Introduction

The PowerBass Xtreme Die-Cast Superwoofer 4XL-152D is a high-performance subwoofer designed to deliver exceptional bass in a compact form factor. Featuring a robust dual 2-ohm voice coil configuration, this 15-inch subwoofer can handle up to 3500 watts of peak power, ensuring deep and powerful sound reproduction. Its die-cast aluminum basket provides superior strength and stability, while the advanced cone design enhances low-frequency extension. Priced at approximately $299.99, it is an ideal choice for audiophiles seeking impactful bass in their audio systems.

Detailed Specifications

• Subwoofer Type: Die-cast aluminum basket
• Size: 15 inches
• Power Handling: 400 watts RMS, 800 watts peak
• Impedance: Dual 2-ohm voice coils
• Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 200 Hz
• Sensitivity: 85 dB
• Mounting Depth: Approximately 7.5 inches

INSTALLATION EXPERIENCE

Installation of PowerBass Xtreme Woofers requires experience with a variety of mechanical and electrical pro-cedures. This manual provides only general installation and operation instructions. If you have any reservations about your installation skills or lack of the proper tools, please contact your local PowerBass Xtreme dealer for assistance. 

CHOOSING A SPEAKER ENCLOSURE

The PowerBass Xtreme 4XL Subwoofers are engineered to perform at their optimum level in a Vented (aka Ported) enclosure. For maximum performance we recommend you have your new PowerBass Xtreme Sub-woofer installed by an Authorized PowerBass Dealer.

• SEALED BOX: Not recommended
• 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 a vented enclosure has an output advantage at some frequen-cies, 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. 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 specifications. (Power-Bass recommends port placement to coincide on the same panel or baffle that the subwoofer resides on)
• BANDPASS ENCLOSURE: Not recommended

NOTE: Due to the vented backplate, you mst allow an additional 2" behind the subwoofer when designing your speaker enclosure.
CAUTION: If the air volume of the speaker enclosure is larger then the recommended size or used alone in a free air application will cause serious damage. It will not only deteriorate in durability, but eventually stop functioning.

ENCLOSURE VOLUME

To calculate the volume required for your enclosure please refer to the Recommended Enclosures section 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 to the right).

TIPS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR 4XL WOOFER

Your PowerBass Xtreme 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 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 perfor-mance. 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. Never use only one coil on a dual voice coil subwoofer. Doing so will significantly decrease the efficiency and power handling of the speaker.
3. Be sure you supply the woofers with enough unclipped amplifier power to drive them properly. (More damage can be done to a woofer by under-powering and clipping your amplifier than any other way!)
4. Where possible, run your woofers 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, a separate amplifier just for your subwoofers should be used with an electronic cross-over to set the frequency range.  One Class D amplifier per 4XL woofer is optimum.
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 between the subwoofer and the port itself.  Leave at least one time the port diameter between the port and any walls of the enclosure.
8. Remember the Golden Rule “Measure twice…cut once.”

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.

BOX CONSTRUCTION 

• 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”) baf-fle 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.

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 Xtreme Super Sub will perform best if it is used in conjunction 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.

Description

The PowerBass Xtreme Die-Cast Superwoofer 4XL-152D boasts a robust design with a die-cast aluminum basket that provides superior strength and heat dissipation. The subwoofer features a high-quality polypropylene cone and a rubber surround, ensuring durability and flexibility. Its dual 2-ohm voice coils allow for versatile wiring configurations, making it adaptable to different amplifier setups. The Xtreme Die-Cast Superwoofer is engineered to deliver deep, powerful bass that enhances the overall listening experience in your vehicle.

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 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.

PARAMETERS FOR POWERBASS 4XL-151D/152D SUBWOOFER
(Due to Constant Improvements, Specifications and Parameters are subject to change without notice.)

POWER RECOMMENDATIONS

Many speaker and amplifier brands measure their power ratings in different ways.  Often the stated “Max Power handling” are viewed as continuous RMS power handling of the speaker, when actually the “Max” is generally the breaking point of the speaker.
In an effort to minimize any confusion, PowerBass has chosen to rate our Super Subs in the following manner:
NOMINAL POWER HANDLING Playing your woofer at levels below the Pe-RMS spec will allow the woofer to operate at optimum conditions and cause the speaker minimal mechanical degradation over time.
Pe-RMS POWER HANDLING Pe-RMS is the highest power rating we assign the woofer for continuous use under normal conditions.  Exceeding this power level for extended durations will result in mechanical degradation that may lead to possible failure over time.
Pe-MAXIMUM POWER HANDLING Pe-Maximum is the maximum power rating the woofer can handle for short bursts or peak transients with clean input power.  Exceeding this power level or using dirty (distorted input power) will cause thermal failure that will void the speaker warranty.

4XL-151D/152D 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 Autsound dealer for other designs and specifications. 

* Contact Tech for special application enclosures

Setup Guide

To set up the PowerBass Xtreme Die-Cast Superwoofer 4XL-152D, 

1. To begin with, pick an enclosure that matches the subwoofer's specs. A properly sealed enclosure will maximize bass output.
2. After that, use the appropriate wiring layout for your amplifier's impedance requirements to connect the subwoofer.
3. Install the subwoofer firmly in the enclosure and link it to the audio system in your car.
4. To get the appropriate sound quality, adjust the crossover settings and gain levels. In order to prevent harm to the subwoofer or other parts, always adhere to the recommended installation instructions.

CAUTION

To prevent damage to your speakers, please observe the following caution:

• At high volume levels, if the music sounds distorted or additional sounds are heard, lower the volume. This may be caused by excessive input to the speakers or amplifier clipping. The sound you are hearing could be the speakercone becoming nonlinear or the voice coil actually coming in contact with the motor structure. Under these circumstances it will be necessary to lower the volume to just below the point where these issues occur to avoid damgage to the speaker.
• In some cases, if there is an equalizer or bass control in the system, they should be readjusted to prevent this from happening. If higher volume or soundpressure levels (SPL) than those which the speaker can reproduce are desired, it is recommended that additional speakers be added to the system. By doing so, it is possible to gain significant increases in sound pressure levels. In some cases, you may double the system’s output without any deterioration in sound quality. If this speaker is used in an enclosure larger than the recommended size or used in a free air installation, it can cause the speaker to fail.

REMINDER 

• This woofer is very heavy, so use caution when installing or handling it.
• The subwoofer enclosure must be securely & directly attached to the vehicle.
• Woofers will become very hot when the system is operated at high power continuously for a long period of time. Never directly touch the speakers with your bare hands until the speakers have cooled.
• Never connect only one voice coil of this Dual Voice Coil (DVC) woofer.  BOTH voice coils must be connected to the amplifier for correct operation.

POWER BASS XTREME COMPETITION SERIES DIE CAST 4XL SUPERWOOFER WOOFER FEATURES

• Custom tooled high roll 4-Layer foam surround
• Non-Pressed Pulp Paper Cone
• Sextuplet 10" progressive roll Conex spiders
• Co-extruded dual tinsel wire system incorporating woven leads
• Black 4" anodized ultra-long aluminum hi-temp former for extreme power handling
• Dual 1 ohm CCAW (Copper Covered Aluminum Wire) flat wound voice coil [4XL-151D] Dual 2 ohm CCAW (Copper Covered Aluminum Wire) flat wound voice coil [4XL-152D]
• Dual nickel plated 5-way 4 gauge binding posts
• Low carbon top and bottom plates yield symmetric magnetic field for increased operating efficiency
• 4-point precision motor alignment system
• Quad 160 oz high density Barium Ferrite magnets (40 lbs of magnet)
• Hyper extended one-piece vented back plate to maintain temperature stability and linear voice coil alignment
• Heavy duty machine cut die-cast aluminum competition style basket with CAD located aerovents

WIRING GUIDELINES

It is highly recommended that you seek an authorized PowerBass dealer to properly setup, wire and install your woofers for maximum performance. 
All PowerBass Xtreme subwoofers use dual voice coils. The use of dual 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 quantity of woofers used.

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

Troubleshooting

Common problems with the PowerBass Xtreme Die-Cast Superwoofer 4XL-152D include overheating, which can be resolved by ensuring proper airflow around the subwoofer and using a compatible amplifier. Another issue is distortion, which may be caused by incorrect wiring or insufficient power supply. Always check your connections and settings carefully before operating the subwoofer. If issues persist, consult a professional installer for assistance.

Important Instructions and Warnings:

• Avoid over-powering the subwoofer as it can lead to damage.
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
• Follow all safety guidelines when installing electrical components.

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.  This warranty covers only the original purchaser of PowerBass product.  In order to receive service, the purchaser must provide PowerBass with a valid purchase receipt from an authorized reseller stating the consumer name, dealer, product and date of purchase.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust Construction: Durable die-cast aluminum basket for long-lasting performance.
• High-Quality Sound: Delivers deep, clear bass output.
• Versatile Wiring Options: Dual 2-ohm voice coils for flexible setup configurations.
• Affordable Price Point: Offers excellent value for its quality and performance.

Cons

• Large Size: Requires significant space for installation.
• High Power Requirements: Needs a compatible amplifier to function optimally.
• Installation Complexity: May require professional assistance for optimal setup.

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the PowerBass Xtreme Die-Cast Superwoofer 4XL-152D for its exceptional bass performance and durability. Many have noted that it significantly enhances their car's audio system, providing a rich and immersive listening experience. However, some users have mentioned that the subwoofer's large size and high power requirements can make installation challenging.

Common Complaints

• Size and space requirements.
• Higher than expected power consumption.
• Potential for overheating if not properly ventilated.