARAMETERS FOR POWERBASS XL SERIES WOOFERS
(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 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 Xtreme 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-1240TD

Troubleshooting

Common problems and solutions:

1. No Sound:
   • Check connections between subwoofer and amplifier.
   • Ensure power is turned on and volume is not muted.
2. Distortion:
   • Adjust gain settings on amplifier.
   • Check for overheating; ensure proper ventilation.
3. Burning Smell:
   • Turn off system immediately.
   • Check wiring for shorts or damage; replace if necessary.

Instructions & Warnings

• Always follow installation guidelines to avoid damage.
• Never exceed recommended power handling to prevent overheating.

POWER BASS XTREME 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.

Any implied warranties including warranties of fitness for use and merchantability are limited in duration to the period of the express warranty set forth above. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied warranty, so this limitation may not apply. No person is authorized to assume for PowerBass any other liability in connection with the sale of this product.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact Design: Fits into tight spaces without compromising performance.
• High Power Handling: Delivers robust bass even at high volumes.
• Efficient Heat Dissipation: Copper voice coil ensures long-lasting performance.
• Durable Construction: Built with high-quality materials for longevity.

Cons

• Weight: May be heavier than other shallow subwoofers in its class.
• Price: Slightly pricier compared to some competitors in the market.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the PowerBass Shallow Subwoofer Speaker XL-1240TD for its impressive bass output despite its compact size. Some users noted that it handles power efficiently and produces clear, deep sound. However, a few reviewers mentioned that it might be slightly heavier than expected and requires careful tuning for optimal performance.

Most Common Complaints

• Installation Challenges: Some users found it tricky to mount due to its weight.
• Tuning Required: Requires precise tuning to achieve best sound quality.